s: Beneath the well-built tow'rs, if haply thence


s: His comrades' weapons might some aid afford;


s: Would cut him off, and turn him to the plain.


s: He tow'rd the city still essay'd his flight;


s: And as in dreams, when one pursues in vain,


s: One seeks in vain to fly, the other seeks


s: Achilles reach, nor Hector quit, his foe.


s: Yet how should Hector now the doom of death


s: Have 'scap'd, had not Apollo once again,


s: And for the last time, to his rescue come,


s: And giv'n him strength and suppleness of limb?


s: Then to the crowd Achilles with his head


s: Made sign that none at Hector should presume


s: To cast a spear, lest one might wound, and so


s: The greater glory obtain, while he himself


s: Must be contented with the second place.


s: But when the fourth time in their rapid course


s: The founts were reach'd, th' Eternal Father hung


s: His golden scales aloft, and plac'd in each


s: The lots of doom, for great Achilles one,


s: For Hector one, and held them by the midst:


s: Down sank the scale, weighted with Hector's death,


s: Down to the shades, and Phoebus left his side.


s: Then to Pelides came the blue-ey'd Maid,


s: And stood beside him, and bespoke him thus:


s: "Achilles, lov'd of Heav'n, I trust that now


s: In Hector's fall, insatiate of the fight.


s: Escape he cannot now, though at the feet


s: With earnest pray'r Apollo prostrate fall.


s: But stay thou here and take thy breath, while I


s: Persuade him to return and dare the fight."


s: So Pallas spoke; and he with joy obeying,


s: Stood leaning on his brass-barb'd ashen spear.


s: The Goddess left him there, and went (the form


s: In search of godlike Hector; him she found,


s: And standing near, with winged words address'd:


s: "Sorely, good brother, hast thou been bested


s: By fierce Achilles, who around the walls


s: Hath chas'd thee with swift foot; now stand we both


s: For mutual succour, and his onset wait."


s: To whom great Hector of the glancing helm:


s: Still dearest to my heart; and now the more


s: To sally forth, while others skulk behind."


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


s: "With many pray'rs, good brother, both our sire


s: And honour'd mother, and our comrades all


s: Such fear is fall'n on all; but in my soul


s: On thine account too deep a grief I felt.


s: Now, forward boldly! spare we not our spears;


s: From both of us our bloody spoils can bear,


s: Or by thine arm himself may be subdued."


s: Thus Pallas lur'd him on with treach'rous wile;


s: But when the two were met, and close at hand,


s: First spoke great Hector of the glancing helm:


s: "No more before thee, Peleus' son, I fly:


s: Thrice have I fled around the walls, nor dar'd


s: Await thine onset; now my spirit is rous'd


s: To stand before thee, to be slain, or slay.


s: But let us first th' immortal Gods invoke;


s: Of compacts: at my hand no foul disgrace


s: Shalt thou sustain, if Jove with victory


s: Shall crown my firm endurance, and thy life


s: To me be forfeit; of thine armour stripp'd


s: With fierce regard Achilles answer'd thus:


s: Talk not to me of compacts; as 'tween men


s: But ceaseless enmity between them dwells:


s: So not in friendly terms, nor compact firm,


s: Glut with his blood the mail-clad warrior Mars.


s: Mind thee of all thy fence; behoves thee now


s: To prove a spearman skill'd, and warrior brave.


s: For thee escape is none; now, by my spear,


s: Hath Pallas doom'd thy death; my comrades' blood,


s: Which thou hast shed, shall all be now aveng'd."


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


s: But Hector saw, and shunn'd the blow; he stoop'd,


s: And o'er his shoulder flew the brass-tipp'd spear,


s: And in the ground was fix'd; but Pallas drew


s: The weapon forth, and to Achilles' hand,


s: Then Hector thus to Peleus' matchless son:


s: "Thine aim has fail'd; nor truly has my fate,


s: Thou godlike son of Peleus, been to thee


s: From Heav'n reveal'd; such was indeed thy boast;


s: But flippant was thy speech, and subtly fram'd


s: To scare me with big words, and make me prove


s: Not in my back will I receive thy spear,


s: But through my breast, confronting thee, if Jove


s: Have to thine arm indeed such triumph giv'n.


s: Now, if thou canst, my spear in turn elude;


s: For lighter were to Troy the load of war,


s: If thou, the greatest of her foes, wert slain."


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


s: Nor miss'd his aim; full in the midst he struck


s: Pelides' shield; but glancing from the shield


s: The weapon bounded off. Hector was griev'd,


s: That thus his spear had bootless left his hand.


s: He stood aghast; no second spear was nigh:


s: Then Hector knew that he was dup'd, and cried,


s: "Oh Heav'n! the Gods above have doom'd my death!


s: Was near at hand; but he within the walls


s: Escape is none; since so hath Jove decreed,


s: And Jove's far-darting son, who heretofore


s: Have been my guards; my fate hath found me now.


s: Nor all inglorious; but let some great act,


s: Which future days may hear of, mark my fall."


s: Thus as he spoke, his sharp-edged sword he drew,


s: Pond'rous and vast, suspended at his side;


s: Collected for the spring, and forward dash'd:


s: As when an eagle, bird of loftiest flight,


s: Through the dark clouds swoops downward on the plain,


s: To seize some tender lamb, or cow'ring hare;


s: So Hector rush'd, and wav'd his sharp-edg'd sword.


s: Achilles' wrath was rous'd: with fury wild


s: His soul was fill'd: before his breast he bore


s: His well-wrought shield; and fiercely on his brow


s: Nodded the four-plum'd helm, as on the breeze


s: Floated the golden hairs, with which the crest


s: By Vulcan's hand was thickly interlac'd;


s: When twilight yields to night, one star appears,


s: Hesper, the brightest star that shines in Heav'n,


s: Gleam'd the sharp-pointed lance, which in his right


s: Achilles pois'd, on godlike Hector's doom


s: Where from attack his body least was fenc'd.


s: All else the glitt'ring armour guarded well,


s: Which Hector from Patroclus' corpse had stripp'd;


s: The neck and shoulder parts, beside the throat,


s: Where lies expos'd the swiftest road of death.


s: There levell'd he, as Hector onward rush'd;


s: Right through the yielding neck the lance was driv'n,


s: But sever'd not the windpipe, nor destroy'd


s: His pow'r of speech; prone in the dust he fell;


s: And o'er him, vaunting, thus Achilles spoke:


s: "Hector, Patroclus stripping of his arms,


s: Thy hope was that thyself wast safe; and I,


s: Not present, brought no terror to thy soul:


s: Fool! in the hollow ships I yet remain'd,


s: I, who am now thy conqu'ror. By the dogs


s: And vultures shall thy corpse be foully torn,


s: While him the Greeks with fun'ral rites shall grace."


s: Whom answer'd Hector of the glancing helm,


s: Prostrate and helpless: "By thy soul, thy knees,


s: Thy parents' heads, Achilles, I beseech,


s: Let not my corpse by Grecian dogs be torn.


s: Accept the ample stores of brass and gold,


s: And mother shall be paid thee; but my corpse


s: Restore, that so the men and wives of Troy


s: May deck with honours due my fun'ral pyre."


s: To whom, with fierce aspect, Achilles thus:


s: "Knee me no knees, vile hound! nor prate to me


s: Thy mangled flesh; such wrongs I have to avenge,


s: He lives not, who can save thee from the dogs;


s: Not though with ransom ten and twenty fold


s: He here should stand, and yet should promise more;


s: No, not though Priam's royal self should sue


s: No, not e'en so, thy mother shall obtain


s: To lay thee out upon the couch, and mourn


s: O'er thee, her offspring; but on all thy limbs


s: Shall dogs and carrion vultures make their feast."


s: To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm,


s: Dying: "I know thee well; nor did I hope


s: To change thy purpose; iron is thy soul.


s: But see that on thy head I bring not down


s: The wrath of Heav'n, when by the Scaean gate


s: Brave warrior as thou art, shall strike thee down."


s: E'en as he spoke, his eyes were clos'd in death;


s: And to the viewless shades his spirit fled,


s: Mourning his fate, his youth and vigour lost.


s: To him, though dead, Achilles thus replied:


s: "Die thou! my fate I then shall meet, whene'er


s: Jove and th' immortal Gods shall so decree."


s: He said, and from the corpse his spear withdrew,


s: And laid aside; then stripp'd the armour off,


s: With, blood besmear'd; the Greeks around him throng'd,


s: And none approach'd that did not add a wound:


s: And one to other look'd, and said, "Good faith,


s: Then when erewhile he wrapp'd our ships in fire."


s: Thus would they say, then stab the dead anew.


s: But when the son of Peleus, swift of foot,


s: Had stripp'd the armour from the corpse, he rose,


s: And, standing, thus th' assembled Greeks address'd:


s: "O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece,


s: Since Heav'n hath granted us this man to slay,


s: Whose single arm hath wrought us more of ill


s: Than all the rest combin'd, advance we now


s: What is the mind of Troy; if, Hector slain,


s: Or still, despite their loss, their ground maintain.


s: But wherefore entertain such thoughts, my soul?


s: Beside the ships, unwept, unburied, lies


s: While number'd with the living, and my limbs


s: Have pow'r to move; in Hades though the dead


s: Now to the ships return we, sons of Greece,


s: Glad paeans singing! with us he shall go;


s: Great glory is ours, the godlike Hector slain,


s: The pride of Troy, and as a God rever'd."


s: He said, and foully Hector's corpse misus'd;


s: Of either foot he pierc'd the tendon through,


s: And to his chariot bound with leathern thongs,


s: Leaving the head to trail along the ground;


s: Then mounted, with the captur'd arms, his car,


s: And urg'd his horses; nothing loth, they flew.


s: A cloud of dust the trailing body rais'd:


s: Loose hung his glossy hair; and in the dust


s: Was laid that noble head, so graceful once;


s: Now to foul insult doom'd by Jove's decree,


s: From off her head the glitt'ring veil she threw,


s: And with loud cries her slaughter'd son bewail'd.


s: Piteous, his father groan'd; and all around


s: Was heard the voice of wailing and of woe.


s: Such was the cry, as if the beetling height


s: Of Ilium all were smould'ring in the fire.


s: Scarce in his anguish could the crowd restrain


s: The old man from issuing through the Dardan gates;


s: Low in the dust he roll'd, imploring all,


s: Entreating by his name each sev'ral man:


s: "Forbear, my friends; though sorrowing, stay me not;


s: Leave me to reach alone the Grecian ships,


s: This haughty chief, if haply he my years


s: The bane of Troy; and, most of all, to me


s: The cause of endless grief, who by his hand


s: Yet all, though griev'd for all, I less lament,


s: Than one, whose loss will sink me to the grave,


s: Hector! oh would to Heav'n that in mine arms


s: He could have died; with mourning then and tears


s: We might have satisfied our grief, both she


s: Who bore him, hapless mother, and myself."


s: Weeping, he spoke; and with him wept the crowd:


s: Then, 'mid the women, Hecuba pour'd forth


s: Her vehement grief: "My child, oh whither now,


s: Heart-stricken, shall I go, of thee bereft,


s: Of thee, who wast to me by night and day


s: A glory and a boast; the strength of all


s: They worshipp'd thee: for in thy life thou wast


s: The glory of all; but fate hath found thee now."


s: Weeping, she spoke; but nought as yet was known


s: Had brought the tidings, that without the walls


s: Remained her husband; in her house withdrawn


s: A web she wove, all purple, double woof,


s: And to her neat-hair'd maidens gave command


s: To place the largest caldrons on the fire,


s: That with warm baths, returning from the fight,


s: Hector might be refresh'd; unconscious she,


s: That by Achilles' hand, with Pallas' aid,


s: Far from the bath, was godlike Hector slain.


s: The sounds of wailing reach'd her from the tow'r;


s: Totter'd her limbs, the distaff left her hand,


s: And to her neat-hair'd maidens thus she spoke:


s: "Haste, follow me, some two, that I may know


s: What mean these sounds; my honour'd mother's voice


s: I hear; and in my breast my beating heart


s: Leaps to my mouth; my limbs refuse to move;


s: Some evil, sure, on Priam's house impends.


