s: Sprinkling with dusty drops at every stroke


s: Their charioteer, while close upon their heels


s: Radiant with tin and gold the chariot ran,


s: Scarce tracking light the dust, so swift they flew.


s: He stood in the mid-circus; there the sweat


s: Rain'd under them from neck and chest profuse,


s: Leaping, reclined his scourge against the yoke.


s: Nor was his friend brave Sthenelus remiss,


s: Consign'd the tripod and the virgin, first,


s: To his own band in charge; then, loosed the steeds.


s: Next came, by stratagem, not speed advanced


s: To that distinction, Nestor's son, whom yet


s: Near as the wheel runs to a courser's heels,


s: Drawing his master at full speed; his tail


s: With its extremest hairs the felly sweeps


s: That close attends him o'er the spacious plain,


s: A full quoit's cast behind, he soon retrieved


s: That loss, with such increasing speed the mare


s: She, had the course few paces more to both


s: Afforded, should have clearly shot beyond


s: For slowest were his steeds, and he, to rule


s: The chariot in the race, least skill'd of all.


s: Himself, his splendid chariot, and his mares


s: The Argives, in wing'd accents thus he spake.


s: Here comes the most expert, driving his steeds


s: Before him. Just it were that he received


s: The second prize; Tydides claims the first.


s: The mare (for such the pleasure seem'd of all)


s: Thou shalt offend me much, for thou shalt take


s: The prize from me, because the Gods, his steeds


s: And chariot-yoke disabling, render'd vain


s: In prayer, then had he not, following on foot


s: His coursers, hindmost of us all arrived.


s: Thou hast much gold, much brass, and many sheep


s: In thy pavilion; thou hast maidens fair,


s: Than this, or give it now, so shall the Greeks


s: Applaud thee; but this mare yield I to none;


s: Stand forth the Grecian who desires to win


s: That recompense, and let him fight with me.


s: Whom much he loved; then, ardent, thus replied.


s: Antilochus! if thou wouldst wish me give


s: With glittering tin; a precious gift, and rare.


s: Produce it from the tent; he at his word


s: Departing, to Achilles brought the spoil,


s: Which at his hands Eumelus glad received.


s: Then, stung with grief, and with resentment fired


s: The sceptre to his hand, and (silence bidden


s: What hast thou done? Thou hast dishonor'd foul


s: My skill, and wrong'd my coursers, throwing thine,


s: Although inferior far, by fraud before them.


s: Impartial judge between us, lest, of these,


s: The mare away, because, although his steeds


s: Were worse, his arm was mightier, and prevail'd.


s: Yet hold--myself will judge, and will to all


s: Contentment give, for I will judge aright.


s: And, as the law prescribes, standing before


s: Thy steeds and chariot, holding too the scourge


s: With which thou drovest, lay hand on both thy steeds,


s: And swear by Neptune, circler of the earth,


s: Thou didst impede my chariot in its course.


s: The fault of one thy junior far, in years


s: Thou know'st how rash is youth, and how propense


s: To pass the bounds by decency prescribed,


s: Quick, but not wise. Lay, then, thy wrath aside;


s: So saying, the son of valiant Nestor led


s: Who with heart-freshening joy the prize received.


s: Fall grateful, while the spiry grain erect


s: Thy inmost soul a soothing pleasure sweet!


s: Then answer thus the hero quick return'd.


s: All strife with thee, for that at other times


s: Although by youthful heat misled to-day.


s: Had my extreme displeasure calm'd so soon;


s: But thou hast suffer'd much, and much hast toil'd,


s: As thy good father and thy brother have,


s: On my behalf; I, therefore, yield, subdued


s: By thy entreaties, and the mare, though mine,


s: Will also give thee, that these Grecians all


s: May know me neither proud nor hard to appease.


s: Friend of Antilochus, and, well-content,


s: The polish'd caldron for _his_ prize received.


s: The fourth awarded lot (for he had fourth


s: To ancient Nestor, whom he thus bespake.


s: Which in remembrance of the funeral rites


s: Of my Patroclus, keep, for him thou seest


s: Among the Greeks no more. Receive a prize,


s: The cestus, wrestle, at the spear contend,


s: He said, and placed it in his hands. He, glad,


s: Receiving it, in accents wing'd replied.


s: True, oh my son! is all which thou hast spoken.


s: These limbs, these hands, young friend! (their vigor lost)


s: No longer, darted from the shoulder, spring


s: Young yet again, could feel again such force


s: The Epeans with sepulchral pomp entomb'd


s: King Amarynceus, where his sons ordain'd


s: Could cope with me, or yet Ætolian bold.


s: Of Enops; wrestling, the Pleuronian Chief


s: Though a fleet runner; and I over-pitch'd


s: That prize, for to the victor charioteer


s: They had assign'd the noblest prize of all.


s: They were twin-brothers, and one ruled the steeds,


s: The steeds one ruled, the other lash'd them on.


s: Such once was I; but now, these sports I leave


s: To withering age, who then outshone the best.


s: But go. The funeral of thy friend with games


s: With pleasure; and my heart is also glad


s: Who loves thee, and such honor in the sight


s: Yield'st me of all the Greeks, as is my due.


s: May the Gods bless thee for it more and more!


s: He spake, and Peleus' son, when he had heard


s: Of Nestor, through the assembled Greeks return'd.


s: He next proposed, not lightly to be won,


s: The boxer's prize. He tether'd down a mule,


s: Untamed and hard to tame, but strong to toil,


s: And in her prime of vigor, in the midst;


s: Then stood erect and to the Greeks exclaim'd.


s: To wage fierce strife for these, with lifted fists


s: Of Phoebus shall o'ertome, and whom the Greeks


s: Shall all pronounce victorious, leads the mule


s: Hence to his tent; the vanquish'd takes the cup.


s: Big, bold, and skillful in the boxer's art,


s: He on the mule imposed, and thus he said.


s: Me foiling, win the mule. I boast myself


s: But this I promise, and will well perform--


s: My blows shall lay him open, split him, crush


s: His bones to splinters, and let all his friends,


s: Attendant on him, wait to bear him hence,


s: Vanquish'd by my superior force in fight.


s: He ended, and his speech found no reply.


s: Son of the King Mecisteus, who, himself,


s: Contending in the games held at his tomb,


s: Him Diomede spear-famed for fight prepared,


s: He wish'd him victory. First then he threw


s: His cincture to him; next, he gave him thongs


s: Both girt around, into the midst they moved.


s: Then, lifting high their brawny arms, and fists


s: Mingling with fists, to furious fight they fell;


s: Dire was the crash of jaws, and the sweat stream'd


s: Watch'd his advantage, pash'd him on the cheek


s: He stood no longer, but, his shapely limbs,


s: Unequal to his weight, sinking, he fell.


s: As by the rising north-wind driven ashore


s: A huge fish flounces on the weedy beach,


s: Which soon the sable flood covers again,


s: And his own comrades from the circus forth


s: Led him, step dragging after step, the blood


s: Rolling his head languid from side to side.


s: They placed him all unconscious on his seat


s: In his own band, then fetch'd his prize, the cup.


s: Still other prizes, then, Achilles placed


s: In view of all, the sturdy wrestler's meed.


s: A large hearth-tripod, valued by the Greeks


s: At twice six beeves, should pay the victor's toil;


s: But for the vanquish'd, in the midst he set


s: Of arts domestic, valued at four beeves.


s: He rose erect, and to the Greeks he cried.


s: Arise ye, now, who shall this prize dispute.


s: Both girt around, into the midst they moved.


s: With vigorous gripe each lock'd the other fast,


s: Like rafters, standing, of some mansion built


s: By a prime artist proof against all winds.


s: Their backs, tugg'd vehemently, creak'd, the sweat


s: Trickled, and on their flanks and shoulders, red


s: The whelks arose; they bearing still in mind


s: The tripod, ceased not struggling for the prize.


s: But when, long time expectant, all the Greeks


s: Grew weary, then, huge Ajax him bespake.


s: Lift, or be lifted, and let Jove decide.


s: He said, and heaved Ulysses. Then, his wiles


s: Chopp'd him; the limbs of Ajax at the stroke


s: Then brave Ulysses from the ground awhile


s: Him lifted in his turn, but ere he stood,


s: Inserting his own knee the knees between


s: Of Ajax, threw him. To the earth they fell


s: Both, and with dust defiled lay side by side.


s: They should have wrestled yet again, had not


s: Strive not together more; cease to exhaust


s: Each other's force; ye both have earn'd the prize


s: To other Grecians who shall next contend.


s: He spake; they glad complied, and wiping off


s: The dust, put on their tunics. Then again


s: The rapid runner's meed. First, he produced


s: Own'd not its like for elegance of form.


s: Had borne it, and the boon to Thoas given;


s: Had pass'd it of Patroclus famed in arms.


s: Set forth, the swiftest runner's recompense.


s: Of largest size, and he assign'd of gold


s: A just half-talent to the worst and last.


s: He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.


s: Now stand ye forth who shall this prize dispute.


s: Brave Nestor's son Antilochus, with whom


s: None vied in speed of all the youths of Greece.


s: They stood prepared. Achilles show'd the goal.


s: Led swift the course, and closely at his heels


s: Ulysses ran. Near as some cinctured maid


s: Industrious holds the distaff to her breast,


s: While to and fro with practised finger neat


s: She tends the flax drawing it to a thread,


s: So near Ulysses follow'd him, and press'd


s: His footsteps, ere the dust fill'd them again,


s: Pouring his breath into his neck behind,


s: And never slackening pace. His ardent thirst


s: And now the contest shortening to a close,


s: Oh Goddess hear, prosper me in the race!


s: Such was his prayer, with which Minerva pleased,


s: Freshen'd his limbs, and made him light to run.


s: And now, when in one moment they should both


s: Have darted on the prize, then Ajax' foot


s: Sliding, he fell; for where the dung of beeves


s: Slain by Achilles for his friend, had spread


s: The soil, there Pallas tripp'd him. Ordure foul


s: His mouth, and ordure foul his nostrils fill'd.


s: Then brave Ulysses, first arriving, seized


s: The cup, and Ajax took his prize, the ox.


s: He grasp'd his horn, and sputtering as he stood


s: The ordure forth, the Argives thus bespake.


s: Ah--Pallas tripp'd my footsteps; she attends


s: Loud laugh'd the Grecians. Then, the remnant prize


s: Ye need not, fellow-warriors, to be taught


s: Long past, a chief coëval with our sires,


s: Not young, but vigorous; and of the Greeks,


s: To Peleus' son he gave, who thus replied.


s: Antilochus! thy praise of me shall prove


s: For the half-talent doubled shall be thine.


s: He spake, and, doubling it, the talent placed


s: Whole in his hand. He glad the gift received.


s: Achilles, then Sarpedon's arms produced,


s: Stripp'd from him by Patroclus, his long spear,


s: Helmet and shield, which in the midst he placed.


s: He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.


s: I call for two brave warriors arm'd to prove


s: Each other's skill with weapons keen, this prize


s: Who first shall through his armor reach the skin


s: Of his antagonist, and shall draw his blood,


s: To him this silver-studded falchion bright


s: I give; the blade is Thracian, and of late


s: These other arms shall be their common meed,


s: His arms, then moved into the middle space,


s: Lowering terrific, and on fire to fight.


s: The host look'd on amazed. Approaching each


s: The other, thrice they sprang to the assault,


s: And thrice struck hand to hand. Ajax the shield


s: Attain'd not, baffled by his mail within.


