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


s: And stood accoutred for the bloody fray.


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


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


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


s: Forthwith spontaneous opening, grated harsh


s: The heavenly portals, guarded by the Hours,


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


s: To roll aside or close the veil of cloud;


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


s: From Ida's heights the son of Saturn saw,


s: And, fill'd with wrath, the heav'nly messenger,


s: "Haste thee, swift Iris; turn them back, and warn


s: That farther they advance not: 'tis not meet


s: That they and I in war should be oppos'd.


s: This too I say, and will make good my words:


s: Their flying horses I will lame; themselves


s: Dash from their car, and break their chariot-wheels;


s: And ten revolving years heal not the wound


s: Where strikes my lightning; so shall Pallas learn


s: What 'tis against her father to contend.


s: Whate'er I plan, 'tis still her wont to thwart."


s: The storm-swift Iris on her errand sped.


s: She met the Goddesses, and stay'd their course,


s: And thus convey'd the sov'reign will of Jove:


s: "Whither away? what madness fills your breasts?


s: To give the Greeks your succour, Jove forbids;


s: And thus he threatens, and will make it good:


s: Your flying horses he will lame; yourselves


s: Dash from the car, and break your chariot-wheels;


s: And ten revolving years heal not the wounds


s: His lightning makes: so, Pallas, shalt thou learn


s: What 'tis against thy father to contend.


s: Juno less moves his wonder and his wrath;


s: Whate'er he plans, 'tis still her wont to thwart;


s: But over-bold and void of shame art thou,


s: If against Jove thou dare to lift thy spear."


s: Thus as she spoke, swift Iris disappear'd.


s: Then Juno thus to Pallas spoke: "No more,


s: For mortal men his sov'reign will resist;


s: Live they or die, as each man's fate may be;


s: While he, 'twixt Greeks and Trojans, as 'tis meet,


s: His own designs accomplishing, decides."


s: She said, and backward turn'd her horses' heads.


s: The horses from the car the Hours unyok'd,


s: And safely tether'd in the heav'nly stalls;


s: The car they rear'd against the inner wall,


s: That brightly polish'd shone; the Goddesses


s: Themselves meanwhile, amid th' Immortals all,


s: With, sorrowing hearts on golden seats reclin'd.


s: Ere long, on swiftly-rolling chariot borne,


s: From Ida's height return'd: th' earth-shaking God,


s: Neptune, unyok'd his steeds; and on the stand


s: Secur'd the car, and spread the cov'ring o'er.


s: Then on his golden throne all-seeing Jove


s: Sat down; beneath his feet Olympus shook.


s: Jove knew their thoughts, and thus address'd them both:


s: No lengthen'd toil have ye sustain'd, to slay


s: The Trojans, whom your deadly hate pursues.


s: Could turn me from my purpose, such my might,


s: And such the pow'r of my resistless hand;


s: But ye were struck with terror ere ye saw


s: The battle-field, and fearful deeds of war.


s: But this I say, and bear it in your minds,


s: Had I my lightning launch'd, and from your car


s: Had hurl'd ye down, ye ne'er had reach'd again


s: Olympus' height, th' immortal Gods' abode."


s: So spoke the God; but, seated side by side,


s: Sat silent, and, though inly wroth with Jove,


s: Yet answer'd not a word; but Juno's breast


s: Could not contain her rage, and thus she spoke:


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


s: Yet deeply grieve we for the warlike Greeks,


s: Condemn'd to hopeless ruin: from the fight,


s: Since such is thy command, we stand aloof;


s: But yet some saving counsel may we give,


s: Lest in thine anger thou destroy them quite."


s: To whom the Cloud-compeller thus replied:


s: "Yet greater slaughter, stag-ey'd Queen of Heav'n,


s: To-morrow shalt thou see, if so thou list,


s: Wrought on the warrior Greeks by Saturn's son;


s: For Hector's proud career shall not be check'd


s: When round Patroclus' corpse, in narrow space,


s: E'en by the vessels' sterns, the war shall rage.


s: I reck not of thy wrath; nor should I care


s: Though thou wert thrust beneath the lowest deep


s: Though there thou wert to banishment consign'd,


s: I should not heed, but thy reproaches hear


s: Unmov'd; for viler thing is none than thou."


s: He said, but white-arm'd Juno answer'd not.


s: The sun, now sunk beneath the ocean wave,


s: Drew o'er the teeming earth the veil of night.


s: The Trojans saw, reluctant, day's decline;


s: But on the Greeks thrice welcome, thrice invoked


s: With earnest prayers, the shades of darkness fell.


s: The Trojan leaders; from the ships apart


s: He led them, by the eddying river's side,


s: To a clear space of ground, from corpses free.


s: They from their cars dismounting, to the words


s: His massive spear he held, twelve cubits long,


s: Whose glitt'ring point flash'd bright, with hoop of gold


s: Encircled round; on this he leant, and said,


s: I hop'd that to the breezy heights of Troy


s: We might ere now in triumph have return'd,


s: The Grecian ships and all the Greeks destroy'd:


s: But night hath come too soon, and sav'd awhile


s: The Grecian army and their stranded ships.


s: Then yield we to the night; prepare the meal;


s: Unyoke your horses, and before them place


s: Their needful forage; from the city bring


s: Oxen and sheep; the luscious wine provide;


s: Bring bread from out our houses; and collect


s: Good store of fuel, that the livelong night,


s: E'en till the dawn of day, may broadly blaze


s: Our num'rous watchfires, and illume the Heav'ns;


s: Lest, e'en by night, the long-hair'd Greeks should seek


s: Nor undisturb'd; but haply some may bear,


s: E'en to their homes, the mem'ry of a wound


s: Receiv'd from spear or arrow, as on board


s: They leap'd in haste; and others too may fear


s: To tempt with hostile arms the pow'r of Troy.


s: Then let the sacred heralds' voice proclaim


s: Throughout the city, that the stripling youths


s: In sev'ral watches to the Heav'n-built tow'rs.


s: Charge too the women, in their houses each,


s: To kindle blazing fires; let careful watch


s: Be set, lest, in the absence of the men,


s: Such, valiant Trojans, is th' advice I give;


s: And what to-night your wisdom shall approve


s: Will I, at morn, before the Trojans speak.


s: Hopeful, to Jove I pray, and all the Gods,


s: To chase from hence these fate-inflicted hounds,


s: By fate sent hither on their dark-ribb'd ships.


s: Now keep we through the night our watchful guard;


s: And with the early dawn, equipp'd in arms,


s: Then shall I know if Tydeus' valiant son


s: Back from the ships shall drive me to the walls,


s: Or I, triumphant, bear his bloody spoils:


s: But ere to-morrow's sun be high in Heav'n,


s: He, 'mid the foremost, if I augur right,


s: Wounded and bleeding in the dust shall lie,


s: And many a comrade round him. Would to Heav'n


s: The coming day is fraught with ill to Greece."


s: Thus Hector spoke; the Trojans shouted loud:


s: Then from the yoke the sweating steeds they loos'd,


s: And tether'd each beside their sev'ral cars:


s: Next from the city speedily they brought


s: Oxen and sheep; the luscious wine procur'd;


s: Brought bread from out their houses, and good store


s: Of fuel gather'd; wafted from the plain,


s: The winds to Heav'n the sav'ry odours bore.


s: Full of proud hopes, upon the pass of war,


s: All night they camp'd; and frequent blaz'd their fires.


s: As when in Heav'n, around the glitt'ring moon


s: The stars shine bright amid the breathless air;


s: Stands boldly forth, and ev'ry forest glade;


s: Ev'n to the gates of Heav'n is open'd wide


s: The boundless sky; shines each particular star


s: Distinct; joy fills the gazing shepherd's heart.


s: So bright, so thickly scatter'd o'er the plain,


s: Before the walls of Troy, between the ships


s: And Xanthus' stream, the Trojan watchfires blaz'd.


s: A thousand fires burnt brightly; and round each


s: Champing the provender before them laid,


s: Barley and rye, the tether'd horses stood


s: Beside the cars, and waited for the morn.


s: Achilles, who notwithstanding retains Phoenix in his tent. The


s: Thus kept their watch, the Trojans; but the Greeks


s: Dire Panic held, companion of chill Fear,


s: Their bravest struck with grief unbearable.


s: As when two stormy winds ruffle the sea,


s: Boreas and Zephyr, from the hills of Thrace


s: With sudden gust descending; the dark waves


s: Rear high their angry crests, and toss on shore


s: Masses of tangled weed; such stormy grief


s: The breast of ev'ry Grecian warrior rent.


s: Atrides, heart-struck, wander'd to and fro,


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


s: To call, but not with proclamation loud,


s: Spar'd not his labour, mixing with the chiefs.


s: Weeping, arose; as some dark-water'd fount


s: Pours o'er a craggy steep its gloomy stream;


s: Then with deep groans th' assembled Greeks address'd:


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


s: Grievous, and all unlook'd for, is the blow


s: Which Jove hath dealt me; by his promise led


s: I hop'd to raze the strong-built walls of Troy,


s: Dishonour'd, and with grievous loss of men.


s: Such now appears th' o'er-ruling sov'reign will


s: Of Saturn's son, who oft hath sunk the heads


s: And yet will sink; for mighty is his hand.


s: Home to direct our course: since here in vain


s: We strive to take the well-built walls of Troy."


s: The monarch spoke; they all in silence heard:


s: In speechless sorrow long they sat: at length


s: As is my right, in council: thou, O King!


s: Thou heldest light my prowess, with the name


s: Is known to all the Greeks, both young and old.


s: In diff'ring measure hath his gifts bestow'd:


s: A throne he gives thee, higher far than all;


s: But valour, noblest boon of Heav'n, denies.


s: How canst thou hope the sons of Greece shall prove


s: If homeward to return thy mind be fix'd,


s: Which from Mycenae follow'd thee in crowds,


s: Are close at hand, and ready to be launch'd.


s: Yet will the other long-hair'd Greeks remain


s: Till Priam's city fall: nay, though the rest


s: Betake them to their ships, and sail for home,


s: Till Troy be ours; for Heav'n is on our side."


s: Thus he; the sons of Greece, with loud applause,


s: Must yield to thee; thy present words, no Greek


s: Can censure, or gainsay; and yet the end


s: Thou hast not reach'd, and object of debate.


s: But thou art young, and for thine age mightst be


s: My latest born; yet dost thou to the Kings


s: Sage counsel give, and well in season speak.


s: But now will I, that am thine elder far,


s: Go fully through the whole; and none my words


s: Outcast from kindred, law, and hearth is he


s: Whose soul delights in fierce internal strife.


s: But yield we now to th' influence of night:


s: Prepare the meal; and let the sev'ral guards


s: Be posted by the ditch, without the wall.


s: For thou art King supreme; the Elders all,


s: As meet and seemly, to the feast invite:


s: Thy tents are full of wine, which Grecian ships


s: O'er the wide sea bring day by day from Thrace;


s: Nor lack'st thou aught thy guests to entertain,


s: And many own thy sway; when all are met,


s: His counsel take, who gives the best advice;


s: Great need we have of counsel wise and good,


s: When close beside our ships the hostile fires


s: Are burning: who can this unmov'd behold?


s: This night our ruin or our safety sees."


s: He said; and they, assenting, heard his speech.


s: Forth with their followers went th' appointed guards,


s: Sev'n were the leaders; and with each went forth


s: A hundred gallant youths, with lances arm'd.


s: Between the ditch and wall they took their post;


s: There lit their fires, and there the meal prepar'd.


s: Then for th' assembled Elders in his tent


s: They on the viands, set before them, fell:


s: The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,


s: The aged Nestor first his mind disclos'd


s: He who, before, the sagest counsel gave,


s: Now thus with prudent words began, and said:


s: With thee, Atrides, my discourse shall end,


s: Hold'st sov'reign sway; since Jove to thee hath giv'n


s: To be thy people's judge and counsellor,


s: 'Tis thine to speak the word, 'tis thine to hear


s: Suggestions offers in the gen'ral cause:


s: What counsel shall prevail, depends on thee:


s: Yet will I say what seems to me the best.


