s: There cut the arrow out, and from the wound


s: With tepid water cleanse the clotted blood:


s: Then soothing drugs apply, of healing pow'r,


s: Which from Achilles, thou, 'tis said, hast learn'd,


s: From Chiron, justest of the Centaurs, he.


s: Our leeches, one lies wounded in the tents,


s: The other on the plain still dares the fight."


s: Sent by Gerenian Nestor, prop of Greece,


s: I will not leave thee in this weary plight."


s: He said, and passing his supporting hand


s: Beneath his breast, the wounded warrior led


s: Within the tent; th' attendant saw, and spread


s: The ox-hide couch; then as he lay reclin'd,


s: Patroclus, with his dagger, from the thigh


s: Cut out the biting shaft; and from the wound


s: With tepid water cleans'd the clotted blood;


s: Then, pounded in his hands, a root applied


s: Allay'd; the wound was dried, and stanch'd the blood.


s: Trojans, Polydamas endeavours to withdraw them again. This Hector


s: Watch'd in his tent Menoetius' noble son;


s: But hand to hand the Greeks and Trojans fought;


s: Nor longer might the ditch th' assault repel,


s: Nor the broad wall above, which Greeks had built,


s: To guard their ships, and round it dug the ditch;


s: That they the ships and all the stores within


s: Might safely keep; against the will of Heav'n


s: The work was done, and thence not long endur'd.


s: While Hector liv'd, and Peleus' son his wrath


s: Retain'd, and Priam's city untaken stood;


s: So long the Grecian wall remain'd entire:


s: But of the Trojans when the best had fall'n,


s: Of Greeks, when some were slain, some yet surviv'd;


s: When the tenth year had seen the fall of Troy,


s: And Greeks, embark'd, had ta'en their homeward way,


s: To sap the wall by aid of all the streams


s: That seaward from the heights of Ida flow;


s: Where helms and shields lay buried in the sand,


s: Nine days against the wall the torrent beat;


s: And Jove sent rain continuous, that the wall


s: Might sooner be submerg'd; while Neptune's self,


s: His trident in his hand, led on the stream,


s: Washing away the deep foundations, laid,


s: Laborious, by the Greeks, with logs and stones,


s: Now by fast-flowing Hellespont dispers'd.


s: The wall destroy'd, o'er all the shore he spread


s: A sandy drift; and bade the streams return


s: To where of old their silver waters flow'd.


s: Such were, in future days, to be the works


s: Fierce rag'd the battle round the firm-built wall,


s: And frequent clatter'd on the turrets' beams


s: The hostile missiles: by the scourge of Jove


s: Subdued, the Greeks beside their ships were hemm'd,


s: By Hector scar'd, fell minister of Dread,


s: Who with the whirlwind's force, as ever, fought.


s: As when, by dogs and hunters circled round,


s: A boar, or lion, in his pride of strength,


s: Turns on his foes, while they in close array


s: Stand opposite, and frequent shoot their darts;


s: Nor yet his spirit quails, but firm he stands


s: Where best to break the circling ranks; where'er


s: He makes his rush, the circling ranks give way:


s: So Hector, here and there, amid the crowd,


s: Urg'd his companions on to cross the ditch:


s: The fiery steeds shrank back, and, snorting, stood


s: Upon the topmost brink; for the wide ditch


s: Withheld them, easy nor to leap nor cross:


s: For steep arose on either side the banks,


s: And at the top with sharpen'd stakes were crown'd,


s: Thick-set and strong, which there the sons of Greece


s: Had planted, to repel th' invading foes.


s: Scarce might a horse, with well-wheel'd car attach'd,


s: Essay the passage; but on foot they burn'd


s: To make th' attempt; and thus Polydamas,


s: Approaching near, to valiant Hector spoke:


s: "Hector, and all ye other chiefs of Troy,


s: And brave Allies, in vain we seek to drive


s: Our horses o'er the ditch; 'tis hard to cross;


s: 'Tis crown'd with pointed stakes, and them behind


s: Is built the Grecian wall; there to descend


s: And from our cars in narrow space to fight


s: The will of Jove, high-thund'ring, to confound


s: The Greeks in utter rout, and us to aid,


s: I should rejoice that ev'ry Greek forthwith


s: Far from his home should fill a nameless grave;


s: But should they turn, and we again be driv'n


s: Back from the ships, and hurried down the ditch,


s: Such were our loss, that scarce a messenger


s: Would live to bear the tidings to the town


s: Of our destruction by the rallied Greeks.


s: To leave our horses; and ourselves on foot,


s: All arm'd, press on where Hector leads; the Greeks,


s: If that their doom be nigh, will make no stand."


s: Thus spoke Polydamas; his counsel pleas'd;


s: And Hector sprang, in arms, from off his car;


s: Nor long, the noble Hector when they saw,


s: Delay'd the other chiefs; then gave command


s: Then parting, form'd in order of attack,


s: In five divisions, with their sev'ral chiefs.


s: Round Hector throng'd, and bold Polydamas,


s: The best and bravest; they who long'd the most


s: To storm the wall, and fight beside the ships.


s: To guard the horses, one of lesser note.


s: His tow'ring fiery steeds from Selles' stream,


s: Both skill'd alike in ev'ry point of war.


s: The chief command; and for his comrades chose


s: Of Glaucus; these o'er all the rest he held


s: Who o'er them all superior stood confess'd.


s: These, interlac'd their shields of tough bull's-hide,


s: With eager step advanc'd, and deem'd the Greeks


s: Would, unresisting, fall before their ships.


s: With them advancing to assail the ships.


s: Blind fool, unconscious! from before those ships,


s: Escap'd from death, with horses and with car


s: Triumphant, to the breezy heights of Troy


s: O'ershadowing, dooms him by the spear to fall


s: He tow'rd the left inclin'd, what way the Greeks


s: With horse and chariot from the plain return'd.


s: That way he drove his horses; and the gates


s: Their warders held them open'd wide, to save


s: Perchance some comrade, flying from the plain.


s: Thither he bent his course; with clamours loud


s: Follow'd his troops; nor deem'd they that the Greeks


s: Would hold their ground, but fall amid their ships.


s: Little they knew; before the gates they found


s: Two men, two warriors of the prime, two sons


s: Illustrious of the spear-skill'd Lapithae:


s: With whom Leonteus, bold as blood-stain'd Mars:


s: So stood these two before the lofty gates,


s: As on the mountain side two tow'ring oaks,


s: Which many a day have borne the wind and storm,


s: Firm rifted by their strong continuous roots:


s: Those two great Asius' charge, undaunted, met.


s: On th' other side, with, shouts and wild uproar,


s: Their bull's-hide shields uplifted high, advanc'd


s: Against the well-built wall, Asius the King,


s: And Thoon; those within to save the ships


s: Calling meanwhile on all the well-greav'd Greeks;


s: But when they saw the wall by Trojans scal'd,


s: And heard the cry of Greeks in panic fear,


s: Sprang forth those two, before the gates to fight.


s: As when two boars, upon the mountain side,


s: Await th' approaching din of men and dogs,


s: Then sideways rushing, snap the wood around,


s: Ripp'd from the roots; loud clash their clatt'ring tusks,


s: Till to the huntsman's spear they yield their lives;


s: So clatter'd on those champions' brass-clad breasts


s: The hostile weapons; stubbornly they fought,


s: Relying on their strength, and friends above:


s: For from the well-built tow'rs huge stones were hurl'd


s: By those who for themselves, their tents and ships,


s: Maintain'd defensive warfare; thick they fell,


s: As wintry snow-flakes, which the boist'rous wind,


s: Driving the shadowy clouds, spreads fast and close


s: O'er all the surface of the fertile earth:


s: So thick, from Grecian and from Trojan hands,


s: The weapons flew; on helm and bossy shield


s: With grating sound the pond'rous masses rang.


s: Then deeply groaning, as he smote his thigh


s: Thus spoke dismay'd the son of Hyrtacus:


s: "O Father Jove, how hast thou lov'd our hopes


s: To falsify, who deem'd not that the Greeks


s: Would stand our onset, and resistless arms!


s: But they, as yellow-banded wasps, or bees,


s: That by some rocky pass have built their nests,


s: Abandon not their cavern'd home, but wait


s: Th' attack, and boldly for their offspring fight;


s: So from the gates these two, though two alone,


s: Retire not, till they be or ta'en or slain."


s: He said: but Jove regarded not his words;


s: So much on Hector's triumph he was bent.


s: Like battle rag'd round th' other gates; but hard


s: It were for me, with godlike pow'r, to paint


s: Each sev'ral combat; for around the wall


s: A more than human storm of stone was pour'd


s: On ev'ry side; the Greeks, hard press'd, perforce


s: Fought for their ships, while all the Gods look'd on


s: Indignant, who the Grecian cause upheld.


s: Fiercely the Lapithae sustain'd the war:


s: Smote, through the brass-cheek'd helmet, Damasus;


s: Nor stay'd the brazen helm the spear, whose point


s: Went crashing through the bone, that all the brain


s: Was shatter'd; onward as he rush'd, he fell.


s: Then, drawing from the sheath his trenchant sword,


s: Dash'd through the crowd, and hand to hand he smote


s: Antiphates; he, backward, fell to earth.


s: In quick succession to the ground he brought.


s: From these while they their glitt'ring armour stripp'd,


s: Round Hector throng'd, and bold Polydamas,


s: The bravest and the best, who long'd the most


s: To storm the wall, and burn with fire the ships.


s: Yet on the margin of the ditch they paus'd;


s: For, as they sought to cross, a sign from Heav'n


s: Appear'd, to leftward of th' astonish'd crowd;


s: A dragon, huge of size, of blood-red hue,


s: Alive, and breathing still, nor yet subdued;


s: For twisting backward through the breast he pierc'd


s: His bearer, near the neck; he, stung with pain,


s: Let fall his prey, which dropp'd amid the crowd;


s: Then screaming, on the blast was borne away.


s: The Trojans, shudd'ring, in their midst beheld


s: The spotted serpent, dire portent of Jove:


s: "Hector, in council thou reprov'st me oft


s: For good advice; it is not meet, thou say'st,


s: That private men should talk beside the mark,


s: Declare what seems to me the wisest course:


s: Let us not fight the Greeks beside their ships;


s: To us, about to cross, this sign from Heav'n


s: Was sent, to leftward of th' astonish'd crowd:


s: Alive; yet dropp'd him ere he reach'd his home,


s: Nor to his nestlings bore th' intended prey:


s: So we, e'en though our mighty strength should break


s: The gates and wall, and put the Greeks to rout,


s: By the same road not scatheless should return,


s: But many a Trojan on the field should leave,


s: Slain by the Greeks, while they their ships defend.


s: Worthy of public credit, read this sign."


s: To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm


s: This speech of thine is alien to my soul:


s: Thy better judgment better counsel knows.


s: Thee of thy senses have the Gods bereft,


s: Who fain wouldst have us disregard the word


s: And promise by the nod of Jove confirm'd,


s: And put our faith in birds' expanded wings;


s: Little of these I reck, nor care to look,


s: If to the right, and tow'rd the morning sun,


s: Or to the left, and shades of night, they fly.


s: Put we our trust in Jove's eternal will,


s: The best of omens is our country's cause.


s: Why shouldst thou tremble at the battle strife?


s: Though ev'ry Trojan else were doom'd to die


s: Beside the ships, no fear lest thou shouldst fall:


s: Unwarlike is thy soul, nor firm of mood:


s: But if thou shrink, or by thy craven words


s: Turn back another Trojan from the fight,


s: My spear shall take the forfeit of thy life."


s: This said, he led the way; with joyous shouts


s: They follow'd all; then Jove, the lightning's Lord,


s: From Ida's heights a storm of wind sent down,


s: Driving the dust against the Grecian ships;


s: Which quell'd their courage, and to Hector gave,


s: And to the Trojans, fresh incitement; they,


s: On their own strength, and heav'nly signs relying,


s: Their force address'd to storm the Grecian wall.


s: They raz'd the counterscarp, the battlements


s: Destroy'd; and the projecting buttresses,


s: Which, to sustain the tow'rs, the Greeks had fix'd


s: Deep in the soil, with levers undermin'd.


