s: To whom swift Iris thus: "To thee I come


s: By Juno sent, th' imperial wife of Jove;


s: Unknown to Saturn's son, and all the Gods


s: My arms are with the Trojans; and to boot


s: My mother warn'd me not to arm for fight,


s: Till I again should see her; for she hop'd


s: To bring me heav'nly arms by Vulcan wrought:


s: Nor know I well whose armour I could wear,


s: And he, methinks, amid the foremost ranks


s: Ev'n now is fighting o'er Patroclus' corpse."


s: Whom answer'd storm-swift Iris: "Well we know


s: Thy glorious arms are by the Trojans held;


s: But go thou forth, and from above the ditch


s: Appear before them; daunted at the sight,


s: Haply the Trojans may forsake the field,


s: And breathing-time afford the sons of Greece,


s: Toil-worn; for little pause has yet been theirs."


s: Swift Iris said, and vanish'd; then uprose


s: Achilles, dear to Jove; and Pallas threw


s: Her tassell'd aegis o'er his shoulders broad;


s: Of golden cloud, whence fiery flashes gleam'd.


s: The smoke ascends, which hostile forces round


s: From its own state cut off; but when the sun


s: Hath set, blaze frequent forth the beacon fires;


s: High rise the flames, and to the dwellers round


s: Their signal flash, if haply o'er the sea


s: May come the needful aid; so brightly flash'd


s: He left the wall, and stood above the ditch,


s: But from the Greeks apart, rememb'ring well


s: His mother's prudent counsel; there he stood,


s: And shouted loudly; Pallas join'd her voice,


s: And fill'd with terror all the Trojan host.


s: Clear as the trumpet's sound, which calls to arms


s: Some town, encompass'd round with hostile bands,


s: But when Achilles' voice of brass they heard,


s: They quail'd in spirit; the sleek-skin'd steeds themselves,


s: Conscious of coming ill, bore back the cars:


s: Their charioteers, dismay'd, beheld the flame


s: Which, kindled by the blue-ey'd Goddess, blaz'd


s: Unquench'd around the head of Peleus' son.


s: Thrice shouted from the ditch the godlike chief;


s: Thrice terror struck both Trojans and Allies;


s: And there and then beside their chariots fell


s: Twelve of their bravest; while the Greeks, well pleas'd,


s: His comrades mourning; with them, Peleus' son,


s: Shedding hot tears, as on his friend he gaz'd,


s: Laid on the bier, and pierc'd with deadly wounds:


s: Him to the war with horses and with cars


s: He sent; but ne'er to welcome his return.


s: Th' unwearied sun beneath the ocean wave;


s: The sun had set, and breath'd awhile the Greeks


s: From the fierce labours of the balanc'd field;


s: Nor less the Trojans, from the stubborn fight


s: Retiring, from the chariots loos'd their steeds:


s: But ere they shar'd the ev'ning meal, they met


s: In council; all stood up; none dar'd to sit;


s: For fear had fallen on all, when reappear'd


s: Achilles, from the battle long withdrawn.


s: First Panthous' son, the sage Polydamas,


s: Address'd th' assembly; his sagacious mind


s: The friend of Hector, born the selfsame night;


s: Who thus with prudent speech began, and said:


s: "Be well advis'd, my friends! my counsel is


s: Here in the plain, beside the ships, await,


s: So far remov'd from our protecting walls.


s: While fiercely burn'd 'gainst Atreus' godlike son


s: That mighty warrior's wrath, 'twas easier far


s: With th' other Greeks to deal; and I rejoic'd


s: When by the ships we pass'd the night, in hopes


s: We soon might call them ours; but now, I own


s: Achilles, swift of foot, excites my fear.


s: His proud, impetuous spirit will spurn the plain,


s: Where Greeks and Trojans oft in warlike strife


s: Their balanc'd strength exert; if he come forth,


s: Our fight will be to guard our homes and wives.


s: Gain we the city; trust me, so 'twere best.


s: Now, for a while, ambrosial night detains


s: If issuing forth in arms he find us here,


s: Who, flying, shall in safety reach the walls


s: Shall feed the vultures; Heav'n avert such fate!


s: But if, though loth, ye will by me be rul'd,


s: This night in council husband we our strength;


s: While tow'rs, and lofty gates, and folding doors


s: Close join'd, well-fitting, shall our city guard:


s: Then issuing forth in arms at early morn


s: Man we the tow'rs; so harder were his task


s: If, from the ships advancing, round the wall


s: His strong-neck'd horses worn with labour vain


s: In coursing, purposeless, around the town.


s: To force an entrance, or the town destroy,


s: Is not his aim; and ere that end be gain'd,


s: The dogs of Troy upon his flesh shall feed."


s: To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm


s: With stern regard: "Polydamas, thy words


s: Who fain wouldst have us to the walls retire.


s: Been coop'd within the tow'rs? the wealth of Troy,


s: Its brass, its gold, were once the common theme


s: Of ev'ry tongue; our hoarded treasures now


s: Are gone, to Phrygian and Maeonian shores


s: Since on our city fell the wrath of Jove.


s: And now, when deep-designing Saturn's son


s: Such glory gives me as to gain the ships,


s: And, crowded by the sea, hem in the Greeks,


s: Fool! put not thou these timid counsels forth,


s: Which none will follow, nor will I allow.


s: Share now the meal, by ranks, throughout the host;


s: Then set your watch, and each keep careful guard;


s: And whom his spoils o'erload, if such there be,


s: Let him divide them with the gen'ral crowd;


s: Better that they should hold them than the Greeks:


s: And with the morn, in arms, beside the ships,


s: Hath reappear'd, himself, if so he choose,


s: Shall be the suff'rer; from the perilous strife


s: I will not shrink, but his encounter meet:


s: Impartial Mars hath oft the slayer slain."


s: Thus Hector spoke; the Trojans cheer'd aloud:


s: Fools, and by Pallas of their sense bereft,


s: Then through the camp they shar'd the ev'ning meal.


s: Meantime the Greeks all night with tears and groans


s: Bewail'd Patroclus: on his comrade's breast


s: And led with bitter groans the loud lament.


s: As when the hunters, in the forest's depth,


s: Too late arriving, he with anger chafes;


s: Then follows, if perchance he may o'ertake,


s: Through many a mountain glen, the hunters' steps,


s: With grief and fury fill'd; so Peleus' son,


s: With bitter groans, the Myrmidons address'd:


s: "Vain was, alas! the promise which I gave,


s: Rich with his share of spoil from Troy o'erthrown;


s: But Jove fulfils not all that man designs:


s: For us hath fate decreed, that here in Troy


s: We two one soil should redden with our blood;


s: Nor Thetis; here must earth retain my bones.


s: But since, Patroclus, I am doom'd on earth


s: Behind thee to remain, thy fun'ral rites


s: I will not celebrate, till Hector's arms,


s: And head, thy haughty slayer's, here I bring;


s: And on thy pyre twelve noble sons of Troy


s: Will sacrifice, in vengeance of thy death.


s: Thou by our beaked ships till then must lie;


s: And weeping o'er thee shall deep-bosom'd dames,


s: Trojan and Dardan, mourn both night and day;


s: The prizes of our toil, when wealthy towns


s: Before our valour and our spears have fall'n."


s: He said, and bade his comrades on the fire


s: To cleanse Patroclus from the bloody gore:


s: They on the burning fire the tripod plac'd,


s: With water fill'd, and kindled wood beneath.


s: Around the bellying tripod rose the flames,


s: Heating the bath; within the glitt'ring brass


s: Soon as the water boil'd, they wash'd the corpse,


s: With lissom oils anointing, and the wounds


s: With fragrant ointments fill'd, of nine years old;


s: Then in fine linen they the body wrapp'd


s: From head to feet, and laid it on a couch.


s: And cover'd over with a fair white sheet.


s: The Myrmidons with tears Patroclus mourn'd.


s: Thus Saturn's son: "At length thou hast thy will,


s: Achilles swift of foot; well might one deem


s: These long-hair'd Greeks from thee deriv'd their birth."


s: To whom in answer thus the stag-ey'd Queen:


s: "What words, dread son of Saturn, dost thou speak?


s: E'en man, though mortal, and inferior far


s: Against his fellow-man; then how should I,


s: First by my birth, and next because thy wife


s: I boast me, thine, o'er all the Gods supreme,


s: Not work my vengeance on the Trojan race?"


s: Such, converse while they held, to Vulcan's house,


s: Immortal, starlike bright, among the Gods


s: Unrivall'd, all of brass, by Vulcan's self


s: Constructed, sped the silver-footed Queen.


s: Him swelt'ring at his forge she found, intent


s: On forming twenty tripods, which should stand


s: The wall surrounding of his well-built house;


s: With golden wheels beneath he furnish'd each,


s: With pow'r to move spontaneous, and return,


s: The rich-wrought handles; these his labour now


s: Engag'd, to fit them, and to rivet fast.


s: While thus he exercis'd his practis'd skill,


s: The silver-footed Queen approach'd the house.


s: Charis, the skilful artist's wedded wife,


s: Beheld her coming, and advanc'd to meet;


s: And, as her hand she clasp'd, address'd her thus:


s: "Say, Thetis of the flowing robe, belov'd


s: And honour'd, whence this visit to our house,


s: An unaccustom'd guest? but come thou in,


s: That I may welcome thee with honour due."


s: Thus, as she spoke, the Goddess led her in,


s: And on a seat with silver studs adorn'd,


s: Fair, richly wrought, a footstool at her feet,


s: She bade her sit; then thus to Vulcan call'd:


s: "Haste hither, Vulcan; Thetis asks thine aid."


s: Whom answer'd thus the skill'd artificer:


s: Our house contains; who sav'd me once from woe,


s: When by my mother's act from Heav'n I fell,


s: Who, for that I was crippled in my feet,


s: Deem'd it not shame to hide me: hard had then


s: And Thetis in their bosoms shelter'd me;


s: Who drew her birth, the ever-circling flood.


s: Nine years with them I dwelt, and many a work


s: I fashion'd there of metal, clasps, and chains


s: Of spiral coil, rich cups, and collars fair,


s: Hid in a cave profound; where th' ocean stream


s: With ceaseless murmur foam'd and moan'd around;


s: Now to my house hath fair-hair'd Thetis come;


s: To her, my life preserv'd its tribute owes:


s: While I my bellows and my tools lay by."


s: He said, and from the anvil rear'd upright


s: His massive strength; and as he limp'd along,


s: His tottering knees were bow'd beneath his weight.


s: The bellows from the fire he next withdrew,


s: And in a silver casket plac'd his tools;


s: Then with a sponge his brows and lusty arms


s: He wip'd, and sturdy neck and hairy chest.


s: He donn'd his robe, and took his weighty staff;


s: Then through the door with halting step he pass'd;


s: There waited on their King the attendant maids;


s: In form as living maids, but wrought in gold;


s: Instinct with consciousness, with voice endued,


s: And strength, and skill from heav'nly teachers drawn.


s: These waited, duteous, at the Monarch's side,


s: His steps supporting; he, with halting gait,


s: Pass'd to a gorgeous chair by Thetis' side,


s: And, as her hand he clasp'd, address'd her thus:


s: "Say, Thetis of the flowing robe, belov'd


s: And honour'd, whence this visit to our house.


s: An unaccustom'd guest? say what thy will,


s: And, if within my pow'r, esteem it done."


s: To whom in answer Thetis, weeping, thus:


s: On high Olympus, lives there one whose soul


s: Hath borne such weight of woe, so many griefs,


s: As Saturn's son hath heap'd on me alone?


s: Me, whom he chose from all the sea-born nymphs,


s: Though sore against my will; he now, bent down


s: By feeble age, lies helpless in his house.


s: Now adds he farther grief; he granted me


s: To bear, and rear, a son, of heroes chief;


s: Like a young tree he throve; I tended him,


s: In a rich vineyard as the choicest plant:


s: Till in the beaked ships I sent him forth


s: To war with Troy; him ne'er shall I receive,


s: E'en while he lives, and sees the light of day,


s: He lives in sorrow; nor, to soothe his grief,


s: My presence can avail; a girl, his prize,


s: In grief and rage he pin'd his soul away;


s: Then by the Trojans were the Greeks hemm'd in


s: Beside their ships, and from within their camp


s: No outlet found; the Grecian Elders then


s: Implor'd his aid, and promis'd costly gifts.


