s: Glow with sufficient ardor, and such strength


s: As heaven affords me spare not to employ.


s: Since first we drove them back, with watchful eye


s: Their warriors I have mark'd; eight shafts my bow


s: Hath sent long-barb'd, and every shaft, well-aim'd.


s: Hath pierced, but still you ravening wolf escapes.


s: He said, and from the nerve another shaft


s: Devious, and brave Gorgythion struck instead.


s: As in the garden, with the weight surcharged


s: Of its own fruit, and drench'd by vernal rains


s: Hung languid, by his helmet's weight depress'd.


s: Dispatch'd at Hector, with impatience fired


s: To pierce him; but again his weapon err'd


s: He fell, his fiery coursers at the sound


s: Recoil'd, and lifeless where he fell he lay.


s: O'erwhelm'd of Hector, yet he left the slain,


s: And seeing his own brother nigh at hand,


s: Then Hector, leaping with a dreadful shout


s: From his resplendent chariot, grasp'd a stone,


s: And rush'd on Teucer, vengeance in his heart.


s: And warlike Hector, while he stood the cord


s: Retracting, smote him with that rugged rock


s: Just where the key-bone interposed divides


s: It snapp'd the bow-string, and with numbing force


s: Struck dead his hand; low on his knees he dropp'd,


s: And from his opening grasp let fall the bow.


s: Around him, and his broad shield interposed,


s: Of Echius, friends of Teucer, from the earth


s: Upraised and bore him groaning to the fleet.


s: Gave to the Trojans; right toward the foss


s: They drove the Greeks, while Hector in the van


s: As some fleet hound close-threatening flank or haunch


s: Turns flying, marks him with a steadfast eye,


s: So Hector chased the Grecians, slaying still


s: The hindmost of the scatter'd multitude.


s: But when, at length, both piles and hollow foss


s: They had surmounted, and no few had fallen


s: By Trojan hands, within their fleet they stood


s: Imprison'd, calling each to each, and prayer


s: With lifted hands, loud offering to the Gods.


s: With Gorgon looks, meantime, and eyes of Mars,


s: Hector impetuous his mane-tossing steeds


s: From side to side before the rampart drove,


s: When white-arm'd Juno pitying the Greeks,


s: In accents wing'd her speech to Pallas turn'd.


s: Alas, Jove's daughter! shall not we at least


s: Care for the Grecians by the fatal force


s: Of this one Chief destroy'd? I can endure


s: No longer; such dire mischiefs he hath wrought.


s: Whom answer'd thus Pallas, cærulean-eyed.


s: --And Hector had himself long since his life


s: Resign'd and rage together, by the Greeks


s: Slain under Ilium's walls, but Jove, my sire,


s: Nor aught remembers how I saved ofttimes


s: His son enjoin'd full many a task severe


s: By King Eurystheus; to the Gods he wept,


s: And me Jove sent in haste to his relief.


s: But had I then foreseen what now I know,


s: When through the adamantine gates he pass'd


s: To bind the dog of hell, by the deep floods


s: Hemm'd in of Styx, he had return'd no more.


s: But Thetis wins him now; her will prevails,


s: And mine he hates; for she hath kiss'd his knees


s: And grasp'd his beard, and him in prayer implored


s: 'Tis well--the day shall come when Jove again


s: Shall call me darling, and his blue-eyed maid


s: As heretofore;--but thou thy steeds prepare,


s: While I, my father's mansion entering, arm


s: For battle. I would learn by trial sure,


s: If Hector, Priam's offspring famed in fight


s: (Ourselves appearing in the walks of war)


s: Will greet us gladly. Doubtless at the fleet


s: His flesh for food, and to the fowls of heaven.


s: So counsell'd Pallas, nor the daughter dread


s: The trappings of her coursers golden-rein'd.


s: Labor of her own hands. She first put on


s: Then arm'd her for the field of wo, complete.


s: Mounting the fiery chariot, next she seized


s: Her ponderous spear, huge, irresistible,


s: With which Jove's awful daughter levels ranks


s: Juno with lifted lash urged on the steeds.


s: At their approach, spontaneous roar'd the wide-


s: Unfolding gates of heaven; the heavenly gates


s: Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge


s: And of the boundless ether, back to roll,


s: And to replace the cloudy barrier dense.


s: Spurr'd through the portal flew the rapid steeds:


s: Which when the Eternal Father from the heights


s: Haste, Iris, turn them thither whence they came;


s: To them, to me, should from that strife accrue.


s: Tell them, and the effect shall sure ensue,


s: That I will smite their steeds, and they shall halt


s: Disabled; break their chariot, dash themselves


s: Headlong, and ten whole years shall not efface


s: The wounds by my avenging bolts impress'd.


s: So shall my blue-eyed daughter learn to dread


s: Clashes with all my counsels from of old.


s: She stayed them, and her coming thus declared.


s: Whither, and for what cause? What rage is this?


s: Ye may not aid the Grecians; Jove forbids;


s: The son of Saturn threatens, if ye force


s: That he will smite your steeds, and they shall halt


s: Disabled; break your chariot, dash yourselves


s: The wounds by his avenging bolts impress'd.


s: So shall his blue-eyed daughter learn to dread


s: Clashes with all his counsels from of old.


s: Lift thy vast spear against the breast of Jove,


s: And thus her speech to Pallas Juno turn'd.


s: Grecians or Trojans as he wills; let him


s: And judge between them, as of right he may.


s: So saying, she turn'd the coursers; them the Hours


s: Released, and to ambrosial mangers bound,


s: Then thrust their chariot to the luminous wall.


s: They, mingling with the Gods, on golden thrones


s: Reach'd the Olympian heights, seat of the Gods.


s: His steeds the glorious King of Ocean loosed,


s: And thrust the chariot, with its veil o'erspread.


s: Then sat the Thunderer on his throne of gold


s: Himself, and the huge mountain shook. Meantime


s: Spake not or question'd him. Their mute reserve


s: He noticed, conscious of the cause, and said.


s: Not through fatigue by glorious fight incurr'd


s: And slaughter of the Trojans whom ye hate.


s: Mark now the difference. Not the Gods combined


s: Should have constrain'd _me_ back, till all my force,


s: The wonders of the field, trembling retired.


s: And ye did well--Hear what had else befallen.


s: My bolts had found you both, and ye had reach'd,


s: In your own chariot borne, the Olympian height,


s: Seat of the blest Immortals, never more.


s: Low murmuring deep disgust, and side by side


s: Minerva, through displeasure against Jove,


s: Nought utter'd, for her bosom boil'd with rage;


s: But Juno check'd not hers, who thus replied.


s: What word hath pass'd thy lips, Jove most severe?


s: We know thy force resistless; yet our hearts


s: Feel not the less when we behold the Greeks


s: Exhausting all the sorrows of their lot.


s: If thou command, we doubtless will abstain


s: From battle, yet such counsel to the Greeks


s: Their safety, lest thy wrath consume them all.


s: Then answer, thus, cloud-gatherer Jove return'd.


s: Look forth, imperial Juno, if thou wilt,


s: To-morrow at the blush of earliest dawn,


s: And thou shalt see Saturn's almighty son


s: The Argive host destroying far and wide.


s: Till he have roused Achilles, in that day


s: When at the ships, in perilous straits, the hosts


s: Shall wage fierce battle for Patroclus slain.


s: Such is the voice of fate. But, as for thee--


s: Withdraw thou to the confines of the abyss


s: And from the light of morn, hell-girt around,


s: I will not call thee thence. No. Should thy rage


s: Transport thee thither, there thou may'st abide,


s: There sullen nurse thy disregarded spleen


s: Obstinate as thou art, and void of shame.


s: Drawing night after him o'er all the earth;


s: Night, undesired by Troy, but to the Greeks


s: Thrice welcome for its interposing gloom.


s: Then Hector on the river's brink fast by


s: The Grecian fleet, where space he found unstrew'd


s: With carcases convened the Chiefs of Troy.


s: They, there dismounting, listen'd to the words


s: Of Hector Jove-beloved; he grasp'd a spear


s: In length eleven cubits, bright its head


s: Of brass, and color'd with a ring of gold.


s: Trojans, Dardanians, and allies of Troy!


s: I hoped, this evening (every ship consumed,


s: And all the Grecians slain) to have return'd


s: To wind-swept Ilium. But the shades of night


s: Have intervened, and to the night they owe,


s: In chief, their whole fleet's safety and their own.


s: Now, therefore, as the night enjoins, all take


s: Needful refreshment. Your high-mettled steeds


s: Release, lay food before them, and in haste


s: And oxen; bring ye from your houses bread,


s: Make speedy purchase of heart-cheering wine,


s: And gather fuel plenteous; that all night,


s: Shall look abroad, we may with many fires


s: Illume the skies; lest even in the night,


s: Launching, they mount the billows and escape.


s: But, as he leaps on board, give each a wound


s: With shaft or spear, which he shall nurse at home.


s: So shall the nations fear us, and shall vex


s: With ruthless war Troy's gallant sons no more.


s: Next, let the heralds, ministers of Jove,


s: Loud notice issue that the boys well-grown,


s: And ancients silver-hair'd on the high towers


s: Built by the Gods, keep watch; on every hearth


s: Make sprightly blaze, and place ye there a guard


s: Sufficient, lest in absence of the troops


s: Act thus, ye dauntless Trojans; the advice


s: Is wholesome, and shall serve the present need,


s: And so much for the night; ye shall be told


s: The business of the morn when morn appears.


s: It is my prayer to Jove and to all heaven


s: (Not without hope) that I may hence expel


s: These dogs, whom Ilium's unpropitious fates


s: Have wafted hither in their sable barks.


s: But we will also watch this night, ourselves,


s: And, arming with the dawn, will at their ships


s: Give them brisk onset. Then shall it appear


s: Back to our walls, or I, his arms blood-stain'd,


s: Torn from his breathless body, bear away.


s: My lance, he shall not want occasion meet


s: For show of valor. But much more I judge


s: That the next rising sun shall see him slain


s: With no few friends around him. Would to heaven!


s: I were as sure to 'scape the blight of age


s: And share their honors with the Gods above,


s: As comes the morrow fraught with wo to Greece.


s: So Hector, whom his host with loud acclaim


s: All praised. Then each his sweating steeds released,


s: And rein'd them safely at his chariot-side.


s: And now from Troy provision large they brought,


s: Oxen, and sheep, with store of wine and bread,


s: And fuel much was gather'd. Next the Gods


s: With sacrifice they sought, and from the plain


s: Above; such hatred in their hearts they bore


s: Spear-practised Priam, and to sacred Troy.


s: Big with great purposes and proud, they sat,


s: Not disarray'd, but in fair form disposed


s: Of even ranks, and watch'd their numerous fires,


s: As when around the clear bright moon, the stars


s: Shine in full splendor, and the winds are hush'd,


s: The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland-heights


s: The boundless blue, but ether open'd wide


s: All glitters, and the shepherd's heart is cheer'd;


s: So numerous seem'd those fires the bank between


s: Of Xanthus, blazing, and the fleet of Greece,


s: In prospect all of Troy; a thousand fires,


s: Each watch'd by fifty warriors seated near.


s: The steeds beside the chariots stood, their corn


s: Chewing, and waiting till the golden-throned


s: So watch'd the Trojan host; but thoughts of flight,


s: Companions of chill fear, from heaven infused,


s: Possess'd the Grecians; every leader's heart


s: Bled, pierced with anguish insupportable.


s: As when two adverse winds blowing from Thrace,


s: High curl'd, flings forth the salt weed on the shore


s: Such tempest rent the mind of every Greek.


s: Forth stalk'd Atrides with heart-riving wo


s: Transfixt; he bade his heralds call by name


s: Each Chief to council, but without the sound


s: As some deep fountain pours its rapid stream


s: And, groaning, the Achaians thus address'd.


s: Friends, counsellors and leaders of the Greeks!