s: These once withdrawn, they hop'd to storm the wall;


s: Nor from the passage yet the Greeks withdrew,


s: But closely fencing with their bull's-hide shields


s: The broken battlements, they thence hurl'd down


s: Commanding from the tow'r in ev'ry place


s: Were seen th' Ajaces, urging to the fight,


s: Imploring these, and those in sterner tones


s: Rebuking, who their warlike toil relax'd.


s: "Friends, Grecians all, ye who excel in war,


s: And ye of mod'rate or inferior strength,


s: Though all are not with equal pow'rs endued,


s: Yet here is work for all! bear this in mind,


s: Nor tow'rd the ships let any turn his face,


s: By threats dismay'd; but forward press, and each


s: Encourage each, if so the lightning's Lord,


s: And backward to his city chase the foe."


s: Thus they, with cheering words, sustain'd the war:


s: Thick as the snow-flakes on a wintry day,


s: When Jove, the Lord of counsel, down on men


s: His snow-storm sends, and manifests his pow'r:


s: Hush'd are the winds; the flakes continuous fall,


s: That the high mountain tops, and jutting crags,


s: And lotus-cover'd meads are buried deep,


s: And man's productive labours of the field;


s: On hoary Ocean's beach and bays they lie,


s: Th' approaching waves their bound; o'er all beside


s: Is spread by Jove the heavy veil of snow.


s: So thickly new the stones from either side,


s: By Greeks on Trojans hurl'd, by these on Greeks;


s: And clatter'd loud through all its length the wall.


s: Nor yet the Trojans, though by Hector led,


s: The gates had broken, and the massive bar,


s: But Jove against the Greeks sent forth his son


s: His shield's broad orb before his breast he bore,


s: Well-wrought, of beaten brass, which th' arm'rer's hand


s: Had beaten out, and lin'd with stout bull's-hide;


s: With golden rods, continuous, all around;


s: He thus equipp'd, two jav'lins brandishing,


s: Strode onward, as a lion, mountain-bred,


s: Whom, fasting long, his dauntless courage leads


s: To assail the flock, though in well-guarded fold;


s: And though the shepherds there he find, prepar'd


s: With dogs and lances to protect the sheep,


s: But, springing to the midst, he bears his prey


s: In triumph thence; or in the onset falls,


s: Wounded by jav'lins hurl'd by stalwart hands:


s: So, prompted by his godlike courage, burn'd


s: And storm the ramparts; and to Glaucus thus,


s: Son of Hippolochus, his speech address'd:


s: "Whence is it, Glaucus, that in Lycian land


s: We two at feasts the foremost seats may claim,


s: The largest portions, and the fullest cups?


s: Of vineyard, and of wheat producing land?


s: Then by the Lycians should we not be seen


s: The foremost to affront the raging fight?


s: So may our well-arm'd Lycians make their boast;


s: Allegiance; they on richest viands feed;


s: Of luscious flavour drink the choicest wine;


s: But still their valour brightest shows; and they,


s: Where Lycians war, are foremost in the fight!'


s: Could live, from age and death for ever free,


s: Thou shouldst not see me foremost in the fight,


s: Nor would I urge thee to the glorious field:


s: But since on man ten thousand forms of death


s: Attend, which none may 'scape, then on, that we


s: May glory on others gain, or they on us!"


s: Thus he; nor Glaucus from his bidding shrank;


s: And forward straight they led the Lycian pow'rs.


s: Observ'd their movement; for on his command,


s: Inspiring terror, their attack was made.


s: He look'd around him to the Grecian tow'rs,


s: If any chief might there be found, to save


s: His comrades from destruction; there he saw,


s: And Teucer, from the tent but newly come,


s: Hard by; nor yet could reach them with his voice;


s: Such was the din, such tumult rose to Heav'n,


s: From clatt'ring shields, and horsehair-crested helms,


s: And batter'd gates, now all at once assail'd:


s: Before them fiercely strove th' assaulting bands


s: To break their way: he then Thootes sent,


s: "Haste thee, Thootes, on th' Ajaces call,


s: To 'scape the death, which else is near at hand;


s: So fierce the pressure of the Lycian chiefs,


s: But if they too are hardly press'd, at least


s: And with him Teucer, skilled to draw the bow."


s: He said; the herald heard, and straight obey'd;


s: Along the wall, where stood the brass-clad Greeks,


s: He ran, and standing near th' Ajaces, said:


s: "Ajaces, leaders of the brass-clad Greeks,


s: The son of Heav'n-born Peteus craves your aid.


s: To share awhile the labours of his guard;


s: To 'scape the death, which else is near at hand:


s: But if ye too are hardly press'd, at least


s: And with him Teucer, skill'd to draw the bow."


s: Consenting, thus addresss'd Oileus' son:


s: Exhort the Greeks the struggle to maintain;


s: To aid their need, and back return in haste."


s: And with him Teucer went, his father's son,


s: While by Pandion Teucer's bow was borne.


s: At brave Menestheus' tow'r, within the wall,


s: Arriv'd, sore press'd they found the garrison;


s: For like a whirlwind on the ramparts pour'd


s: The Lycians' valiant councillors and chiefs.


s: They quickly join'd the fray, and loud arose


s: Sarpedon's comrade, brave Epicles, slew,


s: Struck by a rugged stone, within the wall


s: Of size prodigious; which with both his hands


s: A man in youth's full vigour scarce could raise,


s: And downward hurl'd; the four-peak'd helm it broke,


s: Crushing the bone, and shatt'ring all the skull;


s: Fell headlong down, and life forsook his bones,


s: Teucer, meanwhile, from off the lofty wall


s: The valiant Glaucus, pressing to the fight,


s: Struck with an arrow, where he saw his arm


s: Unguarded; he no longer brook'd the fray;


s: Back from the wall he sprang, in hopes to hide


s: From Grecian eyes his wound, that none might see,


s: And triumph o'er him with insulting words.


s: With grief Sarpedon saw his friend withdraw,


s: Yet not relax'd his efforts; Thestor's son,


s: Alcmaon, with his spear he stabb'd, and back


s: The weapon drew; he, following, prostrate fell,


s: And loudly rang his arms of polish'd brass.


s: Then at the parapet, with stalwart hand,


s: Sarpedon tugg'd; and yielding to his force


s: Down fell the block entire; the wall laid bare,


s: To many at once the breach gave open way.


s: This with an arrow struck the glitt'ring belt


s: Around his breast, whence hung his pond'rous shield;


s: But Jove, who will'd not that his son should fall


s: Before the ships, the weapon turn'd aside.


s: Then forward Ajax sprang, and with his spear


s: Thrust at the shield; the weapon pass'd not through,


s: Yet check'd his bold advance; a little space


s: Back he recoil'd, but not the more withdrew,


s: His soul on glory intent; and rallying quick,


s: Thus to the warlike Lycians shouted loud:


s: "Why, Lycians, thus your wonted might relax?


s: 'Tis hard for one alone, how brave soe'er,


s: E'en though he break the rampart down, to force


s: He said; and by the King's rebuke abash'd,


s: With fiercer zeal the Lycians press'd around


s: Their King and councillor; on th' other side


s: Within the wall the Greeks their squadrons mass'd;


s: Then were great deeds achiev'd; nor thro' the breach


s: Could the brave troops of Lycia to the ships


s: Their passage force; nor could the warrior Greeks


s: Repel the Lycians from the ground, where they,


s: Before the wall, had made their footing good.


s: As when two neighbours, in a common field,


s: Each line in hand, within a narrow space,


s: Between them thus the rampart drew the line;


s: O'er which the full-orb'd shields of tough bull's-hide,


s: And lighter bucklers on the warriors' breasts


s: On either side they clove; and many a wound


s: The pitiless weapons dealt, on some who, turn'd,


s: Their neck and back laid bare; on many more,


s: Who full in front, and through their shields were struck.


s: With Greek and Trojan blood were spatter'd o'er.


s: Nor yet, e'en so, the Greeks to flight were driv'n;


s: Honest and true, with wool and weights in hand,


s: In even balance holds the scales, to mete


s: Her humble hire, her children's maintenance;


s: Till Jove with highest honour Hector crown'd,


s: The son of Priam; he, the foremost, scal'd


s: The wall, and loudly on the Trojans call'd:


s: "On, valiant Trojans, on! the Grecian wall


s: Break down, and wrap their ships in blazing fires."


s: Thus he, exhorting, spoke; they heard him all,


s: And to the wall rush'd numberless, and swarm'd


s: Upon the ramparts, bristling thick with spears.


s: Then Hector, stooping, seiz'd a pond'rous stone


s: That lay before the gates; 'twas broad below,


s: But sharp above; and scarce two lab'ring men,


s: The strongest, from the ground could raise it up,


s: So light it seem'd, by grace of Saturn's son.


s: As in one hand a shepherd bears with ease


s: A full-siz'd fleece, and scarcely feels the weight;


s: So Hector tow'rd the portals bore the stone,


s: Which clos'd the lofty double-folding gates,


s: Laid crosswise, and with one cross bolt secur'd.


s: Close to the gate he stood; and planting firm


s: His foot, to give his arm its utmost pow'r,


s: Full on the middle dash'd the mighty mass.


s: The hinges both gave way; the pond'rous stone


s: Fell inwards; widely gap'd the op'ning gates;


s: Nor might the bars within the blow sustain:


s: This way and that the sever'd portals flew


s: Before the crashing missile; dark as night


s: His low'ring brow, great Hector sprang within;


s: Bright flash'd the brazen armour on his breast,


s: As through the gates, two jav'lins in his hand,


s: He sprang; the Gods except, no pow'r might meet


s: That onset; blaz'd his eyes with lurid fire.


s: Then to the Trojans, turning to the throng,


s: He call'd aloud to scale the lofty wall;


s: They heard, and straight obey'd; some scal'd the wall:


s: Some through the strong-built gates continuous pour'd;


s: Fled to their ships the panic-stricken Greeks.


s: Neptune, concerned for the loss of the Grecians, upon seeing the


s: fortification forced by Hector (who had entered the gate near the


s: When Jove had Hector and the Trojans brought


s: Close to the ships, he left them there to toil


s: And strife continuous; turning his keen glance


s: To view far off th' equestrian tribes of Thrace,


s: The warlike Mysians, and the men who feed


s: On milk of mares, thence Hippemolgi term'd;


s: A peaceful race, the justest of mankind.


s: On Troy he turn'd not once his piercing glance;


s: Nor deem'd he any God would dare to give


s: No careless watch the monarch Neptune kept:


s: Wond'ring, he view'd the battle, where he sat


s: Samos of Thrace; whence Ida's heights he saw,


s: And Priam's city, and the ships of Greece.


s: And thence the Greeks, by Trojans overborne,


s: Pitying he saw, and deeply wroth with Jove.


s: Then down the mountain's craggy side he pass'd


s: Beneath th' immortal feet of Ocean's Lord


s: Quak'd the huge mountain and the shadowy wood.


s: Three strides he took; the fourth, he reach'd his goal,


s: His temple stood, all glitt'ring, all of gold,


s: Beneath his car the brazen-footed steeds,


s: Of swiftest flight, with manes of flowing gold.


s: All clad in gold, the golden lash he grasp'd


s: Of curious work, and mounting on his car,


s: Skimm'd o'er the waves; from all the depths below


s: Gamboll'd around the monsters of the deep,


s: Acknowledging their King; the joyous sea


s: Parted her waves; swift flew the bounding steeds,


s: When to the ships of Greece their Lord they bore.


s: A spacious cave there is, which lies midway


s: Th' Earth-shaking Neptune there his coursers stay'd,


s: Loos'd from the chariot, and before them plac'd


s: Ambrosial provender; and round their feet


s: Shackles of gold, which none might break nor loose,


s: That there they might await their Lord's return;


s: Like fire, or whirlwind, press'd the Trojans on,


s: With furious zeal, and shouts and clamour hoarse;


s: In hopes to take the ships, and all the chiefs


s: To slay beside them; but from Ocean's depths


s: Uprose th' Earth-shaker, Circler of the Earth,


s: To Calchas' likeness and deep voice conform'd,


s: And rous'd the fainting Greeks; th' Ajaces first,


s: Themselves with ardour fill'd, he thus address'd:


s: "'Tis yours, Ajaces, fill'd with courage high,


s: Discarding chilly fear, to save the Greeks:


s: Elsewhere I dread not much the Trojan force,


s: Though they in crowds have scal'd the lofty wall;


s: The well-greav'd Greeks their onset may defy.


