s: The Thracian warriors, with, their tufted crowns,


s: Their long spears held before them, him, though stout,


s: And strong, and valiant, kept at bay; perforce


s: He yielded; and thus side by side were laid


s: The two, the Thracian and th' Epeian chief;


s: And round them many a valiant soldier lay.


s: Well might the deeds achieved that day deserve


s: His praise, who through that bloody field might pass


s: By sword or spear unwounded, by the hand


s: Of Pallas guarded from the weapon's flight;


s: For many a Trojan, many a Greek, that day


s: Prone in the dust, and side by side, were laid.


s: Such strength, and courage then to Diomed,


s: The son of Tydeus, Pallas gave, as rais'd,


s: 'Mid all the Greeks, the glory of his name.


s: Forth from his helm arid shield a fiery light


s: There flash'd, like autumn's star, that brightest shines


s: So from the warrior's head and shoulders flash'd


s: That fiery light, as to the midst he urg'd


s: His furious course, where densest masses fought.


s: There was one Dares 'mid the Trojan host,


s: The priest of Vulcan, rich, of blameless life;


s: And Phegeus, skill'd in all the points of war.


s: These, parted from the throng, the warrior met;


s: They on their car, while he on foot advanc'd.


s: When near they came, first Phegeus threw his spear;


s: O'er the left shoulder of Tydides pass'd


s: The erring weapon's point, and miss'd its mark.


s: His pond'rous spear in turn Tydides threw,


s: And not in vain; on Phegeus' breast it struck,


s: Full in the midst, and hurl'd him from the car.


s: Idaeus from the well-wrought chariot sprang,


s: And fled, nor durst his brother's corpse defend.


s: Nor had he so escap'd the doom of death,


s: But Vulcan bore him safely from the field,


s: In darkness shrouded, that his aged sire


s: Might not be wholly of his sons bereav'd.


s: And bade them to the ships the horses drive.


s: Now when the Trojans Dares' sons beheld,


s: The one in flight, the other stretch'd in death,


s: Their spirits within them quail'd; but Pallas took


s: The hand of Mars, and thus address'd the God:


s: "Mars, Mars, thou bane of mortals, blood-stain'd Lord,


s: The Greeks and Trojans to contend, and see


s: To which the sire of all will vict'ry give;


s: While we retire, and shun the wrath of Jove?"


s: Thus saying, from the battle Mars she led,


s: And plac'd him on Scamander's steepy banks.


s: The Greeks drove back the Trojan host; the chiefs


s: The mighty monarch, from his chariot hurl'd


s: Him, as he turn'd, between the shoulder-blades


s: The jav'lin struck, and through his chest was driv'n;


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


s: On Phaestus, Borus' son, Maeonian chief,


s: Who from the fertile plains of Tarna came,


s: Through his right shoulder drove the pointed spear;


s: He fell; the shades of death his eyes o'erspread,


s: And of his arms the followers stripp'd his corpse.


s: Scamandrius, son of Strophius, sportsman keen,


s: In woodcraft skilful; for his practis'd hand


s: Each beast of chase the mountain forest holds.


s: But nought avail'd him then the Archer-Queen


s: Of distant aim; for as he fled, the lance


s: Behind his neck, between the shoulder-blades,


s: His flight arresting, through his chest was driv'n.


s: Headlong he fell, and loud his armour rang.


s: Knew well to fashion many a work of art;


s: And to himself, who knew not Heav'n's decrees.


s: Him, in his headlong flight, in hot pursuit


s: Through his right flank; beneath the bone was driv'n


s: The spear, and pierc'd him through: prone on his knees,


s: Groaning, he fell, and death his eyelids clos'd.


s: With tender care, and nurtur'd as her son,


s: With her own children, for her husband's sake.


s: Him, Phyleus' warrior son, approaching near,


s: Thrust through the junction of the head and neck;


s: Crash'd through his teeth the spear beneath the tongue;


s: Prone in the dust he gnash'd the brazen point.


s: Smote with the sword; and from the shoulder-point


s: The brawny arm he sever'd; to the ground


s: Down fell the gory hand; the darkling shades


s: Of death, and rig'rous doom, his eyelids clos'd.


s: Thus labour'd they amid the stubborn fight;


s: His arm belong'd, or whether with the hosts


s: Of Troy or Greece he mingled in the fight:


s: Hither and thither o'er the plain he rush'd,


s: Like to a wintry stream, that brimming o'er


s: Breaks down its barriers in its rapid course;


s: Nor well-built bridge can stem the flood, nor fence


s: guards the fertile fields, as down it pours


s: Its sudden torrent, swoll'n with rain from Heav'n,


s: So back were borne before Tydides' might


s: The serried ranks of Troy, nor dar'd await,


s: Despite their numbers, his impetuous charge.


s: Careering o'er the plain, the serried ranks


s: Driving before him, quick at Tydeus' son


s: He bent his bow; and onward as he rush'd,


s: On the right shoulder, near the breastplate's joint,


s: The stinging arrow struck; right through it pass'd,


s: And held its way, that blood the breastplate stain'd.


s: "Arouse ye, valiant Trojans, ye who goad


s: Your flying steeds; the bravest of the Greeks


s: Is wounded, nor, I deem, can long withstand


s: By Phoebus' counsel sent I join'd the war."


s: Thus he, vain-glorious; but not so was quell'd


s: The godlike chief; back he withdrew, and stood


s: The son of Capaneus, his speech address'd:


s: From off the car, and from my shoulder draw


s: This stinging arrow forth." He said, and down


s: Leap'd from the chariot Sthenelus, and stood


s: Beside him; and as forth he drew the shaft,


s: Gush'd out the blood, and dyed the twisted mail.


s: Then thus the valiant son of Tydeus pray'd:


s: "Hear me, thou child of aegis-bearing Jove,


s: Thy friendly aid my father e'er sustain'd,


s: Let me in turn thy favour find; and grant


s: Hath wounded me, and vainly boasting deems


s: I shall not long behold the light of day."


s: Thus pray'd the chief, and Pallas heard his pray'r;


s: To all his limbs, to feet and hands alike,


s: She gave fresh vigour; and with winged words,


s: Beside him as she stood, address'd him thus:


s: The Trojan hosts; for I within thy breast


s: Thy father's dauntless courage have infus'd,


s: Bold horseman, buckler-clad; and from thine eyes


s: The film that dimm'd them I have purg'd away,


s: That thou mayst well 'twixt Gods and men discern.


s: If then some God make trial of thy force,


s: With other of th' Immortals fight thou not;


s: But should Jove's daughter Venus dare the fray


s: Thou needst not shun at her to cast thy spear."


s: This said, the blue-ey'd Goddess disappear'd.


s: His spirit against the Trojans burn'd to fight,


s: With threefold fury now he sought the fray.


s: The sheepfold; him the guardian of the flock


s: The fold he enters, scares the trembling sheep,


s: That, closely huddled, each on other press,


s: Then pounces on his prey, and leaps the fence:


s: His people's guardian; through the breast of one


s: He drove his spear, and with his mighty sword


s: The shoulder sev'ring from the neck and back.


s: Whose visions stay'd them not; but both were doom'd


s: The sons of Phaenops, children of his age:


s: He, worn with years, no other sons begot,


s: Heirs of his wealth; they two together fell,


s: And to their father left a load of grief,


s: That from the battle they return'd not home,


s: And distant kindred all his substance shar'd.


s: And breaks the neck of heifer or of steer,


s: Feeding in woodland glade; with such a spring


s: These two, in vain resisting, from their car


s: Tydides hurl'd; then stripp'd their arms, and bade


s: His followers lead their horses to the ships.


s: Dealing destruction, through the fight and throng


s: Of spears he plung'd, if haply he might find


s: He found, of noble birth and stalwart form,


s: And stood before him, and address'd him thus:


s: "Where, Pandarus, are now thy winged shafts,


s: Thy bow, and well-known skill, wherein with thee


s: Can no man here contend? nor Lycia boasts,


s: Through all her wide-spread plains, a truer aim;


s: Then raise to Jove thy hands, and with thy shaft


s: Strike down this chief, whoe'er he be, that thus


s: Relaxing many a warrior's limbs in death:


s: Against the Trojans for neglected rites;


s: Most like in all respects to Tydeus' son


s: He seems; his shield I know, and visor'd helm,


s: The man I think him, Tydeus' valiant son,


s: He fights not thus without the aid of Heav'n;


s: But by his side, his shoulders veiled in cloud,


s: Some God attends his steps, and turns away


s: The shaft that just hath reach'd him; for ev'n now


s: A shaft I shot, which by the breastplate's joint


s: Pierc'd his right shoulder through: full sure I deem'd


s: That shaft had sent him to the shades, and yet


s: It slew him not; 'tis sure some angry God.


s: Nor horse have I, nor car on which to mount;


s: Elev'n fair chariots stand, all newly built,


s: Each with its cover; by the side of each


s: Two steeds on rye and barley white are fed;


s: And in his well-built house, when here I came,


s: With horses and with chariots high upborne,


s: To lead the Trojans in the stubborn fight;


s: I hearken'd not--'twere better if I had--


s: Yet fear'd I lest my horses, wont to feed


s: In plenty unstinted, by the soldiers' wants


s: Might of their custom'd forage be depriv'd;


s: I left them there, and hither came on foot,


s: And trusting to my bow: vain trust, it seems;


s: Two chiefs already have I struck, the sons


s: Drawn blood from both, yet but increas'd their rage.


s: Sad was the hour when down from where it hung


s: Of godlike Hector, hither led my troops;


s: Then may a stranger's sword cut off my head,


s: If with these hands I shatter not, and burn,


s: The bow that thus hath fail'd me at my need."


s: Him answer'd thus AEneas, chief of Troy:


s: "Speak thou not thus; our fortunes shall not change


s: Till thou and I, with chariot and with horse,


s: This chief encounter, and his prowess prove;


s: Then mount my car, and see how swift my steeds.


s: Hither and thither, in pursuit or flight,


s: From those of Tros descended, scour the plain.


s: The son of Tydeus, should by Jove be giv'n,


s: We yet may safely reach the walls of Troy.


s: Take thou the whip and reins, while I descend


s: To fight on foot; or thou the chief engage,


s: And leave to me the conduct of the car."


s: Take thou the charge; beneath th' accustomed hand,


s: With more assurance would they draw the car,


s: If we from Tydeus' son be forced to fly;


s: Nor, struck with panic, and thy voice unheard,


s: Refuse to bear us from the battle-field;


s: So should ourselves be slain, and Tydeus' son


s: In triumph drive thy horses to the ships.


s: But thou thy horses and thy chariot guide,


s: While I his onset with my lance receive."


s: Thus saying, on the car they mounted both,


s: And tow'rd Tydides urg'd their eager steeds.


s: Who from immortal Venus boasts his birth.


s: Lest, moving thus amid the foremost ranks,


s: Thy daring pay the forfeit of thy life."


s: "Talk not to me of flight! I heed thee not!


s: With skulking artifice and faint retreat;


s: My strength is yet unbroken; I should shame


s: To meet these chiefs' encounter; for my soul


s: Pallas forbids the touch of fear to know.


s: Nor shall their horses' speed procure for both


s: A safe return, though one escape my arm.


s: This too I say, and bear my words in mind;


s: To slay them both, leave thou my horses here,


s: The reins attaching to the chariot-rail,


s: And seize, and from the Trojans to the ships


s: From those descended, which all-seeing Jove


s: On Tros, for Ganymede his son, bestow'd:


s: With these may none beneath the sun compare.


s: Anchises, King of men, the breed obtain'd


s: Six colts were thus engender'd: four of these


s: In his own stalls he rear'd; the other two


s: These could we win, our praise were great indeed."


s: Such converse while they held, the twain approach'd,


s: Their horses urg'd to speed; then thus began,


s: "Great son of Tydeus, warrior brave and skill'd,


s: My shaft, it seems, has fail'd to reach thy life;


s: Try we then now what hap attends my spear."


s: He said; and, poising, hurl'd his pond'rous spear,


s: And struck Tydides' shield; right through the shield


s: Drove the keen weapon, and the breastplate reach'd.


s: "Thou hast it through the flank, nor canst thou long


s: Survive the blow; great glory now is mine."