s: Sounder opinion none can hold than this,


s: Which I maintain, and ever have maintain'd,


s: Ev'n from the day when thou, great King, didst bear


s: I fain would have dissuaded thee, but thou,


s: Following the dictates of thy wrathful pride,


s: Didst to our bravest wrong, dishon'ring him


s: Whom ev'n th' Immortals honour'd; for his prize


s: Thou took'st and still retain'st; but let us now


s: Consider, if ev'n yet, with costly gifts


s: And soothing words, we may his wrath appease."


s: "Father, too truly thou recall'st my fault:


s: Achilles hon'ring, he confounds the Greeks,


s: Fain would I now conciliate him, and pay


s: I pledge myself rich presents to bestow.


s: Sev'n tripods will I give, untouch'd by fire;


s: Of gold, ten talents, twenty caldrons bright,


s: Twelve pow'rful horses, on the course renown'd,


s: Who by their speed have many prizes won.


s: Not empty-handed could that man be deem'd,


s: Nor poor in gold, who but so much possess'd


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


s: These will I give; and with them will I send


s: The fair Briseis, her whom from his tent


s: I ne'er approach'd her bed, nor held with her


s: Such intercourse as man with woman holds.


s: All these shall now be his: but if the Gods


s: Of gold and brass, when we divide the spoil,


s: With countless heaps he shall a vessel freight,


s: And twenty captives he himself shall choose,


s: Three daughters fair I have, Chrysothemis,


s: Of these, whiche'er he will, to Peleus' house,


s: No portion ask'd for, he shall take to wife;


s: And with her will I add such wedding gifts,


s: Sev'n prosp'rous towns besides; Cardamyle,


s: And Pherae, and Antheia's pastures deep,


s: The dwellers there in flocks and herds are rich,


s: And, as a God, shall honour him with gifts,


s: Of all the Gods is most abhorr'd of men),


s: Superior far, and more advanc'd in age."


s: Which to Achilles thou design'st to send:


s: Then to the tent of Peleus' son in haste


s: Whom I shall choose, let them consent to go.


s: Then first of all let Phoenix lead the way,


s: With them, Ulysses sage; and let them take,


s: Bring now the hallowing water for our hands;


s: And bid be silent, while to Saturn's son,


s: That he have mercy, we address our pray'r."


s: He said, and well his counsel pleas'd them all;


s: The heralds pour'd the water on their hands;


s: The youths, attending, crown'd the bowls with wine,


s: And in due order serv'd the cups to all.


s: Then, their libations made, when each with wine


s: Had satisfied his soul, from out the tent


s: With rapid glance to each, Ulysses chief,


s: How best to soften Peleus' matchless son.


s: They mov'd along; and many a pray'r address'd


s: To Neptune, Ocean's Earth-surrounding God,


s: That he to gentle counsels would incline


s: When to the ships and tents they came, where lay


s: The warlike Myrmidons, their chief they found


s: His spirit soothing with a sweet-ton'd lyre,


s: Of curious work, with silver band adorn'd;


s: Part of the spoil he took, when he destroy'd


s: Eetion's wealthy town; on this he play'd,


s: Soothing his soul, and sang of warriors' deeds.


s: His eyes, awaiting till the song should cease.


s: The envoys forward stepp'd, Ulysses first,


s: And stood before him; from his couch, amaz'd,


s: And holding still his lyre, Achilles sprang,


s: Leaving the seat whereon they found him plac'd;


s: And at their entrance rose Patroclus too:


s: Waving his hand, Achilles, swift of foot,


s: Addressed them: "Welcome, friends! as friends ye come:


s: Hath brought the men who are, of all the Greeks,


s: Thus as he spoke, he led them in, and plac'd


s: On couches spread with, purple carpets o'er,


s: Then thus address'd Patroclus at his side:


s: A larger bowl, and stronger mix the wine,


s: And serve a cup to each: beneath my roof


s: This night my dearest friends I entertain."


s: And in the fire-light plac'd an ample tray,


s: And on it laid of goat's flesh and of sheep's


s: A saddle each; and with them, rich in fat,


s: Held fast, while great Achilles carv'd the joints.


s: The meat, prepar'd, he fix'd upon the spits:


s: And when the fire burnt hotly, and the flame


s: Subsided, spread the glowing embers out,


s: And hung the spits above; then sprinkled o'er


s: The meat with salt, and lifted from the stand.


s: The viands cook'd and plac'd upon the board,


s: From baskets fair Patroclus portion'd out


s: The bread to each; the meat Achilles shar'd.


s: On th' other side the tent; and bade his friend,


s: Patroclus, give the Gods their honours due:


s: He in the fire the wonted off'rings burnt:


s: They on the viands set before them fell.


s: The rage of thirst and hunger satisfied,


s: The sign, and rising, fill'd a cup with wine,


s: And pledg'd Achilles thus: "To thee I drink,


s: But not the pleasures of the banquet now


s: We have in hand: impending o'er our arms


s: Grave cause of fear, illustrious chief, we see;


s: Grave doubts, to save, or see destroy'd our ships,


s: If thou, great warrior, put not forth thy might.


s: For close beside the ships and wall are camp'd


s: The haughty Trojans and renown'd allies:


s: Their watch-fires frequent burn throughout the camp;


s: And loud their boast that nought shall stay their hands,


s: Until our dark-ribb'd ships be made their prey.


s: Sends forth his lightning; boastful of his strength,


s: Hector, resistless, rages; nought he fears


s: He prays, impatient, for th' approach of morn;


s: Then, breaking through the lofty sterns, resolv'd


s: To the devouring flames to give the ships,


s: And slay the crews, bewilder'd in the smoke.


s: And much my mind misgives me, lest the Gods


s: His threats fulfil, and we be fated here


s: To perish, far from Argos' grassy plains.


s: Thy spirit inclines, though late, to save the Greeks


s: Sore press'd by Trojan arms: lest thou thyself


s: Is past all cure; then thou reflect betimes


s: How from the Greeks to ward the day of doom.


s: Dear friend, remember now thy father's words,


s: He sent thee forth from Phthia, how he said,


s: 'My son, the boon of strength, if so they will,


s: But thou thyself thy haughty spirit must curb.


s: And cease from angry strife, that so the Greeks


s: The more may honour thee, both young and old.'


s: Such were the words thine aged father spoke,


s: Which thou hast now forgotten; yet, e'en now,


s: Pause for awhile, and let thine anger cool;


s: And noble gifts, so thou thy wrath remit,


s: Which in his tent he pledg'd him to bestow.


s: Sev'n tripods promis'd he, untouch'd by fire,


s: Of gold, ten talents, twenty caldrons bright,


s: Twelve pow'rful horses, in the course renown'd.


s: Who by their speed have many prizes won.


s: Not empty-handed could that man be deem'd,


s: Nor poor in gold, who but so much possess'd


s: As by those horses has for him been won.


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


s: These will he give; and with them will he send


s: The fair Briseis, her whom from thy tent


s: He ne'er approach'd her bed, nor held with her


s: Such intercourse as man with woman holds.


s: All these shall now be thine: but if the Gods


s: Of gold and brass, when we divide the spoil,


s: With countless heaps a vessel shalt thou freight,


s: And twenty captives thou thyself shalt choose,


s: The teeming soil of Argos, thou mayst be


s: Three daughters fair are his, Chrysothemis,


s: Of these whiche'er thou wilt, to Peleus' house,


s: No portion ask'd for, thou shalt take to wife;


s: And with her will he add such wedding gifts,


s: Sev'n prosp'rous towns besides; Cardamyle,


s: And Pherae, and Antheia's pastures deep,


s: The dwellers there in flocks and herds are rich,


s: And, as a God, will honour thee with gifts,


s: All these he gives, so thou thy wrath remit.


s: Him and his gifts, yet let thy pity rest


s: On all the other Greeks, thus sore bested;


s: By whom thou shalt be honour'd as a God:


s: For great the triumph that thou now mayst gain;


s: E'en Hector's self is now within thy reach;


s: For he is near at hand; and in his pride


s: And martial fury deems that none, of all


s: Our ships contain, can rival him in arms."


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


s: "Heav'n-born Ulysses, sage in council, son


s: My mind at once, my fix'd resolve declare:


s: That from henceforth I may not by the Greeks,


s: Him as the gates of hell my soul abhors,


s: Whose outward words his secret thoughts belie,


s: Hear then what seems to me the wisest course.


s: Nor others shall prevail, since nought is gain'd


s: Who nobly fight, but share with those who skulk;


s: Like honours gain the coward and the brave;


s: And nought it profits me, though day by day


s: In constant toil I set my life at stake;


s: But as a bird, though ill she fare herself,


s: Brings to her callow brood the food she takes,


s: So I through many a sleepless night have lain,


s: And many a bloody day have labour'd through,


s: Engag'd in battle on your wives' behalf.


s: Twelve cities have I taken with my ships;


s: From all of these abundant stores of wealth


s: He, safe beside his ships, my spoils receiv'd,


s: Their sev'ral portions, and they hold them still;


s: From me, from me alone of all the Greeks,


s: He bore away, and keeps my cherish'd wife;


s: Well! let him keep her, solace of his bed!


s: But say then, why do Greeks with Trojans fight?


s: Why hath Atrides brought this mighty host


s: To Troy, if not in fair-hair'd Helen's cause?


s: Of mortals are there none that love their wives,


s: Who boast the praise of sense and virtue, love


s: And cherish each his own? as her I lov'd


s: E'en from my soul, though captive of my spear.


s: Now, since he once hath robb'd me, and deceiv'd,


s: Let him not seek my aid; I know him now,


s: With thee, Ulysses, and the other Kings,


s: How best from hostile fires to save his ships.


s: Without my aid; hath built a lofty wall,


s: And dug a trench around it, wide and deep,


s: And in the trench hath fix'd a palisade;


s: Nor so the warrior-slayer Hector's might


s: Can keep in check; while I was in the field,


s: Not far without the walls would Hector range


s: And Scaean gates would venture; there indeed


s: He once presum'd to meet me, hand to hand,


s: To-morrow morn, my off'rings made to Jove,


s: And all the Gods, and freighted well my ships,


s: And launch'd upon the main, thyself shall see,


s: If that thou care to see, my vessels spread


s: And if th' Earth-shaker send a fav'ring breeze,


s: Three days will bear us home to Phthia's shore.


s: There did I leave abundant store of wealth,


s: Thither from hence I bear, of ruddy gold,


s: And brass, and women fair, and iron hoar


s: The share assign'd me; but my chiefest prize


s: Himself who gave, with insult takes away.


s: To him then speak aloud the words I send,


s: That all may know his crimes, if yet he hope


s: Some other Greek by treach'rous wiles to cheat,


s: Cloth'd as he is in shamelessness! my glance,


s: I share no more his counsels, nor his acts;


s: He hath deceiv'd me once, and wrong'd; again


s: I pass him by, whom Jove hath robb'd of sense.


s: His gifts I loathe, and spurn; himself I hold


s: At a hair's worth; and would he proffer me


s: Who boasts her hundred gates, through each of which


s: With horse and car two hundred warriors march:


s: Nay, were his gifts in number as the sand,


s: Or dust upon the plain, yet ne'er will I


s: Till I have paid him back my heart's offence.


s: Will I a daughter wed; not were she fair


s: As Pallas, blue-ey'd Maid, yet her e'en so


s: I wed not; let him choose some other Greek,


s: Some fitting match, of nobler blood than mine.


s: But should the Gods in safety bring me home,


s: And Greece can boast of many a lovely maid,


s: Of chiefs who hold their native fortresses:


s: And ofttimes hath my warlike soul inclin'd


s: For not the stores which Troy, they say, contain'd


s: In peaceful times, ere came the sons of Greece,


s: Nor all the treasures which Apollo's shrine,


s: The Archer-God, in rock-built Pythos holds,


s: May weigh with life; of oxen and of sheep


s: Successful forays may good store provide;


s: And tripods may be gain'd, and noble steeds:


s: But when the breath of man hath pass'd his lips,


s: Nor strength nor foray can the loss repair.