s: Where that fierce, fiery madman, Hector, leads.


s: Who boasts himself the son of Jove most high.


s: But may some God your hearts inspire, yourselves


s: Firmly to stand, and cheer your comrades on;


s: So from your swiftly-sailing ships ye yet


s: May drive the foe, how bold soe'er he be,


s: Though by Olympian Jove himself upheld."


s: So spake th' Earth-shaker, Circler of the Earth,


s: And with his sceptre touching both the chiefs,


s: Fill'd them with strength and courage, and their limbs,


s: Their feet and hands, with active vigour strung;


s: Then like a swift-wing'd falcon sprang to flight,


s: Which down the sheer face of some lofty rock


s: Swoops on the plain to seize his feather'd prey:


s: So swiftly Neptune left the chiefs; him first


s: "Ajax, since some one of th' Olympian Gods,


s: Our augur Heav'n-inspir'd; for well I mark'd


s: 'Tis easy to discern the outward signs),


s: I feel fresh spirit kindled in my breast,


s: And new-born vigour in my feet and hands."


s: "My hands too grasp with firmer hold the spear,


s: My spirit like thine is stirr'd; I feel my feet


s: Instinct with fiery life; nor should I fear


s: Alone to meet, and grapple to the death."


s: Such was their mutual converse, as they joy'd


s: In the fierce transport by the God inspir'd.


s: Neptune, meanwhile, the other Greeks arous'd,


s: Who, to the ships withdrawn, their wasted strength


s: Recruited; for their limbs were faint with toil,


s: And grief was in their hearts, as they beheld


s: The Trojan hosts that scal'd the lofty wall;


s: They saw, and from their eyes the teardrops fell,


s: Of safety desp'rate; but th' Earth-shaking God


s: Amid their ranks appearing, soon restor'd


s: Their firm array; to Teucer first he came,


s: And young Antilochus, brave warriors all,


s: And to the chiefs his winged words address'd:


s: "Shame on ye, Grecian youths! to you I look'd


s: Shrink from the perilous battle, then indeed


s: O Heav'n! a sad and wondrous sight is this,


s: A sight I never deem'd my eyes should see,


s: Our ships assail'd by Trojan troops; by those


s: Who heretofore have been as tim'rous hinds


s: Amid the forest depths, the helpless prey


s: Of jackals, pards, and wolves; they here and there,


s: Such were the Trojans once; nor dar'd abide,


s: No, not an hour, the strength and arms of Greece;


s: And these are they, who now beside our ships,


s: Far from their city walls, maintain the fight,


s: Embolden'd by our great commander's fault,


s: And slackness of the people, who, with him


s: Offended, scarce are brought to guard our ships.


s: And, feebly fighting, are beside them slain.


s: E'en though the mighty monarch, Atreus' son,


s: Wholly to blame in this, that he hath wrong'd


s: A brave man's spirit its vigour soon regains.


s: That ye, the best and bravest of the host,


s: Should stand aloof thus idly, 'tis not well;


s: If meaner men should from the battle shrink,


s: I might not blame them; but that such as ye


s: Should falter, indignation fills my soul.


s: Dear friends, from this remissness must accrue


s: Yet greater evils; but with gen'rous shame


s: And keen remorse let each man's breast be fill'd;


s: Fierce is the struggle; in his pride of strength


s: Hector has forc'd the gates and massive bars,


s: And raging, 'mid the ships maintains the war."


s: Thus Neptune on the Greeks, reproving, call'd:


s: Then round th' Ajaces twain were cluster'd thick


s: The serried files, whose firm array nor Mars,


s: Nor spirit-stirring Pallas might reprove:


s: For there, the bravest all, in order due,


s: Spear close by spear, and shield by shield o'erlaid,


s: Buckler to buckler press'd, and helm to helm,


s: And man to man; the horsehair plumes above,


s: That nodded on the warriors' glitt'ring crests,


s: Each other touch'd; so closely massed they stood.


s: Backward, by many a stalwart hand, were drawn


s: The spears, in act to hurl; their eyes and minds


s: Turn'd to the front, and eager for the fray.


s: Hector straight forward urg'd his furious course.


s: As some huge boulder, from its rocky bed


s: Detach'd, and by the wintry torrent's force


s: Hurl'd down the cliff's steep face, when constant rains


s: The massive rock's firm hold have undermin'd;


s: With giant bounds it flies; the crashing wood


s: Resounds beneath it; still it hurries on,


s: Its headlong impulse check'd, it rolls no more;


s: So Hector, threat'ning now through ships and tents,


s: E'en to the sea, to force his murd'rous way,


s: Halts close before it; while the sons of Greece,


s: With thrust of sword and double-pointed spears,


s: Withdrew, and loudly on the Trojans call'd:


s: "Trojans, and Lycians, and ye Dardans fam'd


s: In close encounter, stand ye firm! not long


s: The Greeks, though densely mass'd, shall bar my way,


s: But soon, methinks, before my spear shall quail,


s: If from the chief of Gods my mission be,


s: From Jove the Thund'rer, royal Juno's Lord."


s: His words fresh courage rais'd in ev'ry breast;


s: The son of Priam, from the foremost ranks,


s: His shield's broad orb before him borne, advanc'd


s: With airy step, protected by the shield:


s: Took aim, nor miss'd his mark; the shield's broad orb


s: Of tough bull's-hide it struck; but pass'd not through,


s: For near the head the sturdy shaft was snapp'd.


s: Held at arm's length his shield; for much he fear'd


s: Back to his comrades' shelt'ring ranks withdrew,


s: Griev'd at his baffled hopes and broken spear.


s: Then tow'rd the ships he bent his steps, to seek


s: Another spear, which in his tent remain'd.


s: The rest, 'mid wild uproar, maintain'd the fight.


s: Of num'rous horses, Imbrius, spearman skill'd.


s: In former days, ere came the sons of Greece,


s: But when the well-trimm'd ships of Greece appear'd,


s: Return'd to Troy; and there, rever'd by all,


s: With Priam dwelt, who lov'd him as a son.


s: Stabb'd, and drew back the weapon; down he fell,


s: As by the woodman's axe, on some high peak,


s: Falls a proud ash, conspicuous from afar,


s: Scatt'ring its tender foliage on the ground;


s: He fell; and loud his burnish'd armour rang.


s: Forth Teucer sprang to seize the spoil; at whom,


s: Advancing, Hector aim'd his glitt'ring spear;


s: He saw, and, stooping, shunn'd the brazen death


s: A little space; but through the breast it struck


s: The son of Actor, hastening to the fight:


s: Thund'ring he fell, and loud his armour rang.


s: Then forward Hector sprang, in hopes to seize


s: The brazen helm, that fitted well the brow


s: Th' advance of Hector with his glitt'ring spear;


s: Himself he reach'd not, all in dazzling brass


s: Encas'd; but pressing on his bossy shield


s: Drove by main force beyond where lay the dead:


s: Them both the Greeks withdrew; th' Athenian chiefs


s: Stychius and brave Menestheus, bore away


s: While, as two lions high above the ground


s: Bear through the brushwood in their jaws a goat,


s: Snatch'd from the sharp-fang'd dogs' protecting care:


s: So, fill'd with warlike rage, th' Ajaces twain


s: Lifted on high, and of its armour stripp'd


s: Griev'd at Amphimachus, his comrade's death,


s: Cut from the tender neck, and like a ball


s: Sent whirling through the crowd the sever'd head;


s: And in the dust at Hector's feet it fell.


s: Then, for his grandson slain, fierce anger fill'd


s: The breast of Neptune; through the tents of Greece


s: And ships he pass'd, the Greeks encouraging,


s: And ills preparing for the sons of Troy.


s: Leaving a comrade, from the battle field,


s: Wounded behind the knee, but newly brought;


s: Borne by his comrades, to the leech's care


s: Whom by his tent th' Earth-shaking God address'd,


s: Who o'er th' AEtolians, as a God rever'd,


s: "Where now, Idomeneus, sage Cretan chief,


s: Are all the vaunting threats, so freely pour'd


s: Against the Trojans by the sons of Greece?"


s: May blame be cast; we all our duties know;


s: Nor see I one by heartless fear restrain'd,


s: Nor hanging back, and flinching from the war:


s: Yet by th' o'erruling will of Saturn's son


s: It seems decreed that here the Greeks should fall,


s: And far from Argos lie in nameless graves.


s: But, Thoas, as thyself art ever staunch,


s: Nor slow the laggards to reprove, thy work


s: Remit not now; but rouse each sev'ral man."


s: To whom Earth-shaking Neptune thus replied:


s: No more, but here remain to glut the dogs,


s: If such there be, from this day's fight who shrinks.


s: But haste thee, don thine arms; great need is now


s: To hasten, if in aught we two may serve:


s: But we the bravest need not fear to meet."


s: He said, and to the strife of men return'd.


s: Within his well-constructed tent arriv'd,


s: Straight donn'd Idomeneus his armour bright:


s: Two spears he took; and, like the lightning's flash,


s: Which, as a sign to men, the hand of Jove


s: Hurls downwards from Olympus' glitt'ring heights;


s: Whose dazzling radiance far around is thrown;


s: Flash'd, as the warrior ran, his armour bright.


s: Close to the tent; to seek a spear he came;


s: Swift-footed son of Molus, comrade dear,


s: Why com'st thou here, and leav'st the battle field?


s: Hast thou some wound receiv'd, whereof the pain


s: Subdues thy spirit? or com'st thou, to the field


s: To summon me? unsummon'd, well thou know'st


s: I better love the battle than the tent."


s: "Idomeneus, the brass-clad Cretans' King,


s: Within thy tent be found; for, in the fight,


s: That which I lately bore, e'en now I broke


s: "Of spears, or one, or twenty, if thou list,


s: Thou there mayst find against the polish'd wall.


s: The spoil of Trojans slain; for with my foes


s: Thence have I store of spears, and bossy shields,


s: And crested helms, and breastplates polish'd bright."


s: "Nor are my tent and dark-ribb'd ship devoid


s: Of Trojan spoils; but they are far to seek;


s: Nor deem I that my hand is slack in fight;


s: For 'mid the foremost in the glorious strife


s: I stand, whene'er is heard the battle cry.


s: My deeds by others of the brass-clad Greeks


s: May not be noted; but thou know'st them well."


s: "What need of this? thy prowess well I know;


s: For should we choose our bravest through the fleet


s: The diff'rence 'twixt the coward and the brave;


s: (The coward's colour changes, nor his soul


s: Within his breast its even balance keeps,


s: But changing still, from foot to foot he shifts,


s: And in his bosom loudly beats his heart,


s: Expecting death; and chatter all his teeth:


s: The brave man's colour changes not; no fear


s: He knows, the ambush ent'ring; all his pray'r


s: Is that the hour of battle soon may come)


s: E'en there, thy courage none might call in doubt.


s: Shouldst thou from spear or sword receive a wound,


s: Would fall the blow, but on thy breast, in front,


s: Still pressing onward 'mid the foremost ranks.


s: But come, prolong we not this idle talk,


s: Like babblers vain, who scorn might justly move:


s: Haste to my tent, and there select thy spear."


s: Valiant as Mars, his spear selected straight,


s: And, eager for the fray, rejoin'd his chief.


s: As Mars, the bane of men, goes forth to war,


s: Terror, who shakes the bravest warrior's soul;


s: They two, from Thrace, against the Ephyri,


s: Or haughty Phlegyans arm; nor hear alike


s: The pray'rs of both the combatants, one side


s: With vict'ry crowning; so to battle went


s: Those leaders twain, in dazzling arms array'd:


s: Our onset should be made, or on the left;


s: For there, methinks, most succour need the Greeks."


s: Th' Ajaces both, and Teucer, of the Greeks


s: Best archer, good too in the standing fight;


s: These may for Hector full employment find,


s: E'en for his courage 'twere a task too hard,


s: Their might to conquer, and resistless hands,


s: And burn the ships, if Saturn's son himself


s: Fire not, and 'mid the shipping throw the torch.


s: Of mortal birth, by earthly food sustain'd,


s: In hand to hand encounter, scarce surpass'd


s: By Peleus' son Achilles; though with him


s: In speed of foot he might not hope to vie.


s: And quickly learn if we on others' heads


s: Are doom'd to win renown, or they on ours."