s: With his own hand to save them he refus'd;


s: His friend Patroclus, with a num'rous band.


s: All day they fought before the Scaean* gates;


s: And in that day had Ilium been destroy'd,


s: After great deeds achiev'd, Apollo slew,


s: And crown'd with glory Hector, Priam's son.


s: Therefore a suppliant to thy knees I come,


s: Thou wilt accord the boon of shield and helm,


s: And well-wrought greaves with silver clasps secur'd,


s: And breastplate; for his own, his faithful friend,


s: By Trojan hands subdued, hath lost; and he,


s: O'erwhelm'd with grief, lies prostrate on the earth."


s: Whom answer'd thus the skill'd artificer:


s: "Take comfort, nor let this disturb thy mind;


s: Would that as surely, when his hour shall come,


s: I could defend him from the stroke of death,


s: Such arms as they shall marvel who behold."


s: He left her thus, and to his forge return'd;


s: He bade them work; through twenty pipes at once


s: Forthwith they pour'd their diverse-temper'd blasts;


s: Now at his will, and as the work requir'd.


s: The stubborn brass, and tin, and precious gold,


s: And silver, first he melted in the fire,


s: Then on its stand his weighty anvil plac'd;


s: And with one hand the hammer's pond'rous weight


s: He wielded, while the other grasp'd the tongs.


s: And first a shield he fashion'd, vast and strong,


s: With rich adornment; circled with a rim,


s: Threefold, bright-gleaming, whence a silver belt


s: Depended; of five folds the shield was form'd;


s: Of curious art his practis'd skill had wrought.


s: Thereon were figur'd earth, and sky, and sea,


s: The ever-circling sun, and full-orb'd moon,


s: And all the signs that crown the vault of Heav'n;


s: And Arctos, call'd the Wain, who wheels on high


s: His circling course, and on Orion waits;


s: Sole star that never bathes in th' ocean wave.


s: And two fair populous towns were sculptur'd there;


s: And brides, in gay procession, through the streets


s: With blazing torches from their chambers borne,


s: Youths whirl'd around in joyous dance, with sound


s: Of flute and harp; and, standing at their doors,


s: Meanwhile a busy throng the forum fill'd:


s: There between two a fierce contention rose,


s: Appeal'd, asserting to have paid the whole;


s: While one denied that he had aught receiv'd.


s: Both were desirous that before the Judge


s: The issue should be tried; with noisy shouts


s: Their several partisans encourag'd each.


s: The heralds still'd the tumult of the crowd:


s: On polish'd chairs, in solemn circle, sat


s: The rev'rend Elders; in their hands they held


s: The loud-voic'd heralds' sceptres; waving these,


s: They heard th' alternate pleadings; in the midst


s: Two talents lay of gold, which he should take


s: Who should before them prove his righteous cause.


s: Th' assailants threaten'd, or among themselves


s: Of all the wealth within the city stor'd


s: The terms rejecting, the defenders mann'd


s: A secret ambush; on the walls they plac'd


s: Women and children muster'd for defence,


s: And men by age enfeebled; forth they went,


s: By Mars and Pallas led; these, wrought in gold,


s: For beauty and stature, as befitting Gods,


s: Conspicuous shone; of lesser height the rest.


s: But when the destin'd ambuscade was reach'd,


s: Beside the river, where the shepherds drove


s: Their flocks and herds to water, down they lay,


s: They plac'd two spies, to notify betimes


s: Th' approach of flocks of sheep and lowing herds.


s: These, in two shepherds' charge, ere long appear'd,


s: Enjoy'd the music of their past'ral pipes.


s: Sprang from their ambuscade; and cutting off


s: The herds, and fleecy flocks, their guardians slew.


s: Their comrades heard the tumult, where they sat


s: Before their sacred altars, and forthwith


s: Sprang on their cars, and with fast-stepping steeds


s: Pursued the plund'rers, and o'ertook them soon.


s: There on the river's bank they met in arms,


s: And each at other hurl'd their brazen spears.


s: And there were figur'd Strife, and Tumult wild,


s: While by the feet from out the press she dragg'd


s: A garment crimson'd with the blood of men.


s: Like living men they seem'd to move, to fight,


s: And there was grav'n a wide-extended plain


s: Of fallow land, rich, fertile, mellow soil,


s: Thrice plough'd; where many ploughmen up and down


s: Their teams were driving; and as each attain'd


s: The limit of the field, would one advance,


s: Then would he turn, and to the end again


s: Along the furrow cheerly drive his plough.


s: And still behind them darker show'd the soil,


s: The true presentment of a new-plough'd field,


s: Though wrought in gold; a miracle of art.


s: There too was grav'n a corn-field, rich in grain,


s: Where with sharp sickles reapers plied their task,


s: And thick, in even swathe, the trusses fell;


s: The binders, following close, the bundles tied:


s: Three were the binders; and behind them boys


s: In close attendance waiting, in their arms


s: Gather'd the bundles, and in order pil'd.


s: Amid them, staff in hand, in silence stood


s: The King, rejoicing in the plenteous swathe.


s: Prepar'd the feast; while women mix'd, hard by,


s: White barley porridge for the lab'rers' meal.


s: And, with rich clusters laden, there was grav'n


s: A vineyard fair, all gold; of glossy black


s: The bunches were, on silver poles sustain'd;


s: Around, a darksome trench; beyond, a fence


s: Was wrought, of shining tin; and through it led


s: One only path, by which the bearers pass'd,


s: Who gather'd in the vineyard's bounteous store.


s: There maids and youths, in joyous spirits bright,


s: In woven baskets bore the luscious fruit.


s: A boy, amid them, from a clear-ton'd harp


s: Drew lovely music; well his liquid voice


s: The strings accompanied; they all with dance


s: And song harmonious join'd, and joyous shouts,


s: Of straight-horn'd cattle too a herd was grav'n;


s: Of gold and tin the heifers all were wrought:


s: They to the pasture, from the cattle-yard,


s: With gentle lowings, by a babbling stream,


s: Where quiv'ring reed-beds rustled, slowly mov'd.


s: Four golden shepherds walk'd beside the herd,


s: The foremost heifers sprang two lions fierce


s: Upon the lordly bull: he, bellowing loud,


s: Was dragg'd along, by dogs and youths pursued.


s: The tough bull's-hide they tore, and gorging lapp'd


s: Th' intestines and dark blood; with vain attempt


s: The herdsmen following closely, to the attack


s: Cheer'd their swift dogs; these shunn'd the lions' jaws,


s: And close around them baying, held aloof.


s: And there the skilful artist's hand had trac'd


s: A pastaro broad, with fleecy flocks o'erspread,


s: In a fair glade, with fold, and tents, and pens.


s: There, too, the skilful artist's hand had wrought


s: Like that which Daedalus in Cnossus erst


s: At fair-hair'd Ariadne's bidding fram'd.


s: There, laying each on other's wrists their hand,


s: Bright youths and many-suitor'd maidens danc'd:


s: In fair white linen these; in tunics those,


s: Well woven, shining soft with fragrant oils;


s: These with fair coronets were crown'd, while those


s: With golden swords from silver belts were girt.


s: Now whirl'd they round with nimble practis'd feet,


s: A wheel, new fashion'd by his skilful hand,


s: And spins it round, to prove if true it run;


s: Now featly mov'd in well-beseeming ranks.


s: A num'rous crowd, around, the lovely dance


s: Survey'd, delighted; while an honour'd Bard


s: Sang, as he struck the lyre, and to the strain


s: Two tumblers, in the midst, were whirling round.


s: Was wrought the mighty strength of th' ocean stream.


s: The shield completed, vast and strong, he forg'd


s: A breastplate, dazzling bright as flame of fire;


s: And next, a weighty helmet for his head,


s: Fair, richly wrought, with crest of gold above;


s: Then last, well-fitting greaves of pliant tin.


s: The skill'd artificer his works complete


s: She, like a falcon, from the snow-clad heights


s: Charg'd with the glitt'ring arms by Vulcan wrought.


s: refuses all repast, and gives himself up to lamentations for his


s: The thirtieth day. The scene is on the sea-shore.


s: Now morn in saffron robe, from th' ocean stream


s: Ascending, light diffus'd o'er Gods and men;


s: The gift of Vulcan; there her son she found,


s: Who o'er Patroclus hung in bitter grief;


s: Around him mourn'd his comrades; in the midst


s: She stood, and clasp'd his hand, as thus she spoke:


s: "Leave we, my son, though deep our grief, the dead;


s: Here let him lie, since Heav'n hath doom'd his fall;


s: But thou these arms receive, by Vulcan sent,


s: Fairer than e'er on mortal breast were borne."


s: The Goddess laid; loud rang the wondrous work.


s: With awe the Myrmidons beheld; nor dar'd


s: Affront the sight: but as Achilles gaz'd,


s: More fiery burn'd his wrath; beneath his brows


s: His eyes like lightning flash'd; with fierce delight


s: He seiz'd the glorious gift: and when his soul


s: To Thetis thus his winged words address'd:


s: "Mother, the God hath giv'n me arms indeed,


s: Could never forge; I go to arm me straight;


s: Lest in his spear-inflicted wounds the flies


s: May gender worms, and desecrate the dead,


s: And, life extinct, corruption reach his flesh."


s: Whom answer'd thus the silver-footed Queen:


s: "Let not such fears, my son, disturb thy mind:


s: I will myself the swarms of flies disperse,


s: That on the flesh of slaughter'd warriors prey:


s: And should he here remain a year complete,


s: Still should his flesh be firm and fresh as now:


s: But thou to council call the chiefs of Greece;


s: The leader of the host, abjure thy wrath;


s: Then arm thee quickly, and put on thy might."


s: Her words with dauntless courage fill'd his breast.


s: His flesh, red nectar and ambrosia pour'd.


s: And loudly shouting, call'd on all the chiefs;


s: Then all who heretofore remain'd on board,


s: The steersmen, who the vessels' rudders hold,


s: The very stewards that serv'd the daily bread,


s: All to th' assembly throng'd, when reappear'd


s: Achilles, from the fight so long withdrawn.


s: Two noble chiefs, two ministers of Mars,


s: Appear'd, yet crippled by their grievous wounds,


s: Their halting steps supporting with their spears,


s: And on the foremost seats their places took.


s: Coon, had stabb'd him in the stubborn fight.


s: When all the Greeks were closely throng'd around,


s: Up rose Achilles swift of foot, and said:


s: "Great son of Atreus, what hath been the gain


s: To thee or me, since heart-consuming strife


s: Hath fiercely rag'd between us, for a girl,


s: Who would to Heav'n had died by Dian's shafts


s: That day when from Lyrnessus' captur'd town


s: Bitten the bloody dust, by hostile hands


s: Great was the gain to Troy; but Greeks, methinks,


s: Will long retain the mem'ry of our feud.


s: Yet pass we that; and though our hearts be sore,


s: Still let us school our angry spirits down.


s: Muster to battle straight the long-hair'd Greeks;


s: That, to the Trojans once again oppos'd,


s: They dare this night remain; but he, I ween,


s: Will gladly rest his limbs, who safe shall fly,


s: My spear escaping, from the battle-field."


s: He said: the well-greav'd Greeks rejoic'd to hear


s: His wrath abjur'd by Peleus' godlike son;


s: And from his seat, not standing in the midst,


s: When one stands up to speak, 'tis meet for all


s: For e'en to practis'd speakers hard the task:


s: But, in this vast assembly, who can speak


s: That all may hear? the clearest voice must fail.


s: Impart the words I speak, that all may know.


s: Oft hath this matter been by Greeks discuss'd,


s: And I their frequent censure have incurr'd:


s: Yet was not I the cause; but Jove, and Fate,


s: And gloomy Erinnys, who combin'd to throw


s: A strong delusion o'er my mind, that day


s: What could I do? a Goddess all o'er-rul'd,


s: Daughter of Jove, dread Ate, baleful pow'r,


s: Misleading all; with lightest step she moves,


s: Not on the earth, but o'er the heads of men,


s: With blighting touch; and many hath caus'd to err.


s: E'en Jove, the wisest deem'd of Gods and men,


s: In boastful tone amid the Gods he spoke:


s: The words I speak, the promptings of my soul.