s: "Thine aim hath failed, I am not touch'd; and now


s: Glut with his blood th' insatiate Lord of War."


s: He said: the spear, by Pallas guided, struck


s: Crash'd thro' the teeth, and cutting thro' the tongue


s: Beneath the angle of the jaw came forth:


s: Down from the car he fell; and loudly rang


s: His glitt'ring arms: aside the startled steeds


s: Sprang devious: from his limbs the spirit fled.


s: Down leap'd AEneas, spear and shield in hand,


s: Against the Greeks to guard the valiant dead;


s: And like a lion, fearless in his strength,


s: Around the corpse he stalk'd, this way and that,


s: His spear and buckler round before him held,


s: To all who dar'd approach him threat'ning death,


s: With fearful shouts; a rocky fragment then


s: Which scarce two men could raise, as men are now:


s: With this he smote AEneas near the groin,


s: Where the thigh-bone, inserted in the hip,


s: Turns in the socket-joint; the rugged mass


s: The socket crush'd, and both the tendons broke,


s: And tore away the flesh: down on his knees,


s: And o'er his eyes the shades of darkness spread.


s: Then had AEneas, King of men, been slain,


s: Had not his mother, Venus, child of Jove,


s: Who to Anchises, where he fed his flocks,


s: Around her son she threw her snowy arms,


s: And with a veil, thick-folded, wrapt him round,


s: From hostile spears to guard him, lest some Greek


s: Should pierce his breast, and rob him of his life.


s: She from the battle thus her son removed;


s: His reins attaching to the chariot-rail,


s: Far from the battle-din he check'd, and left,


s: His own fleet steeds; then rushing forward, seiz'd,


s: And from the Trojans tow'rd the camp drove off,


s: The sleek-skinn'd horses of AEneas' car.


s: He gave, of all his comrades best esteem'd,


s: Of soundest judgment, tow'rd the ships to drive.


s: Then, his own car remounting, seiz'd the reins,


s: And urg'd with eager haste his fiery steeds,


s: Seeking Tydides; he, meanwhile, press'd on


s: That like Bellona fierce, or Pallas, range


s: Exulting through the blood-stain'd fields of war.


s: Her, searching thro' the crowd, at length he found,


s: And springing forward, with his pointed spear


s: Piercing th' ambrosial veil, the Graces' work,


s: The sharp spear graz'd her palm below the wrist.


s: Forth from the wound th' immortal current flow'd,


s: Pure ichor, life-stream of the blessed Gods;


s: They eat no bread, they drink no ruddy wine,


s: And bloodless thence and deathless they become.


s: The Goddess shriek'd aloud, and dropp'd her son;


s: In a thick cloud envelop'd, lest some Greek


s: Might pierce his breast, and rob him of his life.


s: Loud shouted brave Tydides, as she fled:


s: "Daughter of Jove, from battle-fields retire;


s: If war thou seek'st, the lesson thou shalt learn


s: Shall cause thee shudder but to hear it nam'd."


s: Thus he; but ill at ease, and sorely pain'd,


s: The Goddess fled: her, Iris, swift as wind,


s: Caught up, and from the tumult bore away,


s: Weeping with pain, her fair skin soil'd with blood.


s: Mars on the left hand of the battle-field


s: She found, his spear reclining by his side,


s: And, veil'd in cloud, his car and flying steeds.


s: Kneeling, her brother she besought to lend


s: The flying steeds, with golden frontlets crown'd:


s: "Dear brother, aid me hence, and lend thy car


s: Who now would dare with Jove himself to fight."


s: He lent the steeds, with golden frontlets crown'd;


s: In deep distress she mounted on the car:


s: Beside her Iris stood, and took the reins,


s: And urg'd the coursers; nothing loth they flew,


s: They came: swift Iris there the coursers stay'd,


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


s: Embrac'd, and sooth'd her with her hand, and said:


s: "Which of the heav'nly pow'rs hath wrong'd thee thus,


s: My child, as guilty of some open shame?"


s: Whom answer'd thus the laughter-loving Queen;


s: Hath wounded me, because my dearest son,


s: No more 'twixt Greeks and Trojans is the fight,


s: But with the Gods themselves the Greeks contend."


s: "Have patience, dearest child; though much enforc'd,


s: Restrain thine anger: we, in Heav'n who dwell,


s: Have much to bear from mortals; and ourselves


s: Mars had his suff'rings; by Aloeus' sons,


s: He thirteen months in brazen fetters lay:


s: And there had pin'd away the God of War,


s: Insatiate Mars, had not their step-mother,


s: Of Hermes; he by stealth releas'd the God,


s: Sore worn and wasted by his galling chains.


s: Juno too suffer'd, when Amphitryon's son


s: Through her right breast a three-barb'd arrow sent:


s: Dire, and unheard of, were the pangs she bore.


s: Great Pluto's self the stinging arrow felt,


s: When that same son of aegis-bearing Jove


s: And wrought him keenest anguish; pierc'd with pain


s: Groaning, he came; the bitter shaft remain'd


s: Deep in his shoulder fix'd, and griev'd his soul.


s: But soon with soothing ointments Paeon's hand


s: (For death on him was powerless) heal'd the wound.


s: Reckless of evil deeds, who with his bow


s: Assail'd the Gods, who on Olympus dwell.


s: The blue-ey'd Pallas, well I know, has urg'd


s: Who fights against the Gods! for him no child


s: Upon his knees shall lisp a father's name,


s: Safe from the war and battle-field return'd.


s: He meet not some more dangerous foe than thee.


s: Shall long, with lamentations loud, disturb


s: The slumbers of her house, and vainly mourn


s: Her youthful Lord, the bravest of the Greeks."


s: She said; and wip'd the ichor from, the wound;


s: he hand was heal'd, the grievous pains allay'd.


s: With words of bitter mock'ry Saturn's son


s: Provok'd: and thus the blue-ey'd Goddess spoke:


s: Venus, it seems, has sought to lead astray


s: Some Grecian woman, and persuade to join


s: Those Trojans, whom she holds in high esteem;


s: And, as her hand the gentle dame caress'd,


s: A golden clasp has scratched her slender arm."


s: Thus she: and smil'd the Sire of Gods and men;


s: And, "Not to thee, my child," he said, "belong


s: The deeds of war; do thou bestow thy care


s: On deeds of love, and tender marriage ties;


s: But leave to Mars and Pallas feats of arms."


s: Such converse while they held, brave Diomed


s: Apollo's guardian hand around him thrown;


s: Thrice was his onset made, with murd'rous aim;


s: And thrice Apollo struck his glitt'ring shield;


s: But when, with godlike force, he sought to make


s: His fourth attempt, the Far-destroyer spoke


s: Esteem thyself; since not alike the race


s: Of Gods immortal and of earth-born men."


s: Before the Far-destroyer's wrath retir'd:


s: Where stood his sacred shrine, bestow'd him safe.


s: Gave to his wounds their care, and sooth'd his pride.


s: A phantom form prepar'd, the counterpart


s: Around the form, of Trojans and of Greeks,


s: Loud was the din of battle; fierce the strokes


s: That fell on rounded shield of tough bull's-hide,


s: And lighter targe, before each warrior's breast.


s: "Mars! Mars! thou bane of mortals, blood-stain'd Lord,


s: Withdraw this chief, Tydides? such his pride,


s: He now would dare with Jove himself to fight.


s: Venus, of late, he wounded in the wrist;


s: And, like a God, but now confronted me."


s: He said, and sat on Ilium's topmost height:


s: While Mars, in likeness of the Thracian chief,


s: Mov'd to and fro, and urg'd them to the fight.


s: To Priam's Heav'n-descended sons he call'd;


s: "Ye sons of Priam, Heav'n-descended King,


s: How long will ye behold your people slain?


s: Till to your very doors the war be brought?


s: In like esteem with Hector held, is down;


s: On to his aid! our gallant comrade save!"


s: He said; his words fresh courage gave to all:


s: Then thus Sarpedon, in reproachful tone,


s: Address'd the godlike Hector; "Where is now,


s: Hector, the spirit that heretofore was thine?


s: 'Twas once thy boast that ev'n without allies


s: Thyself, thy brethren, and thy house, alone


s: I look in vain, and see not one; they all,


s: As curs around a lion, cow'r and crouch:


s: We, strangers and allies, maintain the fight.


s: From Lycia came, by Xanthus' eddying stream;


s: There left a cherish'd wife, and infant son,


s: And rich possessions, which might envy move;


s: Have play'd my part, though nought have I to lose,


s: Nought that the Greeks could drive or bear away;


s: But thou stand'st idly by; nor bidd'st the rest


s: Maintain their ground, and guard their wives and homes.


s: Of some wide-sweeping net, become the prey


s: And booty of your foes, who soon shall lay


s: Your prosp'rous city level with the dust.


s: By day and night should this thy thoughts engage,


s: With constant pray'r to all thy brave allies,


s: Firmly to stand, and wipe this shame away."


s: He said; and Hector felt the biting speech;


s: Down from his car he leap'd; and through the ranks,


s: Two jav'lins brandishing, he pass'd, to arms


s: Exciting all, and rais'd his battle-cry.


s: The tide was turn'd; again they fac'd the Greeks:


s: In serried ranks the Greeks, undaunted, stood.


s: As when the wind from off a threshing-floor,


s: Where men are winnowing, blows the chaff away;


s: When yellow Ceres with the breeze divides


s: The corn and chaff, which lies in whit'ning heaps;


s: So thick the Greeks were whiten'd o'er with dust,


s: Which to the brazen vault of Heav'n arose


s: Beneath the horses' feet, that with the crowd


s: Were mingled, by their drivers turn'd to flight.


s: Unwearied still, they bore the brunt; but Mars


s: The Trojans succouring, the battle-field


s: Veil'd in thick clouds, from ev'ry quarter brought.


s: Obey'd th' injunction, bidding him arouse


s: Pallas approaching to support the Greeks.


s: Then from the wealthy shrine Apollo's self


s: AEneas brought, and vigour fresh infus'd:


s: They joy'd to see him yet alive, and sound,


s: And full of vigour; yet no question ask'd:


s: No time for question then, amid the toils


s: And blood-stain'd Mars, and Discord unappeas'd.


s: The Grecian force inspir'd; they undismay'd


s: Shrank not before the Trojans' rush and charge;


s: In masses firm they stood, as when the clouds


s: Are gather'd round the misty mountain top


s: By Saturn's son, in breathless calm, while sleep


s: The force of Boreas and the stormy winds,


s: That with their breath the shadowy clouds disperse;


s: So stood the Greeks, nor shunn'd the Trojans' charge.


s: And cried, "Brave comrades, quit ye now like men;


s: Bear a stout heart; and in the stubborn fight,


s: By mutual succour more are sav'd than fall;


s: In timid flight nor fame nor safety lies."


s: Thus he: and straight his jav'lin threw, and struck


s: His shield the monarch Agamemnon struck;


s: The shield's defence was vain; the spear pass'd through


s: Beneath the belt, and in his groin was lodg'd;


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


s: On th' other side, AEneas slew two chiefs,


s: In thriving Phera; rich in substance he,


s: And from the mighty River Alpheus trac'd


s: His high descent, who through the Pylian land


s: His copious waters pours; to him was born


s: Orsilochus, of num'rous tribes the chief;


s: And Crethon, skill'd in ev'ry point of war.


s: They, in the vigour of their youth, to Troy


s: Had sail'd amid the dark-ribb'd ships of Greece,


s: But o'er them both the shades of death were spread.


s: Nurs'd in the mountain forest's deep recess,


s: On flocks and herds their youthful fury pour,


s: With havoc to the sheepfolds, till themselves


s: Succumb, o'ermaster'd by the hand of man:


s: And like two lofty pines in death they lay.


s: With pitying eye; and through the foremost ranks


s: With brandish'd spear advanc'd, by Mars impell'd,


s: Who hop'd his death by great AEneas' hand.


s: And hasten'd to his aid; for much he fear'd


s: Lest ill befall the monarch, and his death


s: Deprive them of their warlike labours' fruit.


s: They two, with force combined of hand and spear,


s: His station keeping close beside the King.


s: Bold warrior as he was, to hold his ground.