s: Like blazing fire, in dazzling arms appear'd,


s: Around him throng'd, with rallying cries, the Greeks,


s: And rag'd beside the ships the balanc'd fight.


s: As, when the dust lies deepest on the roads,


s: Before the boist'rous winds the storm drives fast,


s: And high at once the whirling clouds are toss'd;


s: So was the fight confus'd; and in the throng


s: Each man with keen desire of slaughter burn'd.


s: Bristled the deadly strife with pond'rous spears,


s: Wielded with dire intent; the brazen gleam


s: Dazzled the sight, by flashing helmets cast,


s: And breastplates polish'd bright, and glitt'ring shields


s: Commingling; stern of heart indeed were he,


s: Who on that sight with joy, not pain, could gaze.


s: Dire evil then on mortal warriors brought


s: The diverse minds of Saturn's mighty sons:


s: To Hector and the Trojans Jove design'd,


s: He will'd to slay before the walls of Troy


s: Neptune, on th' other side, the Greeks inspir'd,


s: For them before the Trojan host o'erborne


s: He saw with grief, and deeply wroth with Jove.


s: Equal the rank of both, their birth the same,


s: But Jove in wisdom, as in years, the first.


s: The cause of Greece; but cloth'd in mortal form,


s: In secret still the army's courage rous'd.


s: This way and that they tugg'd of furious war


s: And balanc'd strife, where many a warrior fell,


s: The straining rope, which none might break or loose.


s: Then, though his hair was grizzl'd o'er with age,


s: Inspiring terror, on the Trojans sprang,


s: And, welcomed as a guest in Priam's house,


s: The fairest of his daughters sought to wed,


s: No portion asked, Cassandra; mighty deeds


s: He promis'd, from before the walls of Troy


s: In their despite to drive the sons of Greece.


s: And he, his promise trusting, fought for Troy.


s: Him, marching with proud step, Idomeneus


s: Struck with his glitt'ring spear, nor aught avail'd


s: His brazen breastplate; through the middle thrust,


s: Thund'ring he fell: the victor vaunting cried:


s: Who promis'd thee his daughter in return:


s: And give thee here to wed, from Argos brought,


s: Thou wilt o'erthrow the well-built walls of Troy.


s: Come then, on board our ocean-going ships


s: Discuss the marriage contract; nor shall we


s: Be found illib'ral of our bridal gifts."


s: He said, and seizing by the foot the slain,


s: Dragg'd from the press; but to the rescue came


s: So close his charioteer the horses held,


s: They breath'd upon his shoulders; eagerly


s: Preventing, through his gullet drove the spear,


s: Beneath his chin; right through the weapon pass'd;


s: He fell; as falls an oak, or poplar tall,


s: Or lofty pine, which on the mountain top,


s: For some proud ship, the woodman's axe hath hewn:


s: So he, before the car and horses stretch'd,


s: His death-cry utt'ring, clutch'd the blood-stain'd soil;


s: Bewilder'd, helpless, stood his charioteer;


s: Nor dar'd, escaping from the foemen's hands,


s: Beneath the waistband struck; nor aught avail'd


s: His brazen breastplate; through the middle thrust,


s: He, from the well-wrought chariot, gasping, fell.


s: The horses seiz'd, and from the Trojan ranks


s: Drove to the Grecian camp. For Asius' death


s: Deep griev'd, Deiphobus, approaching, hurl'd


s: The coming weapon he beheld, and shunn'd:


s: With hides and brazen plates encircled round,


s: And by two rods sustain'd, conceal'd he stood:


s: Beneath he crouch'd, and o'er him flew the spear:


s: Yet harsh it grated, glancing from the shield;


s: Nor bootless from that stalwart hand it flew,


s: But through the midriff, close below the heart,


s: And straight relax'd his limbs; then shouting loud,


s: "Not unaveng'd lies Asius; he, methinks,


s: As I have found him fellowship, with joy


s: Thro' Hades' strongly-guarded gates may pass."


s: He said; the Greeks, indignant, heard his boast;


s: Was stirr'd within him; yet amid his grief


s: And o'er him spread the cover of his shield.


s: Meanwhile, two trusty friends, Mecistheus, son


s: Of Echius, and Alastor, rais'd the slain,


s: And deeply groaning bore him to the ships.


s: Abate; still burning o'er some Trojan soul


s: To draw the gloomy veil of night and death;


s: Or, having sav'd the Greeks, himself to fall.


s: The eldest of his daughters had to wife,


s: O'er all, belov'd; in beauty, skill, and mind,


s: All her compeers surpassing; wife of one,


s: The noblest man through all the breadth of Troy.


s: Seal'd his quick eyes, his active limbs restrain'd,


s: Without the pow'r to fly, or shun the spear;


s: He stood, while through his breast Idomeneus


s: His weapon drove; the brazen mail it broke,


s: Which oft had turn'd aside the stroke of death;


s: Harshly it grated, sever'd by the spear:


s: He fell; the spear-point quiv'ring in his heart,


s: Which with convulsive throbbings shook the shaft.


s: There Mars its course arrested. Then with shouts


s: An equal balance? where are now thy boasts?


s: Come forth, my friend, thyself to me oppos'd;


s: From Jove, my great progenitor, I stand.


s: He Minos, guardian chief of Crete, begot;


s: In wide-spread Crete; whom now our ships have brought,


s: A bane to thee, thy sire, and Trojans all."


s: Thus as he mus'd, the wiser course appear'd


s: Behind the crowd; for he was still at feud


s: With godlike Priam, who, he thought, withheld


s: Behoves thee now, if rev'rence for the dead


s: Can move thy soul, thy sister's husband aid:


s: When thou wast little, in thy father's house,


s: Nurs'd thee with tender care; for him, but now,


s: The spear-renown'd Idomeneus hath slain."


s: He said; AEneas' spirit was rous'd, and fill'd


s: Nor, cowardlike, did he th' encounter shun;


s: But firmly stood, as stands a mountain-boar


s: Self-confident, that in some lonely spot


s: Awaits the clam'rous chase; bristles his back;


s: His eyes with fire are flashing; and his tusks


s: He whets, on men and dogs prepar'd to rush:


s: Tried warriors all, he thus addressed his speech:


s: "Aid me, my friends! alone I stand, and dread


s: Of youth is his, the crown of human strength;


s: If, as our spirit, our years were but the same,


s: Great glory now should he, or I, obtain."


s: He said; and, one in heart, their bucklers slop'd


s: Upon their shoulders, all beside him stood.


s: Came on the gen'ral crowd; as flocks of sheep


s: From pasture follow to their drinking-place


s: The lordly ram; well pleas'd the shepherd sees;


s: So pleas'd, AEneas saw the gath'ring crowd.


s: Then o'er Alcathous hand to hand was wag'd


s: The war of spears; dire was the clash of brass


s: Upon the heroes' breasts, as 'mid the press


s: Stood forth two mighty warriors, terrible


s: Their sharp spears wielding each at other's life.


s: His spear; he saw, and shunn'd the brazen point;


s: And vainly from his stalwart hand dismiss'd,


s: AEneas' spear stood quiv'ring in the ground.


s: OEnomaus struck; the weighty spear broke through


s: The hollow breastplate, and th' intestines tore;


s: Prone in the dust he fell, and clutch'd the ground.


s: The pond'rous spear withdrew; yet could not strip


s: His armour off; so thickly flew the spears.


s: Nor did his feet retain their youthful force,


s: His weapon to regain, or back to spring.


s: Skill'd in the standing fight his life to guard,


s: He lack'd the active pow'r of swift retreat.


s: Still fill'd with anger, threw his glitt'ring spear:


s: His aim he miss'd; but through the shoulder pierc'd


s: Nor knew the loud-voic'd, mighty God of War


s: That in the stubborn fight his son had fall'n;


s: On high Olympus, girt with golden clouds,


s: He sat, amid th' Immortals all, restrain'd,


s: By Jove's commands, from mingling in the war.


s: Rag'd the fierce conflict: first Deiphobus


s: From off his head the glitt'ring helmet tore;


s: Sprang forth, and pierc'd his arm; and from his hand


s: With hollow sound the crested helmet fell.


s: And from his arm the sturdy spear withdrew;


s: Then backward leap'd amid his comrades' ranks;


s: While round his brother's waist Polites threw


s: His arms, and led him from the battle-field


s: To where, with charioteer and rich-wrought car,


s: Beyond the fight, his flying coursers stood.


s: Him, rack'd with pain, and groaning, while the blood


s: Stream'd down his wounded arm, to Troy they bore.


s: The rest fought on, and loud the tumult rose.


s: Caletor's son, turn'd sideways tow'rds him, drove


s: His glitt'ring spear; and down on th' other side,


s: His shield and helmet following, sank his head;


s: And o'er his eyes were cast the shades of death.


s: As Thoon turn'd, Antilochus, who watch'd


s: Th' occasion, forward sprang, and with his spear


s: Ripp'd all the flesh that lay along the spine


s: Up to the neck; he backward fell, with hands


s: His armour from his breast, while round he cast


s: On his broad shield the Trojans show'r'd their blows,


s: But touch'd him not; for Neptune, 'mid the throng


s: Of weapons, threw his guard o'er Nestor's son.


s: Yet not aloof he stood, but in their midst,


s: Commingled; nor held motionless his spear;


s: But ever threat'ning, turn'd from side to side,


s: Prepar'd to hurl, or hand to hand engage.


s: As o'er the crowd he glanc'd; and springing forth,


s: Struck with his spear the centre of the shield;


s: But dark-hair'd Neptune grudg'd the hero's life,


s: And stay'd the brazen point; half in the shield,


s: Like a fire-harden'd stake, remained infix'd,


s: The other half lay broken, on the ground.


s: Back to his comrades' shelt'ring ranks he sprang,


s: Quick-following, plung'd his weapon through his groin,


s: Attends on death; there planted he his spear:


s: Around the shaft he writh'd, and gasping groan'd,


s: Like to a mountain bull, which, bound with cords,


s: The herdsmen drag along, with struggles vain,


s: Resisting; so the wounded warrior groan'd:


s: Approaching, from his body tore the spear,


s: And the dark shades of death his eyes o'erspread.


s: Wielding aloft, across the temples smote


s: Which, as it roll'd beneath their feet, some Greek


s: Seiz'd 'mid the press; his eyes were clos'd in death.


s: With threat'ning mien approaching, pois'd on high


s: His glitt'ring spear, while he the bowstring drew.


s: The gleaming spear, and arrow from the string.


s: The shaft of Priam's son below the breast


s: The hollow cuirass struck, and bounded off;


s: As bound the dark-skinn'd beans, or clatt'ring peas,


s: From the broad fan upon the threshing-floor,


s: By the brisk breeze impell'd, and winnower's force;


s: The stinging arrow bounding, glanc'd afar.


s: Transfix'd the hand that held the polish'd bow:


s: The brazen point pass'd through, and to the bow


s: The hand was pinn'd; back to his comrades' ranks


s: He sprang, in hope of safety, hanging down


s: The wounded limb, that trail'd the ashen spear.


s: Agenor from the wound the spear withdrew,


s: And with a twisted sling of woollen cloth,


s: By an attendant brought, bound up the hand.


s: Peisander, to the confines dark of death


s: Great son of Atreus, in the deadly strife.


s: When near they drew, Atrides miss'd his aim,


s: With erring spear divergent; next his shield


s: Peisander struck, but drove not through the spear;


s: For the broad shield resisted, and the shaft


s: Rejoicing, and with hope of triumph flush'd;


s: Unsheathing then his silver-studded sword


s: Rush'd on Peisander; he beneath his shield


s: Drew forth a pond'rous brazen battle-axe,


s: With handle long, of polish'd olive-wood:


s: And both at once in deadly combat join'd.


s: Then, just below the plume, Peisander struck


s: The crested helmet's peak; but Atreus' son


s: Smote him, above the nose; loud crash'd the bone,


s: And in the dust the gory eyeballs dropp'd


s: Before him; doubled with the pain, he fell:


s: The victor, planting on his chest his foot,


s: Stripp'd off his arms, and thus exulting cried:


s: "Thus shall ye all, insatiate of the fight,


s: Proud Trojans, from before our ships depart;


s: Nor lack your share of insult and of wrong,


s: Such as on me, vile hounds, ye cast erewhile,


s: Nor fear'd th' avenger of the slighted laws


s: Who soon your lofty city shall o'erthrow.