s: This day Lucina shall to light bring forth


s: Of mortal men, who trace to me their blood.'


s: Whom answer'd Juno thus, with deep deceit:


s: 'Thou dost but feign, nor wilt fulfil thy word:


s: That he shall be the Lord of all around,


s: Of mortal men, who trace to thee their blood.'


s: She said, and Jove, the snare unseeing, swore


s: A solemn oath; but found his error soon.


s: Down from Olympus' height she sped in haste


s: Of Sthenelus, the son of Perseus, there,


s: She knew, was sev'n months pregnant of a son;


s: Whom, though untimely born, she brought to light,


s: Staying meanwhile Alcmena's labour-pangs,


s: To Saturn's son herself the tidings brought,


s: And thus address'd him: 'Jove, the lightning's Lord,


s: I bring thee news; this day a mighty man,


s: By thee ordain'd to be the Argives' King,


s: Well worthy he to be the Argives' King.'


s: She said: keen sorrow deeply pierc'd his soul;


s: In mighty wrath; and swore a solemn oath,


s: She never should return, who all misleads.


s: His arm then whirling, from the starry Heav'n


s: He flung her down, to vex th' affairs of men.


s: Yet oft her fraud remember'd he with groans,


s: When by Eurystheus' hard commands he saw


s: Condemn'd to servile tasks his noble son.


s: Beside the ships the Greeks to slaughter gave,


s: I err'd, for Jove my judgment took away;


s: And tender costly presents; then thyself


s: Uprouse thee, and excite the rest to arms.


s: While I prepare the gifts, whate'er of late


s: Or, if thou wilt, though eager for the fray,


s: Remain thou here awhile, till from my ship


s: My followers bring the gifts; that thou mayst see


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


s: The gifts thou deem'st befitting, 'tis for thee


s: To give, or to withhold; but now at once


s: Prepare we for the battle; 'tis not meet


s: On trivial pretexts here to waste our time,


s: Scatt'ring with brazen spear the Trojan ranks;


s: And ye, forget not man with man to fight."


s: "Brave as thou art, Achilles, godlike chief,


s: Yet fasting lead not forth the sons of Greece


s: To fight the Trojans; for no little time


s: Will last the struggle, when the serried ranks


s: Are once engag'd in conflict, and the Gods


s: But bid them, by the ships, of food and wine


s: (Wherein are strength and courage) first partake;


s: For none throughout the day till set of sun,


s: Fasting from food, may bear the toils of war;


s: His spirit may still be eager for the fray;


s: Yet are his limbs by slow degrees weigh'd down,


s: Himself by thirst and hunger worn, his knees


s: Unable, as he moves, to bear his weight.


s: But he who, first with food and wine refresh'd,


s: All day maintains the combat with the foe,


s: His spirit retains unbroken, and his limbs


s: Unwearied, till both armies quit the field.


s: Disperse then now the crowd, and bid prepare


s: The morning meal; meantime to public view


s: His costly gifts; that all the Greeks may see,


s: And that thy heart within thee melt with joy:


s: And there in full assembly let him swear


s: A solemn oath, that he hath ne'er approach'd


s: The fair Briseis' bed, nor held with her


s: Such intercourse as man with woman holds.


s: Be thou propitious, and accept his oath.


s: Let him receive thee; that thine honour due


s: Shalt stand in sight of all men clear of blame;


s: For none can wonder that insulting speech


s: Should rouse the anger of a sceptred King."


s: With cordial welcome: all that thou hast said


s: Is well and wisely spoken; for the oath,


s: I am prepar'd, with willing mind, to swear;


s: Nor in the sight of Heav'n will be forsworn.


s: Though eager for the fray; ye too remain,


s: Until the presents from my tent be brought,


s: That thou the noblest youths of all the Greeks


s: Select, and bid them from my vessel bear


s: The gifts, which, to Achilles yesternight


s: We promis'd, and withal the women bring;


s: And let Talthybius through the host seek out


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


s: These matters to some future time were best


s: Deferr'd, some hour of respite from the fight,


s: Of rage less fiercely burning in my breast;


s: But slaughter'd now they lie, whom Priam's son,


s: Hector, hath slain, by Jove to vict'ry led.


s: Ye bid us take our food; if I might rule,


s: I would to battle lead the sons of Greece,


s: Our shame aveng'd, an ample feast prepare;


s: Till then, nor food nor drink shall pass my lips,


s: My comrade slain; who pierc'd with mortal wounds,


s: Turn'd tow'rd the doorway, lies within my tent,


s: His mourning friends around; while there he lies,


s: No thought have I for these or aught beside,


s: Save carnage, blood, and groans of dying men."


s: "O son of Peleus, noblest of the Greeks,


s: In deeds of arms, I know: but thou must yield


s: To me in counsel, for my years are more,


s: And my experience greater far than thine:


s: Men soonest weary of battle, where the sword


s: The bloodiest harvest reaps; the lightest crop


s: Of slaughter is where Jove inclines the scale,


s: The Greeks by fasting cannot mourn their dead;


s: Where were the respite then from ceaseless fast?


s: Steeling our hearts, and weeping but a day;


s: And we, the rest, whom cruel war has spar'd,


s: Should first with food and wine recruit out strength;


s: Then, girding on our arms, the livelong day


s: Maintain the war, unwearied; then let none


s: (And woe to him who loit'ring by the ships


s: That summons hears;) but with united force


s: Against the Trojans wake the furious war."


s: He said, and call'd on noble Nestor's sons,


s: Soon as the word was giv'n, the work was done;


s: Sev'n tripods brought they out, the promis'd gifts;


s: Twelve horses, twenty caldrons glitt'ring bright;


s: Sev'n women too, well skill'd in household cares,


s: With whom, the eighth, the fair Briseis came.


s: Ulysses led the way, and with him brought


s: Ten talents full of gold; th' attendant youths


s: The other presents bore, and in the midst


s: Display'd before th' assembly: then uprose


s: With voice of godlike pow'r, Talthybius stood,


s: Close by the scabbard of his mighty sword,


s: And from the victim's head the bristles shore.


s: With hands uplifted then to Jove he pray'd;


s: While all around the Greeks in silence stood,


s: List'ning, decorous, to the monarch's words,


s: As looking up to Heav'n he made his pray'r:


s: "Be witness, Jove, thou highest, first of Gods,


s: And Sun, and Earth, and ye who vengeance wreak


s: Beneath the earth on souls of men forsworn,


s: Hath fair Briseis touch'd; but in my tent


s: Still pure and undefil'd hath she remain'd:


s: And if in this I be forsworn, may Heav'n


s: With all the plagues afflict me, due to those


s: Who sin by perjur'd oaths against the Gods."


s: Thus as he spoke, across the victim's throat


s: He drew the pitiless blade; Talthybius then


s: To hoary Ocean's depths the carcase threw,


s: Food for the fishes; then Achilles rose,


s: And thus before th' assembled Greeks he spoke:


s: "O Father Jove, how dost thou lead astray


s: Our human judgments! ne'er had Atreus' son


s: My bosom fill'd with wrath, nor from my arms,


s: To his own loss, against my will had torn


s: The girl I lov'd, but that the will of Jove


s: To death predestin'd many a valiant Greek.


s: This said, th' assembly he dismiss'd in haste,


s: The crowd dispersing to their sev'ral ships;


s: Bestow'd their care, and bore them to the ships;


s: They laid them down, and there the women plac'd,


s: While to the drove the followers led the steeds.


s: Patroclus lying, pierc'd with mortal wounds,


s: She flung her down upon the corpse, and tore


s: Her breast, her delicate neck, and beauteous cheeks;


s: And, weeping, thus the lovely woman wail'd:


s: "Patroclus, dearly lov'd of this sad heart!


s: When last I left this tent, I left thee full


s: Only thy lifeless corpse, thou Prince of men!


s: So sorrow still, on sorrow heap'd, I bear.


s: The husband of my youth, to whom my sire


s: Slain with the sword before the city walls:


s: Three brothers, whom with me one mother bore,


s: My dearly lov'd ones, all were doom'd to death:


s: Nor wouldst thou, when Achilles swift of foot


s: But thou wouldst make me (such was still thy speech)


s: Thou wouldst to Phthia bear me in thy ship,


s: Wouldst give my marriage feast; then, unconsol'd,


s: I weep thy death, my ever-gentle friend!"


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


s: Patroclus' death the pretext for their tears,


s: But each in secret wept her private griefs.


s: Urging to eat; but he, with groans, refus'd:


s: "I pray you, would you show your love, dear friends,


s: Ask me not now with food or drink to appease


s: Hunger or thirst; a load of bitter grief


s: Weighs heavy on my soul; till set of sun


s: Fasting will I remain, and still endure."


s: The other monarchs at his word withdrew:


s: But comfort none, save in the bloody jaws


s: Of battle would he take; by mem'ry stirr'd,


s: He heav'd a deep-drawn sigh, as thus he spoke:


s: "How oft hast thou, ill-fated, dearest friend,


s: Here in this tent with eager zeal prepar'd


s: The tempting meal, whene'er the sons of Greece


s: In haste would arm them for the bloody fray!


s: Now liest thou there, while I, for love of thee,


s: From food and drink, before me plac'd, refrain:


s: For ne'er shall I again such sorrow know,


s: Not though I heard of aged Peleus' death,


s: Who now in Phthia mourns, with tender tears,


s: Is warring in that hateful Helen's cause:


s: My hope had been indeed, that here in Troy,


s: Was doom'd to die; and that to Phthia thou,


s: Return'd in safety, mightst my son convey


s: From Scyros home, and show him all my wealth,


s: My spoils, my slaves, my lofty, spacious house.


s: For Peleus or to death, methinks, e'en now


s: Hath yielded, or not far from death remov'd,


s: Lives on in sorrow, bow'd by gloomy age,


s: Who bears the mournful tidings of my death."


s: Weeping, Achilles spoke; and with him wept


s: The Elders; each to fond remembrance mov'd


s: Of all that in his home himself had left.


s: The son of Saturn, pitying, saw their grief,


s: And Pallas thus with winged words address'd:


s: "My child, dost thou a hero's cause forsake,


s: Or does Achilles claim no more thy care,


s: Who sits in sorrow by the high-prow'd ships,


s: Mourning his comrade slain? the others all


s: Partake the meal, while he from food abstains:


s: Then haste thee, and, with hunger lest he faint,


s: Drop nectar and ambrosia on his breast."


s: His words fresh impulse gave to Pallas' zeal:


s: Down, like the long-wing'd falcon, shrill of voice,


s: Thro' the clear sky she swoop'd: and while the Greeks


s: Arm'd for the fight, Achilles she approach'd,


s: Distill'd, lest hunger should his strength subdue;


s: Returning, as from out the ships they pour'd.


s: Thick as the snow-flakes that from Heav'n descend,


s: Before the sky-born Boreas' chilling blast;


s: So thick, outpouring from the ships, the stream


s: Of helmets polish'd bright, and bossy shields,


s: And breastplates firmly brac'd, and ashen spears:


s: Their brightness flash'd to Heav'n; and laugh'd the Earth


s: Beneath the brazen glare; loud rang the tramp


s: The godlike chief, in dazzling arms array'd.


s: His teeth were gnashing audibly; his eye


s: Blaz'd with, the light of fire; but in his heart


s: Was grief unbearable; with furious wrath


s: He burn'd against the Trojans, as he donn'd


s: The heav'nly gifts, the work of Vulcan's hand.


s: First on his legs the well-wrought greaves he fix'd,


s: Fasten'd with silver clasps; his breastplate next


s: Around his chest; and o'er his shoulders flung


s: His silver-studded sword, with blade of brass;


s: Then took his vast and weighty shield, whence gleam'd


s: A light refulgent as the full-orb'd moon;


s: The watchfire's light, which, high among the hills,


s: Some shepherd kindles in his lonely fold:


s: As they, reluctant, by the stormy winds,


s: Far from their friends are o'er the waters driv'n;


s: So from Achilles' shield, bright, richly wrought,


s: The light was thrown. The weighty helm he rais'd,


s: And plac'd it on his head; the plumed helm


s: Shone like a star; and wav'd the hairs of gold.


s: Thick-set by Vulcan in the gleaming crest.


s: Then all the arms Achilles prov'd, to know


s: If well they fitted to his graceful limbs:


s: Like wings, they seem'd to lift him from the ground.