s: Then Tydeus' son, sheer o'er the ample disk


s: Of Ajax, thrust a lance home to his neck,


s: Of Ajax, bade them, ceasing, share the prize.


s: But the huge falchion with its sheath and belt--


s: Rough from the forge, and wont to task the might


s: Pelides, glorious chief, with other spoils


s: From Thebes convey'd it in his fleet to Troy.


s: He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.


s: Come forth who also shall this prize dispute!


s: How far soe'er remote the winner's fields,


s: This lump shall serve his wants five circling years;


s: His shepherd shall not, or his plower, need


s: But hence he shall himself their wants supply.


s: He swung, he cast it, and the Grecians laugh'd.


s: Leonteus, branch of Mars, quoited it next.


s: Dismiss'd it third, and overpitch'd them both.


s: But when brave Polypoetes seized the mass


s: Far as the vigorous herdsman flings his staff


s: That twirling flies his numerous beeves between,


s: And the host shouted. Then the friends arose


s: The archers' prize Achilles next proposed,


s: He fix'd, far distant on the sands, the mast


s: Of a brave bark cerulean-prow'd, to which


s: With small cord fasten'd by the foot he tied


s: A timorous dove, their mark at which to aim.


s: Who strikes the dove, he conquers, and shall bear


s: But who the cord alone, missing the bird,


s: Successful less, he wins the single blades.


s: And, fellow-warrior of the King of Crete,


s: Received the lots; they shook them, and the lot


s: Fell first to Teucer. He, at once, a shaft


s: Sent smartly forth, but vow'd not to the King


s: A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock.


s: Denied him) miss'd the dove, but struck the cord


s: That tied her, at small distance from the knot,


s: The bird into the air, and to the ground


s: Depending fell the cord. Shouts rent the skies.


s: Caught from his hand holding a shaft the while


s: And, while she wheel'd around, struck her beneath


s: The pinion; through her and beyond her pass'd


s: The arrow, and, returning, pierced the soil


s: She, perching on the mast again, her head


s: Reclined, and hung her wide-unfolded wing,


s: But, soon expiring, dropp'd and fell remote.


s: Amazement seized the people. To his tent


s: Then, last, Achilles in the circus placed


s: A ponderous spear and caldron yet unfired,


s: Emboss'd with flowers around, its worth an ox.


s: Upstood the spear-expert; Atrides first,


s: And next, brave fellow-warrior of the King


s: Of Crete, Meriones; when thus his speech


s: Atrides! (for we know thy skill and force


s: Matchless! that none can hurl the spear as thou)


s: This prize is thine, order it to thy ship;


s: And if it please thee, as I would it might,


s: Presenting, to Talthybius gave in charge


s: The caldron, next, his own illustrious prize.


s: Priam, by command of Jupiter, and under conduct of Mercury, seeks


s: The games all closed, the people went dispersed


s: Each to his ship; they, mindful of repast,


s: Achilles' mind employ'd: he still deplored


s: With tears his loved Patroclus, nor the force


s: Felt of all-conquering sleep, but turn'd and turn'd


s: Restless from side to side, mourning the loss


s: Of such a friend, so manly, and so brave.


s: Their fellowship in toil; their hardships oft


s: Sustain'd in fight laborious, or o'ercome


s: Like these, drew down his cheeks continual tears.


s: Now prone, then starting from his couch he roam'd


s: Forlorn the beach, nor did the rising morn


s: On seas and shores escape his watchful eye,


s: But joining to his chariot his swift steeds,


s: He fasten'd Hector to be dragg'd behind.


s: Him thrice he dragg'd; then rested in his tent,


s: Leaving him at his length stretch'd in the dust.


s: Even of the lifeless Hector, from all taint


s: Saved him, and with the golden ægis broad


s: Covering, preserved him, although dragg'd, untorn.


s: While he, indulging thus his wrath, disgraced


s: Brave Hector, the immortals at that sight


s: The watchful Argicide, to steal him thence.


s: That counsel pleased the rest, but neither pleased


s: Juno, nor Neptune, nor the blue-eyed maid.


s: They still, as at the first, held fast their hate


s: And still his people, mindful of the crime


s: They came, those Goddesses affronting, praise


s: Who with vile lusts his preference repaid.


s: But when the twelfth ensuing morn arose,


s: Apollo, then, the immortals thus address'd.


s: Ye Gods, your dealings now injurious seem


s: Thighs of fat goats and bullocks at your shrines?


s: Whom now, though dead, ye cannot yet endure


s: Might view him, his own mother, his own son,


s: His father and the people, who would soon


s: Yield him his just demand, a funeral fire.


s: To please Achilles, that pernicious chief,


s: Who neither right regards, nor owns a mind


s: By his own dauntless heart and savage force,


s: Invades without remorse the rights of man,


s: That he may banquet on his herds and flocks,


s: Hath driven, and shame, man's blessing or his curse.


s: Still dearer, whether of his brother born


s: When he hath once bewail'd him, weeps no more,


s: For fate itself gives man a patient mind.


s: Yet Peleus' son, not so contented, slays


s: Illustrious Hector first, then drags his corse


s: Around Patroclus' tomb; but neither well


s: Who may, perchance, brave though he be, incur


s: He pours dishonor thus on senseless clay.


s: To whom, incensed, Juno white-arm'd replied.


s: And be it so; stand fast this word of thine,


s: As Hector claims; but Hector was by birth


s: Mere man, and suckled at a woman's breast.


s: In marriage, to a chief beloved in heaven


s: Peculiarly; ye were yourselves, ye Gods!


s: Partakers of the nuptial feast, and thou


s: Wast present also with thine harp in hand,


s: Thou comrade of the vile! thou faithless ever!


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


s: Against the Gods. They shall not share alike,


s: Most favor'd by the Gods, and him no less


s: I also loved, for punctual were his gifts


s: But steal him not, since by Achilles' eye


s: Unseen ye cannot, who both day and night


s: The Goddess counsel, that, at Priam's hands


s: Accepting gifts, Achilles loose the dead.


s: He ceased. Then Iris tempest-wing'd arose.


s: She plunged into the gloomy flood; loud groan'd


s: The briny pool, while sudden down she rush'd,


s: As sinks the bull's horn with its leaden weight,


s: Death bearing to the raveners of the deep.


s: Within her vaulted cave Thetis she found


s: Encompass'd; she, amid them all, the fate


s: At fertile Troy, from Phthia far remote.


s: Then, Iris, drawing near, her thus address'd.


s: Of everlasting counsels, calls for thee.


s: Why calls the mighty Thunderer me? I fear,


s: Oppress'd with countless sorrows as I am,


s: No word of his can prove an empty sound.


s: So saying, the Goddess took her sable veil


s: Her progress, by the storm-wing'd Iris led.


s: A pass before them; they, ascending soon


s: The shore, updarted swift into the skies.


s: They found loud-voiced Saturnian Jove around


s: Of which she drank, then gave it back again,


s: And thus the sire of Gods and men began.


s: Goddess of ocean, Thetis! thou hast sought


s: Yet shalt thou learn, afflicted as thou art,


s: Why I have summon'd thee. Nine days the Gods,


s: Brave city-spoiler son, have held dispute,


s: And some have urged ofttimes the Argicide


s: Keen-sighted Mercury, to steal the dead.


s: Thy reverence and thy friendship evermore.


s: Haste, therefore, seek thy son, and tell him thus,


s: The Gods resent it, say (but most of all


s: Amid his fleet, through fury of revenge,


s: Unransom'd Hector; so shall he, at length,


s: Through fear of me, perchance, release the slain.


s: Myself to generous Priam will, the while,


s: Send Iris, who shall bid him to the fleet


s: Of Greece, such ransom bearing as may soothe


s: So spake the God, nor Thetis not complied.


s: Descending swift from the Olympian heights


s: She reach'd Achilles' tent. Him there she found


s: New-slaughter'd, large, and of exuberant fleece.


s: She, sitting close beside him, softly strok'd


s: His cheek, and thus, affectionate, began.


s: How long, my son! sorrowing and mourning here,


s: Wilt thou consume thy soul, nor give one thought


s: Either to food or love? Yet love is good,


s: And woman grief's best cure; for length of days


s: Is not thy doom, but, even now, thy death


s: Mark me,--I come a lieger sent from Jove.


s: The Gods, he saith, resent it, but himself


s: More deeply than the rest, that thou detain'st


s: Amid thy fleet, through fury of revenge,


s: Ransom, and to his friends resign the dead.


s: To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift.


s: Come then the ransomer, and take him hence;


s: So they, among the ships, conferring sat


s: On various themes, the Goddess and her son;


s: Hence, rapid Iris! leave the Olympian heights.


s: And his wheel'd litter, and to bring the dead


s: Let neither fear of death nor other fear


s: Trouble him aught, so safe a guard and sure


s: Nor will himself Achilles slay him there,


s: Or even permit his death, but will forbid


s: But will his suppliant with much grace receive.


s: He ceased; then Iris tempest-wing'd arose,


s: Jove's messenger, and, at the gates arrived


s: Around their father, in the hall, his sons


s: Their robes with tears water'd, while them amidst


s: The hoary King sat mantled, muffled close,


s: Much dust was spread, which, rolling on the earth,


s: He had shower'd on them with unsparing hands.


s: The palace echoed to his daughters' cries,


s: And to the cries of matrons calling fresh


s: Now stretch'd in dust, by Argive hands destroy'd.


s: Standing, with whisper'd accents low his ear


s: Courage, Dardanian Priam! fear thou nought;


s: But with kind purpose: Jove's ambassadress


s: Much pity, and much tender care for thee.


s: The noble Hector, with an offering large


s: Of gifts that may Achilles' wrath appease.


s: Hath leave to attend thy journey thither, save


s: And thy wheel'd litter, and to bring the dead


s: Let neither fear of death nor other fear


s: Trouble thee aught, so safe a guard and sure


s: He gives thee; Mercury shall be thy guide


s: Nor will himself Achilles slay thee there,


s: Or even permit thy death, but will forbid


s: But will his suppliant with much grace receive.


s: So spake the swift ambassadress, and went.


s: Then, calling to his sons, he bade them bring


s: His litter forth, and bind the coffer on,


s: While to his fragrant chamber he repair'd


s: Himself, with cedar lined and lofty-roof'd,


s: The Queen he summon'd, whom he thus bespake.


s: Hath come, who bids me to the Grecian fleet,


s: Bearing such presents thither as may soothe


s: But say, what seems this enterprise to thee?


s: Then wept the Queen aloud, and thus replied.


s: Ah! whither is thy wisdom fled, for which


s: Both strangers once, and Trojans honor'd _thee_?


s: Of thine have fallen? Thou hast an iron heart!


s: For should that savage man and faithless once


s: Or reverence at his hands. Come--let us weep


s: Together, here sequester'd; for the thread


s: When he was born, ordain'd our son remote


s: From us his parents to be food for hounds


s: In that chief's tent. Oh! clinging to his side,


s: How I could tear him with my teeth! His deeds,


s: Disgraceful to my son, then should not want


s: Skulking, but standing boldly for the wives,


s: The daughters fair, and citizens of Troy,


s: Guiltless of flight, and of the wish to fly.


s: Whom godlike Priam answer'd, ancient King.


s: For thou shalt not prevail. Had mortal man


s: Enjoin'd me this attempt, prophet, or priest,


s: Or soothsayer, I had pronounced him false


s: And fear'd it but the more. But, since I saw


s: The Goddess with these eyes, and heard, myself,


s: The voice divine, I go; that word shall stand;


s: And, if my doom be in the fleet of Greece


s: Shall give me speedy death, and I shall die


s: Folding my son, and satisfied with tears.


