Iliad Odyssey1

*

lui

'

;

,

;

Wilt-

UNIVOF Toronto BINARY

to

Ube

Olniversitp of tuoronto Xibrarp bB

Ubc

late /IDaurtce Iburton,

principal of OlnivcrsttB CoUcfle

1901=1928

.Es THE

ILIAD

AND ODYSSEY OF

HOMER, TRANSLATED BY

WILLIAM SOTHEBY;

ILLUSTRATED BY THE DESIGNS OF FLAXMAN. VOL.

I.

LONDON G.

AND W.NiCOL, PALL-MALL;

J.

MURRAY, ALBE^^AKLE STRKHT.

MDCCCXXXIIl.

^" ' ^^ ^

,

5

)•?'

;

Arist. Ran. Trojani

belli

Qui, quid

sit

scriptorem

»

pulchrum, quid turpe, quid

Pleniiis et mclihs

Chrysippo

et

Crantore

utile, dicit.

quid non,

Hor. Ep.

W. NICOL, SHAKSPEAUE PRESS, CLEVELAND ROW.

i.

2.

TO

THE RIGHT REVEREND

THOMAS BURGESS, LORD BISHOP OF SALISBURY, PRESIDENT, AND

TO THE COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE, THIS VERSION OF

THE ILIAD AND ODYSSEY OF HOMER IS

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY

AVILLIAM SOTIIEBY, M.R.S.L.

&c. &c. &c.

Digitized by tine Internet Archive in

2010 with funding from University of Toronto

http://www.archive.org/details/iliadodyssey01home

THE FIRST BOOK OF

THE

TOI..

I.

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. Homer

invokes the

Muse

to sing the baleful

wrath of Achilles, accom-

Army, the will of Jupiter. Agamemnon's insolent disof Apollo, who had implored him to

plishing, through the disasters of the Grecian

—He records the origin of those missal of Chryses, the aged Priest

disasters,

release his captive daughter Chrj'seis,

som.

—The

Grecian

and to accept of

Priest implores the vengeance of Apollo,

Army by

a pestilence.

—Agamemnon,

Avith Achilles in the public council of the

his offered ran-

who

wastes the

keen contest

after a

Greeks, consents to release

Chryseis, but announces his intention to seize, in revenge, Briseis, the

beloved captive of Achilles.

—Achilles indignant quifs the council, and Agamemnon. —

reluctantly delivers Briseis to the Heralds of

^Thetis,

urged by Achilles, prevails on Jove to aid the Trojans, in order that the conquered Grecians may be compelled to solicit her son's assistance, and that Agamemnon should be forced to pacify him by offers of great rewards.

— The contention of Juno and Jupiter on his compliance —Vulcan soothes their anger and the Gods

Avith the request of Thetis.

retire

from the Olympian banquet to repose.

:

THE ILIAD. BOOK Muse

Sl\g,

Pelides' wrath,

I.

whence woes on woes

O'er the Achaeans' gather'd host arose.

Her

chiefs'

And

left their

Since

first

brave souls untimely hurl'd from day. limbs to dogs and birds a prey

With Peleus' godhke son

Why

;

the king of men, Atrides strove.

— Thus wrought the

raged the chiefs

?

what god

will of Jove.

their fiuy swell'd

Jove and Latona's son their wi-ath impell'd. Incensed against the king, Apollo spread

The plague

that thickly strew'd the

For Atreus' son,

camp

Avith

dead

in insolence of pride.

His priest dishonouring, had the god defied.

When

first,

his captive

daughter to release,

Time-honom-'d Chryses sought the ships of Greece,

With

richest

Round

ransom came, and suppliant bore

his gold

rod the wreath the priesthood wore.

?

THE

4

[book

ILIAD.

implored, but Atreus' sons the most.

And

all

The

lords

and leaders of the assembled host.

Jove, Kings and arm'd warriors may consenting And all the dwellers of the realm above, '

'

!

in dust, and,

Lay Troy

'

Guard you

'

But

my

'

Nor

the far-darting god's

in

triumph to your native

loved child restore

The Greeks applauded Bent

'

:

fell

all

:

soil

her ransom take,

wrath awake.'

with willing ear

;—

to receive the gifts, the priest revere

All, save Atrides,

To

Ilion's spoil,

charged with

'

vhose imperious mind

insolent repulse harsh

may

Ne'er

I

menace

more, aged

join'd.

priest,

amid our

fleet

Thee, lingering now, or here returning, meet Lest thou in vain extend the golden rod

'

'

'

And

'

I will

*

Till

*

Ere then,

'

At Argos, shares

*

Depart

'

Away

sacred

fillet

of thy guardian god.

not free thy daughter from

my

arms,

age o'ershadow her diminish'd charms.

:

:

far off,

thy child beneath

my

my

couch and weaves

nor longer here

my

roof,

my

rage excite

so best thy safety find in flight.'

woof.

i.

BOOK

THE

I.]

IIJAD.

Hoar Chryses, shuddering, back

his footstep bent.

And by

the sounding deep in silence went,

'Till far

apart the hapless father pray'd.

And '

thus invoked Apollo's vengeftd aid

God

of the silver bow,

whose

:

sov'reign

Tenedos obey,

'

Thy

'

If e'er I

*

Thy

'

Loose thy avenging

'

Tears of a father turn'd in scorn aAvay

Chrysa,

Cilia,

wreathed thy splendid shrine, or fed

altars flaming as the victims bled, shafts, bid

Thus Chryses pray'd

And

sway

Greece repay !'

his prayer Apollo heard.

:

heavenly vengeance kindled at the word.

He, from Olympus' brow,

in fury bore

His bow and quiver's death-denouncing

store.

arrows, ratthng round his viewless

flight,

The

Clang'd, as the god descended dark as night.

Then Phoebus

stay'd,

and from the

fleet apart

Launch'd on the host the inevitable dart. And ever as he wing'd the shaft below Dire was the twanging of the silver bow.

Mules and

Man

felt

swift

dogs

flrst fell,

then far around

the god's inmiedicable Avound.

THE

(j

Corse lay on corse, to

As death unwearied

fire

ILIAD. succeeded

fire.

fed the funeral pyi'e.

Nine days the arrows of destruction

And

[book

flew.

Phoebus, unassuaged, their numbers slew

:

But Peleus' son, the tenth revolving day,

Summon'd So Juno

the council where the navy lay.

will'd,

who, pitying, view'd around

The Grecians dying on the

The

council met, and mindful of their woes

First

'

'

tainted gromid

from

his seat Achilles stern uprose.

Atrides

Must,

if

!

we,

I

deem, we once again

escaped from death, repass the main

and

;

combined,

'

Fell war,

'

Prey on the host, and sweep us from mankind.

'

But

'

Or dream-expounder,

'

'

'

'

let

us

feller pestilence

first

some

priest or for

prophet move,

dreams spring from Jove,

And learn from him what hecatombs unpaid On Greece such vengeance of the god have laid So may the savour of our offerings stay Apollo's wrath,

Thus

and turn the pest away.'

to the host the son of Peleus spoke

First of the seers, then Calchas silence

He

all

the present, past, and fiiture

broke

knew

All at his pleasure rose before his view

:

:

:

;

i.

BOOK

And, by Apollo's

Had

'

THE

I.]

gift, his

ILIAD, prescient lore

led the fleet to Ilion's fated shore.

Such was the prophet, whose sagacious mind

To '

Peleus' son thus prudently rejoin'd

Thou

bidd'st

me

:

say, Achilles, Jove-beloved,

*

Whence Phoebus

'

Thus m'ged,

'

Swear that thy prowess Calchas

'

He, who

*

Will vsdth revengeful wrath the offence repay

'

Who

'

And

'

Tho' they

'

Ne'er unconsummated

*

Say, wilt thou shield

*

Pour out thy prescient

'

None, by that god, who,

'

Grants that thy voice to Greece the fates declare,

'

While yet

*

Shall

'

Not Agamemnon, he who proudly

'

His power alone surpasses

The '

No

speak

why

vengeance moved

to

thou too,

:

o'er all holds rule,

strive fall

I

rages,

death impend,

if

shall defend.

whom

all

obey,

with kings their sov'reignty shall know,

beneath the greatness of their

may

foe.

curb their rage the present day,

I hve, yet

it

me

dies away. ?'

Peleus' son repUcd,

soul, in

me

confide

:

listening to thy prayer,

view the hght of day,

on thy head a hand unhallow'd lay

all

our

:

boasts

hosts.'

seer embolden'd, thus the chief obey'd

slighted hecatomb,

no vow unpaid,

:

THE

8

ILIAD.

[rook

'

But

'

His daughter unredeem'd, his

'

Apollo's wrath arose

'

Waits, and the cup of vengeance shall o'erflow

'

Nor

'

Till Atreus'

*

Release unransom'd, and on Chrysa's shore

'

With blazing hecatombs the god

He

for his priest

e'er

by Atreus' son abused,

and woe on woe :

the pest's insatiate ravage cease,

son the dark-eyed maid release

With

spake.

Heart darkly boiling

And

:

gift refused,

lip

adore.'

that quiver'd in

its ire.

o'er with vengeful fire.

eye that roU'd in flame, proud Atreus' son

Rose, and stern-glancing at the seer, begun

from whose presumptuous word

'

Prophet of

'

Ne'er has thy king a kind expression heard

'

Prophet of

'

Ne'er kindly act matured, or thought conceived

'

Thou, who hast dared proclaim

'

That on our host Apollo's vengeance draws

'

Mine, when

I

'

The ransom

profFer'd for his daughter's sake

'

That maid

I prize

'

That lured

my

'

That maid, her paragon

'

Each

artful

ill

ill

!

:

whose heart by malice heaved,

!

my

:

crime the cause

scorn'd his priest, nor deign'd to take

beyond the

virgin

charms

youth to Clytemnestra's arms in

form and

face,

work, each fascinating grace

;

:

i.

BOOK

*

THE

I.]

ILIAD.

'

Yet

*

Saved be

'

Yet must your king be honour'd

hei',

thus graced, thus gifted,

my

I

resign

:

host, the sacrifice be mine.

'

From

'

Lest

'

Unrecompensed,

'

9

prepare

strait

;

war's selected spoils a monarch's share,

—

as all witness

Thou, most

'

—

—my

—

I

remain alone

my

prize,

glory gone.'

Achilles cried

'

the chiefs among,

'

By

'

How

*

We

'

The

'

Greece

'

Thou,

*

Then be

'

Whene'er Jove grant that Grecia's host destroy,

'

And *

lust of glory

and by avarice stung,

can the Achaeans,

—whence, reward thee more

hoard not up our wealth a cities'

plunder'd

will first,

common

store.

spoils, all portion'd, all

no more resume them at heaven's

command,

at thy call.

restore the maid,

the monarch's tribute tenfold paid,

share the spoils of stately-structured Troy.'

Brave as thou

'

By

*

Well thy intent

*

And make

'

Will'st

*

Such

*

If

'

As

art, ne'er

deem

'

—Atrides

said

fraud to circumvent me, or persuade.

ween, to guard thy prize,

the king a public sacrifice.

thou

as I

I

I

free the

maid

?

—

Greece assign

deem may match her charms

Greece refuse, by force away best

if

my humour

suits,

divine

I bear,

Pehdes' share.

:

?

THE

iu

—

ILIAD.

Oysses

—rage who

'

Thine, Ajax

*

All

'

Of this,

*

Lamich a brave bark, and ami

must obey

thine,

[booki.

\^^ll

their king, his wish fulfil

Now

hereafter.

amid the main a gallant train

*

There be the hecatomb's vow'd

*

;

offering placed,

Chr\'se'is, there,

with matchless beauty gi-aced

'

And

chief selected

'

On

that high mission sent, seek Chiysa's coast.

*

Be

that gi'eat charge the Cretan monarch's care,

'

Or

let

'

Or

tliou,

*

Go, and with suppliant

there

some

;

fiOm our host,

Ulysses, or brave Ajax bear,

Him,

Pehdes, di-eadiullest in rage,

as

rites the

god assuage

he spake, Achilles sternly eyed

'

:

'

Thou

'

^\\\o, at thy

'

Confi'ont the battle, or thy path attend

'

I

'

'Gamst Troy, that wrong"d not Peleus' son, the spear.

•'

girt

with subtlety and frontless pride,

came not

They

ne"er

beck

—what Greek

in rny r^trength to

my

promptly bend, ?

brandish here

steeds purloin'd.

my

cattle drove,

*

Or

'

O'er-shadoAring mountains, and the sounding tide,

•'

spoil'd the nuits of Pthia's fertile gTove.

From

'

We,

'

Here

Ilion's shortr

my

native realm di^^de.

that thou might'st, insulter, thou rejoice, freelv

came, and freelv heard thv voice.

BOOK *

THE

I.]

We

wretch

sail'd, vile

must

Ilion

*

Thou

*

Spoils purchased

*

Yet

'

Ne'er has

*

'

To To

11

for injuries not

!

reck'st not this

toil,

my

by

toil,

the

of Greece.

gift

battle-spoil with thine

to combat,

and

to conquer,

sought

my

shared

cities

compared.

mine

grasp and gather up the plunder, thine

when

worn out

\ :

'

Yet,

'

Tho' scant, yet dear to me, the hard-earn'd

*

But now,

'

'

'

I

fleet,

—

'

Fly

reft

'

toil,

spoil.

on Pthia's strand

lar better far,

To moor my vessel in my native land, Than thus unhonoured stay thou here Thou,

:

yea, vaunt'st by force to seize

:

—when our host Troy's captured my

own

our

for Atreus' race alone.

*

fall

'

ILIAD.

ahke of glory as of

—Agamemnon answer

gain.'

'

d,

speed thy

*

Since such thy wavering mind, avoid

*

I

press thee not to stay

;

remain,

my

tlight,

sight.

on Ihon's plain

*

Here, honouring me, the host and Jove remain.

*

Hence, thou of monarchs most

*

Hence,

*

Vaunt not thy might

*

Ascribe the glory to the King of heaven.

*

Thou, with thy troop, thy

'

At Pthia bid thv Mvrmidons obev.

man

my

hate and scorn,

of blood, for brawls and slaughter :

to thee that niight

vessels,

bom,

was given

hence, away

THE

12 '

Thy

'

Rage,

'

Know,

'

My

'

And

'

I

—

flight I if

reck not

thou

wilt,

[book

seek thy native shore

:

the more

—

I

:

scorn thee more.

my great reward, maid, my warriors guard

since Apollo claims

bark shall bear the

from forth thy

thus,

I will

*

So dread

*

My He

ILIAD.

force Briseis

my

her charms,

from thy arms

;

power, and none hereafter dare

will oppose, or

spake

tent, in all

with their king compare.'

—Achilles flamed—wrath, deep disdain

Swell'd his high heart, and thrill'd in every vein.

In doubt, with sword unsheathed to force his way.

Dash

thro' the warriors,

and the tyrant

slay.

Or, in stern mastery of his mind, controul

The unsated vengeance

of an outraged soul.

In this dread doubt, while

now in

act display'd

His hand had half-unsheathed the avenging blade, Pallas, at

Who

mandate of the wife of Jove,

watch'd the rival chiefs with equal love.

Unseen by

all,

behind Achilles stood.

Seized his gold locks, and curb'd his madd'ning mood.

He

turn'd, and, awe-struck, strait the goddess

As from her eyes the

'

'

knew.

living lightning flev.

Com'st thou, Jove-born, to view the dire disgrace

Heap'd on

my

head by Atreus' hateful race

?

i.

BOOK *

THE

I.]

Thou

ILIAD.

view'st the oifeiice

—now

13

.

view the vengeance

done, *

Lo

perish'd in his

!

From heaven

'

'

madness Atreus'

—she

said

'

'

I

came

to soothe thy wrath

'

I

came

at

'

Who

'

Sheathe thy brave

son.'

Minerva hear

so tliou

—my voice

revere.

mandate of the wife of Jove,

balances o'er both her equal love. blade

;

but,

sharper

than thy

sword, '

Fix in his heart the weapon of thy word

*

Gifts, tenfold gifts, this

*

I,

Pallas,

speak

it

Minerva spake. '

Thee, Pallas

!

I

outrage shall o'erpay

—hearken — and

Pelides thus rephed

obey

:

deign, goddess

*

Tho' outraged, tho' incensed,

'

The man who

He The

obey.'

I

!

guide.

thee revere

hears the gods, the gods will hear.'

spake, nor disobey'd

:

but downward press'd

silver-hilted falchion to its rest.

While

Pallas, passing to the

Clave the light

But Peleus' son

air,

gods abovtf,

and gain'd the abode of Jove.

again, with gather'd ire,

Hurl'd on the monarch words of living

fire.

THE

14 '

Swoln drunkard

!

dog

ILIAD. in eye,

[book

but hind in heart,

*

Who

*

Nor join'st our ambush

*

In war and

*

More

'

To

'

Plunderer of slaves, slaves void of soul as sense,

'

Or Greece had

*

Yet

'

From

*

Bark'd by the

steel,

'

Nor bark nor

foliage shall again' adorn,

'

But borne by powerful

*

Guardians of law, and judges of the land-^-

'

Be

'

I ratify

*

The day

'

Shall lean for succour on Pelides'

'

Then, while beneath

'

Thy

*

Rage

'

Dishonouring me, thy bravest chief defied.'

ne'er in

safe,

war

sustain'st a warrior's part, ;

for alike thy fear

ambush views destruction

near.

'mid Grecia's ranks the inglorious

grasp some murmurer's unprotected

—by its

i.

witness'd

now

reft

bare trunk upon the mountain

and of its

spoil.

thy last offence.

which, untimely

this sceptre,

toil,

left,

foliage shorn,

chiefs of high

command,

witness thou, by this tremendous test

He

ray word, and steel shall

my

breast,

come, when Greece in dread alarm

arm

fierce Hector's

murderous blade

warriors bleed, and claim in vain thy aid, shall

consume thy

heart, that madd'ning pride

spake, and hurl'd his sceptre on the ground,

Starr'd with gold studs, that brightly

beam'd around.

looK

THE

I.]

Atrides flamed

:

ILIAD.

when, silencing

15

.

their rage,

Melodious Nestor rose, the Pylian sage,

On whose

persuasive

lip

charm'd Grecia hung,

Gathering the honey of his fluent tongue.

Race

after race,

by

fate's relentless

doom.

Had, while he hved, twice sunk within the tomb.

Now

o'er a third his righteous sceptre reign'd.

And

thus his mild reproof their rage restrain'd

'

What woe voice

'

'

'

How How

will

!

—hear

Nestor's

!

Troy's proud race exult

!

if,

haply heard

In IHon's walls a whisper of the word,

—whose

That they

'

Here waste,

'

When

'

Time

'

in

voice,

whose valour

all

o'erpowers,

war of words, inglorious hours.

Nestor speaks, calm, younger-born, your rage, ripens

Yes

—

I

wisdom on the

have communed

'

With

chiefs

'

They

scorn'd

'

Men

'

Greece impends

not Priam and his sons rejoice

'

'

o'er

:

— such

whose glory

me

lip

in the older days,

far

not, those

of age.

your fame outweighs.

mighty men of yore

as Nestor shall behold

no morej

Pirithous, Dryas, leaders of the war,

Exadius and Cseneus, famed afar

THE

16

ILIAD.

[book

i.

'

Fierce Polyphemus, and thy matchless might,

'

Divine ^Egides, like the gods in fight.

'

Such were the

'

And combating

^

Wild brood of mountain Centaurs, host

*

Fiercely they fought, and strew'd with death the coast.

chiefs

most brave of mortal

birth,

with foes most brave on earth,

and from

'gainst host,

far Pylos' strand

'

heard their

'

Join'd, at their

'

And

'

Who now

*

Yet they obey'd

'

Ye

'

King,

*

Pelides' just reward, the gift of Greece.

*

Nor thou

'

Jove ne'er to other king such power has given.

'

Tho', goddess-born, in war thou rule alone,

'

A

'

At Nestor's prayer,

*

Nor

*

call,

summons, the heroic band,

fought as best

—

of living

to obey gi'eat

is

Well thy

*

But

*

All

this

:

resist,

arm

me

?

gave way

:

sustains his throne. !

thy wrath assuage,

and tower of strength enrage.'

'

—

man must

must observe

release,

the loved of heaven

king

thy counsel

this

shall dare,

—now the maid

yet

})ersuasi^e voice

—

and who

with them compare

voice, to

thy power

Grecia's pride

*

;

better far---obey.

the king

is

might

men

my

nation's mightier

Wise

I

Atr(7Ui>'

son replied-

might Grecia guide. stretch o'er

his will, his

all

beck obey.

his sway,

ijooK

THE

I.]

hang on him

^

All

'

Rage

'

The

*

Loose they

as

'

'

who

17

—such, such o'erweening

he may, by

gods,

Him '

;

ILIAD.

me

shall

arm

to his

its

be defied. prowess gave,

tongue at

his scornful

pride,

will to rave

?

'

interrupting, fierce Pelides said,

my

Be on

brow dishonour

willing

laid,

—whate'er thy wish—whate'er thy Imperious tyrant — thy command If I

!

fulfil.

by others be obey'd

'

O'er others rule

'

No more

'

Yet hear

'

'Gainst thee, nor mortal

'

In woman's

'

Resumes

*

What

'

Thou, from

*

Try,

*

When

;

Achilles deigns the Atridse aid. ;

and

in

w^ar, since

my

man,

arm

I

Greece, in heart a slave,

recompense, the

this

my word lift my sword

thy heart retain

treasures yet within

if

will,

my

gift

she gave.

ship remain,

reluctant, ne'er shalt gain.

thou dare, that Greece be taught to fear thy dark blood reeks on Pelides' spear.'

Thus, from the war of words, the council rose,

And

sought awhile within their

Pelides, to his ships

Back with

and

his warriors

fleet

repose

station'd tent,

,

and Patroclus went.

But Atreus' son the appointed bark prepared. Twice ten selected oars the labour shared VOL.

1.

c

THE

IS.

ILIAD.

[book

There sent the hecatomb, there led the

And

gave the charge to

^vise Ulysses' care.

Swift o'er the sea they sail'd

Bade

The

;

the while their king

the host their lustral offerings bring.

all

lustral rites perform'd, the cleansed host

In the

The

fair.

salt

wave the impure ablutions

priests their victims slew

From

tost.

and streaming gore.

;

goats and chosen bullocks, bathed the shore

While

in

dark volumes seen

aloft to rise.

Clouds, rich with floating fragrance, veil'd the skies.

But prayer, nor chafed

Still his

And by

sacrifice, the

king assuaged.

spirit 'gainst Pelides

his heralds,

prompt

raged

;

to serve his pride.

Imperiously the goddess-born defied.

*

Talthybius and Eurybates, away

'

Teach

*

Haste

*

Bear

off Briseis

*

And,

if

'

I,

in his tent Achilles to

—from

with

his

camp,

from

— withheld

my

in all

obey

:

her blooming charms,

his longing

'twill

!

arms

agonize his pride

host, will force

away

his bride.'

Bow'd by the burden of his harsh command. Step after step, along the unfruitfid strand

i.

BOOK

THE

I.]

Slow on they

ILIAD.

19

camp'd around the bay.

pass'd, where,

In station'd ranks, Achilles' warriors lay.

There

sat the chief,

Stern indignation

and

fill'd

They trembling stood

felt their

Yet not the '

Hail

his eye with flame.

its

cold obstruction laid.

mission in his burning breast.

less in

soothing speech address'd

heralds, hail

!

came.

—nor spake, nor question made.

Fear on their tongues

He

as the heralds

!

draw nigh, your

messengers of

fears

:

remove

men and Jove

*

Hail, heralds

'

You come,

'

His the deep

'

You

'

Lead

*

But witness, ye yourselves, before high Jove,

'

Before

'

But

'

Witness,

'

And, bow'd

'

My

'

Fool

*

'

'

!

reluctant, at the tyrant's call guilt,

for Briseis

on him the vengeance

come.

her, Patroclus,

all

!

I yield

my

from

mortals here,

all

fall

assent

guardian tent.

gods above,

chiefly him, that ruthless king, before,

arm !

if

Greece again her waste deplore, in hopeless misery, require

of strength .... Infatuate in his

who

ne'er

knew

ire,

the intellectual power

To link the former to the future hour, By timely thought to ward impending woe, And from the invaded fleet turn back U\k foe.'

;

THE

20

He But

spoke

:

while lingering as she pass'd.

her loved lord one look Briseis

Tears

like large life-drops

cast.

Alone, from

pass'd from sight.

apart.

all

gushing from his heart.

the drear margin of the sea-beat shore

Achilles sat,

and gazed the ocean

Stretch'd out his arms,

and

o'er,

in the void of air

Pour'd to a mother's ear his fervent prayer

*

Since thou hast borne me' but a day to

:

live,

Jove to thy son should deathless glory give

^

me

'

But Jove regards

'

Else, wherefore

'

Him, who now dares with

*

My

as

he

shamed by Atreus' haughty

award of Greece, retain

tearful spake,

'

his hand,

!

beneath the wave

like a mist uprose, o'er

Hung on

race,

insolent disdain

Fair Thetis heard, within her father's cave

Then,

;

not, nor deigns to grace.

ravish'd bride, the

Him,

*

r.

to the heralds led the unwilling maid.

They

On

[book

nor him Patroclus disobey'd.

Onward they went,

On

ILIAD.

;

ocean swept.

and soothed him as he wept.

Why grieves my son ? Speak—give me A mother's sympathy shall yield relief,'

all

thy grief

BOOK '

THE

I.]

Thou knowest

'

—

ILIAD.

21

Achilles spake with deep-drawn

groan, '

Why

'

Our conquering host

'

'

dwell on deeds to thee already

known

.'

Eetion's city gain'd,

And from his sacred Thebes rich spoils obtain d To each his just allotment Atreus' son,

;

:

'

His beauteous prize, the

•^

But Phoebus'

*

Time-honour'd Chryses, sought the ships of Greece,

*

With

'

Round

'

And

all

The

Atridae, leaders of the leagued host.

•^

richest

fair

Chryseis, won.

daughter to release,

priest, his

ransom came, and suppliant bore wreath the priesthood wore,

his gold rod the

the Greeks implored, but honour'd most

'

The Greeks consented

'

Bent to receive the

—save Atrides

all,

:

gifts,

the Priest revere

All

'

To

'

Chryses in wrath return VI

*

And, honouring

his

insolent repulse harsh

menace

join'd.

—him Phoebus heard,

his prophet,

gave the word

his darts with death

—and corse on corse

'

That barb'd

'

Fell, as the pest

'

Then Calchas

'

And, by Apollo taught,

'

Fain had

*

Pour'd in Atrides' heart consuming

I

went

;

imperious mind

'

:

with willing ear,

forth,

:

and swept our

force.

spake, the Monarch's guilt' exposed, his rage disclosed.

soothed the god, but instant fire.

ire

THE

22

ILIAD.

his lip the opprobrious

'

Rage on

'

And

'

The Greeks

'

And hecatombs

*

But from

his deeds

[book

i.

menace hung,

match the mahce of his tongue.

his captive waft to Chrysa's shore,

,

there flame the altars o'er.

now his heralds lead my tent, Her whom I loved, my prize by Greece decreed.

'

—

*

Thou

'

Go,

*

There

*

E'er touch'd the heart of Jove

*

Oft have I heard, in

*

Thee, in thy pride of heart, the day

*

When

*

Turn'dst

'

When

'

Jove to o'ermaster, and in

*

When

*

Whom

'

Son stronger than

*

Glories exultant by Saturnius' side.