s: Last, from its case he drew his father's spear,


s: Long, pond'rous, tough; not one of all the Greeks,


s: None, save Achilles' self, could poise that spear;


s: The far-fam'd Pelian ash, which to his sire,


s: On Pelion's summit fell'd, to be the bane


s: Of mighty chiefs, the Centaur Chiron gave.


s: The horses yok'd, with collars fair attach'd:


s: Plac'd in their mouths the bits, and pass'd the reins


s: Sprang on the car, with shining lash in hand:


s: In arms all glitt'ring as the gorgeous sun,


s: And loudly to his father's steeds he call'd:


s: Back to the Grecian ranks in safety bear,


s: When he shall quit the field, your charioteer;


s: Nor leave him, as ye left Patroclus, slain."


s: Xanthus, the noble horse, with glancing feet:


s: Bowing his head the while, till all his mane


s: Down from th' yokeband streaming, reach'd the ground;


s: By Juno, white-arm'd Queen, with speech endued:


s: Will bear thee safely; but thy day of doom


s: Is nigh at hand; nor we shall cause thy death,


s: But Heav'n's high will, and Fate's imperious pow'r.


s: By no default of ours, nor lack of speed,


s: The Trojans stripp'd Patroclus of his arms:


s: The mighty God, fair-hair'd Latona's son,


s: Achiev'd his death, and Hector's vict'ry gain'd.


s: Our speed of foot may vie with Zephyr's breeze,


s: Deem'd swiftest of the winds; but thou art doom'd


s: To die, by force combin'd of God and man."


s: He said; his farther speech the Furies stay'd.


s: To whom in wrath Achilles swift of foot;


s: "Xanthus, why thus predict my coming fate?


s: Far from my home and parents; yet withal


s: I cease not, till these Trojans from the field


s: Before me fly." He said, and to the front,


s: His war-cry shouting, urg'd his fiery steeds.


s: The same day continues. The scene is in the field before Troy.


s: Round thee, Achilles, eager for the fray,


s: Stood thus accoutred, by their beaked ships,


s: The sons of Greece; the Trojan host, oppos'd,


s: Stood on the sloping margin of the plain.


s: Then Jove to Themis gave command to call


s: The Gods to council from the lofty height


s: Of Jove she summon'd them from ev'ry side.


s: Not one was absent; nor of Nymphs, who haunt


s: Clear fount, or shady grove, or grassy mead.


s: They, at the Cloud-compeller's house arriv'd,


s: Which Vulcan's cunning hand for Jove had built.


s: There were they gather'd in th' abode of Jove:


s: Nor did th' Earth-shaking Neptune slight the call,


s: But came from ocean's depths, and in the midst


s: He sat, and thus the will of Jove enquir'd:


s: "Why, Lord of lightning, hast thou summon'd here


s: The Gods to council? dost thou aught devise


s: Touching the Greeks and Trojans? who e'en now


s: Kindle anew, it seems, the blaze of war."


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller, answ'ring, thus:


s: "The purpose, Neptune, well thou know'st thyself


s: For which I call'd ye; true, they needs must die,


s: But still they claim my care; yet here will I


s: And view, serene, the combat; you, the rest,


s: Go, as you list, to Trojans or to Greeks,


s: To fight against the Trojans, not an hour


s: Will they before the son of Peleus stand.


s: They dreaded him before; but now, I fear,


s: Since rous'd to fury by his comrade's death,


s: He e'en in fate's despite may storm the wall."


s: Thus Saturn's son, and quenchless battle rous'd:


s: With them th' Earth-shaker, and the helpful God,


s: Hermes, for cunning subtleties unmatch'd;


s: And Vulcan too, exulting in his strength,


s: Yet halting, and on feeble limbs sustain'd.


s: Mars of the glancing helm took part with Troy,


s: And golden Phoebus with his locks unshorn,


s: Xanthus, and Venus, laughter-loving dame.


s: While from the fight of men the Gods abstain'd,


s: High rose the Grecian vaunts, as, long withdrawn,


s: And ev'ry Trojan's limbs with terror quak'd,


s: Trembling, as Peleus' godlike son they saw,


s: In arms all-glitt'ring, fierce as blood-stain'd Mars.


s: But when th' Immortals mingled in the throng,


s: Then furious wax'd the spirit-stirring strife;


s: Then Pallas rais'd her war-cry, standing now


s: Beside the deep-dug trench, without the wall,


s: Now shouting loud along the sounding beach.


s: On th' other side, as with the tempest's roar,


s: Mars to the Trojans shouted loud; one while


s: From the fair hill, o'erhanging Simois' stream.


s: Th' immortal Gods unchain'd the angry war.


s: Thunder'd on high the Sire of Gods and men


s: With awful din; while Neptune shook beneath


s: The boundless earth, and lofty mountain tops.


s: The spring-abounding Ida quak'd and rock'd


s: From her firm basis to her loftiest peak,


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


s: Pluto, th' infernal monarch, heard alarm'd,


s: And, springing from his throne, cried out in fear,


s: Lest Neptune, breaking through the solid earth,


s: To mortals and Immortals should lay bare


s: His dark and drear abode, of Gods abhorr'd.


s: Such was the shock when Gods in battle met;


s: For there to royal Neptune stood oppos'd


s: Sister of Phoebus, golden-shafted Queen.


s: Stout Hermes, helpful God, Latona fac'd;


s: While Vulcan met the mighty rolling stream,


s: Xanthus by Gods, by men Scamander call'd.


s: Thus Gods encounter'd Gods: Achilles' soul


s: Meantime was burning 'mid the throng to meet


s: Hector, the son of Priam; with whose blood


s: He long'd to glut th' insatiate Lord of War.


s: And fill'd with courage high; and thus, the voice


s: Apollo, son of Jove, the chief address'd:


s: Where are the vaunts, which o'er the wine-cup late


s: Thou mad'st amid th' assembled chiefs of Troy,


s: That hand to hand thou wouldst Achilles meet?"


s: Against my will, with Peleus' mighty son?


s: Not for the first time should I now engage


s: And fled before his spear, on Ida's hill,


s: When on our herds he fell; Lyrnessus then


s: He raz'd, and Pedasus; me Jove preserv'd,


s: With strength, endowing, and with speed of foot.


s: Else had I fall'n beneath Achilles' hand,


s: Light of his life, and guides his brazen spear


s: 'Tis not in mortal man with him to fight,


s: Whom still some God attends, and guards from harm;


s: And, e'en unaided, to the mark his spear


s: Unerring flies, uncheck'd until it pierce


s: A warrior's breast; yet if the Gods the scale


s: Impartial held, all brass-clad as he is,


s: O'er me no easy triumph should he gain."


s: "Brave chief, do thou too to th' immortal Gods


s: Address thy pray'r; men say that thou art sprung


s: From Venus, child of Jove; his mother owns


s: On then with dauntless spear, nor be dismay'd


s: His words with courage fill'd the hero's breast,


s: And on he sprang, in dazzling arms arrayed;


s: But not unmark'd of white-arm'd Juno pass'd,


s: To meet Achilles, through the press of men,


s: Who thus address'd the Gods, to council call'd:


s: "Neptune and Pallas both, bethink ye well


s: What now should be our course; AEneas comes,


s: In dazzling arms array'd, to meet in fight


s: The son of Peleus; Phoebus sends him forth.


s: Say, then, shall we, encount'ring, to retreat


s: Perforce constrain him? or shall one of us


s: Beside Achilles stand, and give him strength


s: That he may nothing lack; and know himself


s: By all the mightiest of th' immortal Gods


s: Belov'd, and those how pow'rless, by whose aid


s: Therefore, to join the battle, came we all


s: From high Olympus, that in this day's fight


s: No ill befall him; though the time shall come


s: For him to meet the doom, by fate decreed,


s: When at his birth his thread of life was spun.


s: Be struck with fear, if haply to some God


s: He find himself oppos'd: 'tis hard for man


s: To whom Earth-shaking Neptune thus replied:


s: It ill beseems thee. Not with my consent


s: Shall we, the stronger far, provoke to arms


s: The other Gods; but rather, from the field


s: To mortals left, the turmoil of the war.


s: Should Mars or Phoebus then begin the fight,


s: And soon, methinks, will they be fain to join,


s: Driv'n from the field, the Synod of the Gods,


s: Subdued perforce by our victorious hands."


s: The dark-hair'd monarch spoke; and led the way


s: To the high wall, by Trojans built of old,


s: Within whose circle he might safety seek,


s: When from the beach the monster of the deep


s: Might chase him toward the plain; there Neptune sat,


s: And with him, the other Gods, a veil of cloud


s: Impenetrable around their shoulders spread.


s: On th' other side, upon the fair hill's brow,


s: Phoebus with Mars the fort-destroyer sat.


s: On either side they sat, each facing each


s: With hostile counsels; yet reluctant both


s: Till Jove, enthron'd on high, the signal gave.


s: Then all the plain, with men and horses throng'd,


s: The brazen gleam illumin'd; rang the earth


s: Beneath their feet, as to the battle-shock


s: They rush'd; but in the midst, both hosts between,


s: Eager for fight, stood forth two warriors bold,


s: AEneas first with threat'ning mien advanc'd,


s: Nodding his pond'rous helm; before his breast


s: His shield he bore, and pois'd his brazen spear.


s: Him met Achilles from th' opposing ranks;


s: Pour forth the stalwart youths, th' united strength


s: Of the rous'd village; he unheeding moves


s: At first; but wounded by a jav'lin thrown


s: By some bold youth, he turns, with gaping jaws,


s: And frothing fangs, collecting for the spring,


s: His breast too narrow for his mighty heart;


s: And with his tail he lashes both his flanks


s: And sides, as though to rouse his utmost rage;


s: Then on, in pride of strength, with glaring eyes


s: Or in the foremost rank himself be slain.


s: So mov'd his dauntless spirit Peleus' son


s: AEneas to confront; when near they came,


s: Thus first Achilles, swift of foot, began:


s: Advanc'd? dost thou presume with me to fight?


s: Perchance expecting that the throne of Troy


s: E'en if thou slay me, deem not to obtain


s: Such boon from Priam; valiant sons are his,


s: And he not weak, but bears a constant mind.


s: Some favour'd spot, the fairest of the land,


s: Orchard or corn-land, shouldst thou work my death;


s: Which thou shalt find, I trust, too hard a task?


s: Alone I found thee, and with flying foot


s: Pursued thee down the steep of Ida's hill?


s: Nor didst thou dare to turn, or pause in flight.


s: Thou to Lyrnessus fledd'st; Lyrnessus I,


s: With Pallas' aid and Jove's, assail'd and took:


s: Their women thence, their days of freedom lost,


s: I bore away, my captives; thee from death,


s: But will not now bestow, though such thy hope,


s: Their succour; then I warn thee, while 'tis time,


s: Ere ill betide thee, to the gen'ral throng


s: That thou withdraw, nor stand to me oppos'd:


s: After th' event may e'en a fool be wise."


s: "Achilles, think not me, as though a fool,


s: To daunt with lofty speech; I too could well


s: With cutting words, and insult, answer thee.


s: Each other's race and parents well we know


s: From tales of ancient days; although by sight


s: Nor mine to thee, nor thine to me are known.


s: To noble Peleus thou, 'tis said, wast born


s: Of Thetis, fair-hair'd daughter of the sea;


s: Of great Anchises, Heav'n-descended chief,


s: I boast me sprung, to him by Venus borne.


s: Of these shall one or other have this day


s: To mourn their son; since not with empty words


s: Shall thou and I from mortal combat part.


s: But if thou farther wouldst enquire, and learn


s: The race I spring from, not unknown to men,


s: Was founded on the plain; as yet they dwelt


s: Great King, the wealthiest of the sons of men;


s: For him were pastur'd in the marshy mead,


s: Rejoicing with their foals, three thousand mares;


s: Them Boreas, in the pasture where they fed,


s: In likeness of a coal-black steed appear'd;


s: Twelve foals, by him conceiving, they produc'd.