s: I by my Goddess-mother have been warn'd,


s: If here remaining, round the walls of Troy


s: I wage the war, I ne'er shall see my home,


s: My glory all is gone; but length of life


s: Shall then be mine, and death be long deferr'd.


s: If others ask'd my counsel, I should say,


s: 'Homeward direct your course; of lofty Troy


s: O'er her extends his hand; on him relying


s: Her people all with confidence are fill'd.'


s: Go then; my answer to the chiefs of Greece


s: Speak boldly--such the privilege of age--


s: Bid that some better counsel they devise


s: To save their ships and men; their present scheme,


s: My anger unappeas'd, avails them nought.


s: But Phoenix here shall stay, and sleep to-night;


s: And with the morrow he with me shall sail


s: And seek our native land, if so he will:


s: For not by force will I remove him hence."


s: He said; they all, confounded by his words,


s: In silence heard; so sternly did he speak.


s: At length, in tears, the aged Phoenix spoke,


s: For greatly fear'd he for the ships of Greece:


s: Thy mind is set, nor canst thou be induc'd


s: To save the ships from fire, so fierce thy wrath;


s: How then, dear boy, can I remain behind,


s: From Phthia sent thee, inexperienc'd yet


s: And sage debate, on which attends renown.


s: Me then he sent, instructor of thy youth,


s: To prompt thy language, and thine acts to guide.


s: So not from thee, dear boy, can I consent


s: To part, though Heav'n should undertake my age


s: To wipe away, and vig'rous youth restore,


s: Such as I boasted, when from Greece I fled


s: Cause of the quarrel; her my father lov'd,


s: And by her love estrang'd, despis'd his wife,


s: To vex th' old man, my father's concubine;


s: A curse invok'd, and on the Furies call'd


s: His curse to witness, that upon his knees


s: No child, by me begotten, e'er should sit:


s: His curse the Gods have heard, and ratified,


s: Th' infernal King, and awful Proserpine.


s: Then would I fain have slain him with the sword,


s: Had not some God my rising fury quell'd,


s: And set before my mind the public voice,


s: The odium I should have to bear 'mid Greeks,


s: To dwell, my spirit brook'd not, though my friends


s: And many a goodly sheep, and many a steer


s: They slew, and many swine, with fat o'erlaid,


s: They sing'd, and roasted o'er the burning coals;


s: And drank in many a cup the old man's wine.


s: Nine nights they kept me in continual watch,


s: By turns relieving guards. The fires meanwhile


s: Burnt constant: one beneath the porch that fac'd


s: The well-fenc'd court; one in the vestibule


s: Before my chamber door. The tenth dark night


s: My chamber's closely-fitting doors I broke,


s: And lightly vaulted o'er the court-yard fence,


s: By guards alike and servant maids unmark'd.


s: Through all the breadth of Hellas then I fled,


s: Until at length to Phthia's fruitful soil,


s: Mother of flocks, to Peleus' realm I came,


s: Who kindly welcom'd me, and with such love


s: A father shows, his gen'rous gifts bestow'd.


s: He gave me wealth, he gave me ample rule;


s: And on the bounds of Phthia bade me dwell,


s: And o'er the Dolopes hold sov'reign sway.


s: Such, as thou art I made thee; from my soul


s: I lov'd thee; nor wouldst thou with others go


s: Till on my knee thou satt'st, and by my hand


s: Thy food were cut, the cup were tender'd thee;


s: And often, in thy childish helplessness.


s: The bosom of my dress with wine was drench'd;


s: Such care I had of thee, such pains I took,


s: Rememb'ring that by Heav'n's decree, no son


s: Of mine I e'er might see; then thee I made,


s: That thou mightst be the guardian of mine age.


s: But thou, Achilles, curb thy noble rage;


s: The Gods themselves, in virtue, honour, strength,


s: For they, when mortals have transgress'd, or fail'd


s: Libations and burnt-off'rings, may be sooth'd.


s: Pray'rs are the daughters of immortal Jove;


s: But halt, and wrinkled, and of feeble sight,


s: They plod in Ate's track; while Ate, strong


s: And swift of foot, outstrips their laggard pace,


s: And, dealing woe to man, o'er all the earth


s: Before them flies: they, following, heal her wounds.


s: Him who with honour welcomes their approach,


s: They greatly aid, and hear him when he prays;


s: But who rejects, and sternly casts them off,


s: To Saturn's son they go, and make their pray'r


s: Do thou, Achilles, show the like respect,


s: That many another brave man's heart hath sway'd.


s: If to thy tent no gifts Atrides brought,


s: With promises of more, but still retain'd


s: That thou thy cherish'd anger shouldst discard,


s: And aid the Greeks, how great so-e'er their need.


s: But now large off'rings hath he giv'n, and more


s: Hath promis'd; and, of all the Greeks, hath sent


s: To pray thine aid, the men thou lov'st the best.


s: Discredit not their mission, nor their words.


s: Till now, I grant thee, none could blame thy wrath.


s: In praise of men in ancient days renown'd,


s: This have we heard, that how-so-e'er might rage


s: Their hostile feuds, their anger might be still


s: By gifts averted, and by words appeas'd.


s: One case I bear in mind, in times long past,


s: And not in later days; and here, 'mid friends,


s: How all occurr'd, will I at length recite.


s: Time was, that with AEtolia's warlike bands


s: With mutual slaughter; these to save the town,


s: This curse of war the golden-throned Queen


s: OEneus the first-fruits of his field withheld.


s: The other Gods their hecatombs receiv'd;


s: Diana's shrine alone no off'rings deck'd,


s: Neglected, or o'erlook'd; the sin was great;


s: And in her wrath the arrow-darting Queen


s: A savage wild-boar sent, with gleaming tusks,


s: Which OEneus' vineyard haunting, wrought him harm.


s: There laid he prostrate many a stately tree,


s: With root and branch, with blossom and with fruit.


s: With youths and dogs from all the neighbouring towns


s: Collected; smaller force had not avail'd,


s: So huge he was, so fierce; and many a youth


s: Had by his tusks been laid upon the bier.


s: A fierce contention then the Goddess rais'd,


s: For the boar's head and bristly hide, between


s: Nor dar'd, despite the numbers of their host,


s: Maintain their ground before the city walls.


s: When he to anger yielded, which sometimes


s: Incens'd against his mother, he withdrew


s: For the neat-footed maiden bent his bow.


s: When by far-darting Phoebus forc'd away).


s: With her, retiring from the field, he nurs'd


s: His wrath; resenting thus his mother's curse,


s: Althaea; she her brother's death bore hard,


s: And pray'd to Heav'n above, and with her hands


s: Beating the solid earth, the nether pow'rs,


s: Down on her knees, her bosom wet with tears,


s: Death on her son invoking; from the depths


s: Gloom-haunting Goddess, dark and stern of heart.


s: Soon round the gates the din of battle rose,


s: The tow'rs by storm assaulted; then his aid


s: Th' AEtonian Elders and the sacred priests


s: A fruitful plot they bade him set apart,


s: And half of fertile plain, for tillage clear'd.


s: Old OEneus stood, and at the portals clos'd


s: He knock'd in vain, a suppliant to his son.


s: His sisters and his brother join'd their pray'rs,


s: But sterner his rejection of their suit;


s: The friends he valued most, and lov'd the best,


s: Yet they too fail'd his fix'd resolve to shake;


s: Till to his very doors the war had reach'd,


s: The foe upon the tow'rs, the town in flames:


s: Then Meleager's beauteous wife, at length,


s: In tears, beseeching him, the thousand ills


s: Recall'd, which on a captur'd town attend;


s: The slaughter'd men, the city burnt with fire,


s: The helpless children and deep-bosom'd dames


s: A prey to strangers. List'ning to the tale,


s: His spirit was rous'd within him; and again


s: He took the field, and donn'd his glitt'ring arms.


s: Thus did his act from doom th' AEtolians save


s: Spontaneous; yet he gain'd not, though he sav'd,


s: The rich reward they once were pledg'd to give.


s: But be not thou like him, nor let thy God


s: Turn thitherward thy thoughts; our ships on fire,


s: Thine aid will less be priz'd; come, take the gifts,


s: The battle join, the Greeks thou mayst protect,


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


s: "Phoenix, my second father, rev'rend sire,


s: Such honours move me not; my honour comes


s: From Jove, whose will it is that I should here


s: Breath in my lungs and vigour in my limbs.


s: This too I say, and bear it in thy mind:


s: Disturb me not with weeping and complaints,


s: My love for thee perchance may turn to hate:


s: My friend should honour him who honours me.


s: But come with me, and of my kingdom half,


s: And equal honours shalt thou share with me.


s: These shall our message bear; stay thou the while,


s: And on soft couch repose; to-morrow morn


s: He said, and with his eyebrows gave a sign


s: The rest might leave the tent; then thus began


s: Depart we now; for this way our discourse


s: Nor reeks he of his old companions' love,


s: Wherewith we honour'd him above the rest.


s: Relentless he! a son's or brother's death,


s: The debt discharg'd; the other will forego,


s: The forfeiture receiv'd, his just revenge;


s: But thou maintain'st a stern, obdurate mood.


s: Surpassing fair, and other gifts to boot.


s: Thy hearth; remember that beneath thy roof


s: Of all the host; and fain would claim to be,


s: Of all the Greeks, thy best and dearest friends."


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


s: Without offence hast thou thy message giv'n;


s: But fury fills my soul, whene'er I think


s: How Agamemnon, 'mid th' assembled Greeks,


s: Insulting, held me forth to public scorn,


s: As some dishonour'd, houseless vagabond.


s: O'er slaughter'd Greeks, your ships enwrapp'd in fire,


s: Shall reach the quarters of the Myrmidons.


s: Ere he assail my ship and tents, I think


s: That Hector, valiant as he is, will pause."


s: Thus he: they each the double goblet rais'd,


s: And, to the Gods their due libations pour'd,


s: Meanwhile Patroclus bade th' attendant maids


s: And quickly laid the bed with fleeces warm,


s: And rugs, and linen light and fine o'erspread.


s: There slept th' old man, and waited for the morn.


s: Within the tent's recess Achilles slept;


s: On th' other side Patroclus lay; with him


s: The graceful Iphis, whom, when Scyros' isle


s: He captur'd, and Enyes' rock-built fort,


s: The chiefs, uprising, pledg'd them one by one


s: In golden goblets; then their tidings ask'd.


s: "Tell me, renown'd Ulysses, pride of Greece,


s: What says he: will he save our ships from fire,


s: Or still, in wrathful mood, withhold his aid?"


s: His anger is not quench'd, but fiercer still


s: It glows; thy gifts and thee alike he spurns;


s: He bids thee with the other chiefs concert


s: The means thy people and thy ships to save;


s: To launch his well-trimm'd vessels on the main.


s: Nay more, he counsels others, so he says,


s: Homeward to turn, since here of lofty Troy


s: O'er her extends his hand; on him relying,


s: Her people all with confidence are fill'd.


s: Such was his language; here before you stand


s: Ajax and both the heralds, sage, grave men,


s: Who with me went, and will confirm my words.


s: Old Phoenix left we there, so will'd the chief,


s: That with the morrow he with him may sail,


s: And seek their native land, if so he will;


s: For not by force will he remove him hence."


s: Ulysses thus; they all in silence heard,


s: Amaz'd, so stern the message that he bore.


s: Long time in silence sat the chiefs of Greece.


s: Would that thou ne'er hadst stoop'd with costly gifts


s: To sue for aid from Peleus' matchless son;


s: Thine offers will have tenfold swoll'n his pride.


s: But leave we him, according to his will,


s: To go or stay: he then will join the fight,


s: When his own spirit shall prompt, or Heav'n inspire.


s: Refresh'd with food and wine (for therein lie


s: Both strength and courage), turn we to our rest;


s: And when the rosy-finger'd morn appears,


s: Thyself among the foremost, with bold hearts,


s: Before our ships both horse and foot array."


s: He said; and all the chiefs with loud applause


s: His speech confirm'd; then, due libations pour'd,


s: Each to his sev'ral tent they all withdrew;


s: Then laid them down, and sought the boon of sleep.


s: The same night continues; the scene lies in the two camps.


s: In night-long slumbers lay the other chiefs


s: Of all the Greeks, by gentle sleep subdued;


s: By various cares oppress'd, sweet slumber fell.


s: As when from Jove, the fair-hair'd Juno's Lord,


s: Flashes the lightning, bringing in its train


s: Tempestuous storm of mingled rain and hail


s: Or snow, by winter sprinkled o'er the fields;


s: Or op'ning wide the rav'nous jaws of war;


s: Pour'd forth in groans his multitudinous grief,


s: His spirit within him sinking. On the plain


s: He look'd, and there, alarm'd, the watchfires saw,


s: Which, far advanc'd before the walls of Troy,


s: Blaz'd numberless; and thence of pipes and flutes


s: He heard the sound, and busy hum of men.


s: Upon the ships he look'd, and men of Greece,


s: And by the roots his hair in handfuls tore


s: To Jove on high; deep groan'd his mighty heart.