s: The slain they drew within the Grecian lines,


s: Placed in their comrades' hands, and turning back


s: Then, brave as Mars, Pylaemenes they slew,


s: The buckler'd Paphlagonians' warlike chief;


s: Pierc'd with a spear-thrust through the collar-bone;


s: While, with a pond'rous stone, Antilochus


s: His fiery steeds to flight; down from his hands


s: Fell to the ground the iv'ry-mounted reins.


s: On rush'd Antilochus, and with his sword


s: Across the temples smote him; gasping, he


s: Upon his neck and shoulders from the car


s: Pitch'd headlong; and (for there the sand was deep)


s: Awhile stood balanc'd, till the horses' feet


s: The horses seizing, drove them to the ships.


s: Hector beheld athwart the ranks, and rush'd,


s: Loud shouting, to th' encounter; at his back


s: Follow'd the thronging bands of Troy, by Mars


s: Wild Uproar held; while Mars a giant spear


s: Brandish'd aloft: and stalking now before,


s: Now following after Hector, urg'd them on.


s: Quail'd at the sight the valiant Diomed:


s: As when a man, long journeying o'er the plain,


s: All unprepar'd, stands sudden on the brink


s: Of a swift stream, down rushing to the sea,


s: Boiling with foam, and back recoils; so then


s: Recoil'd Tydides, and address'd the crowd:


s: "O friends, we marvel at the might display'd


s: By Hector, spearman skill'd and warrior bold;


s: But still some guardian God his steps attends,


s: And shields from danger; now beside him stands,


s: Then turning still your faces to your foes,


s: Retire, nor venture with the Gods to fight."


s: He said; the Trojans now were close at hand,


s: Well skill'd in war, by Hector's hand were slain.


s: Beheld their fall; advancing close, he threw


s: His glitt'ring spear; the son of Selagus


s: It struck, Amphius, who in Paesus dwelt,


s: In land and substance rich; by evil fate


s: Impell'd, to Priam's house he brought his aid.


s: Below the belt the spear of Ajax struck,


s: And in his groin the point was buried deep;


s: Thund'ring he fell; then forward Ajax sprang


s: To seize the spoils of war; but fast and fierce


s: The Trojans show'r'd their weapons bright and keen,


s: And many a lance the mighty shield receiv'd.


s: Ajax, his foot firm planted on the slain,


s: Withdrew the brazen spear; yet could not strip


s: His armour off, so galling flew the shafts;


s: And much he fear'd his foes might hem him in,


s: Who closely press'd upon him, many and brave;


s: And, valiant as he was, and tall, and strong,


s: Still drove him backward; he perforce retired.


s: Thus labour'd they amid the stubborn fight.


s: Valiant and strong, the son of Hercules,


s: Heav'n-born Sarpedon to confront in fight.


s: When near they came, of cloud-compelling Jove


s: "Sarpedon, Lycian chief, what brings thee here,


s: Trembling and crouching, all unskill'd in war?


s: Falsely they speak who fable thee the son


s: Beneath their mark who claim'd in elder days


s: With but six ships, and with a scanty band,


s: And made her streets a desert; but thy soul


s: Is poor, thy troops are wasting fast away;


s: Nor deem I that the Trojans will in thee


s: (Ev'n were thy valour more) and Lycia's aid


s: Their safeguard find; but vanquish'd by my hand,


s: This day the gates of Hades thou shalt pass."


s: To whom the Lycian chief, Sarpedon, thus:


s: Thy sire o'erthrew, by folly of one man,


s: The promis'd steeds, for which he came from far.


s: For thee, I deem thou now shalt meet thy doom


s: Here, at my hand; on thee my spear shall win


s: Uprais'd his ashen spear; from both their hands


s: The pond'rous weapons simultaneous flew.


s: Sarpedon's spear; right through the neck it pass'd,


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


s: On th' other side his spear Sarpedon struck


s: On the left thigh; the eager weapon pass'd


s: Right through the flesh, and in the bone was fix'd;


s: The stroke of death his father turn'd aside.


s: Sarpedon from the field his comrades bore,


s: Weigh'd down and tortured by the trailing spear,


s: For, in their haste to bear him to his car,


s: Not one bethought him from his thigh to draw


s: The weapon forth; so sorely were they press'd.


s: The Greeks too from the battle-field convey'd


s: Patient of spirit, but deeply mov'd at heart;


s: And with conflicting thoughts his breast was torn,


s: If first he should pursue the Thund'rer's son,


s: But fate had not decreed the valiant son


s: So on the Lycians Pallas turn'd his wrath.


s: Through the front ranks he rush'd, with burnish'd crest


s: Resplendent, flashing terror on the Greeks;


s: With joy Sarpedon saw his near approach,


s: And with imploring tones address'd him thus:


s: "Hector, thou son of Priam, leave me not


s: A victim to the Greeks, but lend thine aid:


s: My native land; or, safe returning home,


s: To glad my sorrowing wife and infant child."


s: Thus he; but Hector, answ'ring not a word,


s: The Greeks, and pour destruction on their host.


s: His faithful comrades laid Sarpedon down,


s: His lov'd companion, drew the ashen spear.


s: He swoon'd, and giddy mists o'erspread his eyes:


s: But soon reviv'd, as on his forehead blew,


s: While yet he gasp'd for breath, the cooling breeze.


s: The Greeks hard-press'd, yet fled not to their ships,


s: Nor yet sustain'd the fight; but back retir'd


s: Soon as they learned the presence of the God.


s: Say then who first, who last, the prowess felt


s: Of Hector, Priam's son, and mail-clad Mars?


s: The godlike Teuthras first, Orestes next,


s: Bold charioteer; th' AEtolian spearman skill'd,


s: With sparkling girdle; he in Hyla dwelt,


s: The careful Lord of boundless wealth, beside


s: Cephisus' marshy banks; Boeotia's chiefs


s: Around him dwelt, on fat and fertile soil.


s: Juno, the white-arm'd Queen, who saw these two


s: The Greeks destroying in the stubborn fight,


s: To Pallas thus her winged words address'd:


s: "O Heav'n! brave child of aegis-bearing Jove,


s: That he the well-built walls of Troy should raze,


s: And safe return, if unrestrain'd we leave


s: Come then; let us too mingle in the fray."


s: She said: and Pallas, blue-ey'd Maid, complied.


s: Offspring of Saturn, Juno, heav'nly Queen,


s: Herself th' immortal steeds caparison'd,


s: Adorn'd with golden frontlets: to the car


s: Hebe the circling wheels of brass attach'd,


s: Eight-spok'd, that on an iron axle turn'd;


s: The felloes were of gold, and fitted round


s: The naves were silver, rounded every way:


s: The chariot-board on gold and silver bands


s: Was hung, and round it ran a double rail:


s: A golden yoke, with golden yoke-bands fair:


s: Beneath the yoke the flying coursers led.


s: Pallas, the child of aegis-bearing Jove,


s: Within her father's threshold dropp'd her veil,


s: The cuirass donn'd of cloud-compelling Jove,


s: And stood accoutred for the bloody fray.


s: Her tassell'd aegis round her shoulders next


s: She threw, with Terror circled all around;


s: And on its face were figur'd deeds of arms,


s: And Strife, and Courage high, and panic Rout;


s: There too a Gorgon's head, of monstrous size,


s: Frown'd terrible, portent of angry Jove:


s: And on her head a golden helm she plac'd,


s: Four-crested, double-peak'd, whose ample verge


s: A hundred cities' champions might suffice:


s: A spear she bore, long, weighty, tough; wherewith


s: Sweeps down the ranks of those her hate pursues.


s: Then Juno sharply touch'd the flying steeds:


s: Forthwith spontaneous opening, grated harsh


s: The heavenly portals, guarded by the Hours,


s: Who Heav'n and high Olympus have in charge


s: To roll aside, or draw the veil of cloud.


s: Through these th' excited horses held their way.


s: They found the son of Saturn, from the Gods


s: The white-arm'd Goddess Juno stay'd her steeds,


s: And thus address'd the Sov'reign Lord of Heav'n:


s: "O Father Jove! canst thou behold unmov'd


s: Reckless and uncontroll'd, he hath destroy'd;


s: To me a source of bitter grief; meanwhile


s: Look on, well pleas'd, who sent this madman forth,


s: To whom both law and justice are unknown.


s: Say, Father Jove, shall I thine anger move,


s: If with disgrace I drive him from the field?"


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied:


s: "Go, send against him Pallas; she, I know,


s: Hath oft inflicted on him grievous pain.".


s: He said: the white-arm'd Queen with joy obey'd;


s: She urg'd her horses; nothing loth, they flew


s: Midway between the earth, and starry Heav'n:


s: Far as his sight extends, who from on high


s: Looks from his watch-tow'r o'er the dark-blue sea,


s: So far at once the neighing horses bound.


s: But when to Troy they came, beside the streams


s: Where Simois' and Scamander's waters meet,


s: The white-arm'd Goddess stay'd her flying steeds,


s: Loos'd from the car, and veil'd in densest cloud.


s: Swift as the wild wood-pigeon's rapid flight,


s: Sped to the battle-field to aid the Greeks.


s: But when they reach'd the thickest of the fray,


s: Where throng'd around the might of Diomed


s: The bravest and the best, as lions fierce,


s: Or forest-boars, the mightiest of their kind,


s: There stood the white-arm'd Queen, and call'd aloud,


s: In form of Stentor, of the brazen voice,


s: Whose shout was as the shout of fifty men:


s: "Shame on ye, Greeks, base cowards! brave alone


s: In outward semblance; while Achilles yet


s: Went forth to battle, from the Dardan gates


s: So dreaded they his pond'rous spear; but now


s: Far from the walls, beside your ships, they fight."


s: She said: her words their drooping courage rous'd.


s: Meanwhile the blue-ey'd Pallas went in haste


s: In search of Tydeus' son; beside his car


s: She found the King, in act to cool the wound


s: Beneath his shield's broad belt the clogging sweat


s: Oppress'd him, and his arm was faint with toil;


s: The belt was lifted up, and from the wound


s: He wip'd the clotted blood: beside the car


s: The Goddess stood, and touch'd the yoke, and said:


s: "Little like Tydeus' self is Tydeus' son:


s: Low was his stature, but his spirit was high:


s: And ev'n when I from combat rashly wag'd


s: Would fain have kept him back, what time in Thebes


s: I counsell'd him in peace to share the feast:


s: He challenged all the Thebans to contend


s: With him in wrestling, and o'erthrew them all


s: With ease; so mighty was the aid I gave.


s: Thee now I stand beside, and guard from harm,


s: And bid thee boldly with the Trojans fight.


s: O'ertask thy limbs, or heartless fear restrain,


s: No issue thou of valiant Tydeus' loins."


s: "I know thee, Goddess, who thou art; the child


s: I freely speak, nor aught will I conceal.


s: Nor heartless fear, nor hesitating doubt,


s: Restrain me; but I bear thy words in mind,


s: With other of th' Immortals not to fight:


s: But should Jove's daughter, Venus, dare the fray,


s: At her I need not shun to throw my spear.


s: Therefore I thus withdrew, and others too


s: To whom the blue-ey'd Goddess, Pallas, thus:


s: "Thou son of Tydeus, dearest to my soul,


s: Fear now no more with Mars himself to fight,


s: Come then; at him the first direct thy car;


s: Encounter with him hand to hand; nor fear


s: To strike this madman, this incarnate curse,


s: This shameless renegade; who late agreed


s: And aid the Grecian cause; who now appears,


s: The Greeks deserting, in the Trojan ranks."


s: Thus Pallas spoke, and stretching forth her hand


s: From off the chariot; down in haste he sprang.


s: The eager Goddess took; beneath the weight


s: Loud groan'd the oaken axle; for the car


s: Then Pallas took the whip and reins, and urg'd


s: Direct at Mars the fiery coursers' speed.


s: Ochesius' stalwart son, he just had slain,


s: And stood in act to strip him of his arms.


s: The helmet then of Darkness Pallas donn'd,


s: To hide her presence from the sight of Mars:


s: But when the blood-stain'd God of War beheld


s: The corpse of stalwart Periphas he left,


s: There where he fell, to lie; while he himself


s: When near they came, first Mars his pond'rous spear


s: Advane'd beyond the yoke and horses' reins,


s: With murd'rous aim; but Pallas from the car


s: Turn'd it aside, and foil'd the vain attempt.