s: These, o'er the teeming corn-fields as they flew,


s: Skimm'd o'er the standing ears, nor broke the haulm;


s: And, o'er wide Ocean's bosom as they flew,


s: Skimm'd o'er the topmost spray of th' hoary sea


s: The King of Troy; three noble sons were his,


s: Him, for his beauty, bore the Gods away,


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


s: But Jove, at will, to mortals valour gives


s: Then cease we now, like babbling fools, to prate


s: Terms of reproach we both might find, whose weight


s: For glibly runs the tongue, and can at will


s: Give utt'rance to discourse in ev'ry vein;


s: Wide is the range of language; and such words


s: What need that we should insults interchange?


s: Like women, who some paltry quarrel wage,


s: Scolding and brawling in the public street,


s: And in opprobrious terms their anger vent,


s: Some true, some false; for so their rage suggests.


s: With words thou shalt not turn me from the field,


s: Till we have met in arms; then try we now


s: Each other's prowess with our brazen spears."


s: He said, and hurl'd against the mighty shield


s: His brazen spear; loud rang the weapon's point;


s: And at arm's length Achilles held the shield


s: With his broad hand, in fear that through its folds


s: Blind fool! forgetful that the glorious gifts


s: Bestow'd by Gods, are not with ease o'ercome,


s: Nor yield before th' assaults of mortal men.


s: So broke not through AEneas' sturdy spear,


s: Stay'd by the golden plate, the gift of Heav'n;


s: Yet through two plates it pass'd, but three remain'd,


s: For five were in the shield by Vulcan wrought;


s: Two were of brass, the inner two of tin,


s: And one of gold, which stay'd the brazen spear.


s: Achilles threw in turn his pond'rous spear.


s: Near the first rim, where thinnest lay the brass,


s: And thinnest too th' o'erlying hide; right through


s: The Pelian shaft was driv'n; wide gap'd the shield.


s: AEneas crouch'd, in fear, as o'er his head


s: He held his shield; the eager weapon pass'd


s: Through both the circles of his ample shield,


s: And in the ground, behind him, quiv'ring, stood.


s: Escap'd the pond'rous weapon, sharpest pain


s: Flashing across his eyes, in fear he stood,


s: So close the spear had pass'd him; onward then,


s: Drawing his trenchant blade, Achilles rush'd,


s: With fearful shout; a rocky fragment then


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


s: Then had AEneas, with the massive stone,


s: Or on the helmet, or the shield, his death


s: Had by the sword of Peleus' son been slain,


s: Had not th' Earth-shaking God his peril seen,


s: And to th' Immortals thus address'd his speech:


s: The viewless shades; insensate, who relied


s: On Phoebus' words; yet nought shall he avail


s: From death to save him. Yet oh why should he,


s: Blameless himself, the guilt of others rue?


s: Who still his grateful sacrifice hath paid


s: To all the Gods in wide-spread Heav'n who dwell.


s: Let us then interpose to guard his life;


s: Lest, if Achilles slay him, Saturn's son


s: Would have him live; lest, heirless, from the earth


s: Should perish quite the race of Dardanus;


s: For Jove the race of Priam hath abhorr'd;


s: But o'er the Trojans shall AEneas reign,


s: And his sons' sons, through ages yet unborn."


s: Whom answer'd thus the stag-ey'd Queen of Heav'n:


s: But we before th' immortal Gods are bound,


s: Ne'er from his doom one Trojan life to save,


s: Though to devouring flames a prey, all Troy


s: Were blazing, kindled by the valiant Greeks."


s: Th' Earth-shaker heard; and thro' the fight he pass'd,


s: And through the throng of spears, until he came


s: Around the eyes of Peleus' son he spread


s: A veil of mist; then from AEneas' shield


s: The brass-tipp'd spear withdrawing, laid it down


s: O'er many a rank of warriors and of cars


s: Till to the field's extremest verge he came,


s: Where stood the Caucons, arming for the war.


s: Th' Earth-shaker thus his winged words address'd:


s: "AEneas, say what God has mov'd thee thus


s: Thy stronger far, and dearer to the Gods?


s: If e'er he cross thy path, do thou retire,


s: Lest, e'en despite of fate, thou find thy death.


s: But when Achilles hath to fate succumb'd,


s: Then, fearless, with the foremost join the fray:


s: No other Greek shall bear away thy spoils."


s: Thus plainly warn'd, AEneas there he left.


s: Then from Achilles' eyes he purg'd the film:


s: Astonish'd, he with eyes wide open gaz'd,


s: As thus he commun'd with his mighty heart:


s: "O Heav'n, what marvel do mine eyes behold?


s: My spear before me laid, and vanish'd he


s: At whom I hurl'd it with intent to slay!


s: In truth belov'd, though vain I deem'd his boast.


s: A curse go with him! yet methinks not soon


s: Will he again presume to prove my might,


s: Who gladly now in flight escapes from death.


s: Then, to the valiant Greeks my orders giv'n.


s: Let me some other Trojan's mettle prove."


s: Then tow'rd the ranks he sprang, each sev'ral man


s: Exhorting: "From the Trojans, valiant Greeks,


s: Confront the foe, and nobly dare the fight.


s: 'Twere hard for me, brave warrior though I be,


s: To face such numbers, and to fight with all:


s: Not Mars, nor Pallas, though immortal Gods,


s: Could face, and vanquish, such a mighty mass.


s: But what my single arm, and feet, and strength


s: Right through the ranks I mean to force my way;


s: And small shall be that Trojan's cause for joy,


s: Who comes within the compass of my spear."


s: Meanwhile the Trojans, with assurance giv'n


s: That he himself Achilles would confront.


s: "Ye valiant Trojans, fear not Peleus' son;


s: I too in words could with the Gods contend,


s: Though not in arms; so much the stronger they.


s: Not all his words Achilles shall make good;


s: Fulfilling some, in others he shall fail,


s: Encounter, though his hands were hands of fire,


s: Of fire his hands, his strength as burnish'd steel."


s: Thus he, exhorting; with uplifted spears


s: Advanc'd the Trojans; from the mingling hosts


s: Loud rose the clamour; then at Hector's side


s: Apollo stood, and thus address'd the chief:


s: And 'mid the crowd withdraw thee from the fray;


s: Lest with the spear he slay thee, thrown from far,


s: Or with the sword in combat hand to hand."


s: He said; and troubled by the heav'nly voice,


s: Then, girt with might, amid the Trojans sprang,


s: With fearful shouts, Achilles; first he slew


s: Of num'rous warriors; him a Naiad nymph,


s: In Hyde's fertile vale, beneath the feet


s: At him, as on he rush'd, Achilles hurl'd,


s: And through his forehead drove his glitt'ring spear;


s: The head was cleft in twain; thund'ring he fell,


s: And o'er him thus Achilles made his boast:


s: "Son of Otryntes, lie thou there, of men


s: The most vain-glorious; here thou find'st thy death,


s: Far from thy place of birth, beside the lake


s: Gygaean; there hadst thou thine heritage


s: Of old, beside the fish-abounding stream


s: Of Hyllus, and by Hermus' eddying flood."


s: Were spread the shades of death; his mangled corpse


s: Was crush'd beneath the Grecian chariot wheels,


s: In the first shock. Demoleon next he smote,


s: Pierc'd thro' the temples, thro' the brass-bound helm;


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


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


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


s: Then through the neck Hippodamas he smote,


s: Deep groan'd he, breathing out his soul, as groans


s: A bull, by sturdy youths to th' altar dragg'd


s: Th' Earth-shaking God, well pleas'd, the gift receives;


s: E'en with such groans his noble spirit fled.


s: Would fain have kept at home, of all his sons


s: At once the youngest and the best-belov'd;


s: Among them all for speed of foot unmatch'd;


s: Whose youthful folly, in the foremost ranks


s: His speed displaying, cost him now his life.


s: Struck through the centre of the back, where met


s: The golden clasps that held the glitt'ring belt,


s: And where the breastplate form'd a double guard:


s: Right through his body pass'd the weapon's point;


s: Groaning, he fell upon his knees; dark clouds


s: O'erspread his eyes; supporting with his hand


s: His wounded bowels, on the ground he writh'd.


s: Writhing in death, a mist o'erspread his eyes


s: Nor longer could he bear to stand aloof,


s: But sprang to meet Achilles, flashing fire,


s: His keen spear brandishing; at sight of him


s: "Lo, here the man who most hath wrung my soul,


s: Who slew my lov'd companion: now, methinks,


s: Stand separate, nor each the other shun."


s: Then, with stern glance, to godlike Hector thus:


s: "Draw near, and quickly meet thy doom of death."


s: To whom thus Hector of the glancing helm,


s: To daunt with lofty speech; I too could well


s: With cutting words and insult answer thee.


s: I know thee strong and valiant; and I know


s: Is with the Gods; and I, if such their will,


s: The weaker, with my spear may reach thy life:


s: My point too hath, ere now, its sharpness prov'd."


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


s: With lightest breath; and back to Hector sent,


s: And laid before his feet; intent to slay,


s: Onward Achilles rush'd, with fearful shout;


s: But Phoebus Hector from the field convey'd,


s: (As Gods can only,) veil'd in thickest cloud.


s: Thrice Peleus' godlike son, with brazen spear,


s: His onset made; thrice struck the misty cloud;


s: But when, with pow'r as of a God, he made


s: His fourth essay, in fury thus he cried:


s: "Yet once again, vile hound, hast thou escap'd;


s: Thy doom was nigh, but thee thy God hath sav'd,


s: Phoebus, to whom, amid the clash of spears,


s: Well mayst thou pray! We yet shall meet again;


s: When I shall end thee, if a guardian God


s: I too may claim; meanwhile, from thee I turn,


s: And others seek on whom my hap may light."


s: He said, and drove through Dryops' neck his spear,


s: And stretch'd him at his feet, and pass'd him by.


s: Next with his spear he struck below the knee


s: Philetor's son, Demuchus, stout and tall,


s: And check'd his forward course; then rushing on


s: Dealt with his mighty sword the mortal blow.


s: And Dardanus, he hurl'd from off their car,


s: One with the spear, and one by sword-stroke slain.


s: Tros too he slew, Alastor's son, who came


s: To meet him, and embrace his knees, and pray


s: To spare his life, in pity of his youth:


s: Little he knew how vain would be his pray'r;


s: For not of temper soft, nor mild of mood


s: Was he, but sternly fierce; and as he knelt


s: And clasp'd his knees, and would his pray'r prefer,


s: Achilles clove him with his mighty sword,


s: Gash'd through the liver; as from out the wound


s: His liver dropp'd, the dark blood gushing forth


s: His bosom fill'd, and darkness clos'd his eyes,


s: As ebb'd his life away. Then through the ear


s: Mulius he thrust; at th' other ear came forth


s: Full on the centre of his head let fall.


s: The hot blood dy'd the blade; the darkling shades


s: Of death, and rig'rous fate, his eyes o'erspread.


s: Next, where the tendons bind the elbow-joint,


s: The brazen spear transfix'd Deucalion's arm;


s: With death in prospect, and disabled arm


s: He stood, till on his neck Achilles' sword


s: Descending, shar'd, and flung afar, both head


s: And helmet; from the spine's dissever'd joints


s: The marrow flow'd, as stretch'd in dust he lay.


s: Rigmus, who came from Thracia's fertile plains;


s: Him through the waist he struck, the brazen spear


s: Plung'd in his bowels; from the car he fell;


s: His horses turn'd, Achilles through the neck


s: His sharp spear thrusting, hurl'd him to the ground,


s: The startled steeds in wild confusion thrown.


s: Of some parch'd mountain's side, and fiercely burns


s: The copse-wood dry, while eddying here and there


s: The flames are whirl'd before the gusty wind;


s: Pursuing, slaught'ring; reek'd the earth with blood.


s: As when upon a well-roll'd threshing-floor,


s: Two sturdy-fronted steers, together yok'd,


s: Tread the white barley out; beneath their feet


s: Fast flies the grain out-trodden from the husk;


s: So by Achilles driv'n, his flying steeds


s: His chariot bore, o'er bodies of the slain


s: And broken bucklers trampling; all beneath


s: Was plash'd with blood the axle, and the rails


s: Around the car, as from the horses' feet


s: And from the felloes of the wheels were thrown


s: The bloody gouts; and onward still he press'd,


s: With gore and carnage his unconquer'd hands.


s: But when they came to eddying Xanthus' ford,


s: Fair-flowing stream, born of immortal Jove,


s: Part driving tow'rd the city, o'er the plain,


s: Where on the former day the routed Greeks,


s: When Hector rag'd victorious, fled amain.