s: So saying, he open'd wide the elegant lids


s: Of numerous chests, whence mantles twelve he took


s: Of texture beautiful; twelve single cloaks;


s: To which he added vests, an equal store.


s: All weigh'd, two splendid tripods, caldrons four,


s: And after these a cup of matchless worth


s: Spared not, such fervor of desire he felt


s: To loose his son. Then from his portico,


s: With angry taunts he drove the gather'd crowds.


s: Ye shame of human kind! Have ye no griefs


s: At home, that ye come hither troubling _me_?


s: Best boy deprives me? Ah! ye shall be taught


s: Yourselves that loss, far easier to be slain


s: Taken and pillaged, with these aged eyes,


s: Shall find safe hiding in the shades below.


s: He said, and chased them with his staff; they left


s: In haste the doors, by the old King expell'd.


s: Then, chiding them aloud, his sons he call'd,


s: He call'd, thus issuing, angry, his commands.


s: Quick! quick! ye slothful in your father's cause,


s: Ye worthless brood! would that in Hector's stead


s: Ye all had perish'd in the fleet of Greece!


s: No man had sons to boast valiant as mine,


s: And I have lost them all. Mestor is gone


s: The godlike, Troilus the steed-renown'd,


s: From mortal man derived, but from a God.


s: These Mars hath taken, and hath left me none


s: But scandals of my house, void of all truth,


s: Of public robbers, thieves of kids and lambs.


s: This moment, and with all this package quick


s: Charge it, that we may hence without delay?


s: He said, and by his chiding awed, his sons


s: Drew forth the royal litter, neat, new-built,


s: And following swift the draught, on which they bound


s: The coffer; next, they lower'd from the wall


s: The sculptured boxen yoke with its two rings;


s: And with the yoke its furniture, in length


s: Adjusting of the pole, they cast the ring


s: Over the ring-bolt; then, thrice through the yoke


s: They drew the brace on both sides, made it fast


s: With even knots, and tuck'd the dangling ends.


s: Producing, next, the glorious ransom-price


s: They heap'd it all, then yoked the sturdy mules,


s: Conferr'd on Priam; to the chariot, last,


s: They led forth Priam's steeds, which the old King


s: (In person serving them) with freshest corn


s: Constant supplied; meantime, himself within


s: The palace, and his herald, were employ'd


s: Girding themselves, to go; wise each and good.


s: Delicious charged, which in a golden cup


s: She brought, that not without libation due


s: First made, they might depart. Before the steeds


s: Her steps she stay'd, and Priam thus address'd.


s: Take this, and to the Sire of all perform


s: From hostile hands, since thou art urged to seek


s: The Grecian camp, though not by my desire.


s: His favorite most, surpassing all in strength,


s: At thy right hand; him seeing, thou shalt tend


s: With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.


s: But should loud-thundering Jove his lieger swift


s: This journey, howsoe'er thou wish to go.


s: O Queen! for, lifting to the Gods his hands


s: In prayer for their compassion, none can err.


s: So saying, he bade the maiden o'er the rest,


s: With ewer charged and laver, stood prepared.


s: He laved his hands; then, taking from the Queen


s: Heaven-ward devout, and thus his prayer preferr'd.


s: Jove, great and glorious above all, who rulest,


s: Thy favorite most, surpassing all in strength,


s: At my right hand, which seeing, I shall tend


s: Jove sent his eagle, surest of all signs,


s: The black-plumed bird voracious, Morphnos named,


s: And Percnos. Wide as the well-guarded door


s: Of some rich potentate his vans he spread


s: On either side; they saw him on the right,


s: Skimming the towers of Troy; glad they beheld


s: That omen, and all felt their hearts consoled.


s: Delay'd not then the hoary King, but quick


s: Ascending to his seat, his coursers urged


s: Through vestibule and sounding porch abroad.


s: The four-wheel'd litter led, drawn by the mules


s: Went Priam, plying with the scourge his steeds


s: Continual through the town, while all his friends,


s: Following their sovereign with dejected hearts,


s: But when from Ilium's gate into the plain


s: They had descended, then the sons-in-law


s: Of Priam, and his sons, to Troy return'd.


s: Nor they, now traversing the plain, the note


s: Escaped of Jove the Thunderer; he beheld


s: Familiar, whom thou wilt winning with ease


s: To converse free) go thou, and so conduct


s: Or mark him, till he reach Achilles' tent.


s: The Argicide delay'd, but bound in haste


s: Golden, divine, which waft him o'er the floods


s: Swift as the wind, and o'er the boundless earth.


s: He took his rod with which he charms to sleep


s: All eyes, and theirs who sleep opens again.


s: Arm'd with that rod, forth flew the Argicide.


s: Arriving sudden, a king's son he seem'd,


s: Now clothing first his ruddy cheek with down,


s: Which is youth's loveliest season; so disguised,


s: His progress he began. They now (the tomb


s: The river stay'd the mules and steeds to drink,


s: For twilight dimm'd the fields. Idæus first


s: Perceived him near, and Priam thus bespake.


s: Think, son of Dardanus! for we have need


s: Of our best thought. I see a warrior. Now,


s: Now we shall die; I know it. Turn we quick


s: Our steeds to flight; or let us clasp his knees


s: Bristled his limbs, and with amaze he stood


s: Motionless. But the God, meantime, approach'd,


s: And, seizing ancient Priam's hand, inquired.


s: Drivest thou thy mules and steeds, while others sleep?


s: And fear'st thou not the fiery host of Greece,


s: Of whom should any, through the shadow dun


s: Of flitting night, discern thee bearing forth


s: So rich a charge, then what wouldst thou expect?


s: Thou art not young thyself, nor with the aid


s: Of this thine ancient servant, strong enough


s: Force to repulse, should any threaten force.


s: Would save thee, thou resemblest so my sire.


s: Whom answer'd godlike Priam, hoar with age.


s: My son! well spoken. Thou hast judged aright.


s: As thou art beautiful. Blest parents, thine!


s: Thou hast well spoken all. Yet this declare,


s: Troy's sacred towers! since he whom thou hast lost,


s: In arms, and nought inferior to the Greeks.


s: Then thus the godlike Priam, hoary King.


s: But tell me first who _Thou_ art, and from whom


s: Descended, loveliest youth! who hast the fate


s: To prove me. Him, not seldom, with these eyes


s: Most active; saw him when he thinn'd the Greeks


s: With his sharp spear, and drove them to the ships.


s: Achilles suffer'd not to share the fight.


s: And such in years as thou; six sons he hath,


s: Beside myself the seventh, and (the lots cast


s: That I have left the ships, seeking the plain,


s: The cause is this; the Greeks, at break of day,


s: Will compass, arm'd, the city, for they loathe


s: Restrain the hot impatience of the host.


s: Then godlike Priam answer thus return'd.


s: Achilles, tell me undisguised the truth.


s: My son, subsists he still, or hath thy chief


s: Him answer'd then the herald of the skies.


s: Have eaten yet, nor fowls, but at the ships


s: Neglected lies. Twelve days he so hath lain;


s: Yet neither worm which diets on the brave


s: In battle fallen, hath eaten him, or taint


s: Reddens the east, yet safe from blemish still


s: His corse remains. Thou wouldst, thyself, admire


s: Seeing how fresh the dew-drops, as he lies,


s: Rest on him, and his blood is cleansed away


s: That not a stain is left. Even his wounds


s: (For many a wound they gave him) all are closed,


s: Such care the blessed Gods have of thy son,


s: Dead as he is, whom living much they loved.


s: So he; then, glad, the ancient King replied.


s: Good is it, oh my son! to yield the Gods


s: Their just demands. My boy, while yet he lived,


s: To the Olympian powers, who, therefore, him


s: Come then--this beauteous cup take at my hand--


s: Be thou my guard, and, if the Gods permit,


s: My guide, till to Achilles' tent I come.


s: Whom answer'd then the messenger of heaven.


s: Sir! thou perceivest me young, and art disposed


s: To try my virtue; but it shall not fail.


s: Thou bidd'st me at thine hand a gift accept,


s: Defraud him, lest some evil find me next.


s: But thee I would with pleasure hence conduct


s: Of such a guard, should dare to do thee wrong.


s: Upspringing, seized at once the lash and reins,


s: And with fresh vigor mules and steeds inspired.


s: Arriving at the foss and towers, they found


s: The guard preparing now their evening cheer,


s: Oppress'd, then oped the gates, thrust back the bars,


s: And introduced, with all his litter-load


s: But when they reached the tent for Peleus' son


s: Raised by the Myrmidons (with trunks of pine


s: They built it, lopping smooth the boughs away,


s: Then spread with shaggy mowings of the mead


s: Its lofty roof, and with a spacious court


s: Surrounded it, all fenced with driven stakes;


s: Which ask'd three Grecians with united force


s: To thrust it to its place, and three again


s: To thrust it back, although Achilles oft


s: Would heave it to the door himself alone;)


s: That bar displacing for the King of Troy,


s: Gave entrance to himself and to his gifts


s: For Peleus' son design'd, and from the seat


s: Alighting, thus his speech to Priam turn'd.


s: But I return. I will not, entering here,


s: Stand in Achilles' sight; immortal Powers


s: Creatures of mortal kind. But enter thou,


s: Embrace his knees, and by his father both


s: And by his son, that his whole heart may melt.


s: Ascended. Then leap'd Priam to the ground,


s: Watch'd, while the ancient King into the tent


s: Him there he found, and sitting found apart


s: Served at his side, Alcimus, branch of Mars


s: Supp'd newly, and the board stood unremoved.


s: Near to Achilles, clasp'd his knees, and kiss'd


s: All gaze, astonish'd at the sudden guest,


s: And so stood all astonish'd, each his eyes


s: In silence fastening on his fellow's face.


s: But Priam kneel'd, and suppliant thus began.


s: Think, oh Achilles, semblance of the Gods!


s: And trembling on the gloomy verge of life.


s: Some neighbor chief, it may be, even now


s: Oppresses him, and there is none at hand,


s: No friend to suocor him in his distress.


s: Yet, doubtless, hearing that Achilles lives,


s: That one day he shall see the face again


s: Of his own son from distant Troy return'd.


s: But me no comfort cheers, whose bravest sons,


s: So late the flower of Ilium, all are slain.


s: When Greece came hither, I had fifty sons;


s: Nineteen were children of one bed, the rest


s: Born of my concubines. A numerous house!


s: But fiery Mars hath thinn'd it. One I had,


s: One, more than all my sons the strength of Troy,


s: Whom standing for his country thou hast slain--


s: Thy father; for his sake compassion show


s: Unseen on earth) his hand who slew my son.


s: So saying, he waken'd in his soul regret


s: Of his own sire; softly he placed his hand


s: On Priam's hand, and push'd him gently away.


s: Wide-slaughtering Hector, and Achilles wept


s: By turns his father, and by turns his friend


s: Patroclus; sounds of sorrow fill'd the tent.


s: But when, at length satiate, Achilles felt


s: His heart from grief, and all his frame relieved,


s: Upstarting from his seat, with pity moved


s: Of Priam's silver locks and silver beard,


s: He raised the ancient father by his hand,


s: Whom in wing'd accents kind he thus bespake.


s: Wretched indeed! ah what must thou have felt!


s: How hast thou dared to seek alone the fleet


s: So many of thy valiant sons have fallen?


s: Thou hast a heart of iron, terror-proof.


s: Great mourners both, bid sorrow sleep awhile.