s: Be unfulfill'd my words! yet much I fear


s: By great Achilles, from the walls of Troy,


s: Chas'd to the plain, the desp'rate courage quench'd,


s: Which ever led him from the gen'ral ranks


s: Far in advance, and bade him yield to none."


s: Then from the house she rush'd, like one distract,


s: With beating heart; and with her went her maids.


s: But when she reach'd the tow'r, where stood the crowd,


s: And mounted on the wall, she look'd around,


s: The flying steeds were dragging towards the ships;


s: Then sudden darkness overspread her eyes;


s: Backward she fell, and gasp'd her spirit away.


s: Far off were flung th' adornments of her head,


s: The net, the fillet, and the woven bands;


s: That day when Hector of the glancing helm


s: Led from Eetion's house his wealthy bride.


s: The sisters of her husband round her press'd,


s: And held, as in the deadly swoon she lay.


s: But when her breath and spirit return'd again,


s: With sudden burst of anguish thus she cried:


s: We both were born alike; thou here in Troy


s: Unhappier I! would I had ne'er been born!


s: Now thou beneath the depths of earth art gone,


s: Gone to the viewless shades; and me hast left


s: Our child, an infant still, thy child and mine,


s: Ill-fated parents both! nor thou to him,


s: Hector, shalt be a guard, nor he to thee:


s: For though he 'scape this tearful war with Greece,


s: Yet nought for him remains but ceaseless woe,


s: And strangers on his heritage shall seize.


s: With downcast eyes, and cheeks bedew'd with tears,


s: His father's friends approaching, pinch'd with want,


s: He plucks the cloak; perchance in pity some


s: May at their tables let him sip the cup,


s: Moisten his lips, but scarce his palate touch;


s: While youths, with both surviving parents bless'd,


s: May drive him from their feast with blows and taunts,


s: 'Begone! thy father sits not at our board:'


s: Then weeping, to his widow'd mother's arms


s: Who on his father's knees erewhile was fed


s: On choicest marrow, and the fat of lambs;


s: And, when in sleep his childish play was hush'd,


s: Was lull'd to slumber in his nurse's arms


s: On softest couch, by all delights surrounded.


s: But grief, his father lost, awaits him now,


s: Since thou alone wast Troy's defence and guard.


s: But now on thee, beside the beaked ships,


s: Far from thy parents, when the rav'ning dogs


s: Have had their fill, the wriggling worms shall feed;


s: On thee, all naked; while within thy house


s: Lies store of raiment, rich and rare, the work


s: Of women's hands; these will I burn with fire;


s: Not for thy need--thou ne'er shalt wear them more,--


s: But for thine honour in the sight of Troy."


s: Weeping she spoke; the women join'd her wail.


s: descriptions of which, and the various success of the several


s: antagonists, make the greatest part of the book.


s: Thus they throughout the city made their moan;


s: But when the Greeks had come where lay their ships


s: By the broad Hellespont, their sev'ral ways


s: They each pursu'd, dispersing; yet not so


s: But thus his warlike comrades he address'd:


s: "My faithful comrades, valiant Myrmidons,


s: Loose we not yet our horses from the cars;


s: But for Patroclus mourn, approaching near,


s: With horse and car; such tribute claim the dead;


s: Then, free indulgence to our sorrows giv'n,


s: Loose we the steeds, and share the ev'ning meal."


s: He said; and they with mingled voices rais'd


s: The solemn dirge; Achilles led the strain;


s: Thrice round the dead they drove their sleek-skinn'd steeds,


s: Mourning, with hearts by Thetis grief-inspir'd;


s: With tears the sands, with tears the warriors' arms,


s: Were wet; so mighty was the chief they mourn'd.


s: Then on his comrade's breast Achilles laid


s: His blood-stain'd hands, and thus began the wail:


s: "All hail, Patroclus, though in Pluto's realm;


s: That on the corpse of Hector, hither dragg'd,


s: Our dogs should feed; and that twelve noble youths,


s: The sons of Troy, before thy fun'ral pyre,


s: My hand, in vengeance for thy death, should slay."


s: He said, and foully Hector's corpse misus'd,


s: Flung prostrate in the dust, beside the couch


s: Where lay Menoetius' son. His comrades then


s: Their glitt'ring armour doff'd, of polish'd brass,


s: And loos'd their neighing steeds; then round the ship


s: Of Peleus' son in countless numbers sat,


s: While he th' abundant fun'ral feast dispens'd.


s: There many a steer lay stretch'd beneath the knife,


s: And many a sheep, and many a bleating goat,


s: And many a white-tusk'd porker, rich in fat,


s: There lay extended, singeing o'er the fire;


s: And blood, in torrents, flow'd around the corpse.


s: Conducted; yet with him they scarce prevail'd;


s: So fierce his anger for his comrade's death.


s: He to the clear-voic'd heralds gave command


s: But sternly he, and with an oath refus'd.


s: "No, by great Jove I swear, of all the Gods


s: Highest and mightiest, water shall not touch


s: This head of mine, till on the fun'ral pyre


s: And build his tomb, and cut my votive hair;


s: For while I live and move 'mid mortal men,


s: No second grief like this can pierce my soul.


s: Observe we now the mournful fun'ral feast;


s: Send forth at early dawn, and to the camp


s: Bring store of fuel, and all else prepare,


s: That with provision meet the dead may pass


s: Down to the realms of night; so shall the fire


s: From out our sight consume our mighty dead,


s: And to their wonted tasks the troops return."


s: He said; they listen'd, and his words obey'd;


s: And shar'd the social feast; nor lack'd there aught.


s: The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,


s: Each to their sev'ral tents the rest repair'd;


s: With bitter groans; in a clear space he lay,


s: Where broke the waves, continuous, on the beach.


s: There, circumfus'd around him, gentle sleep,


s: Lulling the sorrows of his heart to rest,


s: O'ercame his senses; for the hot pursuit


s: Of Hector round the breezy heights of Troy


s: His active limbs had wearied: as he slept,


s: Sudden appear'd Patroclus' mournful shade,


s: His very self; his height, and beauteous eyes,


s: And voice; the very garb he wont to wear:


s: Above his head it stood, and thus it spoke:


s: "Sleep'st thou, Achilles, mindless of thy friend,


s: Neglecting, not the living, but the dead?


s: Hasten, my fun'ral rites, that I may pass


s: Through Hades' gloomy gates; ere those be done,


s: The spirits and spectres of departed men


s: Drive me far from them, nor allow to cross


s: I wander through the wide-spread realms of night.


s: And give me now thy hand, whereon to weep;


s: For never more, when laid upon the pyre,


s: Apart from all our comrades, shall we two,


s: As friends, sweet counsel take; for me, stern Death,


s: The common lot of man, has op'd his mouth;


s: Art destin'd here beneath the walls of Troy


s: To meet thy doom; yet one thing must I add,


s: And make, if thou wilt grant it, one request.


s: Let not my bones be laid apart from thine,


s: Was spent together in thy father's house,


s: Had slain the son, disputing o'er the dice:


s: And kindly nurs'd, and thine attendant nam'd;


s: So in one urn be now our bones enclos'd,


s: The golden vase, thy Goddess-mother's gift."


s: Whom answer'd thus Achilles, swift of foot:


s: "Why art thou here, lov'd being? why on me


s: These sev'ral charges lay? whate'er thou bidd'st


s: Will I perform, and all thy mind fulfil;


s: But draw thou near; and in one short embrace,


s: Let us, while yet we may, our grief indulge."


s: Thus as he spoke, he spread his longing arms,


s: But nought he clasp'd; and with a wailing cry,


s: Vanish'd, like smoke, the spirit beneath the earth.


s: Up sprang Achilles, all amaz'd, and smote


s: His hands together, and lamenting cried:


s: "O Heav'n, there are then, in the realms below,


s: Spirits and spectres, unsubstantial all;


s: For through the night Patroclus' shade hath stood,


s: Weeping and wailing, at my side, and told


s: His bidding; th' image of himself it seem'd."


s: He said; his words the gen'ral grief arous'd:


s: To them, as round the piteous dead they mourn'd,


s: Appear'd the rosy-finger'd morn; and straight,


s: Went forth, in search of fuel, men and mules,


s: Their felling axes in their hands they bore,


s: And twisted ropes; their mules before them driv'n;


s: Now up, now down, now sideways, now aslope,


s: They journey'd on; but when they reach'd the foot


s: They, loudly crashing, fell: the wood they clove,


s: And bound it to the mules; these took their way


s: Through the thick brushwood, hurrying to the plain.


s: Were laden all with logs, which on the beach


s: They laid in order, where a lofty mound,


s: Achilles had design'd. When all the store


s: Of wood was duly laid, the rest remain'd


s: They rose and donn'd their arms, and on the cars


s: Warriors and charioteers their places took.


s: First came the horse, and then a cloud of foot,


s: Unnumber'd; in the midst Patroclus came,


s: Borne by his comrades; all the corpse with hair


s: They cover'd o'er, which from their heads they shore.


s: Behind, Achilles held his head, and mourn'd


s: The noble friend whom to the tomb he bore.


s: Then on the spot by Peleus' son assign'd,


s: They laid him down, and pil'd the wood on high.


s: Then a fresh thought Achilles' mind conceiv'd:


s: Standing apart, the yellow locks he shore,


s: Which as an off'ring to Sperchius' stream,


s: He nurs'd in rich profusion; sorrowing then


s: Look'd o'er the dark-blue sea, as thus lie spoke:


s: "Sperchius, all in vain to thee his pray'r


s: My father Peleus made, and vow'd that I,


s: To thee should dedicate my hair, and pay


s: Of fifty rams, unblemish'd, to the springs


s: Thine incense-honour'd altar; so he vow'd;


s: But thou the boon withhold'st; since I no more


s: My native land may see, the hair he vow'd,


s: He said, and on his comrade's hand he laid


s: The locks; his act the gen'ral grief arous'd;


s: And now the setting sun had found them still


s: Indulging o'er the dead; but Peleus' son


s: Readiest obedience, mourning too prolong'd


s: May weary; thou then from the pyre the rest


s: Disperse, and bid prepare the morning meal;


s: Ours be the farther charge, to whom the dead


s: Was chiefly dear; yet let the chiefs remain."


s: The monarch Agamemnon heard, and straight


s: Dispers'd the crowd amid their sev'ral ships.


s: Th' appointed band remain'd, and pil'd the wood.


s: A hundred feet each way they built the pyre,


s: And on the summit, sorrowing, laid the dead.


s: Then many a sheep and many a slow-paced ox


s: They flay'd and dress'd around the fun'ral pyre;


s: Of all the beasts Achilles took the fat,


s: And cover'd o'er the corpse from head to foot,


s: And heap'd the slaughter'd carcases around;


s: Then jars of honey plac'd, and fragrant oils,


s: Resting upon the couch; next, groaning loud,


s: Four pow'rful horses on the pyre he threw;


s: Then, of nine dogs that at their master's board


s: Had fed, he slaughter'd two upon his pyre;


s: Last, with the sword, by evil counsel sway'd,


s: Twelve noble youths he slew, the sons of Troy.


s: The fire's devouring might he then applied,


s: And, groaning, on his lov'd companion call'd:


s: "All hail, Patroclus, though in Pluto's realm!


s: On twelve brave sons of Trojan sires, with thee,


s: The flames shall feed; but Hector, Priam's son,


s: Not to the fire, but to the dogs I give."


s: Such was Achilles' threat, but him the dogs


s: Daughter of Jove, the rav'ning dogs restrain'd;


s: And all the corpse o'erlaid with roseate oil,


s: Ambrosial, that though dragg'd along the earth,


s: The noble dead might not receive a wound.


s: Spread o'er the plain, and cover'd all the space


s: Where lay the dead, nor let the blazing sun


s: The flesh upon his limbs and muscles parch.


s: Yet burnt not up Patroclus' fun'ral pyre;


s: Then a fresh thought Achilles' mind conceiv'd:


s: Standing apart, on both the "Winds he call'd,


s: Their presence, that the wood might haste to burn,


s: And with the fire consume the dead; his pray'r


s: Swift Iris heard, and bore it to the Winds.