s: But now (ah fraudulent and foul reverse!)


s: Commands me back inglorious to the shores


s: Of distant Argos, with diminish'd troops.


s: And shall hereafter, matchless in his power.


s: Haste therefore. My advice is, that we all


s: Fly with our fleet into our native land,


s: For wide-built Ilium shall not yet be ours.


s: He ceased, and all sat silent; long the sons


s: Of Greece, o'erwhelm'd with sorrow, silent sat,


s: To contravert thy purpose ill-conceived,


s: And with such freedom as the laws, O King!


s: Hear patient. Thou hast been thyself the first


s: Who e'er reproach'd me in the public ear


s: How truly, let both young and old decide.


s: Given, and refused; he placed thee high in power,


s: Gave thee to sway the sceptre o'er us all,


s: But courage gave thee not, his noblest gift.


s: Art thou in truth persuaded that the Greeks


s: Go thou, the way is open; numerous ships,


s: Thy followers from Mycenæ, line the shore.


s: But we, the rest, depart not, 'till the spoil


s: To seek again their native home, fly all;


s: Till Ilium fall, for with the Gods we came.


s: He ended; all the admiring sons of Greece


s: With shouts the warlike Diomede extoll'd,


s: In fight, and all the princes of thy years


s: Excell'st in council. None of all the Greeks


s: Shall find occasion just to blame thy speech


s: Or to gainsay; yet thou hast fallen short.


s: What wonder? Thou art young; and were myself


s: Thy father, thou should'st be my latest born.


s: Yet when thy speech is to the Kings of Greece,


s: It is well-framed and prudent. Now attend!


s: Myself will speak, who have more years to boast


s: Than thou hast seen, and will so closely scan


s: Himself shall have no cause to censure _me_.


s: Whose pleasure is in civil broils alone.


s: But Night is urgent, and with Night's demands


s: And let the guard be stationed at the trench


s: Without the wall; the youngest shall supply


s: (For thou art here supreme) thy proper task.


s: Banquet the elders; it shall not disgrace


s: Thy sovereignty, but shall become thee well.


s: Thy tents are fill'd with wine which day by day


s: Ships bring from Thrace; accommodation large


s: Hast thou, and numerous is thy menial train.


s: Thy many guests assembled, thou shalt hear


s: Our counsel, and shalt choose the best; great need


s: Most prudent; for the foe, fast by the fleet


s: Hath kindled numerous fires, which who can see


s: Unmoved? This night shall save us or destroy.


s: He spake, whom all with full consent approved.


s: Forth rush'd the guard well-arm'd; first went the son


s: Then, sons of Mars, Ascalaphus advanced,


s: Seven were the leaders of the guard, and each


s: A hundred spearmen headed, young and bold.


s: Between the wall and trench their seat they chose,


s: There kindled fires, and each his food prepared.


s: The thronging Chiefs of Greece, and at his board


s: Regaled them; they with readiness and keen


s: Dispatch of hunger shared the savory feast,


s: And when nor thirst remain'd nor hunger more


s: Whose counsels had been ever wisest deem'd,


s: Warm for the public interest, thus began.


s: Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men!


s: Thou art my first and last, proem and close,


s: For thou art mighty, and to thee are given


s: From Jove the sceptre and the laws in charge,


s: For the advancement of the general good.


s: Hence, in peculiar, both to speak and hear


s: And to perform, for thou art judge alone.


s: Seems wisest; such, that other Grecian none


s: Shall give thee better; neither is it new,


s: When, most illustrious! thou wast pleased to take


s: By my advice, who did dissuade thee much;


s: But thou, complying with thy princely wrath,


s: Hast shamed a Hero whom themselves the Gods


s: Delight to honor, and his prize detain'st.


s: Yet even now contrive we, although late,


s: Old Chief! there is no falsehood in thy charge;


s: Loves as he loves Achilles, for whose sake


s: He hath Achaia's thousands thus subdued.


s: Prepared to soothe him with atonement large


s: Seven tripods, never sullied yet with fire;


s: Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright;


s: Twelve coursers, strong, victorious in the race;


s: Which they have won for me, shall feel the want


s: Seven virtuous female captives will I give


s: These will I give, and will with these resign


s: Most solemn, that unconscious as she was


s: All these I give him now; and if at length


s: Priam's great city, let him heap his ships


s: With gold and brass, entering and choosing first


s: When we shall share the spoil. Let him beside


s: Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy,


s: Helen except, loveliest of all their sex.


s: And if once more, the rich milk-flowing land


s: We reach of Argos, he shall there become


s: My son-in-law, and shall enjoy like state


s: I have three daughters; let him thence conduct


s: To Phthia, her whom he shall most approve.


s: Chrysothemis shall be his bride, or else


s: No dower; myself will such a dower bestow


s: Seven fair well-peopled cities I will give


s: All these are maritime, and on the shore


s: They stand of Pylus, by a race possess'd


s: Most rich in flocks and herds, who tributes large,


s: And gifts presenting to his sceptred hand,


s: These will I give him if from wrath he cease.


s: Whom therefore of all Gods men hate the most.


s: My power is greater, and my years than his


s: More numerous, therefore let him yield to me.


s: Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men!


s: No sordid gifts, or to be view'd with scorn,


s: Givest thou the Prince Achilles. But away!


s: Send chosen messengers, who shall the son


s: Of Peleus, instant, in his tent address.


s: Myself will choose them, be it theirs to obey.


s: Let Phoenix lead, Jove loves him. Be the next


s: Shall them attend. Bring water for our hands;


s: Give charge that every tongue abstain from speech


s: Portentous, and propitiate Jove by prayer.


s: He spake, and all were pleased. The heralds pour'd


s: Pure water on their hands; attendant youths


s: The beakers crown'd, and wine from right to left


s: All drank, and in such measure as they chose,


s: Then hasted forth from Agamemnon's tent.


s: By which Achilles likeliest might be won.


s: They pass'd, to Neptune, compasser of earth,


s: Preferring vows ardent with numerous prayers,


s: That they might sway with ease the mighty mind


s: Him solacing they found his heart with notes


s: Struck from his silver-framed harmonious lyre;


s: Among the spoils he found it when he sack'd


s: He sooth'd, and glorious heroes were his theme.


s: Expecting still when he should cease to sing.


s: Into his presence; at the sight, his harp


s: Still in his hand, Achilles from his seat


s: Achilles seized their hands, and thus he spake.


s: Hail friends! ye all are welcome. Urgent cause


s: Hath doubtless brought you, whom I dearest hold


s: (Though angry still) of all Achaia's host.


s: So saying, he introduced them, and on seats


s: Placed them with purple arras overspread,


s: Then thus bespake Patroclus standing nigh.


s: Diluted less; then give to each his cup;


s: For dearer friends than these who now arrive


s: My roof beneath, or worthier, have I none.


s: Whom much he loved. Achilles, then, himself


s: Spread goats' flesh on it, with the flesh of sheep


s: While with sharp steel Achilles from the bone


s: Sliced thin the meat, then pierced it with the spits.


s: Kindled fierce fire, and when the flame declined,


s: Raked wide the embers, laid the meat to roast,


s: And taking sacred salt from the hearth-side


s: Where it was treasured, shower'd it o'er the feast.


s: When all was finish'd, and the board set forth,


s: Patroclus furnish'd it around with bread


s: In baskets, and Achilles served the guests.


s: And each, at once, his savoury mess assail'd.


s: When neither edge of hunger now they felt


s: Made sign to Phoenix, which Ulysses mark'd,


s: And charging high his cup, drank to his host.


s: And well prepared, we want not at the board


s: For both are nobly spread; but dainties now,


s: Or plenteous boards, are little our concern.


s: Oh godlike Chief! tremendous ills we sit


s: Contemplating with fear, doubtful if life


s: Or death, with the destruction of our fleet,


s: Attend us, unless thou put on thy might.


s: For lo! the haughty Trojans, with their friends


s: Call'd from afar, at the fleet-side encamp,


s: Fast by the wall, where they have kindled fires


s: Numerous, and threaten that no force of ours


s: Shall check their purposed inroad on the ships.


s: Jove grants them favorable signs from heaven,


s: Bright lightnings; Hector glares revenge, with rage


s: Nor God nor man, but prays the morn to rise


s: Burn all our fleet with fire, and at their sides


s: Slay the Achaians struggling in the smoke.


s: Horrible are my fears lest these his threats


s: Up, therefore! if thou canst, and now at last


s: Shall else be thine hereafter, when no cure


s: Of such great ill, once suffer'd, can be found.


s: Means to preserve from such disast'rous fate


s: The Grecians. Ah, my friend! when Peleus thee


s: On that same day he gave thee thus in charge.


s: "Juno, my son, and Pallas, if they please,


s: Can make thee valiant; but thy own big heart


s: Thyself restrain. Sweet manners win respect.


s: Cease from pernicious strife, and young and old


s: Throughout the host shall honor thee the more."


s: Such was thy father's charge, which thou, it seems,


s: Renounce; be reconciled; for princely gifts


s: Atrides gives thee if thy wrath subside.


s: Hear, if thou wilt, and I will tell thee all,


s: By promise thine, this night within his tent.


s: Seven tripods never sullied yet with fire;


s: Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright;


s: Twelve steeds strong-limb'd, victorious in the race;


s: Which they have won for him, shall feel the want


s: Seven virtuous female captives he will give,


s: These will he give, and will with these resign


s: Most solemn, that unconscious as she was


s: Of his embraces, such he yields her back.


s: All these he gives thee now! and if at length


s: Priam's great city, thou shalt heap thy ships


s: With gold and brass, entering and choosing first,


s: When we shall share the spoil; and shalt beside


s: Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy,


s: Helen except, loveliest of all their sex.


s: And if once more the rich milk-flowing land


s: We reach of Argos, thou shalt there become


s: His son-in-law, and shalt enjoy like state


s: With him, whom he in all abundance rears,


s: He hath three daughters; thou may'st home conduct


s: To Phthia, her whom thou shalt most approve.


s: Chrysothemis shall be thy bride; or else


s: No dower; himself will such a dower bestow


s: Seven fair well-peopled cities will he give;


s: And for her depth of pasturage renown'd,


s: All these are maritime, and on the shore


s: They stand of Pylus, by a race possess'd


s: Most rich in flocks and herds, who tribute large


s: And gifts presenting to thy sceptred hand,


s: These will he give thee, if thy wrath subside.


s: But should'st thou rather in thine heart the more


s: Prepared to adore thee. Thou shalt win renown


s: Among the Grecians that shall never die.


s: Now strike at Hector. He is here;--himself


s: Provokes thee forth; madness is in his heart,


s: And in his rage he glories that our ships


s: Have hither brought no Grecian brave as he.


s: Then thus Achilles matchless in the race.


s: I must with plainness speak my fixt resolve


s: Of hell itself, whose words belie his heart.


s: So shall not mine. My judgment undisguised


s: Nor all the Greeks shall move; for ceaseless toil


s: Wins here no thanks; one recompense awaits


s: The brave and base in equal honor stand,


s: And drones and heroes fall unwept alike.


s: My life continual in the field, have earn'd


s: No very sumptuous prize. As the poor bird


s: Gives to her unfledged brood a morsel gain'd


s: After long search, though wanting it herself,


s: So I have worn out many sleepless nights,


s: And waded deep through many a bloody day


s: In battle for their wives. I have destroy'd


s: Twelve cities with my fleet, and twelve, save one,


s: On foot contending in the fields of Troy.


s: From all these cities, precious spoils I took


s: Gave all the treasure. He within his ships


s: Abode the while, and having all received,


s: He gave, however, to the Kings and Chiefs


s: Of all the Grecian host he hath despoil'd;


s: My bride, my soul's delight is in his hands,


s: And let him, couch'd with her, enjoy his fill


s: Of dalliance. What sufficient cause, what need


s: And led them hither? Was't not for the sake


s: Can none be found who love their proper wives


s: Who loves not, guards not, and with care provides


s: For his own wife, and, though in battle won,


s: For I am warn'd, and he shall not prevail.