'

*

for

in his

—

if

goddess-mother, aid

thou canst

heaven by prayer the god persuade

thy word, or deeds in kindness done,

my

aid thou thy son

!

recall,

thou, amid the immortals, tho*u alone, fell

destruction from the Thunderer's throne,

Juno, Neptune, and Minerva join'd

at thy call the

Gods

fetters

bind

:

hundred-handed came,

men ^Egaeon, name sire, who throned in pride

Briareus, his

Him the immortals fear'd, nor longer strove To chain the might and majesty of Jove. Go, clasp

'

So may the Thunderer Troy

*

—

parental hall,

'

*

:

his knees

:

recount that day, that deed, in

triumph lead,

And slay the Grecians, weltering in their gore Amid their captured fleet on Phrygia's shore :

THE

I.]

ILIAD.

23

*

So teach, by

*

To glorify this king this Argive boast And him, their dreaded lord to cm'se the hour

*

*

direful

doom, the

—

—

That saw unhonour'd

my

unrivall'd power.'

Tears gush'd as Thetis spake *

'

senseless host

I

:

*

Woe, woe

brought thee forth, to ruthless fate a prey

Here thou hadst

'

Fleet

is

'

Most

fleet,

'

Sad was the hour,

*

To

misery destined from thy natal morn.

'

Yet

—

*

;

that without a tear, without a wrong,

'

*

the day

if

lain in

thy dream of

my

peace thy ships

life,

among

a shadowy show,

yet mournful most of

—the roof

that

prayer can aid thee

And at the Thunderer's throne Thou here remain on Greece :

all

below.

saw thee born,

—mine

shall aid,

the god persuade. let loose

thy rage

*

But go not

*

Guest of the blameless Ethiopians, Jove

*

Went, yestermorn, with

*

Went, seaward, banqueting, nor leaves the

*

Till the twelfth

'

Then

*

Hang on

to his

forth in arms, nor battle wage.

all

the gods above, feast

dawn relumes the empurpled

heaven

his knees

She spake, and

Lone and

:

I till

left

east.

speed, and prost^i'ate there

Jove vouchsafe

my

prayer.'

the chief, by passion mo^'ed,

disconsolate for her he loved

THE

24 Forced from

The

ILIAD.

[book

Meantime Ulysses bore

his arms.

hallow'd hecatomb to Chrysa's shore.

In the deep port, untroubled by the gale.

They

stow'd within the bark the gather'd

Loosed with

Row'd

its

sail.

tackle swiftly lower'd the mast,

and

to the harbour,

their anchors cast.

Forth came the crew, and pass'd along the main.

Forth led the victims to Apollo's fane Forth came Chryseis,

The

chief restored in

whom all

;

to Chryses'

arms

her virgin charms.

And o'er the altar spake, From Grecia's king ' To thee, time-honour'd priest, thy child I bring And lo the hecatomb, the gift of Greece ' So may thy god's wide-wasting vengeance cease '

'

!

He

:

spake

:

Unwonted joy

The

and gave fill'd all

Of his

her.

the father's breast.

Apollo's radiant altar round

With cleansing water laved salted

their hands,

meal to strow the oiFerings

'Mid these the Priest his arms

And *

'

;

and bore

o'er

:

aloft upraised.

pouring forth his prayer, sublimely gazed.

God

Thy

of the silver bow, whose sovereign sway

Cilia,

Chrysa, Tenedos obey.

!

child possess'd.

ministers meanwhile the victims crown'd.

And ranged The

:

i.

BOOK

THE

I.]

at

my

voice erewhile,

'

If,

'

Thy arrows

'

Now

*

And from

fill'd

ILIAD. if,

heard

25

*

my

prayer,

with death the tainted

hear thy supphant, grant

my

air,

sole request,

the Grecian host avert the pest

!

Him Phoebus heard and now when prayer had ceased. And the salt meal had strown each votive .beast. :

They backward raised

their throats,

and slew and

flayed,

Sever'd their thighs, and in due order laid.

Doubling the cawl, and

o'er

Crude morsels, quivering

them

thickly spread

as the victims bled.

While Chryses fed the flame with cloven wood.

And

the burnt offering bathed with vinous flood,

Beside the aged priest a youthful band Stood, each a five-prong'd flesh-hook in his hand

;

And when the thighs were burnt, and keen desire Had tried tlie entrails fuming from the fire. The rest, minutely sever'd, bit by bit. They duly

Then

fix'd

on the revolving

spit

and when the

toil

fitly dress'd,

Served to each guest alike the equal

had ceased. feast.

And now, when thirst and hunger raged no more. The youths the goblets cro\^'d high-foaming o'er. To all administer'd, and gave each guest From right to left to circle round the rest.

THE

26

choral

But,

when

They by

hymns

that glorified the god.

at sunset darkness spread her reign.

their cables slept along the

And when

On

[book

that day melodious paeans flow'd.

And And

all

ILIAD.

the rosy-finger'd

main

:

morn appear d.

to the Grecian fleet their galley steer'd.

Apollo's self the breeze consenting gave.

And oped

for

them the passage

o'er the

wave.

Aloft the mast was raised, wide spread the

The

sail.

swelling of the canvass caught the gale.

Around the cleaving keel the .billow iimg.

And bounding thro' the deep the vessel sprung. And now, when reach'd their host, along the sand On high they drew their bark, and fix'd on land Huge beams, to prop the weight, beneath it cast. :

Then

to their fleet and tented stations pass'd.

There, nigh his naval host, in sullen Achilles fed his soul-consuming

Nor join'd

To

ire,

fire.

the council's honour d seat, nor deign'd

mingle where the warriors glory gain'd.

But, inly pining, from the field afar,

Long'd but for

battle,

and the shout of war.

'Twas now the morn, the twelfth-revolving

When

Jove, returning to Olympus' height.

light.

i.

BOOK

THE

I.]

Led on

the gods

Her way

to

:

ILIAD.

27

—then, mindful of her

son.

heaven emerging Thetis won

There found, apart from

all

:

the gods, alone,

Jove on Olympus' hundred-crested throne

Her

left

When

hand

clasp'd his knee, her right his beard.

thus the

If e'er

'

Nymph

heaven's awful Sire revered

by word or deed, paternal Jove

won thy

favour, deign

my

I

'

Exalt

'

Swift as a shade unhonour'd pass away,

'

Wrong'd by Atrides

'

The

'

Grace him, Olympian Jove

*

Triumphant Troy, and

*

Till

*

And added honours

my

ravish'd prize

:

he who dares detain

by Greece decreed

gift

!

in vain.

and greatly cro^vn

with high renown,

Greece the glory of my son proclaim,

:

swell Pelides' fame.'

in silence

Jove the suppliant heard

long unanswer'd her imploring word still

And

!

son, nor let his transient day

She spake

Yet

:

!

approve

suit

*

And

:

she clasp'd his knee, his hand

:

:

still

press'd.

with fresh zeal redoubled her request

'

Sire

'

Or

*

So

*

I, I

!

—

gi'ant

for

thy suppliant's prayer

thou canst not dread

—

:

now, Jove, comply

at

shall I learn that, 'mid heaven's

a goddess,

am

once deny

:

honour'd host,

unhonour'd most."

THE

28

ILIAD.

[book

Then, deeply grieved, the cloud-compeller spake

Why

Juno's wrath awake

*

Pernicious deed

'

Why

'

Those taunts that 'mid the gods

*

Rashly reproaching that

'

Aids

'

Hence

'

Away

'

Go, firm

in trust

'

The

most sacred 'mid the gods above,

*

This stamp of

'

That perfects

He The

!

:

?

rouse again that irritable breast,

hence

!

—

?

power

Juno now detect thee here

lest

— thy prayer

sign

partial

peace molest

host in war's destructive hour.

Ilion's !

my

my

I

;

granted

is

—disappear

:

pledge the brow of Jove,

fate,

the irrevocable sign

all its

promises be thine.'

spake, and fully to confirm his vow.

sanction gave, and bow'd his awfiu

brow

From his immortal head profusely flow'd The ambrosial locks that waved around the While

all

Olympus trembled

Their conference

o'er, from

;

god.

at his nod.

heaven with headlong leap

At once the goddess plunged beneath the deep. Jove sought his palace

The gods

his

None dared But on the

:

as their sire appear'd.

might and majesty revered

;

regardless linger on their seat,' king's

advance arose to greet.

Jove on his throne reclined

Not

i.

;

when

reckless of the meeting of the

fill'd

with scorn.

morn.

BOOK

THE

I.]

That Jove had Hsten'd

ILIAD.

29

nymph's request.

to the

Proud Juno, taunting, thus her lord address'd

What god, deceiver now thy counsel shares ? No more to me great Jove his will declares Thy furtive purpose still from me conceal'd, '

!

'

*

Still to

*

'

Seek

thy wife each secret unreveal'd.'

not,'

he cried,

'

to

fathom

my

design,

'

Tho' consort thou of Jove, the attempt decline

'

Yet,

*

Jove would to thee, thee

'

But what without the gods

*

Seek not to know, what none can comprehend.'

'

if

or god or

man might

;

rightly share,

first,

his will declare.

I sole

intend,

He spake. The awful goddess thus replied What hast thou said, insulter in thy pride ?

'

Ne'er have I yet inquired, or 4iow inquire

*

Shape thy own mood, content thy own

'

Yet must

'

Jove has submitted to that ocean-child.

'

This morn, when clasp'd thy knee, thy hand when

I

deeply fear, that

now

:

desire.

begiiiled,

press'd,

saw thee yielding to her warm request,

'

I

'

To

*

The Grecian camp, and

glorify her son,

and

fill

with slain

tinge with blood the main.'

THE

30

*

thus rephed

What thou suspect'st, it recks not me to hide Thy rash attempts, that ineffectual prove,

*

Leave thee

'

Grant

*

Peace, and in silence

'

Beware

'

If o'er

all

!

And

that thou suspect'st

not

all

thy brow

all

my

—^know, such my

behest

will

fulfil.

the gods can Jove withstand, I raise

felt,

the almighty hand.'

and heard Jove's high controul.

the heavenly powers indigiiant heard

stern defiance of the almighty word.

Then Vulcan

To bend her '

:

curb'd, perforce, the swelling of her soul

While

The

:

less lovely, less desired of Jove.

The goddess

'

[book

The cloud-compeller

She spake. '

ILIAD.

rose,

spirit to

and soothing Juno, strove submit to Jove.

Harsh doom, and unendurable,

if

heaven

Thus, for mere mortals, rage, by discord riven gods threat gods, and

If

'

No

*

Let me, tho' wise

*

To

'

Lest that once more Saturnius' vengeful

^

Cloud the pure

bliss

more, as once, prolong our herself, a

!

without alloy

'

festive joy.

mother warn

yield to Jove, nor heaven's high sovereign scorn

bliss of

ire

heaven's convivial choir.

i.

BOOK

THE

I.]

ILIAD.

—the Thunderer, matchless

31

'

Reflect

*

At once could hurl us

*

But

'

Will calm his wrath, and heaven's pure

Olympian height

fi-om the

and peace once more

softly soothe the god,

He

spake, and in the hands of

The nectar-bowl

bliss restore.'

Juno placed

that Jove's gay banquets graced.

'

Tho' giieved,' he

'

Lest

'

What

'

None can

'

Me

'

Grasp'd by the heel, Jove hurl'd

'

Down, ever down, through

'

I fell,

'

There, as

I

'

And

kind care refresh'd

I

might,

in his

cried,

'

yet patiently sustain,

behold thee bruised, and mourn in vain.

can thy son avail

too,

resist,

when

the Olj-mpian sire

ciu-b his

vengeful

ire.

erst to rescue thee I strove,

and dropt

^vith

none

?

at night

all

me

from above.

that li^e-long day,

on Lemnos' bay

:

lay half-dead, the Sintians came,

my

bruised fi'ame.'

Fair Juno smiled, and smihng sweetly, graced

The

And And

nectar cup her snowy arms embraced. still

as Vulcan's

pass'd

Loud

hand the goblet crown'd,

from right to

left

the nectar round.

laugh'd the guests, while the officious god.

Administering the wine, unseemly trod.

THE

32

From morn The harping Nor

till

[

ILIAD.

.

night, through that continued feast.

of Apollo never ceased

;

ceased the voice that closed with song the day.

The Muses warbling

their alternate lay.

But when the sun had

set,

each

blissful

guest

From

the late banquet sought his couch of rest

Each

to his radiant palace

went

apart.

Divinely wrought by Vulcan's matchless art

Jove pass'd, where sleep had

oft his eyelid closed.

And on her golden throne, nigh

Jove, his queen reposed.

THE SECOND BOOK OF

THE

VOL.

I.

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. Jupiter, mindful of his promise to Thetis, sends a deceitful vision to

Agamemnon, exhorting him

to assemble

In a public Council he

the disposition of the

them

tries

and lead forth

— Ulysses, by the coun«el of the Army. — Ulysses

to return to Greece.

Nestor, revives the spirit

of Thersites.

—The Trojans, by the advice of

his Forces.

Army, and

advises

of Minerva and

chastises the Insolence

Iris,

arm and prepare

for

Battle.— The Description and Catalogue of the Land and Sea Forces.

THE ILIAD. BOOK

II.

The immortal Gods and men

all

But no sweet

sleep Jove's wakeful eyelid closed.

Intent, Achilles to exalt,

The routed

'

false

Fly, baleful

To

'

Bid him arm

'

*

ponder'd, ere the will divine

dream mature

'

'

and slay

Grecians, where their navy lay.

The God long Bade a

night reposed.

Dream

'

his

—he

deep design

said

—

'

:

'mid yonder fleet

Atreus' son the words of Jove repeat all his

hosts,

now, now destroy,

And share the spoils of wide-extended Troy By Juno soothed, no God with God contends, :

But dark

o'er Ilion direst

Jove spake

Down

:

woe impend^.'

the baleful Dream, without delay,

to the Grecian

navy wing'd

his Avay

;

THE

36

in his tent the

There

ILIAD.

[book

Son of Atreus found

In soft ambrosial slumber wrapt around,

Stood

Of

o'er his

brow, and in the shape confess'd

Son of Atreus

'

Sleep'st thou,

*

Thus

*

111

'

A

'

From whom

'

To wear

'

Monarch, attend

'

To

'

His words

*

To

'

'

'

King address'd

Nestor's honour'd form, the

in

war-renown'd,

!

ambrosial slumber lapt around

him beseems, the

Chief,

:

?

whose high controul

kingdom's weight sustains, and guides the whole,

thee

all

counsel flows

—

ill

him beseems

out night's long hours in ling'ring dreams.

I

!

—on mission from above

come from thy I

speak

:

protector, Jove.

—lead

forth, v/ithout delay,

war's throng'd field the battle's ranged array

Arm

all

thy hosts

;

now

capture,

now

;

destroy,

And share the spoils of wide-extended Troy. By Juno soothed, no God with God contends,

'

While woe,

'

King

*

Nor, loosed from slumber, deem the vision

The

!

o'er Ilion, wing'd

rooted in thy mind

Vision fled, and

left

by Jove, impends.

my

words

retain, vain.'

the King alone

Pondering on deeds ne'er destined to be done.

He

dcem'd, fond man, that day had Ilion gain'd.

Nor knew how

dire the

doom by Jove

ordain'd

;

ii.

BOOK

THE

II.]

What

what woes

toils,

Ere the slow war

in

ILIAD.

37

o'er either host

impend.

mutual slaughter end.

From

sleep he rose,

Drew

the soft tunic's newly woven vest.

and

ample mantle

closely o'er his breast,

and bound

O'er

it

The

radiant sandals his fair feet around

his

Next, as

it glitter'd,

on

His battle-sword with

cast,

his shoulders

silver studs

:

braced

enchased,

Grasp'd the proud sceptre of his sires of yore.

Went

and sought the Fleet that lined the

forth,

Now,

while Aurora, on the Olympian height.

Announced

to all the

Gods returning

light.

The

loud-voiced heralds heard their King's

And The

to the council call'd each

At

command.

summon'd band.

council met, and 'mid the station'd Fleet

Nestor's ship the chieftains held their seat.

'

Attend

!

'

'

A heavenly

*

In form,

'

Stood

*

*

shore.

—the Monarch spake— Vision rose before

size, air, like

o'er

my

In dream of night

sight,

Nestor's self confess'd,

brow, and audibly addi-egs'd

Sleep'st thou,

Thus

my

'

in ambrosial

:

Son of Atreus, war-renown'd, slumber lapt around

THE

38 '

^

him beseems, the

111

A

From whom

'

To wear

'

Monarch, attend

'

To

thee

I

His words

'

To

'

ii.

whose high controul

Chief,

all

counsel flows

—

ill

him beseems

out night's long hours in ling ring dreams.

'

'

[book

kingdom's weight sustains, and guides the whole,

'

'

ILIAD.

!

—on mission from above

come from thy I

speak

:

protector, Jove.

—

^lead forth, Avithout delay,

war's throng'd field the battle's ranged array

Arm

all

thy hosts

;

now

capture,

now

;

destroy,

And share the spoils of wide-extended Troy. By Jmio soothed, no God with God contends,

'

While woe,

'

King

'

He

'

I rose

'

How

'

I first will

'

I

'

But ye throughout the host

'

And

rooted in thy mind

!

by Jove, impends.

o'er Ilion, wing'd

my

words

retain.

spake, and vanish'd into air again.

bid

He

:

your counsel

best to

now your

king commands,

arm the Greeks' confederate bands.

prove them

:

if

them backward turn

my

voice prevail,

Greece their

to

sail

their flight restrain,

lead the warriors back to war again.'

spake.

—Aged Nestor rose the Chiefs among.

While Wisdom counsell'd from '

Hail, Leaders of the Argives

'

Had

!

his

honour'd tongue

Princes, hail

other voice rehearsed this wondrous

tale.

:

the

;bookii.]

'

This form of night,

'

None would such words

'

The King

'

Haste

He The

ILIAD.* dream,

this visionary

the words of truth esteem.

that vision \iew'd

—arm our host

39

—no more delay —speed, away.'

for battle

At

spake, and left the council.

its

close

sceptred leaders from their seats arose

Each sped

to execute the King's

:

command.

While onward rush'd the people, band on band.

As when the bees dense nations '

From

rise

and

rise

the cleft rock, and cloud with hfe the skies.

In clusters hang o'er Spring's unfolding flower.

Sweep

to

and

fro,

and wind from bower

Thus, from their ships and

To

to

bower

:

tents, host urging host

council swarm'd, and darken'd

all

the coast.

Fame, wing'd by Jove, before the arm'd array

Waved They

her bright pinions, and illumed their way.

—the tumult thicken'd—

throng' d

dire the roar.

Deep groan'd beneath their weight the encumber'd shore.

The

while nine loud-voiced heralds forced their way,

Warn'd them

to silence,

and

their kings obey.

Scarce was the clamour hush'd, the tumult quell'd.

And each in order due his station held. When Agamemnon, rising up, display'd The

sceptre Vulcan's art divinely made.

THE

40 Jove

first

Hermes

ILIAD.

that sceptre sway'd,

received

From Hermes,

it

His death

Ahke

And

to lord

Ai'gos

When

*

its

command

it

the light,

in his father's right

power it

left

:

to

Agamemnon

land and wave

o'er the

and her

leaning on

gave,

isles confess'd its

its

Hail, ministers of

;

yoke.

strength Atrides spoke

Mars

my

!

Ye

woe

Stern Jove has hnk'd

'

His was the promise when from Greece

*

To guard me back with The God, now guileful,

fate to

spoils of wills to

my army

Troy

I

Greece again

'

Jove

'

And wrecks

*

Oh, be our shame to distant times untold,

*

Be

it

came,

in flame.

I pass inglorious, half

who

!

severe.

*

wills,

:

Argives, hear

'

*

:

Pelops, and from Pelops' hand.

imperial Atreus

Thyestes held

ii.

by Vulcan given

from the King of heaven

Imperial Atreus, heir of his

And when

[book

slain

:

prostrates temple, town,

and tower,

the world in wantonness of power.

unheard that Greece, by

—

me

enroll'd,

*

All Greece, with such,

*

Had

*

Yes, let the Greeks and Trojans, hand in hand,

'

Strike the firm league,

so scant a foe engaged,

ineffectual battle feebly

waged

!

and number band with band.

BOOK

THE

II.]

ILIAD.

'

We,

'

They

'

Then many a decad

'

Would want

'

Such

'

Those that within

'

Yet leagued from many a

'

The arm'd

'

These are the forces that

'

Mock

'

Nine years have

*

41

*

ten by ten, our numerous ranks dispose,

one by one, confront our rows

singly,

;

our crowded hne

in

a Son of Troy to serve his wine

:

Grecia's multitudes, that far outswell

all

their native Ilion dwell. city, far

associates raise for

my

hopes, and roll'd

:

my

and near,

Troy the spear power

make each

— Lo

!

here

restrain, effort vain.

we droop

Our

ships all mould'ring, all their cables

'

Our

wives, our children, on their native shore

*

Waste with vain

forlorn,

worn

:

longing, and our stay deplore

;

'

While the vast emprise that combined our host

*

Rests unconsummated

*

Now,

as I speak, your King's behest obey

'

Now,

while a

*

List to the voice that

'

Nor

He

sail

cast a glance

spake

;

and

—an

idle boast.

can waft us, speed away

back to Greece

who

:

recalls,

on Troy's uncaptured

all

:

walls.'

ne'er his counsel heard.

All flew impatient at Atrides' word.

The

hosts rush'd rolling on, as wave on wave.

When

o'er the Icarian sea

swohi billows rave.

THE

42

When

ILIAD.

[book

East and Sonth in adverse fury sweep,

Burst the dark clouds at once, and lash the deep Or, as

when Zephyrus

the whole host was

As burst the

On

living

:

o'er the harvest blows.

Floats the wide field and rustles

Thus

ii.

moved

all its

rows

:

—and loud the roar

tempest on the shore.

as they rush'd, the dust, where'er they pass'd.

Poised o'er their brow the o'ershadowing column cast

And as their shouts immix'd, each urging each To drag the gallies, seaward, down the beach. To clear each trench, and strike the props away, IVide heaven's rent vaults re-bellow'd back the bray.

Then had

the host return'd, and Greece in vain

Led her leagued

And

all

force to Ilion's fated *plain.

the war had immaturely closed.

But heaven's indignant Empress interposed

'

Hear, Pallas

!

sprung from him

who

:

reigns above,

*

Unconquer'd Child of ^Egis-bearing Jove

'

Shall then, thus fugitive, o'er yonder

'

The Grecians

*

Round

Priam's brow eternal glory weave,

*

And

proud Troy unrescued Helen leave,

*

The Argive Helen,

*

Such numbers,

to

!

main

to their realm return again,

far

for

whose matchless charms

from Greece, have

fall'n in

arms

?

BOOK

THE

II.]

'

Speed

'

Nor

!

let

ILIAD.

by persuasive words each warrior

Sped

swift as light,

darted from Olympus' topmost height,

to the beach,

and there Ulysses found

Lone, motionless 'mid

He

gain,

a ship steal forth to tempt the main.'

She spake, Minerva heard, and

Down

43

'

all

that

moved around;

scorn'd to touch his ship, but stood apart.

While shame and anger rack'd the Hero's

Such

his

heart.

deep woe, when Pallas thus address'd;

'

Thou, whose firm mind no

^

Divine Ulysses

'

Thus

'

Round

Priam's

'

And

proud Troy unrescued Helen leave,

'

The Argive Helen,

'

Such numbers,

'

Speed

*

Nor

!

shall

idle fears molest,

your host once more

fugitive regain their native shore

to

!

let

brow

for

?

eternal glory weave,

for

whose heavenly charms

from Greece, have

fall'n in

by persuasive words each warrior

gain,

a ship steal forth to tempt the main.'

Ulysses heard her voice, the Goddess knew.

Cast his loose mantle

off,

and onward

flew.

His herald, as in haste the Warrior pass'd.

Caught up the flowing mantle backward

arms.

cast

THE

44 His

And The

faithful herald,

who

ILIAD.

[book

attendant came.

traced from Ithaca his path of fame.

Chief himself, from Agamemnon's hand

Received the immortal sceptre of command.

And, arm'd with

A

its

sense of deeper

authority, impress'd

awe on every

breast.

Whene'er the Chief a prince or leader found. Persuasion lent his voice each soothing sound. *

Not hke a

*

Stay thou

*

Thou

fathom'st not the King

*

Soon

shall his

'

Not

*

Who

*

From Jove

'

Honours our

slave,

—the

all his

it fits

not thee to fear

rest detain

—-thyself revere.

—

his host

he

tries,

wrath the unwary wretch chastise.

counsel shared.

Thus warn'd, beware

can the vengeance of a monarch bear

But,

if

all

honour

flows,

?

and gracious Jove

sov'reign with a father's love.'

by some low brawler justly moved.

His sceptre smote him, and his threat reproved

—

'

Attend

'

Hear those whose

*

Thy

'

Nor war nor wisdom count thee 'mid mankind.

*

All

'

AVeak

in silence

arm,

how

stations claim superior sway.

feeble

come not here is

so your chiefs obey

!

—feebler

to arrogate

far

thy mind;

command

the people's many-sceptred hand.

ii.

BOOK

THE

II.]

ILIAD.

45

*

'

One monarch

ours, to

*

Laws and the

sceptre to controul mankind.'

whom by

Thus wise Ulysses urging on

With the

Jove assign'd

his

way

King's sceptre wielded kingly sway

While from their ships and tents throng press'd on throng

Tumultuous

to the council rush'd along,

Rush'd hke the deep when back the surge rebounds.

And

the shore shakes, and rock to rock resounds.

They met

—

all

kept their stations, silent

all.

Save loud invectives from Thersites' brawl. Still jibing, still

loquacious, right or wrong,

Still

sharp'ning against kings his sei'pent tongue.

Still

prompt

To

if

aught unseemly fed the jest

give the vulgar laugh a keener zest.

Foulest of form the wretch to Ilion came.

One eye was

squinting,

The gibbous

load that either shoulder press'd

and one leg was lame

To close contraction pinch'd his pohited And on his sharp convexity of head

breast

Stray hairs, like wool, were here and there outspread

His bitter joy Ulysses to defame.

Or dim

Now Its

the lustre of Pelides' name.

in shrill accents his malicious

sharpest

venom on

tongue

Atrides Hung,

THE

46

While

ILIAD.

[book

ii.

the indignant host, with rage inflamed,

all

Glow'd, as the loud maligner thus exclaimed

*

Whence thy complaint ? What, Atreus' son, thy will ?

'

Unnumber'd treasures

'

Selected beauties, each a

'

We, by our

'

Yet

'

That

'

Some,

*

Or other Argive doom'd

*

Seek'st thou a fresher Fair to yield delight

'

Hid

in thy tent apart

'

For

ill

'

By

seek'st

all

thy tents

city's pride,

valour, for thy choice pro\dde

thou gold, more gold, those heaps to ransom'd son the Trojan pays

for his

whom

this

raise,

?

conquering arm shall captive lead, for thee to bleed.

from public sight

beseems the guardian of our host,

vile

example, to corrupt us most.