s: Were gather'd round the feast; in haste appearing,


s: Swift Iris on the stony threshold stood.


s: They saw, and rising all, besought her each


s: To sit beside him; she with their requests


s: Refus'd compliance, and address'd them thus:


s: "No seat for me; for I o'er th' ocean stream


s: From hence am bound to AEthiopia's shore,


s: To share the sacred feast, and hecatombs,


s: Which there they offer to th' immortal Gods;


s: But, Boreas, thee, and loud-voic'd Zephyrus,


s: To fan the fun'ral pyre, whereon is laid


s: Patroclus, mourn'd by all the host of Greece."


s: She said, and vanish'd; they, with rushing sound,


s: Rose, and before them drove the hurrying clouds:


s: Soon o'er the sea they swept; the stirring breeze


s: Ruffled the waves; the fertile shores of Troy


s: They reach'd, and falling on the fun'ral pyre,


s: Loud roar'd the crackling flames; they all night long


s: With current brisk together fann'd the fire.


s: Drew forth, and, in his hand a double cup,


s: The wine outpouring, moisten'd all the earth,


s: Still calling on his lost Patroclus' shade.


s: Whose early death hath wrung his parents' hearts;


s: So mourn'd Achilles o'er his friend's remains,


s: Prostrate beside the pyre, and groan'd aloud.


s: The harbinger of light, whom following close


s: Spreads o'er the sea the saffron-robed morn,


s: Then pal'd the smould'ring fire, and sank the flame;


s: And o'er the Thracian sea, that groan'd and heav'd


s: Beneath their passage, home the Winds return'd;


s: And weary, from the pyre a space withdrawn,


s: Of crowds that follow'd Atreus' royal son,


s: He sat upright, and thus address'd his speech:


s: "Thou son of Atreus, and ye chiefs of Greece,


s: Far as the flames extended, quench we first


s: With care distinguishing, collect the bones;


s: Nor are they hard to know; for in the midst


s: He lay, while round the edges of the pyre,


s: Horses and men commix'd, the rest were burnt.


s: Let these, between a double layer of fat


s: Till I myself shall in the tomb be laid;


s: And o'er them build a mound, not over-large,


s: But of proportions meet; in days to come,


s: Ye Greeks, who after me shall here remain,


s: Complete the work, and build it broad and high."


s: Thus spoke Achilles; they his words obey'd:


s: Far as the flames had reach'd, and thickly strown


s: The embers lay, they quench'd with ruddy wine;


s: Then tearfully their gentle comrade's bones


s: Collected, and with double layers of fat


s: Then in the tent they laid them, overspread


s: With veil of linen fair; then meting out


s: Th' allotted space, the deep foundations laid


s: Around the pyre, and o'er them heap'd the earth.


s: Their task accomplished, all had now withdrawn;


s: But Peleus' son the vast assembly stay'd,


s: And bade them sit; then, prizes of the games,


s: Tripods and caldrons from the tents he brought,


s: And noble steeds, and mules, and sturdy steers,


s: First, for the contest of the flying cars


s: Well skill'd in household cares; a tripod vast,


s: Two-handled, two and twenty measures round;


s: These both were for the victor: for the next,


s: A mare, unbroken, six years old, in foal


s: Of a mule colt; the third, a caldron bright,


s: Capacious of four measures, white and pure,


s: By fire as yet untarnish'd; for the fourth,


s: Of gold two talents; for the fifth, a vase


s: With double cup, untouch'd by fire, he gave.


s: Then, standing up, he thus address'd the Greeks:


s: "Thou son of Atreus, and ye well-greav'd Greeks,


s: The contest of the cars; but if, ye Greeks,


s: For any other cause these games were held,


s: I to my tent should bear the foremost prize;


s: For well ye know how far my steeds excel,


s: Steeds of immortal race, which Neptune gave


s: To Peleus, he to me, his son, transferr'd.


s: But from the present strife we stand aloof,


s: My horses and myself; they now have lost


s: Of him who drove them, and with water pure


s: Wash'd oft their manes, and bath'd with fragrant oil.


s: For him they stand and mourn, with drooping heads


s: Down to the ground, their hearts with sorrow fill'd;


s: But ye in order range yourselves, who boast


s: Your well-built chariots and your horses' speed."


s: He said: up sprang the eager charioteers;


s: Two flying coursers harness'd to his car;


s: He might not be compell'd, but safe at home


s: Enjoy his ease; for Jove had bless'd his store


s: With ample wealth, in Sicyon's wide domain.


s: Her now he yok'd, impatient for the course.


s: Harness'd his sleek-skinn'd steeds; of Pylian race


s: Were they who bore his car; to him, his sire


s: Sage counsel pour'd in understanding ears:


s: "Antilochus, though young in years thou art,


s: Yet Jove and Neptune love thee, and have well


s: Thou need'st no counsel; skill'd around the goal


s: To whirl the chariot; but thou hast, of all,


s: But though their horses have the speed of thine,


s: In skill not one of them surpasses thee.


s: Then thou, dear boy, exert thine ev'ry art,


s: That so thou mayst not fail to gain a prize.


s: By skill, far more than strength, the woodman fells


s: The sturdy oak; by skill the steersman guides


s: His flying ship across the dark-blue sea,


s: Though shatter'd by the blast; 'twixt charioteer


s: And charioteer 'tis skill that draws the line.


s: One, vainly trusting to his coursers' speed,


s: Drives reckless here and there; o'er all the course,


s: His horses, unrestrain'd, at random run.


s: But better skill'd, still fixing on the goal


s: His eye, turns closely round, nor overlooks


s: The moment when to draw the rein; but holds


s: His steady course, and on the leader waits.


s: A mark I give thee now, thou canst not miss:


s: There stands a wither'd trunk, some six feet high,


s: On either side have two white stones been plac'd,


s: Where meet two roads; and all around there lies


s: A smooth and level course; here stood perchance


s: The tomb of one who died long years ago;


s: There drive, as only not to graze the post;


s: Close on the left the stones; thine offside horse


s: Then urge with voice and whip, and slack his rein,


s: And let the nearside horse so closely graze,


s: As that thy nave may seem to touch, the goal:


s: But yet beware, lest, striking on the stone,


s: Thy steeds thou injure, and thy chariot break,


s: Of shame to thee; but thou sage caution use;


s: For, following, if thou make the turn the first,


s: Not one of all shall pass thee, or o'ertake;


s: Not though Arion's self were in the car,


s: Adrastus' flying steed, of heav'nly race,


s: Nor those which here Laomedon possess'd."


s: This said, and to his son his counsels giv'n,


s: They mounted on their cars, and cast their lots:


s: Achilles shook the helmet; first leaped forth


s: They stood in line; Achilles pointed out,


s: Ear on the level plain, the distant goal;


s: And there in charge the godlike Phoenix plac'd,


s: His father's ancient follower, to observe


s: The course assign'd, and true report to make.


s: Then all at once their whips they rais'd, and urg'd


s: By rein, and hand, and voice, their eager steeds.


s: They from the ships pursued their rapid course


s: Athwart the distant plain; beneath their chests


s: Rose like a cloud, or hurricane, the dust;


s: Loose floated on the breeze their ample manes;


s: The cars now skimm'd along the fertile ground,


s: Now bounded high in air; the charioteers


s: With hope of vict'ry; each with eager shout


s: Cheering his steeds, that scour'd the dusty plain.


s: But when, the farthest limits of the course


s: Attain'd, they turn'd beside the hoary sea,


s: Strain'd to their utmost speed, were plainly seen


s: The qualities of each; then in the front


s: Appear'd Eumelus' flying mares, and next


s: Nor these were far behind, but following close


s: They seem'd in act to leap upon the car.


s: Eumelus, on his neck and shoulders broad,


s: Felt their warm breath; for o'er him, as they flew,


s: Their heads were downward bent; and now, perchance,


s: Then tears of anger from his eyelids fell,


s: As gaining more and more the mares he saw,


s: While, urg'd no more, his horses slack'd their speed.


s: But Pallas mark'd Apollo's treach'rous wile;


s: And hasting to the chief, restor'd his whip,


s: And to his horses strength and courage gave.


s: And snapp'd his chariot yoke; the mares, releas'd,


s: Swerv'd from the track; the pole upon the ground


s: Lay loosen'd from the car; and he himself


s: Beside the wheel was from the chariot hurl'd.


s: From elbows, mouth, and nose, the skin was torn;


s: His forehead crush'd and batter'd in; his eyes


s: Were fill'd with tears, and mute his cheerful voice.


s: Of all the rest, pass'd on; for Pallas gave


s: His horses courage, and his triumph will'd.


s: Next him, the fair-hair'd Menelaus came,


s: Thus to his father's horses call'd aloud:


s: "Forward, and stretch ye to your utmost speed;


s: In vain to strive, whom Pallas hath endued


s: With added swiftness, and his triumph will'd;


s: But haste ye, and o'ertake Atrides' car,


s: Why, my brave horses, why be left behind?


s: This too I warn ye, and will make it good:


s: No more at Nestor's hand shall ye receive


s: Your provender, but with the sword be slain,


s: If by your faults a lower prize be ours;


s: Then rouse ye now, and put forth all your speed,


s: Of slipping past them in the narrow way."


s: He said; the horses, of his voice in awe,


s: Put forth their pow'rs awhile; before them soon


s: Had lain collected, and had broken through


s: A length of road, and hollow'd out the ground:


s: There Menelaus held his cautious course.


s: Drawing his steeds a little from the track,


s: Bore down upon him sideways: then in fear,


s: Shouted aloud, "Antilochus, thou driv'st


s: Here is no space; where wider grows the road,


s: There thou mayst pass; but here, thou wilt but cause


s: Our cars to clash, and bring us both to harm."


s: Plying the goad, as though he heard him not.


s: Far as a discus' flight, by some stout youth,


s: That tests his vigour, from the shoulder hurl'd,


s: Then dropp'd Atrides' horses to the rear,


s: For he himself forbore to urge their speed,


s: Lest, meeting in the narrow pass, the cars


s: Should be o'erthrown, and they themselves, in haste


s: To gain the vict'ry, in the dust be roll'd.


s: Beshrew thy heart! we Greeks are much deceiv'd


s: Who give thee fame for wisdom! yet e'en now


s: Thou shalt not gain, but on thine oath, the prize."


s: He said, and to his horses call'd aloud:


s: "Slack not your speed, nor, as defeated, mourn;


s: Their legs and feet will sooner tire than yours,


s: For both are past the vigour of their youth."


s: Thus he; the horses, of his voice in awe,


s: Put forth their pow'rs, and soon the leaders near'd.


s: Meanwhile the chieftains, seated in the ring,


s: Look'd for the cars, that scour'd the dusty plain.


s: The Cretan King; for he, without the ring,


s: He heard and knew the foremost horseman's voice;


s: Well too he knew the gallant horse that led,


s: All bay the rest, but on his front alone


s: A star of white, full-orbed as the moon:


s: Then up he rose, and thus the Greeks address'd:


s: "O friends, the chiefs and councillors of Greece,


s: A diff'rent chariot seems to me in front,


s: A diff'rent charioteer; and they who first


s: Were leading, must have met with some mischance.


s: I saw them late, ere round the goal they turn'd,


s: But see them now no more; though all around


s: My eyes explore the wide-spread plain of Troy.


s: Perchance the charioteer has dropp'd the reins,


s: Or round the goal he could not hold the mares;


s: Perchance has miss'd the turn, and on the plain


s: While from the course his mettled steeds have flown.


s: Stand up, and look yourselves; I cannot well


s: Distinguish; but to me it seems a chief,


s: Who reigns o'er Greeks, though of AEtolian race,


s: So rashly speak? while the high-stepping steeds


s: Are speeding yet across the distant plain.


s: Thine eyes are not the youngest in the camp,


s: Nor look they out the sharpest from thy head;


s: Since others are there here, thy betters far.


s: The same are leading now, that led at first,


s: Eumelus' mares; 'tis he that holds the reins."