s: There is no profit of our sighs and tears;


s: For thus, exempt from care themselves, the Gods


s: Fast by the threshold of Jove's courts are placed


s: Two casks, one stored with evil, one with good,


s: From which the God dispenses as he wills.


s: For whom the glorious Thunderer mingles both,


s: He leads a life checker'd with good and ill


s: The bitter cup, he makes that man a curse,


s: His strength is hunger-bitten, and he walks


s: The blessed earth, unblest, go where he may.


s: Nobly endow'd with plenty and with wealth


s: Distinguish'd by the Gods past all mankind,


s: Lord of the Myrmidons, and, though a man,


s: Yet match'd from heaven with an immortal bride.


s: Refusing him, who might possess his throne


s: Pass as a dream, and while I live, instead


s: Your distant walls, the scourge of thee and thine.


s: Nor eastern Phrygia, nor yet all the ports


s: Of Hellespont, but thou didst pass them all


s: But since the Powers of heaven brought on thy land


s: This fatal war, battle and deeds of death


s: Always surround the city where thou reign'st.


s: Cease, therefore, from unprofitable tears,


s: Which, ere they raise thy son to life again


s: Shall, doubtless, find fresh cause for which to flow.


s: To whom the ancient King godlike replied.


s: While Hector lies unburied in your camp.


s: Loose him, and loose him now, that with these eyes


s: Magnificent, which may'st thou long enjoy,


s: And, since my life was precious in thy sight,


s: May'st thou revisit safe thy native shore!


s: To whom Achilles, lowering, and in wrath.


s: With that harsh note; I am already inclin'd


s: To loose him. Thetis, my own mother came


s: Herself on that same errand, sent from Jove.


s: That, by some God conducted, thou hast reach'd


s: Achaia's fleet; for, without aid divine,


s: Had dared the attempt; guards vigilant as ours


s: Thou, therefore, vex me not in my distress,


s: And, borne beyond all limits, set at nought


s: Thee, and thy prayer, and the command of Jove.


s: He said; the old King trembled, and obey'd.


s: Not sole, but with his two attendant friends


s: For them (Patroclus slain) he honor'd most


s: Of all the Myrmidons. They from the yoke


s: Released both steeds and mules, then introduced


s: And placed the herald of the hoary King.


s: They lighten'd next the litter of its charge


s: Two mantles and a vest, that, not unveil'd,


s: Then, calling forth his women, them he bade


s: Through stress of grief should give resentment scope,


s: To slay him, in despite of Jove's commands.


s: They, therefore, laving and anointing first


s: The body, cover'd it with cloak and vest;


s: Then, Peleus' son disposed it on the bier,


s: Lifting it from the ground, and his two friends


s: Achilles, last, groaning, his friend invoked.


s: Patroclus! should the tidings reach thine ear,


s: Resent it not; no sordid gifts have paid


s: His ransom-price, which thou shalt also share.


s: So saying, Achilles to his tent return'd,


s: And on the splendid couch whence he had risen


s: Priam! at thy request thy son is loosed,


s: Thou shalt both see him and convey him hence


s: Thyself to Troy. But take we now repast;


s: Forgat not, though of children twelve bereft,


s: Of daughters six, and of six blooming sons.


s: Apollo these struck from his silver bow,


s: And those shaft-arm'd Diana, both incensed


s: Numbering, she scorn'd the Goddess who had borne


s: Two only, while herself had twelve to boast.


s: Vain boast! those two sufficed to slay them all.


s: Nine days they welter'd in their blood, no man


s: Was found to bury them, for Jove had changed


s: To stone the people; but themselves, at last,


s: The Powers of heaven entomb'd them on the tenth.


s: Yet even she, once satisfied with tears,


s: Remember'd food; and now the rocks among


s: The rumor'd cradle of the nymphs who dance


s: Transform'd, she broods her heaven-inflicted woes.


s: With thy dear son, thou shalt have time to weep


s: Sufficient, nor without most weighty cause.


s: So spake Achilles, and, upstarting, slew


s: A sheep white-fleeced, which his attendants flay'd,


s: And busily and with much skill their task


s: Administ'ring, first scored the viands well,


s: Then pierced them with the spits, and when the roast


s: Was finish'd, drew them from the spits again.


s: The polish'd board bread in neat baskets piled,


s: Which done, Achilles portion'd out to each


s: His share, and all assail'd the ready feast.


s: But when nor hunger more nor thirst they felt,


s: And beauty (for he seem'd some God from heaven)


s: Benign, and of his gentle converse wise,


s: Gazed on Dardanian Priam, and, at length


s: (The eyes of each gratified to the full)


s: The ancient King thus to Achilles spake.


s: That there at ease reclined, we may enjoy


s: Sweet sleep; for never have these eyelids closed


s: Since Hector fell and died, but without cease


s: I mourn, and nourishing unnumber'd woes,


s: Have roll'd me in the ashes of my courts.


s: But I have now both tasted food, and given


s: Wine to my lips, untasted till with thee.


s: With all dispatch two couches, purple rugs,


s: Forth went the women bearing lights, and spread


s: A couch for each, when feigning needful fear,


s: Achilles thus his speech to Priam turn'd.


s: My aged guest beloved; sleep thou without;


s: Lest some Achaian chief (for such are wont


s: Ofttimes, here sitting, to consult with me)


s: Hither repair; of whom should any chance


s: To spy thee through the gloom, he would at once


s: Whence hindrance might arise, and the release


s: Wouldst thou assign to the funereal rites


s: Myself to rest, and keep the host at home?


s: Then thus the ancient King godlike replied.


s: Much gratify; for we are shut, thou know'st,


s: From Ida's side remote; fear, too, hath seized


s: On all our people. Therefore thus I say.


s: Nine days we wish to mourn him in the house;


s: To his interment we would give the tenth,


s: Shall see us build his tomb; and on the twelfth


s: To whom Achilles, matchless in the race.


s: Twelve days the rage of war, at thy desire.


s: He spake, and at his wrist the right hand grasp'd


s: Of the old sovereign, to dispel his fear.


s: And Priam, prudent both, but Peleus' son


s: Brisëis, with transcendent beauty adorn'd.


s: Now all, all night, by gentle sleep subdued,


s: Both Gods and chariot-ruling warriors lay,


s: Hermes; him sleep seized not, but deep he mused


s: How likeliest from amid the Grecian fleet


s: Ah heedless and secure! hast thou no dread


s: Of mischief, ancient King, that thus by foes


s: Thou sleep'st surrounded, lull'd by the consent


s: And sufferance of Achilles? Thou hast given


s: But thrice that sum thy sons who still survive


s: For _thy_ redemption, should they know thee here.


s: The King, and roused his herald. Hermes yoked


s: Himself both mules and steeds, and through the camp


s: Soon as the windings of the stream they reach'd,


s: And saffron-vested morn o'erspread the earth.


s: Their steeds; the mules close follow'd with the dead.


s: Nor warrior yet, nor cinctured matron knew


s: Of all in Ilium aught of their approach,


s: Of Pergamus, her father first discern'd,


s: Borne on his chariot-seat erect, and knew:


s: The herald heard so oft in echoing Troy;


s: Him also on his bier outstretch'd she mark'd,


s: Whom the mules drew. Then, shrieking, through the streets


s: She ran of Troy, and loud proclaim'd the sight.


s: Ye sons of Ilium and ye daughters, haste,


s: With joy beheld him, while he yet survived,


s: From fight returning; for all Ilium erst


s: She spake. Then neither male nor female more


s: In Troy remain'd, such sorrow seized on all.


s: And, foremost of them all, the mother flew


s: And wife of Hector to the bier, on which


s: Their torn-off tresses with unsparing hands


s: They shower'd, while all the people wept around.


s: They thus had mourn'd the dead before the gates,


s: Had not their Sovereign from his chariot-seat


s: Fall back on either side, and let the mules


s: He said; they, opening, gave the litter way.


s: Arrived within the royal house, they stretch'd


s: The breathless Hector on a sumptuous bed,


s: And singers placed beside him, who should chant


s: The strain funereal; they with many a groan


s: The dirge began, and still, at every close,


s: The female train with many a groan replied.


s: Then, in the midst, Andromache white-arm'd


s: Between her palms the dreadful Hector's head


s: My hero! thou hast fallen in prime of life,


s: Of our ill-fated loves, a helpless child,


s: For ere that day arrive, down from her height


s: Since thou hast perish'd once her sure defence,


s: Faithful protector of her spotless wives,


s: And all their little ones. Those wives shall soon


s: In Grecian barks capacious hence be borne,


s: And I among the rest. But thee, my child!


s: Either thy fate shall with thy mother send


s: Captive into a land where thou shalt serve


s: Seizing, shall hurl thee from a turret-top


s: For he made many a Grecian bite the ground.


s: A milky mind, and for that self-same cause


s: Thy parents, Hector! but to me hast left


s: Dying, thou neither didst thy arms extend


s: Forth from thy bed, nor gavest me precious word


s: To be remember'd day and night with tears.


s: So spake she weeping, whom her maidens all


s: With sighs accompanied, and her complaint


s: Ah Hector! dearest to thy mother's heart


s: Of all her sons, much must the Gods have loved


s: Thee living, whom, though dead, they thus preserve.


s: But thee, by his dread spear of life deprived,


s: He dragg'd and dragg'd around Patroclus' tomb,


s: Whom thou hadst vanquish'd; yet he raised him not.


s: But as for thee, thou liest here with dew


s: Besprinkled, fresh as a young plant, and more


s: Resemblest some fair youth by gentle shafts


s: Of Phoebus pierced, than one in battle slain.


s: So spake the Queen, exciting in all hearts


s: Thus Helen, third, her lamentation pour'd.


s: Of Priam's house! for being Paris' spouse,


s: Who brought me (would I had first died!) to Troy,


s: I call thy brothers mine; since forth I came


s: From Sparta, it is now the twentieth year,


s: Yet never heard I once hard speech from thee,


s: Or taunt morose, but if it ever chanced,


s: That of thy father's house female or male


s: Blamed me, and even if herself the Queen


s: (For in the King, whate'er befell, I found


s: To soothe them; therefore, with the same sad drops


s: For other friend within the ample bounds


s: Kind word again, with horror view'd by all.


s: So Helen spake weeping, to whom with groans


s: The countless multitude replied, and thus


s: Their ancient sovereign next his people charged.


s: Ye Trojans, now bring fuel home, nor fear


s: Close ambush of the Greeks; Achilles' self


s: Gave me, at my dismission from his fleet,


s: Assurance, that from hostile force secure


s: We shall remain, till the twelfth dawn arise.


s: All, then, their mules and oxen to the wains


s: Join'd speedily, and under Ilium's walls


s: Assembled numerous; nine whole days they toil'd,


s: Bringing much fuel home, and when the tenth


s: Bright morn, with light for human kind, arose,


s: Then bearing noble Hector forth, with tears


s: They placed him, and the fuel fired beneath.


s: Redden'd the east, then, thronging forth, all Troy


s: The whole vast multitude convened, with wine


s: They quench'd the pile throughout, leaving no part


s: Unvisited, on which the fire had seized.


s: His brothers, next, collected, and his friends,


s: His white bones, mourning, and with tears profuse


s: Watering their cheeks; then in a golden urn


s: They placed them, which with mantles soft they veil'd


s: And overspread with stones the spot adust.


s: Lastly, short time allowing to the task,


s: They heap'd his tomb, while, posted on all sides,


s: Suspicious of assault, spies watch'd the Greeks.


s: The tomb once heap'd, assembling all again


s: Within the palace, they a banquet shared


s: Such burial the illustrious Hector found.