s: With thee and with thy peers let him advise,


s: Ulysses! how the fleet may likeliest 'scape


s: Yon hostile fires; full many an arduous task


s: He hath accomplished without aid of mine;


s: So hath he now this rampart and the trench


s: Which he hath digg'd around it, and with stakes


s: To hero-slaughtering Hector's force opposed.


s: While I the battle waged, present myself


s: Far from his walls, but to the Scæan gate


s: Advancing and the beech-tree, there remain'd.


s: Once, on that spot he met me, and my arm


s: But, since I feel myself not now inclined


s: To fight with noble Hector, yielding first


s: To Jove due worship, and to all the Gods,


s: To-morrow will I launch, and give my ships


s: Their lading. Look thou forth at early dawn,


s: And, if such spectacle delight thee aught,


s: Thou shalt behold me cleaving with my prows


s: The waves of Hellespont, and all my crews


s: Prosper my passage) Phthia the deep-soil'd


s: On the third day. I have possessions there,


s: Convey much treasure, gold and burnish'd brass,


s: And glittering steel, and women passing fair


s: My portion of the spoils. But he, your King,


s: And tell it him aloud, that other Greeks


s: Them also. Let him not henceforth presume,


s: To look me in the face. I will not share


s: His counsels, neither will I aid his works.


s: Let it suffice him, that he wrong'd me once,


s: Deceived me once, henceforth his glozing arts


s: Are lost on me. But let him rot in peace


s: Crazed as he is, and by the stroke of Jove


s: So honor as the thing which most I scorn.


s: And would he give me twenty times the worth


s: Of this his offer, all the treasured heaps


s: Which he possesses, or shall yet possess,


s: Receives, the city with a hundred gates,


s: Whence twenty thousand chariots rush to war,


s: And would he give me riches as the sands,


s: And as the dust of earth, no gifts from him


s: Should soothe me, till my soul were first avenged


s: For all the offensive license of his tongue.


s: I will not wed the daughter of your Chief,


s: With golden Venus, had she all the skill


s: She were no bride for me. No. He may choose


s: Himself, ere long, shall mate me with a bride.


s: Fair damsels many, daughters of the Chiefs


s: Who guard our cities; I may choose of them,


s: And make the loveliest of them all my own.


s: Such wealth as ancient Peleus hath acquired.


s: Ascribed to populous Ilium, ere the Greeks


s: Arrived, and while the city yet had peace;


s: In rocky Pytho boasts. Fat flocks and beeves


s: May be by force obtain'd, tripods and steeds


s: Are bought or won, but if the breath of man


s: Once overpass its bounds, no force arrests


s: Or may constrain the unbodied spirit back.


s: The illustrious meed of glory, but obtain


s: Ye shall not see of Ilium's lofty towers,


s: For that the Thunderer with uplifted arm


s: Protects her, and her courage hath revived.


s: Bear ye mine answer back, as is the part


s: Of good ambassadors, that they may frame


s: Some likelier plan, by which both fleet and host


s: May be preserved; for, my resentment still


s: Let Phoenix stay with us, and sleep this night


s: And hence attend me; but I leave him free.


s: Gush'd into tears (for dread his heart o'erwhelm'd


s: Lest the whole fleet should perish) and replied.


s: Noble Achilles! and such wrath retain'st


s: Forlorn of thee? When Peleus, hoary Chief,


s: Unpractised in destructive fight, nor less


s: Of councils ignorant, the schools in which


s: Great minds are form'd, he bade me to the war


s: Attend thee forth, that I might teach thee all,


s: Me therefore shalt thou not with my consent


s: Leave here, my son! no, not would Jove himself


s: Promise me, reaping smooth this silver beard,


s: To make me downy-cheek'd as in my youth;


s: Such as when erst from Hellas beauty-famed


s: My mother suppliant at my knees, with prayer


s: The damsel first, that she might loathe my sire.


s: With hot suspicion of the fact, let loose


s: That ever son of mine should press his knees.


s: Fulfill'd his curses; with my pointed spear


s: I would have pierced his heart, but that my wrath


s: Known as a parricide through all the land.


s: At length, so treated, I resolved to dwell


s: No longer in his house. My friends, indeed,


s: Oxen and sheep they slaughter'd, many a plump


s: Well-fatted brawn extended in the flames,


s: And drank the old man's vessels to the lees.


s: Nine nights continual at my side they slept,


s: While others watch'd by turns, nor were the fires


s: Extinguish'd ever, one, beneath the porch


s: Of the barr'd hall, and one that from within


s: But when the tenth dark night at length arrived,


s: Sudden the chamber doors bursting I flew


s: That moment forth, and unperceived alike


s: By guards and menial woman, leap'd the wall.


s: Through spacious Hellas flying thence afar,


s: I came at length to Phthia the deep-soil'd,


s: Mother of flocks, and to the royal house


s: He made me rich; placed under my control


s: A populous realm, and on the skirts I dwelt


s: Thee from my soul, thou semblance of the Gods,


s: I loved, and all illustrious as thou art,


s: Achilles! such I made thee. For with me,


s: Me only, would'st thou forth to feast abroad,


s: Nor would'st thou taste thy food at home, 'till first


s: I placed thee on my knees, with my own hand


s: Thy viands carved and fed thee, and the wine


s: Held to thy lips; and many a time, in fits


s: Rejecting thou hast deluged all my vest,


s: Much, and have also much perform'd for thee,


s: Thus purposing, that since the Gods vouchsaf'd


s: No son to me, thyself shouldst be my son,


s: Godlike Achilles! who shouldst screen perchance


s: From a foul fate my else unshelter'd age.


s: Thou shouldst not be thus merciless; the Gods,


s: And virtue thy superiors, are themselves


s: Offend them by transgression of their laws,


s: Libation, incense, sacrifice, and prayer,


s: In meekness offer'd turn their wrath away.


s: Prayers are Jove's daughters, wrinkled, lame, slant-eyed,


s: Which though far distant, yet with constant pace


s: Follow Offence. Offence, robust of limb,


s: And treading firm the ground, outstrips them all,


s: Hurtful to man. They, following, heal the hurt.


s: Received respectfully when they approach,


s: They help us, and our prayers hear in return.


s: But if we slight, and with obdurate heart


s: May cleave to us for vengeance of the wrong.


s: Thou, therefore, O Achilles! honor yield


s: To Jove's own daughters, vanquished, as the brave


s: Have ofttimes been, by honor paid to thee.


s: With gifts in hand, and promises of more


s: Hereafter; burn'd his anger still the same,


s: I would not move thee to renounce thy own,


s: Such also, but these Princes he hath sent


s: Charged with entreaties, thine especial friends,


s: And chosen for that cause, from all the host.


s: Slight not their embassy, nor put to shame


s: Their intercession. We confess that once


s: Thus we have heard the heroes of old times


s: Applauded oft, whose anger, though intense,


s: Which, since all here are friends, I will relate.


s: Beneath the walls of Calydon, and fought


s: With mutual slaughter; the Ætolian powers


s: Kindled between them, with resentment fired


s: That Oeneus had not in some fertile spot


s: The first fruits of his harvest set apart


s: And her alone, daughter of Jove supreme,


s: Or through forgetfulness, or some neglect,


s: Served not; omission careless and profane!


s: She, progeny of Jove, Goddess shaft-arm'd,


s: A savage boar bright-tusk'd in anger sent,


s: Which haunting Oeneus' fields much havoc made.


s: Trees numerous on the earth in heaps he cast


s: Uprooting them, with all their blossoms on.


s: Slew him, the hunters gathering and the hounds


s: Might not be vanquish'd by the power of few,


s: And many to their funeral piles he sent.


s: And contest hot between them, all alike,


s: The boar's head claiming, and his bristly hide.


s: Ætolia prosper'd, nor with all their powers


s: Could the Curetes stand before the walls.


s: But when resentment once had fired the heart


s: (For his own mother had his wrath provoked


s: Althæa) thenceforth with his wedded wife


s: He dwelt, fair Cleopatra, close retired.


s: She was Marpessa's daughter, whom she bore


s: Of all on earth. He fear'd not 'gainst the King


s: Marpessa's sake, his spouse, to bend his bow.


s: And wept like her, by Phoebus forced away.


s: Of wrath indulged, with Cleopatra dwelt,


s: Vex'd that his mother cursed him; for, with grief


s: To avenge her slaughter'd brothers on his head.


s: Oft would she smite the earth, while on her knees


s: Seated, she fill'd her bosom with her tears,


s: And call'd on Pluto and dread Proserpine


s: To slay her son; nor vain was that request,


s: Roar'd at the gates, and all the batter'd towers


s: Dispatch'd the high-priests of the Gods to plead


s: They bade him choose to his own use a farm


s: And half of land commodious for the plow.


s: Smiting importunate, with earnest prayers


s: Nor less his sisters woo'd him to relent,


s: Nor less his mother; but in vain; he grew


s: Still more obdurate. His companions last,


s: The most esteem'd and dearest of his friends,


s: The same suit urged, yet he persisted still


s: Relentless, nor could even they prevail.


s: But when the battle shook his chamber-doors


s: And the Curetes climbing the high towers


s: Had fired the spacious city, then with tears


s: The beauteous Cleopatra, and with prayers


s: Assail'd him; in his view she set the woes


s: Slaughter'd, the city burnt to dust, the chaste


s: Matrons with all their children dragg'd away.


s: That dread recital roused him, and at length


s: Saved the Ætolians, who the promised gift


s: Refused him, and his toils found no reward.


s: No demon who would tempt thee to a course


s: Smiles on thee now, than if the fleet were fired.


s: Come, while by gifts invited, and receive


s: For shouldst thou, by no gifts induced, at last


s: Enter the bloody field, although thou chase


s: The Trojans hence, yet less shall be thy praise.


s: Then thus Achilles, matchless in the race.


s: Phoenix, my guide, wise, noble and revered!


s: While I have power to move, or breath to draw.


s: Hear now, and mark me well. Cease thou from tears.


s: Confound me not, pleading with sighs and sobs


s: Lest I renounce thee, who am now thy friend.


s: So shalt thou share my glory and my power.


s: These shall report as they have heard, but here


s: Rest thou this night, and with the rising morn


s: He ceased, and silent, by a nod enjoin'd


s: For Phoenix, anxious to dismiss the rest


s: Or fruit of all our reasonings shall be none.


s: With all dispatch, for the assembled Greeks


s: Within his breast; the kindness of his friends,


s: Shown to him, on his heart work no effect.


s: Secure at home, and the receiver, soothed


s: The Gods have given thee) can'st not be appeased


s: The most distinguish'd of their sex, and add


s: Large gifts beside. Ah then, at last relent!


s: Respect thy roof; we are thy guests; we come


s: Chosen from the multitude of all the Greeks,


s: To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift.


s: Thou seem'st sincere, and I believe thee such.


s: Of Atreus' son, who shamed me in the sight


s: Your answer. I no thought will entertain


s: Of crimson war, till the illustrious son


s: Of warlike Priam, Hector, blood-embrued,


s: Shall in their tents the Myrmidons assail


s: Themselves, and fire my fleet. At my own ship,


s: That even Hector's violence shall pause.


s: Libation pour'd, and to the fleet their course


s: Patroclus then his fellow-warriors bade,


s: For Phoenix; they the couch, obedient, spread


s: With fleeces, with rich arras, and with flax


s: Of subtlest woof. There hoary Phoenix lay


s: Slept charming Iphis; her, when he had won


s: Achilles took, and on his friend bestow'd.


s: But when those Chiefs at Agamemnon's tent


s: With golden cups welcoming their return.


s: All question'd them, but Agamemnon first.


s: Will he defend the fleet? or his big heart


s: Indulging wrathful, doth he still refuse?