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


s: If they some scheme in council might devise


s: To ward destruction from the Grecian host.


s: He rose, and o'er his body drew his vest,


s: And underneath his well-turn'd feet he bound


s: His sandals fair; then o'er his shoulders threw,


s: Down reaching to his feet, a lion's skin,


s: Tawny and vast; then grasp'd his pond'rous spear.


s: Nor on his eyes that night had slumber sat,


s: Lest ill befall the Greeks; who, in his cause,


s: Crossing the wat'ry waste, had come to Troy,


s: Round his broad chest a panther's skin he threw;


s: Then on his head his brazen helmet plac'd,


s: To meet his brother went he forth, of Greece


s: Him by the ship he found, in act to arm;


s: And welcome was his presence to the King.


s: "Why thus in arms, good brother? seek'st thou one


s: That none will undertake the task, alone


s: To spy the movements of the hostile camp


s: In the dark night: stout-hearted he must be."


s: "Great need, my noble brother, have we both


s: Of sagest counsels, if we hope the Greeks


s: And Grecian ships from ruin to preserve,


s: Since turn'd against us is the mind of Jove.


s: To Hector's off'rings most his soul inclines;


s: For never have I seen, or heard men tell,


s: How in one day one man has wrought such loss


s: As Hector, dear to Jove, yet not the son


s: Of God or Goddess, on the Greeks has wrought.


s: Such deeds hath he achiev'd, such havoc made,


s: Haste thou amid the ships, and hither bring


s: Will Nestor rouse, and urge that he with us


s: The outposts visit, and instruct the guard.


s: To him they best will listen; for his son


s: To them by pref'rence hath this charge been giv'n."


s: "What wouldst thou have me do then? here remain


s: With them, and wait thy coming, or to them


s: Thy message give, and follow in thy steps?"


s: "Remain thou here, lest haply we might fail


s: To meet; for in the camp are many paths.


s: But thou, where'er thou go'st, each sev'ral man


s: Address, and ask to rise; to each his name


s: All due respect; nor bear thee haughtily;


s: We like the rest must share the load of toil.


s: Which Jove assigns to all of mortal birth."


s: His brother thus with counsels wise dismiss'd,


s: Him by his tent and dark-ribb'd ship he found


s: On a soft couch; beside him lay his arms,


s: His shield, two lances, and a glitt'ring helm:


s: There lay the rich-wrought belt the old man wore,


s: When to the battle, arm'd, he led his troops;


s: For nought to age's weakness would he yield.


s: Raising his head, and on his elbow propp'd,


s: He question'd thus Atrides: "Who art thou,


s: That wand'rest through th' encampment thus alone,


s: In the dark night, when other mortals sleep?


s: Seek'st thou some mule broke loose, or comrade lost?


s: Speak, nor in silence come; what wouldst thou here?"


s: "O Nestor! son of Neleus, pride of Greece,


s: On whom hath Jove, beyond the lot of men,


s: Laid grief that ne'er shall end, while I retain


s: Breath in my lungs, and vigour in my limbs.


s: I wander thus, because these eyes of mine


s: Sweet slumber visits not, by cares of war


s: Oppress'd, and harass'd by the woes of Greece.


s: Much for the Greeks I fear; nor keeps my mind


s: And leaps my troubled heart as tho' 'twould burst


s: My bosom's bounds; my limbs beneath me shake.


s: But if thou wilt, since thou too know'st not sleep,


s: And see if there, by toil and sleep o'erpow'r'd,


s: The guard repose, neglectful of their watch.


s: The foe is close at hand; nor are we sure


s: Not all the hopes that Hector entertains


s: Shall by the Lord of counsel be fulfill'd;


s: For him are toil and danger yet in store,


s: Should all be summon'd; and 'twere well that one


s: Across the camp should run, to call in haste


s: Theirs are the farthest ships, nor near at hand.


s: And highly honour'd, I must blame, that thus


s: (Though thou shouldst take offence, I needs must say)


s: He sleeps, and leaves the toil to thee alone.


s: With all the chiefs he should be busied now,


s: Imploring aid, in this our utmost need."


s: "For other times, old man, reserve thy blame;


s: Sometimes, I own, he lags behind, nor takes


s: His share of labour; not from indolence,


s: Or want of sense; but still regarding me;


s: To call those very men whom thou hast nam'd.


s: Come then; for we, beside the gates, and guard


s: Shall find them; there my orders were to meet."


s: "Then none can blame him; nor can any Greek


s: He said, and round his body wrapped his vest;


s: Then on his feet his sandals fair he bound,


s: And o'er his shoulders clasp'd a purple cloak,


s: Doubled, with ample folds, and downy pile;


s: Then took his spear, with point of sharpen'd brass,


s: And through the camp prepar'd to take his way.


s: Ulysses, sage as Jove in council, rous'd,


s: Loud shouting; soon the voice his senses reach'd;


s: Forth from his tent he came, and thus he spoke:


s: "What cause so urgent leads you, through the camp,


s: In the dark night to wander thus alone?"


s: Be not offended; such the stress that now


s: Weighs down our army; come thou then with us,


s: And others let us call; with whom 'tis meet


s: That we should counsel take, to fight or fly."


s: Then, his broad shield across his shoulders thrown,


s: Came forth again, and with them took his way.


s: They went; and him they found beside his arms,


s: Without his tent; his comrades slept around,


s: Their heads upon their bucklers laid; their spears


s: Stood upright, on the butts; the burnish'd brass


s: Like Heav'n's own lightning, flashing far around.


s: Stretch'd on a wild bull's hide the chief repos'd,


s: A gay-wrought carpet roll'd beneath his head.


s: And touched him with his foot, and thus in tone


s: Reproachful spoke: "Arouse thee, Tydeus' son!


s: Why sleep'st thou thus all night? or know'st thou not


s: And close beside the ships the Trojans lie,


s: And little space between the camps is left?"


s: Quick rous'd from sleep, thus answer'd Diomed:


s: "Beshrew thy heart, old man! no labour seems


s: For thee too hard; are there not younger men


s: The sev'ral chiefs? thou dost too much, old man."


s: "True, friend, and full of wisdom are thy words;


s: Good sons indeed I have, and followers brave


s: And many, who might well my message bear;


s: But great is now the stress that lies on Greece;


s: To all the Greeks, the chance of life or death.


s: Do thou then go (for thou my younger art),


s: Ajax the swift, and Phyleus' noble son."


s: He said; the warrior round his shoulders threw,


s: Down reaching to his feet, a lion's hide,


s: Tawny and dark; and took his pond'rous spear.


s: He went, arous'd, and with him brought the chiefs.


s: When to the guard they came, not sunk in sleep


s: Found they the leaders; but on wakeful watch


s: Intent, and all alert beside their arms.


s: As round a sheepfold keep their anxious watch


s: The dogs, who in the neighbouring thicket hear


s: Some beast, that, bold in search of prey, has come


s: Down from the mountain; loud the clamours rise


s: Of men and dogs; all sleep is banish'd thence;


s: So from their eyes was banish'd sleep, who watch'd


s: Through that disastrous night; still plainward turning


s: The old man saw, well-pleas'd; and thus address'd


s: With cheering words the captains of the guard:


s: "Watch ever thus, good youths; nor be surpris'd


s: By slumber, lest the foe a triumph gain."


s: This said, he cross'd the ditch, and with him went


s: The Grecian leaders, to the council call'd:


s: With them, admitted to the conf'rence, went


s: The deep-dug ditch they cross'd, and sat them down


s: Where Hector from the slaughter of the Greeks


s: Turn'd back, when Ev'ning spread her veil around:


s: There sat they down, and there the conf'rence held.


s: "O friends! is any here with heart so bold


s: Who dares, self-confident, the Trojan camp


s: To enter? there some straggler he might take,


s: Or in the camp itself some tidings gain,


s: What are their secret counsels; if they mean


s: Here by the ships to hold their ground, or back,


s: This could he learn, and hither scatheless bring


s: His tidings, high as Heav'n in all men's mouths


s: Would be his praise, and ample his reward.


s: A coal-black ewe, and at her foot a lamb,


s: A prize beyond compare; and high should be


s: His place at banquets and at solemn feasts."


s: He said; but all the chiefs in silence heard;


s: "Nestor, that heart is mine; I dare alone


s: Enter the hostile camp, so close at hand;


s: Yet were one comrade giv'n me, I should go


s: With more of comfort, more of confidence.


s: Where two combine, one before other sees


s: The better course; and ev'n though one alone


s: His judgment slower, his decision less."


s: Proffer'd companionship; stood forth at once,


s: Stood forth the son of Nestor; Atreus' son,


s: Choose thou thine own companion, whom thou wilt;


s: Him whom thou deem'st the best; nor from respect


s: And take the worse; nor def'rence show to rank,


s: Not though the purest royal blood were his."


s: Of ready wit, and dauntless courage, prov'd


s: To pass through fire, and safely both return;


s: Whom answer'd thus Ulysses, stout of heart:


s: Bestow on me, nor censure; for thou speak'st


s: But go we; night wanes fast, the morn is near:


s: The stars are high in Heav'n; and of the night


s: Two thirds are spent, one third alone remains."


s: He said; and both prepar'd to don their arms.


s: Had in the ship been left) and ample shield;


s: Then on his brows a leathern headpiece plac'd,


s: Without or peak or plume; a simple casque,


s: Such as is worn by youths to guard their head.


s: A bow, and well-fill'd quiver, and a sword,


s: And on his brows a leathern headpiece plac'd,


s: Well wrought within, with num'rous straps secur'd,


s: And on th' outside, with wild boars' gleaming tusks


s: Profusely garnish'd, scatter'd here and there


s: By skilful hand; the midst with felt was lin'd;


s: To Molus, pledge of friendship; he again


s: Thus with accoutrements and arms supplied,


s: They left their brother chiefs, and took their way.


s: Then close beside their path, by Pallas sent,


s: Rose, on the right, a heron; through the gloom


s: They saw it not indeed, but heard the cry.


s: The fav'ring sign with joy Ulysses hail'd,


s: And thus to Pallas pray'd: "Hear me, thou child


s: Of aegis-bearing Jove, who still hast stood


s: My ev'ry movement sees; now, Goddess, now


s: Befriend me; grant that safe, with triumph crown'd,


s: We may return, some great exploit achiev'd,


s: Such as the Trojans long may bear in mind."


s: Him following, thus the brave Tydides pray'd:


s: "My voice too, child of Jove, undaunted, hear;


s: The godlike Tydeus, when to Thebes he went,


s: Upon Asopus' banks the mail-clad Greeks.


s: Smooth was the message which to Thebes he bore;


s: But great, his mission ended, were the deeds


s: That with thine aid he wrought; for, Goddess, thou


s: Wast with him, and thine arm was his defence:


s: A yearling heifer, broad of brow, untam'd,


s: Her will I give, and tip her horns with gold."