s: With store of goods, ye basely bore away;


s: With fire our ocean-going ships, and slay


s: Our Grecian heroes; but the time shall come


s: When ye too fain would from the war escape.


s: O Father Jove, 'tis said that thou excell'st,


s: In wisdom, Gods and men; all human things


s: From thee proceed; and can it be, that thou


s: With favour seest these men of violence,


s: These Trojans, with presumptuous courage fill'd,


s: Whose rage for the battle knows nor stint nor bound?


s: Men are with all things sated; sleep and love;


s: Sweet sounds of music, and the joyous dance.


s: Of these may some more gladly take their fill;


s: But Trojans still for war, instiate, thirst."


s: Thus Menelaus; and the blood-stained arms


s: Stripp'd from the corpse, and to his comrades gave;


s: Then join'd again the foremost in the fray.


s: There to th' encounter forth Harpalion sprang,


s: His father following, to the war of Troy,


s: But back return'd not to his native land.


s: He standing near, full in the centre struck


s: Atrides' shield, but drove not through the spear;


s: Back to his comrades' shelt'ring ranks he sprang


s: In hopes of safety, glancing all around,


s: In his right flank a brazen-pointed shaft,


s: Beneath the bone it pass'd, and pierc'd him through.


s: At once he fell; and gasping out his life,


s: Amid his comrades, writhing on the ground


s: Like a crush'd worm he lay; and from the wound


s: The dark blood pouring, drench'd the thirsty soil.


s: The valiant troops of Paphlagonia clos'd


s: Around him; on his car they plac'd the slain.


s: His father, weeping, walk'd beside the car,


s: Nor vengeance for his slaughter'd son obtain'd.


s: Paris with grief and anger saw him fall:


s: For he in former days his guest had been


s: In Paphlagonia; then, with anger fill'd,


s: A brass-tipp'd arrow from his bow he sent.


s: A certain man there was, Euchenor nam'd,


s: Who dwelt in Corinth; rich, of blameless life,


s: His fate well knowing, he embark'd; for oft


s: The good old man had told him that his doom


s: Was, or at home by sharp disease to die,


s: Or with the Greeks by Trojan hands to fall.


s: By Greeks impos'd, and pangs of sharp disease.


s: Him Paris smote between the ear and jaw;


s: Swift fled his spirit, and darkness clos'd his eyes.


s: Thus rag'd, like blazing fire, the furious fight.


s: But nought as yet had Hector heard, nor knew


s: How sorely, leftward of the ships, were press'd


s: The Trojans by the Greeks; and now appear'd


s: Their triumph, sure; such succour Neptune gave,


s: Their courage rousing, and imparting strength.


s: But there he kept, where first the serried ranks


s: Of Greeks he broke, and storm'd the wall and gates;


s: There beach'd beside the hoary sea, the ships


s: There had the wall been lowest built; and there


s: Were gather'd in defence the chiefest all,


s: Horses and men: the stout Boeotians there,


s: Join'd to th' Ionians with their flowing robes,


s: Loerians, and Phthians, and Epeians proud,


s: Could scarce protect their ships; nor could repel


s: Th' impetuous fire of godlike Hector's charge.


s: There too the choicest troops of Athens fought;


s: Their chief, Menestheus, Peteus' son; with whom


s: Were Pheidas, Stichius, Bias in command;


s: Th' Epeians Meges, Phyleus' son, obey'd,


s: With brave Podarces led the Phthian host:


s: Far from his native land, was driv'n to dwell,


s: His sire Oileus' wife, his hand had slain.


s: Podarces from Iphiclus claim'd his birth,


s: The valiant Phthians leading to the fight,


s: Join'd the Boeotian troops to guard the ships.


s: Two dark-red oxen drag the well-wrought plough,


s: Streaming with sweat that gathers round their horns;


s: They by the polish'd yoke together held,


s: The stiff soil cleaving, down the furrow strain;


s: So closely, side by side, those two advanc'd.


s: But comrades, many and brave, on Telamon


s: Attended, who, whene'er with toil and sweat


s: His limbs grew faint, upheld his weighty shield;


s: No Locrians follow'd; theirs were not the hearts


s: To brook th' endurance of the standing fight;


s: Nor had they brass-bound helms, with horsehair plume,


s: Nor ample shields they bore, nor ashen spear;


s: But came to Troy, in bows and twisted slings


s: Of woollen cloth confiding; and from these


s: Their bolts quick-show'ring, broke the Trojan ranks.


s: While those, in front, in glitt'ring arms oppos'd


s: These, in the rear, unseen, their arrows shot.


s: Nor stood the Trojans; for amid their ranks


s: The galling arrows dire confusion spread.


s: Then had the Trojans from the ships and tents


s: Back to the breezy heights of Troy been driv'n


s: Drew near to Hector, and address'd him thus:


s: "Hector, I know thee, how unapt thou art


s: Have giv'n thee to excel in warlike might,


s: Thou deemest thyself, in counsel too, supreme;


s: Yet every gift thou canst not so combine:


s: To one the Gods have granted warlike might,


s: To one the dance, to one the lyre and song;


s: While in another's breast all-seeing Jove


s: Hath plac'd the spirit of wisdom, and a mind


s: By him are states preserv'd; and he himself


s: Best knows the value of the precious gift.


s: Then hear what seems to me the wisest course.


s: Is blazing all around thee; and, thou seest,


s: Our valiant Trojans, since the wall they scal'd,


s: Or stand aloof, or scatter'd 'mid the ships


s: Outnumber'd, with superior forces strive.


s: Then thou, retiring, hither call the chiefs;


s: Upon their well-mann'd ships, should Heaven vouchsafe


s: The needful strength, or, scatheless yet, withdraw;


s: For much I fear they soon will pay us back


s: Their debt of yesterday; since in their ranks


s: And he, methinks, not long will stand aloof."


s: Thus he: the prudent counsel Hector pleas'd;


s: Down from his chariot with his arms he leap'd,


s: "Polydamas, detain thou here the chiefs;


s: Thither will I, and meet the front of war,


s: And, giv'n my orders, quickly here return."


s: He said; and, like a snow-clad mountain high,


s: Uprose; and loudly shouting, in hot haste


s: Flew through the Trojan and Confed'rate host.


s: At sound of Hector's voice, round Panthous' son,


s: Polydamas, were gather'd all the chiefs.


s: But 'mid the foremost combatants he sought


s: These found he not unscath'd by wounds or death;


s: For some beside the ships of Greece had paid,


s: By Grecian hands, the forfeit of their lives,


s: While others wounded lay within the wall.


s: But, to the leftward of the bloody fray,


s: The godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord,


s: Cheering his comrades to the fight, he found,


s: And with reproachful words address'd him thus:


s: "Thou wretched Paris, fair in outward form,


s: Thou slave of woman, manhood's counterfeit,


s: "Hector, since blameless I incur thy blame,


s: Ne'er have I less withdrawn me from the fight,


s: For since thou gav'st command to attack the ships,


s: We here against the Greeks unflinching war


s: Have wag'd; our comrades, whom thou seek'st, are slain:


s: Both through the hand; but Jove their life hath spar'd.


s: But thou, where'er thy courage bids, lead on:


s: We shall be prompt to follow; to our pow'r


s: Thou shalt in us no lack of valour find;


s: Beyond his pow'r the bravest cannot fight."


s: Wrought on his brother's mind the hero's words:


s: Together both they bent their steps, where rag'd


s: And Morys, and Ascanius fought; these two


s: Hippotion's sons; from rich Ascania's plains


s: They, as reliefs, but yestermorn had come;


s: Impell'd by Jove, they sought the battle field.


s: Onward they dash'd, impetuous as the rush


s: Of the fierce whirlwind, which with lightning charg'd,


s: From Father Jove sweeps downward o'er the plain:


s: As with loud roar it mingles with the sea,


s: Upheaving, foam-white-crested, wave on wave;


s: So, rank on rank, the Trojans, closely mass'd,


s: In arms all glitt'ring, with their chiefs advanc'd;


s: In combat terrible as blood-stain'd Mars:


s: Before his breast his shield's broad orb he bore,


s: Of hides close join'd, with brazen plates o'erlaid;


s: The gleaming helmet nodded o'er his brow.


s: He, with proud step, protected by his shield,


s: On ev'ry side the hostile ranks survey'd,


s: If signs of yielding he might trace; but they


s: Unshaken stood; and with like haughty mien,


s: "Draw nearer, mighty chief; why seek to scare


s: Our valiant Greeks? we boast ourselves of war


s: Not wholly unskill'd, though now the hand of Jove


s: Lies heavy on us with the scourge of Heav'n.


s: Thou hop'st, forsooth, our vessels to destroy;


s: But stalwart arms for their defence we boast.


s: Long ere that day shall your proud city fall,


s: Tak'n and destroy'd by our victorious hands.


s: Not far the hour, when thou thyself in flight


s: To Jove and all the Gods shalt make thy pray'r,


s: That swifter than the falcon's wing thy steeds


s: May bear thee o'er the dusty plain to Troy."


s: Thus as he spoke, upon his right appear'd


s: An eagle, soaring high; the crowd of Greeks


s: The fav'ring omen saw, and shouted loud:


s: Then noble Hector thus: "What words are these,


s: Ajax, thou babbling braggart, vain of speech!


s: For would to Heav'n I were as well assur'd


s: This day is fraught with ill to all the Greeks:


s: Thou 'mid the rest shalt perish, if thou dare


s: My spear encounter, which thy dainty skin


s: Shall rend; and slain beside the ships, thy flesh


s: Shall glut the dogs and carrion birds of Troy."


s: He said, and led them on; with eager cheers


s: They followed; shouted loud the hindmost throng.


s: On th' other side the Greeks return'd the shout:


s: Of all the Trojans' bravest they, unmov'd,


s: The onset bore; their mingled clamours rose


s: To Heav'n, and reach'd the glorious light of Jove.


s: Nestor, sitting at the table with Machaon, is alarmed with the


s: Nor did the battle-din not reach the ears


s: Of Nestor, o'er the wine-cup; and his speech


s: "Say, good Machaon, what these sounds may mean;


s: For louder swells the tumult round the ships.


s: But sit thou here, and drink the ruddy wine,


s: The gentle bath, and wash thy gory wounds;


s: While I go forth, and all around survey."


s: He said, and from the wall a buckler took,


s: Well-wrought, with brass resplendent, which his son,


s: Brave Thrasymedes, in the tent had left,


s: While with his father's shield himself was girt;


s: A sturdy spear too, tipp'd with brass, he took:


s: Without the tent he stood; and there his eyes


s: A woful sight beheld; the Greeks in flight,


s: The haughty Trojans pressing on their rout


s: Confus'd; the Greeks' protecting wall o'erthrown.


s: As heaves the darkling sea with silent swell,


s: Expectant of the boist'rous gale's approach;


s: Nor onward either way is pour'd its flood,


s: Until it feel th' impelling blast from Heav'n;


s: So stood th' old man, his mind perplex'd with doubt,


s: To mingle in the throng, or counsel seek


s: Thus as he mused, the better course appear'd,


s: To seek Atrides; fiercely fought the rest


s: With mutual slaughter; loud their armour rang


s: With thrusts of swords and double-pointed spears.


s: There Nestor met, advancing from the ships,


s: By wounds disabled; for the ships were beach'd


s: Far from the battle; higher, tow'rd the plain


s: The foremost had been drawn, and with a wall


s: Their sterns surrounded; for the spacious beach


s: Could not contain them, and in narrow bounds


s: Were pent their multitudes; so high on land


s: They drew, and rang'd them side by side, and fill'd,


s: Within the headlands, all the wide-mouth'd bay.


s: Thus they, their steps supporting on their spears,


s: Deep sorrow fill'd their breasts; them Nestor met,


s: The fear increasing, which their souls possess'd.


s: "O Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece,


s: Why com'st thou here, and leav'st the battle-field?


s: His menace will fulfil, who made his boast


s: Before th' assembled Trojans, that to Troy


s: The flames had master'd, and ourselves the sword.


s: Such was his threat, and now he makes it good.


s: Heav'n! can it be that I of other Greeks,


s: As of Achilles, have incurr'd the wrath,


s: Who thence refuse to battle for the ships?"


s: "Such are indeed our prospects; Jove on high


s: Could to our fortunes give no diff'rent turn.