s: On, terror-struck, they rush'd; but Juno spread,


s: To baffle their retreat, before their path,


s: Clouds and thick darkness: half the fugitives


s: In the deep river's silv'ry eddies plung'd:


s: With clamour loud they fell: the torrent roar'd;


s: The banks around re-echoed; here and there,


s: They, with the eddies wildly struggling, swam.


s: As when, pursued by fire, a hov'ring swarm


s: Of locusts riverward direct their flight,


s: And, as th' insatiate flames advance, they cow'r


s: The deeply-whirling stream, of Xanthus chok'd.


s: His spear amid the tamarisks on the bank


s: Arm'd with his sword alone, a God in pow'r,


s: He sprang amid the torrent; right and left


s: He smote; then fearful rose the groans of men


s: Slain with the sword; the stream ran red with blood.


s: In fear, for whom he catches he devours;


s: So crouch'd the Trojans in the mighty stream


s: Beneath the banks; and when at length his hand


s: Wearied of slaughter, from the stream, alive,


s: He dragg'd twelve youths, whose forfeit lives should be


s: The bloody fine for slain Patroclus paid.


s: Helpless from fear, as fawns, he brought them forth;


s: Their hands secur'd behind them with the belts


s: Which o'er their shirts of twisted mail they wore,


s: And bade his comrades lead them to the ships.


s: Then on again he dash'd, athirst for blood;


s: And first encounter'd, flying from the stream,


s: He by a nightly onslaught had surpris'd,


s: And from his father's vineyard captive borne:


s: Where, as he cut, to form his chariot rail,


s: A fig-tree's tender shoots, unlook'd-for ill


s: O'ertook him in the form of Peleus' son.


s: Thence in his ship to Lemnos' thriving isle


s: He bore him, ransom'd there by Jason's son.


s: Escaping thence, he reach'd his native home.


s: Twelve days save one, rejoicing, with his friends


s: He spent, return'd from Lemnos: fate, the twelfth,


s: From him, reluctant, to receive his death.


s: Him when Achilles, swift of foot, beheld,


s: No spear in hand, of helm and shield bereft,


s: All flung in haste away, as from the stream,


s: Reeking with sweat, and faint with toil, he fled,


s: He commun'd, wrathful, with his mighty heart:


s: "Ye Gods, what marvel do mine eyes behold!


s: Methinks the valiant Trojans slain by me


s: Ere long will from the realms of darkness rise;


s: Since, death escaping, but to slav'ry sold


s: In Lemnos' isle, this fellow hath return'd,


s: Which many a man against his will hath stay'd:


s: Now shall he taste my spear, that I may see


s: If thence too he return, or if the earth


s: May keep him safe, which e'en the strongest holds."


s: Thus, as he stood, he mus'd; but all aghast


s: Approach'd Lycaon; and would fain have clasp'd


s: The Hero's knees; for longingly he sought


s: Achilles rais'd his spear, in act to strike;


s: He, stooping, ran beneath, and clasp'd his knees;


s: Above his back the murd'rous weapon pass'd,


s: And in the earth was fix'd: one suppliant hand


s: Achilles' knees embrac'd; the other held,


s: With unrelaxing grasp, the pointed spear;


s: As he with winged words, imploring, spoke:


s: "I clasp thy knees, Achilles! look then down


s: Illustrious chief, a suppliant's sacred claim:


s: For in thy tent I first broke bread, that day,


s: When, in my father's fruitful vineyard seiz'd,


s: Far from my sire and friends, in Lemnos' isle.


s: At thrice so much I now would buy my life.


s: This day is but the twelfth, since, sorely tried


s: By lengthen'd suffering, back to Troy I came.


s: Now to thy hands once more my cruel fate


s: Consigns me; surely by the wrath of Jove


s: Pursued, who gives me to thy pow'r again.


s: Me, doom'd to early death, my mother bore,


s: His child of Priam's many wives was one;


s: Two sons she bore, and both by thee must die.


s: Amid the foremost ranks thy spear hath slain;


s: And now my doom hath found me; for from thee,


s: Since evil fate hath plac'd me in thy hands,


s: I may not hope to fly; yet hear but this,


s: And weigh it in thy mind, to spare my life:


s: I come not of that womb which Hector bore,


s: Who slew thy comrade, gentle, kind, and brave."


s: Thus Priam's noble son, imploring, spoke;


s: "Thou fool! no more to me of ransom prate!


s: To spare the Trojans still my soul inclin'd;


s: But from henceforth, before the walls of Troy,


s: Not one of all the Trojans, whom the Gods


s: Thou too, my friend, must die: why vainly wail?


s: Me too thou see'st, how stalwart, tall, and fair,


s: Yet must I yield to death and stubborn fate,


s: Whene'er, at morn, or noon, or eve, the spear


s: Or arrow from the bow may reach my life."


s: He said; and sank Lycaon's limbs and heart;


s: He loos'd the spear, and sat, with both his hands


s: Let fall his trenchant sword; the two-edg'd blade


s: Was buried deep; prone on the earth he lay;


s: Forth gush'd the crimson blood, and dyed the ground.


s: Him, dragging by the feet, Achilles threw


s: In the mid stream, and thus with vaunting speech:


s: "Lie there amid the fishes, who shall cleanse,


s: But not with kindly thought, thy gory wounds:


s: O'er thee, extended on thy bier, shall rise


s: No mother's wail; Scamander's eddying stream


s: Shall to the sea's broad bosom roll thee down;


s: And, springing through the darkly rippling wave,


s: Fishes shall rise, and banquet on thy flesh.


s: On now the work of death! till, flying ye,


s: And slaught'ring I, we reach the city wall.


s: Nor this fair-flowing, silver-eddying stream,


s: Shall aught avail ye, though to him ye pay


s: In sacrifice the blood of countless bulls,


s: Ye all shall perish, till Patroclus' death


s: Be fully aveng'd, and slaughter of the Greeks,


s: Whom, in my absence, by the ships ye slew."


s: Indignant chaf'd, and ponder'd in his mind


s: How best to check Achilles' warlike toil,


s: And from destruction guard the Trojan host.


s: Meantime Achilles with his pond'rous spear


s: To broadly-flowing Axius ow'd his birth,


s: The River-God commingling with the blood


s: He, from the river rising, stood oppos'd.


s: Two lances in his hand; his courage rous'd


s: By Xanthus, who, indignant, saw his stream


s: Polluted by the blood of slaughter'd youths,


s: By fierce Achilles' hand, unpitying, slain.


s: When near the warriors, each to other, came,


s: Achilles, swift of foot, took up the word:


s: "What man, and whence art thou, who dar'st to stand


s: The children they, who my encounter meet!"


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


s: From far Paeonia's fertile fields I come,


s: The leader of the long-spear'd Paeon host.


s: Ten days have pass'd since I to Ilium came.


s: Axius, the purest stream on earth that flows.


s: Address thee, brave Achilles, to the fight."


s: Threat'ning he spoke: Achilles rais'd on high


s: From either hand at once a jav'lin launch'd.


s: One struck, but pierc'd not through, the mighty shield,


s: Stay'd by the golden plate, the gift of Heav'n;


s: Achilles' right fore-arm the other graz'd:


s: Forth gush'd the crimson blood; but, glancing by


s: And vainly longing for the taste of flesh,


s: The point behind him in the earth was fix'd.


s: With deadly intent the son of Peleus threw


s: His straight-directed spear; his mark he miss'd,


s: But struck the lofty bank, where, deep infix'd


s: To half its length, the Pelian ash remain'd.


s: Then from beside his thigh Achilles drew


s: His trenchant blade, and, furious, onward rush'd;


s: In vain, with stalwart hand, to wrench the spear.


s: Three times he shook it with impetuous force,


s: Three times relax'd his grasp; a fourth attempt


s: He made to bend and break the sturdy shaft;


s: But him, preventing, Peleus' godlike son


s: With deadly stroke across the belly smote,


s: And gush'd his bowels forth; upon the ground


s: Gasping he lay, and darkness seal'd his eyes.


s: Then on his breast Achilles sprang, and stripp'd


s: His armour off, and thus with vaunting speech:


s: "So lie thou there! 'tis hard for thee to fight,


s: Thou claim'st as author of thy parentage;


s: My high descent from Jove himself I boast.


s: Reigns o'er the num'rous race of Myrmidons;


s: High o'er all rivers, that to th' ocean flow,


s: Superior is his race in pow'r to theirs.


s: If that might aught avail thee; but his pow'r


s: Is impotent to strive with Saturn's son.


s: With him, not Achelous, King of streams,


s: Presumes to vie; nor e'en the mighty strength


s: From whom all rivers, all the boundless sea,


s: All fountains, all deep wells derive their source;


s: Yet him appals the lightning bolt of Jove,


s: And thunder, pealing from the vault of Heav'n."


s: He said, and from the cliff withdrew his spear.


s: Him left he lifeless there upon the sand


s: Extended; o'er him the dark waters wash'd,


s: And eels and fishes, thronging, gnaw'd his flesh.


s: Then 'mid the Paeons' plumed host he rush'd,


s: Who fled along the eddying stream, when him,


s: Their bravest in the stubborn fight, they saw


s: Slain by the sword and arm of Peleus' son.


s: Had been the slaughter by Achilles wrought,


s: But from his eddying depths, in human form,


s: With wrathful tone the mighty River spoke:


s: "In strength, Achilles, and in deeds of arms,


s: All mortals thou surpassest; for the Gods


s: Themselves attend thee, and protect from harm;


s: The Trojans to destroy, yet, ere thou slay,


s: Far from my waters drive them o'er the plain;


s: For now my lovely stream is fill'd with dead;


s: With floating corpses chok'd, whilst thou pursuest


s: The work of death, insatiate: stay thy hand!


s: With horror I behold thee, mighty chief!"


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


s: "Be it as thou wilt, Scamander, Heav'n-born stream;


s: These vaunting Trojans to their walls, and prove


s: The force of Hector, if, in single fight,


s: He said, and fiercely on the Trojans rush'd,


s: A God in might! to Phoebus then his speech


s: The deeply-eddying River thus address'd:


s: "God of the silver bow, great son of Jove,


s: Obey'st thou thus the will of Saturn's son,


s: Who charg'd thee by the Trojans still to stand,


s: And aid their cause, till ev'ning's late approach


s: Should cast its shadows o'er the fertile earth?"


s: Thus as he spoke, from off the lofty bank


s: Achilles springing in mid current plung'd;


s: Then high the swelling stream, tumultuous, rose


s: As of a bellowing bull, cast forth to land


s: Conceal'd behind the whirling waters sav'd.


s: Fierce, round Achilles, rose the boiling wave,


s: And on his shield descending, drove him down;


s: Nor might he keep his foothold; but he grasp'd


s: A lofty elm, well-grown, which from the cliff


s: And with its tangled branches check'd the flow


s: Of the fair river, which with all its length


s: It bridg'd across; then, springing from the deep,


s: Swiftly he fled in terror o'er the plain.


s: Nor ceas'd the mighty River, but pursued,


s: With darkly-ruffling crest, intent to stay


s: Achilles' course, and save the Trojan host.


s: Far as a jav'lin's flight he rush'd, in speed


s: Like the dark hunter eagle, strongest deem'd,


s: And swiftest wing'd of all the feather'd race.


s: So on he sped; loud rattled on his breast


s: Cow'ring, he fled; the God behind him still


s: With thund'ring sound pursued. As when a man


s: From some dark-water'd spring through trenches leads,


s: 'Mid plants and gardens, th' irrigating stream,


s: Down flows the stream anon, its pebbly bed


s: Disturbing; fast it flows with bubbling sound,


s: Down the steep slope, o'ertaking him who leads.


s: Achilles so th' advancing wave o'ertook,


s: Though great his speed; but man must yield to Gods,


s: To turn and stand, and know if all the Gods,


s: Who dwell in Heav'n, were leagued to daunt his soul


s: So oft the Heav'n-born River's mighty wave


s: Above his shoulders dash'd; in deep distress


s: He sprang on high; then rush'd the flood below,


s: And bore him off his legs, and wore away


s: The soil beneath his feet; then, groaning, thus,


s: As up to Heav'n he look'd, Achilles cried:


s: "O Father Jove, will none of all the Gods


s: Content, thereafter, would I meet my fate.