s: Thus as they pray'd, their pray'r the Goddess heard;


s: Then, their devotions ended, on they far'd


s: Through the deep dead of night, like lions twain,


s: 'Mid slaughter, corpses, arms, and blacken'd gore.


s: Nor, in the Trojan camp, did Hector leave


s: The chiefs to rest; but all to conf'rence call'd,


s: The leaders and the councillors of Troy;


s: To whom his prudent speech he thus address'd:


s: "Who is there here, that for a rich reward


s: And two strong-collar'd horses, best of all


s: That can be found within the Grecian lines,


s: Shall he receive, who, to his endless praise,


s: Shall dare approach the ships; and learn if still


s: They keep their wonted watch, or, by our arms


s: Subdued and vanquished, meditate retreat,


s: And, worn with toil, the nightly watch neglect."


s: Thus Hector spoke; but all in silence heard.


s: And brass; not fair of face, but swift of foot;


s: Who thus to Hector and the Trojans spoke:


s: "Hector, with dauntless courage I will dare


s: Approach the ships, and bring thee tidings sure;


s: But hold thou forth thy royal staff, and swear


s: That I the horses and the brass-bound car


s: Shall have, the boast of Peleus' matchless son:


s: Not vain shall be my errand, nor deceive


s: Thy hopes; right through the camp I mean to pass


s: To Agamemnon's tent, where all the chiefs


s: He said; and Hector took his royal staff,


s: And swore to him: "Be witness Jove himself,


s: The Lord of thunder, that no Trojan man,


s: Thyself except, shall e'er those horses drive;


s: For thee they are reserv'd, a glorious prize."


s: Thus Hector swore; though unfulfill'd the oath.


s: Forthwith, his bow across his shoulders slung,


s: A jav'lin, from the camp he took his way,


s: Straight to the Grecian ships; but never thence


s: Destin'd to bring th' expected tidings back.


s: The crowd of men and horses left behind,


s: Mark'd his approach, and to Tydides said:


s: "See, from the camp where some one this way comes,


s: The spy about the ships, or rob the dead.


s: May seize him; or if he outstrip us both


s: By speed of foot, may urge him tow'rd the ships,


s: Driving him still before us with our spears,


s: And from, the city cutting off his flight."


s: Thus saying, 'mid the dead, beside the road


s: They crouch'd; he, all unconscious, hasten'd by.


s: But when such space was interpos'd as leave


s: Between the sluggish oxen and themselves


s: A team of mules (so much the faster they


s: Through the stiff fallow drag the jointed plough),


s: They rush'd upon him; at the sound he stopp'd,


s: Deeming that from the Trojan camp they came,


s: Within a spear's length when they came, or less,


s: For foes he knew them, and to night address'd


s: His active limbs; they rush'd in hot pursuit.


s: And as two hounds, well practis'd in the chase,


s: With glist'ning fangs, unflagging, strain to catch,


s: In woodland glade, some pricket deer, or hare,


s: That flies before them, screaming; so those two,


s: With fiery zeal, unflagging, strain'd to catch


s: The flying Dolon, from the camp cut off;


s: But when the fugitive approach'd the ships,


s: Close by the guard, fresh vigour Pallas gave


s: Tydides then with threat'ning gesture cried,


s: "Stop, or I hurl my spear; and small thy chance,


s: If I assail thee, of escape from death."


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


s: It struck him not; above his shoulder flew


s: The polish'd lance, and quiver'd in the ground.


s: Sudden he stopp'd, with panic paralys'd:


s: His teeth all chatt'ring, pale with fear he stood,


s: With falt'ring accents; panting, they came up


s: And seiz'd him in their grasp; he thus, in tears:


s: "Spare but my life; my life I can redeem;


s: For ample stores I have of gold, and brass,


s: And well-wrought iron; and of these my sire


s: Would pay a gen'rous ransom, could he learn


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


s: "Be of good cheer; nor let the fear of death


s: Disturb thy mind; but tell me truly this;


s: How is 't that tow'rd the ships thou com'st alone,


s: In the still night, when other mortals sleep?


s: Com'st thou perchance for plunder of the dead?


s: Or seek'st upon our ships to play the spy,


s: By Hector sent? or of thine own accord?"


s: Then Dolon thus--his knees with terror shook--


s: "With much persuasion, of my better mind


s: Hector beguil'd me, off'ring as my prize


s: Achilles' horses and his brass-bound car;


s: Through the dark night he sent me, and enjoin'd,


s: Ent'ring your hostile camp, to learn if still


s: Ye keep your wonted watch, or by our arms


s: Subdued and vanquish'd, meditate retreat,


s: And worn with toil, your nightly watch neglect."


s: To whom Ulysses thus with scornful smile:


s: "High soar'd thy hopes indeed, that thought to win


s: Save for Achilles' self, the Goddess-born.


s: But tell me truly this; when here thou cam'st,


s: Where left'st thou Hector, guardian chief of Troy?


s: Where are his warlike arms? his horses where?


s: Where lie the rest? and where are plac'd their guards?


s: What are their secret counsels? do they mean


s: Here by the ships to keep their ground, or back,


s: Sated with vict'ry, to the town return?"


s: "Thy questions all true answers shall receive;


s: Hector, with those who share his counsels, sits


s: In conf'rence, far apart, near Ilus' tomb;


s: But for the guards thou speak'st of, noble chief,


s: Not one is station'd to protect the camp.


s: Around the Trojan fires indeed, perforce,


s: A watch is kept; and they, among themselves,


s: Due caution exercise: but, for th' Allies,


s: They sleep, and to the Trojans leave the watch,


s: Since nor their children nor their wives are near."


s: "Say now, where sleep they? with the Trojans mix'd,


s: "To this too will I give ye answer true;


s: The Caucons, and the bold Pelasgians next;


s: On Thymbra's side the Lycians' lot has fall'n,


s: The Mysians brave, the Phrygian cavalry,


s: And the Maeonians with their horsehair plumes.


s: New come, the farthest off, the Thracians lie:


s: Sleeps in the midst; no steeds that e'er I saw


s: For size and beauty can with his compare:


s: Whiter than snow, and swifter than the wind.


s: With gold and silver is his chariot wrought,


s: For mortal man, but for th' immortal Gods.


s: Or leave me here in fetters bound, that so,


s: And see if I have told you true, or no."


s: "Dolon, though good thy tidings, hope not thou,


s: Once in our hands, to 'scape the doom of death;


s: In after times thou mightst our ships approach,


s: But if beneath my hands thou lose thy life,


s: No farther trouble shalt thou cause the Greeks."


s: He said; and as the suppliant sought in vain


s: To touch his beard, imploring, through his throat,


s: Both tendons sev'ring, drove his trenchant blade:


s: Ev'n while he spoke, his head was roll'd in dust.


s: They took, the wolf-skin, and the bow unstrung,


s: And thus to Pallas pray'd, who gave the spoil:


s: "Receive, great Goddess, these our gifts; to thee,


s: Of all th' Immortals on Olympus' height,


s: Our off'rings first we give; conduct us now,


s: The Thracian camp and Thracian steeds to gain."


s: Thus as he spoke, amid the tamarisk scrub


s: Far off he threw the trophies; then with reeds,


s: And twigs new broken from the tamarisk boughs,


s: He set a mark, lest in the gloom of night


s: Returning, they might haply miss the spot.


s: Then on they pass'd thro' arms and blacken'd gore,


s: And reach'd the confines of the Thracian camp.


s: There found they all by sleep subdued; their arms


s: Beside them on the ground, in order due,


s: In triple rows; and by the side of each,


s: Harness'd and yok'd, his horses ready stood.


s: Surrounded by his warriors, Rhesus slept;


s: Beside him stood his coursers fleet, their reins


s: Suspended to the chariot's topmost rail:


s: "This is the man, Tydides, these the steeds,


s: To us by Dolon, whom we slew, describ'd.


s: Now then, put forth thy might; beseems it not


s: To stand thus idly with thine arms in hand:


s: Loose thou the horses; or do thou the men


s: Despatch, and to my care the horses leave."


s: He said: and Pallas vigour new inspir'd,


s: That right and left he smote; dire were the groans


s: Of slaughter'd men; the earth was red with blood;


s: Of sheep or goats with savage onslaught springs,


s: Ev'n so Tydides on the Thracians sprang,


s: Till twelve were slain; and as Tydides' sword


s: Drew each aside; reflecting, that perchance


s: The horses, startled, might refuse to pass


s: The corpses; for as yet they knew them not.


s: A thirteenth victim to his sword was giv'n,


s: Painfully breathing; for by Pallas' art,


s: The son of OEneus standing o'er his head.


s: Meanwhile Ulysses sage the horses loos'd;


s: He gather'd up the reins, and with his bow


s: (For whip was none at hand) he drove them forth;


s: A signal; he, the while, remain'd behind,


s: Musing what bolder deed he yet might do;


s: Whether the seat, whereon the arms were laid,


s: Or on the Thracians farther loss inflict;


s: But while he mus'd, beside him Pallas stood,


s: And said, "Bethink thee, Tydeus' son, betimes


s: Should wake the Trojans, thou shouldst need to fly."


s: She said; the heav'nly voice he recogniz'd,


s: And mounted straight the car; Ulysses touch'd


s: The horses with his bow; and, urg'd to speed,


s: They tow'rd the ships their rapid course pursued.


s: With anger fill'd, the Trojan camp he sought;


s: The Thracian councillor, from sleep arous'd;


s: Awaking, when the vacant space he view'd,


s: Where late had stood the horses; and his friends


s: Gasping in death, and welt'ring in their blood,


s: He groan'd as on his comrade's name he call'd:


s: Then loud the clamour rose, and wild uproar,


s: Unspeakable, of Trojans thronging round;


s: They marvell'd at the deeds; but marvell'd more


s: How they who wrought them had escap'd unscath'd.


s: Meantime arriv'd where Hector's scout they slew,


s: Ulysses, lov'd of Heav'n, a moment check'd


s: Leap'd to the ground, and in Ulysses' hand


s: The bloody trophies plac'd; then mounted quick,


s: And tow'rd the ships, their destin'd goal, urg'd on


s: The fiery horses; nothing loth, they flew.


s: Nestor first heard the sound, and cried, "O friends,


s: The leaders and the councillors of Greece,


s: The sound of horses, hurrying, strikes mine ear;


s: May bring those horses from the Trojan camp;


s: Yet much I fear our bravest may have met


s: With some disaster 'mid the crowd of foes."


s: He scarce had ended, when themselves appear'd,


s: And from the car descended: welcom'd back


s: With cordial grasp of hands, and friendly words.


s: "Tell me, renown'd Ulysses, pride of Greece,


s: Whence come these horses? from the Trojan camp?


s: Or hath some God, that met you by the way,


s: Bestow'd them, radiant as the beams of light?


s: 'Tis not my wont; old warrior though I be,


s: I never saw; some God hath giv'n them, sure;


s: For Jove, the Cloud-compeller, loves you both,


s: And Pallas, child of aegis-bearing Jove."


s: "O Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece,


s: Had they so will'd, the Gods, so great their pow'r,


s: E'en better horses could have giv'n than these;


s: But these, old man, are Thracians, newly come;


s: Whose King the valiant Diomed hath slain,


s: And with him twelve, the best of all his band.


s: A scout too have we slain, by Hector sent,


s: And by the Trojan chiefs, to spy our camp."


s: He said, and o'er the ditch the horses drove,


s: Exulting in their prize; and with him went


s: The other chiefs, rejoicing, through the camp.


s: First with strong halters to the rack, where stood,


s: High-fed with corn, his own swift-footed steeds,


s: In the ship's stern, till fitting sacrifice


s: Descending then, they wash'd away the sweat,


s: Which on their necks, and thighs, and knees had dried;


s: The sweat wash'd off, and in the ocean waves


s: Themselves refresh'd, they sought the polish'd bath;


s: Then, by the bath restor'd, and all their limbs


s: Sat down to breakfast; and from flowing bowls


s: In Pallas' honour pour'd the luscious wine.


s: To mortals and Immortals bringing light;


s: When to the ships of Greece came Discord down,


s: Despatch'd from Jove, with dire portents of war.


s: The midmost, thence to shout to either side,


s: Confiding in their strength, had moor'd their ships.


s: There stood the Goddess, and in accents loud


s: And dread she call'd, and fix'd in ev'ry breast


s: The fierce resolve to wage unwearied war;


s: And dearer to their hearts than thoughts of home


s: Or wish'd return, became the battle-field.


s: Atrides, loudly shouting, call'd the Greeks


s: To arms: himself his flashing armour donn'd.