s: His pond'rous spear; low on the flank of Mars,


s: Just where the belt was girt, the weapon struck:


s: It pierc'd the flesh, and straight was back withdrawn:


s: Then Mars cried out aloud, with such a shout


s: Should simultaneous raise their battle-cry:


s: Trojans and Greeks alike in terror heard,


s: Trembling; so fearful was the cry of Mars.


s: As black with clouds appears the darken'd air,


s: When after heat the blust'ring winds arise,


s: As in thick clouds lie took his heav'nward flight.


s: With speed he came to great Olympus' heights,


s: Th' abode of Gods; and sitting by the throne


s: Of Saturn's son, with anguish torn, he show'd


s: Th' immortal stream that trickled from the wound,


s: And thus to Jove his piteous words address'd:


s: "O Father Jove, canst thou behold unmov'd


s: These acts of violence? the greatest ills


s: Of thee we all complain; thy senseless child


s: But thy pernicious daughter, nor by word


s: Nor deed dost thou restrain; who now excites


s: Upon th' immortal Gods to vent his rage.


s: Barely I 'scap'd by swiftness of my feet;


s: Else, 'mid a ghastly heap of corpses slain,


s: Yet liv'd disabl'd by his weapon's stroke."


s: Whom answer'd thus the Cloud-compeller, Jove,


s: With look indignant: "Come no more to me,


s: Thou wav'ring turncoat, with thy whining pray'rs:


s: I hate thee most; for thou delight'st in nought


s: Thy mother, Juno's, proud, unbending mood,


s: Whom I can scarce control; and thou, methinks,


s: To her suggestions ow'st thy present plight.


s: Yet since thou art my offspring, and to me


s: That thou should'st long be doom'd to suffer pain;


s: But had thy birth been other than it is,


s: For thy misdoings thou hadst long ere now


s: Been banish'd from the Gods' companionship."


s: He said: and straight to Paeon gave command


s: To heal the wound; with soothing anodynes


s: He heal'd it quickly; soon as liquid milk


s: Is curdled by the fig-tree's juice, and turns


s: In whirling flakes, so soon was heal'd the wound.


s: By Hebe bath'd, and rob'd afresh, he sat


s: In health and strength restor'd, by Saturn's son.


s: Mars thus arrested in his murd'rous course,


s: The Queen of Argos and the blue-ey'd Maid.


s: The Gods had left the field, and o'er the plain


s: Hither and thither surg'd the tide of war,


s: As couch'd th' opposing chiefs their brass-tipp'd spears,


s: Midway 'twixt Simois' and Scamander's streams.


s: First through the Trojan phalanx broke his way


s: The mighty Ajax; on his friends the light


s: He smote, the noblest of the Thracian bands,


s: Full in the front, beneath the plumed helm,


s: The sharp spear struck, and crashing thro' the bone,


s: The warrior's eyes were clos'd in endless night.


s: And lov'd of all; for, dwelling near the road,


s: But none of all he entertain'd was there


s: There fell they both, he and his charioteer,


s: His chariot drove; one fate o'ertook them both.


s: On which his flocks he tended, met the nymph,


s: And of their secret loves twin sons were born;


s: And life depriv'd, and of their armour stripp'd.


s: Who dwelt by Satnois' widely-flowing stream,


s: Adrastus captive; for his horses, scar'd


s: The tangled tamarisk scrub his chariot broke,


s: Snapping the pole; they with the flying crowd


s: Held city-ward their course; he from the car


s: Hurl'd headlong, prostrate lay beside the wheel,


s: Prone on his face in dust; and at his side,


s: Poising his mighty spear, Atrides stood.


s: Adrastus clasp'd his knees, and suppliant cried,


s: "Spare me, great son of Atreus! for my life


s: Accept a price; my wealthy father's house


s: A goodly store contains of brass, and gold,


s: And well-wrought iron; and of these he fain


s: That in the Grecian ships I yet surviv'd."


s: His words to pity mov'd the victor's breast;


s: Then had he bade his followers to the ships


s: The captive bear; but running up in haste.


s: So tender? Hath thy house receiv'd indeed


s: Escape the deadly vengeance of our arms;


s: No, not the infant in its mother's womb;


s: Uncar'd for, and from mem'ry blotted out."


s: Thus as he spoke, his counsel, fraught with death,


s: His brother's purpose chang'd; he with his hand


s: Adrastus thrust aside, whom with his lance


s: Fierce Agamemnon through the loins transfix'd;


s: And, as he roll'd in death, upon his breast


s: Planting his foot, the ashen spear withdrew.


s: Then loudly Nestor shouted to the Greeks:


s: "Friends, Grecian heroes, ministers of Mars!


s: Loiter not now behind, to throw yourselves


s: Upon the prey, and bear it to the ships;


s: Ye may at leisure spoil your slaughter'd foes."


s: With words like these he fir'd the blood of all.


s: Now had the Trojans by the warlike Greeks


s: In coward flight within their walls been driv'n;


s: Of all the Trojan seers, address'd his speech:


s: Of all the Trojans and the Lycian hosts,


s: Is laid the heaviest burthen, for that ye


s: Stand here awhile, and moving to and fro


s: The troops to rally, lest they fall disgrac'd,


s: Flying for safety to their women's arms,


s: And foes, exulting, triumph in their shame.


s: Their courage thus restor'd, worn as we are,


s: We with the Greeks will still maintain the fight,


s: For so, perforce, we must; but, Hector, thou


s: Haste to the city; there our mother find,


s: Both thine and mine; on Ilium's topmost height


s: Bid her the shrine of blue-ey'd Pallas seek;


s: Unlock the sacred gates; and on the knees


s: Of fair-hair'd Pallas place the fairest robe


s: In all the house, the amplest, best esteem'd;


s: Twelve yearling kine that never felt the goad,


s: Our wives, and helpless babes, and turn away


s: The fiery son of Tydeus, spearman fierce,


s: In my esteem, of all the Grecian chiefs:


s: For not Achilles' self, the prince of men,


s: Though Goddess-born, such dread inspir'd; so fierce


s: His rage; and with his prowess none may vie."


s: His brother's counsel; from his car he leap'd


s: In arms upon the plain; and brandish'd high


s: His jav'lins keen, and moving to and fro


s: The troops encourag'd, and restor'd the fight.


s: Rallying they turn'd, and fac'd again the Greeks:


s: These ceas'd from slaughter, and in turn gave way,


s: Deeming that from the starry Heav'n some God


s: Had to the rescue come; so fierce they turn'd.


s: Then to the Trojans Hector call'd aloud:


s: "Ye valiant Trojans, and renown'd Allies,


s: Quit you like men; remember now, brave friends,


s: To bid our wives and rev'rend Elders raise


s: To Heav'n their pray'rs, with vows of hecatombs."


s: Thus saying, Hector of the glancing helm


s: Turn'd to depart; and as he mov'd along,


s: The black bull's-hide his neck and ancles smote,


s: Then Tydeus' son, and Glaucus, in the midst,


s: Son of Hippolochus, stood forth to fight;


s: But when they near were met, to Glaucus first


s: The valiant Diomed his speech address'd:


s: "Who art thou, boldest man of mortal birth?


s: I ne'er have seen thee; but in daring now


s: Thou far surpassest all, who hast not fear'd


s: The children they, who my encounter meet.


s: But if from Heav'n thou com'st, and art indeed


s: A God, I fight not with the heav'nly powers.


s: Not long did Dryas' son, Lycurgus brave,


s: Survive, who dar'd th' Immortals to defy:


s: He, 'mid their frantic orgies, in the groves


s: The youthful Bacchus' nurses; they, in fear,


s: Dropp'd each her thyrsus, scatter'd by the hand


s: Of fierce Lycurgus, with an ox-goad arm'd.


s: In terror plung'd, and, trembling, refuge found


s: In Thetis' bosom from a mortal's threats:


s: The Gods indignant saw, and Saturn's son


s: Smote him with blindness; nor surviv'd he long,


s: I dare not then the blessed Gods oppose;


s: But be thou mortal, and the fruits of earth


s: Thy food, approach, and quickly meet thy doom."


s: "Great son of Tydeus, why my race enquire?


s: The race of man is as the race of leaves:


s: In spring's luxuriant verdure bursts to light.


s: So with our race; these flourish, those decay.


s: But if thou wouldst in truth enquire and learn


s: The race I spring from, not unknown of men;


s: But Proetus sought his death; and, mightier far,


s: From all the coasts of Argos drove him forth,


s: For him the monarch's wife, Antaea, nurs'd


s: Would fain have tempted him; but fail'd to move


s: With lying words she then address'd the King:


s: 'Die, Proetus, thou, or slay Bellerophon,


s: The King with anger listen'd to her words;


s: Slay him he would not; that his soul abhorr'd;


s: Of Lycia, sent him forth, with tokens charg'd


s: Of dire import, on folded tablets trac'd,


s: Pois'ning the monarch's mind, to work his death.


s: But when he came to Lycia, and the streams


s: The King of wide-spread Lycia welcom'd him.


s: Nine days he feasted him, nine oxen slew;


s: He question'd him, and for the tokens ask'd


s: He from his son-in-law, from Proetus, bore.


s: He bade him first the dread Chimaera slay;


s: A monster, sent from Heav'n, not human born,


s: With head of lion, and a serpent's tail,


s: There issued flames of fiercely-burning fire:


s: Yet her, confiding in the Gods, he slew.


s: Next, with the valiant Solymi he fought,


s: The fiercest fight that e'er he undertook.


s: Thirdly, the women-warriors he o'erthrew,


s: For, choosing out the best of Lycia's sons,


s: He set an ambush; they return'd not home,


s: For all by brave Bellerophon were slain.


s: But, by his valour when the King perceiv'd


s: His heav'nly birth, he entertain'd him well;


s: Gave him his daughter; and with her the half


s: Fertile in corn and wine, of all the state


s: Three children there to brave Bellerophon


s: The Lord of counsel; and to him she bore


s: Bellerophon at length the wrath incurr'd


s: Of all the Gods; and to th' Aleian plain


s: His soul, and shunn'd the busy haunts of men.


s: My comrades all; nor on my father's name


s: Discredit bring, who held the foremost place


s: Such is my race, and such the blood I boast."


s: His spear he planted in the fruitful ground,


s: And thus with friendly words the chief address'd:


s: "By ancient ties of friendship are we bound;


s: For godlike OEneus in his house receiv'd


s: They many a gift of friendship interchang'd;


s: A belt, with crimson glowing, OEneus gave;


s: Which in my house I left when here I came.


s: For yet a child he left me, when he fell


s: With his Achaians at the gate of Thebes.


s: Thou mine in Lycia, when I thither come:


s: Then shun we, e'en amid the thickest fight,


s: Each other's lance; enough there are for me


s: Of Trojans and their brave allies to kill,


s: As Heav'n may aid me, and my speed of foot;


s: And Greeks enough there are for thee to slay,


s: Our armour interchange, that these may know


s: What friendly bonds of old our houses join."


s: Thus as they spoke, they quitted each his car;


s: Clasp'd hand in hand, and plighted mutual faith.


s: Then Glaucus of his judgment Jove depriv'd,


s: His armour interchanging, gold for brass,


s: A hundred oxen's worth for that of nine.


s: Meanwhile, when Hector reach'd the oak beside


s: The Scaean gate, around him throng'd the wives


s: Of Troy, and daughters, anxious to enquire


s: The fate of children, brothers, husbands, friends;


s: For deep the sorrows that o'er many hung.


s: But when to Priam's splendid house he came,


s: Were fifty chambers, all of polish'd stone,


s: Plac'd each by other; there the fifty sons


s: Of Priam with their wedded wives repos'd;


s: On th' other side, within the court were built


s: Twelve chambers, near the roof, of polish'd stone,


s: Plac'd each by other; there the sons-in-law


s: Of Priam with their spouses chaste repos'd;


s: To meet him there his tender mother came,


s: Fairest of all her daughters; clasping then


s: His hands, she thus address'd him: "Why, my son,


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


s: Are Trojans by those hateful sons of Greece,


s: Fighting around the city, sorely press'd?


s: And com'st thou, by thy spirit mov'd, to raise,


s: On Ilium's heights, thy hands in pray'r to Jove?