Argive women, Argive

'

o'erfill.

men no more

'

Let the Fleet speed us to our native shore

*

Leave him, unsated here,

*

To

*

His was the outrage, he Pelides shamed,

*

A warrior, far

'

His

'

Reft by his rapine from that Hero's arms

'

A

'

Or

learn, if gain'd, or not,

now

Hero

o'er

tho'

gorged with

by Grecian

spoil,

toil.

him, for valour famed

the vaunt to guard Briseis' charms,

—no

this last

!

:

fear chains Achilles' force,

deed had closed thy shameful course

!

BOOK

THE

II.]

The

scoffer ceased

—

ILIAD.

47

once to fury moved,

at

Ulysses sternly eyed him, and reproved Silence, rash babbler

'

'

Cease

—nor

'

Thou

strive

'

Who

^

No more

'

Remind

'

We know

'

If

'

—eloquent

in vain

with monarchs

!

— Thou, of

in council breathe their

most

name, no more

the Grecians of their native shore.

not yet our doom, not yet discern

weal or woe await on our return. thou, wretch

!

reproach and gibe thy King,

that Greece to

him her presents bring what

What, babbler

'

Scoffs that insult,

'

But,

'

If here I find thee, raving thus, again,

mark

my

!

are thy

gifts,

offerings thine

If stripp'd

'

I drive

He

?

word, nor be that warning vain

—

May I at once expire Low lie my brow And loved Telemachus disown his sire

'

?

and clamours that malign.

!

*

the host

all

inglorious

vile,

'

*

;

kings contend alone again.

throng'd to Troy, most

And dar'st And taunt

'

w^ith

!

:

and scourged, and writhing

in

!

thy pain,

thee not back howling to the main.'

spake, and with his sceptre, as he spoke,

Confirm'd the word by

many

a painful stroke

While the wretch, crouching from the

Shed scalding

tears,

and twisted

to

inflicted

and

fro.

blow.

THE

48

From

his

Down

ILIAD.

[book

swoln back the ensanguined tumors rose,

sank Thersites silencing his woes.

Slunk back ashamed, and, shuddering

Wiped

The

off,

as

warm

To war renown,

'

But

'

*

lip

Great deeds, and

'

'

it

in his fear.

gush'd, the frequent tear

host, tho' grieved, his

While burst from

'

ii.

moan

with laughter heard.

to lip their scornful

oft,

word

Laertes' son has wrought,

to council

this far all transcends

;

wisdom brought the scoffer's jest,

And base garrulity, at once repress'd, No more his insolence shall rashly dare With monarchs wage the

Thus they

:

strife

wordy

of

war.'

the while, the sceptre in his hand,

Ulysses rose amid the Argive band.

And

Pallas, nigh the Chief, in face

and form.

Stood, like a herald silencing the storm.

That

all,

throughout the host, distinctly heard.

Might weigh the wisdom of Ulysses' word

'

*

'

'

Atrides, thee, the Grecian hosts

combined

Would fain here brand the basest of mankind None heed the promised pledge, the vow they

When

first

swore,

from Greece we camp'd on lUon's shore.

BOOK

THE

II.]

ILIAD.

49

*

*

That thou, triumphant should thy palace

'

When

*

Now,

as

*

They,

for their

*

Yes

'

All hope extinct, unfill'd each keen desire.

*

E'en the poor mariner

*

Who,

'

When

'

Far from the expecting port

'

But now the ninth long year slow

'

Since

'

Then just

*

Or

'

Yet

'

And

*

For well we know

'

All

*

When

'

Our

*

And, round the fountain, on the

'

We

*

Beneath the beauteous plane-tree, from whose roots

'

Burst the clear spring that

*

A

'

By Jove

Troy's proud bulwarks

—

I

weak boys and women

home

confess,

for a

'tis

beneath thy

wail and weep,

grievous to retire,

at distance giieves,

his consort leaves,

wintry tempests, and the storm-toss'd main,

first

we moor'd on

his sail detain.

—

ground

their grief here idly to remain,

home

return again.

—

who

around,

rolls

IHon's hostile

stay the time foretold

learn

if

yet, yet await,

Calchas spoke the word of

—

I

bid

you

fate.

all attest

not yet in death's cold slumber rest 'twas as yesterday

fleet,

to the

—

woe-fraught for

;

in Aulis lay

Ilion's fated day,

Gods our solemn

altars laid,

offerings paid

fill'd

with

:

life its

shoots,

blood-fleck'd dragon, horrible to sight,

VOL.

feet.

perpetual moaning keep.

month, brief month,

void of glory

—

fell

greet,

I.

himself, the Olympian, sent to

liglit,

THE

50 '

/

ILIAD.

[book

ii.

Forth gliding upward from the altar came,

RoU'd romid the

tree,

and

rear'd his crest of flame,

'

Where on

'

A

*

Eight plmneless sparrows in their hidden nest,

'

Couch'd underneath the mother's brooding breast,

*

Herself the ninth

the branch that loftiest soar'd, and

sheltering covert of

;

its

made

leafy shade,

then, while their clamours rung,

*

And

*

He, as the mother, shrieking

'

Around her wheeling wing

*

These,

'

And

'

That mighty God was Jove, was

'

Jove

*

While we the wonder

'

On

'

Calchas prophetic spake.

*

Wherefore, Achgeans

*

From Jove

*

Of hngering

*

As

*

Herself the ninth, the mother, and her brood,

*

Thus war

'

The

'

The Prophet,

'

And Time now

the insatiate dragon gorged her young,

a

all,

his

thus gorged, the

new wonder

fix'd that

o'er

him, flew,

volumes drew

God

his

power

display'd,

of that monster made.

dragon

Satu]^n's son,

in eternal stone.

witness'd,

and amazed

monsters minghng with the offerings gazed,

that

fell

!

Why

stand you here

silent in

your fear

?

?

himself, this awful portent came, issue, yet

immortal fame.

dragon seized her young for food,

shall last while nine long years roll round,

tenth beholds Troy prostrate on the ground. thus, deeds yet to

come

foretold,

speeds the wonder to unfold

:

THE

B^OK .]

ILIAD.

'

Then, here remain, here,

'

Till Priam's

He

spake

:

all

expectant stay

captured towers om-

and

far

51

toil repay.'

around, the echoing

fleet.

And

the wide shore the applauding shout repeat.

One

voice of transport round Ulysses rung.

And Nestor '

thus unloosed his suasive tongue

Heavens, hke weak boys,

in sooth,

ye wrangle here,

'

Reckless of battle, and the hostile spear.

'

Where now your leagues on earth, your vows to heaven,

'

Cares, counsels,

'

Like smoke evanishing, while thus we stay,

'

And wear

'

'

'

'

in

hand

to

hand

in

union given

?

war of words the time away

Atrides, thou, as erst, firm empire hold,

And

guide the storm of battle uncontroul'd.

Leave them to waste, the few, who meet apart Vain is their succour, Argos at their heart

'

Who

'

If true, or false, the

'

Yes

—

'

He

lanch'd the

'

When,

'

And on

'

Let none then rave for home,

'

He

counsel

I

flight,

proclaim

ere yet the issue prove

omen

—that

sent by Jove.

sign from Jove

omen from

was given

consentiuG: heaven

fraught with woe, to Troy

we

boldly

:

sail'd,

the right Jove's favouring thunder hail'd. till,

Troy

;

possess'd,

slumber on some Trojan consort's breast.

THE

52

'

tears

and groans of Helen forced away.

'

Who

'

Death steps between him and

'

King

*

E'en from hoar Nestor's word some counsel learn.

'

Divide thy host, be band by band display'd,

'

Tribe strengthen

'

So

'

Who

*

So judge each

'

When

*

So learn

'

Or, here, faint hearts, and feeble hands delay.'

maddens

'

'

to return,

and grasps the

oar,

his native shore.

judge thyself, nor others' judginent spurn,

!

shalt

and nation nation

tribe,

thou learn,

if

aid,

Greece thy word obey,

or confronts the foe, or shuns the fray, chieftain

and

his host aright,

each stands forth in individual might, if

The King *

ii.

bid the captive, in his arms, repay

And The

'

[book

ILIAD.

heaven the

rephed,

Thou, on whose

lip

'

fall

Thy the

of IHon stay,

counsel

all

excels,

word of wisdom dwells

Would that some favouring God to me had Ten such advisers, so illumed by heaven

:

given

;

*

Soon then had Troy on earth

'

By

'

But me,

'

Jove in the chain of woe has sorely bound.

'

I,

*

For a

fall'n

lowly down,

Grecian conquerors captured, sack'd, o'erthrown. in vain contentions compass'd round,

and Achilles, fair girl

whom

I first

enraged,

the wordy battle waged

;

THE

liooKii.]

ILIAD.

53

-

hour

'

But, reconciled once more,

*

Proud

*

Now, each away, where

'

There gather up

*

New-edge the pointed

*

Pamper the

*

New-brace from

*

To

'

Cessation none, no pause, no rest from fight,

*

Till

*

Sweat from each breast down shield and baldrick

*

Till fail the o'erwearied

Ilion's

bulwarks

fall

tliat

day,

tiiat

beneath our power.

festive joys invite,

his strength to stand the fight

lance, new-belt the shield,

steed to gain the hard earn'd field

bear from

;

side to side the battle-car

morn

till

eve the weight of war

:

spread o'er either host one veil of night

arm the lance

to throAv

each courser's widely floating

;

mane

'

Sweat from

'

Foam on

'

Be timely

*

Here wiUing

'

Fierce birds shall plunge their talons in his gore,

'

And

dogs contend his mangled carcass

o'er.'

He

spake, one shout burst forth from

all

Loud

as the sea-surge on a rocky coast,

When

the chariot sweeping o'er the slain. warn'd,

who

lurks,

and

lone amid the fleet fears the foe to meet,

the host.

the fierce South-wind with wide sweej) of waves

Against a mountain headland roars and raves. While ceaseless billows lash its base below.

And

flow,

storms eternal

circle

round

its

brow.

THE

54

ILTAD.

[book h.

On forth they rush'd all scatter'd 'mid the fleet Fumed every tent its feasted guest to greet Each to his guardian God a victim slew To shield in battle when the death-shafts flew. :

The King prepared

A

for

Jove the

sacrifice,

steer, full-flesh'd, five-year'd, of stateliest size

;

Call'd to the feast the leaders of the host.

The

time-graced Nestor, and the Cretan boast

Each Ajax, Tydeus'

The

son,

and sixth and

wise Ulysses to the banquet pass'd

But Menelaus came unbidden

Came, a loved

The

brother's

woe

last. :

there.

to soothe

and share.

Chiefs their cakes uprear'd, and, circling, heard

In silent awe their King's invoking word

'

Jove, robed with

clouds, dread

Thunderer,

God

supreme, *

Let not

*

Till

'

And

*

Till

*

The

corselet that the

*

And

his

*

Grind, as they die, the dust vnth madd'ning teeth,'

this night o'ershade

prone on earth

I

yon

solar

beam,

Priam's palace cast,

thro' his portals spread the fiery blast

my

lance piece-meal rend with deadly

wounds

Hectorean breast surrounds,

leagued chieftains, gored

my

spear beneath,

BOOK

He

spake

The God Heap'd

*

THE

II.]

—the hallow'd

ILIAD.

55

gifts his zeal

supplied

accepted, but his prayer denied,

toil

on

toil,

and ere the

contest's close

Increased their sufferings with relentless woes.

Now when And

their

vows and supplications ceased.

the salt meal had stro^vn each votive beast.

They backward rear'd

their throats,

and slew, and

Severed the thighs, and in their fatness

Doubling the

caul,

and

o'er

them

laid.

thickly spread

Crude morsels quivering

as the victim bled

These, with sere

wood they

leafless

flay'd.

:

quickly burn'd.

And o'er the flame the spitted entrails tum'd And when the thighs were burnt, and keen desire Had tried the entrails fuming from the fire. :

The

rest,

They

minutely sever'd,

duly

fix'd

bit

by

on the revolving

bity spit,

Dress'd and withdrew, and as that labour ceased.

To

each gi'aced Chieftain spread the equal

Then

feast.

to the satiate guests the Pylian Sage

Spoke the wise counsel of experienced age

'

Hear

!

King of

Men

!

now summon

'

Waste we no more the time

'

Achieve Jove's bidding

'

From

all

:

all

our force

in vain discourse

:

urge the herald's speed,

the fleet the gather'd warriors lead.

;

THE

56 *

While

*

And animate They spake

And bade They

The

:

summon

every band.

and onward, as the numbers swarm'd.

Chieftains, tribe

all

the ranks array,

toil,

— Atrides heard, and gave command.

the heralds

call'd

ii.

each heart to stand the fray/

There rushing In

we

thro' the host

[

ILIAD.

by

o'er the

tribe,

the battle form'd.

war-resounding

field.

the terror of her might reveal'd,

Mail'd in her panoply, Jove's martial Maid,

The

shield of immortality display'd

Bright blazed her ^gis, as In braid

all

its

;

orb around

gold a hundred tassels wound^

All finely wreathed in heaven's refulgent loom.

And

each one, singly, worth a hecatomb.

Thus

arm'd, amid the host the Goddess flew.

The eye

of battle kindled at the view.

Each heart beat

high, each

Each nerve new-strung

And

arm

felt ten-fold

thrill'd vibrating for fight.

sweeter to their ear the battle-roar

Than winds

soft-wooing to their native shore.

As flames on flames spread

far

and wide their

From

forests blazing

Thus

flash'd the lightning of their

And

might.

light

on the mountain height.

arms

afar.

heaven's bright cope beam'd back the glare of war.

BOOK

THE

II.]

As

featli'ry nations,

ILIAD.

sweeping on amain.

Flights of the long-neck'd swan,

From

Now

Asius' meads,

here,

now

57

by

and

silvery crane.

clear Cayster's spring.

there, exultant

wind on wing.

In gay contention strive, while long and loud

The champaign So from

their

rings beneath the

camp and

fleet

plumed cloud

the innumerous train

Pour'd forth their confluence on Scamander's plain.

Beneath the march of myriads. Earth around Thunder'd, and rattling war-hoofs rock'd the gTound, In numbers numberless, as leaves and flowers.

That

fill

As

the lap of Spring, and robe her bowers.

in fair Spring-time,

The lowing

when the swain

cattle to their

wonted

Eve's milking hour from a?ther

The

flies'

recalls

stalls.

downward draws

wing'd nations swarming o'er the vase

Thus Greece pour'd

forth her multitudinous throng.

All burning to avenge their country's vrong.

As

goat-herds, watchful of their charge at feed.

Part flock from flock conuuingling in the mead.

Not

skilful less,

the Chiefs beneath their sway.

Ranged rank by rank, and form'd the war '

Mid

these, Atrides tower'd, his eye like

His brow

like

Jove exultant

in his ire.

array.

fire,

THE

58

ILIAD.

[book

ii.

Like Mars his baldrick, and his breadth of breast Like Neptune rousing ocean from

As 'mid the

its rest.

herds, a bull of stateliest size

Rears his horn'd forehead, and the

Thus, on that day,

all

Tower'd Agamemnon,

Ye Muses

!

other Chiefs above

by Jove.

glorified

ye around the Olympian throne.

who beheld

Ye,

the scene distinctly shown.

While we but catch, from rumour

The

faintly heard.

passing echo of the distant word.

Record the Grecian

To

field defies.

tell

Chiefs.

— Not mine the boast

each name, and number

all

the host,

Tho' mine were tenfold mouths, were tenfold tongues.

And If,

voice, that fail'd not, breathed

from iron lungs

race of Jove, ye deign not to recall

What

the vast force that leagued for Ilion's

Aid, while their separate fleets I

And name

now

fall.

rehearse.

each leader in recording verse.

Peneleus, Le'itus, Prothoenor sway'd

The

warriors that Bceotia's realm array 'd,

With them

'

Arcesilaus and Clonius led

Those that rough

Aulis' coast,

and Hyrie bred.

BOOK

THE

II.]

Wide Mycalessus,

ILIAD.

5.9

Thespiae, Graea's shore,

Schoenus, and Scolus, and the mountains hoar

Of ridgy Eteonus

:

Harma's

Leagued with Ilesium,

race,

native place.

left their

Erythrae, Eleon, Hyle arm'd their powers, Ocalea's plain,

The

and Medeona's towers.

sons of Copae, and Eutresis came.

And Thisbe

for her doves

renown'd of fame.

These Coronea sends, those GHssa

These

left for Ilion

yields.

Haliartus' fields

Plataea arm'd her race to gain renown.

These Hypothebae's stately-structured town, These, where Onchestus shades

gi*eat

Neptune's shrine.

These, Arne purpled by her pregnant ^ine.

Mideia these, those Nissa's

And, Full

last,

fruitfLil

Anthedon sent her

fifty sail,

and each

land.

distant band.

to Ilion's plain

Thrice forty warriors wafted o'er the main.

Aspledon's sons, and the Minyean race

Who

left for

foreign

war

their native place,

lalmen and Ascalaphus the bold.

Both born of Mars, with equal sway controul'd Sons of Astyoche, the beauteous maid In Actor's court by furtive love betray 'd.

Where,

as the Virgin sought her chamber'd rest.

The God

of

War by

stealth her

charms

possess'd.

THE

60

ILIAD.

[book

Thrice ten brave ships that moor'd on lUon's shore

On

to their station'd rank the warriors bore.

Epistrophus and Schedius, battle-bred.

Sons of Iphitus the Phocences

From Panopo, from

led.

Pytho's mountain chain.

Fair Crissa, Daulis, Cyparissus' plain,

Hyampohs, and Anemoria's

Or where the winding

Or where

Nigh the Boeotian

Ajax the his,

their sails to Ilion spread,

fleet their Chieftains

on the

station'd

Than

of Cephissus runs,

Lilasa views its fountain head.

Twice twenty ships

And

sons.

left their

moor'd.

ranks secured.

less, in size inferior far

the Telamonian,

The Locrians Guard of his

ruled

:

Lord of war.

the Chief around

breast, the hnen's

woven

him

roll'd.

fold

Tho' low his stature, yet no Argive drew Shafts, that with slaughter barb'd so swiftly flew.

His host, Calliarus and Bessa sent.

Or from Augeia, Scarphe, Cynus went

From Opus, Thronium, Tarpha, and the plain Where fierce Boagrius winds his liquid train. Their ships, twice twenty, bore the Locrian host

From

realms opposed to the Euboean coast.

ii.

THE

BOOK .]

The Abantes,

Who

next, a battle-breathing })and.

held Euboea, and the Calchian land,

Eretria,

And

ILIAD.

and Cerinthus, sea-beat shore. vme-empurpled

Histiaea

o'er

;

Styra, Carystus, and the leagued powers

Of Dios

girt

around with

lofty towers,

Chalcodon's son, these brave Elphenor

By Mars

led.

himself to war and victory bred.

Where'er around their Chief the Abantes drew. Their long hairs streaming down their shoulders flew

A race

high-skill'd in battle's close career.

To break the Twice twenty

breast-plate with portended spear. ships, that

proudly stemm'd the main.

Bore them exultant to the Phrygian

The Athenian

race,

plain.

whose stately-structured town

Exults in her Erechtheus' high renown, Earth-born, yet

whom

Minerva rear d with

And

all

the virgin child of Joac

a mother's love.

placed where, yearly, hecaotmbs of slain

Rejoice the Goddess in her gorgeous fane.

That far-famed

The son

race, beneath

Menestheus

of Peteus, march'd in firm array

Menestheus,

skill'd

above

all

swa\• :

humankind,

Save the wise Nestor's age-experienced mind.

THE

62

ILIAD.

[book

To

range the horsemen on the

Or

plant the foot behind their brazen shield.

Their navy,

fifty sail, far

ocean

battle-field.

o'er

Bore them rejoicing to the Phrygian shore.

Twelve ships from Salamis with Ajax

And

pass'd.

nigh the Athenian force their anchors cast.

Tirynth strong-wall'd, and Argos turret-crown'd.

And The And

Asine, and Hermion's bay profound.

host of Eion, and Trcezena's towers.

Epidaurus' vine empurpled bowers,

JEgina and Maseta war-array'd,

Achseans

all

Heroic Diomed,

The son

Diomed obey'd

brave

vvdth

whom

combined

of Capaneus his forces join'd

With them, Euiyalus,

in

arms a god^

Third in command, to battle sternly trod.

But Diomed supreme. Twice

— These, ocean

forty sail to fated Ilion bore.

They who Mycenae's

stately city held.

Or dwelt where wealth the Or where Cleonae

Where

o'er

pride of Corinth swell'd.

tower'd, or

till'd

the soil

glad Orneia blest the labourer's

Or peopled

Arasthyria's lovely plain.

Or Sicyon boasting

yet Adrastus' reign.

toil.

ir.

I300K

THE

II.]

ITJAD.

G3

Proud Gonoessa, Hyperesia's strand.

And rocky Mgium, and Pellene's land. And spacious Helice, and all the coast Leagued

all

their force to swell Atrides' host

Most numerous

far, far

most

illustrious train,

O'ershadowing with an hundred

sail

the main.

There Atreus' son, pre-eminent, alone, Mail'd in refulgent brass that

all

Proud of the nations that

name adored

his

outshone.

Tower'd, glorying, o'er arm'd Hellas' lords, the lord.

From

hill-girt

Lacedsemon's spacious lands.

Dove-haunted Messa, Phare, Sparta's bands, Brysia, Augeia,

And

and Amycla's

plain.

Helos' turrets that o'ershade the main,

Laas, and (Etylus, the gather'd host

Of Menelaus sought

the Phrygian coast

In sixty vessels borne apart they arm'd.

One power had leagued them, and one

From rank

Firm-fix'd that

fair

own

stern rage inspired,

Troy should Helen's rape atone,

tear for tear repay,

From

warm'd.

to rank their chief each warrior fired.

In each brave breast his

And

spirit

and groan

for groan.

Arene, Pylos, and the meads

Where Alpheus'

forded stream to Thryus leads.

THE

G4

Or who from

ILIAD.

well-built /Epy,

[book

Helos went,

Amphigeneia, and Cyparissent,

And Dorion, where the Muses met of yore The far-famed Thamyris whom Thracia bore. They met the bard when insolent with fame From far CEchalia's Came glorying that

towers the boaster came, his

song should victory gain

Tho' born of Jove each Muse contest the

They quench'd

And bade on

strain.

his orb of sight, his lay repress'd.

his

mute

lyre obli\ion rest.

In ninety ships to Phrygia's fated coast

Gerenian Nestor led their leagued host.

They, who beneath Cyllene's mountain shade Held, nigh the ^pytian tomb, Arcadia's glade.

Whose

And Or

warriors hand to

they

who

labour'd the

fed with flocks the

Or on Enispe

hand

felt

inflict

the wound.

Phenean ground.

Orchomenian

vale.

the stormy gale^

Fair Mantinea held, or Tegea's plain.

The Ripian

labourer, or the Stratian swain,

Stymphelus, and Parrhasia's gather'd band,

With sceptred Agapenor Son of Anc^us, who

left their land.

in sixty sail

Led them undaunted by

the stormy gale.

ir.

BOOK

THE

II.]

IIJAD.

65

In each throng'cl ship the arm'd Arcadians went.

Well But,

skill'd in battle,

unwonted

all

and on conquest bent

to the ocean wave,

Sail'd in the fleet that

Agamemnon

gave.

Buprasium's sons, and those that proudly trace Their origin from Elis' noble race.

Whom And

Hyrmin

Petra,

Epeians

And

all,

held,

and Myrsin's

and Aleisium,

ftirthest

bound.

round,

circle

alike four chiefs obey'd

every chief alike ten vessels sway'd.

This bore Amphimacus', that Thalpius' name.

Both from a hue of fathers known

to fame.

This born of Eurytus, and that the son

Of Cteatus from brave Actorion Diores third, in

whom

;

his far-famed sire.

Brave Amarynceus, pour'd the heroic

The

fourth, Polyxenus, of

fire

form divine,

Agasthen's son, Angelas' royal

line.

Dulichium's sons, and those amid the main In sacred

isles

that gaze on Elis' plain.

The Echinades, beneath brave Meges moved. Equestrian Phyleus' son, the Jove-beloved,

Who,

And

'gainst his sire incensed,

Dulichium sought.

forty well-arm'd barks to Ilion brought.

VOL.

I.

F

THE

66

The

Where

ILIAD.

[book

Cephallenians, and the warlike brood

Ithaca repels the ocean flood.

And Neritus, with wavy forests crown'd. And the bold race that till'd Crocylia's ground. And rocky ^gilipa's mountains hoar. And far Epirus, and the opposed shore. And Samos, and Zacynthus, all combined. And moved beneath Ulysses' god-Uke mind Twice

six brave

barks with crimson-gleaming prows

Firm moor'd within

their station's stern repose.

Thoas, Andraemon's son, the ^tolians led.

Whom

Olenus, Pylene, Pleuron bred.

And Calydon's bleak mountains, and the land Where Ocean foams against the Calchian strand For CEnus and his race were now no more. Nor

Meleager's hand the sceptre bore.

Hence Thoas ruled the realm, and

forty sail

Fraught with his warriors caught the favouring

Skill'd

gale.

with his lance to turn the battle's course,

Idomeneus array'd the Cretan force

They who

their lineage

Or where Lycastus

:

from Gortyna drew.

glitter'd

on the view,

Miletus, Lyctus, Cnossus, and the race

That Phaestus here, there Rhy tins' walls embrace.

ii.

BOOK

And

THE

II.]

ILIAD.

67

-

the brave sons of hundred-citied Crete,

Steer'd 'iieath

Idomeneus

to

Or where Meriones, 'mid

Troy

eighty

their fleet.

sail,

Tower'd, like another Mars, in burnish'd mail.

In soul undamited, and heroic mould, Alcides' son, Tlepolemus the bold.

Led, in nine barks, from Rhodes' thrice-parted lands.

To

Phrygia's crowded coast, his dauntless bands

Jelyssus, Lindvis, white Camirus' towers

Bow'd

to his rule,

Him, the

and arm'd

captive from

fair

their leagued powers.

Selle'is'

shore,

Astyocheia, to Alcides bore.

When many The

a

His

prone

in dust, deplored

wasteful rage of his resistless sword.

But when her

Had

city,

son, in youth's intemperate

stain'd his falchion with sire's

Trusted

mood.

Licymnius blood. '

aged uncle, and with hurried

sail

his new-built fleet to dare the gale.

Far from the Herculean race, whose threat'ning

Vow'd

ire

to avenge the slaughter of their sire.

The wanderer, worn with misery and Anchor'd at Rhodes, and

Where

And on

triply

o'er that favour'd isle

toil,

shared the

soil.

Jove deign'd preside,

his votaries shower'd wealth's

golden

tide.

THE

68

Of royal Charops and

ILIAD.

[uook

Aglaia bred,

Nireus from Syma's walls three vessels led Nireus the

Save Thetis' son, of

Yet weak

Who

more beauteous

beautifiil,

his

arm

all

who join'd

in fight,

far.

the war

and few the host

sought beneath that chief the Phrygian coast.

Where Casus, Carpathus their bands array'd. And Cos, whose sons Eurypylus obey'd. And where Calydnae's isles repell'd the main, Phidippus, Antiphus, held equal reign.

Both born of Thessalus,

And

each with thrice

Now And

Alcides' son.

five ships steer'd

boldly on.

be Pelasgian Argos' numbers sung>

those from Phthia and Trechina sprung,

Alus, and Alope, and, far renown'd

For female beauty, Hellas'

blissful

ground,

Ach^eans, Myrmidons, Hellenes came

In

fifty

ships to swell Pehdes' fame.

But now no more

his

fame

their courage arms.