s: He his resentment quenches not, nor will,


s: But burns with wrath the more, thee and thy gifts


s: Rejecting both. He bids thee with the Greeks


s: Consult by what expedient thou may'st save


s: The fleet and people, threatening that himself


s: Will at the peep of day launch all his barks,


s: And counselling, beside, the general host


s: Of Ilium wall'd to heaven, ye shall not find,


s: Since Jove the Thunderer with uplifted arm


s: Protects her, and her courage hath revived.


s: Thus speaks the Chief, and Ajax is prepared,


s: Sleeps of Achilles, who his stay desired,


s: Home to his country, but he leaves him free.


s: Long silent sat the afflicted sons of Greece,


s: Innumerous, had been better far withheld.


s: He is at all times haughty, and thy suit


s: Hath but increased his haughtiness of heart


s: Past bounds: but let him stay or let him go


s: As he shall choose. He will resume the fight


s: When his own mind shall prompt him, and the Gods


s: Shall urge him forth. Now follow my advice.


s: Ye have refresh'd your hearts with food and wine


s: Which are the strength of man; take now repose.


s: Shall shine again, set forth without delay


s: The battle, horse and foot, before the fleet,


s: And where the foremost fight, fight also thou.


s: His counsel, and the dauntless tone admired


s: Each sought his tent, and took the gift of sleep.


s: All night the leaders of the host of Greece


s: Lay sunk in soft repose, all, save the Chief,


s: The son of Atreus; him from thought to thought


s: As when the spouse of beauteous Juno, darts


s: His frequent fires, designing heavy rain


s: Immense, or hail-storm, or field-whitening snow,


s: So frequent were the groans by Atreus' son


s: Heaved from his inmost heart, trembling with dread.


s: For cast he but his eye toward the plain


s: The city fronted with bright fires, and heard


s: Pipes, and recorders, and the hum of war;


s: But when again the Grecian fleet he view'd,


s: And thought on his own people, then his hair


s: He from his generous bosom groan'd again.


s: At length he thus resolved; of all the Greeks


s: He might, perchance, some plan for the defence


s: Rising, he wrapp'd his tunic to his breast,


s: His sandals; o'er his shoulders, next, he threw


s: That swept his footsteps, dappled o'er with blood,


s: Then took his spear. Meantime, not less appall'd


s: On glorious deeds, should perish all at Troy.


s: With a pard's spotted hide his shoulders broad


s: His brazen helmet, and with vigorous hand


s: Grasping his spear, forth issued to arouse


s: His brother, mighty sovereign of the host,


s: He found him at his galley's stern, his arms


s: Why arm'st thou, brother? Wouldst thou urge abroad


s: I fear lest none so hardy shall be found


s: As to adventure, in the dead still night,


s: Thou and myself, of some device well-framed,


s: Which both the Grecians and the fleet of Greece


s: May rescue, for the mind of Jove hath changed,


s: And Hector's prayers alone now reach his ear.


s: As he with ease against the Greeks, although


s: Nor from a Goddess sprung nor from a God.


s: Deeds he hath done, which, as I think, the Greeks


s: Shall deep and long lament, such numerous ills


s: Achaia's host hath at his hands sustain'd.


s: But haste, begone, and at their several ships


s: The chosen band who watch, and his advice


s: Give them; for him most prompt they will obey,


s: Entrusted by ourselves with that command.


s: Explain thy purpose. Wouldst thou that I wait


s: Thy coming, there, or thy commands to both


s: To whom the Sovereign of the host replied.


s: There stay; lest striking into different paths


s: Where thou shalt come; enjoin them to arise;


s: For we ourselves must labor, at our birth


s: By Jove ordain'd to suffering and to toil.


s: So saying, he his brother thence dismiss'd


s: Turned to the tent of Nestor. Him he found


s: Shield, spears, bright helmet, and the broider'd belt


s: Which, when the Senior arm'd led forth his host


s: To fight, he wore; for he complied not yet


s: With the encroachments of enfeebling age.


s: He raised his head, and on his elbow propp'd,


s: But who art thou, who thus alone, the camp


s: Roamest, amid the darkness of the night,


s: While other mortals sleep? Comest thou abroad


s: Seeking some friend or soldier of the guard?


s: Speak--come not nearer mute. What is thy wish?


s: Offspring of Neleus! thou in me shalt know


s: By Jove to toil, while life shall yet inform


s: These limbs, or I shall draw the vital air.


s: Sweet sleep sits not, but war and the concerns


s: All thought; my bosom can no longer hold


s: My throbbing heart, and tremors shake my limbs.


s: Aught that may profit us (for thee it seems


s: Sleep also shuns) arise, and let us both


s: Visit the watch, lest, haply, overtoil'd


s: They yield to sleep, forgetful of their charge.


s: (None knows his purpose) an assault by night.


s: Deep-planning Jove the imaginations proud


s: His sanguine hopes effectuate; in his turn


s: Shall trouble feel, and haply, more than we.


s: Whose ships are at the camp's extremest bounds.


s: But though I love thy brother and revere,


s: And though I grieve e'en thee, yet speak I must,


s: And plainly censure him, that thus he sleeps


s: And leaves to thee the labor, who himself


s: Should range the host, soliciting the Chiefs


s: Old warrior, times there are, when I could wish


s: Yet is not sluggish indolence the cause,


s: This night than I, and I have sent him forth


s: Already, those to call whom thou hast named.


s: But let us hence, for at the guard I trust


s: To find them, since I gave them so in charge.


s: To whom the brave Gerenian Chief replied.


s: Him none will censure, or his will dispute,


s: So saying, he bound his corselet to his breast,


s: And fastening by its clasps his purple cloak


s: Seized, next, his sturdy spear headed with brass,


s: And issued first into the Grecian fleet.


s: There, Nestor, brave Gerenian, with a voice


s: From sleep, Ulysses; the alarm came o'er


s: His startled ear, forth from his tent he sprang


s: Sudden, and of their coming, quick, inquired.


s: Why roam ye thus the camp and fleet alone


s: In darkness? by what urgent need constrain'd?


s: Resent it not, for dread is our distress.


s: Come, therefore, and assist us to convene


s: He ended, and regaining, quick, his tent,


s: Ulysses slung his shield, then coming forth


s: Join'd them. The son of Tydeus first they sought.


s: Him sleeping arm'd before his tent they found,


s: His head each rested on his shield, and each


s: His spear beside him; bright their polish'd heads,


s: As Jove's own lightning glittered from afar.


s: Himself, the Hero, slept. A wild bull's hide


s: Was spread beneath him, and on arras tinged


s: With splendid purple lay his head reclined.


s: Nestor, beside him standing, with his heel


s: Shook him, and, urgent, thus the Chief reproved.


s: Awake, Tydides! wherefore givest the night


s: How on the rising ground beside the fleet


s: The Trojans sit, small interval between?


s: He ceased; then up sprang Diomede alarm'd


s: Instant, and in wing'd accents thus replied.


s: Old wakeful Chief! thy toils are never done.


s: Are there not younger of the sons of Greece,


s: Who ranging in all parts the camp, might call


s: The Kings to council? But no curb controls


s: My friend! thou hast well spoken. I have sons,


s: And they are well deserving; I have here


s: Might have sufficed to call the Kings of Greece.


s: Complete, or full deliverance of us all,


s: In balance hangs, poised on a razor's edge.


s: Be such, since thou art younger, call, thyself,


s: Around him wrapp'd, dependent to his heels,


s: And, spear in hand, set forth. The Hero call'd


s: Those two, and led them whither Nestor bade.


s: They, at the guard arrived, not sleeping found


s: The captains of the guard, but sitting all


s: In vigilant posture with their arms prepared.


s: As dogs that, careful, watch the fold by night,


s: Hearing some wild beast in the woods, which hounds


s: And hunters with tumultuous clamor drive


s: Down from the mountain-top, all sleep forego;


s: So, sat not on their eyelids gentle sleep


s: That dreadful night, but constant to the plain


s: At every sound of Trojan feet they turn'd.


s: The old Chief joyful at the sight, in terms


s: Of kind encouragement them thus address'd.


s: So watch, my children! and beware that sleep


s: Invade none here, lest all become a prey.


s: So saying, he traversed with quick pace the trench


s: By every Chief whom they had thither call'd


s: To join their consultation. From the foss


s: Unstrew'd with bodies of the slain, the spot,


s: Whence furious Hector, after slaughter made


s: Of numerous Greeks, night falling, had return'd.


s: There seated, mutual converse close they held,


s: Oh friends! hath no Achaian here such trust


s: Among yon haughty Trojans? He, perchance,


s: Might on the borders of their host surprise


s: Some wandering adversary, or might learn


s: Their consultations, whether they propose


s: Or, satiate with success against the Greeks


s: These tidings gain'd, should he at last return


s: Extensive as the heavens, and fair reward.


s: From every leader of the fleet, his gift


s: And sumptuous banquet, he shall be a guest.


s: He ceased, and all sat silent, when at length


s: With me, far greater would my comfort prove,


s: And I should dare the more. Two going forth,


s: One quicker sees than other, and suggests


s: Mark whatsoe'er he may, the occasion less


s: Improves, and his expedients soon exhausts.


s: Each Ajax willing stood; willing as they


s: Willing the brother of the Chief of all,


s: The host of Troy, for he possess'd a heart


s: Choose whom thou wilt for thy companion; choose


s: The fittest here; for numerous wish to go.


s: Leave not through deference to another's rank,


s: Such speech he interposed, fearing his choice


s: Since, then, ye bid me my own partner choose


s: Free from constraint, how can I overlook


s: Let _him_ attend me, and through fire itself


s: We shall return; for none is wise as he.


s: Tydides! neither praise me much, nor blame,


s: For these are Grecians in whose ears thou speak'st,


s: And know me well. But let us hence! the night


s: Draws to a close; day comes apace; the stars


s: Are far advanced; two portions have elapsed


s: Of darkness, but the third is yet entire.


s: So they; then each his dreadful arms put on.


s: His shield and sword two-edged, and on his head


s: Placed, crestless, unadorn'd, his bull-skin casque.


s: It was a stripling's helmet, such as youths


s: Scarce yet confirm'd in lusty manhood, wear.


s: Furnish'd Ulysses, and his brows enclosed


s: In his own casque of hide with many a thong


s: Well braced within; guarded it was without


s: With boar's teeth ivory-white inherent firm


s: On all sides, and with woolen head-piece lined.


s: Bored through, clandestine, of Amyntor's house.


s: And now it guarded shrewd Ulysses' brows.


s: Both clad in arms terrific, forth they sped,


s: Leaving their fellow Chiefs, and as they went


s: Close on the right beside them; darkling they


s: Discern'd him not, but heard his clanging plumes.


s: Oh hear me, daughter of Jove Ægis-arm'd!


s: My present helper in all straits, whose eye


s: Marks all my ways, oh with peculiar care


s: Now guard me, Pallas! grant that after toil


s: Successful, glorious, such as long shall fill


s: With grief the Trojans, we may safe return


s: Valiant Tydides, next, his prayer preferr'd.


s: Hear also me, Jove's offspring by the toils


s: Thou followedst, Tydeus; by the Greeks dispatch'd


s: Entrusted, enter'd Thebes; but by thine aid


s: Benevolent, and in thy strength, perform'd


s: I vow an offering at thy shrine, a young


s: Broad-fronted heifer, to the yoke as yet


s: Untamed, whose horns I will incase with gold.


s: Such prayer they made, and Pallas heard well pleased.


s: Their orisons ended to the daughter dread


s: Through shades of night, through carnage, arms and blood.


s: Sleep, but convened the leaders; leader none


s: Unsummon'd, and his purpose thus promulged.


s: Where is the warrior who for rich reward,


s: Such as shall well suffice him, will the task


s: A chariot with two steeds of proudest height,


s: Surpassing all in the whole fleet of Greece


s: Shall be his portion, with immortal praise,


s: Who shall the well-appointed ships approach


s: Courageous, there to learn if yet a guard


s: And worn with labor have no will to watch.