s: "Ajax, at wrangling good, in judgment naught,


s: And for aught else, among the chiefs of Greece


s: Of small account--so stubborn is thy soul;


s: The umpire to decide whose steeds are first?


s: So shalt thou gain thy knowledge at thy cost."


s: Had gone the quarrel, but Achilles' self


s: Stood up, and thus the rival chiefs address'd:


s: It is not seemly; and yourselves, I know,


s: Another would condemn, who so should speak.


s: But stay ye here, and seated in the ring,


s: Their coming wait; they, hurrying to the goal,


s: Will soon be here; and then shall each man know


s: Whose horses are the second, whose the first."


s: Thus he; but Tydeus' son drew near, his lash


s: Still laid upon his horses' shoulder-points;


s: As lightly they, high-stepping, scour'd the plain.


s: Still on the charioteer the dust was flung;


s: Follow'd the car with gold and tin inlaid;


s: And lightly, as they flew along, were left


s: Impress'd the wheel-tracks on the sandy plain.


s: There in the midst he stood, the sweat profuse


s: Down-pouring from his horses' heads and chests;


s: Down from the glitt'ring car he leap'd to earth,


s: And lean'd his whip against the chariot yoke;


s: But eagerly sprang forth to claim the prize;


s: Then to his brave companions gave in charge


s: The tripod, while himself unyok'd the steeds.


s: Atrides' flying coursers press'd him hard;


s: For but so far as from the chariot-wheel


s: Whose tail, back-streaming, with the utmost hairs


s: Brushes the felloes; close before the wheel,


s: Small space between, he scours the wide-spread plain:


s: Of Nestor's son; at first, a discus' cast


s: Between them lay; but rapidly his ground


s: He gain'd--so well the speed and courage serv'd


s: And, but a little farther were the course,


s: Had pass'd him by, nor left the race in doubt.


s: His were the slowest horses, and himself


s: The least experienc'd in the rapid race.


s: Dragging his broken car, came last of all,


s: His horses driv'n in front, Admetus' son;


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


s: "See where the best of all the last appears;


s: But let him take, as meet, the second prize;


s: The first belongs of right to Tydeus' son."


s: Thus he; they all assented to his words;


s: And, by the gen'ral voice of Greece, the mare


s: Had now been his; but noble Nestor's son,


s: Antilochus, stood up, his right to claim,


s: "Achilles, thou wilt do me grievous wrong,


s: If thou thy words accomplish; for my prize


s: Yet had he to th' Immortals made his pray'r,


s: He surely had not thus been last of all.


s: But, pitying him, if so thy mind incline,


s: Thy tents contain good store of gold, and brass,


s: And sheep, and female slaves, and noble steeds;


s: For him, of these, hereafter mayst thou take


s: And with th' applause of all; but for the mare,


s: I will not give her up; and let who will


s: Stand forth, my own right hand shall guard my prize."


s: He said; and smil'd Achilles swift of foot,


s: Delighted; for he lov'd the noble youth,


s: To whom his winged words he thus address'd:


s: This too I grant thee; and to him I give


s: Of brass, around whose edge is roll'd a stream


s: Of shining tin; a gift of goodly price."


s: And comrade, bring the breastplate from his tent;


s: He went, and brought it; in Eumelus' hand


s: He plac'd it; he with joy the gift receiv'd.


s: And while the herald in the monarch's hand


s: His royal sceptre plac'd, and bade the Greeks


s: Keep silence, thus the godlike hero spoke:


s: What hast thou done? thou hast impugn'd my skill,


s: And sham'd my horses, who hast brought thine own,


s: But come, ye chiefs and councillors of Greece,


s: Judge ye between us, fav'ring neither side:


s: That none of all the brass-clad Greeks may say


s: O'erborne Antilochus, and holds his prize:


s: Or come now, I myself will judgment give;


s: And standing, as 'tis meet, before the car


s: And horses, in thy hand the slender whip


s: Wherewith thou drov'st, upon the horses lay


s: Thy hand, and by Earth-shaking Neptune swear


s: Thou didst by fraud impede my chariot's course."


s: "Have patience with me yet; for I, O King,


s: Thou know'st th' o'er-eager vehemence of youth,


s: How quick in temper, and in judgment weak.


s: Set then thy heart at ease; the mare I won


s: I freely give; and if aught else of mine


s: Thou shouldst desire, would sooner give it all,


s: Than all my life be low'r'd, illustrious King,


s: In thine esteem, and sin against the Gods."


s: Thus saying, noble Nestor's son led forth,


s: The monarch's soul was melted, like the dew


s: Which glitters on the ears of growing corn,


s: That bristle o'er the plain; e'en so thy soul,


s: To whom were thus address'd thy winged words:


s: To be thus led astray; but now thy youth


s: Thy judgment hath o'erpow'r'd; seek not henceforth


s: By trick'ry o'er thine elders to prevail.


s: I scarce so much had yielded; but for that


s: Thyself hast labour'd much, and much endur'd,


s: Thou, thy good sire, and brother, in my cause:


s: I yield me to thy pray'rs; and give, to boot,


s: The mare, though mine of right; that these may know


s: The mare; himself the glitt'ring caldron took.


s: Of gold two talents, to the fourth assign'd,


s: Still the fifth prize, a vase with double cup,


s: Before th' assembled Greeks, as thus he spoke:


s: "Take this, old man, and for an heirloom keep,


s: Whom thou no more amid the Greeks shalt see.


s: Canst box, or wrestle, or in sportive strife


s: The jav'lin throw, or race with flying feet;


s: For age with heavy hand hath bow'd thee down."


s: He said, and plac'd it in his hand; th' old man


s: Beceiv'd with joy the gift, and thus replied:


s: "All thou hast said, my son, is simple truth:


s: No firmness now my limbs and feet retain,


s: Nor can my arms with freedom, as of old,


s: Straight from the shoulder, right and left, strike out.


s: Oh that such youth and vigour yet were mine,


s: And when the monarch's sons his prizes gave!


s: Then could not one of all th' Epeian race,


s: I vanquished; then Anchaeus, who stood up


s: To wrestle with me, I with ease o'erthrew;


s: Iphiclus I outran, though fleet of foot;


s: In hurling with the spear, with Phyleus strove,


s: And grudging more my triumph, since remain'd,


s: This contest to reward, the richest prize.


s: They were twin brothers; one who held the reins,


s: Still drove, and drove; the other plied the whip.


s: Such was I once; but now must younger men


s: Engage in deeds like these; and I, the chief


s: But honour thou with fitting fun'ral games


s: Thy comrade: I accept, well-pleas'd, thy gift,


s: My heart rejoicing that thou still retain'st


s: The place of honour, which among the Greeks


s: Belongs to me of right; for this, the Gods


s: He said; Achilles listen'd to the praise


s: Of Neleus' son; then join'd the gen'ral throng.


s: Next, he set forth the prizes, to reward


s: Unbroken, six years old, most hard to tame;


s: And for the vanquished man, a double cup;


s: Then rose, and to the Greeks proclaim'd aloud:


s: "Thou son of Atreus, and ye well-greav'd Greeks,


s: For these we bid two champions brave stand forth.


s: And he, whose stern endurance Phoebus crowns


s: With vict'ry, recogniz'd by all the Greeks,


s: He to his tent shall lead the hardy mule;


s: The loser shall the double cup receive."


s: He said; up sprang Epeius, tall and stout,


s: Who laid his hand upon the mule, and said:


s: "Stand forth, if any care the cup to win;


s: The mule, methinks, no Greek can bear away


s: From me, who glory in the champion's name.


s: Is't not enough, that in the battle-field


s: I claim no special praise? 'tis not for man


s: And will make good my words, who meets me here,


s: I mean to pound his flesh, and smash his bones.


s: See that his seconds be at hand, and prompt


s: To bear him from the ring, by me subdued."


s: He said; they all in silence heard his speech:


s: Stood forth opposing; he had once in Thebes


s: And there had vanquish'd all of Cadmian race.


s: With cheering words, and wishes of success.


s: Around his waist he fasten'd first the belt,


s: Then gave the well-cut gauntlets for his hands.


s: Of wild bull's hide. When both were thus equipp'd,


s: Into the centre of the ring they stepp'd:


s: There, face to face, with sinewy arms uprais'd,


s: They stood awhile, then clos'd; strong hand with hand


s: Mingling, in rapid interchange of blows.


s: Dire was the clatter of their jaws; the sweat


s: Pour'd forth, profuse, from ev'ry limb; then rush'd


s: Half turn'd aside, let fall a stagg'ring blow;


s: Knock'd from beneath him, prone to earth he fell;


s: And as a fish, that flounders on the sand,


s: Thrown by rude Boreas on the weedy beach,


s: Till cover'd o'er by the returning wave;


s: So flounder'd he beneath that stunning blow.


s: And rais'd him up; his comrades crowded round


s: And bore him from the field, with dragging steps,


s: Spitting forth clotted gore, his heavy head


s: Rolling from side to side; within his tent


s: They laid him down, unconscious; to the ring


s: Achilles next before the Greeks display'd


s: The prizes of the hardy wrestlers' skill:


s: The victor's prize, a tripod vast, fire-proof,


s: And at twelve oxen by the Greeks apprais'd;


s: And for the vanquish'd man, a female slave


s: Pric'd at four oxen, skill'd in household work.


s: Then rose, and loudly to the Greeks proclaim'd,


s: "Stand forth, whoe'er this contest will essay."


s: He said; and straight uprose the giant form


s: Girt with the belt, within the ring they stood,


s: And each, with stalwart grasp, laid hold on each;


s: Each propping each, by skilful architect


s: Design'd the tempest's fury to withstand.


s: Creak'd their backbones beneath the tug and strain


s: Of those strong arms; their sweat pour'd down like rain;


s: Their sides and shoulders streak'd, as sternly they


s: For vict'ry and the well-wrought tripod strove.


s: So stubbornly he stood; but when the Greeks


s: Were weary of the long-protracted strife,


s: The issue of our struggle rests with Jove."


s: He said, and rais'd Ulysses from the ground;


s: Nor he his ancient craft remember'd not,


s: But lock'd his leg around, and striking sharp


s: Gave way; the giant Ajax backwards fell,


s: And marvell'd. Then in turn Ulysses strove


s: But fail'd to lift him fairly from, the ground;


s: Yet crook'd his knee, that both together fell,


s: And side by side, defil'd with dust, they lay.


s: And now a third encounter had they tried


s: But rose Achilles, and the combat stay'd:


s: "Forbear, nor waste your strength, in farther strife;


s: Ye both are victors; both then bear away


s: That other Greeks may other contests wage."


s: Thus spoke Achilles: they his words obey'd,


s: And brushing off the dust, their garments donn'd.


s: The prizes of the runners, swift of foot,


s: Six measures its content, for workmanship


s: Unmatch'd on earth, of Sidon's costliest art


s: The product rare; thence o'er the misty sea


s: Brought by Phoenicians, who, in port arriv'd,


s: Which now Achilles, on his friend's behalf,


s: Assign'd as his reward, whoe'er should prove


s: The lightest foot, and speediest in the race.


s: A steer, well fatten'd, was the second prize,


s: And half a talent, for the third, of gold.


s: He rose, and to the Greeks proclaim'd aloud,


s: "Stand forth, whoe'er this contest will essay."


s: Who all the youth in speed of foot surpass'd.


s: They stood in line: Achilles pointed out


s: The limits of the course; as from the goal


s: They stretch'd them to the race, Oileus' son


s: First shot ahead; Ulysses following close;


s: Nor farther than the shuttle from the breast


s: Of some fair woman, when her outstretch'd arm


s: Has thrown the woof athwart the warp, and back


s: Withdraws it tow'rd her breast; so close behind


s: Trod in his steps, ere settled yet the dust.


s: His breath was on his shoulders, as the plain


s: He lightly skimm'd; the Greeks with eager shouts


s: Still cheering, as he strain'd to win the prize.


s: But as they near'd the goal, Ulysses thus


s: To blue-ey'd Pallas made his mental pray'r:


s: "Now hear me, Goddess, and my feet befriend."