s: The wall is raz'd, wherein our trust we plac'd


s: To guard, impregnable, ourselves and ships;


s: And now around the ships their war they wage,


s: By closest scrutiny, which way are driv'n


s: The routed Greeks, so intermix'd they fall


s: Promiscuous; and the cry ascends to Heav'n.


s: But come, discuss we what may best be done,


s: If judgment aught may profit us; ourselves


s: It were not well for wounded men to fight."


s: "Nestor, since to the ships the war is brought,


s: Nor hath the wall avail'd to stay their course,


s: Nor yet the deep-dug trench, on which we Greeks


s: Much toil bestow'd, and which we vainly hop'd


s: Might guard, impregnable, ourselves and ships;


s: Seems it the will of Saturn's mighty son


s: That, far from Argos, from our native land,


s: We all should here in nameless graves be laid.


s: I knew when once he lov'd to aid the Greeks;


s: Our foes he equals, and our strength confounds.


s: The ships that nearest to the sea are beach'd


s: To launch upon the main, till nightfall there


s: To ride at anchor: if that e'en by night


s: The Trojans may suspend their fierce assault;


s: Then may we launch in safety all the fleet.


s: No shame it is to fly, although by night,


s: Than by the threaten'd danger be o'erta'en."


s: To whom, with scornful glance, Ulysses sage:


s: "What words have pass'd the barrier of thy lips,


s: Would thou hadst been of some ignoble band


s: The leader, not the chief of such a host


s: As ours, on whom, from youth to latest age,


s: Jove hath the gift bestow'd, to bear the brunt


s: And think'st thou so to leave the lofty walls


s: Of Troy, the object of our painful toil?


s: Words, which no man might trust his tongue to speak,


s: Who nobler counsels understands, and wields


s: A royal sceptre, and th' allegiance claims


s: Of numbers, such as those that own thy sway.


s: Who, 'mid the close and clamour of the fight,


s: Wouldst have us launch our ships, and give the foe,


s: For boasting; then were death our certain lot;


s: For, if the ships he launch'd, not long will Greeks


s: Shrink from the fight; to such pernicious end


s: Would lead thy baneful counsels, mighty chief."


s: "Ulysses, thy rebuke hath wrung my soul;


s: Yet never meant I, that against their will


s: The sons of Greece should launch their well found ships:


s: But if there be who better counsel knows,


s: Or young or old, his words would please me well."


s: "The man is near at hand, nor far to seek,


s: If ye will hear, nor take offence, that I,


s: The youngest of you all, presume to speak.


s: Tydeus, who sleeps beneath the Theban soil:


s: To Portheus three brave sons were born, who dwelt


s: My father's father, OEneus, was the third.


s: He there remain'd; my father, wand'ring long,


s: To Argos came; such was the will of Jove


s: And of th' Immortals all; he there espous'd


s: Adrastus' daughter; own'd a wealthy house,


s: With fertile corn-lands round, and orchards stor'd


s: With goodly fruit-trees; num'rous flocks he had,


s: And all the Greeks in feats of arms excell'd.


s: Hear ye the words I speak, for they are true:


s: And if my speech be wise, despise it not,


s: That we perforce repair; yet not ourselves


s: To join the combat, or confront the spears,


s: Lest wounds to wounds be added; but to rouse


s: The spirits of some, who, zealous heretofore,


s: How stand aloof, nor mingle in the fray."


s: He said, and they, his words approving, went,


s: Nor careless was the watch by Neptune kept:


s: By the right hand he took, and thus address'd:


s: With which Achilles' savage breast is fill'd,


s: Who sees the slaughter and the rout of Greeks:


s: For nought he has of heart, no, not a whit:


s: Nor deem thou that to thee the blessed Gods


s: Are wholly hostile; yet again the chiefs


s: And councillors of Troy shall scour in flight


s: The dusty plain; and from the ships and tents


s: Thine eyes shall see them to the city fly."


s: He said; and loudly shouting, onward rush'd.


s: As of nine thousand or ten thousand men,


s: Such was the sound which from his ample chest


s: Th' Earth-shaker sent; and ev'ry Greek inspir'd


s: With stern resolve to wage unflinching war.


s: The golden-throned Juno downward look'd,


s: Her husband's brother and her own she saw,


s: Saw, and rejoic'd; next, seated on the crest


s: Sight hateful in her eyes! then ponder'd deep


s: The stag-ey'd Queen, how best she might beguile


s: And, musing, this appear'd the readiest mode:


s: To Ida; there, with fondest blandishment


s: In love's embrace; and gentle, careless sleep


s: Her chamber straight she sought, by Vulcan built,


s: Her son; by whom were to the door-posts hung


s: Close-fitting doors, with secret keys secur'd,


s: That, save herself, no God might enter in.


s: There enter'd she, and clos'd the shining doors;


s: She purified, with fragrant oil anointing,


s: Ambrosial, breathing forth such odours sweet,


s: That, wav'd above the brazen floor of Jove,


s: All earth and Heav'n were with the fragrance fill'd;


s: O'er her fair skin this precious oil she spread;


s: Comb'd out her flowing locks, and with her hand


s: Wreath'd the thick masses of the glossy hair,


s: Immortal, bright, that crown'd th' imperial head.


s: A robe ambrosial then, by Pallas wrought,


s: She donn'd, in many a curious pattern trac'd,


s: With golden brooch beneath her breast confin'd.


s: Her zone, from which a hundred tassels hung,


s: She girt about her; and, in three bright drops,


s: Her glitt'ring gems suspended from her ears;


s: And all around her grace and beauty shone.


s: Then o'er her head th' imperial Goddess threw


s: A beauteous veil, new-wrought, as sunlight white;


s: And on her well-turn'd feet her sandals bound.


s: Her dress completed, from her chamber forth


s: She issued, and from th' other Gods apart


s: She call'd to Venus, and address'd her thus:


s: "Say, wilt thou grant, dear child, the boon I ask?


s: Or wilt thou say me nay, in wrath that I


s: Espouse the Greek, as thou the Trojan cause?"


s: "Daughter of Saturn, Juno, mighty Queen,


s: Tell me thy wish; to grant it if my pow'r


s: May aught avail, thy pleasure shall be done."


s: To whom great Juno thus, with artful speech:


s: "Give me the loveliness, and pow'r to charm,


s: Whereby thou reign'st o'er Gods and men supreme.


s: For to the bounteous Earth's extremest bounds


s: The sire of Gods, and Tethys, who of yore


s: From Rhaea took me, when all-seeing Jove


s: Hurl'd Saturn down below the earth and seas,


s: And nurs'd me in their home with tend'rest care;


s: A lengthen'd feud; for since some cause of wrath


s: Has come between them, they from rites of love


s: And from the marriage-bed have long abstain'd:


s: And to their former intercourse restore,


s: Their love and rev'rence were for ever mine."


s: Whom answer'd thus the laughter-loving Queen:


s: "I ought not, and I cannot, say thee nay,


s: Who liest encircled by the arms of Jove."


s: Thus Venus spoke; and from her bosom loos'd


s: Her broider'd cestus, wrought with ev'ry charm


s: To win the heart; there Love, there young Desire,


s: There fond Discourse, and there Persuasion dwelt,


s: Which oft enthralls the mind of wisest men.


s: This in her hand she plac'd, as thus she spoke:


s: "Take thou from me, and in thy bosom hide,


s: This broider'd cestus; and, whate'er thy wish,


s: Thou shalt not here ungratified return."


s: Thus Venus; smil'd the stag-ey'd Queen of Heav'n,


s: And, smiling, in her bosom hid the gift.


s: Then Venus to her father's house return'd;


s: O'er snowy mountains of horse-breeding Thrace,


s: Their topmost heights, she soar'd, nor touch'd the earth.


s: From Athos then she cross'd the swelling sea,


s: She came; there met she Sleep, twin-born with Death,


s: Whom, as his hand she clasp'd, she thus address'd:


s: Grant me the boon which now I ask, and win


s: My ceaseless favour in all time to come.


s: When Jove thou seest in my embraces lock'd,


s: Do thou his piercing eyes in slumber seal.


s: Rich guerdon shall be thine; a gorgeous throne,


s: Vulcan, shall deftly frame; beneath, a stool


s: Whereon at feasts thy feet may softly rest."


s: Whom answer'd thus the gentle God of Sleep:


s: "Daughter of Saturn, Juno, mighty Queen,


s: I can with ease exert my slumb'rous pow'r;


s: Nor sink in sleep, save by his own desire.


s: When from the capture and the sack of Troy


s: That mighty warrior, son of Jove, set sail;


s: For, circumfus'd around, with sweet constraint


s: I bound the sense of aegis-bearing Jove,


s: While thou, with ill-design, rousing the force


s: Of winds tempestuous o'er the stormy sea,


s: Didst cast him forth on Coos' thriving isle,


s: Far from his friends; then Jove, awaking, pour'd


s: His wrath, promiscuous, on th' assembled Gods;


s: Me chief his anger sought; and from on high


s: Had hurl'd me, plung'd beneath th' unfathom'd sea,


s: But Night, the vanquisher of Gods and men,


s: Repress'd, unwilling to invade the claims


s: Of holy Night; and now thou fain wouldst urge


s: Whom answer'd thus the stag-ey'd Queen of Heav'n:


s: "Why, Sleep, with thoughts like these perplex thy mind


s: Think'st thou that Jove as ardently desires


s: To aid the men of Troy, as fiercely burn'd


s: Grant my request; and of the Graces one,


s: The youngest and the fairest, have to wife,


s: Pasithea, whom thy love hath long pursued."


s: Thus promis'd Juno; Sleep, rejoicing, heard,


s: And answer'd thus: "Swear then the awful oath.


s: Thy one hand laid upon the fruitful earth,


s: That all the Gods who in the nether realms


s: With Saturn dwell, may of our solemn bond


s: The youngest, fairest, I shall have to wife,


s: Pasithea, whom my love hath long pursued."


s: He said: nor did the white-arm'd Queen refuse;


s: She took the oath requir'd; and call'd by name


s: Then, sworn and ratified the oath, they pass'd


s: From Lemnos, and from Imbros, veil'd in cloud,


s: Skimming their airy way; on Lectum first,


s: In spring-abounding Ida, nurse of beasts,


s: The sea they left, and journey'd o'er the land,


s: While wav'd beneath their feet the lofty woods.


s: Flung through the desert air its boughs to Heav'n,


s: Amid the pine's close branches lay ensconc'd;


s: Like to a mountain bird of shrillest note,


s: Whom Gods the Chalcis, men the night-hawk call.


s: He saw, and sudden passion fir'd his soul,


s: As when, their parents' eyes eluding, first


s: He rose to meet her, and address'd her thus:


s: "From high Olympus, Juno, whither bound,


s: And how, to Ida hast thou come in haste?


s: For horses here or chariot hast thou none."


s: Replied: "To fertile earth's extremest bounds


s: The sire of Gods, and Tethys, who of yore


s: Receiv'd, and nurtur'd me with tend'rest care.


s: A lengthen'd feud; for since some cause of wrath


s: Has come between them, they from rites of love


s: And from the marriage-bed have long abstain'd.


s: Meanwhile at spring-abounding Ida's foot


s: My horses wait me, that o'er land and sea


s: Lest it displease thee, if, to thee unknown,


s: I sought the Ocean's deeply-flowing stream."


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied:


s: And let us now in love's delights indulge:


s: Not for Ixion's beauteous wife, who bore


s: Acrisius' daughter, her who Perseus bore,


s: Th' observ'd of all; nor noble Phoenix' child,


s: Who bore me Minos, and the godlike might


s: No, nor for Ceres, golden-tressed Queen,


s: As now with fond desire for thee I burn."


s: To whom thus Juno with deceitful speech:


s: "What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak?


s: Should find us sleeping, and 'mid all the Gods


s: Should spread the tale abroad? I could not then


s: Straight to thy house, for very shame, return.


s: But if indeed such passion fill thy soul,


s: Thou hast thy secret chamber, built for thee


s: By Vulcan, with close-fitting doors secur'd;


s: Thither, if such thy pleasure, go we now."