s: ceremony. I recollect nothing, among the works of mere man, that


s: exemplifies so strongly the true style of great antiquity.]--TR.


s: the predominant race in Greece proper. They had spread along the


s: eastern shores of the Archipelago into the islands, especially


s: been both intellectual and powerful. Homer was an Ionian, and


s: associated with what was most grand in art, must have been an


s: imposing being, and we find him so represented. Throughout the


s: Iliad, he appears and acts with splendor and effect, but always


s: the spirit of the Dorian worship, the only Paganism of antiquity


s: In making Apollo author of the plague, he was confounded with


s: includes all. Then, as priest of Apollo, he prays that they may


s: and exhorts them to shun it. Thus he endeavors to work by the art


s: along the shore. The melancholy flowing of the verse admirably


s: expresses the condition of the mournful and deserted father.


s: Smintheus was still preserved in the district. Thus far actual


s: circumstances are embodied in the mythus. On the other hand, the


s: sending plagues. This belief is in perfect harmony with the idea


s: historical tradition, or an invention, and must therefore leave


s: that question for the present undecided."


s: pleading the strong desire he felt to produce an English line, if


s: {Deinê de klangê genet argyreoio bioio.}--TR.]


s: afflictions are sent from Heaven for the punishment of evil


s: actions; and because the sun was the principal agent, he says it


s: was sent to punish Agamemnon for despising that god, and injuring


s: attributes to Juno every thing that may be predicated of this


s: principle. She is persistent, obstinate, acts from no idea, but


s: Will, and by their union, or rather from their antagonism, the


s: course of things proceeds with perpetual vicissitude, but with a


s: southern portion of that country as far as Mount OEta and the


s: Maliac Gulf. To the west it bordered on Dolopia, and on the east


s: reached the confines of Magnesia. Homer comprised within this


s: together with those of Protesilaus and Eurypylus.


s: warrior. Agamemnon speaks of Chrysëis as a beauty whom he values


s: glory. Hence he mentions her only as "his spoil," "the reward of


s: war," etc.; accordingly he relinquishes her not in grief for a


s: favorite whom he loses, but in sullenness for the injury done


s: daughter of Cleitos. Her son was for this reason called Myrmidon


s: (from {myrmêx}, an ant), and was regarded as the ancestor of the


s: itself. And this fable of her descent is an allegory of Achilles


s: daring of the army, and on occasions of the greatest hazard, when


s: nothing more than his walking-staff, and thence had the name of


s: From the description here given, it would appear to have been a


s: young tree cut from the root and stripped of its branches. It was


s: spirit of the ancient mythus, a motive for it is assigned in a


s: divine legend. The sea-goddess Thetis, who was, according to the


s: Phthiotic mythus, wedded to the mortal Peleus, saved Zeus, by


s: calling up the giant Briareus or Ægæon to his rescue. Why it was


s: Ægæon, is explained by the fact that this was a great sea-demon,


s: genealogists, especially Eumelus in the Titanomachy, brought into


s: Jove's assistance. The whole of the story, however, is not


s: detailed--it is not much more than indicated--and therefore it


s: would be difficult even now to interpret it in a perfectly


s: association with the people against some intermediate


s: mountain plains, lies the country which the ancients called


s: Ethiopia, rumors of whose wonderful people found their way early


s: into Greece, and are scattered over the pages of her poets and


s: Homer wrote at least eight hundred years before Christ, and his


s: poems are well ascertained to be a most faithful mirror of the


s: manners of his times and the knowledge of his age.  *  *  *  *  *


s: Homer never wastes an epithet. He often alludes to the Ethiopians


s: allusions glimmer through the Greek mythology, and appear in the


s: verses of almost all the Greek poets, ere yet the countries of


s: The Ethiopians, says Diodorus, are said to be the inventors of


s: pomps, sacrifices, solemn meetings, and other honors paid to the


s: gods. From hence arose their character of piety, which is here


s: celebrated by Homer. Among these there was an annual feast at


s: Diospolis, which Eustathius mentions, when they carried about the


s: their number; to which, if we add the ancient custom of setting


s: meat before statues, it will appear to be a rite from which this


s: killing it, with the head turned upwards; fifth, selecting the


s: thighs and fat for their gods, as the best of the sacrifice, and


s: disposing about them pieces cut from every part for a


s: thoughts," &c. The principle of conservatism asks nothing of the


s: intellectual power, but blindly contends, reposing upon the


s: distorted Vulcan had thrust himself into an office at all other


s: times administered either by Hebe or Ganymede.--TR.]


s: service for the purpose of illustration and adornment. Jupiter


s: prepares to keep his promise of avenging Achilles, by drawing


s: Agamemnon into a deceitful expectation of taking the city. The


s: forces are arranged for battle, which gives occasion for the


s: The Dream also repeats the words of Jupiter without variation,


s: which is considered as a great propriety in delivering a message


s: highest source, by saying, that the sceptre had descended to him


s: office of priest. Aristotle defines a king as a Leader of war, a


s: Judge of controversies, and President of the ceremonies of the


s: gods. That he had the principal care of religious rites, appears


s: stands before us like the image of some absurd being whom we have


s: poet displays great skill in representing the opponents of


s: Agamemnon in the character of so base a personage, since nothing


s: could more effectually reconcile the Greeks to the continuance of


s: ordinary as well as extraordinary dreams.


s: In the pictures which Homer draws of him, the most striking


s: features are his wisdom, bravery, and knowledge of war, his


s: For some general remarks upon the heroes of the time, see Grecian


s: ardent for combat than they had previously been to return. This


s: conquers their inclinations in a manner at once poetical and in


s: keeping with the moral which is every where spread through Homer,


s: gives an air of importance to his subject and has an imposing


s: respective princes; and his division was considered so correct,


s: people of Priene disputed their claim to Mycale, a verse of Homer


s: Professor Felton remarks, "The student is advised to give


s: peculiarities of the several provinces. The more he examines this


s: greater. It is certain that Thebes itself sent none.--TR.]


s: navigation, for which reason Agamemnon furnished them with


s: streams which are rolled from Olympus and Ossa, are so extremely


s: mound; and says that it is the spot of all others for viewing the


s: the silence of the Greeks. Plutarch remarks upon this distinction


s: would seem to have attached some importance to it, as he again


s: alludes to the same thing. Book iv. 510.


s: Hector, at the end of the Sixth Book, confesses that no man could


s: however blinded with passion, is sensible of remorse whenever he


s: meets the person whom he has injured; and Paris is never made to


s: appear cowardly, but when overcome by the consciousness of his


s: the powers to which they sacrificed appears from their being


s: agreeable fiction; and one might suppose that it was inherited by


s: unfading beauty, and this will explain the enthusiasm which her


s: sight called forth from the old men. The poet's skill in taking


s: this method of describing the Grecian chieftains is obvious, and


s: the sketches themselves are living and characteristic to a high


s: degree. The reminiscences of the aged Priam, as their names are


s: announced, and the penitential sorrow of the erring Helen, which


s: skilful touches of natural feeling.--FELTON.


s: natural to old age. Those who have had the longest experience of


s: life, are the most inclined to ascribe the disposal of all things


s: admired as an episode of great beauty, and considered a masterly


s: Pollux. Her inquiry is a natural one, and her self-reproach


s: naturally suggests her own disgrace as the cause of their not


s: appearing among the other commanders. The two lines in which the


s: poet mentions their death are simple and touching.--FELTON.


s: side by means of a belt which passed over the right shoulder. The


s: band was placed across the inner side, in which the left arm was


s: inserted, and a strong leather strap fastened near the edge at


s: The covering of the latter consisted of skins, and instead of the


s: slings, and were generally attached in a subordinate capacity to


s: truce, for Pandarus; and when she would conquer, for Diomede. The


s: looks among the allies, where she finds Pandarus, who was of a


s: nation noted for perfidiousness, and who, from his avarice, was


s: picture of a hunter, lying in ambush and slaying his victim.


s: break off the truce and precipitate the battle. 4. The hurried


s: corresponding in all its parts. The care of the goddess, the


s: words. To which may be added, that if the providence of heavenly


s: powers to their creatures is expressed by the love of a mother to


s: and the dangers that seem so great to us, as easily warded off as


s: insignificant the image may at first seem in regard to a hero.


s: kings and princes were privileged to wear.


s: sanctioned by a solemn sacrifice to the gods. The reflection that


s: spectator, and his mind is kept fixed on the action.


s: the timid, their inevitable destruction if the enemy should burn


s: their ships. After this he flies from rank to rank, skilfully


s: under the management of a driver with whom they were


s: unacquainted.--The scholium by Villoisson much countenances this


s: book he relates his fight and victory at length. This passage may


s: account of these wars see Grecian and Roman Mythology.


s: great measure upon the prowess of single chieftains. Hence the


s: appropriateness of the following enumeration.--FELTON.


s: Testament princes were also compared to trees, and Simöisius is


s: here tells the Trojans they have nothing to fear, since Achilles


s: Assisted by Minerva, he is eminent both for prudence and valor.


s: facilitate which, the chariots were made open behind. That the


s: can open the eyes of men, and enable them to see what they cannot


s: Book, on meeting Glaucus, he is ignorant whether he is a god, a


s: articles Charon and Pluto, Gr. & Rom. Mythology.


s: therefore takes but a passing notice of Demeter. Müller also


s: remarks, that in this we cannot but admire the artistic skill of


s: Homer, and the feeling for what is right and fitting that was


s: celestial breed. These chariots were used by the deities only on


s: occasion of a long journey, or when they wished to appear with


s: Lybians, only with this difference: the Lybian shield was fringed


s: belonging to different and hostile nations, and was even


s: According to Dacier, it was for such lessons as these that


s: Alexander so much esteemed Homer and studied his poem.


s: towards men. These gifts were sometimes very costly, but often


s: nothing more than locks of hair cut from the head of the votary.


s: therefore met Glaucus with a superstitious fear that he might be


s: some deity in human shape. This feeling brought to his mind the


s: folly, have fallen and decayed, and again appear, in a happier


s: season, to revive and flourish in the fame and virtues of their


s: posterity. In this sense it is a direct answer to the question of


s: his own family, which, having become extinct in Corinth, recovers


s: imagine that a poem of the length and general excellence of the


s: Iliad, could be composed without the aid of writing; and yet, we


s: exhorts Glaucus to behave valiantly, he reminds him of these


s: friendship contracted under their observance was preferred to the


s: guests. The presents made on these occasions were preserved by


s: families, as it was considered obligatory to transmit them as


s: stood the beech tree sacred to Jupiter, and often mentioned in


s: natural religion, tending to inspire a horror of bloodshed. In


s: Euripides, Iphigenia argues the impossibility of human sacrifices


s: embroidery, etc., and for whatever pertained to magnificence and


s: frequently reminds us by the use of the word {megas}--and which


s: ought, therefore, by no means to be suppressed.--TR.]


s: the public welfare required, before seeking his wife and child.


s: animates the Greeks, she reminds them how their enemies fear


s: Achilles; and when Andromache trembles for Hector, it is with the


s: appointed to all men at the time of their birth, which no


s: precaution can avoid and no danger hasten.


s: understood as a signal to discontinue the fight.


s: you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to


s: furnishes examples of the severity exercised upon those who were


s: substantive and adjective. _Purpura--Purpureus._ We make purple


s: offered a victorious warrior of the best portion of the sacrifice


s: It is worthy of observation, that beef, mutton, or kid, was the


s: Perpetui _tergo bovis et lustralibus extis._


s: There is not the slightest probability that any such meaning is


s: deposited, in the vestibule of the public library in Cambridge,


s: Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew


s: near to battle against Israel; but the Lord thundered on that day


s: entrenchments, set the fleet in flames, and destroyed the whole


s: and feed them; and from line 214, unless it is spurious, it seems


s: probable, however, that the line is not genuine.--FELTON.