s: So Hector spake, but answer none return'd.


s: There was a certain Trojan, Dolon named,


s: Rich both in gold and brass, but in his form


s: Unsightly; yet the man was swift of foot,


s: Sole brother of five sisters; he his speech


s: To Hector and the Trojans thus address'd.


s: My spirit, Hector, prompts me, and my mind


s: Yon gallant ships, that I may tidings hear.


s: But come. For my assurance, lifting high


s: Thy sceptre, swear to me, for my reward,


s: The horses and the brazen chariot bright


s: Which bear renown'd Achilles o'er the field.


s: I will not prove a useless spy, nor fall


s: Their army through, 'till I shall reach the ship


s: Of Agamemnon, where the Chiefs, perchance,


s: Now sit consulting, or to fight, or fly.


s: Then raising high his sceptre, Hector sware


s: Know, Jove himself, Juno's high-thundering spouse!


s: That Trojan none shall in that chariot ride


s: By those steeds drawn, save Dolon; on my oath


s: He said, and falsely sware, yet him assured.


s: Then Dolon, instant, o'er his shoulder slung


s: With a grey wolf-skin, to his head a casque


s: Adjusted, coated o'er with ferret's felt,


s: And seizing his sharp javelin, from the host


s: Turn'd right toward the fleet, but was ordain'd


s: No tidings thence. The throng of Trojan steeds


s: And warriors left, with brisker pace he moved,


s: When brave Ulysses his approach perceived,


s: And thus to Diomede his speech address'd.


s: To spoil the dead. First, freely let him pass


s: Few paces, then pursuing him with speed,


s: Seize on him suddenly; but should he prove


s: The nimbler of the three, with threatening spear


s: Enforce him from his camp toward the fleet,


s: So they; then, turning from the road oblique,


s: Dolon, suspecting nought, ran swiftly by.


s: But when such space was interposed as mules


s: Through fallows deep drawing the ponderous plow)


s: Stood; for he hoped some Trojan friends at hand


s: But when within spear's cast, or less they came,


s: Knowing them enemies he turn'd to flight


s: Incontinent, whom they as swift pursued.


s: As two fleet hounds sharp fang'd, train'd to the chase,


s: Hang on the rear of flying hind or hare,


s: And drive her, never swerving from the track,


s: Through copses close; she screaming scuds before;


s: Chased constant, intercepting his return.


s: And now, fast-fleeting to the ships, he soon


s: Had reach'd the guard, but Pallas with new force


s: Should boast that he had smitten Dolon first,


s: He poised his lifted spear, and thus exclaim'd.


s: Stand! or my spear shall stop thee. Death impends


s: At every step; thou canst not 'scape me long.


s: He said, and threw his spear, but by design,


s: Err'd from the man. The polish'd weapon swift


s: O'er-glancing his right shoulder, in the soil


s: Stood fixt, beyond him. Terrified he stood,


s: Stammering, and sounding through his lips the clash


s: Of chattering teeth, with visage deadly wan.


s: They panting rush'd on him, and both his hands


s: Seized fast; he wept, and suppliant them bespake.


s: Brass also, and bright steel, and when report


s: Shall reach my father, treasures he will give


s: Take courage; entertain no thought of death.


s: But haste! this tell me, and disclose the truth.


s: Why thus toward the ships comest thou alone


s: From yonder host, by night, while others sleep?


s: To spoil some carcase? or from Hector sent


s: Then Dolon, his limbs trembling, thus replied.


s: My own design, Hector trepann'd me forth,


s: Who promised me the steeds of Peleus' son


s: Illustrious, and his brazen chariot bright.


s: He bade me, under night's fast-flitting shades


s: If still as heretofore, ye station guards


s: And worn with labor, have no will to watch.


s: Thou hadst, in truth, an appetite to gifts


s: Where left'st thou, at thy coming forth, your Chief,


s: The valiant Hector? where hath he disposed


s: His armor battle-worn, and where his steeds?


s: What other quarters of your host are watch'd?


s: Where lodge the guard, and what intend ye next?


s: Still to abide in prospect of the fleet?


s: Or well-content that ye have thus reduced


s: To whom this answer Dolon straight returned


s: But for the guards, Hero! concerning whom


s: Thou hast inquired, there is no certain watch


s: The native Trojans (for _they_ can no less)


s: Sit sleepless all, and each his next exhorts


s: Who neither wives nor children hazard here,


s: Trusting the Trojans for that service, sleep.


s: How sleep the strangers and allies?--apart?


s: Or with the Trojans mingled?--I would learn.


s: And all most truly. By the sea are lodged


s: The Carians, the Pæonians arm'd with bows,


s: The Phrygian horsemen, with the Lycian host,


s: And the bold troop of Mysia's haughty sons.


s: But wherefore these inquiries thus minute?


s: These who possess the borders of the camp


s: Farthest removed of all, are Thracian powers


s: Newly arrived; among them Rhesus sleeps,


s: His steeds I saw, the fairest by these eyes


s: They pass in whiteness, and in speed the winds,


s: With gold and silver all his chariot burns,


s: Now, either lead me to your gallant fleet,


s: Or where ye find me leave me straitly bound


s: Shall know if I have spoken false or true.


s: Answer'd. Since, Dolon! thou art caught, although


s: Thy tidings have been good, hope not to live;


s: For should we now release thee and dismiss,


s: By this death-dealing arm, thou shall return


s: To render mischief to the Greeks no more.


s: He ceased, and Dolon would have stretch'd his hand


s: Toward his beard, and pleaded hard for life,


s: But with his falchion, rising to the blow,


s: On the mid-neck he smote him, cutting sheer


s: Both tendons with a stroke so swift, that ere


s: His tongue had ceased, his head was in the dust.


s: They took his helmet clothed with ferret's felt,


s: Stripp'd off his wolf-skin, seized his bow and spear,


s: Hail Goddess; these are thine! for thee of all


s: First to our aid. Now also guide our steps,


s: Propitious, to the Thracian tents and steeds.


s: He ceased, and at arm's-length the lifted spoils


s: Hung on a tamarisk; but mark'd the spot,


s: Plucking away with handful grasp the reeds


s: And spreading boughs, lest they should seek the prize


s: Themselves in vain, returning ere the night,


s: Swift traveller, should have fled before the dawn.


s: Thence, o'er the bloody champain strew'd with arms


s: Proceeding, to the Thracian lines they came.


s: They, wearied, slept profound; beside them lay,


s: Their radiant armor, and their steeds in pairs.


s: Be quick. Exert thy force. Arm'd as thou art,


s: Sleep not. Loose thou the steeds, or slaughter thou


s: The Thracians, and the steeds shall be my care.


s: He ceased; then blue-eyed Pallas with fresh force


s: He slew; dread groans arose of dying men


s: Hewn with the sword, and the earth swam with blood.


s: The men of Thrace, till he had slaughter'd twelve;


s: And whom Tydides with his falchion struck


s: Laertes' son dragg'd by his feet abroad,


s: Forecasting that the steeds might pass with ease,


s: Nor start, as yet uncustom'd to the dead.


s: But when the son of Tydeus found the King,


s: Him also panting forth his last, last, breath,


s: An evil dream that night had stood, the form


s: Meantime, the bold Ulysses loosed the steeds,


s: Which, to each other rein'd, he drove abroad,


s: Smiting them with his bow (for of the scourge


s: He thought not in the chariot-seat secured)


s: And as he went, hiss'd, warning Diomede.


s: But he, projecting still some hardier deed,


s: Stood doubtful, whether by the pole to draw


s: The chariot thence, laden with gorgeous arms,


s: More Thracian lives; when him with various thoughts


s: Perplex'd, Minerva, drawing near, bespake.


s: To yonder fleet, lest thou depart constrain'd.


s: Some other God may rouse the powers of Troy.


s: She ended, and he knew the voice divine.


s: At once he mounted. With his bow the steeds


s: Ulysses plyed, and to the ships they flew.


s: Nor look'd the bender of the silver bow,


s: Descended to the field where numerous most


s: Kinsman of Rhesus, and renown'd in arms.


s: He, starting from his sleep, soon as he saw


s: Those fiery coursers, and his warrior friends


s: Gasping around him, sounded loud the name


s: Of his loved Rhesus. Instant, at the voice,


s: Of fast-assembling Trojans. Deeds they saw--


s: Terrible deeds, and marvellous perform'd,


s: But not their authors--they had sought the ships.


s: Meantime arrived where they had slain the spy


s: The coursers stay'd, and, leaping to the ground,


s: The arms of Dolon placed foul with his blood,


s: He lash'd the steeds, they, not unwilling, flew


s: To the deep-bellied barks, as to their home.


s: First Nestor heard the sound, and thus he said.


s: Friends! Counsellors! and leaders of the Greeks!


s: False shall I speak, or true?--but speak I must.


s: The echoing sound of hoofs alarms my ear.


s: This moment might arrive drawn into camp


s: By Trojan steeds! But, ah, the dread I feel!


s: Lest some disaster have for ever quell'd


s: In yon rude host those noblest of the Greeks.


s: He hath not ended, when themselves arrived,


s: Both quick dismounted; joy at their return


s: Fill'd every bosom; each with kind salute


s: Cordial, and right-hand welcome greeted them,


s: And first Gerenian Nestor thus inquired.


s: Oh Chief by all extoll'd, glory of Greece,


s: Ulysses! how have ye these steeds acquired?


s: Some God who gave them to you? for they show


s: With Ilium's sons--lurk never in the fleet--


s: Steeds such as these; which therefore I believe


s: Perforce, that ye have gained by gift divine;


s: For cloud-assembler Jove, and azure-eyed


s: Minerva, Jove's own daughter, love you both.


s: To whom Ulysses, thus, discreet, replied.


s: A God, so willing, could have given us steeds


s: Superior, for their bounty knows no bounds.


s: But, venerable Chief! these which thou seest


s: Are Thracians new-arrived. Their master lies


s: Slain by the valiant Diomede, with twelve


s: The noblest of his warriors at his side,


s: A thirteenth also, at small distance hence


s: We slew, by Hector and the Chiefs of Troy


s: Sent to inspect the posture of our host.


s: He said; then, high in exultation, drove


s: The coursers o'er the trench, and with him pass'd


s: They tied them at the cribs where stood the steeds


s: Of Tydeus' son, with winnow'd wheat supplied.


s: Neck, thighs, and legs from sweat profuse they cleansed,


s: And, so refresh'd and purified, their last


s: Ablution in bright tepid baths perform'd.


s: Each thus completely laved, and with smooth oil


s: Anointed, at the well-spread board they sat,


s: Delicious, from the brimming beaker drawn.


s: disposition of Rhesus and the Thracians, with the posture of his


s: circumstances the most picturesque imaginable.


s: With light for heaven and earth, when Jove dispatch'd


s: Of battle bearing, to the Grecian fleet.


s: High on Ulysses' huge black ship she stood


s: The centre of the fleet, whence all might hear,


s: Well-poised had station'd utmost of the line.


s: There standing, shrill she sent a cry abroad


s: Among the Achaians, such as thirst infused


s: All deem'd, at once, war sweeter, than to seek


s: Their native country through the waves again.


s: Then with loud voice Atrides bade the Greeks


s: Gird on their armor, and himself his arms


s: Took radiant. First around his legs he clasp'd


s: His shining greaves with silver studs secured,


s: Then bound his corselet to his bosom, gift


s: Assembling, destined to the shores of Troy:


s: Embraced it, twelve of gold, twenty of tin;


s: Coerulean darted at the wearer's throat,


s: Fix'd by Saturnian Jove in showery clouds,


s: A sign to mortal men. He slung his sword


s: Athwart his shoulders; dazzling bright it shone


s: With gold emboss'd, and silver was the sheath


s: His massy shield o'ershadowing him whole,


s: High-wrought and beautiful, he next assumed.