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


s: Fasten'd with silver clasps; his ample chest


s: In pledge of friendship; for in Cyprus' isle


s: He heard the rumour of the glorious fleet


s: About to sail for Troy; and sought with gifts


s: Ten bands were there inwrought of dusky bronze,


s: Twelve of pure gold, twice ten of shining tin:


s: Of bronze six dragons upwards tow'rds the neck


s: Their length extended, three on either side:


s: In colour like the bow, which Saturn's son


s: Plac'd in the clouds, a sign to mortal men:


s: Then o'er his shoulder threw his sword; bright flash'd


s: The golden studs; the silver scabbard shone,


s: With golden baldrick fitted; next his shield


s: He took, full-siz'd, well-wrought, well-prov'd in fight;


s: Around it ran ten circling rims of brass;


s: With twenty bosses round of burnish'd tin,


s: And, in the centre, one of dusky bronze.


s: Was wrought, with Fear and Flight encircled round:


s: And on the belt a dragon, wrought in bronze,


s: Twin'd his lithe folds, and turn'd on ev'ry side,


s: Sprung from a single neck, his triple head.


s: Then on his brow his lofty helm he plac'd,


s: Four-crested, double-peak'd, with horsehair plumes,


s: That nodded,-fearful, from the warrior's head.


s: Then took two weighty lances, tipp'd with brass,


s: Which fiercely flash'd against the face of Heav'n:


s: Forthwith they order'd, each his charioteer,


s: To stay his car beside the ditch; themselves,


s: On foot, in arms accoutred, sallied forth,


s: And loud, ere early dawn, the clamour rose.


s: Advanc'd before the cars, they lin'd the ditch;


s: Follow'd the cars, a little space between:


s: But Jove with dire confusion fill'd their ranks,


s: Who sent from Heav'n a show'r of blood-stain'd rain.


s: In sign of many a warrior's coming doom,


s: Soon to the viewless shades untimely sent.


s: Meanwhile upon the slope, beneath the plain,


s: The Trojan chiefs were gather'd; Hector's self,


s: In rev'rence held; Antenor's three brave sons,


s: And, heav'nly fair, the youthful Acamas.


s: In front was seen the broad circumference


s: Of Hector's shield; and as amid the clouds


s: Shines forth the fiery dog-star, bright and clear,


s: So now in front was Hector seen, and now


s: Pass'd to the rear, exhorting; all in brass,


s: His burnish'd arms like Jove's own lightning flash'd.


s: As in the corn-land of some wealthy Lord


s: The rival bands of reapers mow the swathe,


s: Barley or wheat; and fast the trusses fall;


s: So Greeks and Trojans mow'd th' opposing ranks;


s: Nor these admitted thought of faint retreat,


s: But still made even head; while those, like wolves,


s: Rush'd to the onset; Discord, Goddess dire,


s: Beheld, rejoicing; of the heav'nly pow'rs


s: The others all were absent; they, serene,


s: Yet all the cloud-girt son of Saturn blam'd,


s: Who will'd the vict'ry to the arms of Troy.


s: He heeded not their anger; but withdrawn


s: Apart from all, in pride of conscious strength,


s: Survey'd the walls of Troy, the ships of Greece,


s: The flash of arms, the slayers and the slain.


s: While yet 'twas morn, and wax'd the youthful day,


s: Thick flew the shafts, and fast the people fell


s: On either side: but when the hour was come


s: When woodmen, in the forest's deep recess,


s: Prepare their food, and wearied with the toil


s: Of felling loftiest trees, with aching arms


s: Turn with keen relish to their midday meal;


s: Then Grecian valour broke th' opposing ranks,


s: First sprang the monarch Agamemnon forth,


s: And brave Bienor slew, his people's guard;


s: And, with the chief, his friend and charioteer,


s: Stood forth defiant; but between his brows


s: The monarch's spear was thrust; nor aught avail'd


s: The brass-bound helm, to stay the weapon's point;


s: Through helm and bone it pass'd, and all the brain


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


s: Them left he there, their bare breasts gleaming white,


s: Stripp'd of their arms; and hasten'd in pursuit


s: Them, as they fed their flocks on Ida's heights,


s: Achilles once had captive made, and bound


s: With willow saplings, till for ransom freed.


s: Through Isus' breast his spear; his weighty sword


s: Beside the ear, and hurl'd him from his car;


s: These of their armour he despoil'd in haste,


s: Known to him both; for he had seen them oft


s: Beside the ships, when thither captive brought


s: As when a lion in their lair hath seiz'd


s: The helpless offspring of a mountain doe,


s: And breaks their bones with ease, and with strong teeth


s: Crushes their tender life; nor can their dam,


s: Though close at hand she be, avail them aught;


s: For she herself by deadly terror seiz'd,


s: Through the thick coppice and the forest flies,


s: Panting, and bath'd in sweat, the monster's rush;


s: So dar'd no Trojan give those brethren aid,


s: Themselves in terror of the warlike Greeks.


s: Seduc'd by Paris' gold and splendid gifts,


s: Of Helen to her Lord), the King assail'd;


s: Both on one car; but from their hands had dropp'd


s: The broider'd reins; bewilder'd there they stood;


s: While, with a lion's bound, upon them sprang


s: The son of Atreus; suppliant, in the car,


s: They clasp'd his knees; "Give quarter, Atreus' son,


s: Possesses goodly store of brass and gold,


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


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


s: Thus they, with gentle words, and tears, imploring;


s: But all ungentle was the voice they heard


s: To slay them both, nor suffer their return,


s: Pay now the forfeit of your father's guilt."


s: He said, and with a spear-thrust through his breast


s: Peisander dash'd to earth; backward he fell.


s: Down leap'd Hippolochus; but Atreus' son


s: Severing his hands and neck, amid the throng


s: Sent whirling like a bowl the gory head.


s: These left he there; and where the thickest throng


s: Maintain'd the tug of war, thither he flew,


s: And with him eager hosts of well-greav'd Greeks.


s: Soon on the Trojans' flight enforc'd they hung,


s: Destroying; foot on foot, and horse on horse;


s: While from the plain thick clouds of dust arose


s: Beneath the armed hoofs of clatt'ring steeds;


s: Still slaying, urging still the Greeks to arms.


s: Light the devouring flames, by eddying winds


s: Hither and thither borne, fast falls the copse


s: Prostrate beneath the fire's impetuous course;


s: So thickly fell the flying Trojans' heads


s: And here and there, athwart the pass of war,


s: By strong-neck'd steeds, of guiding hands bereft;


s: Stretch'd on the plain they lay, more welcome sight


s: To carrion birds than to their widow'd wives.


s: But Hector, from the fray and din of war,


s: And dust, and blood, and carnage, Jove withdrew.


s: Still on Atrides press'd, the Greek pursuit


s: With eager shouts exciting; past the tomb


s: And tow'rd the fig-tree, midway o'er the plain,


s: Straining to gain the town, the Trojans fled;


s: While loudly shouting, his unconquer'd hands


s: With carnage dyed, Atrides urg'd their flight.


s: But when the Scaean gates and oak were reach'd,


s: They made a stand, and fac'd the foe's assault.


s: Some o'er the open plain were yet dispers'd;


s: At dead of night; all fly; on one descends


s: The doom of death; her with his pow'rful teeth


s: He seizes, and, her neck first broken, rends,


s: And on her entrails gorging, laps her blood.


s: Slaying the hindmost; they in terror fled:


s: Some headlong, backward some, Atrides' hand


s: Hurl'd from their chariot many a warrior bold;


s: So forward and so fierce he bore his spear.


s: But as he near'd the city, and stood beneath


s: The lofty wall, the Sire of Gods and men


s: From Heav'n descended; on the topmost height


s: And while his hand the lightning grasp'd, he thus


s: "Haste thee, swift Iris, and to Hector bear


s: From me this message; bid him, that as long


s: Raging, and dealing death among the ranks,


s: The stubborn fight; but should Atrides, struck


s: He shall from me receive such pow'r to slay,


s: As to the ships shall bear him, ere the sun


s: Decline, and Darkness spread her hallowing shade."


s: From Ida's heights swift-footed Iris sped:


s: Amid the horses and the well-fram'd cars


s: The godlike Hector, Priam's son, she found,


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


s: "Hector, thou son of Priam, sage as Jove


s: Sends thee by me this message; that as long


s: Raging, and dealing death amid the ranks,


s: Thou from the battle keep thyself aloof,


s: Thou shalt from him receive such pow'r to slay


s: As to the ships shall bear thee, ere the sun


s: Swift-footed Iris said, and disappear'd;


s: But from his chariot Hector leap'd to earth,


s: Hither and thither passing through the ranks,


s: With brandish'd jav'lins urging to the fight.


s: Loud, at his bidding, rose the battle-cry;


s: Back roll'd the tide; again they fac'd the Greeks:


s: On th' other side the Greeks their masses form'd,


s: In line of battle rang'd; opposed they stood;


s: And in the front, to none content to cede


s: Of all the Trojans and their fam'd Allies,


s: Stalwart and brave; in fertile Thracia bred,


s: Mother of flocks; him, in his infant years,


s: His grandsire Cisseus, fair Theano's sire,


s: In his own palace rear'd; and when he reach'd


s: The perfect measure of his glorious youth,


s: Still in his house retain'd him, and to wife


s: Gave him his daughter; but when tidings came


s: Of Grecian warfare, from the marriage straight


s: Embarking, with twelve beaked ships he sailed,


s: That owned his sway; these on Percote's shore


s: He left; and came himself on foot to Troy;


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


s: Beneath the breastplate, striking on his belt,


s: Strove with strong hand to drive the weapon home:


s: Yet could not pierce the belt's close-plaited work;


s: The point, encounter'd by the silver fold,


s: Was bent, like lead; then with his pow'rful hand


s: And tow'rd him drew, and with a lion's strength


s: Wrench'd from his foeman's grasp; then on his neck


s: Let fall his sword, and slack'd his limbs in death.


s: There, falling in his country's cause, he slept


s: Far from his virgin-bride, yet unpossess'd,


s: Though bought with costly presents; first he gave


s: A hundred steers; and promis'd thousands more


s: Of sheep and goats from out his countless flocks.


s: And to the crowd of Greeks the trophies bore.


s: Coon, th' observ'd of all men, bitt'rest grief


s: His eyes o'ershadow'd, for his brother's fate;


s: And, unperceiv'd by Atreus' godlike son,


s: Standing aside, he struck him with his spear,


s: Through the mid arm, beneath the elbow's bend;


s: And drove right through the weapon's glitt'ring point.


s: Writh'd with the pain the mighty King of men;


s: Yet from the combat flinch'd he not, nor quail'd:


s: But grasping firm his weather-toughen'd spear


s: And as he drew the body tow'rd the crowd,


s: Beneath the bossy shield the monarch thrust


s: His brass-clad spear, and slack'd his limbs in death;


s: Then near approaching, ev'n upon the corpse


s: Their doom accomplish'd, to the shades were sent.


s: Then through the crowded ranks, with spear and sword,


s: And massive stones, he held his furious course,


s: While the hot blood was welling from his arm;


s: But when the wound was dry, and stanch'd the blood,


s: Keen anguish then Atrides' might subdued.


s: Who rules o'er child-birth travail, ev'n so keen


s: The pangs that then Atrides' might subdued.


s: Drive to the ships; for sore his spirit was pain'd;


s: But loud and clear he shouted to the Greeks:


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


s: Yours be it now our sea-borne ships to guard:


s: Since Jove, the Lord of counsel, through the day


s: Wills not that I the battle should maintain."


s: He said: and swiftly to the ships were driv'n


s: His sleek-skinn'd coursers; nothing loth they flew;


s: With foam their chests were fleck'd, with dust their flanks,


s: As from the field their wounded Lord they bore:


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


s: In close encounter, quit ye now like men;


s: Put forth your wonted valour; from the field


s: Their bravest has withdrawn, and Jove on me


s: Great glory hath shed; now headlong on the Greeks


s: Urge your swift steeds, and endless honour gain."