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied:


s: For all around us I will throw such veil


s: Of golden cloud, that not the sun himself


s: With sharpest beam of light may pierce it through."


s: Thus saying, in his arms he clasp'd his wife;


s: The teeming earth beneath them caus'd to spring


s: The tender grass, and lotus dew-besprent,


s: Profuse and soft, upspringing from the earth.


s: There lay they, all around them spread a veil


s: Of golden cloud, whence heav'nly dews distill'd.


s: There on the topmost height of Gargarus,


s: By sleep and love subdued, th' immortal Sire,


s: Clasp'd in his arms his wife, repos'd in peace.


s: Then Sleep arose, and to the Grecian ships


s: In haste repairing, to th' Earth-shaking King


s: His tidings bore; and standing at his side


s: Thus to the God his winged words address'd:


s: "Now, Neptune, to the Greeks thy ready aid


s: Afford, that short-liv'd triumph they may gain,


s: While slumber holds the eyes of Jove; for I


s: In sweet unconsciousness have drown'd his sense,


s: Beguil'd by Juno, in whose arms he lies."


s: He said, and vanish'd 'mid the tribes of men:


s: But fir'd with keener zeal to aid the Greeks,


s: Neptune sprang forth in front, and call'd aloud:


s: "Again, ye Greeks, shall our remissness yield


s: To seize our ships, and endless glory gain?


s: Such is his boast and menace, since in wrath


s: Achilles still beside his ships remains.


s: Yet him we scarce should miss, if we, the rest,


s: Girt with our best and broadest shields, our heads


s: With flashing helmets guarded, in our hands


s: Grasping our longest spears, to dare the fight.


s: Myself will lead you on; and Priam's son,


s: Though bold he be, will fear with me to cope.


s: Too small a buckler, with some meaner man


s: Let him exchange, and don the larger shield."


s: He said, and they assenting heard his speech.


s: Though sorely wounded, yet the troops array'd;


s: Thro'out the ranks they pass'd, and chang'd the arms;


s: The bravest donn'd the best, the worse the worst.


s: When with their dazzling armour all were girt,


s: Forward they mov'd; th' Earth-shaker led them on:


s: In his broad hand an awful sword he bore,


s: Long-bladed, vivid as the lightning's flash:


s: Yet in the deadly strife he might not join,


s: Hector meantime the Trojan troops array'd.


s: Then fiercer grew, and more intense the strain


s: Of furious fight, when Ocean's dark-hair'd King


s: And aided, this the Trojans, that the Greeks.


s: High tow'rd the tents uprose the surging sea,


s: As with loud clamour met th' opposing hosts.


s: Less loud the roar of Ocean's wave, that driv'n


s: By stormy Boreas, breaks upon the beach;


s: Less loud the crackling of the flames that rage


s: In the deep forest of some mountain glen;


s: Less loud the wind, to wildest fury rous'd,


s: Howls in the branches of the lofty oaks;


s: Than rose the cry of Trojans and of Greeks,


s: As each, with furious shout, encounter'd each.


s: At Ajax first, who straight before him stood,


s: Great Hector threw his spear, nor miss'd his aim,


s: Where the two belts, the one which bore his shield,


s: Across his breast; these two his life preserv'd.


s: Hector was wroth, that from his stalwart hand


s: The spear had flown in vain; and back he sprang


s: For safety to his comrades' shelt'ring ranks:


s: That scatter'd lay beneath the warriors' feet,


s: And serv'd to prop the ships; with one of these,


s: As Hector backward stepp'd, above the shield


s: He smote him on the breast, below the throat.


s: With whirling motion, circling as it flew,


s: The mass he hurl'd. As by the bolt of Heav'n


s: Uprooted, prostrate lies some forest oak;


s: The sulph'rous vapour taints the air; appall'd,


s: Bereft of strength, the near beholder stands,


s: And awestruck hears the thunder-peal of Jove;


s: Dropp'd from his hand the spear; the shield and helm


s: Fell with him; loud his polished armour rang.


s: On rush'd, with joyous shout, the sons of Greece,


s: In hope to seize the spoil; thick flew the spears:


s: Yet none might reach or wound the fallen chief;


s: For gather'd close around, the bravest all,


s: Nor did the rest not aid; their shields' broad orbs


s: Before him still they held, while in their arms


s: His comrades bore him from the battle-field,


s: To where, with charioteer and well-wrought car,


s: Beyond the fight, his flying coursers stood,


s: Which bore him, deeply groaning, tow'rd the town.


s: But when the ford was reach'd of Xanthus' stream,


s: Broad-flowing, eddying, by immortal Jove


s: Begotten, on the ground they laid him down,


s: And dash'd the cooling water on his brow:


s: Then on his knees half rising, he disgorg'd


s: The clotted blood; but backward to the earth,


s: Still by the blow subdu'd, again he fell,


s: And darkling shades of night his eyes o'erspread.


s: Onward, with zeal redoubled, press'd the Greeks,


s: When Hector from the field they saw withdrawn.


s: With sudden spring assailing, Satnius slew:


s: Who by the banks of Satnois kept his herds.


s: Thrust through the flank: he fell, and o'er his corpse


s: Trojans and Greeks in stubborn fight engag'd.


s: Polydamas, with brandish'd spear, and struck


s: Through the right shoulder Prothoenor, son


s: The sturdy spear; he, rolling in the dust,


s: Clutch'd with his palms the ground; then, shouting loud,


s: "From the strong hand of Panthous' noble son


s: Methinks that not in vain the spear has flown:


s: A Greek now bears it off; and he, perchance,


s: May use it as a staff to Pluto's realm."


s: Thus he; the Greeks with pain his vaunting heard;


s: But chief it rous'd the spirit within the breast


s: Retreating, hurl'd in haste his glitt'ring spear;


s: He, springing sideways, 'scap'd the stroke of fate;


s: Receiv'd the spear, for Heav'n had will'd his death:


s: The spine it struck, the topmost joint, where met


s: The head and neck, and both the tendons broke;


s: Forward he fell; and ere or knee or leg,


s: His head, and mouth, and nostrils struck the ground.


s: May this be deem'd for Prothoenor's death


s: His son; the likeness speaks him near akin."


s: Thus he, though well he knew; then bitter grief


s: Possess'd the Trojans' souls; but Acamas,


s: Guarding his brother's body, with his spear


s: Would by the feet have drawn away the dead:


s: "Ye wretched Greeks, in boasting measureless!


s: Of battle; ye too have your share of death.


s: Behold where lies your Promachus, subdued


s: Beneath my spear; not long unpaid the debt


s: Due for my brother's blood! 'Tis well for him


s: Who leaves a brother to avenge his fate."


s: Thus he; the Greeks with pain his vaunting heard;


s: But chief it rous'd the spirit within the breast


s: Who waited not th' encounter; next he slew


s: Of num'rous flocks, of all the Trojans most


s: Belov'd of Hermes, who his wealth increas'd.


s: His mother bore; who now, beneath the brow


s: And through the socket of the eye was struck,


s: Thrusting the eyeball out; for through the eye,


s: And backward through the head, the spear was driv'n:


s: With hands extended, down to earth he sank;


s: Full on his neck; the sever'd head and helm


s: The sturdy spear; then he, the gory head


s: Uplifting, to the Trojans vaunting cried:


s: "Go now, ye Trojans! bid that in the house


s: The voice of wailing for their gallant son;


s: Her husband's coming hail, when home from Troy


s: We sons of Greece, with vict'ry crown'd, return."


s: Thus as he spoke, pale fear possess'd them all,


s: Each looking round to seek escape from death.


s: Who, when th' Earth-shaker turn'd the tide of war,


s: First bore away his foeman's bloody spoils?


s: From Mermerus and Phalces stripp'd their arms;


s: And Prothoon; Menelaus, through the flank


s: Drain'd all his vitals, through the gaping wound


s: His spirit escap'd, and darkness clos'd his eyes.


s: But chiefest slaughter of the Trojans wrought


s: No foot so swift as his, when Jove had fill'd


s: Their souls with fear, to chase the flying foe.


s: Now when the Trojans had recross'd the trench


s: And palisades, and in their headlong flight


s: Many had fall'n by Grecian swords, the rest,


s: Routed, and pale with fear, made head awhile


s: Beside their cars; then Jove on Ida's height


s: Those in confusion, while behind them press'd


s: The Greeks, triumphant, Neptune in their midst:


s: He saw too Hector stretch'd upon the plain,


s: His comrades standing round; senseless he lay,


s: Drawing short breath, blood gushing from his mouth;


s: For by no feeble hand the blow was dealt.


s: Pitying, the Sire of Gods and men beheld,


s: And thus, with sternest glance, to Juno spoke:


s: "This, Juno, is thy work! thy wicked wiles


s: Have Hector quell'd, and Trojans driv'n to flight:


s: Nor know I but thyself mayst reap the fruit,


s: By shameful scourging, of thy vile deceit.


s: I hung thee from on high, and to thy feet


s: Attach'd two pond'rous anvils, and thy hands


s: With golden fetters bound, which none might break?


s: There didst thou hang amid the clouds of Heav'n;


s: Through all Olympus' breadth the Gods were wroth;


s: Yet dar'd not one approach to set thee free.


s: Hurl'd from Heav'n's threshold till to earth he fell,


s: With little left of life. Yet was not quench'd


s: Whom thou, with Boreas, o'er the wat'ry waste


s: With fell intent didst send; and tempest-toss'd,


s: I rescued him from thence, and brought him back,


s: After long toil, to Argos' grassy plains.


s: This to thy mind I bring, that thou mayst learn


s: To cease thy treach'rous wiles, nor hope to gain


s: By all thy lavish'd blandishments of love,


s: Wherewith thou hast deceived me, and betray'd."


s: He said; and terror seiz'd the stag-ey'd Queen;


s: Who thus with winged words address'd her Lord:


s: "By Earth I swear, and yon broad Heav'n above,


s: And Stygian stream beneath, the weightiest oath


s: Of solemn pow'r to bind the blessed Gods;


s: By thine own sacred head, our nuptial bed,


s: Earth-shaking Neptune on the Trojan host,


s: And Hector, pours his wrath, and aids the Greeks;


s: Beside their ships o'erborne; and could my words


s: Prevail, my counsel were to shape his course,


s: O cloud-girt King, obedient to thy will."


s: She said; the Sire of Gods and men, well pleas'd,


s: Her answer heard, and thus with gracious smile:


s: "If, stag-ey'd Queen, in synod of the Gods


s: Thy counsels shall indeed with mine agree,


s: Neptune, how strong soe'er his wish, must change


s: His course, obedient to thy will and mine;


s: Go to th' assembled Gods, and hither send


s: That she may to the Grecian camp repair,


s: And bid that Neptune from the battle-field


s: While Phoebus Hector to the fight restores,


s: The mortal pains which bow his spirit down:


s: Then, heartless fear infusing in the Greeks,


s: Put them to flight, that flying they may fall


s: Beside Achilles' ships; his comrade then,


s: Patroclus, he shall send to battle forth


s: To be by Hector slain, in front of Troy;


s: Yet not to fall till many valiant youths


s: Have felt his prowess; and, amid the rest,


s: My son, Sarpedon; by his comrade's death


s: Thenceforth my counsel is, that from the ships


s: The Trojan force shall still be backward driv'n,


s: Until at length, by Pallas' deep designs,


s: The Greeks possess the lofty walls of Troy.


s: To aid the Greeks, till Peleus' son behold


s: His wish accomplish'd, and the boon obtain'd


s: I promis'd once, and with a nod confirm'd,


s: That day when sea-born Thetis clasp'd my knees,


s: And pray'd me to avenge her warrior son."


s: Thus he; the white-arm'd Queen of Heav'n submiss


s: His mandate heard; and from th' Idaean mount


s: Swift as the mind of man, who many a land


s: Hath travell'd o'er, and with reflective thought


s: Recalls, "here was I such a day, or here,"


s: Olympus' heights she reach'd, and in the house


s: Of Jove appear'd amid th' assembled Gods.


s: They at her coming rose, with golden cups


s: Greeting their Queen's approach; the rest she pass'd,


s: And from the hand of fair-fac'd Themis took


s: The proffer'd cup, who first had run to meet,


s: And thus with winged words address'd the Queen:


s: "Juno, why com'st thou hither? and with looks


s: Of one distraught with, fear? hath Saturn's son,


s: Thy mighty Lord, thus sore affrighted thee?"