No more they rush'd 'mid battle's fierce alarms He who their bands array'd, to wrath a prey, Mourn'd

in his fleet Briseis reft

His glorious prize, at

When

life's

dire

sack'd Lyrnessus his

fell

away,

hazard gain'd. rage sustain'd.

ii.

BOOK

THE

II.]

When

ILIAD.

on the walls of Thebes the

69

victor stood.

And the waste city mourn'd her warriors' And Mynes and Epistrophus the bold, Evenus' sons, in dust beneath him

But now Pelides lay Ere long to rush

blood.

roU'd.

in stern repose.

on his

resistless

foes.

O'er Phylace, and those luxuriant bowers

Where Pyrrhasus round Ceres wreathed Itone, rich in flocks,

And

and Antron's shore.

with thick herbage Pteleus mantled

While yet ahve Protesilaus

his

o'er,

reign'd.

But Hades now the chief from war

Him

her flowers,

detain'd.

fond wife, lone Phylace deplored.

His palace yet half-raised bewail'd her lord

A

Dardan spear had

When the Him

:

revell'd in his gore.

chief foremost leapt on Phrygia's shore

his brave legions

mourn'd,

who now beneath

Podarces gather'd to aA^enge his death. His brother, younger-born, Iphiclus' seed, Phylacides, whose flocks o'erspread the mead.

In death the elder-born, the braver lay,

Mourn'd by

his host

beneath another's sway,

Yet him they served, and with twice twenty Stood ranged

'gainst

IHon

in re^'engeful mail.

sail

:

THE

70

Who,

And

ILIAD.

[book

nigh the lake Boebeis, Pherae own'd.

Glaphyrae, and lolcus, turret crown'd,

Arm'd,

in eleven ships sail'd bravely

on

Beneath Eumelus, loved Admetiis' son

:

Him famed Alcestis, fairest of the fair. And loveliest of the race of Pelias, bare. Thaumacia, and Olizon's rocky

Methone, Meliboea leagu'd

The

chief,

These

And

their host

whose bow the death-wing'd arrow sped.

in seven galhes Philoctetes led

each ship, their quivers

in

Skill'd like their chieftain, fifty

But he,

Lay

coast,

their

wonted

fill'd

with

rowers

fate,

sate.

leader, he the while

rack'd with torture in the

Lemnian

isle.

Left by the Greeks on that unpeopled shore. All ulcer'd

There

by the Hydra's venom'd gore

left to

And Greece Another

And

mourn

:

they too that

:

left shall

mourn.

repentant welcome his return.

chieftain

now

his legions sway'd.

they that mourn'd his loss that chief obey'd

Brave Medon led

his host

undaunted on.

Fair Rhena's and Oileus' spurious son.

From

Tricca,

and Ithome's mountains hoar,

(Echaha ruled by Eurytus of yore.

ii.

BOOK

THE

II.]

ILIAD.

Brave Podalirius and Machaon

71

-

led.

In thirty ships, a host to battle bred, sons, and each, Uke him, renown'd Asclepius'

With soothing balms

to medicate the

From Ormenus, and Asterion's towers,

wound.

Hypereia's fomit,

and Titan's snowy mount.

Beneath Eurypylus, Evaemon's heir, A host in forty barks to Troy repair. Argissa, Orthe,

and Gyrtone's powers,

Helone, Oloosson's radiant towers.

Bade Son

their leagued

numbers Polypoetes

join,

hue. of Pirithous, of Saturnian chief the

That

famed Hippodamia bore

Drove

in gore. bold Pirithous bathed his steps shaggy train full flight the Centaur's

From

plain Pehon's brow to far iEthica's

When

in

With him, Coronus'

And

son, Leonteus pass'd.

dared with forty

With twenty Guneus

:

ships

sail

the stormy blast.

and two

to Phrygia's strand

band, led boldly on the Cyphian

fight. Persebi, Enienes, skill'd in

The

height. dwellers of Dodona's ice-ribb'd

THE

72

And Its

they

who

toil'd

ILIAD.

[book

ii.

where Titaresius' wave

constant current to Peneius gave.

Yet

ne'er immingles as

Where

wins

it

its

way

swift Peneius' silver eddies play.

But, branch of Styx that binds the oath of Jove, Glides smooth as

oil

that lucid stream above.

Last, Prothous, son of brave Tenthredon, led

Magnesia's warriors from Peneius' bed

And

Pelion's

wood-crown'd heights beneath their guide :

Twice twenty keels plough'd ocean's foamy

Such were the Danaan Aid while

I dictate, in

Whose might That

!

Now, Muses

recording strain,

deign

and whose the steeds of war

conflict whirl'd the car.

thine the

famed Pheretian breed.

fleet as eagles

!

*

mid

fiercest in

Eumelus That

excell'd,

chiefs.

tide.

wing

their airy speed

:

Alike their age, their colour, and their growth.

Alike one equal measure measured both.

Both mares, by Phoebus

And

in Pieria bred.

both, in war, destruction round

All,

Telamonian Ajax

them

spread.

all excell'd.

While stern revenge Pehdes' arm withheld,

BOOK

He

THE

II.]

ILIAD.

73

bravest of the brave, and fiercest far

The

steeds that wing'd

But 'mid

him

his fleet, the hero,

swohi with

Against Atrides, fed the avenging

On

war

to victorious

;

ire

fire.

the sea-shore, his host in idle play

Wore,

as they whirl'd the disk, long hours away,

At some

Nor

inglorious

mark

the bowstring drew.

reck'd the dart that unresisted flew.

Each by

his car, the war-horse

champ'd

Lotus and parsley from the marshy

The

chariots from the whirl of

his food,

flood.

war aloof

Slept in the shadow of the tented roof.

While

camp

thro' their

the warriors to and fro

Roam'd, and provoked their chief to front the

While

—on they swept,

Groan'd, as

On Arima Where

when

all

earth, as

wrapt in

Jove, the thunderer, girt with

stretch'd

Typhoeus groans beneath the earth,

and

ire.

Now, charged by

blasts.

terrible the roar

That burst when rushing myriads shook the

shore.

Jove, on baleful message sent.

Fleet as the wind, to IHon all,

fire,

his flame-wing'd fire-bolt casts.

Thus groan'd the

Where

foe.

Iris

went.

at reverend Priam's palace gate,

Both age and youth,

in

solemn council sate

;

THE

74

[book

like Polites, fleetest of the fleet.

There,

Who

ILIAD.

on T^sytes' tomb had

To watch when Greece The messenger

fix'd his seat,

should step on lUon's shore.

of Jove his mandate bore.

'

Aged

^

Debating

'

The

*

Greece onward sweeps

*

Wars

*

Such and

*

Like autumn leaves, or ocean's countless sand,

*

Soon round om' bulwarks the avengers

'

Thou,

'

Engrave

'

Where

'

Of language

*

Let each high chief

'

And

King,' she cried, as

I

these endless parlies cease

when Troy

battle burns,

and

slept in peace

!

terrible in rage

infuriate to engage.

have seen, but ne'er beheld a host so vast as

chiefly.

now

insuHs our coast.

stand.

Hector, thou above the, rest

my word

on thy retentive

league for Priam

lead to

Then

The

still

*

many

breast.

a various band

diverse, as of diverse land, his separate host array,

war with undivided

swift, as

sway.'

Hector conscious of her

council closed,

all

rush'd to battle,

call

all,

Thro' each wide gate, foot, horse, and chariots flew,

The clamour

thicken'd,

and confusion

Before the city a sharp-rising

gi'ew.

mound

Soars from the plain where winds a

way around.

ir.

BOOK

THE

.]

Mortals to this the

name

The immortals term The Trojans Their battle

ILTAD.

75

Bateia gave.

it fleet

Myrimia's grave.

there, in ranged divisions, chose field,

and bravely faced

their foes.

There, by his high-plmned helmet known

Tower'd Hector, marshalling While,

far

outnumbering

all,

afar,

his ranks for war.

the bravest band

Hail'd, brandishing their spears, his high

command.

The brave JEneas, of Anchises bred. Onward to war the Dardan legions led.

Him

to Anchises, in dark Ida's grove,

Match'd to a mortal, bore the Queen of Love Like charge, Antenor's sons, both

:

battle-train'd,

Archilochus and Acamas sustained.

The And

host

who

in Zeleia's walls reside.

drink at Ida's roots ^ilsepus' tide.

The Trojan

Pandaiiis led, and 'gainst the foe

Drew, charged with death, Apollo's

Whom

gifted

bow.

Pityeia, Adrasteia bred,

Apaesus' towers, or Terie's mountain head,

Adrastus ruled, and he,

Amphius,

girt in

who round

war a linen

Sons of Percosian Merops,

To warn what

his breast,

vest.

skill'd o'er all

future destinies befall.

THE

76

ILIAD.

Yet warn'd

his sons in vain

And death's

stretch'd

:

[book

them hung.

fate o'er

arm o'ershadowing darkness

Percote's, Practius', rich Arisba's hosts.

The

league of Sestos and Abydos' coasts,

Asius Hyi'tacides in battle sway'd, Asius,

by many a realm and race obey'd.

Whose coursers from Selleis' water came And famed Arisba, breathing death and flame. Hippothous the Pelasgian spearmen

Race by the glebe of rich Larissa fed

O'er

The

all

offspring of

led.

:

Hippothous and Pylaeus, each the son

Of Lethus,

»

Teutamedon.

the rapid Hellespont contain'd.

Thracians,

Acamas and Pirous

reign'd.

Beneath Euphemus the Ciconians moved.

Son of Trcezenian Ceas, Jove-beloved.

From

distant Axius,

whose long winding leads

Earth's fairest stream 'mid

Amydonian meads,

Pyraschmes bade the Paeons front the

And wing

ii.

foe.

destruction from their crooked bow.

flung.

BOOK

THE

II.]

ILIAD.

-

77

Pylaemens' strength the Paphlagonians sway'd.

Where

Him

the wild mules o'er far Enetia stray'd.

Sesamus, Cytoriis race revered,

Who

round Parthenius' flood

whom Cromna

their

mansions

The

sons

And

those from Erythini's mountains hoar.

rear'd.

and ^Egialus bore.

Epistrophus aud Odius led their band.

The

Halizonians, from a distant land.

From The

Alybe's rich mines, where dark and deep

silver ores in

Chromis, and

unsunn'd caverns

Ennomus

the augur, led

Their legions leagued from Mysia's

But vain the augur's

sleep.

science,

weak

fertile

bed

;

his art.

To shield from death's inevitable dart By stern iEacides' swift javelin slain. He swell'd the dead where Xanthus meets

the main.

Phorcys and brave Ascanius brought their host.

The

fierce

Ascanians from the Phrygian coast.

Mesthles and Antiphus their forces led

From

the far marsh by Gyge's flood o'erspread,

Maeonians

Where

the

all,

and those from Tmolus sprung,

mount

far

and wide

its

shadow

flung.

THE

78

ILIAD.

[book

Nastes the Carians, barbarous-voiced, array'd.

From

rich Miletus, Phthira's

mountain shade,

Maiander's flowings, and the snow-capp'd height

Where

Mycale's bleak ridges tower on sight.

Amphimachus and Nastes Each the

illustrious

But, like a

girl

By No

!

did'st

idle

on.

Nomion's gallant son.

trick'd his golden arms.

thou deem to turn

fell

splendor and unmanly pride

—shed by

s\vift

Shall swell, 'mid

And Thy

them

embellishing her charms,

Amphimachus had Fool

led

death aside ?

^acides, thy blood

many

a corse, Scamander's flood.

Peleus' son triumphantly behold

dark gore issuing from his spoils of gold.

Sarpedon,

last,

The Lycians from

and blameless Glaucus, led far

Xanthus' foamy bed.

ii.

THE THIRD BOOK OF

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. The Armies meet Grecians.

in battle array.

—Retires

at the

—Paris

challenges the bravest of the

advance of IVienelaus.

—At the reproaches of —Helen enumerates to

Hector, Paris defies Menelaus to single combat.

—

Priam the chief Leaders of the Greeks. The single combat of Menelaus and Paris. The latter rescued from death by Venus.-^-Interview of Paris and Helen.

—

THE ILIAD.

BOOK Now,

either army, train succeeding train,

Beneath

On

its

as their

leader, sought the battle-plain.

numbers

rush'd, the Trojan host

With shout and clamom• Such the

On

III.

flight

fill'd

the troubled coast

clangour when the embodied cranes. from winter and tempestuous rains. shrill

Cross the far seas, and from the o'ershado^ving Death and wide waste to pigmy nations bear.

air

Not thus the Grecians they in silence came. One was their spirit, and their trust the ;

same.

Each

in the other fearless to confide.

While man on man, and chief on chief relied.

As when the Clouds, that VOL.

I.

south-^vind for and wide outspreads

roll

darkness round the mountain heads

Q

THE

g2

[book

ILIAD.

When, fear'd by swains, thick mists, more

safe

hi.

than night.

invite plunder folds the embolden'd thief

To

When

earth

Beyond the

is veil'd,

no form

distinctly

distance of a hurled stone

shown

:

from afar. Thus, from beneath their footsteps, war, Where'er they sped, fierce rushing on to

A

cast dusty column tower'd, and round them

Dense gloom

Now,

pass'd. as o'er the plain they swiftly

front to

fi'ont,

as either

Young Alexander, beauteous

army

stood.

as a god.

leopard's hide. Loose from whose shoulders ilow'd the

swung

And bow and

falchion

Sprung

and challenged,

The

forth,

in graceful pride. as

he waved each spear.

bravest chief to stand his fierce career.

Him, Menelaus, him at once descried. On stalking in the madness of his pride

And

A

:

as a famish'd Hon, gladd'ning o'er

stag broad-antler'd, or

Gorges

insatiate,

huge mountain boar.

nor foregoes his prey,

Tho' hunters threat, and circling blood-hounds bay

Thus Menelaus' heart with

When

his

transport swell'd.

keen eye the advancing youth beheld

charms; Death, death, he deem'd, shall now defonn those

Down leapt, and

shook the earth with clang of arms.

BOOK

THE

III.]

Not

Paris thus

Thrill'd as

He

ILIAD.

83

his heart convulsed with fear,

:

he knew Atrides rushing near

:

dared not look on death, but back withdrew.

Shrunk 'mid

As

and pass'd away from view.

his host,

one, who, in a wood's entangled brake.

Views the roused terror of the uncoihng snake. Flies back, while all his

And

Hmbs with horror

start.

the pale cheek betrays the bloodless heart

Thus

Paris fled, and

'

mid Troy's

sheltering

band

Shrunk from the vengeance of Atrides' hand.

Him, Hector thus rebuked, and

'

Thou,

girl in heart,

foul with treacherous art,

'

Fair but in form,

*

Far better, hadst thou ne'er the

*

Ne'er clasp'd a female, by thy guile betray'd,

'Than

live

defamed, and die without a name

'

A

*

Hark

*

Lo

*

Sure

*

By

'

But

'

So woe-begone,

'

When

'

Thy

scornful spectacle, !

how

whom

!

light survey'd,

and public shame

the Greeks deride

—how shout

the Graces with their

—unto him a

!

gifts

in scorn

adom,

warrior's spirit given,

valour to enhance the

—wert thou, dastard

!

gift

of heaven

thus ignobly seen,

so spiritless thy mien,

to far Greece, with Troy's exultant train,

streamers sweeping in their pride the main.

THE

84 *

'

Thou sail'dst, And steal the

ILIAD.

[book

in.

a stranger's kindness to repay,

consort of the brave away

?

thy kingdom, and thy race

'

Curse to thy

*

Derision to thy foes

'

Hadst thou withstood the Atrides, thou hadst known

'

How brave

'

Nor

thee thy lute, nor beauty had avail'd,

*

Nor

those

'

Troy too

'

Hadst

Him

sire,

—

thyself, disgrace

the chief, whose bride thou

that death in dust

fair locks,

is vile,

thy own.

call'st

had

trail'd.

or thou, ere this, unwept,

shroud inglorious

in thy stony

Paris answer'd

—

'

slept.'

Not by me un^ieard

'

The

*

Keen

'

Beneath the experienced ship-wright cuts

'

Rude labour

'

Such, Hector, thy indomitable heart.

'

But not the golden Venus'

'

Scorn not the

gifts

'

Not the warm

wish, the importunate desire,

'

At

'

Yet

*

That here

'

While front

*

I

just reproach of thy indignant word. as the axe,

will for

—

wilt

aids,

man

whose unrelenting sway,

by subtlety of

way,

art,

reprove,

vouchsafed us from above

celestial gifts acquire.

thou that in

gifts

its

I

combat

—give command,

peace repose each hostile band,

to front, in either army's sight,

and Atrides meet

in

mortal fight

BOOK

THE

III.]

ILIAD.

'

85

.

'

Fair Helen, and her wealth, the victor crown,

'

Borne home by

'

The

'

So part

*

'

rest in :

riches,

beauty and renown

solemn league firm

faith

the Trojans to Troy's

maintain

fertile plain,

The Greeks, to Greece, for coursers famed, And female beauty, fairest of the fair.' Glad Hector heard him

Mid "either army, with

and

;

:

repair,

in swift advance.

uplifted lance.

Stood eminent, and instantly repress'd

The Trojan While

And '

and

force,

'gainst his

to peaceful rest

broV the Greeks

their javelins threw.

stones and arrowy showers that ceaseless flew.

Cease,'

Agamemnon

*

Not with a

'

'Tis

*

Stay, Grecians

cried,

'

repress your rage,

single foe the battle wage.

Hector that restrains the war career

The Greeks

!

his high pui*pose stilly hear.'

obey'd

Each host ahke the

*

still'd

:

and, patient to the word. voice of Hector heard.

Attend, ye Trojans

*

Let each

'

His word

*

And

alike the I

speak

ye, arm'd Grecians, hoar

!

word

who

I

speak revere.

first

aroused your bands,

arm'd for mutual death your hostile hands.

THE

86

ILIAD.

[book

*

He

*

Now

*

While the

*

Alone

'

Wills, that the \ictor, in the mortal fray,

'

Fair Helen and her treasures bear

*

The

'

Each

wills, that

lay their

all

weapons on

fierce rivals, in

of Grecian birth,

their

mother earth

hand pledged

;

each army's sight,

Helen and her treasure

for

rest,

Troy, and

ih.

fight

away

to hand, with gladden'd heart

to his separate realm in peace depart.'

He spake in silence all their rage suppress'd. When Menelaus thus his host address'd Hear me for most I feel the load of grief Hear so may Greece and Troy yet find relief. Much have ye borne partakers of my woe :

*

:

*

!

—

—

—

'

from Paris'

'

Dire

'

Whoe'er of us must

*

It

'

Let Troy two lambs provide

'

The

'

Our's to the Sire of heaven shall duly

*

So summon Priam

'

'

ills

recks

me

guilt that largely flow.

perish, let

him bleed

not, so ye in peace recede.

—one,

black, for earth,

other, for the sun, of milk-white birth.

By him the oaths And perjury stain

to this

solemn

be sanction'd

fall

call

—

pride,

and scorn,

the race of Priam born.

recks not them, the solemn

vow

*

It

*

Unstable youth contemns the powers above

to Jove,

BOOK

THE

III.]

age, with forward

*

But

'

What

He

§"7

ILIAD.

and reverted eyes,

weal descries.' best promotes the pubUc

spake

:

Would from

and

all

rejoiced

:

all

deem'd that peace

host release— war's galHng yoke each

The horsemen ranged

car. their coursers, left their

of the war. freed their limbs, unburden'd and face to face Laid on the earth their arms, space. left between a narrow

And

Recumbent,

the king Hector two heralds sped to urge offerings bring; The oaths to sanction, and the

And

to the fleet,

by Agamemnon

For Grecia's victim,

Iris,

sent.

swift Talthybius went.

from the skies, the while, on mission

Sought Helen,

in Laodice's disguise,

Priam's race.

The fairest daughter of fair embrace. And blest in Antenorides' her palace The goddess found, beneath

roof.

her refulgent woof. Fair Helen weaving of the changefrd Charged with the fortunes immingled, Whe^e Greece and Troy

And

as she

imaged

shield

field,

w.h

arms, forth the fate of

charms. her matchless Link'd to destructive war

sh.eld.

THE

88 '

Haste, loveliest Helen, haste

'

The wondrous

'

Hosts,

*

'

ILIAD.

[book

come

i

.

forth, behold scene that Troy and Greece unfold!

who but now

:

exhaustless in their rage

Provoked the war, and madden'd to engage, In peace repose, and on a bloodless field,

'

Lay

the long spear, or lean upon the shield

'

The

while, for thee, 'mid either host, advance

'

The

rivals,

'

Thy

'

Crown with connubial

wielding war's remorseless lance : love inflames them, and thy matchless charms bliss

the conqueror's amis.'

She spake, and sweet

desire moved Helen's mind, Deep touch'd by all her folly had resign'd. The Lord whom once her virgin arm caress'd. The roof that rear'd her, and the

hearth that bless'd:

She

rose, her

And

tears of tenderness beneath

snowy

veil

around her spread. it

shed.

Not unattended, where the mourner went Their steps fair Clymene and ^thra bent Onward they pass'd, and sought the Scsean

gate the hoar chiefs in peaceful leisure sate. The Nymph, here Priam, there Thymoetes found, Panthous, Clytius, Lampus watch'd around,

Where

Antenor, and Ucalegon the sage. And Hicetaon wont the war to wage.

BOOK

THE

III.]

Now,

Tliey seem'd like

as they

spoke

in their comisels

shrill cicadse that

summer bowers

And,

89

-

freed by time from war's o'erburdening yoke.

Experienced wisdom

In

ILIAD.

and slender song

their sweet

saw ascending

prolong ;

to the tower

Fair Helen graced with beauty's winning power.

Each

to the other whisper d,

*

Repay the

*

Such are

*

Lure by

celestial grace the

'

Yet thus

—

*

Nor

toils

tl*e

Such, such charms

'

of Greece and

Troy

in arms.

beauties that, adored above,

so graced

—

let

gods to love

Helen

sail afar,

leave to us, and ours, eternal war.'

They spake

my

—when Priam thus the

loved child, by

me

fair addi'ess'd

securely rest

*

Here,

*

Hence, thy

'

And

'

Not thee

'

That on

*

Now

'

Mark'd by

*

Tho'

loftier

'

Such

as in comeliness that form excell'd,

*

More

gi'aceful

*

The

late lord, thy

kindred hence survey,

loved associates of thy happier day.

to

blame, a god alone the cause

I

my brow the storm of battle draws. my search yon chief conspicuous name, his port,

and

stateliness of

brows may tower,

I ne'er

frame

:

beheld

none, nor on whose awful crest

seal of sov'reignty so

deep impress'd.'

THE

90

Him Helen *

*

answer'd,

Thou by thy

child

'

ILIAD.

Monarch most

honour'd,

still

[book

that kind death from earth

still

endear'd,

revered

had Helen

reft,

my realm I left, and my late-born child,

*

Ere, by yomig Paris won,

'

My

*

And

*

But

*

Tears from a heart that bleeds with hopeless woe.

'

Yet hear what thou requir st

*

Great Agamemnon, Atreus' son, declare

*

Alike for wisdom as for valour famed,

*

And once by

home,

my

husband,

hi.

those that once on playful Helen smiled. all,

from

Her Priam

all I fled,

—hence ever flow that port, that

air,

shameless Helen brother named.'

answer'd,

by deep wonder moved honour' d,

*

Thrice blest Atrides

'

Vast

'

Thou whom wide

'

Fair Phrygia once

*

Her crowded

*

When Mygdon,

*

That

*

While leagued with them

*

Against the Amazons

*

Vast was that host, yet

'

Than yon arm'd Greeks now

is

:

!

fear'd,

beloved

:

the lot submitted to thy sway,

realms and populous towns obey. I

forces,

view'd, her vine-robed meads,

and the war-train'd

and brave Otreus arm'd

steeds, their ranks

pitch'd their tents along Sangarius' banks,

I

—that memorable day

join'd the fray less their

war-leagued train

dark'ning

all

the plain.'

BOOK

THE

III.]

Then,

ILIAD.

91

-

as the king Laertes' son survey 'd,

Again to Helen time-graced Priam said

who yon

:

*

Say,

'

To Agamemnon

'

But ampler-shoulder'd, and of broader

'

Yon

'

While he

'

Passes intent the warriors to dispose,

*

And moves,

'

A

chief,

chief, in

height inferior far

leader of the war,

whose arms on earth now

himself,

breast,

peaceiiil rest,

amid the ranged rows,

methinks, as stalks with stately pace

ram, dense-fleeced amid a snowy race

The

fair replied

:

*

Thou

view'st,

?

yon ranks among,

*

The

*

'Mid Ithaca's bleak mountains born and bred,

'

Yet keen

sage Ulysses, from Laertes sprung,

in counsel,

and of

craftiest head.'

Her, sage Antenor answer'd

:

*

Well,

my word

'

Bears witness of the truth from Helen heard.

'

When

'

Brave Menelaus and Ulysses bent,

'

I hail'd

'

Bore of their minds and powers decisive proof.

'

When

'

A

'

Such, when they stood

*

Each on

here their steps, for thee by Hellas sent,

them

as

my

guests,

and

oft

my

roof

'mid the Sons of Troy the chiefs appear'd,

loftier

forehead Atreus' son uprear'd

his throne,

;

:

but on Ulysses' mien,

more awful reverence

seen.

THE

92

ILIAD.

[book

*

The deep debate from Menelaus drew

'

Words weigh'd by wisdom, words

*

Few, yet most

clear,

*

No

sallies led his

*

But when Ulysses

*

But

*

Still at his side his

'

Nor with

*

His posture such, that

*

That rage or

*

But when he gave

*

Soft

'

All

'

Nor paused

wandering

and

rose,

fix'd his eye, that

fell

succinct and few,

yomiger day

tho' of

youth astray.

he gazed not round,

moved

sceptre

not,

on the ground

words

his

felt his

folly

had that statue wiOught. his voice

its

force

wonder

Rested on Ajax tow'ring Say,

'

For

*

who yon

chief,

at his

all

'

flow,

snow,

caught his flame,

outward frame.'

his sight

in his height

conspicuous o'er the rest

stateliness of size,

Ajax the great

and

like flakes of feathery

Again hoar Priam spake, the while

'

:

had haply thought

matchless power, to

:

downward hung,

the charm of action graced his tongue all

and breadth of breast

—the beauteous queen

?

replied,

'

The bulwark

'

Lo, there Idomeneus, by Crete adored,

'

Yon

'

Oft as from Crete he came, and sought to

*

Him Menelaus

of their host, their battle's guide

chiefs, the Cretans, gather'd

hail'd, his

hi.

round

their lord.

household guest.

rest,

BOOK

THE

in.]

ILIAD.

many

93

'

There too

'

Trace their known featm-es, and could rightly name

'

But where

'

Where

'

My

'

One, Lacedaemon's

'

There they are

*

The

'

No, not

'

Gall'd

witness

I

a chief of fame, :

where, equestrian Castor's might,

Pollux, matchless in the caestus' fight

brothers they, one mother gave us birth,

left,

soil,

our native earth

or

to Ilion's coast

ships have borne

me

for

by

my

She spake

if

them with the Achaean

host,

they risk^the warrior's fame,

guilt,

and shamed by Helen's shame

!

but o'er them rose their much-loved earth.

:

Where Lacedaemon once had Now,

:

to confirm the

blest their birth.

solemn pledges given.