s: But tarry till I bring the luscious wine,


s: That first to Jove, and to th' Immortals all,


s: Thou mayst thine off'ring pour; then with the draught


s: Thyself thou mayst refresh; for great the strength


s: Which gen'rous wine imparts to men who toil,


s: As thou hast toil'd, thy comrades to protect."


s: To whom great Hector of the glancing helm:


s: "No, not for me, mine honour'd mother, pour


s: The luscious wine, lest thou unnerve my limbs,


s: With hands unwash'd; nor to the cloud-girt son


s: Of Saturn may the voice of pray'r ascend


s: From one with blood bespatter'd and defil'd.


s: Thou, with the elder women, seek the shrine


s: Of Pallas; bring your gifts; and on the knees


s: Of fair-hair'd Pallas place the fairest robe


s: In all the house, the amplest, best esteem'd;


s: Twelve yearling kine, that never felt the goad;


s: Our wives, and helpless babes; and turn away


s: The fiery son of Tydeus, spearman fierce,


s: If haply he will hear; would that the earth


s: Would gape and swallow him! for great the curse


s: That Jove thro' him hath brought on men of Troy,


s: Could I but know that he were in his grave,


s: Methinks my sorrows I could half forget."


s: He said: she, to the house returning, sent


s: Th' attendants through the city, to collect


s: The train of aged suppliants; she meanwhile


s: Her fragrant chamber sought, wherein were stor'd


s: Whom godlike Paris had from Sidon brought,


s: Sailing the broad sea o'er, the selfsame path


s: By which the high-born Helen he convey'd.


s: The amplest, and the brightest, as a star


s: Refulgent, plac'd with care beneath the rest,


s: The Queen her off'ring bore to Pallas' shrine:


s: She went, and with her many an ancient dame.


s: But when the shrine they reach'd on Ilium's height,


s: Theano, fair of face, the gates unlock'd,


s: Daughter of Cisseus, sage Antenor's wife,


s: By Trojans nam'd at Pallas' shrine to serve.


s: They with deep moans to Pallas rais'd their hands;


s: But fair Theano took the robe, and plac'd


s: On Pallas' knees, and to the heav'nly Maid,


s: Daughter of Jove, she thus address'd her pray'r:


s: "Guardian of cities, Pallas, awful Queen,


s: Goddess of Goddesses, break thou the spear


s: Of Tydeus' son; and grant that he himself


s: Prostrate before the Scaean gates may fall;


s: Twelve yearling kine, that never felt the goad,


s: The wives of Trojans, and their helpless babes."


s: Thus she; but Pallas answer'd not her pray'r.


s: While thus they call'd upon the heav'nly Maid,


s: A noble structure, which himself had built


s: Who in the fertile realm of Troy were known;


s: With chambers, hall, and court, on Ilium's height,


s: Near to where Priam's self and Hector dwelt.


s: There enter'd Hector, well belov'd of Jove;


s: And in his hand his pond'rous spear he bore,


s: Twelve cubits long; bright flash'd the weapon's point


s: Of polish'd brass, with circling hoop of gold.


s: There in his chamber found he whom he sought,


s: His shield, his breastplate, and his bended bow.


s: While Argive Helen, 'mid her maidens plac'd,


s: The skilful labours of their hands o'erlook'd.


s: To him thus Hector with reproachful words;


s: "Thou dost not well thine anger to indulge;


s: The people fast are falling; thou the cause


s: That fiercely thus around the city burns


s: The flame of war and battle; and thyself


s: Wouldst others blame, who from the fight should shrink.


s: Up, ere the town be wrapp'd in hostile fires."


s: "Hector, I own not causeless thy rebuke;


s: Yet will I speak; hear thou and understand;


s: 'Twas less from anger with the Trojan host,


s: And fierce resentment, that I here remain'd,


s: Than that I sought my sorrow to indulge;


s: Yet hath my wife, e'en now, with soothing words


s: 'Twere best; and Vict'ry changes oft her side.


s: Then stay, while I my armour don; or thou


s: Go first: I, following, will o'ertake thee soon."


s: He said: but Hector of the glancing helm


s: Made answer none; then thus with gentle tones


s: (Of me, degraded, sorrow-bringing, vile!)


s: Some storm had on the mountains cast me forth!


s: Had swept me off, ere all this woe were wrought!


s: Yet if these evils were of Heav'n ordain'd,


s: Would that a better man had call'd me wife;


s: For he, thou know'st, no firmness hath of mind,


s: But come thou in, and rest thee here awhile,


s: Dear brother, on this couch; for travail sore


s: On whom this burthen Heav'n hath laid, that shame


s: On both our names through years to come shall rest."


s: To whom great Hector of the glancing helm:


s: "Though kind thy wish, yet, Helen, ask me not


s: For to the succour of our friends I haste,


s: Who feel my loss, and sorely need my aid.


s: But thou thy husband rouse, and let him speed,


s: That he may find me still within the walls.


s: My household, and my wife, and infant child:


s: I know not, or if Heav'n have so decreed,


s: That I this day by Grecian hands should fall."


s: Thus saying, Hector of the glancing helm


s: Turn'd to depart; with rapid step he reach'd


s: His own well-furnished house, but found not there


s: His white-arm'd spouse, the fair Andromache.


s: She with her infant child and maid the while


s: Was standing, bath'd in tears, in bitter grief,


s: On Ilium's topmost tower: but when her Lord


s: Found not within the house his peerless wife,


s: Upon the threshold pausing, thus he spoke:


s: "Tell me, my maidens, tell me true, which way


s: Your mistress went, the fair Andromache;


s: Or to my sisters, or my brothers' wives?


s: Or to the temple where the fair-hair'd dames


s: To whom the matron of his house replied:


s: Not to thy sisters, nor thy brothers' wives,


s: Nor to the temple where the fair-hair'd dames


s: But to the height of Ilium's topmost tow'r


s: The Trojan force was overmatch'd, and great


s: The Grecian strength; whereat, like one distract,


s: She hurried to the walls, and with her took,


s: Borne in the nurse's arms, her infant child."


s: So spoke the ancient dame; and Hector straight


s: Through the wide streets his rapid steps retrac'd.


s: But when at last the mighty city's length


s: Was travers'd, and the Scaean gates were reach'd,


s: Whence was the outlet to the plain, in haste


s: Running to meet him came his priceless wife,


s: Thebes, at the foot of Placos' wooded heights.


s: Was giv'n in marriage: she it was who now


s: Met him, and by her side the nurse, who bore,


s: Clasp'd to her breast, his all unconscious child,


s: Hector's lov'd infant, fair as morning star;


s: Whom Hector call'd Scamandrius, but the rest


s: The matchless chief, the only prop of Troy.


s: Silent he smil'd as on his boy he gaz'd:


s: Hung on his arm, and thus the chief address'd:


s: "Dear Lord, thy dauntless spirit will work thy doom:


s: Nor hast thou pity on this thy helpless child,


s: For thee will all the Greeks with force combin'd


s: Assail and slay: for me, 'twere better far,


s: Nor comfort shall be mine, if thou be lost,


s: But endless grief; to me nor sire is left,


s: Nor honour'd mother; fell Achilles' hand


s: But stripp'd him not; he reverenc'd the dead;


s: And o'er his body, with his armour burnt,


s: A mound erected; and the mountain nymphs,


s: Planted around his tomb a grove of elms.


s: There were sev'n brethren in my father's house;


s: All in one day they fell, amid their herds


s: And fleecy flocks, by fierce Achilles' hand.


s: My mother, Queen of Placos' wooded height,


s: Brought with the captives here, he soon releas'd


s: She, in her father's house, was stricken down.


s: Sire, mother, brethren! thou, my wedded love!


s: Then pitying us, within the tow'r remain,


s: Nor make thy child an orphan, and thy wife


s: Array thy troops; for here the city wall,


s: Easiest of access, most invites assault.


s: Thrice have their boldest chiefs this point assail'd,


s: Th' Atridae both, and Tydeus' warlike son,


s: Or by the prompting of some Heav'n-taught seer,


s: Or by their own advent'rous courage led."


s: To whom great Hector of the glancing helm;


s: "Think not, dear wife, that by such thoughts as these


s: My heart has ne'er been wrung; but I should blush


s: To face the men and long-rob'd dames of Troy,


s: If, like a coward, I could shun the fight.


s: Nor could my soul the lessons of my youth


s: So far forget, whose boast it still has been


s: In the fore-front of battle to be found,


s: Charg'd with my father's glory and mine own.


s: The day must come when this our sacred Troy,


s: And Priam's race, and Priam's royal self


s: But not the thoughts of Troy's impending fate,


s: Nor loss of brethren, numerous and brave,


s: By hostile hands laid prostrate in the dust,


s: So deeply wring my heart as thoughts of thee,


s: A weeping captive by some brass-clad Greek;


s: Condemn'd to ply the loom, or water draw


s: Heart-wrung, by stern necessity constrain'd.


s: Then they who see thy tears perchance may say,


s: 'Lo! this was Hector's wife, who, when they fought


s: On plains of Troy, was Ilium's bravest chief.'


s: Thus may they speak; and thus thy grief renew


s: For loss of him, who might have been thy shield


s: To rescue thee from slav'ry's bitter hour.


s: Oh may I sleep in dust, ere be condemn'd


s: To hear thy cries, and see thee dragg'd away!"


s: Thus as he spoke, great Hector stretch'd his arms


s: To take his child; but back the infant shrank,


s: Crying, and sought his nurse's shelt'ring breast,


s: Scar'd by the brazen helm and horse-hair plume,


s: That nodded, fearful, on the warrior's crest.


s: Laugh'd the fond parents both, and from his brow


s: Hector the casque remov'd, and set it down,


s: All glitt'ring, on the ground; then kiss'd his child,


s: And danc'd him in his arms; then thus to Jove


s: And to th' Immortals all address'd his pray'r:


s: "Grant, Jove, and all ye Gods, that this my son


s: For valour fam'd, his country's guardian King;


s: That men may say, 'This youth surpasses far


s: His father,' when they see him from the fight,


s: From slaughter'd foes, with bloody spoils of war


s: Returning, to rejoice his mother's heart!"


s: Thus saying, in his mother's arms he plac'd


s: His child; she to her fragrant bosom clasp'd,


s: Smiling through tears; with eyes of pitying love


s: Hector beheld, and press'd her hand, and thus


s: Address'd her--"Dearest, wring not thus my heart!


s: No man may take my life; and when it comes,


s: Nor brave nor coward can escape that day.


s: But go thou home, and ply thy household cares,


s: The loom, and distaff, and appoint thy maids


s: Their sev'ral tasks; and leave to men of Troy


s: And, chief of all to me, the toils of war."


s: Great Hector said, and rais'd his plumed helm;


s: And homeward, slow, with oft-reverted eyes,


s: Shedding hot tears, his sorrowing wife return'd.


s: Arriv'd at valiant Hector's well-built house,


s: Her maidens press'd around her; and in all


s: For Hector, yet alive, his household mourn'd,


s: Safe from the fight, by Grecian hands unharm'd.


s: But donn'd his armour, glitt'ring o'er with brass,


s: And through the city pass'd with bounding steps.