s: Homer describes a princess so tender in her love to her husband,


s: acknowledgment to them for bringing him back.--DACIER.


s: course, compelled into the narrow interval between the foss and


s: But there are different opinions about the space intended. See


s: Greeks, and being dropped at the altar of Jupiter, indicated that


s: that we pity the fall of the youth and almost feel his wound.


s: rejoices in his heart_. This last simple and natural circumstance


s: hereditary, but the recompense of valor.


s: before the assembly, especially as it was necessary to impale the


s: father-in-law. This was also an ancient custom of the Hebrews.


s: enterprise. Then followed the order for silence and reverent


s: attention; then the libation, &c.--FELTON.


s: demi-gods and heroes. Nothing was better suited to the martial


s: Such was the music of the ancients, and to such purposes was it


s: applied. When the lyre of Paris was offered to Alexander, he


s: replied that he had little value for it, but much desired that of


s: substantially coëval; but the first wanders in twilight, the last


s: brought them in, directed Sarah to make bread, fetched from the


s: rushes forth to greet them, brings them into the tent, directs


s: Patroclus to mix the wine, cuts up the meat, dresses it, and sets


s: Instances of this sort might be multiplied to any extent, but the


s: for himself; and these will amply suffice to demonstrate the


s: adverted. It is real and important; it affords a standard of the


s: view numberless passages, which the ignorance or frivolity of


s: therefore signify a kettle. It was probably a kitchen-table,


s: dresser, or tray, on which the meat was prepared for the spit.


s: ambassadors to Achilles. They are not only demanded by the


s: occasion, but skilfully arranged, and in a manner that gives


s: related of his education under Phoenix, it may be inferred, that


s: heaven, but also to the God of hell, as is seen here; and to the


s: God of the sea, as appears from Æschylus. They meant thereby to


s: show that one sole deity governed the world. To teach this truth,


s: slant-eyed--either because, in that state of humiliation they


s: fear to lift their eyes to heaven, or are employed in taking a


s: weight from the age of the one than from the youth of the other,


s: and that the valiant would be ready to engage in the enterprise


s: affection, and at all times defends Menelaus.


s: end of it in the ground. It might probably be taken off at


s: position, and circumstances are represented with the utmost life


s: offending the Grecian princes, each one of whom might consider it


s: heron, but only heard him, stamps the description with an air of


s: verisimilitude which is at once recognized.--FELTON.


s: discovered by the Trojans, but perform actions of which all Troy


s: should hear with sorrow; yet, on the other hand, it might imply


s: does not send the bird sacred to herself, but the heron, because


s: that is a bird of prey, and denoted that they should spoil the


s: person, should he chance to be taken; and his riches he knew were


s: probably trusted to his swiftness to escape pursuit.


s: Greeks, a wise old man proposes the adventure with an air of


s: certain; the other a great one, but uncertain and less honorable,


s: follows the common track. In all this there is an admirable


s: contrast, and a moral that strikes every reader at first sight.


s: historical fact. Cyprus was famous for its minerals.


s: resemblance which may be discovered between the sentiments,


s: associations and expressions of Homer, and those of the sacred


s: writings, this similitude is perhaps the most striking; and there


s: crest was inserted. The word quâtre-crested may need a precedent


s: for its justification, and seems to have a sufficient one in the


s: cinque-spotted cowslip of Shakspeare.]--TR.


s: particular--Hellenes. They were the troops of Achilles.]--TR.


s: Diomede could hardly be restrained by the thunder of Jupiter, his


s: the head-dress of Paris, or to his archership. To translate it is


s: would be absurd. I have endeavored to supply its place by an


s: appellation in point of contempt equal.]--TR.


s: concern as at the danger of Machaon, their physician and surgeon.


s: suit the context much better than either.]--TR.


s: The whole passage is inimitably just and beautiful. We see Ajax


s: character of a stubborn and undaunted warrior is perfectly


s: maintained. He compares him first to the lion for his undaunted


s: spirit in fighting, and then to the ass for his stubborn slowness


s: spectator. As the poet did not intend to draw the character of a


s: perfect man in Achilles, he makes him delighted with the


s: destruction of the Greeks, because it gratified his revenge. That


s: because it will contribute to his glory.


s: agreeable flavor to wine. It is in high repute at the present day


s: Orchomenos, the Pylians assisted the latter, for which cause


s: circumstances of the composition of the poem? Yet, compared with


s: that of all the rest of the classical poetry, it is of a


s: transcendently noble and generous character. The answer of Hector


s: patriots the world ever saw. _We_, who defy augury in these


s: matters, can yet add nothing to the nobleness of the


s: true-hearted woman, who toils for a hard-earned pittance for her


s: short period that he has yet to live, both to do justice to the


s: hero of Troy, and to give the greater glory to Achilles his


s: most imposing natural phenomena. The descriptions possess a


s: Euxine Sea. These epithets are sometimes supposed to be the


s: _gentile_ denominations of the different tribes; but they are all


s: motion, until a rising wind gives them a certain determination.


s: the original, that the discipline which Juno is here said to have


s: passage shall occur in which ancient practices or customs, not


s: He makes this request the rather, because on these occasions Mr.


s: beautiful in Homer. The rapid passage of Juno is compared to the


s: which the Goddess must be supposed to have been at this


s: Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait,


s: steel. In fact, arrow had not a point of steel, but a brazen


s: all circumstances, and every form of political existence, will be


s: The speech of Ajax is animating and powerful. It is conceived in


s: the true spirit of a warrior rousing his followers to make a last


s: already resolved to deceive Hector and exalt Achilles. Pallas, as


s: beginning of it, follows the original, where it is esteemed by


s: another on that of Patroclus; an intimation of his being to


s: Alexander, what Patroclus was to Achilles. It is also said, that


s: would not suffer Patroclus to enter the fight, till he had in the


s: In this uncertainty I thought myself free to translate it as I


s: {opondylous}, or vertebræ of the neck.--See Villoisson.]--TR.


s: cincture or belt of the Greeks was unnecessary.]--TR.


s: Sarpedon was interred in Lycia. This gave the poet the liberty of


s: carried into Lycia, to preserve the fable. In those times, as at


s: the land of Canaan, where he wished to be buried.


s: render it. _Juvenum in certamine_, seems equally an improbable


s: The translator assumes not to himself the honor of this judicious


s: aspida}, must necessarily leave the upper parts exposed.


s: performed this particular step in battle.]--TR.


s: the MSS. use by Barnes nor in the Harleian, the translator has


s: interpreted is the Scholium MSS. Lipsiensis.--Vide


s: war--the one who first pierced an enemy slain in battle, was


s: Antilochus in the 23d, in which he ascribes the ill success of


s: Eumelus in the chariot race to his neglect of prayer, and that of


s: Him wont to pray; since all of every land


s: moisture might be removed and the oil might penetrate them.


s: Considered in the single point of comparison intended, it gives a


s: described, their heads bowed down, and their manes falling in the


s: monuments were usually represented; there are bas-reliefs that


s: English plural--Ajaxes--would be insupportable.]--TR.


s: Coeranus, charioteer of Meriones, observing his danger, drove


s: instantly to his aid. Idomeneus had just time to mount, and the


s: indebted to the Scholiast as quoted by Villoisson.]--TR.


s: Hector will soon be in the midst of it. Vide Villoisson _in


s: describes it with much simplicity. The captives join in the


s: lamentation, perhaps in the recollection of his gentleness, which


s: criminal and pernicious; and the confession is extorted from his


s: prevail till the sun should go down, and _sacred darkness cover


s: all_. Juno therefore, impatient to arrest the victor's progress,


s: and having no other means of doing it, shortens the time allotted


s: poetry. The verse is beautifully harmonious, and the language as


s: nicely chosen and as descriptive as can be conceived. But a still


s: exact representation of life at a very early period of the world,


s: It is certainly a most remarkable passage for the amount of


s: information it conveys relative to the state of arts, and the


s: solemn custom among the Greeks, of bewailing annually their first


s: passage Homer is supposed to allude to that custom.


s: garlands. The Grecian dance is still performed in this manner in


s: the oriental nations. The youths and maidens dance in a ring,


s: conclusion, they sing in a general chorus.


s: increased desire for revenge, are highly poetical.--FELTON.


s: unhappy young women; who, weary of captivity, take occasion from


s: would not have introduced such speeches, if they could have


s: appeared as strange to his countrymen as they do to us.]--TR.


s: affair in question is a council, and to assemble and dissolve


s: councils is her peculiar Province. The return of Achilles is made


s: from his throne in terror, lest his loathsome dominions should be


s: inhabitants of the shores of the Hellespont.]--TR.


s: stopped by the gold, if the gold lay on the surface? But to avoid


s: See the Scholiast in Villoisson, who argues at large in favor of


s: country. The Gygæan lake was also in Lydia.


s: inattentive to himself and the command of Apollo.]--TR.


s: which exhibits greater force of imagination, none in which the


s: inexhaustible invention of the poet is more powerfully exerted.


s: strength could not disengage it, but immediately after, Achilles


s: wonderful; I have in vain endeavored to do it justice.]--TR.


s: naturally arise in the soul of a brave man going upon a desperate


s: supposed to be of evil omen, and to bring with it disease and


s: destruction. So Priam beholds Achilles, splendid with the divine


s: armor, and the destined slayer of his son.--FELTON.


s: foretells to Babylon, that her children shall be dashed in pieces


s: apparently meditated a return to the city. But the imagined


s: reproaches of Polydamas, and the anticipated scorn of the Trojans


s: opinion that Homer uses it here that he may express more


s: emphatically the length to which such conferences are apt to


s: proceed.--{Dia tên polylogian tê analêpse echrêsato}.]--TR.


s: under the walls and rose again in the form of the two fountains


s: here described--from which fountains these rivulets are said to


s: rivers and fountains, to which the women, including the wives and


s: being killed by Eurydamas, he thus treated the body of the


s: murderer. Achilles therefore, being a Thessalian, when he thus


s: dishonors Hector, does it merely in compliance with the common


s: protected by Thetis, he presented her with this work of Vulcan,


s: which she gave to Achilles for a receptacle of his bones after


s: Ezekiel describing a great lamentation, says, "They shall make


s: themselves utterly bald for thee." ch. xxvii. 31. If it was the


s: general custom of any country to wear long hair, then the cutting


s: short, then letting it grow, in neglect, was a sign of mourning.


s: purpose of warming water. It was formed of brass, and expanded


s: somewhat in the shape of a broad leaf.]--TR.


s: passage which none of the commentators explain. The Scholiast, as


s: battle and in athletic exercises. Even Hercules could only slay


s: them by stratagem, which he did when he desolated Elis. See


s: wrestling-match, will, I presume, appear intelligible.]--TR.


s: astronomy and arithmetical calculation.]--TR.


s: his hand, and by the help of it whirled the staff to a prodigious


s: Scholiast observes, {philostorgôs}, and must be understood as the


s: alteration suggested by Clarke, who with very little violence to


s: the copy, proposes instead of {zeugnysthên} to


s: silver would influence the heart of a young and generous warrior,


s: not remarkable either for patience or meekness, exhorts Priam to


s: beware of provoking him; and when having cleansed the body of


s: exasperated at the sight, and by some passionate reproach


s: infirmity, but even guard against it with so much precaution,


s: evidences a prudence truly wonderful.--Plutarch.]--TR.