And

ratify the

The

heralds bore the lambs to feed the shrine.

And

goatskins charged with consecrated wine.

vows address'd

to heaven.

Ida^us self the radiant chalice bore.

And hallow'd goblets bright with golden ore. King bow thine And Priam thus address'd '

:

!

ear

'

Son of Laomedon, thy herald hear

*

Monarch, yon

chieftains,

and each

hostile band,

'

Both Greek and Trojan,

this alike

demand,

'

That thou,

*

Their oaths

!

!

King, descending to yon plain,

may

sanction,

and the league maintain,

THE

94

ILIAD.

[book

'

While Paris and Atrides, lance

*

Mid

'

Tis vow'd, that Helen's wealth and Helen's charms

'

Crown the

hi.

'gainst lance,

either host, to mortal fight advance.

exultant chief's victorious arms

'

The

rest,

*

We,

to our Troy's luxuriant glebe, depart

*

They, to their Greece, for coursers famed,

*

And

hand pledged

beauteous women,

The Monarch,

;

to hand, as heart to heart,

repair,

fairest of the fair.'

shuddering, heard, yet bade his train

Prepare the car to speed him to the plain.

And seating brave Antenor at his Drew back the reins, and deign'd Then

pass'd the Scaean gate,

Where Ulysses

lay,

mid

met him

side

the coursers guide

and reach'd the place

either host, a vacant space. as

he

left

the car.

And Agamemnon leader of the war. The heralds brought whate'er could bind the soul. And sanction earthly vows by heaven's controul. And mix'd the wine, and to the monarchs gave The pure

ablution of the lustral

wave

Next, great Atrides, where the dagger play'd

By

his war-sword's vast sheath,

Cut from the lamb's pure

And bade

drew forth the blade.

front the hallow'd hair.

the heralds to each chieftain bear.

;

BOOK

THE

III.]

ILIAD.

Then, with loud voice, and arms

On

95

'

aloft upraised.

heaven, as rose his prayer, devoutly gazed.

Idaean King, supreme, almighty Jove

'

!

*

Sun, that

'

Floods, and thou earth, and ye dire fiends below

*

That rack the peijurer with consuming woe

*

Ye,

*

So may each host

'

If Alexander's lance his foe o'ercome,

'

Let Helen and her wealth adorn

'

While

'

And

'

If

'

Her wealth and Helen

*

And Troy

'

That Greece may laud us

*

But,

'

The compensation

'

Here

'

Till Troy's

viewest, around, beneath, above

all

I attest

hear, dread avengers, hear

!

in our fleet

their faith

and vows revere

his

we measure back

home, the main,

to our native realm return again

:

Menelaus win, by Troy restored

He

if

hail her

former lord

such ample compensation pay to her latest day.

or Priam, or his sons, detain

will I

spake

due, their champion slain,

wage the war, nor

sail

away

exhausted spoils our wrongs repay.'

:

and slaughtering,

laid

upon the ground

The lambs

yet

The

chiefs

from forth the beaker drew the wine.

And

with libations hail'd the powers divine

warm, and quivering from the wound.

THE

9()'

ILIAD.

Tlie while from either host ahke

From Troy and Greece

Jove, god supreme, and ye,

*

Avenge the

'

Whichever host

'

On

'

So

'

The

human

their race,

*

*

'

'

in

yon sky

perjury,

we

and may

this wine, outpour.

their wives

adulterous dwellers of a foreign

But Jove consented

And

who

shall first the oath abjure,

earth their brains, as fall

was heard.

the same consentient word

'

guilt of

[book

not.

become

horiie.'

Then Priam

rose.

thus pour'd forth the burden of his woes

Greeks, and ye Trojans,

To

Ilion's

breezy height

I

my now

:

decision learn

:

return.

A father cannot view before his sight A son and Menelaus clash in fight.

*

Jove and the Powers

'

To whose doom'd bosom

He

celestial

only

know

death directs the blow.'

spake, and in his car the victims laid.

Nor hngering long

that fatal plain surveyed.

But, with Antenor at his side again,

Turn'd to the walls of Troy his guided

rein.

:

iii.

BOOK

THE

111.]

ILIAD.

i)7

Ulysses now, and Hector war-renown'd. First for the

Shook

in the

combat measured out the ground

helm the

Should foremost

lots, to

call to

mark whom chance

hurl the impatient lance

While, with uplifted hands, each army pray'd.

And one '

Jove

loud voice the wish of

!

God supreme

!

all

convey'd

— Thou Lord of Ida, hear

*

Let, truth unveil'd, by thy decree appear

*

Be the

'

The

dire author of the contest slain,

rest their

solemn league in peace maintain

Then Hector backward

tm'n'd, the lots out-threw.

Forth from the casque the fate of Paris flew

While

either host, in order

Lay nigh the

Now Young

!

on the

;

field.

chariot and recumbent shield.

the proud Lord of Helen's peerless charms, Paris, mail'd his limbs in radiant arms.

First,

on

With

clasps of silver brightly starr'd around.

his leg his greaves the warrior

Next, with Lycaon

Firm on

s

bound,

armour aptly graced.

his breast his brother's corselet braced

;

His silver-studded sword athwart him slung, Grasp'd the broad shield that far VOL.

I.

its

shadow flung

THE

98

The helmet The

crest's

clasp'd,

ILIAD.

[book

hi.

where, awful o'er his head.

wide-waving horsehair terror spread.

And, brandishing the lightning of his spear.

Eyed

mail'd Atrides, as the chief

Now when Mid

the chiefs, \\ith eyes that roU'd in flame,

either army's sight, encount'ring came.

The Greeks and

On

drew near.

Trojans,

all in

dread amaze.

their fierce onset riveted their gaze.

Now

front to front the advancing rivals stood.

Each brandishing a lance

that raged for blood.

First Paris hurl'd his spear

:

his well-aim*d

throw

Struck the boss'd shield that rung beneath the blow.

Smote the brass

The blunted

orb, but, powerless to divide.

spear-point idly glanced aside.

Atrides next the death-fraught spear essay'd. Poised, but ere lanch'd, to Jove the avenger pray'd '

Let the aggressor

'

Let by

*

So guard

'

The

'

That

'

The doom

this

fall

;

by thee decreed,

arm the base

adulterer bleed

inviolate thy laws adored,

rites that bless

the hospitable board

to late time our children's children dread

that strikes the traitor's faithless head.'

BOOK

THE

111.]

ILIAD.

He spake, and forcefully On thro' the shield's broad

i).9

his death-lance cast,

orb the weapon pass'd,

His well-wrought corselet pierced, his tunic tore,

And from But

the wovnided flank drew forth the gore.

Paris, side-way, as the

weapon

flew,

Bent, and from death's o'ershadowing

arm withdrew.

Atrides drew his falchion, onward press'd,

Swung

it aloft,

and smote

his

helmed

crest

But, shiver'd by the stroke, the brittle sword

Broke, dropp'd in fragments down, and

Then

as to heaven the chief his

And from Thou,

balefidlest of all the

*

Yes,

had hope,' he

*

'

brow upraised.

cried,

—

powers above, *

had

trust in Jove,

Lo my sword To crush the aggressor And at his heart my death-lance hurl'd in :

He

lord

his eye indignant lightning blazed,

*

I

fail'd its

!

in

twain

vain!'

spake, and grasp'd his casque, and dragg'd along

His captive tow'rds the Grecians shouting throng '

Dragg'd him, half strangled by the lace that bound

The

helmet's clasp his tender neck around.

And now Atrides had his prey detain'd. And deathless glory from the conquest gain'd, Had not fair Venus, lighting on that plain, Guardian of Paris, cut the thong

in

twain

;

THE

100

'Twas loosed

ILIAD.

[book

—the empty casque and

hi.

sever'd band.

Vain trophies, dangled in the conqueror's hand

:

These, whirling round and round in stern disdain.

The hero

cast to his

Then backward

And plunge

Achaean train

rush'd to

consummate the blow.

the death-lance in his prostrate foe.

But Venus from that death her chief withdrew.

And And

the dense veil of darkness round him threAV, gently laying in his peaceful bed,

Sweet balms,

Then Helen

distilling fi'agrance,

sought,

who

round him shed

in the turret's height.

With many a Trojan dame,

o'erlook'd the fight,

Shook her odorous robe, and seem'd

Her who

Now And

'

in Sparta

:

in

view

once her fleeces drew

aged, yet faithful found beyond the rest. in her likeness thus the

Queen

address'd

Haste to the couch where genial love

*

Where

'

Where,

*

Young

'

Thou

'

Say that a war-worn chief return'd

'

But a gay youth, who seeks the dancing

'

Or newly from the dance

all

:

invites,

_

that breathes of joy each sense delights,

richly robed, refulgent in his charms,

Paris

woos thee

to his longing arms.

would'st not, hanging o'er that blooming boy, to Troy,

to rest retires.'

choirs,

BOOK

ILIAD.'

Till•:

III.]

She spake

and Helen

;

Iclt

101

her bosom glow.

But

as she view'd Dione's neck of snow.

Her

eyes' bright glance,

The shuddering

and her seductive

breast.

Fair the Goddess thus address'd

:

Why, why again deceive me ? Why once more Lead to new cities and a stranger shore ? What other favourite thine ? Where Helen's home *

'

'

'

'

*

—

dome

In Phrygia's palace, or Mseonia's

What if the conqueror And deign beneath his

*

Com'st thou for

*

A

*

Go

*

Nor

*

For him

*

Thee

*

Him

*

If

*

Each

'

And my

this,

goddess thou, a

his

?

deep wrong forgive,

roof this wretch receive,

fraught with pernicious wile,

woman

to beguile

?

to thy Paris, at his call attend,

ere again Jove's

mansion reascend

for ever toil, so Paris deign

as a bride, at least a slave detain. I reject.

Mine, just reproof and scorn,

Helen deign again girl

of

his

couch adorn

Troy would execrate

heart break,

my

now bow'd

name,

with grief and

shame.'

*

*

Restrain thy taunts,' indignant Venus spoke,

No

more, rash mortal

!

dare

my

rage provoke,

?

THE

i02

ILIAD.

[book

vengeance of a goddess move,

*

Lest thou

*

And

feel

her hate as boundless as her love

'

Lest

my

fell

*

And Greek and Trojan

tlie

She spake

And

o'er

wrath more baleful wars

;

And

follow'd

inspire,

slake in thee their

ire.'

and Helen shudder'd and obey'd.

her drew her

Silently went,

in.

veil's

transparent shade

by none aromid descried.

where the goddess deign'd to guide.

They went, and now beneath her palace roof Pass'd,

where her maidens labouring wove the woof.

Thence the Where,

unrivall'd

beauty won her way

in his high-roof'd

And Venus,

chamber, Paris

lay.

leading on the unwilling bride.

Placed her reluctant at her lover's side

;

There, with cold eye averse, the Jove-born maid Disdain'd to look on

*

Thou

him she dared upbraid.

com'st from war

my

— O, that on yonder

plain,

*

Beneath

'

Yet, thou didst boast, thy lance, thy arm, thy might,

*

Far, far surpassing his, would gain the fight.

'

Go

*

Once more, with

then

former lord, thy corse had lain

—once more provoke him—boldly his,

dare,

thy arm, thy lance compare.

BOOK

THE

III.]

Yet cease

'

—beware

Leave Menelaus

*

'

Or

*

Shalt

'

ILIAD.

Helen warns thee

'tis

:

in unchallenged

peace

—cease

;

;

thou, in rashness of thy vain career, lie

a bleeding corse beneath his spear.'

Wound me no

more,' he cried

my

;

'

no more reprove,

'

Nor with opprobrious taunts

*

Atrides conquer'd by Minerva's power

'

I

*

Come,

'

Haste

'

No

*

Thee

'

Not, when in Cranae

*

Thy

*

I

*

Thrills in each vein,

my

with

!

me

let

He

come

clasp thee in

—not when in

oh,

!

first

my

spirit

move

in happier hour.

gods go forth

loveliest bride

my

charms,

in all thy

longing arms

swift-sail'd gallies

bore

proud triumph from the Spartan shore first

Paris' melting soul

loved, as

Not

103

'

now

I

love

— O,

bliss divine

!

immix'd with thine, Intense desire

!

and

fills

with living

!

fire

spake, and, clasp'd with glowing ardour, led

loth fair

Thus they

Helen

:

Him Menelaus In vain.

to his bridal bed.

the while, with lion rage endued. thro' the host

Nor Trojans, nor

Could point out Paris to

pursued

their

mix'd

allies.

his vengeful eyes

THE

101 Else,

For

ILIAD.

none who witness'd had conceal'd

all

deem'd death

less

Atrides then exclaim'd,

*

me

*

Crown Menelaus' conquest!

'

Fair Helen and her wealth to

*

And And

and ye

such our

allies,

fine, as

time to time

still

Thus spake the king

to

sight.

Hear, Trojans, hear

Dardans

!

hi.

his flight

loathsome than his

*

*

[book

give ear.

—War him

is

o'er;

restore

:

glory shall record,

dwell on Grecia's sword!'

of kings, and loud and long

Consentient plaudits burst from

all

the Achaean throng.

THE FOURTH BOOK OF

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. Juno, in a council of the Gods, prevails on Jupiter to send Minerva to the Trojan to

— Minerva persuades Pandarus —The Truce broken.*—Agamemnon, inspects his Forces, and exhorts their Leaders. — The

Army,

aim an arrow

to break the Truce.

at

band after band, Armies encounter.

Menelaus.

is

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK The Gods,

IV.

consulting in the realms above.

Sat on the golden firmament of Jove,

'Mid these

fair

Hebe

The golden cup with Each pledged

The

minister'd

nectar richly crown'd.

in turn the bowl,

dwellers of

around

Olympus

and mid

their joy

'

look'd on Troy.

Then, with provoking taunts, Saturnius strove.

By '

bitter contrast, Juno's

Two

wrath to move

:

powerful goddesses Atrides aid,

*

The Argive Queen, and

*

Yet

*

How

*

Stands by his

'

Snatch'd from the vengeance of Atrides' spear.

—

far

from him they

laughter-loving side,

^ilgis-mailcd feast,

Venus

Maid

:

and view below

shields their foe

;

and now, when death drew near,

THE

108

—

ILIAD.

[booiv iv.

Menelaus gains the day,

*

But now,

*

Let us the fortune of each nation weigh

*

If,

*

Or

*

Should

'

If grateful to

'

Troy

*

The Argi'e Helen

by our

since

will, fierce

wars the realm divide,

'mid the leagued kingdoms peace reside.

He

all alike

each god perpetual peace,

Priam

shall her

spake

:

consent that battle cease,

hail,

and back restored

greet her former lord.'

—while Juno, and the blue-eyed maid

Low-murmuring, heard what stem Saturnius

As

side

With

by

side they sat, devising

dire destruction fraught,

Minerva

The impetuous

'

*

and Troy's o'erthrow.

fiU'd

Not thus Heaven's Queen, nor

'

woe.

silence kept, nor 'gainst her sire*

Lanch'd the deep wrath that

*

said.

What words

her soul with

fear nor

fire

:

awe suppress'd

fury boiling in her breast.

are thine,' indignant

Juno

said,

Why all my efforts unavailing made Why tired in vain Why vain my ceaseless toil My foaming coursers flew from plain to plain, ?

?

*

While gathering hosts on

*

On Priam and

'

Yet

*

That

his race destructive

—work thy all

the

hosts, they pour'd

will

Gods

—but deem

war

from

far

?

not, ruthless Jove,

alike thy deeds approve.'

BOOK

What

'

THE

IV.]

'

— Jove

wrought

replied

ILIAD.

—

*

what

109 guilt

?

'

How

have

'

Why

thus incessantly heap

'

And prone

'

Go

*

Crush

'

Gorge Priam

'

With

on Troy thy malice brought

his sons

woe on woe,

in

fell

?

malignity and hate,

at thy entrance bulwark, wall, living

:

—

and

gate,

so thy wrath assuage

his sons, his Trojans, glut thy rage

!

'

Thus wreak thy vengeance,

that no longer

'

Our

bliss

'

Yet

'

Incline to raze a city from mankind,

'

Tho' most that

'

Restrain not thou

'

Yield thou to Jove, as Jove, tho' disinclined,

'

The

*

For know, beneath the sun and starry heaven,

*

O'er

'

I

'

Majestic Priam and his Trojan race.

'

Libations, hecatombs, there load

*

And

strife rekindle,

and our

—mark my word—

if

my

Troy

destroy

almighty mind

city arrogate thy love,

my

wrath, but yield to Jove

:

fate of Ilion has to thee resign'd

all

the peopled towns to mortals given,

honour sacred Troy, and

feasts,

Jove spake *

?

in dust Troy's stately towers o'erthrow

—mail'd all

Priam

has

chiefly grace

my

shrine,

vhose fragrance glads the powers

:

—and thus the Queen of Hoa\en

O'er three high-favour'd cities

I

preside.

diA'ine.'

re})lied

:

THE

110 '

Mycene, Argos, Sparta

*

From

'

Not

*

Or envy

'

*

*

'

'

;

ILIAD.

redeem them

shall

fell I

wrath

fulfill

Jove withstand,

thee the power that arms thy hand

What would my envy, my restraint avail To thine opposed, my feeble efforts fail. Yet

—not the

am

I

'

Yet

the

sister, I

—thine

'

:

?

less I just distinction claim,

A goddess I, the sire My birth was graced

*

iv

these at will

earth eraze, and thy

to

[book

of both the same all

other gods above

the wife of Jove

to rule

:

:

:

;

—then thus be peace decreed

'

Each

*

Then,

if

'

What

other god our mandate dares oppose

*

Now

*

To

'

And

bid Troy's perjured race,

'

The

exulting Grecians, and the truce confound.'

:

to the other's will, his will concede. their contests

give

Jove and Juno

close, ?

Minerva thy supreme command

pass unseen 'mid either hostile band,

She spake

:

now

foremost,

wound

and Jove, consenting, gave command speed mid either hostile band,

'

Speed, Pallas

*

And

bid Troy's perjured race,

'

The

exulting Grecians, and the truce confound.'

Swift at the

:

'

!

word of Jove, on

now

foremost,

instant flight

Minerva darted from the Olympian height.

wound

BOOK

THE

IV.

ILIAD.

Ill

Bright as a meteor, by the arm of Jove

Lanch'd from the ethereal firmament above. Dire omen, passing with portentous sweep O'er gazing armies, or the astonish'd deep.

While flaming

in its

speed

And

scatters sparkles

Not

less precipitate,

'

Mid

Fear

fell

Lo

!

fires

its

the

air.

blaze of hair.

on wing of flame,

either gazing host

Minerva came.

around, deep awe each host possess'd.

And one loud '

from

it

'tis

voice the general sense express'd

decreed

:

—unsparing rage once more

'

Shall float the field of

'

Or peace more

'

As

war with mutual gore,

closely bind our

vows of

love,

wills the arbiter of battle, Jove.'

Thus they

the while Minerva onward came.

:

Like brave Laodocus her martial frame, Pass'd through the ranks, on search from band to band

Where

godlike Pandarus had fix'd his stand.

There famed Lycaon's son the goddess found

Amid The

his gallant host

host,

who

left

encompass'd round.

with him iEsepus' flood.

And with their orbed bucklers round him stood hear Illustrious warrior Then thus address'd :

—

—

'

Bend

to

my

'

counsel no reluctant ear

!

:

THE

112

ILIAD.

[book w.

unerrmg

'

Dar'st thou, brave chief, from thy

'

'Gainst Atreus' vaunting son thy death-shaft wing,

'

*

What What

glory thine from gifts

all

of Trojan race

string

!

of Paris would thy valour grace

!

measure of thy thoughts exceed,

'

Gifts that the

'

If

*

Yet, ere thou loose the dart, high heaven adore,

*

'

*

by thy might

his hated rival bleed.

And Phoebus, chief, the Lycian God, implore, And vow, when home return'd, thy firstlings slain, Thy hecatombs shall feed Zeleia's fane.'

Thus spake

And

persuasively the blue-eyed Maid,

thoughtless Pandarus her

Swift from

its

obey'd,

case drew forth his polish'd bow,

Form'd of the wanton

Whom

word

once, in

goat's broad-horned brow.

ambush

as the archer lay.

His shaft arrested on his mountain way.

And The

pierced beneath the breast, that bathed with gore

The

horns, that proudly turreted his head,

A

rock whereon he

fell,

to rise

no more.

wondrous growth of sixteen palms outspread

The bowman

Had

:

these, terrific to behold.

labour'd into shape, and tipp'd with gold.

That bow he

strung, and,

where he couchant

lay,

His warriors closed their shields before his way.

BOOK

THE

IV.]

Lest, unawares, a

ILIAD.

Greek should fonvard

Ere the wing'd

shaft reach'd

His quiver's

he

lid

113

.

raised,

start,

Menelaus' heart.

an arrow chose.

Fresh-fledged, and pregnant with severest woes.

Then His

fix'd it

on the cord, and loudly vow'd

flock's choice firstlings to the

Whene'er, from

Archer God,

Ilion's wall return'd again.

His voice once more should hail Zeleia's fane.

Now, with

the cord at once, he backward drew

The notch

that quiver'd ere the an'ow flew,

Strain'd to his breast the string, and, ere to part,

Poised on the

And when

bow

the steel that barb'd the dart

the horns,

now

near and nearer strain'd.

With

all his

Shrill

twang'd the bow, the cord, with quivering sound,

strength, an ampler arch

had

gain'd.

Whizz'd, and the shaft flew eager for the wound.

But

not,

Menelaus, at that hour

The Gods from Thee

thee withdrew their guardian power

Pallas saved,

Check'd the

and on

fell shaft,

its

path of flame

and turn'd aside

aim.

its

Far as a mother drives the winged pest.

That

ceaseless hovers o'er her babe at rest

Then on

Where VOL.

the belt's gold clasps

o'er his breast the I.

its flight

incHned,

hauberk doubly I

join'd.

THE

114

There

But

fell

ILIAD.

[book

the weapon, yet not there to stay.

thro' the belt

Then onward,

and hauberk wing'd

its

way.

piercing thro' the quilted vest.

That fenced 'mid arrowy shoAvers the hero's

breast.

Light raised the surface of his flesh, and drew

The dark

blood, issuing where the

As when a Carian,

To deck

a steed, in

weapon

flew.

or Maeonian maid.

all his

pomp

array'd.

Stains her pure ivory with purpureal dye.

And Tho'

guards her treasure from the public eye oft

by many a

;

chieftain sought in vain.

may alone that rare possession gain. Whose value gives the steed augmented grace. And adds new glory to the royal race Kings

Thus, the fresh blood, warm-issuing from the vein.

Tinged Menelaus' limbs with crimson

Deep horror

stain.

seized Atrides, as the blood

Before him, from his brother, freshly flow'd

Nor could Till

that brother free his soul from fear.

from the wound he \iew'd the barb appear,

Then, warmly clasping

Thus spake

Atrides

'

his fi-aternal

mid

his

hand.

mournful band

iv

BOOK '

THE

IV.]

Has

ILIAD.

then, loved brother

'

Thus doom'd thy death on

'

Thou, singly arm'd,

sole

115

has the oath

!

I

swore

IHon's fatal shore

?

combatant of Greece,

'

'Gainst hosts who break their oaths, and wound in peace ?

*

But not the league, the vow,

*

'

Hand What

libation, vain,

pledged to hand, and blood of victims slain tho' the

god may yet the blow delay,

*

The

*

One sweep

of vengeance shall at once destroy

'

Them, and

their wives,

*

The hour

will

'

The work

of vengeance, signal as the crime

'

O'er Ilion hangs the inevitable doom,

*

The king and

'

Behold

*

Jove, in the terror of his might, alone,

*

The o'ershadowing Mg\^

shake, and shower in

*

On

consuming

*

Yet

*

If thou, in death,

loved brother, here repose,

And I, to Argos' The galling yoke

throne return'd again,

'

*

swift-wing'd bolt but waits the appointed day

I

and

the race of Troy

come, the exterminating time,

nation glut one

common

tomb.

not on heaven's Olympian throne

that perfidious realm,

my

all

heart bleeds,

*

Home

*

The

*

Here we,

*

And round

fire ?

here thy life-day close,

of infamy sustain.

on each heart

tear that

if

ire,

weeps

perforce,

will

rush \^ith thy decease,

for thee will fall in Greece.

must Argive Helen

leave,

the brow of Priam glory weave.

6

THE

ILIAD.

[book

And, war unclosed, unrecompensed our

'

iv.

toil,

Thy bones must moulder in this hostile soil. Some Trojan then, in insolence of pride,

*

*

*

Will leap upon thy tomb, and thus deride,

'

So may Atrides

'

So, as in Troy, his high-raised hopes expire,

*

Who

*

With empty

'

*

Oh And

arm'd

all

satiate all his ire,

Greece, but back to

ships,

and leave a brother

ere that hour, thou. Earth

!

in thy

'

!

depth entomb me, yet

His brother answer'd *

sail

:

'

Thy

again, slain.

beneath

me

rive

alive.'

brave heart resume,

Nor cloud thy host with fear's o'ershadowing gloom. Slight is the wound the ineffectual dart :

'

Has sped

*

The

'

Have

nor reach'd a

in vain,

vital part.

zone, the hauberk, and steel-band beneath, turn'd aside the

Atrides answer'd

:

'

Be

arm it

of instant death.'

as thy

word

;

*

Not, not from thee such solace vainly heard

'

Yet

*

And

—not the

He

less,

the leech thy blood shall stay,

spread the balm that steals the pang away.'

spake, and straight Talthybius thus address'd

'

Haste, herald

*

Haste, and here bring Machaon, leech renown'd,

*

Bring iEsculapius' son to search the wound.

!

speed thee at thy king^s behest.

:

BOOK

THE

IV.]

ILIAD.

117

-

'

'Tis Hellas' leader bleeds beneath the dart,

'

Wiiig'd by a Trojan's

*

Renown

'

Speed, speed

He

skill,

or Lycian's art

to Troy, to Greece unsolaced grief:

spake

:

:

'tis

Menelaus seeks

relief.'

nor him Talthybius disobey 'd,

Explored around, and rank by rank survey'd

And

found Machaon 'mid the shield-arm'd host.

That

'

follow'd their brave chief

Haste, Asclepiades,'

—the herald

Haste, where the king of

'

Calls thee to view, where,

'

Wing'd by a Trojan's

'

Renown

*

His brother, Menelaus, seeks

thy aid,

wounded by a

skill,

coast.

said,

men demands

*

He

from Tricca's

dart,

or Lycian's art,

to Troy, to Greece unsolaced grief,

spake

:

the

relief.'

word Machaon's

Onward they sped

spirit

wrung

the Achaean ranks among.

And found the chief, where, mourning o'er The leaders of the battle girt him round

his

:

Firm stood the hero, while

JVIachaon's art

Thro' the embroider'd belt drew forth the dart.

And, ever as he drew

The

shaft's

it,

watch'd to guide

keen barb, and turn the edge aside

wound,

THE

118 Unclasp'd the

Wrought by

belt,

nice

And when he saw

and

skill,

ILIAD.

[book

iv.

and unroU'd

corselet,

the linen's plaited fold

the wound, where pierced the dart,

Suck'd out the blood, that settled on the part.

And

spread the balm, of power from death to save.

Balm

that wise Chiron to his father gave.

While thus they watch'd the

chief, war's threat'ning

sound

Rose from the Trojans, arming

all

around

Greece, at the clash, resumed the lance and shield.