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 Paris, Priam's son, from Ilium's height,


s: His bright arms flashing like the gorgeous sun,


s: Hasten'd, with boastful mien, and rapid step.


s: Hector he found, as from the spot he turn'd


s: Where with his wife he late had converse held;


s: Whom thus the godlike Paris first address'd:


s: "Too long, good brother, art then here detain'd,


s: Nor have I timely, as thou bad'st me, come."


s: To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm:


s: "My gallant brother, none who thinks aright


s: Is weak and sluggish; and it grieves my heart,


s: When from the Trojans, who in thy behalf


s: Coupled with foul reproach! But go we now!


s: Henceforth shall all be well, if Jove permit


s: That from our shores we drive th' invading Greeks,


s: In peaceful homes our free libations pour."


s: The battle renewing with double ardour upon the return of Hector,


s: Thus as he spoke, from out the city gates


s: The noble Hector pass'd, and by his side


s: His brother Paris; in the breast of both


s: Burnt the fierce ardour of the battle-field.


s: As when some God a fav'ring breeze bestows


s: Faint with excess of toil, ev'n so appear'd


s: Those brethren twain to Troy's o'erlabour'd host.


s: Then to their prowess fell, by Paris' hand


s: Whom to the King, in Arna, where he dwelt,


s: While Hector smote, with well-directed spear,


s: Beneath the brass-bound headpiece, through the throat,


s: Eioneus, and slack'd his limbs in death;


s: And Glaucus, leader of the Lycian bands,


s: Pierc'd through the shoulder; from the car he fell


s: Prone to the earth, his limbs relax'd in death.


s: Dealing destruction on the hosts of Greece,


s: She came in haste; Apollo there she found,


s: As down he look'd from Ilium's topmost tow'r,


s: "Daughter of Jove, from great Olympus' heights,


s: Why com'st thou here, by angry passion led?


s: Wouldst thou the vict'ry, swaying here and there,


s: Give to the Greeks? since pitiless thou see'st


s: The Trojans slaughter'd? Be advis'd by me,


s: For so 'twere better; cause we for today


s: To-morrow morn shall see the fight renew'd,


s: For so ye Goddesses have wrought your will,


s: That this fair city should in ruin fall."


s: To whom the blue-ey'd Goddess thus replied:


s: "So be it, Archer-King; with like intent


s: I from Olympus came; but say, what means


s: Wilt thou devise to bid the conflict cease?"


s: "The might of valiant Hector let us move


s: Some Grecian warrior; while the brass-clad Greeks


s: Their champion urge the challenge to accept,


s: And godlike Hector meet in single fight."


s: And drawing near to Hector, thus he spoke:


s: "Hector, thou son of Priam, sage as Jove


s: In council, hearken to a brother's words.


s: Bid that the Greeks and Trojans all sit down,


s: I know that here thou shalt not meet thy fate."


s: He said, and Hector joy'd to hear his words;


s: Forth in the midst he stepp'd, and with his spear


s: Grasp'd in the middle, stay'd the Trojan ranks.


s: With one accord they sat; on th' other side


s: Atrides bade the well-greav'd Greeks sit down;


s: While, in the likeness of two vultures, sat


s: With heroes' deeds delighted; dense around


s: Bristled the ranks, with shield, and helm, and spear.


s: As when the west wind freshly blows, and brings


s: A dark'ning ripple o'er the ocean waves,


s: E'en so appear'd upon the plain the ranks


s: Of Greeks and Trojans; standing in the midst,


s: "Hear, all ye Trojans, and ye well-greav'd Greeks,


s: The words I speak, the promptings of my soul.


s: It hath not pleas'd high-thron'd Saturnian Jove


s: With labours hard, till either ye shall take


s: Our well-fenc'd city, or yourselves to us


s: Here have ye all the chiefest men of Greece;


s: Of all, let him who dares with me to fight,


s: Stand forth, and godlike Hector's might confront.


s: And this I say, and call to witness Jove,


s: If with the sharp-edg'd spear he vanquish me,


s: He shall strip off, and to the hollow ships


s: In triumph bear my armour; but my corpse


s: Restore, that so the men and wives of Troy


s: May deck with honours due my funeral pyre.


s: But, by Apollo's grace should I prevail,


s: I will his arms strip off and bear to Troy,


s: But to the ships his corpse I will restore,


s: That so the long-hair'd Greeks with solemn rites


s: And men in days to come shall say, who urge


s: Their full-oar'd bark across the dark-blue sea,


s: 'Lo there a warrior's tomb of days gone by,


s: A mighty chief, whom glorious Hector slew:'


s: Thus shall they say, and thus my fame shall live."


s: Thus Hector spoke; they all in silence heard,


s: Sham'd to refuse, but fearful to accept.


s: Groaning in spirit, and with bitter words


s: Reproach'd them: "Shame, ye braggart cowards, shame!


s: 'Twere foul disgrace indeed, and scorn on scorn,


s: If Hector's challenge none of all the Greeks


s: Should dare accept; to dust and water turn


s: All ye who here inglorious, heartless sit!


s: I will myself confront him; for success,


s: Th' immortal Gods above the issues hold."


s: Thus as he spoke, he donn'd his dazzling arms.


s: Then, Menelaus, had thine end approach'd


s: By Hector's hands, so much the stronger he,


s: Had not the Kings withheld thee and restrain'd.


s: Great Agamemnon's self, wide-ruling King,


s: Seizing his hand, address'd him thus by name:


s: "What! Heav'n-born Menelaus, art thou mad?


s: Beseems thee not such folly; curb thy wrath,


s: Though vex'd; nor think with Hector to contend,


s: From his encounter in the glorious fight,


s: But thou amid thy comrades' ranks retire;


s: Some other champion will the Greeks provide;


s: And, fearless as he is, and of the fight


s: Insatiate, yet will Hector, should he 'scape


s: Unwounded from the deadly battle-strife,


s: Be fain, methinks, to rest his weary limbs."


s: He said, and with judicious counsel sway'd


s: His brother's mind; he yielded to his words,


s: And gladly his attendants doff'd his arms.


s: Then Nestor rose, and thus address'd the Greeks:


s: "Alas, alas! what shame is this for Greece!


s: What grief would fill the aged Peleus' soul,


s: Would question me, and lov'd from me to hear


s: Of all the Greeks the race and pedigree,


s: Could he but learn how Hector cow'd them all!


s: He to the Gods with hands uprais'd would pray


s: His soul might from his body be divorc'd,


s: And sink beneath the earth! Oh would to Jove,


s: My vig'rous youth, as when beside the banks


s: Of Pylos with th' Arcadian spearmen fought,


s: By Pheia's walls, around Iardan's streams.


s: Then from the ranks, in likeness as a God,


s: Advanc'd their champion, Ereuthalion bold.


s: The Macebearer; for not with sword or bow


s: Broke through the squadrons: him Lycurgus slew,


s: By stealth, not brav'ry, in a narrow way,


s: Where nought avail'd his iron mace from death


s: To save him; for Lycurgus, with his spear,


s: Preventing, thrust him through the midst; he fell


s: Prostrate; and from his breast the victor stripp'd


s: His armour off, the gift of brass-clad Mars;


s: But when Lycurgus felt th' approach of age,


s: To Ereuthalion gave it; therewith, arm'd,


s: He now to combat challeng'd all the chiefs.


s: None dar'd accept, for fear had fallen on all;


s: Then I with dauntless spirit his might oppos'd,


s: The youngest of them all; with him I fought,


s: Him there I slew, the tallest, strongest man;


s: Would that my youth and strength were now the same;


s: Then soon should Hector of the glancing helm


s: A willing champion find; but ye, of Greece


s: The foremost men, with Hector fear to fight."


s: The old man spoke reproachful; at his words


s: Up rose nine warriors: far before the rest,


s: The two Ajaces, cloth'd with courage high;


s: Equal in fight to blood-stain'd Mars; with these


s: These all with Hector offer'd to contend.


s: "Shake then the lots; on whomsoe'er it fall,


s: Great profit shall he bring to Grecian arms,


s: Unwounded from the deadly battle strife."


s: He said: each mark'd his sev'ral lot, and all


s: The crowd, with hands uplifted, pray'd the Gods,


s: And looking heav'nward, said, "Grant, Father Jove,


s: Thus they: then aged Nestor shook the helm,


s: And forth, according to their wish, was thrown


s: The lot of Ajax; then from left to right


s: A herald show'd to all the chiefs of Greece,


s: In turn, the token; they who knew it not,


s: Disclaim'd it all; but when to him he came


s: Who mark'd, and threw it in Atrides' helm,


s: The noble Ajax, and, approaching, placed


s: The token in his outstretch'd hand, forthwith


s: He knew it, and rejoic'd; before his feet


s: He threw it down upon the ground, and said,


s: "O friends, the lot is mine; great is my joy,


s: And hope o'er godlike Hector to prevail.


s: In silence, that the Trojans hear ye not;


s: Or ev'n aloud, for nought have we to fear.


s: By greater force or skill; nor will, I hope,


s: Address'd their pray'rs, and looking heav'nward, said:


s: "O Father Jove, who rul'st on Ida's height!


s: Most great!  most glorious!  grant that Ajax now


s: May gain the vict'ry, and immortal praise:


s: Give equal pow'r and equal praise to both."


s: Ajax meanwhile in dazzling brass was clad;


s: And when his armour all was duly donn'd,


s: Leads nations forth to war, whom Saturn's son


s: In life-destroying conflict hath involv'd;


s: So mov'd the giant Ajax, prop of Greece,


s: With sternly smiling mien; with haughty stride


s: He trod the plain, and pois'd his pond'rous spear.


s: The Greeks, rejoicing, on their champion gaz'd,


s: The Trojans' limbs beneath them shook with fear;


s: Ev'n Hector's heart beat quicker in his breast;


s: Yet quail he must not now, nor back retreat


s: His mighty shield he bore, sev'n-fold, brass-bound,


s: That wrought in leather; he in Hyla dwelt.


s: Of sev'n-fold hides the pond'rous shield was wrought


s: Of lusty bulls; the eighth was glitt'ring brass.


s: Before his breast; to Hector close he came,


s: And thus with words of haughty menace spoke:


s: "Hector, I now shall teach thee, man to man,


s: The mettle of the chiefs we yet possess,


s: Yet are there those who dare encounter thee,


s: And not a few; then now begin the fight."


s: To whom great Hector of the glancing helm:


s: Deal not with me as with a feeble child,


s: And well I know to wield, now right, now left,


s: The tough bull's-hide that forms my stubborn targe:


s: Well know I too my fiery steeds to urge,


s: And raise the war-cry in the standing fight.


s: To strike, by stealth, a noble foe like thee;


s: But slay thee, if I may, in open fight."


s: He said; and, poising, hurl'd his pond'rous spear;


s: The brazen cov'ring of the shield it struck,


s: The outward fold, the eighth, above the sev'n


s: Of tough bull's-hide; through six it drove its way


s: With stubborn force; but in the seventh was stay'd,


s: Then Ajax hurl'd in turn his pond'rous spear,


s: And struck the circle true of Hector's shield;


s: Right thro' the glitt'ring shield the stout spear pass'd,


s: And thro' the well-wrought breastplate drove its way;


s: And, underneath, the linen vest it tore;


s: But Hector, stooping, shunn'd the stroke of death.


s: Withdrawing then their weapons, each on each


s: They fell, like lions fierce, or tusked boars,


s: In strength the mightiest of the forest beasts.


s: The stubborn shield; yet drove not through the spear;


s: For the stout brass the blunted point repell'd.


s: But Ajax, with a forward bound, the shield


s: Of Hector pierc'd; right through the weapon pass'd;


s: Arrested with rude shock the warrior's course,


s: And graz'd his neck, that spouted forth the blood.


s: Flinch from the contest: stooping to the ground,


s: With his broad hand a pond'rous stone he seiz'd,


s: That lay upon the plain, dark, jagg'd, and huge,


s: And hurl'd against the sev'n-fold shield, and struck


s: Full on the central boss; loud rang the brass:


s: Then Ajax rais'd a weightier mass of rock


s: Unmeasur'd impulse; with a millstone's weight


s: It crush'd the buckler; Hector's knees gave way;


s: Backward he stagger'd, yet upon his shield


s: Sustain'd, till Phoebus rais'd him to his feet.


s: Now had they hand to hand with swords engag'd,


s: The heralds, interpos'd; the one for Troy,


s: The other umpire for the brass-clad Greeks,


s: Between the chiefs they held their wands, and thus


s: Idaeus both with prudent speech address'd:


s: "No more, brave youths! no longer wage the fight:


s: To cloud-compelling Jove ye both are dear,


s: Both valiant spearmen; that, we all have seen.


s: Night is at hand; behoves us yield to night."


s: "Idaeus, bid that Hector speak those words:


s: He challeng'd all our chiefs; let him begin:


s: To whom great Hector of the glancing helm:


s: "Ajax, since God hath giv'n thee size, and strength,


s: And skill; and with the spear, of all the Greeks


s: None is thine equal; cease we for to-day


s: The fight; hereafter we may meet, and Heav'n


s: Decide our cause, and one with vict'ry crown.


s: Night is at hand; behoves us yield to night.


s: So by the ships shalt thou rejoice the Greeks,


s: And most of all, thy comrades and thy friends;


s: Rejoice the men of Troy, and long-rob'd dames,


s: Who shall with grateful pray'rs the temples throng.