s: Thus as he pray'd, his pray'r the Goddess heard,


s: And all his limbs with active vigour fill'd;


s: And, as they stretch'd their hands to seize the prize,


s: Tripp'd up by Pallas, Ajax slipp'd and fell,


s: Which o'er Patroclus Peleus' son had slain.


s: His mouth and nostrils were with offal fill'd.


s: The silver bowl; the steer to Ajax fell;


s: Sputt'ring the offal out, he call'd aloud:


s: "Lo, how the Goddess has my steps bewray'd,


s: Who guards Ulysses with a mother's care."


s: Thus as he spoke, loud laugh'd the merry Greeks.


s: Receiv'd, and, laughing, thus the Greeks address'd:


s: "I tell you, friends, but what yourselves do know,


s: Take special care; for Ajax' years not much


s: A hale old man we call him; but for speed


s: Not one can match him, save Achilles' self."


s: Thus he, with praise implied of Peleus' son;


s: To thy half talent add this second half."


s: Thus saying, in his hand he plac'd the gold;


s: Next, in the ring the son of Peleus laid


s: A pond'rous spear, a helmet, and a shield,


s: Then rose, and loudly to the Greeks proclaim'd:


s: "For these we call upon two champions brave


s: To don their arms, their sharp-edg'd weapons grasp,


s: And he who first his rival's flesh shall reach,


s: And, through his armour piercing, first draw blood,


s: He shall this silver-studded sword receive,


s: Well-wrought, of Thracian metal; but the arms


s: In common property they both shall hold,


s: First, from the crowd apart, they donn'd their arms;


s: Then, eager for the fight, with haughty stare


s: Stood in the midst; the Greeks admiring gaz'd.


s: When, each approaching other, near they came,


s: Thrice rush'd they on, and thrice in combat clos'd.


s: Then through the buckler round of Diomed


s: Great Ajax drove his spear; nor reach'd the point


s: Tydides' body, by the breastplate stay'd:


s: While, aim'd above the mighty shield's defence,


s: His glitt'ring weapon flash'd at Ajax' throat.


s: For Ajax fearing, shouted then the Greeks


s: To cease the fight, and share alike the prize;


s: But from Achilles' hand the mighty sword,


s: With belt and scabbard, Diomed receiv'd.


s: Next in the ring the son of Peleus plac'd


s: Once wielded by Eetion's giant strength,


s: But to the ships with other trophies borne,


s: Then rose, and loudly to the Greeks proclaim'd:


s: "Stand forth, whoe'er this contest will essay.


s: This prize who wins, though widely may extend


s: His fertile fields, for five revolving years


s: It will his wants supply; nor to the town


s: For lack of iron, with this mass in store,


s: Need he his shepherd or his ploughman send."


s: In turns they took their stand; Epeius first


s: Uprais'd the pond'rous mass, and through the air


s: Hurl'd it, amid the laughter of the Greeks.


s: The third was Ajax; from whose stalwart hand


s: Beyond the farthest mark the missile flew.


s: The quoit in hand, far as a herdsman throws


s: His staff, that, whirling, flies among the herd;


s: So far beyond the ring's extremest bound


s: He threw the pond'rous mass; loud were the shouts;


s: And to the ships the monarch's gift convey'd.


s: Ten sturdy axes, double-edg'd, he plac'd,


s: Rear'd on the sand a dark-prow'd vessel's mast,


s: On which, with slender string, a tim'rous dove


s: Was fasten'd by the foot, the archers' mark;


s: That who should strike the dove should to his tent


s: Should sever, but should fail to strike the bird,


s: As less in skill, the hatchets should receive.


s: Thus spoke Achilles; straight uprose the might


s: They in a brass-bound helmet shook the lots.


s: The first was Teucer's; with impetuous force


s: He shot; but vow'd not to the Archer-King


s: The dove he struck not, for the Archer-God


s: Withheld his aid; but close beside her foot


s: The bird releas'd, soar'd heav'nward; while the string


s: Dropp'd, from the mast suspended, tow'rds the earth,


s: And loudly shouted their applause the Greeks.


s: From Teucer's hand; his own already held


s: His arrow, pointed straight; he drew the string,


s: Aloft amid the clouds he mark'd the dove,


s: And struck her, as she soar'd, beneath the wing;


s: Right through the arrow pass'd; and to the earth


s: The bird upon the dark-prow'd vessel's mast


s: Lighted awhile; anon, with drooping head,


s: And pinions flutt'ring vain, afar she fell,


s: Lifeless; th' admiring crowd with wonder gaz'd.


s: While Teucer to the ships the hatchets bore.


s: Last, in the ring the son of Peleus laid


s: A pond'rous spear, and caldron, burnish'd bright,


s: Pric'd at an ox's worth, untouch'd by fire,


s: For those who with the jav'lin would contend.


s: But Peleus' godlike son address'd them thus:


s: "How far, Atrides, thou excell'st us all,


s: And with the jav'lin what thy pow'r and skill


s: Pre-eminent, we know; take thou this prize,


s: And bear it to thy ships; and let us give


s: If so it please thee, such were my advice."


s: The brazen spear; while in Talthybius' care,


s: His herald, plac'd the King his noble prize.


s: Amid the ships their sev'ral ways dispers'd:


s: Some to their supper, some to gentle sleep


s: Mourn'd o'er his lov'd companion; not on him


s: Lighted all-conqu'ring sleep, but to and fro


s: Restless he toss'd, and on Patroclus thought,


s: His vigour and his courage; all the deeds


s: They two together had achiev'd; the toils,


s: The strife of warriors, and the angry waves.


s: Stirr'd by such mem'ries, bitter tears he shed;


s: Upon his back; then prone upon his face;


s: Then starting to his feet, along the shore


s: All objectless, despairing, would he roam;


s: Nor did the morn, above the sea appearing,


s: Unmark'd of him arise; his flying steeds


s: He then would harness, and, behind the car


s: The corpse of Hector trailing in the dust,


s: Thrice make the circuit of Patroclus' tomb;


s: Then would he turn within his tent to rest,


s: Leaving the prostrate corpse with dust defil'd;


s: But from unseemly marks the valiant dead


s: The hero, though in death; and round him threw


s: His golden aegis; nor, though dragg'd along,


s: Misuse the mighty dead; the blessed Gods


s: With pitying grief beheld the sight, and urg'd


s: That Hermes should by stealth the corpse remove.


s: The counsel pleas'd the rest; but Juno still,


s: And Neptune, and the blue-ey'd Maid, retain'd


s: The hatred, unappeas'd, with which of old


s: Troy and her King and people they pursued;


s: Who to his sheepfold came, gave deep offence,


s: Preferring her who brought him in return


s: But when the twelfth revolving day was come,


s: Apollo thus th' assembled Gods address'd:


s: "Shame on ye, Gods, ungrateful! have ye not,


s: At Hector's hand, of bulls and choicest goats


s: Receiv'd your off'rings meet? and fear ye now


s: E'en his dead corpse to save, and grant his wife,


s: His mother, and his child, his aged sire


s: His fun'ral pile, and with due rites entomb?


s: But fell Achilles all your aid commands;


s: His stubborn heart; his thoughts are all of blood;


s: E'en as a lion, whom his mighty strength


s: And dauntless courage lead to leap the fold,


s: And 'mid the trembling flocks to seize his prey;


s: And conscience, arbiter of good and ill.


s: A man may lose his best-lov'd friend, a son,


s: Or his own mother's son, a brother dear:


s: He mourns and weeps, but time his grief allays,


s: For fate to man a patient mind hath giv'n:


s: Lash'd to his car, around his comrade's tomb.


s: This is not to his praise; though brave he be,


s: Who in his rage insults the senseless clay."


s: To whom, indignant, white-arm'd Juno thus:


s: "Some show of reason were there in thy speech,


s: God of the silver bow, could Hector boast


s: A mortal one, and nurs'd at woman's breast;


s: Nurtur'd and rear'd, and to a mortal gave


s: In marriage; gave to Peleus, best belov'd


s: By all th' Immortals, of the race of man.


s: Ye, Gods, attended all the marriage rites;


s: Thou too, companion base, false friend, wast there,


s: And, playing on thy lyre, didst share the feast."


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller answer'd thus:


s: "Juno, restrain thy wrath; they shall not both


s: Attain like honour; yet was Hector once,


s: Dearest to all the Gods, and chief to me;


s: For never did he fail his gifts to bring.


s: And with, burnt-off 'rings and libations due


s: My altars crown; such worship I receiv'd.


s: Yet shall bold Hector's body, not without


s: For day and night his Goddess-mother keeps


s: Her constant watch beside him. Then, some God


s: And I with prudent words will counsel her,


s: Large ransom take, and set brave Hector free."


s: He said; and promptly on his errand sprang


s: The storm-swift Iris; in the dark-blue sea


s: She plung'd, midway 'twixt Imbros' rugged shore


s: And Samos' isle; the parting waters plash'd.


s: As down to ocean's lowest depths she dropp'd,


s: Lets fall, encas'd in wild bull's horn, to bear


s: Destruction to the sea's voracious tribes.


s: There found she Thetis in a hollow cave,


s: She, in the midst, was weeping o'er the fate


s: Her matchless son awaiting, doom'd to die


s: Far from his home, on fertile plains of Troy.


s: And thus address'd her: "Hasten, Thetis; Jove,


s: Lord of immortal counsel, summons thee."


s: "What would with me the mighty King of Heav'n?


s: Press'd as I am with grief, I am asham'd


s: Nor shall he speak in vain, whate'er his words."


s: Thus as she spoke, her veil the Goddess took,


s: All black, than which none deeper could be found;


s: She rose to go; the storm-swift Iris led


s: The way before her; ocean's parted waves


s: Ascending, upwards straight to Heav'n they sprang.


s: Th' all-seeing son of Saturn there they found,


s: And rang'd around him all th' immortal Gods.


s: Pallas made way; and by the throne of Jove


s: Of welcome; she the cup receiv'd, and drank.


s: Then thus began the sire of Gods and men:


s: "Thou, Thetis, sorrowing to Olympus com'st,


s: Borne down by ceaseless grief; I know it well;


s: Yet hear the cause for which I summon'd thee.


s: And valiant Hector's body, for nine days


s: Hath contest been in Heav'n; and some have urg'd


s: That Hermes should by stealth the corpse remove.


s: This to Achilles' praise I mean to turn,


s: And thus thy rev'rence and thy love retain.


s: Then haste thee to the camp, and to thy son


s: My message bear; tell him that all the Gods


s: Are fill'd with wrath; and I above the rest


s: He, mad with rage, the corpse of Hector keeps:


s: So may he fear me, and restore the dead.


s: And bid him seek the Grecian ships, and there


s: Obtain his son's release: and with him bring


s: Such presents as may melt Achilles' heart."


s: He said; the silver-footed Queen obey'd;


s: Down from Olympus' heights in haste she sped,


s: And sought her son; him found she in his tent,


s: Groaning with anguish, while his comrades round,


s: Plying their tasks, prepar'd the morning meal.


s: For them a goodly sheep, full-fleec'd, was slain.


s: Close by his side his Goddess-mother stood,


s: And gently touch'd him with her hand, and said,


s: "How long, my son, wilt thou thy soul consume


s: With grief and mourning, mindful nor of food


s: Nor sleep? nor dost thou wisely, to abstain


s: From woman's love; for short thy time on earth:


s: Death and imperious fate are close at hand.


s: Hear then my words; a messenger from Jove


s: To thee I come, to tell thee that the Gods


s: Are fill'd with wrath, and he above the rest


s: Thou, mad with rage, the corpse of Hector keep'st.


s: Then ransom take, and liberate the dead."


s: To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied:


s: "So be it; ransom let him bring, and bear


s: His dead away, if such the will of Jove."


s: Thus, in the concourse of the ships, they two,


s: Mother and son, their lengthen'd converse held.


s: "Haste thee, swift Iris, from Olympus' height,


s: And bid him seek the Grecian ships, and there


s: Obtain his son's release; and with him take


s: Such presents as may melt Achilles' heart.