And mail'd her warriors for the battle-field. Thou hadst not then beheld averse to fight *

Atrides lingering to put forth his might,

But onward rushing with unwonted speed.

To

range the warriors, and the army lead.

The

chief disdain'd to

mount

his

brazen car,

Disdain'd his coursers, panting wild for war.

But gave

Born of Yet

their

Pyi'aus, bold

strictly

swift

Eurymedon

charged to keep

Lest the long

Now,

guard to Ptolemaeus' son,

on

toil his

:

in sight his

way.

wearied step delay.

foot, the

monarch

pass'd along.

And rank by rank array'd the armed throng. And where he view'd a warrior void of fear. Thus added vigour

to his wing'd career

BOOK '

THE

IV.]

Rouse

all

your

'

Deem

'

They who

'

Shall feast the

*

While

fire,

not that Jove

ILIAD.

be

all

119

'

your might

will fraud

display'd,

and perjury

aid.

broke the oaths they loudly swore,

first

"soiltures

dabbling in their gore,

their loved wives,

and speechless babes, our

slaves, '

With

Ilion's

Whom,

plunder, freight the Grecian waves.'

backward

lingering, stern Atrides view'd.

His bitter indignation thus pursued

doom'd

arrowy death, why hnger here,

'

Slaves

*

Why chain'd

'

Why,

*

Droops,

*

Pants on the spot, with faint and fainter breath,

'

Why

'

What

'

Bathe 'mid her

'

Hope

'

And

!

to earth

by ignominious

like the fawn, that all

fear

?

wearied with the chase,

unable to renew the race,

tremble thus, by fear self-doom'd to death !

—wait you

you, thus

here,

fleet

till

with Hellas' blood the cpust

vile, celestial aid to

in review, intent

move,

arm

of Jove

on praise and blame,

Crete's brave bands the son of Atreus

came

There, in the van, Idomeneus survey'd.

While brave Meriones the rear

The king Thus

?

Troy's insulting host

win, to shield your fear, the

Thus,

To

to

array'd.

of men, exulting at the sight,

hail'd the leader,

burning for the

fight.

V

?

THE

120

ILIAD.

Thee, brave Idomeneus, of

'

'

Thy monarch,

'

Nor

less in

'

The

chieftains claim the

'

Then, while the others share

'

Thou

*

The

*

Speed

*

banquet,

battle

— onward

Thou,

Trust on

*

I,

:

honorary

released,

feast.

their dole of wine,

my

still

this

war our aim

—the Cretan king

and

faith,

as of yore,

us,

my

—exhort the

in thy. friend confide,

promised pledge» sustain. rest

:

no more delay

and lead thyself the way

*

Urge

'

Lead on where death and ruin hover

'

The

race

who

From rank

On

first

their

o'er

solemn oaths forswore.'

to rank, where'er his charge enjoin'd.

pass'd the king, exultant in his

And now

replied

true to thee remain,

arm

instant war,

mine.

nor forget thy former fame.'

as of yore'

And with Go forth

'

honours most,

when from war

now demands

iv

our host,

drain'st a goblet measureless as

*

'

in the battle,

all

[book

mind

each Ajax arm'd for battle found,

'Mid clouds of warriors, thick'ning round and round.

As when a goatherd, from the mountain's brow. Beholds a cloud collecting from below. Roll o'er the ocean,

And

when

fierce

south-winds sweep,

dark as midnight tempest up the deep.

BOOK

THE

IV.]

ILIAD.

121

In shuddering horror, from the stonii-toss'd waves.

He

drives his flock beneath the o'erarching caves.

Such were the

Round

either

hosts,

who, bold

in youthful might.

Ajax throng'd, and claim'd the

Phalanx on phalanx black'ning, shield on

And

spear on spear, that bristled

all

the

fight

shield.

field.

Fired at the sight, the king his joy confess'd.

And '

spake the ardour that inflamed his breast.

urge you not

I

—

'tis

vain

—ye Argive lords

!

'

Vain to such

'

You, you, yourselves, ere yet your hosts engage,

'

Urge

'

Oh, that Minerva, and the Olympian

*

Would

their brave

'

Then

*

And

He

chieftains, spirit-stirring words.

bands more

in all hearts infuse

war

fierce the

to wage.

sire,

such quenchless

Priam's Pergamus would quickly

fire

!

fall,

the Greeks crush to dust her prostrate wall.'

pass'd

:

and, 'mid his chiefs encompass'd round.

In act to urge them on, hoar Nestor found

:

There Pelagon, Alastor, Chromius stood.

And

Bias' strength,

and Hosmon unsubdued.

Horse, chariots, charioteers, his van composed,

His

foot, war's sure defence, the

rear-ward closed

And, these between, the experienced

The

feeble-soul'd, compell'd

;

chieftain drove

by force to move.

THE

122 Each,

in his rank,

Check the

ILIAD.

[book

he bade the horsemen

fierce courser,

stay.

nor confuse the array

:

'

Let none, relying on his

'

Alone, before the

*

Let none, retreating fi'om his

*

To

'

Whoe'er, dismounted, mounts another

'

Let him, with spear portended, wage the war

*

Thus the brave race of yore,

^

Sack'd prostrate towns, and fame eternal gain'd.'

'

and might,

provoke the

fight

station, yield

Troy's proud host an unresisted field

Thus

And

rest,

skill

Nestor,

skill'd

thus the king of

Oh

!

that,

iv.

:

car, :

to battle train'd,

the war's whole charge to wield

men

his

joy

reveal'd,»

hoar Nestor, with thy matchless mind,

*

Were matchless strength, and power of hmb combined

'

But time, who weighs us down, on thee has

'

The burden

'

Would

*

And

He

cast

of long years foregone, and pass'd.

that another bow'd beneath that load,

in thy veins youth's fiery cuiTent glow'd

spoke

:

Gerenian Nestor thus replied

'

Fain would

'

Rise in

'

Fierce Ereuthahon bit the battle plain

my

I cast

:

the weight of years aside

strength, as

when beneath me !

!

!

slain,

BOOK '

Heaven

*

My

'

Yet

*

THE

IV.]

ILIAD.

yields not all at once

strength

now

fails

mingle — Yet —meed of age —

^fair

my

then

prime

beneath the load of time

v^^here

w^ill I

—

123

:

the chariots join,

to urge, to counsel,

*

While youth,

*

Hurls the wing'd lance, and turns the

mine

:

in confidence of youthful might, field to flight.'

He spoke Atrides on rejoicing went. And his proud step to bold Menestheus bent. :

Chief of famed Athens, nigh whose war-train'd race

The

wise Ulysses held his station'd place.

The Cephallenians stood

their lord around.

Stood, yet unheard the battle's distant sound.

Scarce foe had rush'd on foe, scarce yet in anns.

The Greek and Trojan They stood

expectant,

Another phalanx

first

swell'd the war's alarms till

in bold

'

;

;

advance

should whirl the lance.

Rush on the Trojans, and the

Thus they

:

—and thus

in

fight provoke.

wrath Atrides spoke

Thou, Peteus' son, and thou expert and gainful

in guiles,

'

Artificer of fraud

'

Why

*

Wait you while others lead

*

But, chiefly, you, in hardihood of might,

*

Should in the van-ward

wiles,

stand you here, appall'd to

first

:

?

— Why

this delay

war the way

provoke the

?

fight

?

THE

124

you hear

my

'

For

'

And

'

Then,

*

To

*

But now 'twould more

*

First to

first

ILIAD.

call,

delights you,

gorge at

—then

it

and drain the

will,

rejoice,

feasts.

glads your soul o'ei'flowdng bowl.

and

behold the warriors clash in

has scaped thy up

eyed replied

We

*

Thou, thou

*

When

'

The Father

of Telemachus withstand,

'

First in the

van of war, Troy's bravest band.

*

Rash was thy speech

stand aloof, as fearful of the fray

battle burns,

if

'

say

?

thus thy will incline,

and clashing squadrons

!

:

Why rashly

?

*

shalt view,

sight,

fight.'

:

What word

your

feast

He spake and brave Ulysses sternly The upbraiding king, and thus in wrath '

—Well-pleased

join,

the monarch

heard.

And *

still'd

word

Ulysses' wrath with soothing

Brave warrior

!

glory of Laertes line '

*

Nor

'

Thou

*

Thy

'

Alike our minds

*

These words, thus rashly

exhortation, nor reproof be thine need'st

them not

;

too well on

!

:

me

impress'd

noble nature, and confiding breast

—go

iv.

invited guests,

foremost share the honorary it

[book

forth,

—a future day

utter'd, shall

repay

BOOK

THE

IV.]

Gods now grant

'

And,

*

Such sounds,

if

He

the

spake

Where

:

*

ILIAD.

my

125

fervent prayer,

forgotten, vanish into

air.'

and thence departing, onward stepp'd

daring Dionied his station kept

The

chief

And

near him, Sthenehis, Capaneus' brood

Him, thus

amid

and chariots stood.

his steeds

at rest, the king, to

anger moved.

In bitterness of language sore reproved.

Why, Son of Tydeus trembhng, From proof of battle, scan the ranks *

'

!

'

Not Tydeus wont

'

But foremost met the

'

Such

'

Beheld him labouring 'mid the

'

Such

'

The

'

And,

'

New numbers

'

'

*

'

*

'

tlieir

I

here afar of war

?

to gaze, transfix'd with fear,

foe

when war drew

near.

report, wlio, witness of his might,

ne'er

saw him

toils

of fight.

—once, without a

host,

warrior pass'd to Lacedasmon's coast, as a guest, with Polynices came,

gathering to enforce his claim,

What time he leagued his congregated powers, To pitch their tents 'gainst Thebes bcleaguer'd towers. And fervently the chief implored our aid, And Argos hearken'd as the warrior pray'd But Jove forbade the God dire omens gave, '

:

Disastrous portents, that deterr'd the brave.

THE

12()

ILIAD.

*

They went, and onward march'd,

'

The reedy marshes

*

Thence the Achaean host the hero

'

And

*

He

*

Where

*

Nor,

*

The

[book till

cross their

sent,

Thebes on mission went.

went, and found their chieftains,

many

a stranger, and alone,

revel host, fear'd insolence

among and wrong

*

But challenged

*

So Pallas nerved

*

But, arm'd for vengeance,

'

In ambush couch'd on his returning way.

'

Two

*

That, Lycophontes, heir of Autophon.

*

In vain

'

*

*

a guest,

violent Eteocles spread the feast,

tlio'

all,

and

his

—they

;

with ease o'ercame,

all

arm, and

chieftains led, this,

:

steel'd his frame.

fifty

warriors lay,

Maeon, Haemon's son,

perish'd, all

beneath him

slain,

And none, save Maeon, saw their hearth again. Him Tydeus spared, obedient to the sign That spake to mortal man the will divine.

—

'

Such, Tydeus was

'

In speech superior, but less bold in war.'

He

spake

:

;

his son, far other far,

but Diomed no word replied.

Felt the king's deep reproof, and turn'd aside.

But not the son of Capaneus

The

way

of Asopus lay.

Tydeiis, lone, to

repress'd

rage swift-rising in his warrior-breast.

iv.

BOOK *

THE

IV.]

-

ILIAD.

Not what thou know'st, conceal

:

127

— our actions claim

'

Glory that

*

Thebes, her seven gates, and War-God's sacred wall

*

Fell,

'

On

*

Our

fathers, in their

'

Thy

rash, unjust comparison give o'er

'

Whate'er our

far transcends

when our

our father's fame.

force inferior urged their

fall.

heaven, and favouring Jove, our tnast relied,

Him

madness dared, and

father's fame,

stern Tydides eyed

:

'

Check thy bold speech, and

'

I

'

Pours his brave

*

Him

*

The Trojans

*

But

'

Enough

may

we

'

died.

:

challenge more.'

my

Cease, cease, to

my

counsel bend.

not blame the chief, whose high controul spirit in

each warrior's soul,

glory waits, his guerdon high reno^vn,

if

Greece :

Sprung

Troy o'erthrown

captured, and their fail,

—come

the blame on

him

shall

;

lie.

forth to conquer or to die.'

Thus spake Tydides

:

and from forth

his car

in his panoply, bright mail'd for war.

And

as his

The

bravest of the brave had fear'd that sound.

armour rung

his breast

around,

As when the west winds blow, waves

hea})'d

waves

Rush

friend,

to the sounding shore that widely raves.

on

THE

128

At

first

Then

[book

its

upon the strand with

huge

swell,

and on the

Dashes the foaming surge that

Of Greece

fore-land's

boils

below

:

flow'd ceaseless to the battle-plain.

chief his order gave, sound else, nor

Amid

that

moving multitude was heard

as their order'd ranks

Hound them

moved

word

;

stately on.

the radiance of their armour shone.

As homeward, when the milking hour

They

brow

train

Each

Flocks,

v.

reeling sweep.

Phalanx on phalanx, thus the martial

While

i

the billow rises o'er the deep,

bursts

Curves

ILIAD.

who by thousands

fill

recalls

the o'ercrowded

stalls.

loudly bleat, responsive to the sound

Of their impatient lambs,

that bleat around

:

Thus, from the Trojan army, widely spread Discordant clamours, from confusion bred

Not one the

:

shout, not one the language heard.

But nations many-tongued mix'd word with word. These Mars, those

Pallas, fired the

war

to wage.

Flight there, there Terror, there infuriate Rage,

And

Discord, sister of the

by

Borne

side

Who,

small at

God

of

side, conflicting in his car. first,

swells into size,

While yet on earth her forehead

And now

War,

and shrouds

in the clouds.

'mid either host contention spread.

Ranged through fed.

their ranks,

and on their death-groans

BOOK

THE

IV.]

ILIAD.

129

Host against host, now nearer and more near Corselet on corselet clatter'd, spear on spear,

Close and more close the bosses, shield on shield Clash'd,

And

and wide spread the thunder of the

field,

shouts and groans, the slayer and the slain

Mix'd, as the blood dark-gush'd along the plain.

As when the springs with wintry storms

Two

torrents dashing from the

Roar with

mountain brow.

conflicting floods, that rush

The rocky windings

o'erflow,

between

of the rent ravine.

Afar the shepherd, as the cataract raves.

Hears on the

cliff

the clashing of the waves

:

Thus, as the hosts rush'd onward, rang afar

The bray and thunder

of the storm of war.

Foremost, Antilochus, with Struck, mail'd in

all his

Proud Echepolus, who,

in daring

his brass spear,

provoked the

and pierced

fight.

his frontal bone.

the mail'd man, at once, beneath the

Fell, like

Him

might,

Grecian, through his casque's o'er-shadowing cone.

Drove

And

blow

arms, a Phrygian foe,

Stalk'd in the van-ward, and

The

fatal

wound

a turret, prostrate on the giOund.

prone on earth, fi'om famed Chalcodon bred.

King Elephenor, who the Abantes VOL.

I.

led,

THE

130 Grasp'd by his

ILIAD.

book

and backward slowly drew

feet,

From

the dense shower of darts, that round

With

fell

To But

intent,

^brief

the

toil

:

And

swift warrior

loosed his

Death

;

mid

career.

fierce the doubtful battle raged.

The Greeks and Each on

;

drove his thirsty spear.

spirit in its

more

O'er him,

Trojans, hand to hand, engaged.

his foe with wolfish fury flew.

call'd

on death, and warrior warrior slew.

Anthemion's hapless son next strew'd the plain.

At once by Telamonian Ajax Ill-fated

The

Him

youth

Simoisius

!

slain

;

the beautififl, the brave.

named

of Simois wave.

—when her parents from

their native Ide

Pass'd to their flocks, that fed on Simois' side,

Accompan'ing

their steps his

mother bore.

Him, hapless babe, on Simois' flowery

shore.

Ne'er shall he more that mother's love requite,

Her

hopes, her fears,

Fleet his

frail

Beneath the

all

centred in his sight.

bloom, cut off in vernal year.

fatal

Fierce Ajax saw

Smote

flew.

while yet the corse he drew.

His flank, unshielded, struck Agenor's view

There the

him

from the defenceless dead.

rend the armour, while the warrior bled

—

iv.]

Telamonian

him

spear.

in his bold advance.

his right breast with unresisted lance.

BOOK

THE

IV.]

LI AD.

131

Tliat onward, whizzing, thro' his shoulder pass'd,

And prone on

earth the youth expiring cast.

So

falls

By

waters welling from a marshy bed.

the smooth-rind poplar, largely fed

On whose high brow branch'd many a flowery When the keen axe had cut its stem away. The stem

that, wi'ought

Shapes the

fine curve,

Thus Hke the While Ajax Then, aim'd

beneath the subtle

steel.

and orbs the chariot wheel.

poplar, Simo'isius lay

fiercely stripp'd his

arms away.

at Ajax, as the hero pass'd.

Bold Antiphus his vengeful

Wide from

spray,

javelin cast

aim the erring weapon

its

But Leucus, dearest

flew.

to Ulysses slew.

Slew, as he dragg'd the corse, the corse again Fell as

Then

he

fell,

—while

the slayer on the

his eye-ball glared with living fire.

And vengeance madden'd

On

slain.

with insatiate

ire,

rush'd Ulysses, and in near advance

Poised, towering in his strength, his ponderous lance.

And gazed The

arovmd, while as the weapon sped.

Trojans, struck with terror, backward fled.

But not

in vain

Whizz'd, and

it

flew

:

Democoon

Hoar Priam's spurious

the fatal dart felt

son,

death's thrilling smart.

who

left his steeds,

Tlie matchless mares, that iamed

Abydus

breeds.

THE

132

ILTAD.

[book

iv.

Full on his front the chief his javelin cast.

The

keen-barb'd point through either temple pass'd.

Death closed

Rang

his eyes,

lay.

armour's brazen bray.

o'er his fall his

The van

and where the warrior

of war, and Hector's self retired,

Greece dragg'd the dead, and rush'd, vdth victory Rush'd shouting, when far-heard from

Ilion's

fired,

height

Apollo's wrathful voice renew'd the fight

*

On, on, ye

strike

no rock, no iron

foe,

'

Your

'

Not now

*

Feeds sullen wrath, nor deigns to quit the

darts will pierce them,

and

their blood will flow

Achilles arms, but, 'mid his host

Thus spake

in wi'ath the

Tritonian Pallas

left

coast.'

God, while born of Jove,

the realm above,

Stalk'd thro' the Grecian ranks, confirm'd their might.

And urged Then

the lingerers to renew the fight.

fate Diores seized

Smote

his right leg,

Pirus Imbrasides,

:

a strong-whirl'd stone

and crush'd the ankle bone.

whose high command.

From tEuos

led to

Whirl'd that

resistless stone,

war the Thracian band, whose

fatal stroke

Slacken'd the tendons, and the ankle broke.

Prone

in the dust,

now

passing to the dead,

Diores to his friends his arms outspread

BOOK

THE

IV.]

ILIAD.

133

Pirus rush'd on, and ere his friends drew near.

Deep through Death His

his navel drove the ruthless spear.

while issuing thro' the

veil'd his eyes,

entrails gush'd,

and smoked along the ground.

But Pyrus, rushing on

in rash advance.

by the ^Etolian Thoas'

Fell

The weapon,

fatal lance

piercing thro' his mailed breast,

Fix'd in his lungs, sank quivering to

On

its rest.

rush'd the ^Etolian chieftain, o'er

And

wound

him

stood.

pluck'd the javelin forth, that reek'd with blood,

Then drew

his sword, and, as

he gasp'd for breath.

His belly gash'd, and hurl'd his soul to death

But

fail'd

to spoil, so thick the

Round him, with

spears portended, fix'd their stand.

Made mighty Thoas And,

girt

with

Thracian band

all his

to their

numbers

yield.

glory, quit the field.

Thus, corse by corse on earth throughout that day.

The Thracian

And wamors Fell

chieftain

stretch'd

and the Epeian

lay.

on warriors bled around.

where they fought, and bathed

witli

gore the

ground.

Ne'er had the chief,

Had

pass'd

who

then by Pallas led.

amid the dying and the dead.

THE

134

While

And

ILIAD.

flashing swords in vain before

[book

him gleam'd.

lanch'd in vain the iron tempest stream'd,

That well-fought combat blamed,

The Greek and Trojan

so thickly slain.

strow'd with death the plain.

iv.

THE FIFTH BOOK OF

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT

—

Diomed, by the aid of Minerva, defeats the Trojans. He wounds Venus and Mars with his lance, and with a fragment of a rock strikes yEneas to the ground Tlepoleuius slain by Sarpcdon. Mars, returning to Olympus, healed by Paeon, at the command of Jupiter.

—

—

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK Now

Pallas, kindling fierce Tydides' rage.

New-nerved

High

And

V.

his

ami, unequal war to wage.

o'er the chiefs, to glorify his

gain from

all

name.

pre-eminence of fame.

Her's was the flame, that from his burnish'd shield.

And

helm's proud crest illumined

all

the field

Bright as the autumnal star, whose brilHant rays

Shot from the ocean, more intensely blaze

Such the resplendence, whose

celestial

hght

Flash'd from his shield, and helmet's crested height.

When Where

Pallas to the

war her hero led

the press thicken'd, and the slaughter spread.

Of fair

To Troy,

possessions,

and unblemish'd fame.

a priest of Vulcan, Dares came.

THE

138

ILIAD.

His sons, Idaeus, Phegeus, Rush'd, and

These

fell

war

^^^^»^

battle-train'd,

'gainst

Diomed

sustain'd

Tydeus' son.

in their chariot drove, but

Confiding in his strength, stepp'd sternly on. First,

daring Phegeus, as the chief drew near,

Against him darted his long-shadowing spear.

But the sharp weapon, whizzing Innocuous

flew,

and

Not such Tydides'

o'er his

lance,

its

in the blast.

shoulder pass'd.

deadly

wound

Transfix'd his breast, and dash'd

him on the ground.

From

nor dared

his bright car Idaeus leapt,

AVheel round the corse, nor from the spoiler guard.

Nor death had

'scaped, but wrapt in

Vulcan withdrew him from Tydides'

gloom of night sight.

Lest of both sons bereft, blow heap'd on blow.

Should plunge his aged priest in hopeless woe

Then bold Tydides bade

The captured

his warriors lead

coursers fiOm the blood-stain'd mead.

But when the Trojans Dares' sons beheld. This stretch'd on earth, and that by fear

Dread

fell

on

all

:

Grasp'd the stern

'

*

Mars

!

repell'd.

the while the blue-eyed

War

God's arm, and swiftly said

grim with blood. Mars,

Leave we yon hosts,

Maid

let

fell

destroyer, hear

spear encounter spear,

BOOK *

THE

v.]

139

*

Jove, or to Troy, or Greece, the glory give,

Shun we

'

ILIAD.

his wrath,

nor

\vith

She spake, and from the

And

peaceful placed

Then from

And

fight the

strive.'

War-God

led,

him on Scamander's bed.

the Greeks the Trojan van withdrew.

each Achajan chief a warrior slew.

Foremost the king of men

And

the Thunderer

his javelin whirl'd.

fi-om his car the bulk of

Struck as he turn'd to

fly

Hodius hurl'd

the forceful spear

:

His spine dividing, staid his

fleet career,

Prone, dead at once he

and

Rang

his brass

armour

:

fell,

as he

far

around

smote the ground.

Next, Borus' son, from Tarne's

Brave Phaestus, by Idomeneus was

fertile plain.

slain

:

Thro' his right shoulder his long lance afar Transfix'd him, labouring to remount his car

He

fell,

and while

The Cretan

Now

his corse yet bleeding lay,

followers stripp'd his

arms away.

Menelaus pierced with sharp-edged dart

Scamandrius, versed in

Him Dian

all

the hunter's

art.

taught to slay the sylvan brood,

All that or range the mount, or haunt the

wood

THE

140

ILIAD.

[book v

But not Diana's power the chief avail'd.

And

all

the cunning of the hunter

While yet he

On

fled,

thro' his breast

the lance Atrides cast

between each shoulder pass'd

Prone, dead at once, he

And

Whose

Him His

each artful craft divinely knew.

sire

Pallas loved,

to himself

For not the

To

gallant

navy wi'ought.

to the Spartan shore.

and Troy destruction bore.

artist's skill

turn back

Him as he And in his

and by the Goddess taught.

hand the

That wafted Paris

And

upon the wound.

Meriones Phereclus slew.

fierce

skilful

fell

rang his brazen arms around.

shrilly

Next,

fail'd.

possess'd the

fate's inevitable

fled

power

hour.

Meriones pursued.

blood his winged lance embrued

Behind, beneath the bone, the

fatal

blow

Smote, nigh the bladder, the defenceless Fall'n

The

on

his knee, loud-groaning as

spirit

;

he

foe.

lay.

of the warrior pass'd away.

Meges, Antenor's son, Pedaeus slew.

Who Yet

from unhallow'd love existence drew

—with her

:

children, him, alike endear d.

:

BOOK

To

THE

v.]

gratify her lord,

Phylides urged his

Drove

Theano

flight,

Ml

ILIAD. rear'd.

and rushing near,

in his scull the penetrating spear.

Strait thro' the

tongue and teeth

And grinding the

it

cut

its

way.

cold brass, the warrior pass'd iiOm day.

Eurypylus divine Hypsenor slew.

Who

his

proud hneage from Dolopion

di'ew.

Priest of Scamander, to his realm endear'd.

And

scarcely less than

God by

Him, while he tum'd, and Evsemon's son, arrested

His shoulder

stiTick,

all

revered

fled before his sight,

in his flight.

and with impatient sword

Smote

off the powerless hand, that fail'd

Down

dropp'd the hand, the

warm

its

lord

:

blood bathed the

ground.

And

death's dark

Thus

Thou

shadow wrapp'd the chief around.

as they raged,

ne'er hadst

and host immix'd with

known which

host.

claim'd Tydides most.

'Mid Troy and Greece, 'mid dying and the dead. His fury was a flood, that bursts "Whirls

down each

bridge,

its

bed,

and strows with sweepy force

Dikes, mounds, and buttresses, that cross

its

course.

And

swoln with burden of the autumnal rains.

The

purple harvests wastes, and golden plains.

THE

142

ILIAD.

[book

Thus, by the power of Tydeus' son o'erthrown.

Phalanx on phalanx

from him alone.

fled

Him as keen Pandaiais from afar beheld. And from his onset ranks on ranks repell'd, Lycaon's son, preventive of the foe, Strain'd his tough cord,

Smote

and with

his right shoulder,

The hollow On,

and arch'd the

elastic

forceful stroke

of his armour bruised and broke

:

thro' the flesh, the arrow, quivering, stood.

And

stain'd the

hauberk with polluting blood.

Loud shouted Pandarus,

'

On, Trojans, on,

deem

'

Lash your

*

The

*

Nor can my

'

Or,

'

Vain was the summons of the Archer God.'

swift coursers,

shaft's

when from

flies

the plain,

keen anguish long sustain,

Lycia's realm I proudly trod,

boaster spake

Drain'd the

the battle won.

now wounded,

bravest Greek,

The The

bow.

warm

:

but not his piercing dart

current of Tydides heart.

chief, retreating

'

from the van of war.

Before his courser stood, and battle-car.

And Sthenelus address'd ' Draw forth the shaft, and :

'

Haste, faithful friend, to

my

aid descend.'

BOOK

THE

v.]

ILIAD.

143

Swift Sthenelus leapt down, his IcMiient art

Drew from

And

as

wound

the

he drew

it

the penetrating dart.

forth, the vital flood

Gush'd from the womid, and

Then Diomed

exclaim' d,

*

stain'd his mail with blood.