s: But make we now an interchange of gifts,


s: That both the Trojans and the Greeks may say,


s: 'On mortal quarrel did those warriors meet,


s: Yet parted thence in friendly bonds conjoin'd.'"


s: This said, a silver-studded sword he gave,


s: With scabbard and with well-cut belt complete;


s: And Hector to the ranks of Troy return'd:


s: Great was the joy when him they saw approach,


s: Alive and safe; escap'd from Ajax' might


s: They led him back, beyond their hope preserv'd;


s: While to Atrides' tent the well-greav'd Greeks


s: Led Ajax, glorying in his triumph gain'd.


s: But when to Agamemnon's tents they came,


s: A bullock slew, a male of five years old;


s: The carcase then they flay'd; and cutting up,


s: Sever'd the joints; then fixing on the spits,


s: Roasted with care, and from the fire withdrew.


s: Their labours ended, and the feast prepar'd,


s: They shar'd the social meal, nor lack'd there aught.


s: To Ajax then the chine's continuous length,


s: As honour's meed, the mighty monarch gave.


s: The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,


s: The aged Nestor first his mind disclos'd;


s: He who, before, the sagest counsel gave,


s: Now thus with prudent speech began, and said:


s: "Atrides, and ye other chiefs of Greece,


s: Since many a long-hair'd Greek hath fall'n in fight,


s: Whose blood, beside Scamander's flowing stream,


s: Fierce Mars has shed, while to the viewless shades


s: Their spirits are gone, behoves thee with the morn


s: Then we, with oxen and with mules, the dead


s: From all the plain will draw; and, from the ships


s: A little space remov'd, will burn with fire:


s: May to their children bear our comrades' bones.


s: Around the pyre one common mound for all;


s: Then quickly build before it lofty tow'rs


s: To screen both ships and men; and in the tow'rs


s: Make ample portals, with well-fitting gates,


s: That through the midst a carriage-way may pass:


s: And a deep trench around it dig, to guard


s: Both men and chariots, lest on our defence


s: The haughty Trojans should too hardly press."


s: He said; and all the Kings his words approv'd.


s: Meanwhile, on Ilium's height, at Priam's gate


s: The Trojan chiefs a troubled council held;


s: Which op'ning, thus the sage Antenor spoke:


s: "Hear now, ye Trojans, Dardans, and Allies,


s: The words I speak, the promptings of my soul.


s: The Argive Helen, and the goods she brought;


s: For now in breach of plighted faith we fight:


s: Ye listen, that success will crown our arms."


s: Thus having said, he sat; and next arose


s: The godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord;


s: Who thus with winged words the chiefs address'd:


s: Thy better judgment better counsel knows;


s: Thee of thy senses have the Gods bereft.


s: The counsel, nor the woman will restore;


s: But for the goods, whate'er I hither brought


s: To give them all, and others add beside."


s: Who thus with prudent speech began, and said:


s: The words I speak, the promptings of my soul:


s: Now through the city take your wonted meal;


s: Look to your watch, let each man keep his guard:


s: Of Greece, to both the sons of Atreus, bear


s: The words of Paris, cause of all this war;


s: And ask besides, if from the deadly strife


s: Such truce they will accord us as may serve


s: To burn the dead; hereafter we may fight


s: Till Heav'n decide, and one with vict'ry crown."


s: He said; and they, obedient to his word,


s: Throughout the ranks prepar'd the wonted meal:


s: But with the morning to the ships of Greece


s: The Grecian chiefs, the ministers of Mars:


s: And 'mid them all the clear-voic'd herald spoke:


s: "Ye sons of Atreus, and ye chiefs of Greece,


s: From Priam, and the gallant sons of Troy,


s: I come, to bear, if ye be pleas'd to hear,


s: The words of Paris, cause of all this war:


s: The goods which hither in his hollow ships


s: (Would he had perish'd rather!) Paris brought,


s: But further says, the virgin-wedded wife


s: Of Troy should bid him. he will not restore:


s: Then bids me ask, if from the deadly strife


s: Such truce ye will accord us as may serve


s: To burn the dead: hereafter we may fight


s: Till Heav'n decide, and one with vict'ry crown."


s: Thus he: they all in silence heard; at length


s: "Let none from Paris now propose to accept


s: Or goods, or Helen's self; a child may see


s: That now the doom of Troy is close at hand."


s: He said; the sons of Greece, with loud applause,


s: "Idaeus, thou hast heard what answer give


s: The chiefs of Greece--their answer I approve.


s: But for the truce, for burial of the dead,


s: With fun'ral rites the corpse of slaughter'd foes.


s: Be witness, Jove! and guard the plighted truce."


s: He said: and heav'nward rais'd his staff; and back


s: Trojans and Dardans there in council met


s: Expecting sat, till from the Grecian camp


s: Idaeus should return; he came, and stood


s: Then all in haste their sev'ral ways dispers'd,


s: For fuel some, and some to bring the dead.


s: The Greeks too from their well-mann'd ships went forth,


s: The sun was newly glancing on the earth.


s: From out the ocean's smoothly-flowing depths


s: Climbing the Heav'ns, when on the plain they met.


s: Shedding hot tears, they plac'd them on the wains.


s: Nor loud lament, by Priam's high command,


s: Was heard; in silence they, with grief suppress'd,


s: Heap'd up their dead upon the fun'ral pyre;


s: Then burnt with fire, and back return'd to Troy.


s: The well-greav'd Greeks, they too, with grief suppress'd,


s: Then burnt with fire, and to the ships return'd.


s: But ere 'twas morn, while daylight strove with night,


s: Had kept their vigil, and around it rais'd


s: Upon the plain one common mound for all;


s: And built in front a wall, with lofty tow'rs


s: To screen both ships and men; and in the tow'rs


s: Made ample portals with well-fitting gates,


s: That through the midst a carriage-way might pass:


s: Then dug a trench around it, deep and wide,


s: And in the trench a palisade they fix'd.


s: Thus labour'd thro' the night the long-hair'd Greeks:


s: The Gods, assembled in the courts of Jove,


s: With wonder view'd the mighty work; and thus


s: Neptune, Earth-shaking King, his speech began:


s: "O Father Jove, in all the wide-spread earth


s: Shall men be found, in counsel and design


s: How round their ships the long-hair'd Greeks have built


s: Nor to the Gods have paid their off'rings due!


s: Wide as the light extends shall be the fame


s: Of this great work, and men shall lightly deem


s: Of that which I and Phoebus jointly rais'd,


s: With toil and pain, for great Laomedon."


s: To whom in wrath the Cloud-compeller thus:


s: "Neptune, Earth-shaking King, what words are these?


s: Of feebler hands, and pow'r less great than thine,


s: Might cause alarm; but, far as light extends,


s: Of this great work to thee shall be the fame:


s: When with their ships the long-hair'd Greeks shall take


s: Their homeward voyage to their native land,


s: This wall shall by the waves be broken through,


s: O'er the wide shore again thy sands shall spread,


s: And all the boasted work of Greece o'erwhelm."


s: Amid themselves such converse held the Gods.


s: The sun was set; the Grecian work was done;


s: They slew, and shar'd, by tents, the ev'ning meal.


s: From Lemnos' isle a num'rous fleet had come


s: Freighted with wine; and by Euneus sent,


s: For Atreus' sons, apart from all the rest,


s: Of wine, the son of Jason had despatch'd


s: A thousand measures; all the other Greeks


s: Hasten'd to purchase, some with brass, and some


s: With gleaming iron; other some with hides,


s: Cattle, or slaves; and joyous wax'd the feast.


s: All night the long-hair'd Greeks their revels held,


s: But through the night his anger Jove express'd


s: With awful thunderings; pale they turn'd with fear:


s: To earth the wine was from the goblets shed,


s: Nor dar'd they drink, until libations due


s: Had first been pour'd to Saturn's mighty son.


s: Then lay they down, and sought the boon of sleep.


s: Now morn, in saffron robe, the earth o'erspread;


s: And Jove, the lightning's Lord, of all the Gods


s: Address'd them; they his speech attentive heard.


s: The words I speak, the promptings of my soul.


s: Let none among you, male or female, dare


s: To thwart my counsels: rather all concur,


s: That so these matters I may soon conclude.


s: To give his aid, with ignominious stripes


s: Back to Olympus shall that God be driv'n;


s: Far off, the lowest abyss beneath the earth,


s: With, gates of iron, and with floor of brass,


s: Beneath the shades as far as earth from Heav'n,


s: There will I hurl him, and ye all shall know


s: In strength how greatly I surpass you all.


s: Make trial if ye will, that all may know.


s: A golden cord let down from Heav'n, and all,


s: Both Gods and Goddesses, your strength, apply:


s: Yet would ye fail to drag from Heav'n to earth,


s: Strive as ye may, your mighty master, Jove;


s: But if I choose to make my pow'r be known,


s: The earth itself, and ocean, I could raise,


s: And binding round Olympus' ridge the cord,


s: So far supreme my pow'r o'er Gods and men."


s: He said, and they, confounded by his words,


s: In silence sat; so sternly did he speak.


s: At length the blue-ey'd Goddess, Pallas, said:


s: Yet deeply grieve we for the warlike Greeks,


s: Condemn'd to hopeless ruin; from the fight,


s: Since such is thy command, we stand aloof;


s: But yet some saving counsel may we give,


s: Lest in thine anger thou destroy them quite."


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller, smiling, thus:


s: "Be of good cheer, my child; unwillingly


s: I speak, yet will not thwart thee of thy wish."


s: He said, and straight the brazen-footed steeds,


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


s: He harness'd to his chariot; all in gold


s: Himself array'd, the golden lash he grasp'd,


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


s: Urg'd the fleet coursers; nothing loth, they flew


s: Midway betwixt the earth and starry heav'n.


s: And to the crest of Gargarus, wild nurse


s: Of mountain beasts; a sacred plot was there,


s: Whereon his incense-honour'd altar stood:


s: There stay'd his steeds the Sire of Gods and men


s: Loos'd from the car, and veil'd with clouds around.


s: Then on the topmost ridge he sat, in pride


s: Of conscious strength; and looking down, survey'd


s: The Trojan city, and the ships of Greece.


s: Meantime, the Greeks throughout their tents in haste


s: Despatch'd their meal, and arm'd them for the fight;


s: On th' other side the Trojans donn'd their arms,


s: In numbers fewer, but with stern resolve,


s: By hard necessity constrain'd, to strive,


s: For wives and children, in the stubborn fight.


s: The gates all open'd wide, forth pour'd the crowd


s: Of horse and foot; and loud the clamour rose.


s: When in the midst they met, together rush'd


s: Bucklers and lances, and the furious might


s: Of mail-clad warriors; bossy shield on shield


s: Clatter'd in conflict; loud the clamour rose:


s: Then rose too mingled shouts and groans of men


s: Slaying and slain; the earth ran red with blood.


s: While yet 'twas morn, and wax'd the youthful day,


s: Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell


s: On either side; but when the sun had reach'd


s: The middle Heav'n, th' Eternal Father hung


s: His golden scales aloft, and plac'd in each


s: The fatal death-lot: for the sons of Troy


s: The one, the other for the brass-clad Greeks;


s: Then held them by the midst; down sank the lot


s: Of Greece, down to the ground, while high aloft


s: Mounted the Trojan scale, and rose to Heav'n.


s: Then loud he bade the volleying thunder peal


s: From Ida's heights; and 'mid the Grecian ranks


s: He hurl'd his flashing lightning; at the sight


s: Amaz'd they stood, and pale with terror shook.


s: The mighty Agamemnon, kept their ground,


s: Alone remain'd, and he against his will,


s: By godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord:


s: Just on the crown, where close behind the head


s: First springs the mane, the deadliest spot of all,


s: The arrow struck him; madden'd with the pain


s: He rear'd, then plunging forward, with the shaft


s: Fix'd in his brain, and rolling in the dust,


s: The other steeds in dire confusion threw;


s: And while old Nestor with his sword essay'd


s: To cut the reins, and free the struggling horse,


s: Amid the rout down came the flying steeds


s: By Hector's self; then had the old man paid


s: The forfeit of his life, but, good at need,


s: Why fliest thou, coward-like, amid the throng,


s: And in thy flight to the aim of hostile spears


s: Thy back presenting? stay, and here with me


s: From this fierce warrior guard the good old man."