s: And mules to drive; and to the city back


s: To bring his dead, whom great Achilles slew.


s: Nor let the fear of death disturb his mind:


s: Hermes shall with him, as his escort, go,


s: Will slay him, but from others will protect.


s: But will with pitying eyes his suppliant view."


s: He said; and on his errand sped in haste


s: The storm-swift Iris; when to Priam's house


s: She came, the sounds of wailing met her ear.


s: Within the court, around their father, sat


s: His sons, their raiment all bedew'd with tears;


s: And in the midst, close cover'd with his robe,


s: Their sire, his head and neck with dirt defil'd,


s: Which, wallowing on the earth, himself had heap'd,


s: With his own hands, upon his hoary head.


s: Throughout the house his daughters loudly wail'd


s: Who lay in death, by Grecian warriors slain.


s: And whisper'd, while his limbs with terror shook:


s: Nor let thy mind be troubled; not for ill,


s: Who from on high looks down on thee with eyes


s: Of pitying love; he bids thee ransom home


s: The godlike Hector's corpse; and with thee take


s: Such presents as may melt Achilles' heart.


s: Alone, no Trojan with thee, must thou go;


s: And mules to drive, and to the city back


s: To bring thy dead, whom great Achilles slew.


s: Nor let the fear of death disturb thy mind:


s: Hermes shall with thee, as thine escort, go,


s: Will slay thee, but from others will protect;


s: But will with pitying eyes his suppliant view."


s: Swift-footed Iris said, and vanish'd straight:


s: He to his sons commandment gave, the mules


s: To yoke beneath the smoothly-rolling car,


s: Fragrant, high-roof'd, with countless treasures stor'd;


s: And call'd to Hecuba his wife, and said,


s: "Good wife, a messenger from Jove hath come,


s: Who bids me seek the Grecian ships, and there


s: Obtain my son's release; and with me take


s: Say then, what think'st thou? for my mind inclines


s: To seek the ships within the Grecian camp."


s: And where the wisdom, once of high repute


s: 'Mid strangers, and 'mid those o'er whom thou reign'st?


s: How canst thou think alone to seek the ships,


s: Ent'ring his presence, who thy sons hath slain,


s: Of that bloodthirsty and perfidious man,


s: If thou within the sight and reach shalt come,


s: No pity will he feel, no rev'rence show:


s: For him, when at his birth his thread of life


s: Was spun by fate, 'twas destin'd that afar


s: From home and parents, he should glut the maw


s: Of rav'ning dogs, by that stern warrior's tent,


s: Whose inmost heart I would I could devour:


s: But standing, thoughtless of escape or flight,


s: For Trojan men and Troy's deep-bosom'd dames."


s: For thou shalt not persuade me. If indeed


s: This message had been brought by mortal man,


s: Prophet, or seer, or sacrificing priest,


s: I should have deem'd it false, and laugh'd to scorn


s: Both saw and heard the Goddess) I must go;


s: Nor unfulfill'd shall be the words I speak:


s: Beside the vessels of the brass-clad Greeks,


s: Let me be slain, so once more in my arms


s: I hold my boy, and give my sorrow vent."


s: Then raising up the coffer's polish'd lid,


s: He chose twelve gorgeous shawls, twelve single cloaks.


s: Ten talents full; two tripods, burnish'd bright,


s: Four caldrons; then a cup of beauty rare,


s: A rich possession, which the men of Thrace


s: Had giv'n, when there he went ambassador;


s: E'en this he spar'd not, such his keen desire


s: With angry words he drove the Trojans all:


s: "Out with ye, worthless rascals, vagabonds!


s: Have ye no griefs at home, that here ye come


s: That Jove with deep affliction visits me,


s: Shall know his loss: since now that he is gone,


s: The Greeks shall find you easier far to slay.


s: But may my eyes be clos'd in death, ere see


s: The city sack'd, and utterly destroy'd."


s: He said, and with his staff drove out the crowd;


s: Before the old man's anger fled they all;


s: Then to his sons in threat'ning tone he cried;


s: And godlike Dius; all these nine with threats


s: And angry taunts the aged sire assail'd:


s: "Haste, worthless sons, my scandal and my shame!


s: Would that ye all beside the Grecian ships


s: In Hector's stead had died! Oh woe is me,


s: The best and bravest; now remains not one;


s: Mestor, and Troilus, dauntless charioteer,


s: And Hector, who a God 'mid men appear'd,


s: Nor like a mortal's offspring, but a God's:


s: All these hath Mars cut off; and left me none,


s: None but the vile and refuse; liars all,


s: Vain skipping coxcombs, in the dance alone,


s: And in nought else renown'd; base plunderers,


s: From their own countrymen, of lambs and kids.


s: When, laggards, will ye harness me the car


s: Equipp'd with all things needed for the way?"


s: He said; they quail'd beneath their father's wrath,


s: And brought the smoothly-running mule-wain out,


s: Well-fram'd, new-built; and fix'd the wicker seat;


s: Then from the peg the mule-yoke down they took,


s: Of boxwood wrought, with boss and rings complete;


s: And with the yoke, the yoke-band brought they forth,


s: Nine cubits long; and to the polish'd pole


s: At the far end attach'd; the breast-rings then


s: Fix'd to the pole-piece: and on either side


s: Thrice round the knob the leathern thong they wound.


s: And bound it fast, and inward turn'd the tongue.


s: Then the rich ransom, from the chambers brought,


s: Of Hector's head, upon the wain they pil'd;


s: And yok'd the strong-hoof'd mules, to harness train'd,


s: The Mysians' splendid present to the King:


s: To Priam's car they harness'd then the steeds,


s: Which he himself at polish'd manger fed.


s: Deep thoughts revolving, in the lofty halls


s: When Hecuba with troubled mind drew near;


s: Of luscious wine, that ere they took their way


s: They to the Gods might due libations pour;


s: Before the car she stood, and thus she spoke:


s: "Take, and to father Jove thine off'ring pour,


s: And pray that he may bring thee safely home


s: From all thy foes; since sore against my will


s: Thou needs wilt venture to the ships of Greece.


s: Of Saturn, who th' expanse of Troy surveys,


s: Prefer thy pray'r, beseeching him to send,


s: The bird he loves the best, of strongest flight;


s: That thou thyself mayst see and know the sign,


s: And, firm in faith, approach the ships of Greece.


s: But should all-seeing Jove the sign withhold,


s: Then not with my consent shouldst thou attempt,


s: Whate'er thy wish, to reach the Grecian ships."


s: Thy counsel; good it is to raise the hands


s: In pray'r to Heav'n, and Jove's protection seek."


s: The old man said; and bade th' attendant pour


s: And basin, stood beside him: from his wife,


s: The due ablutions made, he took the cup;


s: Then in the centre of the court he stood,


s: And as he pour'd the wine, look'd up to Heav'n,


s: And thus with voice uplifted pray'd aloud:


s: "O father Jove, who rul'st on Ida's height,


s: Most great, most glorious! grant that I may find


s: The bird thou lov'st the best, of strongest flight,


s: That I myself may see and know the sign,


s: And, firm in faith, approach the ships of Greece."


s: Thus as he pray'd, the Lord of counsel heard;


s: And sent forthwith an eagle, feather'd king,


s: Dark bird of chase, and Dusky thence surnam'd:


s: Wide as the portals, well secur'd with bolts,


s: That guard some wealthy monarch's lofty hall,


s: On either side his ample pinions spread.


s: On the right hand appear'd he, far above


s: The city soaring; they the fav'ring sign


s: With joy beheld, and ev'ry heart was cheer'd.


s: Mounting his car in haste, the aged King


s: Drove thro' the court, and thro' the echoing porch;


s: The mules in front, by sage Idaeus driv'n,


s: That drew the four-wheel'd wain; behind them came


s: The horses, down the city's steep descent


s: Urg'd by th' old man to speed; the crowd of friends


s: That follow'd mourn'd for him, as doom'd to death.


s: Their homeward way; advancing o'er the plain


s: They two escap'd not Jove's all-seeing eye;


s: At once to Hermes spoke, his much-lov'd son:


s: "Hermes, for thou in social converse lov'st


s: To mix with men, and hear'st whome'er thou wilt;


s: Haste thee, and Priam to the Grecian ships


s: So lead, that none of all the Greeks may see


s: He said; nor disobey'd the heav'nly Guide;


s: His golden sandals on his feet he bound,


s: Ambrosial work; which bore him o'er the waves,


s: Swift as the wind, and o'er the wide-spread earth;


s: Then took his rod, wherewith he seals at will


s: The eyes of men, and wakes again from sleep.


s: This in his hand he bore, and sprang for flight.


s: Soon the wide Hellespont he reach'd, and Troy,


s: And pass'd in likeness of a princely youth,


s: In op'ning manhood, fairest term of life.


s: The twain had pass'd by Ilus' lofty tomb,


s: And halted there the horses and the mules


s: Beside the margin of the stream to drink;


s: For darkness now was creeping o'er the earth:


s: When through the gloom the herald Hermes saw


s: Approaching near, to Priam thus he cried:


s: Of prudent counsel great is now our need.


s: Say, with the horses shall we fly at once,


s: Or clasp his knees, and for his mercy sue?"


s: The old man heard, his mind confus'd with dread;


s: So grievously he fear'd, that ev'ry hair


s: He stood astounded; but the Guardian-God


s: Approach'd, and took him by the hand, and said:


s: "Where, father, goest thou thus with horse and mule


s: In the still night, when men are sunk in sleep?


s: And fear'st thou not the slaughter-breathing Greeks,


s: Thine unrelenting foes, and they so near?


s: How wouldst thou feel? thou art not young thyself,


s: And this old man, thy comrade, would avail


s: But little to protect thee from assault.


s: I will not harm thee, nay will shield from harm,


s: For like my father's is, methinks, thy face."


s: "'Tis as thou say'st, fair son; yet hath some God


s: Who sends me such a guide, so opportune.


s: Bless'd are thy parents in a son so grac'd


s: In face and presence, and of mind so wise."


s: To whom in answer thus the Guardian-God:


s: "O father, well and wisely dost thou speak;


s: But tell me this, and truly: dost thou bear


s: These wealthy treasures to some foreign land,


s: That they for thee in safety may be stor'd?


s: Or have ye all resolv'd to fly from Troy


s: In fear, your bravest slain, thy gallant son,


s: Who never from the Greeks' encounter flinch'd?"


s: "Who art thou, noble Sir, and what thy race,


s: That speak'st thus fairly of my hapless son?"


s: "Try me, old man; of godlike Hector ask;


s: These eyes have seen him; chief, when to the ships


s: The Greeks he drove, and with the sword destroy'd.


s: We gaz'd in wonder; from the fight restrain'd


s: His follower I; one ship convey'd us both;


s: Six sons he hath, besides myself, the sev'nth;


s: I from the ships am to the plain come forth;


s: For with the dawn of day the keen-ey'd Greeks


s: Will round the city marshal their array.


s: They chafe in idleness; the chiefs in vain


s: Strive to restrain their ardour for the fight."


s: Indeed a follower, tell me all the truth;


s: Lies yet my son beside the Grecian ships,


s: Or hath Achilles torn him limb from limb,


s: And to his dogs the mangled carcase giv'n?"


s: To whom in answer thus the Guardian-God:


s: "On him, old man, nor dogs nor birds have fed,


s: Within the tent; twelve days he there hath lain,


s: Nor hath corruption touch'd his flesh, nor worms,


s: That wont to prey on men in battle slain.


s: The corpse, indeed, with each returning morn,


s: Around his comrade's tomb Achilles drags,


s: Yet leaves it still uninjur'd; thou thyself


s: Mightst see how fresh, as dew-besprent, he lies,


s: From blood-stains cleans'd, and clos'd his many wounds,


s: For many a lance was buried in his corpse.


s: So, e'en in death, the blessed Gods above,


s: Who lov'd him well, protect thy noble son."


s: He said; th' old man rejoicing heard his words,


s: And answer'd, "See, my son, how good it is


s: To give th' immortal Gods their tribute due;


s: For never did my son, while yet he liv'd,


s: And thence have they remember'd him in death.