Hear, Jove-boni maid thy

*

If,

or the

'

If,

'mid the biu'ning

'

I fearless rush'd,

*

Bring to

*

Fix him within the hmiing of this spear,

'

Him, whose wing'd arrow smote me, and whose boast

*

Dooms me,

sire,

my

or son, ere

battle, in

'

'

*

to flight,

vengeance, bring that vamiter near,

ere dead, to Pluto's unsunn'd coast.'

pray'd,

Minerva heard.

consenting to his word,

Lighten'd his limbs, thro'

*

aid,

thy might

and turn'd a host

He spake, and as he And flew from heaven, And

felt

all

fresh force inspired.

standing near him, thus the hero fired

Go, Diomed, confiding

in thy might,

Rush on the Trojans, and renew the

Go Go

fight

in celestial strength, go, heir of fame, in the glory of

thy father's name,

*

Go, while the darkness from thy sight

'

That thou

'

Then,

'

Not with

if

alike

both

God and man

I

discern.

a Deity thy course oppose, a

God

turn,

in daring conflict close.

THE

144 *

Save

—

'Rush

if

ILIAD.

[book

v.

thou view Jove's beauteous child appear,

on, and 'gainst that goddess lanch thy spear/

She spake, and vanish'd

on Tydides flew

:

In van of war the slaughter to renew.

Burn'd he before for battle

Flamed Like a

in

each nerve, that quiver'd to engage.

fell lion,

While leaping

whom

from

The shepherd

The

fall

flies,

has

gall'd,

not

slain,

fresh force, while, scared away.

and leaves

his flock a

on slaughter'd heaps,

lion leaps the fold,

Thus, 'mid the Trojans,

And

far the swain.

o'er the fence,

Dravs from the wound

Heaps

tenfold rage

?

till

prey

gorged with food

and seeks the wood fierce

Tydides flew.

brave Astynous, and Hypenor slew

This, by his lance transfix'd, in lethal rest Fell

on the

And

that,

plain, the

weapon

in his breast,

beneath the falchion's deadly wound.

Severing his shoulder, bit in death the ground.

These, there he

left

Bold Polyidus, and

:

and, with fresh vigour fraught.

fierce

Abas sought.

Sons of Eurydamas, whose hallow'd age

Could mystic di'eams, and

fates to

come

presage.

BOOK

THE

v.]

But when

ILIAD.

his sons in battle

met

\ii

their

doom.

No vision warn'd them of the untimely tomb. Them the fierce conqueror spoil'd, then onward Where Xanthus and

brave

Thoon caught

Both Phasnops' sons, who knew no other

flew

his ^^ew, heir.

His wearied age to prop, or treasure share.

Tydides slew them, and to Phaenops

left

Unsolaced misery, of both sons bereft

The

father's

And

aliens share his

arm

shall clasp a

son no more.

unbequeathed

Echemon, Chromius,

in

store.

one battle car

Both, sons of Dardan Priam, rush'd to war,

Tydides seized them

Leaps a

fierce lion

And where

:

and, as

\vild for food.

'mid the horned brood.

the bulls and heifers graze around.

wth

Breaks their tough neck, and crushes

the boiuid,

Thus, both the brothers, at Tydides' blow,

HmTd from

their chariot,

Their arms the conqueror

fell

in dust below.

spoil'd,

and bade

his train

Seize their swift steeds, and at the fleet detain.

Him Rank

as Anchises' son beheld

after

VOL.

I.

from

far

rank low-levelhng the war, L

THE

146

The Trojan

And And

ILIAD.

[book v

rush'd 'mid spears that cut the wind.

clashing swords, Lycaon's son to find.

haply found at length, aloud exclaim'd,

and loudly famed,

—

*

Where, godlike Pandarus,

*

Where Pandarus now thy bow,

*

The

*

The vaunt

'

No — nor

in Lycia's

'

Go,

thy hands in prayer, high Jove invoke,

*

Then wing thy

*

Yon

matchless hero, whose o'erpowering might

*

Has

slain

*

But

if

'

Cease, nor with gods be fruitless battle waged.'

*

raise

that none in

our

thy winged dart,

Troy might proudly

realm with thee compare

dare, ?

then pierce with deadly stroke

shaft,

chiefs,

and turn'd our host to

flight

some god there wars, with Troy enraged,

iEneas'

—thus Lycaon's son

Thou

'

Fierce Diomed,

'

I

*

Such

'

*

unrivall'd glory of the archer's art,

*

'

far

,

replied

leader of the Trojans, prince, and guide,

know

I

deem, there wastes the

field,

his helm's high crest, his radiant shield

his fierce coursers, such his flaming car

—or a god arms— on the war. But— from Tydeus son our hosts He

leads

in

if

retire,

'

'

Powers more than mortal feed

'

Some god

'

Stands nigh, and

his quenchless fire.

in dark impenetrable night gifts

him with supernal might

BOOK

THE

v.]

The god who

'

'

I fondly

'

When my And

'

the

ILIAD.

turn'd aside the death-wing'd dart,

hoped had centred

in his heart.

keen weapon thro'

warm

life-blood

his corselet flew,

from his shoulder drew,

deem'd him hurl'd to an untimely tomb In vain. A god there deals in wrath our doom. I

'

'

No No

'

'

war-train'd coursers here

ready chariot waits

will attend,

ascend

I

till

my

'

Yet mine, beneath

'

Ten

'

Graced with

'

Two

'

Oft 'neath his stately palace roof,

'

By

'

'

*

117

cars, all

my

sire's,

newly framed, rich coverings,

:

Lycaon's roof,

all battle-proof,

and

at every car

grain-fed steeds, full pamper'd, neigh for war.

strong

commands enforced

his

my

sire

deep desire

Bade me, borne on exultant in my car, Lash my wing'd steeds, and lead the Trojan war. that his counsel, o'er and o'er renew'd, !

'

Lycaon's son had ceaselessly pursued

'

I disobey'd,

'

Would

'

On

'

Dared on

fail

and

fear'd their

in Ilion Lycia's

foot I march'd,

my

and

bow, now

wonted food

pamper'd brood.

in o'erweening pride faithless found, confide.

'

'Gainst Menelaus' strength, Tydides' force,

'

I

'

The unerring weapon drank

'

Yet—the weak

wing'd

my

arrow's well-directed course, their genuine i^orc,

flesh-wound but aroused them more.

THE

148

ILIAD.

hour regretful

[book

'

That

'

That loosed

*

When

*

At Hector's summons, the leagued

*

But

*

I

*

'

ill-starr'd

here

— oh—

my bow

I recall,

my

paternal hall,

march'd, exultant to destroy,

I

if

from

ere return

foes of Troy.

d from Ihon

s

plain

my realm, proud dome, and bride again, Low lay my head beneath the hostile blow, If fail this hand to break my treacherous bow, view

'

And

'

This witness of

'mid the blazing flame,

toss in fragments

my

frenzy, pride

and shame.'

ii^neas then the impatient youth address' d '

Be

'

Against yon chief, in fury of his course,

'

First with

my

'

No more

delay

'

Prove what our Trojan steeds,

*

'

'

'

'

v.

:

yet awhile thy rash resolve suppre^s'd,

How Now

swift to

here,

fiery steeds essay his force.

—speed, speed, ascend my

range the

now

field,

how

car,

train'd to war,

and to and

fro,

there, pursue, or fly the foe.

To Troy they bear us, if Saturnius yield To Tydeus' son the glory of the field. Haste

—

seize the scourge

—the embroider'd

reins re-

ceive, '

To

'

Mine

'

Thine be the lance, to guide the coursers mine.'

thee the coursers, and the car to confront

him

:

—

or, if

I leave.

thou

incline,

THE

v.]

*

Thine'

— Pandarus answer'd

'

And wheel

*

For

'

If forced to fly,

'

Guide

'

149

thine to guide the car

the coursers 'mid the ranks of war,

wonted

swifter,

:

ILIAD.

—

to thy

flight,

we shun Tydides' might.

thy steeds,

lest

hand, their

should war's loud shouts

appal, '

Stray, vainly wistful of their master's call

'

Lest both beneath Tydides

*

*

'

'

onset bleed,

And his the chariot, and each captured steed. Be thine the charge to urge their wing'd career, Mine

to confront the chief,

Thus they

:

and lanch the

and each ascendant

spear.'

in the car

Against Tydides drove the storm of war.

Beneath their lash the

When

'

fiery coursers flamed.

Sthenelus descried, and thus exclami'd

Friend, loved as

life,

two

*

Now

*

This

'

Vaunts

'

That

'

His glorious lineage from

'

Retreat

*

Nor, in the van, at

chiefs of bomidless

might

in fierce onset challenge thee to fight

— Pandarus,

archery-skill'd, whose boastful

his high birth

tongue

from great Lycaon sprung

—the renown'd ^neas, proud

celestial race.

—the car ascend— life's

to trace

restrain thy rage,

dread

risk, engage.'

THE

150

Him Tydeus

'

ILIAD.

[book

son rebuked with stern reply

the word that counsels

me

*

Vain

*

I

*

Yet glows within

*

I will

'

I

*

If one, perchance, escape, both, wing'd

*

Shall ne'er elude the vengeance of

*

But

*

Both by

'

I

*

And on

'

But

'

To

*

These are the coursers, from that heavenly breed

'

Jove gave to Tros, for ravish'd Ganymede

*

No

*

Yon

*

Anchises' pregnant mares in stol'n embrace,

*

Foal'd from Laomedon's ethereal race

*

Six far-famed coursers thence w^ere born and bred,

*

is

was not born

not

for fear, for

mount

my hmbs :

my

I

in flight,

unwearied might. '

charge thee

lance

war

to fly

on foot by Pallas aid

dare yon chiefs, and front

—thou—

v.

them undismay'd.

—

if

now meet

by

my

by

fear,

spear.

Pallas'

power

their fated hour,

charge thee, here our battle-steeds detain, the car suspend the idle rein

seize ^Eneas' steeds,

and forced away,

Grecia's host the boast of

brood of earth, but

Troy convey.

far o'er passing all

golden sun beholds at

rise or fall.

Four

in his royal stables richly fed

*

Two,

train'd for war, the

*

Seize thou that spoil

—

:

king iilneas gave

so glorify the brave.'

While yet they spoke, the steeds rush'd And,

fiercely on.

scornful, thus exclaim'd Lycaon's son.

BOOK '

'

THE

v.]

ILIAD.

151

-

fight, Stern Tydeus' son, inflexible in

In vain

pierced thee with

I

my

arrowy

flight,

And deem'd my shaft had staid thy fierce career Now prove how death directs Lycaon's spear.'—

'

*

Then

And And

lanch'd

it,

vibrating, against his foe.

the blow pierced the shield, that rmig beneath as

it

breast, struck the mail, that fenced his

Thus with '

Thy

*

Defrauds

insulting shout his joy express'd

flank has felt

Him,

;

me

my

force,

:

nor long thy breath

of the fame that waits thy death.'

stern Tydides answered

undismay

d,

hope betray'd. Cease, thou hast err'd, by vaunting no more shall turn to flight the car

'

But—both

.

'

One, one

shall sate with

blood the

Tydides spake, and with

God

of War.'

resistless strength

length. Hurl'd on his front his spear's far-shadowing

by Pallas guided on its flight. of sight, Pierced thro' his nostrils and the orb

The

shaft,

his teeth, Sever'd his tongue, and, shattering out the chin beneath till the point beam'd

Pass'd,

;

wide around Prone from the car dropp'd Pandarus on the giOund, his bright armour, clanging :

Rang Back

rear'd the steeds;

Flow'd through the

and where the warrior lay

wound

his strength

and soul away

THE

152

Down

leapt

^,

ILIAD.

^neas, arm'd with

and lance.

shield

That none

to spoil the

Raged

a lion with tremendous sound

dead might dare advance] And, traversing the body round and round. like

And

with portended shield and stretch of spear. Sure death denounced to all who dared draw near. Tydides saw, and heaved a rock

Such

as not

from earth. two of our degenerate birth

Could, striving, raise

Swung,

And

as he lifted

hurl'd

but his strong arm alone up the enormous stone. :

on his hip, where rolls the thigh In the smooth socket's guardian cavity. It crush'd the socket, and each tendon it

brokp

Pierced the soft flesh, and rent with rugged ^neas on his knee, intensely pain'd.

s'troke.

Sank, and with wide-spread hand his weight sustain'd His eyes darkness swam, and instant death

m

Had closed—for But Venus, who,

Had

borne

ever closed—his failing breath. in Ida's pasturing gi-ove.

^neas

to Anchises' love,

Clasp'd with maternal arm, and closely Her mantle's snowy fold her son

wound

around

Celestial woof! of

power from earth

:

to hide.

And

turn the darts, that thickly shower'd, aside. Keen Sthenelus, impatient at the view, lAIark'd, as

the goddess from the fight withdrew.

BOOK

THE

v.]

ILTAD.

153

And, mindful of Tydides, downward

spioing.

And on his vacant seat the reins uphung, And seized Eneas' steeds, whose sweepy mane, Toss'd in their terror, stream'd along the plain

And to his comrade, whose congenial mind He honom''d most, Deipylus, assign'd ;

On

charge to guide from Troy, and 'mid their host

Guard where the Grecian navy hned the

Then on

his car ascending,

Where Tydeus son '

Chased her

And

No

coast

onward sped.

pursued, as Venus fled

unskill'd in

swell the tumult,

:

arms the war to wage.

when

stern Bellona, nor of

fierce hosts engage.

power

to wield.

Like Jove-born Pallas, mail'd, the i^gis'

shield.

But when Tydides, 'mid the armed throng.

Now

reach'd the Goddess, speeding swift along.

He forward sprung, and, in his fierce career. Wounded her tender hand with ruthless spear Pierced the ambrosial veil the Graces wove. Phased her soft palm, nor spared the

Queen

of Love.

Forth from the flesh immortal blood-drops flow'd.

The

ichor issuing from a

wounded god.

No

earthly wine supplies celestial veins

No

earthly food celestial strength sustains

Hence

Nor

theirs

life

no mortal blood, no mortal breath.

that yields to age, disease,

and death.

'

THE

154

[bookv.

ILIAD.

The Goddess from her arms Mneas

threw,

withdrew. And, loudly shrieking, from the throng in dense clouds, with

But Phoebus,

from the

fainting Trojan

The

Tliat not a weapon,

midnight fraught.

battle brought,

where the immortal

trod.

of God. Should wound the warrior in the arms

Venus fled; Speed!' Diomed exclaim'd, as blood-stain'd bed! Speed in thy terror from war's '

'

for thee thy

'

Enough

*

Wiles that weak

*

Fly

lest

!

He

women and

fond

to

soft hp,

spake

;

while

name «with shame.'

and dye thy cheek

Iris,

weave

girls deceive.

the whisper of war's hateful

Blanch thy

'

frauds— enough

as the goddess pass'd,

Swift led her on, with pain

and woe

o'ercast.

hand it tore. Grieved that the weapon, as her Hvid gore. stain'd her ivory flesh with

Had

remote from fight. They went, and found where Mars,

Had

veil'd his lance

and steeds

in viewless night.

queen implored There, at his knee, the supphant the His gold-rein'd coursers from

'

'

Soothe thou

Give

me

my woe, loved

battle's lord.

brother

!

aid

my

flight

Olympian height. thy steeds to gain the

BOOK

THE

v.]

*

Behold

'

Who

wound

this

155

— Tydides dealt the blow,

Jove would combat, foe with

fain with

She spake

:

ILIAD.

nor Mars her fervent prayer denied

:

Swift Iris seized the reins, in act to guide

Beneath her lash the

And And

Iris stay'd

largely gave

:

willing coursers flew.

the pale Goddess to

There

foe.'

Olympus drew.

the car, unyoked each steed.

them heaven's ambrosial feed

:

But, at_her knee, before Dione's throne.

The

plaintive

While fondly

Goddess made her anguish known clasp'd to her maternal breast.

She soothed her with

*

What god

soft

hand, and thus address'd

has wrought this deed

?

Who,

:-

nuich-

loved child, '

Wrong'd thee

'

as

one with open

Behold,' the laughter-loving

guilt defiled

Queen

?'

replied,

*

This wound inflicted by Tydides pride,

*

When, from

'

This arm

*

Not Greece and Troy contend

*

The Grecians

'

the warring hosts, deep-bathed in gore,

—a mother's arm —/Eneas :

bore.

with frantic rage

with the immortals battle wage.'

THE

156 *

Wrong'd

ILIAD.

'

and learn

to yield to woe.

we each

'

The gods

*

Oft from mere mortals bitterest

*

Mars,

'

Felt Ephialtes' force,

*

Deep

*

Full thirteen

*

There Mars had sunk,

'

*

v.

as thou art, with patience bear the blow,'

Dione cried

themselves, while

gall'd

[book

by

woe

other grieve, receive.

ruthless chains, in evil hour,

and Otus' power

in the prison's brazen vault

moons

:

inhumed,

his failing strength in sunless

gloom

consumed. conceal'd,

Had not his step-dame to a god reveal'd, To Hermes told, who stole him from the tomb,

'

Gall'd with the chain,

and yielding to

'

So Juno

keen pangs oppress'd,

'

The Herculean

*

So

'

Pierced by that mortal, Jove's Herculean brood,

'

When,

*

His shaft transfix'd him with unsolaced pain.

*

Then,

'

In his dense shoulder show'd the buried dart

'

When

*

And

*

Rash, impious mortal

'

And aim

*

But, against thee, the blue-eyed maid of Jove

*

The

sufFer'd, "svith

his

doom.

shaft, thrice-barb'd, within

her breast.

Pluto's frame gigantic sunk subdued,

at the portal of hell's

shadowy

reign,

at Jove's throne, the god, in grief of heart,

Paeon's skill the assuasive balms applied,

heal'd the deity that death defied. !

who dared bend

his

bow,

against the gods the infuriate blow.

fiery chief to this fell

outrage drove

BOOK

THE

v.]

ILIAD.

157

who wars

with God,

*

Fool

'

Not long

'

Nor on

'

With the new name

'

Let, then, rash Tydeus' son, though vahant, dread

'

Lest one more valiant hurl him 'mid the dead

*

Lest iEgialea, wise Adrastus' child,

*

In trance of fear, mid nightly visions wild,

*

Her maidens

'

With fond

!

unconscious that

all

shall

hnger on his earth abode

knee a

his

:

lisping infant hear

of father

chann

his ear.

:

'

'

Him who

'

The

rouse, and, starting from her sleep,

regret her long-lost consort

first

weep

;

clasp'd her in her virgin charms,

glory of the Greeks, their

god

in arms.'

She spake, and cleansed the ichor from the

vein,

Heal'd her soft hand, and soothed the sense of pain

The

while Minerva and stern Juno view'd.

And

with keen taunts Satumian Jove pursued.

*

Will, then,' Minerva said,

*

The word

'

No

'

Some Argive maid

*

The goddess

*

And

I

'

Olympian

speak exasperate thy

Sire

ire ?

doubt, while Venus warmly sought to

move

to bless a Trojan's love,

stroked the virgin's cestus band,

rased with golden clasp her tender hand.'

THE

158

The

She spake. Soft smiled,

*

Not

ILIAD.

Sire of

[book

men and gods above

and thus address'd the Queen of Love

thine the charge of w^ar

:

in bridal bHss unite.

Heart join'd to heart

*

Let Mars and Pallas hostile armies lead,

'

Range the

and bid the

mail'd ranks,

:

vs^hile

:

avoid the fight

*

Thus they

v.

Tydeus' son,

battle bleed.'

glow'd,

v^^ho fiercer

Rush'd on ii^neas and the o'ershadowing god.

He

fear'd

no god

but on, in

;

mad

Sprung, resolute, to slay, and

strip

disdain.

the slain

:

Thrice onward sprung, to drag him from the

Thrice Phoebus

o'er

him shook

field

;

his blazing shield.

And with appalling shout his pride subdued. When, like a god, the chief the assault renew'd. *

Be warn'd, Tydides

'

Bold as thou

*

Not

^

Mingles

He

!

yield

art, thyself

;

nor rashly dare,

with gods compare

such, heaven's race, as thine, its frailty

spake

:

whose mortal

with the dust of earth.'

and, to avoid Apollo's

Tydides deign'd, though

ire,

loth, a step retire.

Meanwhile the archer-god yEneas bore.

Where

Ilion

wont

his deity adore.

:

birth

BOOK

THE

v.]

ILIAD.

Latona there, and Dian, soothed

And

159

his pain.

to his glory gave the chief again.

But Phoebus form'd a shade whose image bore

The shape and armour

^neas

that

wore.

Fresh slaughter round that semblance bathed the

And

corselets clatter'd,

Then Phoebus

and shield

spake.

'

Mars

clash'd

!

Mars

on

field.

shield.

God grimed

!

with blood *

Shall not that mortal yield,

'

Go, drive from war that

'

Would

'

From

'

On me, on me, He

by thee subdued

chief,

fain in battle front the

whose madd'ning Olympian

his fell lance the blood of

he rush'd

—

in

?

Venus

arms a

sire

ire

:

flow'd

:

god.'

spake, and sat on Ilion's topmost tower.

While Mars exhorting, ranged the Trojan pover,

Went arm'd hke Acamas, revived their rage. And urged the chiefs more fierce the war to wage. '

How

long, ye sons of Priam, chiefs of

Troy

'

Shall unresisted Greece your host destroy

'

Till the

'

Behold

'

The

'

On

chief, like

—

?

proud conquerors, round your sacred at Ihon's gate

shield

her warriors

wall,

fall.

Hector honour'd, now hes

^neas from

!

the spoiling

foe.'

low—

THE

IGO

He

spake

ILIAD.

—each bosom burn'd

Sarpedon thus great Hector's

[book v

and highly moved,

;

self

reproved

:

'

Where, Hector, now thy

*

Troy

'

Boast that thy kindred, and thyself alone,

'

Could guard without associates Priam's throne

*

I

'

At roaring of the

'

We

'

I,

'

From Lycia came, and when

'

Left

valour,

where thy boast,

to defend with Troy's unaided host

none perceive

:

sole remain.

who

like

?

dogs their fear and

?

flight,

lion ere in sight. I

bear the brunt of war,

here came, from Xanthus* flood afar,

my

I

march'd to Troy,

stored wealth, loved bride, and infant boy

my

Lycians urge, and challenge here

"

Yet thus

'

The

boldest of your foes to stand

*

Not

for myself I war, not

*

Wealth that a Greek can

*

But thou, thou

'

The

*

Beware, or soon by one vast drag-net swept,

'

Prey of your

*

You, and your Ihon

'

Thine, day and night, to think, to urge, to dare,

'

'

;

mine

my

spear.

in Troy,

covet, or destroy.

stand'st aloof

;

nor

dar'st excite,

warrior for his wife to front the fight.

And woo To cease

foes, at once, of all bereft,

the chiefs,

fall,

—forewarn'd, beware

who

their discord,

led their force from far,

and unite

in war.'

He spake and Hector, stung with And fired with ardour of heroic fame. :

:

sense of shame.

BOOK

THE

v.]

Equipp'd

in all his

ILIAD.-

161

arms, with thundering sound,

Leap'd from his battle-car, and shook the ground.

And brandishing his spears, as Troy withdrew. From rank to rank, reanimating flew. They

staid,

they turn'd, they rush'd in fierce career.

While Greece stood

As winds,

nor

fix'd in strength,

a fear.

felt

that sweep the consecrated floor,

Scatter the chaff" light-winnow'd o'er and o'er.

When

golden Ceres from the garner'd plain.

Parts in the breeze the husk and heavy grain.

And

whitens

all

the barn

;

thus thickly flew

Clouds of grey dust that hid the Greeks from view.

And upward

rolling reach'd the vault of

heaven

:

Horse, horsemen, chariots, back to battle driven.

Host clash'd on host

;

while, mail'd in

Guardian of Troy, Mars hid the war

And

all his

might.

in night.

traversing the ranks, where'er he strode

Achieved the bidding of the Delian god.

What

time he view'd, on watch from

Ilion's

tower,

Pallas withdraw from Greece her guardian power.

He view'd, and sent And pour'd thro' all

iEneas from his shrine. his limbs fresh force divine,

^neas join'd his host, and deep their joy. To view once more the strength and tower VOL.

I.

>i

of

Troy

THE

162

ILIAD.

[book

Alive amid the living, fix'd in heart.

And

wamor's

firm in strength to bear a

Y^t none inquired, so

part.

fierce the conflict raged.

So Phoebus shouted, and

all

Troy engaged.

And Mars himself in arms the warriors led. And discord thunder'd as the carnage spread. But either Ajax, and

And

Tydeus' son.

wise Ulysses urged the Grecians on

They needed

By

fierce

not, so firm their warriors stood.

Troy's rash force and clamour unsubdued

Still in their

strength, like clouds' that

Of heaven ascending

When

hills their

Jove keen Boreas

on the

burden

crest

rest.

and upbiilds

fetters,

In silent slumber the tumultuous winds

Winds

The

that, shrill-raging, scatter

clouds far

and

off,

clear the

where they blow mountain brow

Thus, motionless, when Troy's dense host appear'd,

Greece waited the

assault,

Then, traversing

nor

fled,

nor

fear'd.

his host, Atrides cried,

be bold,

—

each in

*

Warriors

'

That warrior

'

Feels his soul glow, and feeds the heroic flame

*

But they who

'

And

!

lives,

let

who,

all

confide.

at another's fame,

fly, in flight

no

safety find,

dying leave, in death, disgrace behind.'

:

BOOK

THE

v.]

He

spcake— and

ILIAD.

hiirl'd his

1(33

lance— not

But struck Deiocoon foremost

vain

its flight,

in the figlit.

Friend of .'Eneas, chief to Troy endear'd, And for brave deeds like Priam's sons revered.

The monarch smote

his shield's capacious round.

Thro' belt and buckler wing'd the fatal wound, His entrails pierced, and, as in death he lay.

him rang

Shrill o'er

his armour's brazen bray.

vEneas then two chiefs Chiefs

Their

who

their lineage

sire, far off,

illustrious slew.

from Diodes drew.

of richest wealth possess'd,

In beauteous structured Phera

Son of Alpheus, whose famed Its

fix'd his rest.

river leads

breadth of water thro' the Pylian meads

From O'er

:

him, Oi'silochus, whose sceptred hand

many

a dense-throng'd city held

Diodes next, from

command

:

\^'hom, of martial fame,

Orsilochus, and valiant Crethon came.

In youth's

fair

prime,

'

They, gallant warriors,

mid Grccia's gather'd host. sail'd to Ilion's coast.

Avenging the Atridfe,— sail'd They, join'd

As from

Where

in ^ain.

in death, lay breathless

their

mountain den,

in

on that

plain.

depth of wood,

the lone lioness had nursed her brood,

THE

164

Two

youthful lions,

Exterminate the Till,

ILIAD.

[book v

when keen famine

folds,

and waste the

calls,

stalls.

by the strength of man's collected power.

They

perish in bold youth's untimely hour

Thus, in their prime,

:

in beauty's loveliest day.

Like prostrate pines on earth, the brothers

lay.

Grieved Menelaus view'd, and onward strode, Brandish'd his spear, and in the van-ward glow'd

Mars urged him

The

on, that, madd'ning in his

chief beneath

^neas might

ire.

expire.