s: Ten circles bright of brass around its field


s: The central boss was black, but hemm'd about


s: With twice ten bosses of resplendent tin.


s: There, dreadful ornament! the visage dark


s: Of Gorgon scowl'd, border'd by Flight and Fear.


s: Three heads erecting on one neck, the heads


s: His helmet quâtre-crested, and with studs


s: Adjusted, whence tremendous waved his crest


s: Of mounted hair on high. Two spears he seized


s: Ponderous, brass-pointed, and that flash'd to heaven.


s: Sounds like clear thunder, by the spouse of Jove


s: At once each bade his charioteer his steeds


s: Hold fast beside the margin of the trench


s: Rush'd forward, and the clamor of the host


s: First, at the trench, the embattled infantry


s: Stood ranged; the chariots follow'd close behind;


s: Blood-tinctured dews among them, for he meant


s: That day to send full many a warrior bold


s: To Pluto's dreary realm, slain premature.


s: Opposite, on the rising-ground, appear'd


s: Hector the splendid orb of his broad shield


s: Glares through the clouds portentous, and again,


s: So Hector, marshalling his host, in front


s: Now shone, now vanish'd in the distant rear.


s: All-cased he flamed in brass, and on the sight


s: Flash'd as the lightnings of Jove Ægis-arm'd.


s: Some rich man's furrows, while the sever'd grain,


s: Barley or wheat, sinks as the sickle moves,


s: So Greeks and Trojans springing into fight


s: Slew mutual; foul retreat alike they scorn'd,


s: Both bore aloft, and rush'd like wolves to war.


s: Discord, spectatress terrible, that sight


s: There interfered, but each his bright abode


s: Among the windings of the Olympian heights;


s: Yet blamed they all the storm-assembler King


s: Saturnian, for his purposed aid to Troy.


s: The eternal father reck'd not; he, apart,


s: His glory, and from on high the towers survey'd


s: Of Ilium and the fleet of Greece, the flash


s: Of gleaming arms, the slayer and the slain.


s: While morning lasted, and the light of day


s: Increased, so long the weapons on both sides


s: Flew in thick vollies, and the people fell.


s: But, what time his repast the woodman spreads


s: In some umbrageous vale, his sinewy arms


s: And his wants satisfied, he feels at length


s: Each other, in their native virtue strong,


s: The Grecians through the phalanx burst of Troy.


s: Forth sprang the monarch first; he slew the Chief


s: Encountering, with a spear met full his front.


s: Nor could his helmet's ponderous brass sustain


s: That force, but both his helmet and his skull


s: It shatter'd, and his martial rage repress'd.


s: The King of men, stripping their corselets, bared


s: Their shining breasts, and left them. Isus, next,


s: Of Priam both, and in one chariot borne,


s: Fought from the chariot; them Achilles erst


s: Feeding their flocks on Ida had surprised


s: And bound with osiers, but for ransom loosed.


s: Above the pap pierced Isus; next, he smote


s: And from his chariot cast him to the ground.


s: Conscious of both, their glittering arms he stripp'd,


s: For he had seen them when from Ida's heights


s: As with resistless fangs the lion breaks


s: Entering her lair, and takes their feeble lives;


s: She, though at hand, can yield them no defence,


s: But through the thick wood, wing'd with terror, starts


s: So them the Trojans had no power to save,


s: Themselves all driven before the host of Greece.


s: Next, on Pisandrus, and of dauntless heart


s: Hippolochus he rush'd; they were the sons


s: Of brave Antimachus, who with rich gifts


s: His sons, the monarch, in one chariot borne


s: Encounter'd; they (for they had lost the reins)


s: Essay'd to check the steeds; astonishment


s: Came on, and from the chariot thus they sued.


s: Is rich in various treasure, gold and brass,


s: And temper'd steel, and, hearing the report


s: That in Achaia's fleet his sons survive,


s: He will requite thee with a glorious price.


s: So they, with tears and gentle terms the King


s: Are ye indeed the offspring of the Chief


s: In council, and to let him forth no more?


s: Now rue ye both the baseness of your sire.


s: He said, and from his chariot to the plain


s: Thrust down Pisandrus, piercing with keen lance


s: His bosom, and supine he smote the field.


s: Down leap'd Hippolochus, whom on the ground


s: He slew, cut sheer his hands, and lopp'd his head,


s: And roll'd it like a mortar through the ranks.


s: He left the slain, and where he saw the field


s: With thickest battle cover'd, thither flew


s: By all the Grecians follow'd bright in arms.


s: The scatter'd infantry constrained to fly,


s: While with loud hoofs their steeds the dusty soil


s: Excited, o'er the charioteers their wheels


s: Drove brazen-fellied, and the King of men


s: Incessant slaughtering, called his Argives on.


s: As when fierce flames some ancient forest seize,


s: From side to side in flakes the various wind


s: Rolls them, and to the roots devour'd, the trunks


s: The empty chariots through the paths of war


s: Whirl'd rattling, of their charioteers deprived;


s: They breathless press'd the plain, now fitter far


s: To feed the vultures than to cheer their wives.


s: Conceal'd, meantime, by Jove, Hector escaped


s: The dust, darts, deaths, and tumult of the field;


s: Call'd loud the Grecians. Through the middle plain


s: Of Dardanus, and where the fig-tree stood,


s: The Trojans flew, panting to gain the town,


s: While Agamemnon pressing close the rear,


s: And his victorious hands reek'd, red with gore.


s: But at the beech-tree and the Scæan gate


s: Arrived, the Trojans halted, waiting there


s: The rearmost fugitives; they o'er the field


s: Came like a herd, which in the dead of night


s: A lion drives; all fly, but one is doom'd


s: True to their hold he seizes, and her neck


s: Breaking, embowels her, and laps the blood;


s: So, Atreus' royal son, the hindmost still


s: Slaying, and still pursuing, urged them on.


s: Press'd, by the son of Atreus in their flight


s: But now, at last, when he should soon have reach'd


s: Of Gods and men descending from the skies,


s: Sat arm'd with thunders. Calling to his foot


s: Swift Iris golden-pinion'd, thus he spake.


s: Iris! away. Thus speak in Hector's ears.


s: While yet he shall the son of Atreus see


s: Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down


s: The Trojan ranks, so long let him abstain


s: From battle, leaving to his host the task


s: Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks.


s: But soon as Atreus' son by spear or shaft


s: Wounded shall climb his chariot, with such force


s: Till he have reach'd the ships, and till, the sun


s: Storm-wing'd ambassadress, but from the heights


s: Of Ida stoop'd to Ilium. There she found


s: Of chariots and of steeds compass'd about


s: She, standing at his side, him thus bespake.


s: I bring thee counsel from the Sire of all.


s: While yet thou shalt the son of Atreus see


s: The warrior ranks, so long he bids thee pause


s: From battle, leaving to thy host the task


s: But soon as Atreus' son, by spear or shaft


s: Wounded, shall climb his chariot, Jove will then


s: Endue thee with such force, that thou shalt slay


s: Till thou have reach'd the ships, and till, the sun


s: So saying, swift-pinion'd Iris disappear'd.


s: Came down all arm'd, and, shaking his bright spears,


s: Back roll'd the Trojan ranks, and faced the Greeks;


s: The Greeks their host to closer phalanx drew;


s: The battle was restored, van fronting van


s: Sprang foremost, panting for superior fame.


s: Of loftiest stature, who in fertile Thrace


s: Mother of flocks was nourish'd, Cisseus him


s: For loveliest features, in his own abode


s: Rear'd yet a child, and when at length he reach'd


s: The measure of his glorious manhood firm


s: Dismiss'd him not, but, to engage him more,


s: Gave him his daughter. Wedded, he his bride


s: As soon deserted, and with galleys twelve


s: Following the rumor'd voyage of the Greeks,


s: The same course steer'd; but at Percope moor'd,


s: And marching thence, arrived on foot at Troy.


s: He first opposed Atrides. They approach'd.


s: Beneath the corselet struck, and, bearing still


s: On his spear-beam, enforced it; but ere yet


s: He pierced the broider'd zone, his point, impress'd


s: Against the silver, turn'd, obtuse as lead.


s: Home drew it to himself, and from his gripe


s: Wresting it, with his falchion keen his neck


s: Smote full, and stretch'd him lifeless at his foot.


s: He fell, and left her beauties unenjoy'd.


s: He gave her much, gave her a hundred beeves,


s: And sheep and goats a thousand from his flocks


s: Promised, for numberless his meadows ranged;


s: Slew and despoil'd, and through the Grecian host


s: Proceeded, laden with his gorgeous arms.


s: Coön that sight beheld, illustrious Chief,


s: Antenor's eldest born, but with dim eyes


s: Through anguish for his brother's fall. Unseen


s: He cautious stood, and with a spear his arm,


s: Where thickest flesh'd, below his elbow, pierced,


s: Till opposite the glittering point appear'd.


s: A thrilling horror seized the King of men


s: So wounded; yet though wounded so, from fight


s: He ceased not, but on Coön rush'd, his spear


s: Grasping, well-thriven growth of many a wind.


s: When him so occupied with his keen point


s: Atrides pierced his bossy shield beneath.


s: Prostrate, and Agamemnon lopp'd his head.


s: And to the house of Ades journey'd both.


s: Through other ranks of warriors then he pass'd,


s: Now with his spear, now with his falchion arm'd,


s: And now with missile force of massy stones,


s: While yet his warm blood sallied from the wound.


s: But when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased,


s: Then all the might of Atreus' royal son.


s: As when a laboring woman's arrowy throes


s: Seize her intense, by Juno's daughters dread


s: Infixt, dispensers of those pangs severe;


s: Up-springing to his seat, instant he bade


s: His charioteer drive to the hollow barks,


s: Heart-sick himself with pain; yet, ere he went,


s: With voice loud-echoing hail'd the Danaï.


s: Friends! counsellors and leaders of the Greeks!


s: Now drive, yourselves, the battle from your ships.


s: In fight with Ilium's host the day entire.


s: Lash'd to the ships; they not unwilling flew,


s: With foaming chests and bellies grey with dust.


s: Call'd on the Trojans and allies of Troy.


s: Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting sons


s: Now, now be men! Their bravest is withdrawn!


s: On me attend; now full against the Greeks


s: Drive all your steeds, and win a deathless name.


s: He spake--and all drew courage from his word.


s: As when his hounds bright-tooth'd some hunter cheers


s: The foremost warriors, with success elate


s: He strode, and flung himself into the fight


s: Black as a storm which sudden from on high


s: Descending, furrows deep the gloomy flood.


s: Whom last, by Jove, that day, with glory crown'd?


s: All leaders of the Greeks, and, after these,


s: The people. As when whirlwinds of the West


s: A storm encounter from the gloomy South,


s: The waves roll multitudinous, and the foam


s: Upswept by wandering gusts fills all the air,


s: So Hector swept the Grecians. Then defeat


s: Then had the routed Grecians, flying, sought


s: Their ships again, but that Ulysses thus


s: Whence comes it, Diomede, that we forget


s: Our wonted courage? Hither, O my friend!


s: And, fighting at my side, ward off the shame


s: That must be ours, should Hector seize the fleet.


s: I will be firm; trust me thou shalt not find


s: Me shrinking; yet small fruit of our attempts


s: Shall follow, for the Thunderer, not to us,


s: But to the Trojan, gives the glorious day.


s: The Hero spake, and from his chariot cast


s: Thymbræus to the ground pierced through the pap,


s: Of both for ever closed, them there they left,


s: And plunging deep into the warrior-throng


s: Troubled the multitude. As when two boars


s: Turn desperate on the close-pursuing hounds,


s: Slew on all sides, and overtoil'd with flight


s: From Hector's arm, the Greeks meantime respired.


s: Two warriors, next, their chariot and themselves


s: They took, plebeians brave, sons of the seer


s: Still sought it, for their destiny prevail'd.