s: He said; but stout Ulysses heard him not,


s: And to the ships pursued his hurried way.


s: But in the front, Tydides, though alone,


s: He stood, and thus the aged chief address'd:


s: "Old man, these youthful warriors press thee sore,


s: Thy vigour spent, and with the weight of years


s: Oppress'd; and helpless too thy charioteer,


s: And slow thy horses; mount my car, and prove


s: How swift my steeds, or in pursuit or flight,


s: From those of Tros descended, scour the plain;


s: Leave to th' attendants these; while mine we launch


s: Against the Trojan host, that Hector's self


s: May know how strong my hand can hurl the spear."


s: While on Tydides' car they mounted both.


s: The aged Nestor took the glitt'ring reins,


s: And urg'd the horses; Hector soon they met:


s: Yet struck not Hector; but his charioteer,


s: Who held the reins, the brave Thebaeus' son,


s: Eniopeus, through the breast transfix'd,


s: Beside the nipple; from the car he fell,


s: The startled horses swerving at the sound;


s: And from his limbs the vital spirit fled.


s: Deep, for his comrade slain, was Hector's grief;


s: Yet him, though griev'd, perforce he left to seek


s: A charioteer; nor wanted long his steeds


s: And bade him mount his swiftly-flying car,


s: And to his hands the glitt'ring reins transferr'd.


s: Then fearful ruin had been wrought, and deeds


s: Untold achiev'd, and like a flock of lambs,


s: The adverse hosts been coop'd beneath the walls,


s: Had not the Sire of Gods and men beheld,


s: And with an awful peal of thunder hurl'd


s: His vivid lightning down; the fiery bolt


s: Before Tydides' chariot plough'd the ground.


s: Fierce flash'd the sulph'rous flame, and whirling round


s: Beneath the yoke th' affrighted horses quailed.


s: From Nestor's hand escap'd the glitt'ring reins,


s: And, trembling, thus to Diomed he spoke:


s: "Turn we to flight, Tydides; see'st thou not,


s: That Jove from us his aiding hand withholds?


s: The meed of vict'ry; on some future day,


s: For man, how brave soe'er, cannot o'errule


s: The will of Jove, so much the mightier he."


s: "Truly, old man, and wisely dost thou speak;


s: But this the bitter grief that wrings my soul:


s: Hector may say, 'Before my presence scar'd


s: Tydides sought the shelter of the ships.'


s: Thus when he boasts, gape earth, and hide my shame!"


s: "Great son of Tydeus, oh what words are these!


s: Should Hector brand thee with a coward's name,


s: No credence would he gain from Trojan men,


s: Or Dardan, or from Trojan warriors' wives,


s: Whose husbands in the dust thy hand hath laid."


s: He said, and 'mid the general rout, to flight


s: He turn'd his horses; on the flying crowd,


s: With shouts of triumph, Hector at their head,


s: The men of Troy their murd'rous weapons show'r'd.


s: Loud shouted Hector of the glancing helm:


s: Have held thee in much honour; plac'd on high


s: At banquets, and with lib'ral portions grac'd,


s: And flowing cups: but thou, from this day forth,


s: Shalt be their scorn! a woman's soul is thine!


s: Out on thee, frighten'd girl! thou ne'er shalt scale


s: Our Trojan tow'rs, and see me basely fly;


s: Ere such thy boast, my hand shall work thy doom."


s: To turn his horses, and confront his foe:


s: Thrice thus he doubted; thrice, at Jove's command,


s: From Ida's height the thunder peal'd, in sign


s: Then to the Trojans Hector call'd aloud:


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


s: In close encounter, quit ye now like men;


s: Put forth your wonted valour; for I know


s: That in his secret counsels Jove designs


s: Fools, in those wretched walls that put their trust,


s: Scarce worthy notice, hopeless to withstand


s: My onset; and the trench that they have dug,


s: And when I reach the ships, be mindful ye,


s: To have at hand the fire, wherewith the ships


s: We may destroy, while they themselves shall fall


s: He said, and thus with cheering words address'd


s: His horses: "Xanthus, and, Podargus, thou,


s: Your mangers still supplied, before e'en I,


s: Her husband, from her hands the wine-cup took.


s: Put forth your speed, that we may make our prize


s: Of Nestor's shield, whose praise extends to Heav'n,


s: His gorgeous breastplate, work of Vulcan's hand:


s: These could we take, methinks this very night


s: Would see the Greeks embarking on their ships."


s: Such was his pray'r; but Juno on her throne


s: Trembled with rage, till great Olympus quak'd,


s: And thus to Neptune, mighty God, she spoke:


s: "O thou of boundless might, Earth-shaking God,


s: See'st thou unmov'd the ruin of the Greeks?


s: With grateful off'rings rich thine altars crown;


s: Then give we them the vict'ry; if we all


s: Who favour Greece, together should combine


s: To put to flight the Trojans, and restrain


s: All-seeing Jove, he might be left alone,


s: To whom, in anger, Neptune thus replied:


s: "O Juno, rash of speech, what words are these!


s: I dare not counsel that we all should join


s: 'Gainst Saturn's son; so much the stronger he."


s: Such converse held they; all the space meanwhile


s: Within the trench, between the tow'r and ships,


s: Was closely throng'd with steeds and buckler'd men;


s: By Jove to vict'ry, coop'd in narrow space;


s: Who now had burnt with fire the Grecian ships,


s: Their fainting courage; through the camp he pass'd;


s: On his broad hand a purple robe he bore,


s: The midmost, whence to shout to either side,


s: Confiding in their strength, had moor'd their ships.


s: Thence to the Greeks he shouted, loud and clear:


s: "Shame on ye, Greeks, base cowards, brave alone


s: In outward semblance! where are now the vaunts


s: Which once (so highly of ourselves we deem'd)


s: Ye made, vain-glorious braggarts as ye were,


s: In Lemnos' isle, when, feasting on the flesh


s: Of straight-horn'd oxen, and your flowing cups


s: Crowning with ruddy wine, not one of you,


s: Or for two hundred, deem'd himself a match:


s: Hector, who soon will wrap our ships in fire.


s: O Father Jove! what sov'reign e'er hast thou


s: Yet ne'er, on this disastrous voyage bent,


s: The choicest off'rings burning still on each,


s: In hopes to raze the well-built walls of Troy.


s: Yet to this pray'r at least thine ear incline;


s: Grant that this coast in safety we may leave,


s: He said; and Jove, with pity, saw his tears;


s: And, with a sign, his people's safety vouch'd.


s: He sent an eagle, noblest bird that flies,


s: Who in his talons bore a wild deer's fawn:


s: The fawn he dropp'd beside the holy shrine,


s: The Greeks were wont their solemn rites to pay.


s: The sign from Heav'n they knew; with courage fresh


s: Assail'd the Trojans, and the fight renew'd.


s: Then none of all the many Greeks might boast


s: Across the ditch, and mingled in the fight.


s: His was the hand that first a crested chief,


s: He turn'd his car for flight; but as he turn'd,


s: Between the shoulders, through his chest was driv'n;


s: Headlong he fell, and loud his armour rang.


s: Th' Ajaces both, in dauntless courage cloth'd;


s: The ninth was Teucer, who, with bended bow,


s: Took shelter; Ajax o'er him held his shield;


s: Thence look'd he round, and aim'd amid the crowd;


s: And as he saw each Trojan, wounded, fall,


s: Struck by his shafts, to Ajax close he press'd,


s: As to its mother's shelt'ring arms a child,


s: Conceal'd and safe beneath the ample targe.


s: Say then, who first of all the Trojans fell


s: Thinning the Trojan ranks, with joy beheld,


s: And, standing at his side, address'd him thus:


s: Shoot ever thus, if thou wouldst be the light


s: And glory of the Greeks, and of thy sire,


s: Who nursed thine infancy, and in his house


s: To highest fame let thine achievements raise.


s: This too I say, and will make good my word:


s: And Pallas, Ilium's well-built walls we raze,


s: I in thy hands will place; a tripod bright,


s: Or, with their car and harness, two brave steeds,


s: Who lacks not zeal? To th' utmost of my pow'r


s: Since first we drove the Trojans back, I watch,


s: Unceasing, every chance to ply my shafts.


s: Eight barbed arrows have I shot e'en now,


s: And in a warrior each has found its mark;


s: That savage hound alone defeats my aim."


s: He miss'd his aim; but Priam's noble son


s: Gorgythion, through the breast his arrow struck,


s: Whom from AEsyme brought, a wedded bride


s: Down sank his head, as in a garden sinks


s: A ripen'd poppy charg'd with vernal rains;


s: So sank his head beneath his helmet's weight.


s: Yet this too miss'd, by Phoebus turn'd aside;


s: Of Hector, onward hurrying, through the breast


s: It struck, beside the nipple; from the car


s: He fell; aside the startled horses swerv'd;


s: Deep, for his comrade slain, was Hector's grief;


s: Yet him, though griev'd at heart, perforce he left,


s: Then near at hand, the horses' reins to take;


s: He heard, and straight obey'd; then Hector leap'd


s: Down from his glitt'ring chariot to the ground,


s: His fearful war-cry shouting; in his hand


s: A pond'rous stone he carried; and, intent


s: To strike him down, at Teucer straight he rush'd.


s: He from his quiver chose a shaft in haste,


s: Hurl'd the huge mass of rock, which Teucer struck


s: Near to the shoulder, where the collar-bone


s: Joins neck and breast, the spot most opportune,


s: And broke the tendon; paralys'd, his arm


s: Dropp'd helpless by his side; upon his knees


s: He fell, and from his hands let fall the bow.


s: Not careless Ajax saw his brother's fall,


s: But o'er him spread in haste his cov'ring shield.


s: Two faithful friends, Mecisteus, Echius' son,


s: And brave Alastor, from the press withdrew,


s: And bore him, deeply groaning, to the ships.


s: Then Jove again the Trojan courage fir'd,


s: And backward to the ditch they forc'd the Greeks.


s: Proud of his prowess, Hector led them on;


s: And as a hound that, fleet of foot, o'ertakes


s: Springs from behind, and fastens on his flank,


s: Yet careful watches, lest he turn to bay:


s: So Hector press'd upon the long-hair'd Greeks,


s: Slaying the hindmost; they in terror fled.


s: But, pass'd at length the ditch and palisade,


s: Before the ships they rallied from their flight,


s: And one to other call'd: and one and all


s: With hands uplifted, pray'd to all the Gods;


s: While Hector, here and there, on ev'ry side


s: His flying coursers wheel'd, with eyes that flash'd


s: Awful as Gorgon's, or as blood-stain'd Mars.


s: Juno, the white-arm'd Queen, with pity mov'd,


s: To Pallas thus her winged words address'd:


s: "O Heav'n, brave child of aegis-bearing Jove,


s: Can we, ev'n now, in this their sorest need,


s: Refuse the Greeks our aid, by one subdued,


s: Hath caus'd them endless grief?" To whom again


s: The blue-ey'd Goddess, Pallas, thus replied:


s: "I too would fain behold him robb'd of life,


s: In his own country slain by Grecian hands;


s: Rages in wrath, still thwarting all my plans;


s: Sore wearied with the toils Eurystheus gave.


s: Oft would his tears ascend to Heav'n, and oft


s: From Heav'n would Jove despatch me to his aid;


s: But if I then had known what now I know,


s: When to the narrow gates of Pluto's realm


s: In safety from the marge of Styx profound.


s: To Thetis lends, who kiss'd his knees, and touch'd


s: His beard, and pray'd him to avenge her son


s: Achilles; yet the time shall come when I


s: Shall be once more his own dear blue-ey'd Maid.


s: But haste thee now, prepare for us thy car,


s: While to the house of aegis-bearing Jove


s: To prove if Hector of the glancing helm,


s: Or if the flesh of Trojans, slain by Greeks,


s: Shall sate the maw of rav'ning dogs and birds."


s: She said: the white-arm'd Queen her word obey'd.


s: Juno, great Goddess, royal Saturn's child,


s: The horses brought, with golden frontlets crown'd;


s: While Pallas, child of aegis-bearing Jove,


s: Within her father's threshold dropp'd her veil