s: To whom the white-arm'd Goddess, Juno, thus:


s: "Forbear thy questions, Themis; well thou know'st


s: Thou for the Gods in haste prepare the feast;


s: Then shalt thou learn, amid th' Immortals all,


s: His counsels will approve, or men, or Gods,


s: Though now in blissful ignorance they feast."


s: She said, and sat; the Gods, oppress'd with care,


s: There dwelt indeed a smile, but not a ray


s: Pass'd o'er her dark'ning brow, as thus her wrath


s: Amid th' assembled Gods found vent in words:


s: "Fools are we all, who madly strive with Jove,


s: Or hope, by access to his throne, to sway,


s: By word or deed, his course; from all apart,


s: He all our counsels heeds not, but derides;


s: And boasts o'er all th' immortal Gods to reign


s: Prepare then each his sev'ral woe to bear;


s: On Mars e'en now, methinks, the blow hath fall'n;


s: Since in the fight, the man he loves the best,


s: And boasts his son, Ascalaphus, is slain."


s: She said; and Mars, enrag'd, his brawny thigh


s: Smote with his hands, and thus, lamenting, spoke:


s: "Blame not, ye Gods, who on Olympus dwell,


s: That to the Grecian ships I haste, to avenge


s: My slaughter'd son, though blasted by Heav'n's fire


s: 'Twere mine 'mid corpses, blood, and dust to lie."


s: He said, and gave command to Fear and Flight


s: To yoke his ear; and donn'd his glitt'ring arms.


s: Then from the throne of Jove had heavier wrath


s: And deeper vengeance on th' Immortals fall'n,


s: Quitting in haste the throne whereon she sat,


s: Sprang past the vestibule, and from his head


s: The helmet lifted, from his arm the shield;


s: Took from his sturdy hand, and rear'd upright,


s: The brazen spear; then with reproachful words


s: She thus assail'd th' impetuous God of War;


s: "Frantic, and passion-maddened, thou art lost!


s: Hast thou no ears to hear! or are thy mind


s: And sense of rev'rence utterly destroyed?


s: Or heard'st thou not what white-arm'd Juno spoke,


s: Fresh from the presence of Olympian Jove?


s: Wouldst thou, thine evil destiny fulfill'd,


s: By hard constraint, despite thy grief, be driv'n


s: At once from valiant Trojans and from Greeks


s: His thoughts would be diverted, and his wrath


s: Guilty or not, his anger would be pour'd.


s: Waive then thy vengeance for thy gallant son;


s: Others as brave of heart, as strong of arm,


s: Have fall'n, and yet must fall; and vain th' attempt


s: To watch at once o'er all the race of men."


s: Thus saying, to his seat again she forc'd


s: Th' impetuous Mars: meanwhile, without the house,


s: And thus to both her winged words address'd:


s: "Jove bids you with all speed to Ida haste;


s: And when, arriv'd, before his face ye stand,


s: Whate'er he orders, that observe and do."


s: Thus Juno spoke, and to her throne return'd;


s: While they to spring-abounding Ida's heights,


s: Wild nurse of forest beasts, pursued their way;


s: Th' all-seeing son of Saturn there they found


s: An incense-breathing cloud around him spread.


s: Before the face of cloud-compelling Jove


s: They stood; well-pleas'd he witness'd their approach


s: In swift obedience to his consort's words,


s: And thus to Iris first his speech address'd:


s: "Haste thee, swift Iris, and to Ocean's King


s: My message bear, nor misreporting aught,


s: Nor aught omitting; from the battle-field


s: Bid him retire, and join th' assembled Gods,


s: My hostile coming; mightier far than him,


s: His elder born; nor may his spirit aspire


s: He said; swift-footed Iris, at the word,


s: From Ida's heights to sacred Ilium sped.


s: Swift as the snow-flakes from the clouds descend,


s: Of Boreas, ether-born; so swift to Earth


s: And with these words th' Earth-shaking God address'd:


s: "A message, dark-hair'd Circler of the Earth,


s: To thee I bring from AEgis-bearing Jove.


s: He bids thee straightway from the battle-field


s: Retire, and either join th' assembled Gods,


s: If his commands thou heed not, nor obey,


s: And fight against thee; but he warns thee first,


s: Beware his arm, as mightier far than thee,


s: Thine elder born; nor may thy spirit aspire


s: To rival him, whom all regard with awe."


s: To whom in tow'ring wrath th' Earth-shaking God:


s: "By Heav'n, though great he be, he yet presumes


s: Somewhat too far, if me, his equal born,


s: We were three brethren, all of Rhaea born


s: Who o'er the nether regions holds his sway.


s: Threefold was our partition; each obtain'd


s: The realms of Darkness fell to Pluto's share;


s: Broad Heav'n, amid the sky and clouds, to Jove;


s: To please the will of Jove; though great he be,


s: With his own third contented let him rest:


s: Nor let him think that I, as wholly vile,


s: Shall quail before his arm; his lofty words


s: Were better to his daughters and his sons


s: Address'd, his own begotten; who perforce


s: "Is this, then, dark-hair'd Circler of the Earth,


s: The message, stern and haughty, which to Jove


s: Thou bidd'st me bear? perchance thine angry mood


s: May bend to better counsels; noblest minds


s: Thou know'st th' avenging Furies ever watch."


s: To whom Earth-shaking Neptune thus replied:


s: And in good season spoken; and 'tis well


s: When envoys are by sound discretion led.


s: Yet are my heart and mind with grief oppress'd,


s: When me, his equal both by birth and fate,


s: He seeks with haughty words to overbear.


s: I yield, but with indignant sense of wrong.


s: This too I say, nor shall my threat be vain:


s: 'Gainst Pallas', Juno's, Hermes', Vulcan's will,


s: He spare to overthrow proud Ilium's tow'rs,


s: And crown with victory the Grecian arms,


s: The feud between us never can be heal'd."


s: Th' Earth-shaker said, and from the field withdrew


s: Beneath the ocean wave, the warrior Greeks


s: The Cloud-compeller thus his speech address'd:


s: "Go straight to Hector of the brazen helm,


s: Good Phoebus; for beneath the ocean wave


s: Th' Earth-shaker hath withdrawn, escaping thus


s: My high displeasure; had he dar'd resist,


s: The tumult of our strife had reach'd the Gods


s: Who in the nether realms with Saturn dwell.


s: Yet thus 'tis better, both for me and him,


s: That, though indignant, to my will he yields;


s: Take thou, and wave on high thy tassell'd shield,


s: The Grecian warriors daunting: thou thyself,


s: Far-darting King, thy special care bestow


s: On noble Hector; so restore his strength


s: And vigour, that in panic to their ships,


s: And the broad Hellespont, the Greeks be driv'n.


s: Then will I so by word and deed contrive


s: That they may gain fresh respite from their toil."


s: His Sire's commands; from Ida's heights he flew,


s: Swiftest of birds; then Priam's son he found,


s: The godlike Hector, stretch'd at length no more,


s: But sitting, now to consciousness restor'd,


s: With recognition looking on his friends;


s: The cold sweat dried, nor gasping now for breath,


s: To life new waken'd; close beside him stood


s: The Far-destroyer, and address'd him thus:


s: From all thy comrades art thou sitting here,


s: Feeble and faint? What trouble weighs thee down?"


s: To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm


s: With falt'ring voice: "Who art thou, Prince of Gods,


s: Who thus enquirest of me? know'st thou not


s: How a huge stone, by mighty Ajax hurl'd,


s: I dealt destruction, struck me on the breast,


s: Dash'd to the earth, and all my vigour quell'd?


s: I deem'd in sooth this day my soul, expir'd,


s: Should see the dead, and Pluto's shadowy realm."


s: "Be of good cheer; from Saturn's son I come


s: From Ida's height to be thy guide and guard;


s: Thee and thy city guarding. Rise then straight;


s: Summon thy num'rous horsemen; bid them drive


s: Their flying cars to assail the Grecian ships:


s: Make plain and smooth, and daunt the warrior Greeks."


s: His words fresh vigour in the chief infus'd.


s: As some proud steed, at well-fill'd manger fed,


s: His halter broken, neighing, scours the plain,


s: To bathe his sides; then tossing high his head,


s: While o'er his shoulders streams his ample mane,


s: Light-borne on active limbs, in conscious pride,


s: To the wide pastures of the mares he flies;


s: So vig'rous, Hector plied his active limbs,


s: His horsemen summoning at Heav'n's command.


s: Have chas'd an antler'd stag, or mountain goat,


s: That 'mid the crags and thick o'ershadowing wood


s: Hath refuge found, and baffled their pursuit:


s: With bristling mane, before them, back they turn,


s: Check'd in their mid career; ev'n so the Greeks,


s: Who late in eager throngs were pressing on,


s: Thrusting with swords and double-pointed spears,


s: When Hector moving through the ranks they saw,


s: Recoil'd, and to their feet their courage fell.


s: To whom thus Thoas spoke, Andraemon's son,


s: AEtolia's bravest warrior, skill'd to throw


s: The jav'lin, dauntless in the stubborn fight;


s: By few surpass'd in speech, when in debate


s: In full assembly Grecian youths contend.


s: He thus with prudent speech began, and said:


s: "Great is the marvel which our eyes behold,


s: Escap'd the death we hop'd him to have met


s: Some God hath been his guard, and Hector sav'd,


s: Whose arm hath slack'd the knees of many a Greek:


s: Of Jove, the Lord of thunder, doth he stand


s: So boldly forth, so eager for the fight.


s: Hear, then, and all by my advice be rul'd:


s: Back to the ships dismiss the gen'ral crowd;


s: Stand fast, and meeting him with levell'd spears,


s: Hold him in check; and he, though brave, may fear


s: To throw himself amid our serried ranks."


s: He said: they heard, and all obey'd his words:


s: And Meges, bold as Mars, with all their best,


s: Their stedfast battle rang'd, to wait th' assault


s: Of Hector and his Trojans; while behind,


s: Th' unwarlike many to the ships retir'd.


s: With haughty stride; before him Phoebus went,


s: His shoulders veil'd in cloud; his arm sustain'd


s: With shaggy tassels round and dazzling bright;


s: Which Vulcan, skilful workman, gave to Jove,


s: To scatter terror 'mid the souls of men.


s: This on his arm, the Trojan troops he led.


s: Firm stood the mass of Greeks; from either side


s: Shrill clamours rose; and fast from many a string


s: The arrows flew, and many a jav'lin, hurl'd


s: By vig'rous arms; some buried in the flesh


s: Of stalwart youths, and many, ere they reach'd


s: Their living mark, fell midway on the plain,


s: Fix'd in the ground, in vain athirst for blood.


s: While Phoebus motionless his AEgis held,


s: Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell


s: On either side; but when he turn'd its flash


s: Full in the faces of the astonish'd Greeks,


s: And shouted loud, their spirits within them quail'd,


s: Their fiery courage borne in mind no more.


s: As when two beasts of prey, at dead of night.


s: Their keepers absent; so unnerv'd by fear


s: The Greeks dispers'd; such panic 'mid their ranks,


s: That vict'ry so might crown the Trojan arms,


s: Each Trojan slew his man; by Hector's hand


s: The leader of Boeotia's brass-clad host,


s: The other, brave Menestheus' trusted friend.


s: Far from his native home, was driv'n to dwell;


s: His sire Oileus' wife, his hand had slain:


s: And Iasus, th' Athenian chief, was deem'd


s: Shot from behind, beneath the shoulder struck


s: Deiocus, and through his chest was driv'n:


s: These while the Trojans of their arms despoil'd,


s: Through ditch and palisades promiscuous dash'd


s: The flying Greeks, and gain'd, hard-press'd, the wall;


s: While loudly Hector to the Trojans call'd


s: To assail the ships, and leave the bloody spoils:


s: "Whom I elsewhere, and from the ships aloof


s: Shall find, my hand shall doom him on the spot;


s: For him no fun'ral pyre his kin shall light,


s: Our city's dogs his mangled flesh shall tear."


s: He said; and on his horses' shoulder point


s: Let fall the lash, and loudly through the ranks


s: Call'd on the Trojans; they, with answ'ring shout


s: And noise unspeakable, urg'd on with him


s: Their harness'd steeds; Apollo, in the van,


s: Trod down with ease th' embankment of the ditch,


s: And fill'd it in; and o'er it bridg'd a way


s: Level and wide, far as a jav'lin's flight


s: Hurl'd by an arm that proves its utmost strength.


s: O'er this their columns pass'd; Apollo bore