s: Spear-practised Diomede of life deprived


s: Both these, and stripp'd them of their glorious arms,


s: Of Saturn, looking down from Ida, poised


s: The doubtful war, and mutual deaths they dealt.


s: Tydides plunged his spear into the groin


s: His steeds detain'd remote, while through the van


s: Himself on foot rush'd madly till he fell.


s: But Hector through the ranks darting his eye


s: Perceived, and with ear-piercing cries advanced


s: Against them, follow'd by the host of Troy.


s: The son of Tydeus, shuddering, his approach


s: Discern'd, and instant to Ulysses spake.


s: Now comes the storm! This way the mischief rolls!


s: Stand and repulse the Trojan. Now be firm.


s: He said, and hurling his long-shadow'd beam


s: Smote Hector. At his helmet's crown he aim'd,


s: Nor err'd, but brass encountering brass, the point


s: Glanced wide, for he had cased his youthful brows


s: In triple brass, Apollo's glorious gift.


s: Afar, where sinking to his knees, he lean'd


s: On his broad palm, and darkness veil'd his eyes.


s: But while Tydides follow'd through the van


s: His stormy spear, which in the distant soil


s: Implanted stood, Hector his scatter'd sense


s: Recovering, to his chariot sprang again,


s: And, diving deep into his host, escaped.


s: Rush'd after him, and as he went, exclaim'd.


s: Dog! thou hast now escaped; but, sure the stroke


s: Approach'd thee nigh, well-aim'd. Once more thy prayers


s: Entering the clash of battle, have prevail'd,


s: And he hath rescued thee. But well beware


s: Some God befriend, thou diest. Now will I seek


s: Another mark, and smite whom next I may.


s: He spake, and of his armor stripp'd the son


s: Spear-famed of Pæon. Meantime Paris, mate


s: Of beauteous Helen, drew his bow against


s: Conceal'd he stood, and while the Hero loosed


s: His corselet from the breast of Pæon's son


s: Renown'd, and of his helmet and his targe


s: Despoil'd him; Paris, arching quick his bow,


s: No devious shaft dismiss'd, but his right foot


s: Pierced through the sole, and fix'd it to the ground.


s: Transported from his ambush forth he leap'd


s: With a loud laugh, and, vaunting, thus exclaim'd:


s: Oh shaft well shot! it galls thee. Would to heaven


s: That it had pierced thy heart, and thou hadst died!


s: So had the Trojans respite from their toils


s: Enjoy'd, who, now, shudder at sight of thee


s: Like she-goats when the lion is at hand.


s: Archer shrew-tongued! spie-maiden! man of curls!


s: Shouldst thou in arms attempt me face to face,


s: Thy bow and arrows should avail thee nought.


s: Vain boaster! thou hast scratch'd my foot--no more--


s: And whom they pierce, though slightly pierced, he dies.


s: His babes are fatherless, his blood the glebe


s: Incarnadines, and where he bleeds and rots


s: More birds of prey than women haunt the place.


s: But pierced with agonizing pangs the while.


s: Then, climbing to his chariot-seat, he bade


s: Heart-sick with pain. And now alone was seen


s: And groaning, to his own great heart he said.


s: Still more; for Jove hath scatter'd all the host,


s: Yet why these doubts! for know I not of old


s: Of honor bids the famed in battle stand,


s: Bleed they themselves, or cause their foes to bleed?


s: While busied in such thought he stood, the ranks


s: Of Trojans fronted with broad shields, enclosed


s: Their own destruction. As when dogs, and swains


s: In prime of manhood, from all quarters rush


s: Around a boar, he from his thicket bolts,


s: The bright tusk whetting in his crooked jaws:


s: They press him on all sides, and from beneath


s: Loud gnashings hear, yet firm, his threats defy;


s: Like them the Trojans on all sides assail'd


s: Ulysses dear to Jove. First with his spear


s: Whose shoulder with a downright point he pierced,


s: And Ennomus, and from his coursers' backs


s: His bossy shield the gliding weapon pass'd


s: Right through his navel; on the plain he fell


s: Expiring, and with both hands clench'd the dust.


s: Them slain he left, and Charops wounded next,


s: Brother of Socus, generous Chief, and son


s: Of Charops flew, and, godlike, thus began.


s: Illustrious chief, Ulysses! strong to toil


s: Two sons of Hippasus, brave warriors both,


s: Through his bright disk the stormy weapon flew,


s: Transpierced his twisted mail, and from his side


s: Drove all the skin, but to his nobler parts


s: Found entrance none, by Pallas turn'd aslant.


s: Ulysses, conscious of his life untouch'd,


s: Ah hapless youth; thy fate is on the wing;


s: Me thou hast forced indeed to cease a while


s: From battle with the Trojans, but I speak


s: Thy death at hand; for vanquish'd by my spear,


s: This self-same day thou shalt to me resign


s: Thy fame, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown'd.


s: He ceased; then Socus turn'd his back to fly,


s: But, as he turn'd, his shoulder-blades between


s: He pierced him, and the spear urged through his breast.


s: On his resounding arms he fell, and thus


s: Of fame equestrian! swifter far than thou


s: Death follow'd thee, and thou hast not escaped.


s: Ill-fated youth! thy parents' hands thine eyes


s: Shall never close, but birds of ravenous maw


s: Shall tear thee, flapping thee with frequent wing,


s: While me the noble Grecians shall entomb!


s: So saying, the valiant Socus' spear he drew


s: From his own flesh, and through his bossy shield.


s: The weapon drawn, forth sprang the blood, and left


s: His spirit faint. Then Ilium's dauntless sons,


s: Press'd on him. He, retiring, summon'd loud


s: His followers. Thrice, loud as mortal may,


s: Hearing the voice, to Ajax thus remark'd.


s: With such a sound, as if the hardy chief,


s: Abandon'd of his friends, were overpower'd


s: Haste! force we quick a passage through the ranks.


s: His worth demands our succor, for I fear


s: Lest sole conflicting with the host of Troy,


s: So saying, he went, and Ajax, godlike Chief,


s: Follow'd him. At the voice arrived, they found


s: Adust for blood, compass an antler'd stag


s: Pierced by an archer; while his blood is warm


s: And his limbs pliable, from him he 'scapes;


s: But when the feather'd barb hath quell'd his force,


s: In some dark hollow of the mountain's side,


s: The hungry troop devour him; chance, the while,


s: So swarm'd the Trojan powers, numerous and bold,


s: But Ajax came, cover'd with his broad shield


s: That seem'd a tower, and at Ulysses' side


s: Stood fast; then fled the Trojans wide-dispersed,


s: Till his own chariot to his aid approach'd.


s: But Ajax, springing on the Trojans, slew


s: Doryclus, from the loins of Priam sprung,


s: Runs headlong from the mountains to the plain


s: After long showers from Jove; many a dry oak


s: And many a pine the torrent sweeps along,


s: And, turbid, shoots much soil into the sea,


s: So, glorious Ajax troubled wide the field,


s: Horse and man slaughtering, whereof Hector yet


s: Heard not; for on the left of all the war


s: He fought beside Scamander, where around


s: Most deaths were dealt, and loudest roar'd the fight.


s: There Hector toil'd, feats wonderful of spear


s: And horsemanship achieving, and the lines


s: Nor even then had the bold Greeks retired,


s: But that an arrow triple-barb'd, dispatch'd


s: By Paris, Helen's mate, against the Chief


s: Machaon warring with distinguish'd force,


s: Pierced his right shoulder. For his sake alarm'd,


s: The valor-breathing Grecians fear'd, lest he


s: In that disast'rous field should also fall.


s: Beside thee, bear him, instant to the fleet.


s: For one, so skill'd in medicine, and to free


s: The inherent barb, is worth a multitude.


s: He lash'd the steeds, they not unwilling sought


s: The hollow ships, long their familiar home.


s: Of Hector, from his seat the Trojan ranks


s: Here are we busied, Hector! on the skirts


s: Our host confused, their horses and themselves


s: Routs them; I know the hero by his shield.


s: Haste, drive we thither, for the carnage most


s: Of horse and foot conflicting furious, there


s: He said, and with shrill-sounding scourge the steeds


s: Smote ample-maned; they, at the sudden stroke


s: Through both hosts whirl'd the chariot, shields and men


s: Trampling; with blood the axle underneath


s: All redden'd, and the chariot-rings with drops


s: From the horse-hoofs, and from the fellied wheels.


s: To burst the phalanx, and confusion sent


s: Among the Greeks, for nought he shunn'd the spear.


s: All quarters else with falchion or with lance,


s: Or with huge stones he ranged, but cautious shunn'd


s: With fear fill'd Ajax; panic-fixt he stood,


s: His seven-fold shield behind his shoulder cast,


s: And hemm'd by numbers, with an eye askant,


s: Retiring, turns and looks, so he his face


s: Turn'd oft, retiring slow, and step by step.


s: As when the watch-dogs and assembled swains


s: Have driven a tawny lion from the stalls,


s: Then, interdicting him his wish'd repast,


s: Watch all the night, he, famish'd, yet again


s: Comes furious on, but speeds not, kept aloof


s: By frequent spears from daring hands, but more


s: By flash of torches, which, though fierce, he dreads,


s: Till, at the dawn, sullen he stalks away;


s: Sullen, and with reluctance slow retired.


s: His brave heart trembling for the fleet of Greece.


s: As when (the boys o'erpower'd) a sluggish ass,


s: On whose tough sides they have spent many a staff,


s: Crops persevering; with their rods the boys


s: Still ply him hard, but all their puny might


s: Scarce drives him forth when he hath browsed his fill,


s: So, there, the Trojans and their foreign aids


s: With glittering lances keen huge Ajax urged,


s: His broad shield's centre smiting. He, by turns,


s: With desperate force the Trojan phalanx dense


s: Facing, repulsed them, and by turns he fled,


s: But still forbad all inroad on the fleet.


s: Trojans and Greeks between, alone, he stood


s: A bulwark. Spears from daring hands dismiss'd


s: Some, piercing his broad shield, there planted stood,


s: While others, in the midway falling, spent


s: Their disappointed rage deep in the ground.


s: Him seeing, thus, with weapons overwhelmed


s: Flew to his side, his glittering lance dismiss'd,


s: Under the midriff; through his liver pass'd


s: The ruthless point, and, falling, he expired.


s: Forth sprang Eurypylus to seize the spoil;


s: A shaft to his right thigh; the brittle reed


s: Snapp'd, and the rankling barb stuck fast within.


s: Terrified at the stroke, the wounded Chief


s: To his own band retired, but, as he went,


s: With echoing voice call'd on the Danaï--


s: Friends! Counsellors, and leaders of the Greeks!


s: Turn ye and stand, and from his dreadful lot


s: Save Ajax whelm'd with weapons; 'scape, I judge,


s: He cannot from the roaring fight, yet oh


s: Your champion huge, the Telamonian Chief!


s: So spake the wounded warrior. They at once


s: With sloping bucklers, and with spears erect,


s: The friendly phalanx join'd, then turn'd and stood.


s: Thus burn'd the embattled field as with the flames


s: Bore Nestor, foaming as they ran, with whom


s: Achilles mark'd him passing; for he stood


s: Spectator of the toil severe, and flight


s: He call'd his friend Patroclus. He below


s: Within his tent the sudden summons heard


s: And sprang like Mars abroad, all unaware


s: That in that sound he heard the voice of fate.


s: Him first Menoetius' gallant son address'd.


s: What would Achilles? Wherefore hath he call'd?


s: Soon will the Grecians now my knees surround


s: Suppliant, by dread extremity constrain'd.


s: But fly Patroclus, haste, oh dear to Jove!


s: Inquire of Nestor, whom he hath convey'd


s: From battle, wounded? Viewing him behind,


s: Machaon, but the steeds so swiftly pass'd


s: My galley, that his face escaped my note.


s: He said, and prompt to gratify his friend,


s: Forth ran Patroclus through the camp of Greece.