s: Of all the pow'rs of Heav'n, my mother most


s: Hath wrong'd me, who hath buoy'd me up with hope


s: Delusive, that, before the walls of Troy,


s: I should by Phoebus' swift-wing'd arrows fall.


s: Would that by Hector's hand 'twere mine to die,


s: The bravest of their brave! a warrior so


s: Were by a warrior slain! now am I doom'd


s: O'erwhelming me, like some poor shepherd lad,


s: Borne down in crossing by a wintry brook."


s: He said; and quickly, cloth'd in mortal form,


s: Neptune and Pallas at his side appear'd;


s: With cheering words they took him by the hand,


s: And thus th' Earth-shaking God his speech began:


s: "Achilles, fear not thou, nor be dismay'd;


s: Such pow'rful aid, by Jove's consent, we bring,


s: Pallas and I, from Heav'n; 'tis not decreed


s: That thou shouldst by the River be o'erwhelm'd;


s: He shall retire ere long, and thou shalt see;


s: And more, if thou wilt hear, we undertake


s: That from the war thine arm shall not be stay'd,


s: Till thou shalt drive beneath the walls of Troy


s: The crowd of flying Trojans; thou thyself


s: Shalt Hector slay, and safe regain the ships:


s: Such high renown we give thee to achieve."


s: They to the other Gods, this said, return'd;


s: He, greatly strengthen'd by the voice divine,


s: Press'd onwards to the plain; the plain he found


s: All flooded o'er; and, floating, armour fair,


s: And many a corpse of men in battle slain;


s: Yet onward, lifting high his feet, he press'd


s: Right tow'rd the stream; nor could the mighty stream


s: Check his advance, such vigour Pallas gave;


s: But fiercer rose his rage; and rearing high


s: His crested wave, to Simois thus he cried:


s: This mortal's course to check; he, unrestrain'd,


s: Nor will the Trojans his assault endure.


s: Haste to the rescue then, and from their source


s: Fill all thy stream, and all thy channels swell;


s: Rouse thy big waves, and roll a torrent down


s: Of logs and stones, to whelm this man of might,


s: Who triumphs now, and bears him as a God.


s: Nought shall his strength or beauty then avail,


s: Or gallant arms, beneath the waters sunk,


s: In sand imbed, and o'er his corpse a pile


s: Of shingly gravel heap; nor shall the Greeks


s: They here may raise; but when they celebrate


s: His fun'ral rites, no mound will he require."


s: Came boiling, rushing down, with thund'ring roar,


s: With foam and blood and corpses intermix'd.


s: High rose the Heav'n-born River's darkling wave,


s: And bore Achilles downward; then in fear


s: Lest the broad waters of the eddying stream


s: Should quite o'erwhelm him, Juno cried aloud,


s: And Vulcan thus, her son, in haste address'd:


s: "Up, Vulcan; up, my son; for we had deem'd


s: That eddying Xanthus stood to thee oppos'd:


s: Haste thee to aid; thy fiery strength display;


s: While from the sea I call the stormy blast


s: Of Zephyr and brisk Notus, who shall drive


s: The Trojans and their arms: do thou the while


s: Burn down the trees on Xanthus' banks; himself


s: Assail with fire, nor by his honey'd words


s: Nor, till thou hear my voice, restrain thy pow'r;


s: Then stay the raging flames' unwearied course."


s: Thus Juno spoke; and Vulcan straight prepar'd


s: The heav'nly fire; and first upon the plain


s: The flames he kindled, and the dead consum'd,


s: Who lay, promiscuous, by Achilles slain:


s: The plain was dried, and stay'd the wat'ry flood.


s: As when the breath of Boreas quickly dries


s: The tiller's heart rejoicing: so was dried


s: The spacious plain; then he, the dead consum'd,


s: Against the river turn'd the fiery glare:


s: Burnt were the willows, elms, and tamarisk shrubs,


s: The eels and fishes, 'mid the eddying whirl,


s: 'Mid the clear wave were hurrying here and there,


s: In dire distress from Vulcan's fiery breath:


s: Scorch'd by the flames, the mighty River spoke:


s: "Vulcan, no God against thy pow'r can stand,


s: Nor with thy fiery flames will I contend;


s: Restrain thy wrath; though Peleus' godlike son


s: Should from their city drive the Trojans straight,


s: With rival parties what concern have I?"


s: All scorch'd he spoke; his fair stream bubbling up,


s: Fill'd with the melting fat of well-fed swine,


s: Boils up within, and bubbles all around,


s: With well-dried wood beneath, so bubbling up


s: Nor onward would he flow, but check'd his course,


s: By the hot blast o'er-borne, and fiery strength


s: Imploring, he his winged words address'd:


s: "Juno, what cause impels thy son, my stream,


s: O'er all the rest, to visit with his wrath?


s: E'en less than others who the Trojans aid,


s: Will I withdraw; but bid that he too cease;


s: And this I swear, no Trojan more to save,


s: Though to devouring flames a prey, all Troy


s: Were blazing, kindled by the valiant Greeks."


s: This when the white-arm'd Goddess Juno heard,


s: To Vulcan straight she thus address'd her speech:


s: "Vulcan, my glorious son, restrain thy hand:


s: She said, and Vulcan stay'd his fiery strength,


s: Flow'd the fair River. Xanthus thus subdued,


s: These two their warfare ceas'd, by Juno check'd,


s: Despite her wrath; but 'mid the other Gods


s: Arose contention fierce, and discord dire,


s: Their warring passions rous'd on either side.


s: With fearful crash they met: the broad Earth groan'd;


s: Loud rang the Heav'n as with a trumpet's sound:


s: Jove, on Olympus' height, the tumult heard,


s: And in his heart he laugh'd a joyous laugh,


s: Not long they stood aloof, led on by Mars


s: The buckler-breaker, who to Pallas first,


s: Poising his spear, his bitter speech address'd:


s: "What dost thou here, thou saucy jade, to war


s: Led by thy haughty spirit? dost thou forget


s: Didst urge against me, and with visible spear


s: Direct his aim, and aid to wound my flesh?


s: For all I suffer'd then, thou now shalt pay."


s: Thus as he spoke, he struck the tassell'd shield,


s: Awful to view, which not the lightning bolt


s: Of Jove himself could pierce: the blood-stain'd Mars


s: Against it thrust in vain his pond'rous spear.


s: The Goddess stoop'd, and in her ample hand


s: Took up a stone, that lay upon the plain,


s: Dark, rugged, vast, which men of elder days


s: Had set to mark the limits of their land.


s: Full on the neck of Mars she hurl'd the mass,


s: His limbs relaxing: o'er sev'n hundred feet


s: Prostrate he lay, his hair defil'd with dust:


s: Loud rang his armour; and with scornful smile


s: Pallas address'd him thus with vaunting speech:


s: "Fool, hast thou yet to learn how mightier far


s: My strength than thine, that me thou dar'st to meet?


s: Bear thus the burthen of thy mother's curse,


s: Who works thee harm, in wrath that thou the Greeks


s: Deserting, aid'st the haughty Trojans' cause."


s: She said, and turn'd away her piercing glance:


s: Him, deeply groaning, scarce to life restor'd,


s: Jove's daughter Venus taking by the hand,


s: Led from the field; which when the white-arm'd Queen


s: Beheld, in haste to Pallas thus she cried:


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


s: Amid the press, the bane of mortals, Mars


s: Leads from the field; but haste thee in pursuit."


s: Well pleas'd; and Venus with her pow'rful hand


s: Assailing, struck upon the breast; at once


s: The Goddess' courage and her limbs gave way.


s: There on the ground the two together lay,


s: While Pallas o'er them thus with vaunting speech:


s: "Would all were such, who aid the Trojan cause,


s: Whene'er they meet in fight the warlike Greeks,


s: As valiant and as stout as Venus proves,


s: Who brings her aid to Mars, confronting me;


s: Then had our warlike labours long been o'er,


s: And Ilium's strong-built citadel overthrown."


s: Thus Pallas spoke: the white-arm'd Goddess smil'd,


s: And to Apollo thus th' Earth-shaker spoke:


s: And shame it were, that to Olympus' height


s: Thou then begin, as younger: 'twere not well


s: For me, in age and practice more advanc'd.


s: Feeble of soul, how senseless is thy heart!


s: Hast thou forgotten all the cruel wrongs


s: We two, alone of all th' Immortals, bore,


s: When here, in Ilium, for a year, we serv'd,


s: For promis'd hire; and he our tasks assign'd?


s: His fortress, and a wall both broad and fair


s: I built, the town's impregnable defence;


s: While thou didst on his plodding herds attend,


s: But when the joyous seasons, in their course,


s: Had brought our labour's term, the haughty King


s: Denied our guerdon, and with threats dismiss'd.


s: Bound hand and foot, he threaten'd thee to send


s: And sell to slav'ry in the distant isles,


s: And with the sword cut off the ears of both.


s: Robb'd of the hire he promis'd, but denied.


s: For this thy favour dost thou show to Troy;


s: And dost not rather join thy force to ours,


s: That down upon their knees the Trojans all


s: Should perish, with their babes and matrons chaste."


s: Whom answer'd thus the far-destroying King:


s: "Earth-shaking God, I should not gain with thee


s: The esteem of wise, if I with thee should fight


s: For mortal men; poor wretches, who like leaves


s: Flourish awhile, and eat the fruits of earth,


s: But, sapless, soon decay: from combat then


s: Refrain we, and to others leave the strife."


s: He turn'd, thus saying: for he deem'd it shame


s: But him his sister, Goddess of the chase,


s: Rebuk'd, and thus with scornful speech address'd:


s: "Fliest thou, Apollo? and to Neptune leav'st


s: Why o'er thy shoulder hangs thine idle bow?


s: Ne'er in our father's halls again, as erst


s: Among th' Immortals, let me hear thee boast


s: How thou with Neptune wouldst in arms contend."


s: But Jove's imperial consort, fill'd with wrath,


s: Assail'd with bitter words the Archer-Queen.


s: "How canst thou dare, thou saucy minx, to stand


s: Oppos'd to me, too great for thine assault,


s: Despite thy bow? though Jove hath giv'n thee pow'r


s: O'er feeble women, whom thou wilt, to slay,


s: To chase the mountain beasts and flying hinds,


s: Than thy superiors thus to meet in arms,


s: But since thou dar'st confront me, thou shalt know


s: And feel how far my might surpasses thine."


s: She said; and with the left hand both the wrists


s: The bow and quiver from her shoulders tore;


s: And with them, as she turn'd away her head,


s: With scornful laughter buffeted her ears:


s: The arrows keen were scatter'd on the ground:


s: Weeping, the Goddess fled; as flies a dove


s: The hawk's pursuit, and in a hollow rock


s: Finds refuge, doom'd not yet to fall a prey;


s: So, weeping, Dian fled, and left her bow.


s: I strive not; shame it were to meet in fight


s: Freely amid th' Immortals make thy boast,


s: That by thy prowess thou hast vanquish'd me."


s: And fallen arrows, scatter'd here and there


s: Amid the whirling dust; then, these regain'd,


s: Following her daughter, from the field withdrew.


s: Meanwhile to high Olympus fled the Maid,


s: And to the brazen-floor'd abode of Jove.


s: There, weeping, on her father's knees she sat,


s: While quiver'd round her form th' ambrosial robe.


s: The son of Saturn tow'rds him drew his child,


s: And thus, with gracious smile, enquiry made:


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


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


s: To whom the bright-crown'd Goddess of the chase:


s: "Thy wife, my father, white-arm'd Juno; she


s: Hath dealt thus rudely with me; she, from whom


s: All jars and strife among the Gods proceed."


s: Such converse while they held, the gates of Troy


s: Alarm'd, lest e'en against the will of fate


s: The Greeks that day should raze it to the ground.


s: Triumphant these, and those in angry mood,


s: And took their seats before the cloud-girt Sire.


s: But on the Trojans pressing, Peleus' son


s: Horses and men alike, promiscuous, slew.