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


s: And as a hunter cheers his sharp-fang'd hounds


s: So cheer'd the valiant Trojans Priam's son,


s: Illustrious Hector, stern as blood-stain'd Mars.


s: Bent on high deeds, himself in front advanc'd,


s: Fell on the masses as a whirlwind falls,


s: Lashing with furious sweep the dark-blue sea.


s: Say then, who first, who last, by Hector's hand,


s: Whom Jove had will'd to crown with honour, died.


s: All these the chiefs of Greece; the nameless crowd


s: He scatter'd next; as when the west wind drives


s: The clouds, and battles with the hurricane,


s: Before the clearing blast of Notus driv'n;


s: The big waves heave and roll, and high aloft,


s: The gale, careering, flings the ocean spray;


s: So thick and furious fell on hostile heads


s: The might of Hector. Now had fearful deeds


s: Been done, and Greeks beside their ships had fall'n


s: "Why, son of Tydeus, should we thus relax


s: Our warlike courage? come, stand by me now,


s: True friend! if Hector of the glancing helm


s: Our ships should capture, great were our disgrace."


s: "Beside thee will I stand, and still endure;


s: But brief will be the term of our success,


s: Since Jove, the Cloud-compeller, not to us,


s: He said, and from his car Thymbraeus hurl'd,


s: Through the left breast transfix'd: Ulysses' hand


s: These left they there, no more to share the fight;


s: Then turning, spread confusion 'mid the crowd:


s: As turn two boars upon the hunter's pack


s: With desp'rate courage, turning so to bay,


s: Those two, the Trojans scatt'ring, gave the Greeks,


s: From Hector flying, time again to breathe.


s: A car they seiz'd which bore two valiant chiefs,


s: In lore prophetic skill'd, would fain at home


s: Have kept them from the life-destroying war:


s: But they, by adverse fate impell'd to seek


s: Their doom of death, his warning voice despis'd.


s: These two, of strength and life at once bereft,


s: Stripp'd of their armour; while Ulysses slew


s: Thus Jove, from Ida's height beholding, held


s: His even scale, each party slaught'ring each.


s: Then with his spear Tydides through the loins


s: But, ill-advis'd, had in th' attendants' charge


s: His horses left far off; while he himself


s: Rush'd 'mid the throng on foot, and met his doom.


s: Hector's quick glance athwart the files beheld,


s: And to the rescue, with a shout, he sprang,


s: The Trojan columns following; not unmov'd


s: "On us this plague, this mighty Hector, falls:


s: Yet stand we firm, and boldly meet the shock."


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


s: And not in vain; on Hector's head it struck


s: His helmet's crest, but, brass encount'ring brass,


s: Himself it reach'd not; for the visor'd helm,


s: Apollo's gift, three-plated, stay'd its force.


s: Yet backward Hector sprang amid the crowd,


s: And on his knees he dropp'd, his stalwart hand


s: Propp'd on the ground; while darkness veil'd his eyes.


s: But ere Tydides, following up his spear,


s: Attain'd from far the spot whereon he fell,


s: Hector reviv'd, and mounting quick his car,


s: Drove 'mid the crowd, and 'scap'd the doom of death


s: Then thus, with threat'ning spear, Tydides 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 turn'd him of his arms to strip


s: That mark'd where men of old had rais'd a mound


s: To Ilus, Dardan's son, the ancient chief,


s: There crouching, Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord,


s: Had stripp'd the corslet; from his shoulders broad


s: The buckler, and the helmet from his head,


s: When Paris bent his bow, and not in vain


s: His arrow launch'd; Tydides' dexter foot


s: Right through it pierc'd, and pinn'd it to the ground.


s: Joyous he laugh'd, and from his hiding place


s: Sprang forth, and thus in tones of triumph cried:


s: "Thou hast it! not in vain my shaft hath flown!


s: Would that, deep buried in thy flank, it touch'd


s: Thy very life! so should our Trojans lose


s: Their panic fear, who now on thee with dread,


s: "Poor archer, trusting to thy bow alone,


s: Thou durst in arms oppos'd to me to stand,


s: Nought would avail thy arrows and thy bow:


s: And now, because thy shaft hath graz'd my foot,


s: Thou mak'st thine empty boast: I heed thee not,


s: A worthless coward's weapon hath no point.


s: 'Tis diff'rent far with me! though light it fall,


s: My spear is sharp, and whom it strikes, it slays.


s: His widow's cheeks are mark'd with scars of grief,


s: His children orphans; rotting on the ground,


s: Red with his blood, he lies, his fun'ral rites


s: By carrion birds, and not by women paid."


s: Thus while he spoke, Ulysses, spearman bold,


s: Drew near, and stood before him; he, behind,


s: Sat down protected, and from out his foot


s: The arrow drew; whereat sharp anguish shot


s: Through all his flesh; and mounting on his car


s: He bade his faithful charioteer in haste


s: Drive to the ships, for pain weigh'd down his soul.


s: Not one beside him; all were panic-struck:


s: Then with his spirit, perturb'd, he commun'd thus:


s: "Me miserable!  which way shall I choose?


s: 'Twere ill indeed that I should turn to flight


s: By hostile numbers daunted; yet 'twere worse


s: Here to be caught alone; and Saturn's son


s: With panic fear the other Greeks hath fill'd.


s: Yet why, my soul, admit such thoughts as these?


s: I know that cowards from the battle fly;


s: But he who boasts a warrior's name, must learn,


s: Wounded or wounding, firmly still to stand."


s: While in his mind and spirit thus he mus'd,


s: Onward the buckler'd ranks of Trojans came,


s: And, to their harm, encircled him around.


s: As when a boar, by dogs and stalwart youths


s: Attack'd, the shelt'ring thicket leaves, and whets


s: The tusks that gleam between his curved jaws;


s: They crowd around, though ring his clatt'ring tusks,


s: And, fearful though it be, await his rush:


s: The Trojans; he, with brandish'd spear aloft,


s: Sprang forth, and through the shoulder, from above,


s: He slew, and Ennomus; then with his spear


s: Thrust through the loins below his bossy shield:


s: Prone in the dust, he clutch'd the blood-stain'd soil.


s: From these he turn'd; and wounded with his spear


s: Charops, the high-born Socus' brother, son


s: Of Hippasus; then forward sprang, to aid


s: His brother, godlike Socus; close he stood


s: "Far-fam'd Ulysses, as in arms, in wiles


s: Unwearied, thou this day o'er both the sons


s: And of their armour spoil'd, shalt make thy boast,


s: Or by my spear thyself shalt lose thy life."


s: He said, and on the shield's broad circle struck:


s: Through the bright shield the sturdy weapon drove,


s: And through the rich-wrought baldrick, from the ribs


s: Tearing the flesh away; but Pallas seiz'd,


s: And turn'd it from the vital parts aside.


s: The wound, Ulysses knew, was not to death,


s: And back he drew, and thus to Socus cried:


s: "Ill-fated thou! thy doom hath found thee now;


s: Me hast thou hinder'd from the war awhile;


s: But thee to swift destruction and dark death,


s: This day I doom: great glory, of thee subdued,


s: Shall I obtain, and Hades take thy soul."


s: Thus he: and Socus, turning, sought to fly;


s: But as he turn'd him round, Ulysses' spear


s: Behind his neck, between the shoulder blades


s: Was driv'n, and through his chest; thund'ring he fell,


s: And o'er his fall Ulysses, vaunting, thus:


s: Here hast thou found, nor couldst escape, thy doom.


s: Ill-fated thou! nor sire's nor mother's hand


s: Shall gather up thy bones, but carrion birds


s: O'er thee shall flap their baleful wings, and tear


s: Thy mangled flesh; for me, whene'er I die


s: The sons of Greece will build my fun'ral pile."


s: From out his flesh, and from the bossy shield,


s: The spear of Socus, as he spoke, he drew;


s: And as he drew it forth, out gush'd his blood,


s: With anguish keen. The Trojans, when they saw


s: Ulysses' blood, with clam'rous shouts advanc'd


s: To call his comrades; loud as head of man


s: Could bear, he shouted thrice; and thrice his shout


s: To Ajax, standing by his side, he spoke:


s: Great chief of men, methinks I hear the voice


s: And in the stubborn fight cut off from aid,


s: For so 'twere best, to give him present aid.


s: Brave though he be, yet left alone, I fear


s: Great cause we Greeks may have to mourn his loss."


s: He spoke, and led the way; the godlike chief


s: Follow'd his steps: Ulysses, dear to Jove,


s: Surrounded by the Trojan host they found,


s: Around a stag, that from an archer's hand


s: Hath taken hurt, yet while his blood was warm


s: And limbs yet serv'd, has baffled his pursuit;


s: But when the fatal shaft has drain'd his strength,


s: Thirsting for blood, beneath the forest shade,


s: The jackals seize their victim; then if chance


s: In terror back, while he devours the prey;


s: So round Ulysses, sage in council, press'd


s: The Trojans, many and brave, yet nobly he


s: Till, with his tow'r-like shield before him borne,


s: Appear'd great Ajax, and beside him stood.


s: Hither and thither then the Trojans fled;


s: While with supporting arm from out the crowd


s: Till his attendant with his car drew near.


s: Then Ajax, on the Trojans springing, slew


s: Swoll'n by the rains of Heav'n, that from the hills


s: Pours down its wintry torrent on the plain;


s: And many a blighted oak, and many a pine


s: It bears, with piles of drift-wood, to the sea


s: So swept illustrious Ajax o'er the plain,


s: O'erthrowing men and horses; though unknown


s: Was warring on the field's extremest left,


s: Where round great Nestor and the warlike King


s: Hector, 'mid these, was working wondrous deeds,


s: With spear and car, routing th' opposed youth;


s: Yet had the Greeks ev'n so their ground maintain'd,


s: But godlike Paris, fair-hair'd Helen's Lord,


s: Through the right shoulder, with a three-barb'd shaft,


s: As in the front he fought, Machaon quell'd:


s: For him the warrior Greeks were sore afraid


s: Lest he, as back the line of battle roll'd,


s: Might to the foe be left; to Nestor then


s: Idomeneus address'd his speech, and said:


s: "O Nestor, son of Neleus, pride of Greece,


s: Haste thee to mount thy car, and with thee take


s: Machaon; tow'rd the vessels urge with speed


s: The flying steeds; worth many a life is his,


s: The skilful leech, who knows, with practis'd hand,


s: T' extract the shaft, and healing drugs apply."


s: The skilful leech, sage AEsculapius' son:


s: He touch'd his horses; tow'rd the Grecian ships,


s: As was his purpose, nothing loth, they flew.


s: Confus'd the Trojans' right, drew near, and said:


s: "Hector, we here, on th' outskirts of the field,


s: O'erpow'r the Greeks; on th' other side, our friends


s: In strange confusion mingled, horse and man,


s: Are driv'n; among them Ajax spreads dismay,


s: And the broad shield that o'er his shoulders hangs;


s: Thither direct we then our car, where most


s: In mutual slaughter horse and foot engage,


s: And loudest swells, uncheck'd, the battle cry."


s: He said, and with the pliant lash he touch'd


s: The sleek-skinn'd horses; springing at the sound,


s: Between the Greeks and Trojans, light they bore


s: The flying car, 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; yet on he sped, to join


s: The strife of men, and break th' opposing ranks.