s: Had brought Machaon, they alighted both,


s: Released the coursers. On the beach awhile


s: Their tunics sweat-imbued in the cool air


s: They ventilated, facing full the breeze,


s: Then on soft couches in the tent reposed.


s: Meantime, their beverage Hecamede mix'd,


s: The old King's bright-hair'd captive, whom he brought


s: She, first, before them placed a table bright,


s: With feet coerulean; thirst-provoking sauce


s: Beside them, next, she placed a noble cup


s: The ancient King had brought with golden studs


s: Four ears; two golden turtles, perch'd on each,


s: Seem'd feeding, and two turtles form'd the base.


s: That cup once fill'd, all others must have toil'd


s: To move it from the board, but it was light


s: In Nestor's hand; he lifted it with ease.


s: The graceful virgin in that cup a draught


s: Mix'd for them, Pramnian wine and savory cheese


s: Of goat's milk, grated with a brazen rasp,


s: Then sprinkled all with meal. The draught prepared,


s: She gave it to their hand; they, drinking, slaked


s: Their fiery thirst, and with each other sat


s: Conversing friendly, when the godlike youth


s: By brave Achilles sent, stood at the door.


s: Him seeing, Nestor from his splendid couch


s: Who bade me ask what Chieftain thou hast brought


s: From battle, wounded; but untold I learn;


s: As I have seen; oh ancient King revered!


s: Thou know'st Achilles fiery, and propense


s: Blame to impute even where blame is none.


s: To whom the brave Gerenian thus replied.


s: Why feels Achilles for the wounded Greeks


s: Such deep concern? He little knows the height


s: To which our sorrows swell. Our noblest lie


s: Gall'd by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious Chief,


s: And here lies still another newly brought


s: By me from fight, pierced also by a shaft.


s: What then? How strong soe'er to give them aid,


s: Fired, in despite of the whole Argive host,


s: All perish, heaps on heaps? For in my limbs


s: No longer lives the agility of my youth.


s: When Elis, for her cattle which we took,


s: Stood for his herd, but fell among the first


s: By a spear hurl'd from my victorious arm.


s: Drove off abundant booty from the plain,


s: Herds fifty of fat beeves, large flocks of goats


s: And full thrice fifty mares of brightest hue,


s: All breeders, many with their foals beneath.


s: All these, by night returning safe, we drove


s: A warrior, yet enrich'd with such a prize.


s: The citizens, to prove their just demands


s: On fruitful Elis, and the assembled Chiefs


s: Division made (for numerous were the debts


s: For Hercules, few years before, had sack'd


s: Our city, and our mightiest slain. Ourselves


s: Twelve youths, of whom myself alone survived;


s: The rest all perish'd; whence, presumptuous grown,


s: The brazen-mail'd Epeans wrong'd us oft).


s: Three hundred sheep, with shepherds for them all.


s: From sacred Elis. Four unrivall'd steeds


s: With his own chariot to the games he sent,


s: That should contend for the appointed prize


s: Detain'd the steeds, and sent the charioteer


s: Defrauded home. My father, therefore, fired


s: At such foul outrage both of deeds and words,


s: Took much, and to the Pylians gave the rest


s: While thus we busied were in these concerns,


s: Throughout the city, came the Epeans arm'd,


s: Their whole vast multitude both horse and foot


s: On the third day; came also clad in brass


s: Fast by the banks of Alpheus, far remote,


s: To lay it waste, that city they besieged.


s: Now when their host had traversed all the plain,


s: And bade us arm; nor were the Pylians slow


s: To assemble, but impatient for the fight.


s: Me, then, my father suffer'd not to arm,


s: But hid my steeds, for he supposed me raw


s: To theirs who rode, for Pallas led me on


s: The Pylian horsemen waited day's approach,


s: And thither all our foot came pouring down.


s: The flood divine of Alpheus thence we reach'd


s: At noon, all arm'd complete; there, hallow'd rites


s: To Pallas; then, all marshall'd as they were,


s: From van to rear our legions took repast,


s: And at the river's side slept on their arms.


s: A task which cost them, first, both blood and toil,


s: For when the radiant sun on the green earth


s: Had risen, with prayer to Pallas and to Jove,


s: We gave them battle. When the Pylian host


s: I first a warrior slew, Mulius the brave,


s: And seized his coursers. He the eldest-born


s: The spacious earth yields but she knew its powers,


s: Him, rushing on me, with my brazen lance


s: I smote, and in the dust he fell; I leap'd


s: The leader of their horse o'erthrown, a Chief


s: Surpassing all in fight. Black as a cloud


s: With whirlwind fraught, I drove impetuous on,


s: Took fifty chariots, and at side of each


s: Lay two slain warriors, with their teeth the soil


s: Grinding, all vanquish'd by my single arm.


s: Their own authentic Sire, in darkness dense


s: Involving both, convey'd them safe away.


s: Gave to the Pylians; for we chased and slew


s: And gather'd spoil o'er all the champain spread


s: With scatter'd shields, till we our steeds had driven


s: To the Buprasian fields laden with corn,


s: Our people homeward; there I left the last


s: Of all the slain, and he was slain by me.


s: Then drove the Achaians from Buprasium home


s: Their coursers fleet, and Jove, of Gods above,


s: Received most praise, Nestor of men below.


s: Such once was I. But brave Achilles shuts


s: Yet even he shall weep, when all the host,


s: His fellow-warriors once, shall be destroy'd.


s: But recollect, young friend! the sage advice


s: Which when thou earnest from Phthia to the aid


s: Menoetius gave thee. We were present there,


s: And heard it all; for to the house we came


s: Of Peleus in our journey through the land


s: Of fertile Greece, gathering her states to war.


s: We found thy noble sire Menoetius there,


s: To Jove the Thunderer offering in his court


s: Thighs of an ox, and on the blazing rites


s: And, seating us, such liberal portion gave


s: Our thirst, at length, and hunger both sufficed,


s: I, foremost speaking, ask'd you to the wars,


s: And ye were eager both, but from your sires


s: But thee, thy sire Menoetius thus advised.


s: "My son! Achilles boasts the nobler birth,


s: But thou art elder; he in strength excels


s: Thee far; thou, therefore, with discretion rule


s: With gentleness; instruction wise suggest


s: Wisely, and thou shalt find him apt to learn."


s: So thee thy father taught, but, as it seems,


s: Warlike Achilles; if the Gods so please,


s: Who knows but that thy reasons may prevail


s: To rouse his valiant heart? men rarely scorn


s: And from his Goddess mother he have aught


s: Received, who may have learnt the same from Jove,


s: Thee let him send at least, and order forth


s: Shall thence, it may be, on our host arise.


s: And let him send thee to the battle clad


s: In his own radiant armor; Troy, deceived


s: By such resemblance, shall abstain perchance


s: From conflict, and the weary Greeks enjoy


s: Short respite; it is all that war allows.


s: Fresh as ye are, ye, by your shouts alone,


s: With labor from the camp and from the fleet.


s: Thus Nestor, and his mind bent to his words.


s: He ran; and when, still running, he arrived


s: Among Ulysses' barks, where they had fix'd


s: The forum, where they minister'd the laws,


s: Illustrious met, deep-wounded in his thigh,


s: And halting-back from battle. From his head


s: The sweat, and from his shoulders ran profuse,


s: And from his perilous wound the sable blood


s: Continual stream'd; yet was his mind composed.


s: Compassion felt, and mournful, thus began.


s: Ah hapless senators and Chiefs of Greece!


s: Left ye your native country that the dogs


s: Might fatten on your flesh at distant Troy?


s: Have the Achaians power still to withstand


s: The enormous force of Hector, or is this


s: The moment when his spear must pierce us all?


s: Patroclus, dear to Jove! there is no help,


s: The warriors, once most strenuous of the Greeks,


s: Lie wounded in the fleet by foes whose might


s: Cut forth the arrow from my thigh; the gore


s: With warm ablution cleanse, and on the wound


s: Smooth unguents spread, the same as by report


s: Achilles taught thee; taught, himself, their use


s: Lies wounded in his tent, needing like aid


s: Maintains sharp conflict with the sons of Troy.


s: Gerenian Nestor, guardian of the Greeks.


s: My friend! abandon thee in thy distress.


s: The warrior bore him thence into his tent.


s: His servant, on his entrance, spread the floor


s: With hides, on which Patroclus at his length


s: Extended him, and with his knife cut forth


s: The rankling point; with tepid lotion, next,


s: He cleansed the gore, and with a bitter root


s: Bruised small between his palms, sprinkled the wound.


s: The wound was dried within, and the blood ceased.


s: The Trojans assail the ramparts, and Hector forces the gates.


s: Healing Eurypylus. The Greeks, meantime,


s: And Trojans with tumultuous fury fought.


s: Nor was the foss ordain'd long time to exclude


s: The host of Troy, nor yet the rampart built


s: For hecatomb the Greeks had offer'd none,


s: Nor prayer to heaven, that it might keep secure


s: Their ships with all their spoils. The mighty work


s: Had risen, and could not therefore long endure.


s: While Hector lived, and while Achilles held


s: His wrathful purpose; while the city yet


s: The massy structure stood; but when the best


s: And bravest of the Trojan host were slain,


s: And of the Grecian heroes, some had fallen


s: And some survived, when Priam's towers had blazed


s: In the tenth year, and to their native shores


s: The Grecians with their ships, at length, return'd,


s: Then Neptune, with Apollo leagued, devised


s: They brought against it, gathering all their force.


s: Rhesus, Caresus, Rhodius, the wide-branch'd


s: Scamander's sacred current, and thy stream


s: Simöis, whose banks with helmets and with shields


s: Were strew'd, and Chiefs of origin divine;


s: All these with refluent course Apollo drove


s: Nine days against the rampart, and Jove rain'd


s: Incessant, that the Grecian wall wave-whelm'd


s: Through all its length might sudden disappear.


s: Neptune with his tridental mace, himself,


s: Led them, and beam and buttress to the flood


s: Consigning, laid by the laborious Greeks,


s: Swept the foundation, and the level bank


s: Of the swift-rolling Hellespont restored.


s: The structure thus effaced, the spacious beach


s: He spread with sand as at the first; then bade


s: Subside the streams, and in their channels wind


s: With limpid course, and pleasant as before,


s: Apollo thus and Neptune, from the first,


s: Design'd its fall; but now the battle raved


s: The strong-built turrets, whose assaulted planks


s: Rang, while the Grecians, by the scourge of Jove


s: Subdued, stood close within their fleet immured,


s: At Hector's phalanx-scattering force appall'd.


s: He, as before, with whirlwind fury fought.


s: Turns short, the hunters and the hounds among,


s: The close-embattled troop him firm oppose,


s: And ply him fast with spears; he no dismay


s: But by his courage falls; frequent he turns


s: Attempting bold the ranks, and where he points


s: Direct his onset, there the ranks retire;


s: So, through the concourse on his rolling wheels


s: His fellow-warriors to surpass the trench.


s: But not his own swift-footed steeds would dare


s: That hazard; standing on the dangerous brink


s: They neigh'd aloud, for by its breadth the foss


s: Deterr'd them; neither was the effort slight


s: To pass it through; steep were the banks profound


s: On both sides, and with massy piles acute


s: Thick-planted, interdicting all assault.


s: Had enter'd there with ease; yet strong desires


s: Of dauntless Hector, standing at his side.


s: Both Trojans and allies! rash the attempt


s: I deem, and vain, to push our horses through,


s: So dangerous is the pass; rough is the trench


s: With pointed stakes, and the Achaian wall


s: Or charioteer fight there; strait are the bounds,


s: And incommodious, and his death were sure.


s: If Jove, high-thundering Ruler of the skies,


s: Will succor Ilium, and nought less intend


s: Inglorious, from their country far remote.


s: But should they turn, and should ourselves be driven


s: Back from the fleet impeded and perplex'd