s: Have fir'd, whose volleying smoke ascends to Heav'n,


s: On all her people grievous toil is cast,


s: On many, harm and loss; such toil, such loss


s: By fierce Achilles driven in flight confused,


s: Their courage quite subdued, the Trojan host:


s: Then, groaning, from the tow'r he hasten'd down,


s: And to the warders cried along the wall:


s: "Stand to the gates, and hold them open'd wide,


s: That in the crowd of fugitives may pour,


s: And refuge find; for close upon their flight


s: But while our friends, receiv'd within the walls,


s: Find time to breathe again, replace in haste


s: That man of blood may e'en the city storm."


s: He said; the gates they open'd, and drew back


s: The solid bars; the portals, op'ning wide,


s: Let in the light; but in the vacant space


s: The flyers, parch'd with thirst and dust-begrim'd,


s: Straight for the city and the lofty wall


s: Made from the plain; Achilles, spear in hand,


s: Press'd hotly on the rearmost; for his soul


s: With rage was fill'd, and madd'ning lust of fame.


s: The sons of Greece had won; but Phoebus rous'd


s: Agenor's spirit, a valiant youth and strong,


s: With dauntless courage, and beside him stood


s: As, veil'd in cloud, against the oak he lean'd.


s: Yet firmly stood, though much perplex'd in mind,


s: As thus he commun'd with his mighty heart:


s: Before Achilles' might, where fly the rest


s: Across the plain, disorder'd, he would soon


s: O'ertake me, and in flight ignoble slay.


s: Or should I leave the others to their fate,


s: Scatter'd by Peleus' son; and from the wall


s: And o'er the plain of Troy direct my flight,


s: Far as the foot of Ida's hill, and there


s: Refresh'd by bathing in the cooling stream,


s: And purg'd the sweat, retrace my steps to Troy?


s: Yet why, my soul, admit such thoughts as these?


s: For should he mark me flying from the town,


s: No hope were left me of escape from death.


s: So far his strength exceeds the strength of man.


s: Before the wall? his flesh is not to wounds


s: Nor is he more, they say, than mortal man,


s: Though Jove assists him, and his triumph wills."


s: With courage fill'd, was eager for the fray.


s: As when a panther from the thicket's depth


s: Comes forth to meet the hunter, undismay'd,


s: Nor turn'd to flight by baying of the hounds;


s: Or by the spear transfix'd, remits her rage,


s: But fights, until she reach her foe, or die;


s: Disdain'd to fly, ere prove Achilles' might.


s: Before his breast his shield's broad orb he bore,


s: And pois'd his spear, as thus he call'd aloud:


s: "Thy hope, renown'd Achilles, was this day


s: Unconscious of the toils, the woes, that ye


s: Are warriors brave and num'rous, who will fight


s: In her defence, for parents, children, wives.


s: Thou too, Achilles, here shalt meet thy doom,


s: All-pow'rful as thou art, and warrior bold."


s: He said, and threw with stalwart hand the spear;


s: Achilles' leg he struck, below the knee,


s: Nor miss'd his aim; and loudly rang the greaves


s: Of new-wrought tin; but back the brazen point


s: Rebounded, nor the heav'nly armour pierc'd.


s: But Phoebus robb'd him of his hop'd-for prize,


s: Who, veil'd in thickest cloud, convey'd away


s: To rest in peace; while he by guile withdrew


s: The son of Peleus from the flying crowd:


s: Before him stood the far-destroying King:


s: Then fled, Achilles hast'ning in pursuit.


s: He o'er the fertile plain with flying foot


s: Pursu'd; beside Scamander's eddying stream


s: Apollo turn'd, and still but little space


s: Meantime the gen'ral crowd, in panic flight,


s: With eager haste the city's refuge sought,


s: And all the town with fugitives was fill'd.


s: Nor did they dare without the walls to stand


s: For mutual aid; nor halt to know what friends


s: Were safe, who left upon the battle-field;


s: But through the gates pour'd in the hurrying mass


s: Who to their active limbs their safety ow'd.


s: Thus they from panic flight, like timorous fawns.


s: Within the walls escaping, dried their sweat,


s: And drank, and quench'd their thirst, reclining safe


s: On the fair battlements; but nearer drew,


s: With slanted shields, the Greeks; yet Hector still


s: Stay'd by his evil doom, remain'd without;


s: Then Phoebus thus to Peleus' godlike son:


s: Thou mortal, me Immortal? know'st thou not


s: Or heed'st thou not that all the Trojan host


s: Whom thou hast scar'd, while thou art here withdrawn,


s: Within the walls a refuge safe have found?


s: On me thy sword is vain! I know not death!"


s: Enrag'd, Achilles, swift of foot, replied:


s: Most hostile of the Gods, that at thy hand


s: I bear, who here hast lur'd me from the walls,


s: Which many a Trojan else had fail'd to reach,


s: Ere by my hand they bit the bloody dust.


s: And them, thyself from vengeance safe, hast sav'd.


s: Had I the pow'r, that vengeance thou shouldst feel."


s: Thus saying, and on mightiest deeds intent,


s: He turn'd him city-ward, with fiery speed;


s: As when a horse, contending for the prize,


s: Whirls the swift car, and stretches o'er the plain,


s: E'en so, with active limbs, Achilles rac'd.


s: Him first the aged Priam's eyes discern'd,


s: Scouring the plain, in arms all dazzling bright,


s: Like to th' autumnal star, whose brilliant ray


s: The brightest he, but sign to mortal man


s: So shone the brass upon the warrior's breast.


s: The old man groan'd aloud, and lifting high


s: His hands, he beat his head, and with loud voice


s: Call'd on his son, imploring; he, unmov'd,


s: Held post before the gates, awaiting there


s: Achilles' fierce encounter; him his sire,


s: With hands outstretch'd and piteous tone, address'd:


s: That warrior's charge, lest thou to fate succumb,


s: Accurs'd be he! would that th' immortal Gods


s: So favour'd him as I! then should his corpse


s: Soon to the vultures and the dogs be giv'n!


s: (So should my heart a load of anguish lose)


s: Many and brave, whom he has slain, or sold


s: To distant isles in slav'ry; and e'en now,


s: If haply yet they live, with brass and gold


s: Their ransom shall be paid; good store of these


s: We can command; for with his daughter fair


s: But to the viewless shades should they have gone,


s: Deep were their mother's sorrow and my own;


s: Far lighter were the grief, than if they heard


s: That thou hadst fall'n beneath Achilles' hand.


s: Be still the guardian; nor to Peleus' son,


s: With thine own life, immortal glory give.


s: E'en on the threshold of mine age, hath Jove


s: My sons struck down, my daughters dragg'd away


s: In servile bonds; our chambers' sanctity


s: Dash'd to the ground; and by ferocious Greeks


s: Enslav'd the widows of my slaughter'd sons.


s: On me at last the rav'ning dogs shall feed,


s: When by some foeman's hand, by sword or lance,


s: Those very dogs which I myself have bred,


s: Shall lap my blood, and over-gorg'd shall lie


s: E'en on my threshold. That a youth should fall


s: Victim, to Mars, beneath a foeman's spear,


s: May well beseem his years; and if he fall


s: With honour, though he die, yet glorious he!


s: But when the hoary head and hoary beard,


s: And naked corpse to rav'ning dogs are giv'n,


s: No sadder sight can wretched mortals see."


s: The old man spoke, and from, his head he tore


s: The hoary hair; yet Hector firm remain'd.


s: Then to the front his mother rush'd, in tears,


s: Her bosom bare, with either hand her breast


s: Sustaining, and with tears address'd him thus:


s: "Hector, my child, thy mother's breast revere;


s: Have e'er been hush'd, bear now in mind, dear child,


s: The debt thou ow'st; and from within the walls


s: Ward off this fearful man, nor in the field


s: Encounter; curs'd be he! should he prevail,


s: And slay thee, not upon the fun'ral bed,


s: My child, my own, the offspring of my womb,


s: Shall I deplore thee, nor thy widow'd wife,


s: Thy corpse shall to the rav'ning dogs be giv'n."


s: Thus they, with tears and earnest pray'rs imploring,


s: Address'd their son; yet Hector firm remain'd,


s: Waiting th' approach of Peleus' godlike son.


s: With deadly venom charg'd, beside his hole,


s: Awaits the traveller, and fill'd with rage,


s: Coil'd round his hole, his baleful glances darts;


s: So fill'd with dauntless courage Hector stood,


s: Scorning retreat, his gleaming buckler propp'd


s: Against the jutting tow'r; then, deeply mov'd,


s: Thus with his warlike soul communion held:


s: The city gates, I should the just reproach


s: His counsel gave within the walls to lead


s: When great Achilles in the field appear'd.


s: Now, since my folly hath the people slain,


s: I well might blush to meet the Trojan men,


s: And long-rob'd dames of Troy, lest some might say,


s: To Hector's blind self-confidence we owe.'


s: Thus shall they say; for me, 'twere better far,


s: And stubborn helmet, and my pond'rous spear


s: Propping against the wall, go forth to meet


s: Th' unmatch'd Achilles? What if I engage


s: That Helen's self, and with her all the spoil,


s: Brought here to Troy, whence first this war arose,


s: Should be restor'd; and to the Greeks be paid


s: An ample tribute from the city's stores,


s: Her secret treasures; and hereafter bind


s: The Trojans by their Elders' solemn oaths


s: Nought to withhold, but fairly to divide


s: Whate'er of wealth our much-loved city holds?


s: But wherefore entertain such thoughts, my soul?


s: Should I so meet him, what if he should show


s: Nor pity nor remorse, but slay me there,


s: Not this the time, nor he the man, with whom


s: By forest oak or rock, like youth and maid,


s: To hold light talk, as youth and maid might hold.


s: Better to dare the fight, and know at once


s: To whom the vict'ry is decreed by Heav'n."


s: Thus, as he stood, he mus'd; but near approach'd


s: From his right shoulder brandishing aloft


s: Flash'd his bright armour, dazzling as the glare


s: Hector beheld, and trembled at the sight;


s: Nor dar'd he there await th' attack, but left


s: The gates behind, and, terror-stricken, fled.


s: Forward, with flying foot, Pelides rush'd.


s: As when a falcon, bird of swiftest flight,


s: From some high mountain-top, on tim'rous dove


s: Swoops fiercely down; she, from beneath, in fear,


s: Evades the stroke; he, dashing through the brake,


s: Shrill-shrieking, pounces on his destin'd prey;


s: So, wing'd with desp'rate hate, Achilles flew,


s: So Hector, flying from his keen pursuit,


s: Beneath the walls his active sinews plied.


s: They by the watch-tow'r, and beneath the wall


s: Where stood the wind-beat fig-tree, rac'd amain


s: Along the public road, until they reach'd


s: The fairly-flowing fount whence issu'd forth,


s: From double source, Scamander's eddying streams.


s: One with hot current flows, and from beneath,


s: As from a furnace, clouds of steam arise;


s: As hail, or snow, or water crystalliz'd;


s: Beside the fountains stood the washing-troughs


s: Of well-wrought stone, where erst the wives of Troy


s: And daughters fair their choicest garments wash'd,


s: In peaceful times, ere came the sons of Greece.


s: There rac'd they, one in flight, and one pursuing;


s: Good he who fled, but better who pursu'd,


s: With fiery speed; for on that race was stak'd


s: The prize at stake was mighty Hector's life.


s: Around the course, contending for the prize,


s: So rac'd they thrice around the walls of Troy


s: With active feet; and all the Gods beheld.


s: Then thus began the Sire of Gods and men:


s: I love in flight around the walls! my heart


s: For Hector grieves, who, now upon the crown


s: On Ilium's heights, with fat of choicest bulls


s: Hath pil'd mine altar; whom around the walls,


s: Give me your counsel, Gods, and say, from death


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


s: "O Father, lightning-flashing, cloud-girt King,


s: What words are these? wouldst thou a mortal man,


s: Long doom'd by fate, again from death preserve?


s: Do as thou wilt, but not with our consent."


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied:


s: "Be of good cheer, my child! unwillingly


s: Have then thy will, and draw not back thy hand."


s: His words fresh impulse gave to Pallas' zeal,


s: And from Olympus' heights in haste she sped.


s: Meanwhile on Hector, with untiring hate.


s: The swift Achilles press'd: as when a hound,


s: Through glen and tangled brake, pursues a fawn,


s: Rous'd from its lair upon the mountain side;


s: Low crouching in the copse, yet quests he back,


s: Searching unwearied, till he find the trace;


s: So Hector sought to baffle, but in vain,


s: Oft as he sought the shelter of the gates