s: cause of fear to Priam, to excuse his lodging him in an exterior


s: part of the tent. The general import of the Greek word is


s: sarcastic, but here it signifies rather--to intimidate. See also


s: Agamemnon is the general, yet all the chief commanders appeal to


s: him for advice, and on his own authority he promises Priam a


s: cessation of arms. Giving his hand to confirm the promise, agrees


s: {prosphatos}.--He derives it {apo tôn neôsti pephasmenôn ek gês


s: Through hills, and dells, and doleful green'ry,


s: Then wrote my "Pulse of Nature's Heart,"


s: In search of "gilded haunts" of fashion,


s: To please my host and meet my reckoning;


s: When wealth, and pleasure both are beckoning.


s: And penn'd descriptions of their dresses.


s: You saw her last, the ball-room's belle,


s: That bright young creature kneeling there


s: Dark, threat'ning shadows lurk; but still


s: Feared men might sneer--"he sought her gold"--


s: Hide murmuring 'neath the hanging grasses.


s: And round the white and swaying fingers,


s: Who fight for bread 'neath Themis' banner


s: Are sometimes with such madness smitten,


s: The lights blaze high in our brilliant rooms;


s: Fair are the maidens who throng our halls;


s: Soft, through the warm and perfumed air,


s: The "Seventh" dances and flirts to-night--


s: As soldiers, sometimes, in black and gray.


s: Defend you! pshaw, the thought's absurd!


s: What was it made your dull blood thrill?


s: Why did each pulse of your hearts mark time


s: To the tramp of the boys in black and gray?


s: When down in the South the war-cloud burst;


s: "Troops for the front!" Do you ever think


s: Who answered, and marched, and got there _first_?


s: Whose were the colors that showed the way?


s: Who set the step for the marching North?


s: Some holiday soldiers in black and gray.


s: The first to fall in the war's first fight--


s: The blood and mire from the pretty suit;


s: For Winthrop died in the black and gray.


s: 'Neath the mob's rude grasp, who ever thought--


s: They feared the dandies in black and gray!


s: So we dance and flirt in our listless style


s: While the waltzes dream in the drill-room arch,


s: Sudden and sharp--"Let the Seventh march!"


s: Why, we'd faint, of course; our cheeks would pale;


s: Our knees would tremble, our fears--but stay,


s: To those holiday troops in black and gray.


s: "What would we do!" We'd drown our drums


s: In a storm of cheers, and the drill-room floor


s: With laugh and jest, be it feast or fray--


s: But we're dandies--yes, for we'd rather die


s: Than sully the pride of our black and gray.


s: Blackboard, with ruler and rubber before me,


s: Sun-gilded motes in the air all around me,


s: What do I care for the problem I've written


s: As the festal-robed beauties whose fairy feet flitted


s: Through the maze of the German last night!


s: What do I care for the lever of friction,


s: When fairy musicians are playing the "Mabel,"


s: On my coat's powdered chalk, not the dust of the diamond


s: By the galop's wild whirl shower'd down on my shoulder


s: In my ear is the clatter of chalk against blackboard,


s: Alas! this is life,--so pass mortal pleasures,


s: And,--thank goodness, there goes the bell!


s: With leaves--we talked about the weather.


s: Her father's voice came through the wood,


s: So you're going to give up flirtation, my dear,


s: There, there, I don't doubt the intention's sincere.


s: What! Give up flirtation? Change dimples for frowns


s: Why, Nell, what's the use? You're so pretty,


s: That your beauty all sense of your wickedness drowns


s: Indeed!--so "you feel for the woes of my sex!"


s: "The legions of hearts you've been breaking


s: Your conscience affright, and your reckoning perplex,


s: Whene'er an account you've been taking!"


s: At the mischief your eyes have been making!"


s: Now, Nellie!--Flirtation's the leaven of life;


s: Don't always--the world with deception is rife--


s: A pink is a beautiful flower in its way,


s: Men don't wear the same _boutonniére_ every day.


s: Ah, Nellie, be sensible; Pr'ythee, give heed


s: Your eyes, I acknowledge, will make our hearts bleed,


s: Pierced through by love's magical lances.


s: The torches flamed in the pillared hall.


s: With her sea-blue eyes, and brow of pearl."


s: "She's mine, oh brother!--my oath is sworn."


s: In their golden sheaths the keen swords ring.


s: Together they pass from the lighted hall--


s: Steel-sparks and torch-sparks in showers fall.


s: Why I think of you more, and more, and more


s: A kingdom of hearts, that little you prize--


s: Why I hear your voice, so fresh and pure,


s: Nor why the wavelets that all the while,


s: Should make me remember your rippling smile--


s: From the leafy depths of our apple-tree,


s: But why your name should their burden be


s: Has wooed them away, with their flaxen hair


s: And no one can tell where they're banished.


s: "Where are the children?" cries Madam Haut-ton,


s: Fetch them, Annette!" What, madam, those?


s: Children! such exquisite belles and beaux:--


s: True, they're in somewhat shorter clothes


s: Than the most of Dame Fashion's supporters.


s: Good day, Master Eddy! Young man about town,--


s: In a neat little book he makes neat little bets:


s: He doesn't believe in the shop cigarettes,


s: But does his own rolling,--and has for his pets


s: If you want to insult him, just talk of boys' play,--


s: Why, even on billiards he's almost _blasé_,


s: Drops in at Delmonico's three times a day,


s: And here comes Miss Agnes. Good morning! "_Bon jour!_"


s: Her words are minced, and her spoiled young face


s: Fashion--that bonnet of Nellie Perroy's--


s: Aged twelve,--that's the last flirtation.


s: Take my cloak--and now fix my veil, Jenny;--


s: But then there's one comfort--it's lace.


s: Well, what has become of those ushers?--


s: Stop, Pa!--they're not far enough--wait!


s: There, drop my trail, Jane!--is it straight?


s: Good gracious, please don't walk so fast, Pa!


s: He don't seem to think that trains pull.


s: The chancel at last--mind the step, Pa!--


s: "Serve him, love, honor, and keep him"--


s: Where's Pa?--there, I knew he'd forget it


s: Here, Maud, take my bouquet--don't drop it--


s: Just like him!--no--goodness, how heavy!


s: It's a shame to kneel down in white satin--


s: And the flounce real old lace--but I must--


s: I hope that they've got a clean cushion,


s: Just throw back my veil, Charley--there!


s: Your arm, Charley, there goes the organ--


s: Who'd think there would be such a crowd!


s: Oh, I mustn't look round, I'd forgotten,


s: Why--it's Nellie Allaire, with her husband--


s: And there's Annie Wheeler--Kate Hermon--


s: If she's not in that same old blue satin


s: Is the carriage there?--give me my cloak, Jane,


s: "Yes, I saw her pass with 'that scoundrel'--


s: 'Parading _your_ shame'!--I don't see it.


s: I'm your friend--but come, hang it, old fellow,


s: 'What the deuce do I mean?' Well, I'll tell you,


s: Wouldn't stand that, you know. Did you ever


s: When her husband neglects her so plainly


s: When the wife is the culprit, I've noticed


s: Ah, _then_ if you'd only turned jealous--


s: Leaving her for the nurse to take care of,


s: By Jove, I'd have _left_ you. She didn't,


s: When a girl's lost all love for her husband,


s: Oh, I'm through--of _course_ nobody blamed you


s: You were right enough there--she'd levanted


s: What I mean is, if you'd acted squarely,


s: As it stands, you've the best of the bargain,


s: Leave it there, and--just touch the bell, will you?


s: "'In New York!' Yes, I met her this morning.


s: And Guelph, too, poor fellow, was with her;


s: When he bowed to me, looking _so_ pleading--


s: The way he was wrecked by that _creature_!


s: And of course, it _was_ quite a temptation


s: In one's club--why, one _can't_ but excuse him,


s: I've known him so long--why, he'd come here


s: And entrapped him.--It made such a scandal


s: Then the way will be clear. _We'll_ receive him,


s: We must keep our eyes on him more closely


s: For them and their money--we've seen it--


s: She'll meet him, I'm sure, as she should--


s: And the beauties we've sighed for all Summer


s: From the sands of the Branch, and Cape May,


s: They come on their way to new conquests,


s: They're longing for more hearts to break.


s: Made bright with sweet, ocean-kissed faces,


s: The rugged White Hills of New Hampshire,


s: On West Point's delightful parade ground


s: Who's basked through the long days of Summer


s: With the spoils of her lightly-won triumph,


s: Come, dry your eyes, Grandmother Nature,


s: And the glow of the bright Summer sunshine,


s: That they'd barter their souls for French candy;


s: We laugh at them, boys, but we love them,


s: They've hearts that are honest and loving,


s: Could find the time for so much schooling?


s: Why, I've been here since I was eight or so--


s: That's ten years now--and it seems like longer;


s: The hours are from eight till six--you see


s: It comes from the dust, and bending over.


s: It grew in the grass in some one's airy,


s: Like a little green-cloaked, white-capped fairy.


s: Though, goodness knows, I don't see many--


s: I'd have to buy them--they cost so much--


s: That before I know it, almost, it's Monday.


s: Like it sir, like it!--why, when I think


s: Of the woods, and the brook with the cattle drinking--


s: I was country-bred, sir--my heart swells so


s: That I--there, there, what's the use of thinking!


s: No, please; I'm ashamed I can't, sometimes,--


s: They'll just say shortly, with careless faces,


s: "If you're not suited, you'd better leave"--


s: There's plenty of girls to fill our places.


s: They're kind enough to their own, no doubt--


s: Our head just worships his own young daughter,


s: Do you think to please us they'll bear losses?


s: No, not a cent's worth--ah, you'll see--


s: I'm a working girl, sir, and I know bosses.


s: And the girl's dress just kills mine completely;


s: Perhaps she is sick, and can't get here--


s: I declare, it would serve her just right.


s: Oh, you've got here at last, my dear, have you?


s: Well, I don't think you need be so proud


s: And those coat-sleeves--they wore them last Summer--


s: Don't doubt, though, that she thinks they're new.


s: Who sent those white flowers for the font!--


s: That she's bending her head too far over,


s: And there's Jenny Welles with Fred. Tracy--


s: Dear me! I'd keep on my glove sometimes,


s: The way that she turns round and stares,


s: And it's after twelve now,--how provoking!


s: Through at last. Well it isn't so dreadful


s: Laughed--by Jove, I thought she'd choke.


s: Maud glanced through them--sank right down


s: We were driving home from the "Patriarchs'"--


s: The white flakes fluttered about our lamps;


s: Our wheels were hushed in the sleeping snow.


s: Her hands half-held, with languid grace,


s: Was the dreamy look in her sweet, young face.


s: For I would not waken those dreaming eyes.


s: And my thoughts were many, and far from wise.


s: "Ah, Molly Lefévre, how sweet 'twould be,


s: Her sweet lips faltered, her sweet eyes fell,


s: Her answer came. It was--"Yes, perhaps--


s: But who would settle our carriage bill?"


s: Our wheels rolled loud on the stones just then,


s: Where the snow had drifted; the subject dropped.


s: What wouldn't I give to taste the sweets


s: Her voice is gentle, and clear and pure;


s: It rings like the chime of a silver bell,


s: And the thought it wakes in my foolish head,


s: And her hand is white as the whitest snow


s: To friends who once would 'round you gather--


s: Her eyes with Love's bright arrows laden--


s: Whose high soul-yearnings nought can smother--


s: That bright young creature? Take the book--


s: We all were young; ah, how time passes!"