s: His coming spread confusion 'mid the Greeks,


s: His spear awhile withheld; then through the rest,


s: With sword, and spear, and pond'rous stones he rush'd,


s: But Jove, high thron'd, the soul of Ajax fill'd


s: With fear; aghast he stood; his sev'nfold shield


s: He threw behind his back, and, trembling, gaz'd


s: Upon the crowd; then, like some beast of prey,


s: Foot slowly following foot, reluctant turn'd.


s: As when the rustic youths and dogs have driv'n


s: Watching all night, and baulk'd him of his prey;


s: Rav'ning for flesh, he still th' attempt renews,


s: But still in vain: for many a jav'lin, hurl'd


s: By vig'rous arms, confronts him to his face,


s: Till, with the dawn, reluctant he retreat:


s: Reluctant, fearing for the ships of Greece.


s: As near a field of corn, a stubborn ass,


s: Upon whose sides had many a club been broke,


s: O'erpow'rs his boyish guides, and ent'ring in,


s: On the rich forage grazes; while the boys


s: Their cudgels ply, but vain their puny strength,


s: Yet drive him out, when fully fed, with ease:


s: The valiant Trojans and their fam'd Allies,


s: Still thrusting at his shield, before them drove:


s: Yet would he sometimes, rallying, hold in check


s: The Trojan host; then turn again to flight,


s: Yet barring still the passage to the ships.


s: Midway between the Trojans and the Greeks


s: By vig'rous arms, were in their flight receiv'd


s: On his broad shield; and many, ere they reach'd


s: Their living mark, fell midway on the plain,


s: Fix'd in the ground, in vain athirst for blood.


s: Him thus, hard press'd by thick-thrown spears, beheld


s: He hasten'd up, and aim'd his glitt'ring spear;


s: Below the midriff through the liver struck,


s: And straight relax'd in sudden death his limbs.


s: Forth sprang Eurypylus to seize the spoils:


s: But godlike Paris saw, and as he stoop'd


s: From Apisaon's corpse to strip his arms,


s: And his right thigh transfix'd; the injur'd limb


s: Disabling, in the wound the arrow broke.


s: He 'mid his friends, escaping death, withdrew,


s: And to the Greeks with piercing shout he call'd:


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


s: Turn yet again, and from the doom of death


s: Great Ajax save, hard press'd by hostile spears:


s: Scarce can I hope he may escape with life


s: The desp'rate fight; yet bravely stand, and aid


s: Thus spoke the wounded hero: round him they


s: With sloping shields and spears uplifted stood:


s: Ajax to meet them came; and when he reach'd


s: The friendly ranks, again he turn'd to bay.


s: So rag'd, like blazing fire, the furious fight.


s: Meanwhile the mares of Neleus, drench'd with sweat,


s: Achilles saw, and mark'd them where he stood


s: Upon his lofty vessel's prow, and watch'd


s: Then on his friend Patroclus from the ship


s: He call'd aloud; he heard his voice, and forth,


s: As Mars majestic, from the tent he came:


s: "Why call'st thou me? what wouldst thou, Peleus' son?"


s: To whom Achilles, swift of foot, replied:


s: Soon, must the suppliant Greeks before me kneel,


s: But haste thee now, Patroclus, dear to Jove:


s: Enquire of Nestor, from the battle field


s: Whom brings he wounded: looking from behind


s: Most like he seem'd to AEsculapius' son,


s: He said: obedient to his friend's command,


s: Quick to the tents and ships Patroclus ran.


s: They, when they reach'd the tent of Neleus' son,


s: The old man's mares unharness'd from the car,


s: While on the beach they fac'd the cooling breeze,


s: Which from their garments dried the sweat; then turn'd,


s: When by Achilles ta'en, the old man brought;


s: Daughter of great Arsinous, whom the Greeks


s: On him, their sagest councillor, bestow'd.


s: Before them first a table fair she spread,


s: Well polish'd, and with feet of solid bronze;


s: And pale clear honey, and pure barley meal:


s: By these a splendid goblet, which from home


s: Th' old man had brought, with golden studs adorn'd:


s: Four were its handles, and round each two doves


s: Scarce might another move it from the board,


s: When full; but aged Nestor rais'd with ease.


s: In this, their goddess-like attendant first


s: A gen'rous measure mix'd of Pramnian wine:


s: The goatsmilk cheese, and whitest barley meal,


s: And of the draught compounded bade them drink.


s: They drank, and then, reliev'd the parching thirst,


s: With mutual converse entertain'd the hour.


s: The old man saw, and from his seat arose,


s: And took him by the hand, and led him in,


s: And bade him sit; but he, refusing, said:


s: I must not stay; for he both awe and fear


s: What wounded man thou hast; I need not ask,


s: I know Machaon well, his people's guard.


s: Back to Achilles; and thou know'st thyself,


s: Thou venerable sire, how stern his mood:


s: Nay sometimes blames he, where no blame is due."


s: "Whence comes Achilles' pity for the Greeks


s: What depth of suff'ring through the camp prevails?


s: Sore wounded, all our best and bravest lie?


s: By a sharp arrow through the thigh transfix'd;


s: Shot by a bow, from off the battle field:


s: For Grecian woes nor care nor pity feels.


s: Waits he, until our ships beside the sea,


s: In our despite, are burnt by hostile fires,


s: The strength I boasted once of active limbs.


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


s: He sought to guard the herd; but from my hand


s: A jav'lin struck him in the foremost ranks:


s: He fell, and terror seiz'd the rustic crowd.


s: Abundant store of plunder from the plain


s: Of swine, as many wide-spread herds of goats,


s: And thrice so many golden-chesnut mares,


s: The foals of many running with their dams.


s: By night; and much it gladden'd Neleus' heart,


s: That I, though new to war, such prize had won.


s: When morn appear'd, the clear-voic'd heralds call'd


s: For all to whom from Elis debts were due;


s: Collected thus, the Pylians' leading men


s: Such wrongs we few in Pylos had sustain'd.


s: Had storm'd our town, and all our bravest slain.


s: Twelve gallant sons had Neleus; I of these


s: Alone was left; the others all were gone.


s: Whence over-proud, th' Epeians treated us


s: Of sheep, th' old man selected for himself,


s: Three hundred, with their shepherds; for to him


s: Train'd to the course, four horses, with their cars,


s: Had sent to run; these Augeas, King of men,


s: Detain'd, and bade the drivers home return,


s: Bootless, and grieving for their horses' loss.


s: Th' old man his words resenting, and his acts,


s: Large spoils retain'd; the rest among the crowd


s: He shar'd, that none might lose his portion due.


s: These we dispos'd of soon, and to the Gods


s: Due off'rings made; but when the third day rose,


s: Back in all haste, in numbers, horse and foot,


s: Our foes return'd; with, them the Molion twins,


s: Far off, by Alpheus' banks, th' extremest verge


s: The city of Thryum; which around, intent


s: To raze its walls, their army was encamp'd.


s: When Pallas from Olympus' heights came down


s: In haste, and bade us all prepare for war.


s: Yet so, albeit on foot, by Pallas' grace


s: A name I gain'd above our noblest horse.


s: Where we, the Pylian horse, expecting morn,


s: Encamp'd, by troops of footmen quickly join'd.


s: Thence in all haste advancing, all in arms,


s: We reach'd, by midday, Alpheus' sacred stream.


s: There, to o'erruling Jove our off'rings made,


s: To Pallas, blue-ey'd Maid, a heifer fair,


s: In order'd ranks we took our ev'ning meal,


s: Lay down to rest; for close beside us lay


s: Th' Epeians, on the town's destruction bent.


s: Then saw they mighty deeds of war display'd;


s: For we, as sunlight overspread the earth,


s: To Jove and Pallas praying, battle gave.


s: But when the Pylians and th' Epeians met,


s: I first a warrior slew, and seiz'd his car,


s: Bold spearman, Mulius; Augeas' son-in-law,


s: The yellow-hair'd, who all the virtues knew


s: Of each medicinal herb the wide world grows.


s: Him, with my brass-tipp'd spear, as on he came,


s: Stood 'mid the foremost ranks; th' Epeians brave


s: Fled diverse, when they saw their champion fall,


s: Chief of their horsemen, foremost in the fight.


s: With the dark whirlwind's force, I onward rush'd,


s: Fell to my spear, and bit the bloody dust.


s: Then Actor's sons, the Molions, had I slain,


s: Had not th' Earth-shaking God, their mighty sire,


s: Veil'd in thick cloud, withdrawn them from the field;


s: Then Jove great glory to the Pylians gave.


s: For o'er the wide-spread plain we held pursuit,


s: Slaying, and gath'ring up the scatter'd arms,


s: Nor till corn-clad Buprasium, and the rock


s: Stay'd we our steeds; there Pallas bade us turn.


s: There the last man I slew, and left; the Greeks


s: Back from Buprasium drove their flying cars


s: 'Mid men, of Nestor, as 'mid Gods, of Jove.


s: Such once was I 'mid men, while yet I was;


s: His valour; yet hereafter, when the Greeks


s: Have perish'd all, remorse shall touch his soul.


s: Dear friend, remember now th' injunctions giv'n


s: By old Menoetius, when from Phthian land


s: Heard all his counsel; to the well-built house


s: Throughout Achaia's fertile lands to raise


s: The means of war; Menoetius there we found,


s: While in the court-yard aged Peleus slew,


s: A fatten'd steer; and from a golden bowl


s: O'er the burnt-off'ring pour'd the ruddy wine.


s: We two, while ye were busied with the flesh,


s: Stood at the gate; surpris'd, Achilles rose,


s: And took us by the hand, and bade us sit,


s: My speech, and urg'd ye both to join the war:


s: Nor were ye loth to go; much sage advice


s: Your elders gave; old Peleus bade his son


s: His comrades all; Menoetius, Actor's son,


s: To thee this counsel gave: 'My son,' he said,


s: Thou art in years the elder; he in strength


s: Surpasses thee; do thou with prudent words


s: And timely speech address him, and advise


s: And guide him; he will, to his good, obey.'


s: "Such were the old man's words; but thou hast let


s: His counsel slip thy mem'ry; yet ev'n now


s: Speak to Achilles thus, and stir his soul,


s: If haply he will hear thee; and who knows


s: But by the grace of Heav'n thou mayst prevail?


s: For great is oft a friend's persuasive pow'r.


s: Or message by his Goddess-mother brought


s: From Jove, restrain him, let him send thee forth


s: With all his force of warlike Myrmidons,


s: That thou mayst be the saving light of Greece.


s: Then let him bid thee to the battle bear


s: His glitt'ring arms; if so the men of Troy,


s: Scar'd by his likeness, may forsake the field,


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


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


s: Fresh and unwearied, ye with ease may drive


s: To their own city, from our ships and tents,


s: The Trojans, worn and battle-wearied men."


s: Thus he; Patroclus' spirit within him burn'd,


s: And tow'rd Achilles' tent in haste he sped.


s: But, running, as Ulysses' ship he pass'd,


s: Where was the Council and the Justice-seat,


s: And where were built the altars of the Gods,


s: There met him, halting from the battle-field,


s: Shot through the thigh, Euaemon's Heav'n-born son,


s: With clammy sweat, while from his grievous wound


s: Stream'd the dark blood; yet firm was still his soul.


s: And deeply sorrowing thus address'd the chief:


s: "Woe for the chiefs and councillors of Greece!


s: And must ye, far from friends and native home,


s: Glut with your flesh the rav'ning dogs of Troy?


s: Yet tell me this, Heav'n-born Eurypylus;


s: Still do the Greeks 'gainst Hector's giant force


s: Make head? or fall they, vanquish'd by his spear?"


s: "No source, Heav'n-born Patroclus, have the Greeks,


s: Of aid, but all must perish by their ships:


s: For in the ships lie all our bravest late,


s: By spear or arrow struck, by Trojan hands;


s: And fiercer, hour by hour, their onset grows.


s: But save me now, and lead me to the ships;