s: Accept, I pray, this goblet rich-emboss'd;


s: Be thou my guard, and, under Heav'n, my guide,


s: To whom in answer thus the Guardian-God:


s: "Old father, me thy younger wouldst thou tempt,


s: In vain; who bidd'st me at thy hands accept


s: Thy proffer'd presents, to Achilles' wrong.


s: I dread his anger; and should hold it shame


s: To plunder him, through fear of future ill.


s: But, as thy guide, I could conduct thee safe,


s: As far as Argos, journeying by thy side,


s: On ship-board or on foot; nor by the fault


s: Of thy conductor shouldst thou meet with harm."


s: Thus spoke the Guardian-God, and on the car


s: Mounting in haste, he took the whip and reins,


s: And with fresh vigour mules and horses fill'd.


s: When to the ship-tow'rs and the trench they came,


s: The guard had late been busied with their meal;


s: And with deep sleep the heav'nly Guide o'erspread


s: The eyes of all; then open'd wide the gates,


s: And push'd aside the bolts, and led within


s: Both Priam, and the treasure-laden wain.


s: But when they reach'd Achilles' lofty tent,


s: (Which for their King the Myrmidons had built


s: Of fir-trees fell'd, and overlaid the roof


s: With rushes mown from off the neighb'ring mead;


s: And all around a spacious court enclos'd


s: Of fir the gateway guarded, which to shut


s: Three men, of all the others, scarce suffic'd,


s: Then for the old man Hermes op'd the gate,


s: And brought within the court the gifts design'd


s: For Peleus' godlike son; then from the car


s: Sprang to the ground, and thus to Priam spoke:


s: "Old man, a God hath hither been thy guide;


s: Hermes I am, and sent to thee from Jove,


s: Father of all, to bring thee safely here.


s: But go thou in, and clasp Achilles' knees,


s: And supplicate him for his father's sake,


s: His fair-hair'd mother's, and his child's, that so


s: Thy words may stir an answer in his heart."


s: Return'd; and Priam from his chariot sprang,


s: And left Idaeus there, in charge to keep


s: The horses and the mules, while he himself


s: Enter'd the dwelling straight, where wont to sit


s: Achilles, lov'd of Heav'n. The chief he found


s: Of food and wine; the table still was set.


s: Great Priam enter'd, unperceiv'd of all;


s: Embrac'd his knees, and kiss'd those fearful hands,


s: Blood-stain'd, which many of his sons had slain.


s: In his own land hath shed another's blood,


s: And flying, seeks beneath some wealthy house


s: A foreign refuge; wond'ring, all behold:


s: Achilles; wonder seiz'd th' attendants all,


s: And one to other looked; then Priam thus


s: To Peleus' son his suppliant speech address'd:


s: "Think, great Achilles, rival of the Gods,


s: And haply he, from them that dwell around


s: May suffer wrong, with no protector near


s: To give him aid; yet he, rejoicing, knows


s: That thou still liv'st; and day by day may hope


s: To see his son returning safe from Troy;


s: While I, all hapless, that have many sons,


s: The best and bravest through the breadth of Troy,


s: Begotten, deem that none are left me now.


s: Fifty there were, when came the sons of Greece;


s: Nineteen the offspring of a single womb;


s: The rest, the women of my household bore.


s: The city's and his brethren's sole defence,


s: He, bravely fighting in his country's cause,


s: Hector, but lately by thy hand hath fall'n:


s: The Grecian ships; for his release to thee


s: To make my pray'r, and priceless ransom pay.


s: Then thou, Achilles, reverence the Gods;


s: And, for thy father's sake, look pitying down


s: Such grief as never man on earth hath borne.


s: Who stoop to kiss the hand that slew my son."


s: Thus as he spoke, within Achilles' breast


s: Fond mem'ry of his father rose; he touch'd


s: The old man's hand, and gently put him by;


s: Then wept they both, by various mem'ries stirr'd:


s: One, prostrate at Achilles' feet, bewail'd


s: And for Patroclus wept, his comrade dear;


s: And through the house their weeping loud was heard.


s: But when Achilles had indulg'd his grief,


s: And eas'd the yearning of his heart and limbs,


s: He rais'd, and thus with gentle words address'd:


s: "Alas, what sorrows, poor old man, are thine!


s: How couldst thou venture to the Grecian ships


s: Whose hand hath slain so many of thy sons,


s: But sit thou on this seat; and in our hearts,


s: Though filled with grief, let us that grief suppress;


s: Such, is the thread the Gods for mortals spin,


s: To live in woe, while they from cares are free.


s: Two coffers lie beside the door of Jove,


s: With gifts for man: one good, the other ill;


s: To whom from each the Lord of lightning gives,


s: Him sometimes evil, sometimes good befalls;


s: To whom the ill alone, him foul disgrace


s: And grinding mis'ry o'er the earth pursue:


s: Thus from his birth the Gods to Peleus gave


s: Excellent gifts; with wealth and substance bless'd


s: He rul'd with sov'reign sway; and Heav'n bestow'd


s: One doom'd to early death; nor is it mine


s: To tend my father's age; but far from home


s: Thee and thy sons in Troy I vex with war.


s: Much have we heard too of thy former wealth;


s: Contains, and Upper Phrygia, and the shores


s: Of boundless Hellespont, 'tis said that thou


s: In wealth and number of thy sons wast bless'd.


s: But since on thee this curse the Gods have brought,


s: Still round thy city war and murder rage.


s: Bear up, nor thus with grief incessant mourn;


s: Thou canst not raise him, and mayst suffer more."


s: "Tell me not yet, illustrious chief, to sit,


s: While Hector lies, uncar'd for, in the tent;


s: But let me quickly go, that with mine eyes


s: The ample treasures which we tender thee:


s: Mayst thou enjoy them, and in safety reach


s: Thy native land, since thou hast spar'd my life,


s: And bidd'st me still behold the light of Heav'n."


s: To whom Achilles thus with stern regard:


s: To give thee back thy son; for here of late


s: Despatch'd by Jove, my Goddess-mother came,


s: And thee too, Priam, well I know, some God


s: (I cannot err) hath guided to our ships.


s: No mortal, though in vent'rous youth, would dare


s: Our camp to enter; nor could hope to pass


s: Remove the pond'rous bar that guards our doors.


s: Lest, suppliant though thou be, within my tent


s: I brook thee not, and Jove's command transgress."


s: He said; the old man trembled, and obey'd;


s: Then to the door-way, with a lion's spring,


s: His two attendants, of his followers all,


s: Next to the lost Patroclus, best-esteem'd;


s: They from the yoke the mules and horses loos'd;


s: And bade him sit; and from the polish'd wain


s: The costly ransom took of Hector's head.


s: Two robes they left, and one well-woven vest,


s: To clothe the corpse, and send with honour home.


s: Then to the female slaves he gave command


s: Apart, that Priam might not see his son;


s: Lest his griev'd heart its passion unrestrain'd


s: Should utter, and Achilles, rous'd to wrath,


s: His suppliant slay, and Jove's command transgress.


s: When they had wash'd the body, and with oil


s: Anointed, and around it wrapp'd the robe


s: With his own hands, and laid him on the couch;


s: Which to the polish'd wain his followers rais'd.


s: Then groaning, on his friend by name he call'd:


s: "Forgive, Patroclus! be not wroth with me,


s: If in the realm of darkness thou shouldst hear


s: That godlike Hector to his father's arms,


s: This said, Achilles to the tent return'd;


s: On the carv'd couch, from whence he rose, he sat


s: Beside the wall; and thus to Priam spoke:


s: "Old man, thy son, according to thy pray'r,


s: Is giv'n thee back; upon the couch he lies;


s: Thyself shalt see him at the dawn of day.


s: Meanwhile the ev'ning meal demands our care.


s: Not fair-hair'd Niobe abstain'd from food


s: When in the house her children lay in death,


s: Six beauteous daughters and six stalwart sons.


s: The maids, the Archer-Queen, Diana, slew,


s: Nine days in death they lay; and none was there


s: To pay their fun'ral rites; for Saturn's son


s: Had given to all the people hearts of stone.


s: At length th' immortal Gods entomb'd the dead.


s: Had worn itself in tears, from food refrain.


s: And lonely mountains, where the Goddess nymphs


s: 'Tis said, were cradled, she, though turn'd to stone,


s: Broods o'er the wrongs inflicted by the Gods.


s: So we too, godlike sire, the meal may share;


s: And later, thou thy noble son mayst mourn,


s: To Troy restor'd--well worthy he thy tears."


s: This said, he slaughter'd straight a white-fleec'd sheep;


s: His comrades then the carcase flay'd and dress'd:


s: The meat prepar'd, and fasten'd to the spits;


s: Roasted with care, and from the fire withdrew.


s: Apportion'd out; the meat Achilles shar'd.


s: They on the viands set before them fell.


s: The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,


s: His form and stature; as a God he seem'd;


s: His venerable face, and gracious speech.


s: With mutual pleasure each on other gaz'd,


s: Till godlike Priam first address'd his host:


s: "Dismiss me now, illustrious chief, to rest;


s: And lie we down, in gentle slumbers wrapp'd;


s: For never have mine eyes been clos'd in sleep,


s: Since by thy hand my gallant son was slain:


s: But groaning still, I brood upon my woes,


s: And in my court with dust my head defile.


s: Hath o'er my palate pass'd; but not till now."


s: Thus he; his comrades and th' attendant maids


s: Two mattresses to place, with blankets fair


s: Rugs and soft sheets for upper cov'ring spread.


s: They from the chamber, torch in hand, withdrew,


s: And with obedient haste two beds prepar'd.


s: Then thus Achilles spoke in jesting tone:


s: "Thou needs must sleep without, my good old friend;


s: Lest any leader of the Greeks should come,


s: Of them whoe'er should find thee here by night


s: And Hector might not be so soon, restor'd.


s: For godlike Hector's fun'ral rites ye need;


s: Refrain from combat, and the people stay."


s: His fun'ral rites, to thee, Achilles, great


s: Will be our gratitude, if this thou grant.


s: Thou know'st how close the town is hemm'd around;


s: And from the mountain, distant as it is,


s: The Trojans well may fear to draw the wood.


s: Nine days to public mourning would we give;


s: The tenth, to fun'ral rites and fun'ral feast;


s: Then on th' eleventh would we raise his mound;


s: The twelfth, renew the war, if needs we must."


s: To stay the battle for the time requir'd."


s: Thus speaking, with his hand the old man's wrist


s: He grasp'd, in token that he need not fear.


s: While in his tent's recess Achilles slept,


s: In night-long slumbers lay the other Gods,


s: And helmed chiefs, by gentle sleep subdued;


s: But on the eyes of Hermes, Guardian-God,


s: No slumber fell, deep pond'ring in his mind


s: Above the sleeper's head he stood, and cried:


s: "Old man, small heed thou tak'st of coining ill,


s: Who, when Achilles gives thee leave to go,


s: Sleep'st undisturb'd, surrounded by thy foes.


s: Thy son hath been restor'd, and thou hast paid


s: A gen'rous price; but to redeem thy life,


s: Should know that thou art here, full thrice so much


s: Thy sons, who yet are left, would have to pay."


s: He said; the old man trembled, and arous'd


s: The herald; while the horses and the mules


s: Were yok'd by Hermes, who with silent speed


s: Drove through th' encampment, unobserv'd of all.


s: But when they came to eddying Xanthus' ford,


s: Fair-flowing stream, born of immortal Jove,


s: As morn, in saffron robe, o'er all the earth


s: Was light diffusing; they with fun'ral wail


s: Drove cityward the horses; following came


s: The mules that drew the litter of the dead.


s: The plain they travers'd o'er, observ'd of none,


s: As golden Venus, from the topmost height


s: Then lifted up her voice, and cried aloud


s: To all the city, "Hither, Trojans, come,


s: Both men and women, Hector see restor'd;


s: If, while he liv'd, returning from the fight,


s: Was all the city's chiefest joy and pride."


s: She said; nor man nor woman then was left


s: Grief pass'd, resistless; to the gates in throngs


s: They press'd, to crowd round him who brought the dead.