s: Old coat, for some three or four seasons


s: But I'm dressing to-night for a wedding--


s: When the gas-light shines full on your collar,


s: When the moon-beams were silvering Cro'nest,


s: And the lights were all out in the camp.


s: And somebody's ball dress--not Nellie's--


s: There's a reprobate looseness about you;


s: When you felt there the tremulous pressure


s: Nell's glove shall betray its sweet secrets


s: And many a maiden, saith gossip's tongue,


s: So his book-marks are 'broidered in crimson and gold,


s: And his slippers are, really, a "sight to behold."


s: On the cedar boughs by the chancel rails;


s: For it's nearly five, the daylight fails--


s: The church is silent,--the girls all gone,


s: And the Christmas wreaths not nearly done.


s: They saucily stamp at the transept door,


s: And then up to the pillared aisle they go


s: Pit-pat, click-clack, on the marble floor--


s: And he saith, "Oh, bother, it isn't she!"


s: And tangled tresses of snow-flecked gold--


s: She speaks, "Good gracious! can this be you,


s: These texts will never be done to-night."


s: And, wreathing evergreen, weaves her wiles,


s: Heart-piercing glances bright and fleet,


s: Soft little sighs, and shy little smiles;


s: But the pastor is solemnly sulky and glum,


s: And thinketh it strange that "she" doesn't come.


s: Then she tells him earnestly, soft and low,


s: How she'd do her part in this world of strife,


s: The path that her feet should tread through life--


s: Crunch-crunch again on the snow outside,


s: Her pastor kiss her, and call her "dear."


s: "Why, Maud!" "Why, Nelly!" those damsels cry;


s: And she thinks, as she sees the glittering ring,


s: "And so she's got him--the hateful thing!"


s: There sit they all 'neath the Christmas tree,


s: And they go on wreathing the text again--


s: It is "Peace on earth and good-will towards men."


s: "Yes, I'm here, I suppose you're delighted:


s: Why I've been here a week!--'rather early'--


s: Let's walk--see, they're forming a Lancers;


s: Those lanterns look sweet in the bushes,


s: '_So_ long since you've seen me'--oh, ages!--


s: 'Seems years'--oh! of course--don't look spooney--


s: How bright the stars seem to-night, don't they?


s: Be still! if you don't stop this nonsense


s: Oh! please don't--I don't want to hear it--


s: 'My answer!'--Well, sir, you shall have it--


s: See that?--Well, you needn't look tragic,


s: I thought the news must have reached here--


s: Now don't blame me--I tried to stop you--


s: Don't think of it--don't--what's the use?


s: There's somebody coming--don't look so--


s: _Can't_ you seem as if nothing had happened?


s: And my fan, if you will--now I'm ready--


s: Ten o'clock! Well, I'm sure I can't help it!


s: Now, children, I'll speak to your mother


s: How tired I do feel?--Where's that cushion?--


s: All down the front breadth--it's just ruined--


s: Sitting out on the stairs with Will Stacy;


s: She says he's so fast--well, who isn't?--


s: I don't care; he's real nice and handsome.


s: And his talk sounds as if he'd some brains.


s: Though just to please him I wore green,--


s: And I'd saved him three elegant dances,--


s: What's the use of this fussing for people


s: I _did_ think that Joe had some sense once;


s: And the way that I've gone on about him,--


s: I've a good mind to drop him completely--


s: Not that bow--the green one--Joe likes it--


s: They was lovers when they was young uns,


s: He'd kill 'em both; but Jim just laughed--


s: Whiz! Boom! "Hooray, there goes a rocket;


s: "Confound it, sir! Those are my feet, sir!"


s: "Come down out o' that, yez young blackguards!


s: "Hooray! look at that?" "Aint it bully!"


s: "It's stuck!" "No, it aint." "There she goes!"


s: "I wish that you'd speak to this man, Fred,


s: "Take down that umbrella in front there!"


s: "Me heart's fairly broke wid yez shovin'--


s: "Look here, now, you schoost stop dose schovin'."


s: You stupide Dootschmans, vilain cochon"--


s: So bright, why the light makes me wink!"


s: "Your eyes, dear, are"--"don't be a goose, Fred;


s: Crash! Screech! "Och I'm kilt!"--"Fred, what is it?"


s: "Branch broken--small boy come to grief."


s: "Boo, hoo, hoo, hoo! I wants mine muzzer!"


s: "Look out there!" "Police!" "Hi, stop thief!"


s: "Harry, where have you been all morning?"


s: "Fishing?" "Yes, but the trout were wary,


s: "Why, look at your coat! You must have fallen,


s: Your back's just covered with leaves and moss."


s: "Nellie, the Wrights have called. Where were you?"


s: The charming book must have pleased her, truly,


s: There's a happy light in her bright young eyes


s: And she hugs the cat with unusual fervor,


s: The fisherman bold and the earnest reader


s: Sit talking--of what? Perhaps the weather.


s: Perhaps--no matter--whate'er the subject,


s: It brings them remarkably close together.


s: It causes his words to be softly spoken,


s: The while the sunbeams chase the shadows


s: And soft, shy glances from downcast eyes,


s: Filled with beauty, and flowers, and light,


s: A captive fisherman stands at the altar,


s: And smiling friends, good fortune wishing,


s: Summer is over, and the leaves are falling,


s: Gold, fire-enamelled in the glowing sun;


s: Chime men to vesper-musing, day is done.


s: The fresh, green sod, in dead, dry leaves is hidden;


s: Some breathing from the past comes, all unbidden,


s: Day fades away; the stars show in the azure,


s: Bright with the glow of eyes that know not tears,


s: Unchanged, unchangeable, like God's good pleasure,


s: They smile and reck not of the weary years.


s: Men tell us that the stars it knows are leaving


s: Our onward rolling globe, and in their place


s: New constellations rise--is death bereaving


s: The old earth, too, of each familiar face?


s: Our loved ones leave us; so we all grow fonder


s: Of their world than of ours; for here we seem


s: Which is the waking life, and which the dream.


s: Why, read it, of course, if you want to,


s: Just me, and my pipe, and the fire-light,


s: And the strains of a waltz, half forgotten,


s: The smoke-cloud floats thickly around me,


s: Float on, dreamy waltz, through my fancies,


s: Draw near, phantom face, in your beauty,


s: Sweet lips--crimson buds half unfolded--


s: Dream, soul, till the world's dream is ended!


s: Change rules in the world of the waking--


s: Toil, fools! Sow your hopes in the furrows,


s: There, stop! That'll do--yes, I own it--


s: You remember that night, at Drake's party,


s: One kiss for old times' sake, my Dolly--


s: Holloa! something's wrong with the children!


s: Buzzed over clover-tops, pink and pearly;


s: Showered down apple-blooms, dainty and sweet,


s: That swung in her hair, and blushed at her feet;


s: Sweet was her face as we lingered together,


s: Her sweet eyes filled, and with tender grace


s: Through the leaves above us crowned her head.


s: "Married for ages--it's just disgusting--


s: Such actions--and, Fred, they've got our tree!"


s: Blushing, fair in their guileless youth.


s: How their sweetest smile is kept for him


s: For the matrons watch and guard them well--


s: Though his heart be black, and his hair be gray.


s: "Nellie, how _could_ you treat _him_ so!


s: You know very well he is Goldmore's heir,"


s: "Jennie, look modest! Glance down and blush,--


s: Here comes papa with young Millionaire."


s: The sirens sit, and _their_ glamour try--


s: Whispering counsel--"Fling back your hair,


s: It hides your shoulder." "Don't sing so fast!"


s: "Darling, _don't_ look at that fair young man,


s: But sirens are kin of the gods, be sure,


s: And change but little with lapse of time.


s: A canvas-back duck, rarely roasted, between us,


s: A bottle of Chambertin, worthy of praise--


s: Less noble a wine at our _age_ would bemean us--


s: With the oysters we've eaten, fresh, plump, and delicious,


s: Naught left of them now but a dream and the shells;


s: No better _souper_ e'en Lucullus could wish us--


s: Why, even our waiter regards us as swells.


s: Your friends in the circle all envied your box;


s: You say Lilli Lehman sang quite too divinely--


s: I know I can't lose on that last deal in stocks.


s: Without waits our footman to call for our carriage--


s: Gad, how he must hate us, out there in the cold!--


s: We rode in a hack on the day of our marriage,


s: Number two forty-six--I was rolling in gold,


s: For I'd quite fifty dollars; and don't you remember


s: We drove down to Taylor's, a long cherished dream:


s: How grandly I ordered--just think, in December!--


s: Some cake, and two plates of vanilla ice-cream.


s: And how we enjoyed it! Your glance was the proudest


s: Among the proud beauties, your face the most fair;


s: I'm rather afraid, too, your laugh was the loudest;


s: I know we shocked every one--we didn't care.


s: Now we'd care a great deal--with two sons at college,


s: And daughters just out, whose sneers make you wince,


s: We've tasted the fruit of Society's knowledge--


s: I don't think we've quite enjoyed anything since.


s: All through, dear? Now, _don't_ wipe your mouth with the doily!


s: They're really not careful at all with their wine;


s: It wasn't half warmed--the salad was oily--


s: And I don't think the duck was remarkably fine.


s: All nerves and mind, of the cultured kind


s: "What marvellous words of marvellous love,


s: "'Oo's 'ittle white lammy is 'oo?" breathed he;


s: "'Oors! 'Oors! Would 'oo k'y if dovey should die?"


s: How truthful we poets! The "language of Love"


s: Be with them, Lord, who serve the truth,


s: Nor race nor creed shall difference make,


s: And earned the dying's grateful prayers,


s: Were crazed with drink and running wild.


s: Which from their dreary lives should lift


s: When wisps of smoke first upwards curled


s: Here where the savage roamed and fought,


s: Our land has stretched her welcoming shore


s: And blood-stained tyrants force the fray,


s: Hear in the dark through which they grope


s: We have boasted our courage in moments of ease,


s: Our star-spangled banner we've flung on the breeze;


s: We have taught men to cheer for its beauty and worth,


s: And have called it the flag of the bravest on earth


s: Now the dark days are here, we must stand to the test.


s: Oh, God! let us prove we are true to our best!


s: We have drunk to our flag, and we've talked of the right,


s: We have challenged oppression to show us its might;


s: We have strutted for years through the world as a race


s: That for God and for country, earth's tyrants would face;


s: Now the gage is flung down, hate is loosed in the world.


s: Oh, God! shall our flag in dishonor be furled?


s: We have said we are brave; we have preached of the truth,


s: We have walked in conceit of the strength of our youth;


s: We have mocked at the ramparts and guns of the foe,


s: As though we believed we could laugh them all low.


s: Now oppression has struck! We are challenged to fight!


s: Oh, God! let us prove we can stand for the right!


s: If in honor and glory our flag is to wave,


s: If we are to keep this--the land of the brave;


s: If more than fine words are to fashion our creeds,


s: Now must our hands and our hearts turn to deeds.


s: We are challenged by tyrants our strength to reveal!


s: Oh, God! let us prove that our courage is real!


s: Not somewhere in America, but everywhere to-day,


s: Where snow-crowned mountains hold their heads,


s: Beside the bench and whirring lathe, on every


s: And in the depths of earth below, men share a


s: The dream our brave forefathers had of freedom


s: And once again in honor's cause, they rally and


s: Not somewhere in America is love of country


s: But east and west and north and south once


s: And once again, as one, men stand to break


s: And make the world a better place, where only


s: The patriotism that is here, is echoed over there,


s: The hero at a certain post is on guard everywhere.