s: The first to clasp the body were his wife


s: And honour'd mother; eagerly they sprang


s: On the smooth-rolling wain, to touch the head


s: Of Hector; round them, weeping, stood the crowd


s: Weeping, till sunset, all the live-long day


s: Had they before the gates for Hector mourn'd;


s: Had not old Priam from the car address'd


s: The crowd: "Make way, that so the mules may pass;


s: When to my house I shall have brought my dead,


s: Ye there may vent your sorrow as ye will."


s: They stood aside, and for the car made way:


s: But when to Priam's lordly house they came,


s: They laid him on a rich-wrought couch, and call'd


s: Pour'd forth the music of the mournful dirge,


s: While women's voices join'd in loud lament.


s: The head of Hector clasping in her hands:


s: "My husband, thou art gone in pride of youth,


s: And in thine house hast left me desolate;


s: Thy child an infant still, thy child and mine,


s: That he may reach the ripeness of his youth;


s: For ere that day shall Troy in ruin fall,


s: Since thou art gone, her guardian! thou whose arm


s: Defended her, her wives, and helpless babes!


s: They now shall shortly o'er the sea be borne,


s: And with them I shall go; thou too, my child,


s: Must follow me, to servile labour doom'd,


s: Unless perchance some angry Greek may seize


s: And dash thee from the tow'r--a woful death!


s: Whose brother, or whose father, or whose son


s: By Hector hath been slain; for many a Greek


s: By Hector's hand hath bit the bloody dust;


s: Not light in battle was thy father's hand!


s: Therefore for him the gen'ral city mourns;


s: Thou to thy parents bitter grief hast caus'd,


s: Hector! but bitt'rest grief of all hast left


s: Nor words of wisdom catch, which night and day,


s: With tears, I might have treasur'd in my heart."


s: Weeping she spoke--the women join'd the wail.


s: "Hector, of all my children dearest thou!


s: Dear to th' Immortals too in life wast thou,


s: And they in death have borne thee still in mind;


s: For other of my sons, his captives made,


s: Of Lemnos, hath Achilles, swift of foot,


s: To slav'ry sold; thee, when his sharp-edg'd spear


s: Had robb'd thee of thy life, he dragg'd indeed


s: Around Patroclus' tomb, his comrade dear,


s: Whom thou hadst slain; yet so he rais'd not up


s: Ilis dead to life again; now liest thou here,


s: All fresh and fair, as dew-besprent; like one


s: Whom bright Apollo, with his arrows keen,


s: God of the silver bow, hath newly slain."


s: Weeping, she spoke; and rous'd the gen'ral grief.


s: Then Helen, third, the mournful strain renew'd:


s: "Hector, of all my brethren dearest thou!


s: True, godlike Paris claims me as his wife,


s: Who bore me hither--would I then had died!


s: But twenty years have pass'd since here I came,


s: And left my native land; yet ne'er from thee


s: I heard one scornful, one degrading word;


s: And when from others I have borne reproach,


s: Thy brothers, sisters, or thy brothers' wives,


s: E'en as a father) thou hast check'd them still


s: With tender feeling, and with gentle words.


s: For thee I weep, and for myself no less:


s: For, through the breadth of Troy, none love me now,


s: Weeping she spoke, and with her wept the crowd.


s: "Haste now, ye Trojans, to the city bring


s: Good store of fuel; fear no treach'rous wile;


s: For when he sent me from the dark-ribb'd ships,


s: Achilles promis'd that from hostile arms


s: Till the twelfth morn we should no harm sustain."


s: He said; and they the oxen and the mules


s: Yok'd to the wains, and from the city throng'd:


s: Nine days they labour'd, and brought back to Troy


s: Good store of wood; but when the tenth day's light


s: Upon the earth appear'd, weeping, they bore


s: Brave Hector out; and on the fun'ral pile


s: Laying the glorious dead, applied the torch.


s: While yet the rosy-finger'd morn was young


s: Round noble Hector's pyre the people press'd:


s: When all were gather'd round, and closely throng'd


s: First on the burning mass, as far as spread


s: The range of fire, they pour'd the ruddy wine,


s: And quench'd the flames: his brethren then and friends


s: Weeping, the hot tears flowing down their cheeks,


s: Collected from the pile the whiten'd bones;


s: And o'er it spread soft shawls of purple dye;


s: Then in a grave they laid it, and in haste


s: With stone in pond'rous masses cover'd o'er;


s: And rais'd a mound, and watch'd on ev'ry side,


s: From sudden inroad of the Greeks to guard.


s: The mound erected, back they turn'd; and all


s: In Priam's palace, Heav'n-descended King.


s: Such were the rites to glorious Hector paid.


s: The text of the original leaves it somewhat in doubt whether


s: alacrity with which the whole army had caught at the insidious


s: Milton, in the corresponding passage at the close of the 4th Book


s: His mounted scale aloft; nor more, but fled


s: Murm'ring, and with him fled the shades of night."]


s: This comparison does not afford a very accurate criterion of


s: This passage would seem to be the result of an oversight on


s: Line 45 et seqq. I hope I may be pardoned for having


s: L. 151. Chthizos, yesterday. But either the word must have a


s: L. 547. The terms made use of in this line, and in 481, may


s: greatly softened down the expression of the original; a literal


s: Line 737.--They being two, while I was only one. Such I


s: When thou comest to the safe tent of the good comrade,


s: abide there till thy going forth with a stedfast mind; and


s: if, at the hospitable fire, thou hast learned the secret of a


s: heart, thou shalt keep it holy, as the North Wind the


s: "Behold, I bring one perfect yesterday!"


s: Out of all my life I have been granted one


s: "She's the darlin' of the parish, she's the pride of


s: 'Twould make your heart lep up to see her trippin'


s: There's not a lad of life and fame that wouldn't take


s: And inlist inside her service-did ye hear her laugh-


s: Did ye see her with her hand in mine the day that


s: Ah, darlin', how we footed it-the grass it was so


s: And when the neighbours wandered home, I was the


s: An hour plucked from Paradise--come back to me,


s: Across the seas, beyand the hills, by lovely Inniskillen,


s: The rigiment come marchin'--I hear the call once


s: Shure, a woman's but a woman--so I took the Ser-


s: For the pride o' me was hurted--shall I never see


s: She turned her face away from me, and black as night


s: She left me for another lad, he was a lad of life and


s: And the heart of me was hurted--but there's none


s: Will you come back home, where the young larks are


s: The door is open wide, and the bells of Lynn are ringin';


s: To the shore beyond that's quiet--will you come back


s: Will you come back, darlin'?  Never heed the pain and


s: Never trouble that you're wounded, that you bear the


s: The cup of peace--ah, darlin', will you come back


s: It was as fine a churchful as you ever clapt an eye on;


s: Oh, the bells was ringin' gaily, and the sun was shinin'


s: There was singers, there was clargy--"Bless ye both,"


s: There was gatherin' of women, there was hush upon the


s: There was whisperin' and smilin', but it was no place


s: A little ship was comin' into harbour through the fair-


s: Shure, the longest day has endin', and the wildest storm


s: There's a young gossoon in yander, and he sits upon


s: There's a churchful for the christenin'--do you hear


s: He's the pride of Mary Callaghan and me.


s: Shure the devil takes his hat off whin he comes:


s: And the Lord Lieutenant orders out the drums--


s: You'll travel far and wide, dear, but you'll come back


s: You'll come back to your father and your mother in


s: Although we should be lyin' 'neath the heather grasses


s: You'll see the icebergs sailin' along the wintry foam,


s: The white hair of the breakers, and the wild swans as


s: But you'll not forget the rowan beside your father's


s: New friends will clasp your hand, dear, new faces on


s: You'll bide with them and love them, but you'll long


s: For the word across the water, and the farewell by the


s: You'll hear the wild birds singin' beneath a brighter sky,


s: The roof-tree of your home, dear, it will be grand and


s: But you'll hunger for the hearthstone where, a child,


s: And when your foot is weary, and when your heart is sore,


s: And you come back to the moor that spreads beyand


s: There'll be many an ancient comrade to greet you on


s: Ah, the hillock cannot cover, and the grass it cannot hide


s: The love that never changeth, whatever wind or tide;


s: And though you'll not be seein', we'll be standin' by


s: O, there's no home like the old home, there's no pillow


s: You slumbered on in childhood, like a young bird in


s: We are livin' still and waitin', and we're hopin' for the


s: Ah, you're comin' back, my darlin'--comin' back!


s: Oh, it's down the long side of Farcalladen Rise,


s: With the knees pressing hard to the saddle, my men;


s: With the sparks from the hoofs giving light to the eyes,


s: And our hearts beating hard as we rode to the glen!


s: And it's back with the ring of the chain and the spur,


s: And it's back with the sun on the hill and the moor,


s: And it's back is the thought sets my pulses astir,--


s: But I'll never go back to Farcalladen more!


s: And it's swift as an arrow and straight as a spear,


s: And it's keen as the frost when the summer-time dies,


s: That we rode to the glen, and with never a fear.


s: And it's hey for the hedge, and it's hey for the wall,


s: And it's over the stream with an echoing cry;


s: And there's three fled for ever from old Donegal,


s: And there's two that have shown how bold Irishmen die!


s: For it's rest when the gallop is over, my men,


s: And it's here's to the lads that have ridden their last;


s: And it's here's to the lasses we leave in the glen,


s: With a smile for the future, a sigh for the past!


s: I will help where I can, I will cherish my own,


s: Nor walk the steep way of the world alone.


s: "Where shall we betake us when the day's work is over?


s: Happy is the maid that knows the footstep of her lover--


s: Who shall listen to us when black sorrow comes a-reaping?


s: (See the young lark falling from the sky.)


s: Happy is the man that has a true heart in his keeping--


s: True hearts flourish when the roses die."


s: Oh, we have been a-maying, dear, beyond the city gates,


s: And we have seen the jocund smile upon the lips of Fate,


s: And we have known the splendours of our will.


s: Oh, we have wandered far, my dear, and we have loved apace;


s: The sun without to lighten it, within, your golden face,--


s: The pleasant furniture of spring was set in all the fields,


s: And gay and wholesome were the herbs and flowers;


s: Our simple cloth of love was spread with all that nature yields,


s: Oh, we have been a-maying, dear, we've left the world behind,


s: We've sung and danced and gossiped as we strayed;


s: And when within our little but your fingers draw the blind,


s: We'll loiter by the fire that love has made.


s: Through the round window above, the deep palpable blue,


s: The wan bright moon, and the sweet stinging breath of the sea;


s: And below, in the shadows, thine eyes like stars,


s: And Love brooding low, and the warm white glory of thee.


s: Oh, soft was the song in my soul, and soft beyond thought


s: And thou wert mine own, and Eden reconquered was mine


s: And the way that I go is the way of thy feet, and the breath


s: It hath being from thee and life from the life that is thine!


s: Your voice I knew, its cadences and thrill;


s: When Athens trembled to the people's will;


s: I see the fountains, and the gardens where


s: You sang the fury from the Satrap's brow;


s: I heard it in the Athenian grove--I hear you now.


s: Eyes like the sea, look up, the beacons brighten,


s: Home comes the sailor, home across the tide!


s: Back drifts the cloud, behold the heavens whiten,


s: The port of Love is open, he anchors at thy side.


s: The sands and the sea, and the white gulls fleeting,


s: The mist on the island, the cloud on the hill;


s: The song in my heart, and the old hope beating


s: Here in the highway without thy garden wall,


s: Sick for thy haven, O Sweet, to thee I call:


s: Cool is thy garden-plot, pleasant thy shade,


s: Dwelling on thy perfectness, O Sweet, I am afraid,


s: But, fearing, long to look upon thy face--


s: Over the ample globe, searching for thee,


s: Ended my questing: no more, no more for me,


s: O Sweet, the pilgrim's sandals, call me home--


s: The haze is swimming where the beeches stand;


s: Summer is come, though winter months be here--


s: My love is summer passing through the land.


s: Summer is come; I hear the skylarks sing,


s: Summer is come, and 'tis not yet the spring--


s: My love is summer blessing all she sees.