But, ere the warriors charged, brave Nestor's son

Flew from the ranks, and rush'd impatient on, Rush'd in his

Vain

The

all their toils,

chiefs

Front

fix'd

Not

their league of

on

front,

vengeance vain.

drew nearer and more near

to aid, at

Menelaus'

side.

of Nestor, Troy's brave chief defied.

then, tho' brave,

Nor such unequal war The

slain,'

meanwhile, each with protended spear.

Then, prompt

The son

Menelaus

fear, lest,

chiefs

^neas dared

remain.

alone sustain.

drew back the dead

unspoil'd,

and gave

Their train to bear them to a hero's grave

While they, themselves, Turn'd, and in war's

in

first

hardihood of might,

ranks renew'd the

fight.

BOOK

THE

v.]

ILIAD.

There slew Pylaemenes, who led

165

his host.

His shield-arm'd bands from Paphlagonia's coast.

Him,

And

as

he tower'd

erect, Atrides smote.

with resistless lance transfix'd his throat.

His charioteer next

Mydon

fell,

The

faithful

Him

fierce Antilochiis,

while tm-n'd fi'om war

sped his flying car.

wth

whirling stone.

Struck on the elbow joint, and ci*ush'd the bone.

From

his slack hand,

Loose

On

on earth

fell

unnerved by piercing pains.

his ivory-studded reins

:

rush'd Antilochus, with griding blade,

Deep-gash'd, and in his front the death-wound made.

Hurl'd headlong from his car, with labouring breath

Gasp'd the prone wretch, and gi'oan'd in pangs of death

There long

fix'd

upright stood, so deep the gi'ound.

So dense the bed of sand that closed him round out-stretch'd beneath his steeds

Stood,

till

When,

seized

by Nestor's son, he

lash'd

he

lay.

from Troy

their

vay.

Hector beheld those

chiefs his host

among.

And to confront them, loudly shouting, sprung On rush'd the Trojans, by his voice inspired. By Mars excited, and Bellona fired. Bellona round her spread war's

Mars poised his

fell

alarm.

spear's vast weight witli outstvetch'd arm.

THE

U)G

And

ILIAD.

[hook

where the hero onward strode.

ever,

Around him wheel'd

in

might the warrior god

E'en Diomed, astounded at the sight. First felt a fear,

and paused

in act to fight.

As when, unwares, a wanderer, onward

bent.

Views 'mid a champaign's measureless extent.

Where

a prone torrent with continuous sweep.

Foams,

as

whirls

it

its

And back withdraws

:

deluge to the deep. thus,

wondering

at the view.

Brave Tydeus' son reluctantly withdrew.

'

we wonder'd

Oft have

at

yon

chief,'

*

At Hector's

*

Seen evermore, some god descends

*

Shields

*

Lo

*

Turns death

aside,

'

Retire

still

*

!

him from

now

:

lance, the battle's guard

the

yet,

he

cried,

and guide,

in

power,

hour

fate in war's destructive

God

of

War

in mortal

form

and guards him mid the storm '

retiring, front the foe,

But dare not aim against a god your blow.'

The Trojans now

Two

chiefs,

rush'd near,

whom, leagued

Anchialus and Mnesthes

The

;

and Hector slew

in war,

one chariot drew,

this beheld.

heart of Ajax with compassion swell'd

:

BOOK

THE

v.]

Near them he

stood,

And smote Amphius The son

But

in his

his flaming spear.

mid career.

warrior

his treasm-ed wealth in Paesus lay.

came great

fate there

The

and lanch'd

167

of Selagus, whose happier day

Dwelt where

The

ILIAD.

king to save.

Ilion's

hiuTd him

to the mitimely grave.

lance by Telamonian Ajax cast

Thro' his pierced baldrick 'mid his entrails pass'd

He fell, and while shrill rung his armour's And Ajax rush'd to bear the spoil away, Dense showers of

On

his

his heel firm planted

pluck'd the

Yet

weapon from

fail'd to spoil his

The barbed storm Nor

and lances thickly

flung.

broad shield war's iron tempest hung.

But with

He

darts,

bray.

on the

its

breast.

buried rest.

arms, so densely shower'd

that nigh his strength o'erpower'd.

slight his fear that, thus

cncompass'd round.

Their weapons weight should bow him to the ground.

Then

first

the great, the glorious, girt with foes.

Sternly withdrew, nor dared a host oppose.

Thus, as the warriors labour'd, onward came. Front threat'ning front, two chiefs of mighty name. Fate urged Tlepolemus, whose

To match Sarpedon

spirit

glow'd

scarcely less than god

THE

168

ILIAD.

[book

v.

And as each stood, in act his power to prove. The son and grandson of the cloud-robed Jove, thee, Lycia's What forced,' the Grecian spake, '

'

lord,

new

and shuddering

at the

sword

'

Here,

'

False was the rumour, that thou, base on earth,

'

Claim'st from the iEgis-bearing

*

Thou, thus

'

Who

sprung from the Saturnian Jove's embrace

*

Such

as the Herculean strength,

'

In heart a lion, and in force a

fire,

*

Whom

steeds, of yore,

'

Six ships alone, with few associates bore

*

Yet he,

*

Razed perjured Troy, and ravaged

'

But

'

Dream not thy

*

No,

*

Thou,--hurrd by me, shalt pass

to war,

for

vile

inferior to the

:

former race,

Laomedon's famed

my

glorious

sire,

at pleasure, with that scanty host,

thou art

—were thy

Then

god thy birth

?

;

all

her coast.

and now, thy warriors

slain,

aid can Ilion's fate detain. force far greater, hear thy fate

thus Sarpedon

:

—

'

Yes,

hell's

gloomy

I freely

:

gate.'

own,

'

Troy by her monarch's madness was overthrown.

*

He

'

Nor gave

'

But, boaster

*

Death, by thy

dared by keen reproach that chief chastise, the Herculean strength the far-sought prize. !

now my words proclaim glorify my name

hear what fall,

shall

;

BOOK

THE

v.]

*

While, by

*

Now He

this spear,

ILIAD.

169

thy soul, untimely huiTd,

swift descends to Pluto's viewless world.'

spake, and poised his lance

:

—

at

once forth flew

The encountering spears which each fierce warrior threw. Sarpedon's smote his neck, on, through

And

it

pass'd.

o'er his closing eye-lid darkness cast

While

his

keen foeman's lance

^vith fury

thrown.

Pierced his right thigh, and inly grazed the bone.

But Jove, regardful of Sarpedon's breath, Turn'd from his son aside the dart of death.

Now

from the thick'ning

battle's

rush and roar.

His faithful comrades brave Sarpedon bore,

Rack'd with dire pain, while furrowing up the giOund,

The

barb'd lance quivering thrill'd within the wound.

By none observed None paused Now, by

to

;

for,

prompt

to save their chief.

draw the dart and

his followers,

yield relief.

from Troy's hostile force

Tlepolemus was borne a breathless corse Ulysses saw, fresh fury at the sight Steel'd his stern spirit,

and new-nerved

his might.

In doubt, Sarpedon keenlier to pursue. Or, bathed in Lycian blood, the fight renew

:

THE

170

But

fate opposed,

The power

[

ILIAD.

nor to Ulysses gave

Sarpedon to

to hurl

While thus he waver'd,

his grave

'gainst the

Lycian band

Fierce Pallas urged the hero's vengeful hand.

Then

Coeranus, Alastor, Chromius bled,

Alcander, Halius,

And more had The Lycian

Noemon

perish'd

leaders

And onward

by

;

swell'd the dead.

but keen Hector view'd

his

arm subdued.

rush'd, sheathed in refulgent mail.

Terror of Greece, their bravest to

assail,

Sarpedon joyful view'd, and thus addressed.

To '

IHon's godlike chief, his sad request

Leave

me

me

not.

Son of Priam, thus

r

to

by Grecians,

lie,

*

Let

*

Aid, that in Ilion's sacred walls, in peace,

*

My

'

For ne'er

*

Greet

life

Him

not, here, despoil'd

beneath a friendly roof

my

may

die.

cease

:

shall I return to Lycia's plain,

loved wife, and infant boy again.'

Hector answer'd not, but forward flew

With keener rage the

conflict to

pursue

Fired with fresh ardour, from Troy's shouting plain.

To

chase the Greeks and triumph o'er the slain

Then

his brave friends

Where

Sarpedon bore, and

Jove's luxuriant beech-tree spread

:

laid

its

shade

:

BOOK

There

From

He

THK

v.]

ILIAD.

his lu\'ed Pelagon, with lenient art.

wound drew

the deep

forth the ashen dart.

swoon'd, and while his eye-ball

The North's Disdain'd to

fly,

and

Nor dared advance,

—

in

Whom

in death,

INIars'

and Hector's

ire

to their fleet retire.

the god of war their foe.

ranged order

As the

swam

reviving gale recall'd his breath.

The Greeks, meanwhile, from

But

171

—back retreated

slow.

press thicken'd, and the slaughter grew.

first,

whom

Mars and Hector slew

last, fell

I

Here Teuthras, there Orestes steed-renown'd, Qinomaus, Trechus, Helenus Oresbius

last,

who

felt

the wound,

once, on wealth intent.

O'er his heap'd stores in Hyle's treasuries bent.

By clear The rich

Cephisus' lake, whose banks around Boeotians

till'd

their peopled ground.

Stern Juno view'd, and, Greek on Greek o'erthrown.

Thus

*

to

Minerva spake

Invincible

!

in wrathful tone

—Jove-born —how vain our word, !

'

Our treacherous promise by

*

That Troy

'

The king should

'

Rise

*

!

:

laid waste,

Atrides heard,

and Priam's children

hail exulting

slain,

Greece again

Yield no more, that Mars thus fiercely rage,

Let strength meet strength, and god with god en-

gage.'—

THE

172

Nor

The

On

Pallas stay'd

ILIAD.

[book

— Then Juno arm'd

for

v.

war

gold-rein'd steeds that wing'd her heavenly car.

to the iron axle

Hebe placed

Wheels, whose brass orbs eight radiant spokes embraced.

The

fellies brass,

The

curvature imperishable gold

The naves were

and wondrous to behold

silver,

:

and the chariot play'd

On braces wreathed ^\'ith gold and silver braid Two rings in front, and, far outstretch'd before.

:

The

pole was fashion'd of the silver ore.

At whose extremity the golden yoke

And

collar-reins of gold, fresh

Juno

wonder woke.

herself led forth the steeds,

whose breath

Roll'd from each wide-stretch'd nostril

war and death.

But the stern daughter of all-mighty Jove Cast off the

Whose

On

veil

her hand had finely wove.

spreading folds around her widely flow'd

the starr'd pavement of the Olympian god.

Then

mail'd for ruthless battle, firmly braced

The

corselet that the cloud-compeller graced.

The

snake-fringed

^gis round her shoulder drew.

Where Terror, wreathed throughout, came forth to view. There

Strife,

there Fortitude, ne'er

known

There merciless Pursuit, that wastes the

to yield.

field.

BOOK

THE

v.]

And The

Jove's dire

ILIAD.

omen nameless

173

horrors spread.

appalling monster, the Gorgonian head

Then braced her

casque,

gold,

all

whose four-coned

height

Spreads o'er an hundred hosts, o'er-shadowing night.

Thus,

in

her terror mail'd, the goddess leapt

In her bright car, whence flame-wing'd lightnings swept

And

grasp'd the spear, whose ponderous

Mail'd ranks of heroes,

when her

Fierce Juno lash'd the steeds

:

beam

o'erturns

fury burns.

with brazen roar

Heaven's gates, self-moved,wide oped their course before. Gates, at whose threshold, on perpetual guard

The Hours, commission'd, keep due watch and ward. O'er heaven's vast expanse and the Olympian height

To

spread the darkness, or extend the

light.

Thro' these they wheel'd, and found apart, alone, Jove on Olympus' many-crested throne.

There Juno

The God '

stay'd, and, questioning, address'd

of Gods, and thus her rage express'd

View'st thou not, wrathful, yon atrocious deeds,

a host 'neath Mavors bleeds

*

What and how

'

Lo

'

And Venus gladden in And urge him, while I

*

*

:

!

as

vast

he wastes

Confounding,

at will, the archer

in his

their

still

grieve,

God

abode,

yon host among,

madness, right and wrong.

?

THE

174 *

And

*

Drive, pierced with wounds,

wilt

thou

\

[

ILIAD.

iew enraged,

if

v.

Juno's miglit

maniac back from

tliis

figlit ?

'

'

Go,' Jove replied,—^ bid Pallas

And

turn, as wont, to bitter

Nor Juno

disobey'd

:

woe

Mars engage,

his rage.'

each fiery steed,

Lash'd by the Goddess, stretch'd his utmost speed.

Not

loth,

they flew, and onward pass'd between

Heaven's star-paved concave, and man's low terrene

And

far as,

gazing from a mountain's brow.

The watchman's eye Not

:

less, at

main

o'erlooks the

l^elow.

every bound, the measured space

Swept by the coursers of ethereal

race.

But Juno, when they reach'd the Trojan

Where Simois and Scamander join Unyoked the

steeds,

and darkness

While Simois nurtured

plain.

their train.

them

o'er

spread.

their ambrosial bed.

Swift as the dove on wing, the Jove-born

maid

And Juno flew, the Argive host to aid And when they came where round Tydides. stood, ;

A

band, most brave, most numerous, bathed in blood.

Like widely-wasting

Or stubborn

lions,

grim with gore.

fierceness of the

mountain boar,

BOOK

THE

v.]

ILIAD.

'

75

1

There Juno

stay'd, and, veil'd in mortal form. Like Stentor, heard amid the battle-storm.

Loud

The

'

'

as his voice of brass,

shouts of

fifty

vile

:—

mortals, loosed her tongue

Fair but in form

Ye whose

whose strength out-rung ^

alone— shame, Argives

!

shame

!

deeds disgrace the warrior's name.

^' None, when Pelides arm'd, dared front

his

power

'

None

pass'd the gates of Ilion's guarded tower

'

Now,

far

'

They urge

from Troy, unseen

;

:

his lightning lance,

the war, and to your fleet advance.'

She spake, and Grecians Sons thus highly wrought While Pallas passing on Tydides

:

sought.

Him, by

his steeds

and

car, the

Goddess found.

Intent to cool the arrow's painful wound.

Large sweat-drops, as he

toil'd,

the sweat-drops cliased

Beneath the baldric that the buckler braced While with tired hand he raised the belt, and strove

The

clotted blood beneath

Him, half-exhausted, on

The Goddess,

'

'

it

to

:

his chariot yoke.

as she lean'd, thus sternly spoke

Thou Tydeus' Son ?-Son

Though low

remove

!

how

:—

unlike his sire

his stiiture, yet his heait

Mas

lire

:

!

THE

176

[book

ILIAD.

v.

forbade him to engage,

my word

'

E'en when

'

And

'

When

*

'

'

E'en when

*

Not then the

'

He

'

While

'

I

'

Rush

'

Or now thou

*

Or Fear her

'

Hence— or no more

'

AVise CEneus' son in

check'd awhile his soul's o'erflowing rage

:

from the Greeks apart on mission sent,

Mid Thebes

all

'

throng'd guests, the warrior lonely went;

bade him join

I

spirit of

him,

I,

peace the

and

his guardian

subdued,

all

Goddess, stood.

too stand nigh, and guard thee, and

worn,out with labours

faint'st,

fetters

Tydides answered

has around thee

cast.

war supremely famed.'

'

:

Goddess

'

Hence, not unwillingly

'

Words

*

Fear, nor reluctance,

'

Thine, Pallas

'

To me

*

Not

to confront in

'

But

if fair

'

To

my

lips

that lay bare to thee

my

from these eyes

!

impart

my

raised

that disguise

!

Jove-born

Conceals thee not,

thy

pass'd,

be Tydeus' offspring named,

'

!

command—

to flight Troy's vaunting band,

and turn

forth,

feast,

the wanior ceased.

their youths defied, o'er

in

inmost heart.

aim

command my

restrains

:

fury chains.

thy sacred charge was strictly given

arms the powers of heaven

Venus dared

pierce the

to

war advance,

Goddess with permitted

lance.

:

:

BOOK

THE

v.]

— tho'

'

Hence

'

And round me

*

For

*

The God

'

lo

Dear

177

reluctant, I awhile retreat,

bid the gather'd warriors meet

view, in panoply of might,

I

!

ILIAD.

of Battle marshalling the

to

my

soul,'

fight.'

the blue-eyed Virgin cried,

'

Thou,

*

Henceforth, this

*

I

*

On, on

'

Against this Mars, this thunderbolt of war

*

This pest, this fiery maniac, changing

*

His restless mutabihty of

'

Who now

'

Troy

in

whose

fortitude I dare confide, jVIars,

nor other godhead fear

:

guard thy course,,! guide thy war-career. !

and

to

first

impel thy swift-wing'd car

me and

to assail,

will

!

still

:

Jove's high consort swore,

and Grecia's ranks restore

;

*

Yet, of his WOrd regardless, unconceal'd

*

Stalks in Troy's van, and turns the Grecian

She spake, and, downward leading

renew the war,

Bade Sthenelus on

foot

Sprmig

in his seat,

and with

Glow'd

at Tydides' side the

The beechen Of

I.

resistless

war

rage

to wage.

axle groan'd beneath the load

Grecia's leader

VOL.

fi-ora

and the mailed God,

field.'

the car.

THE

178

While Pallas seized the

And

whirl'd

ILIAD.

reins,

[book

and lash'd each steed.

on Mars the thunder of

That time the God

Ochesiiis' son

who

v.

their speed.

had

slain.

Huge

Periphas,

Then

mail'd Minerva, to elude his sight

led the iEtolian train.

Braced on the helm of Hades, and of Night.

As Mars Tydides

He

left

A'iew'd, in stern disdain

Ochesius bleeding on the plain.

Left where he slew, and furiously impell'd. Full on his foe his course directly held.

As

iiOnt to front they rush'd, the

First o'er the yoke,

God

of

War

and reins that guide the

car,

Lanch'd his spear's brazen burden, at one blow

To But

and crush

close the fight,

his mortal foe.

Pallas from the car the death-shaft drew.

And tum'd Then, as

aside the lance that vainly flew.

fierce

Not him the

Diomed

it

in his groin

It pierced,

God

assail'd.

spear's destructive fury fail'd.

For Pallas drove

Deep

the

with unerring hand

beneath the cincture band.

and rent the mangled

flesh apart.

As, backward pluck'd, stem Pallas ^^ench'd the dart.

Loud

roar'd the God, loud as the thundering bray

When Fear

shouting armies clash in war-array

fell

on

either host,

and earth around

Shook, as the immortal bellow'd

o'er the

wound.

BOOK

THE

v.]

As when

ILIAD.

179

thick vapour from the weight of clouds

Spreads, wliere the o'erheated air the horizon shrouds.

Thus brazen Mars, Rose

in

before Tydides' sight.

dark mist, and sought the ethereal height

Swiftly he gain'd the sky,

and groan on groan

Burst, as he sat beside the Olympian throne.

Fresh from the

And

*

wound

the immortal blood display'd,

thus, reproaching Jove, indignant said

:

View'st thou such impious deeds, immortal Sire

*

Nor

*

Dire are our wrongs,

'

And

'

Thou, Jove, the cause,

*

Who

*

The Olympian

*

All, save this pest,

'

But

'

All, all

'

This pest Tydides urged, when,

'

The mortal dared

*

Dared, foremost, front to front, pierce Venus' hand,

'

Then, rushing

'

There, had

'

Batter'd

feel'st

thy bosom burn with vengeful

ire

?

when gods with gods engage,

for the sons of earth

keen

conflicts

wage.

—from thee the fury sprung

scatters discord heaven's high

dwellers,

all,

thy

powers among.

v/ill

obey,

adore thy sov'reign sway.

her, thy words, thy actions ne'er reprove

permitted to this child of Jove.

like

mad

with rage,

with gods fierce battle wage

a god

—me—me withstand

I fail'd to fly, I

:

!

long had lain

and bruised on that death-cumber'd

plain.

THE

180 *

And,

*

A God

and fated not

if alive,

Him

ILIAD.

had mourn'd

[book

to die,

his immortahty.'

sternly eyeing, Jove in rage replied

murmur

*

Here,

'

Thee most

'

Thou, whose

'

Thy mother

'

Cursed thee,

'

Yet

'

Thou

'

For

'

And

*

Or thou, long

'

Wretch

I

not, \ile waverer, at

hate

—thou

—whom my

:

side.

power,

and war devour.

threats can scarcely bind

at birth, with her unyielding

mind.

—tho' thy wounds from her contrivance flow, shalt not linger thus,

still

worn out

thou art Jove's son,

who bore

she,

my

thee, bore

since,

\vith

woe,

heaven-born race,

from Jove's embrace,

were other god thy

sire,

hadst beneath the Titans howl'd in

!

command

fire.'

that Pagon's art

Should heal the wound, and soothe

its thrilling

smart

the assuasive balm, by Pason spread.

Soon

And

my

stern, relentless

fierce heart fell strife

Jove spake, and gave

And

v.

heal'd the

God, not destined to the dead.

as the fig's sharp juice within the vase.

The milk

swift-whirl'd to

Not with

less swiftness Paeon's skilful

due consistence draws.

Soothed the pang'd God, and heal'd

And Hebe

laved,

Mars, throned

and robed

in glory

by

hand

at Jove's

command

in bright attire

his

heavenly Sire

:

THE

BOOK

v.]

The

while,

Mmerva and

ILIAD.

the

Queen

181 of Jove

Return'd exultant to the realms above.

Proud of their triumph,

The God

of

War had

that, compell'd to yield.

fled the battle field.

THE SIXTH BOOK OF

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. The

battle continues.

—The Greeks victorious. — Hector, by the

advice of

Helenus, returns to Ilion, and persuades Hecuba to Jead a solemn pro-

Temple of Minerva. — The interview of — Hector's conference with Paris and Helen. of Hector and Andromache. —Hector returns with Paris

cession of the Matrons to the

Glaucus and Diomedes.

The meeting to battle.

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK The Gods now The

gone, o'er Greeks and Trojans slain

fate of battle waver'd

Lance

clash'd

VI.

on the

plain.

on lance, and death defaced the scene,

Scamander's flow, and Simois' course between.

First,

Telamonian Ajax, tower of might,

Broke Troy's dense ranks, and beam'd on Grecia First breatliless stretch'd Eusorus' son

The

on earth.

Thracians' bravest chief, of giant birth.

Huge Acamas, on whose dark-shadowing crest The lightning of his lance its stroke impress'd, Transfix'd his frontal bone, and

downward

His soul to Hades and the viewless world.

hurl'd

light

ILIAD.

]8()

Then

Who And

[hook

'ncath Tydides, rich Axylus

dwelt nigh proud Arisba's stately walls. with kind hand distributing his store.

Flung wide to

all his

hospitable door.

But now no grateful guest preserved None,

his breath.

his kind host preventing, snatch'd ft'om death.

There, dead he lay, His

falls.

—and

by

prostrate, side

side.

faithful charioteer, Calesius, died.

Euiyalus, Opheltius, Dresus slew

Then on

the brother-warriors fiercely flew.

whom

Those

Where young Bucolion Son of Laomedon, Yet

*

the Naiad Abarbarea bore,

fed his fleecy store.

his elder born.

furtive love conceal'd his native

morn.

That shepherd swain the enamour'd nymph

And

his the twins she

Now,

caress'd.

nurtured at her breast

beautiful in death, their bodies lay.

While the stern conqueror pluck'd

their

arms away.

Fierce Polypoetes, far-renown'd in fight,

Hurl'd

down Astyalus

to endless night

Nor

vain Ulysses' lance, that death-wing'd flew.

And

the Percosian chief Pidytes slew.

Teucer, Aretaon smote

Down

;

and darkly

flow'd,

Nestor's son's bright lance, Ablerus' blood.

.

BOOK

THE

vi.]

ILIAD.

There, hapless Elatus, untimely

By

187

slain

stern Atrides, lay on Phrygia's plain,

Lay,

far

from Pedasiis,

his native towers.

That crown'd the banks where Satnio fed her bowers.* Swift Phylacus in vain from Leitus fled.

And by Eurypylus

Melanthius bled.

But Menelaus, 'mid the

battle's strife.

Had seized Adrastus gasping yet for life Whose coursers, furious with the din of war. ;

Against a tamarisk had crush'd his car, Shatter'd the pole, and, madd'ning in their speed.

To Ilion rush'd with many a frantic steed. And nigh his chariot wheels had downward, prone

On

earth, Adrastus in their terror

thrown

O'er him the victor stood, and stretch'd the shade

Of his

'

poised lance, while thus the captive pray'd

Spare me, Atrides, and large

gifts receive,

*

All that a father for a son can give.

*

His gold, his brass, his flnely-temper'd

*

The

'

My

*

If

freely

pour before thy

heard his son breathes captive

The

steel,

countless stores his treasury vaults conceal. sire

He

:

spake

:

and while

in

feet,

thy

fleet.'

half-yiekling to his prayer

chief inchned, and paused, in act to spare.

THE

188

Agamemnon, shouting

Fierce

Before liim

'

riish'd,

[.

ILIAD. he came.

as

and lanch'd

his

words of flame

:

Thou, woman-hearted, thou a Trojan spare

'

Does thy wrong'd hearth, thy honour bid forbear

'

None

'

No, not the

'

All, all at

*

Shall die untomb'd, and pass from earth unknown.'

shall escape this

arm, none

fly his

child yet quick'ning in the

once with

Ilion's

Then Menelaus, mutable

To

vi.

firmer purpose

all his

?

doom,

womb.

towers o'erthrown,

in

mind.

soul inclined.

Thrust back the suppliant, while Atrides' Transfix'd his flank, and closed

liis

fleet

And, as the youth, supine beneath him

s'pear

career

lay.

Stood on his breast, and pluck'd his lance away.

Then, Nestor loud exclaim'd

'

:

my

Brave Argives

'

Friends, ministers of Mars,

*

Let none relax, none cease the heroic

'

None

*

Slay

*

Range each

linger to

amass a larger

we unwearied

:

then, o'er

at pleasure,

Had,

fearful, fled,

:

hear,

voice revere toil,

spoil. all

the plain,

and despoil the

His word inflamed them

!

slain.'

then, the Trojan powers

and enter'd Ihon's towers.

BOOK

THE

.]

But Priam's

son,

ILIAD.

whose prescient

189

lore excell'd

Troy's auguring priests, the shameful flight repell'd

The

king-born Helenus their fear repress'd.

And Hector and ^Eneas *

Ye

!

who

thus address'd

o'er Troy's

:

and Lycia's host

preside,

In council govern, and in battle guide,

*

Yon fugitives arrest, their flight restrain, And ranged before the gates the ranks detain,

*

*

'

Lest in their wives' soft arms the cowards

*

And

Grecia's shout shake Ilion's captured wall.

*

But,

when your glowing ardour has

*

A

*

We, such

*

And, war-worn as we

'

But thou, brave Hector,

'

Bid her the matrons to the temple lead,

*

Where

'

Minerva guards her consecrated shrine

'

Bid her unlock her treasury's sacred door,

'

Her

*

'

'

*

kindred

spirit in

fall,

impress'd

each warrior's breast,

the dreadful need, will here remain, are, the foe detain.

to our

in the citadel's high

fullest veil of finest

mother speed,

dome

divine :

woof explore,

To Pallas offer, on the goddess call, And robe her knees with that surpassing pall And vow twelve bulls, all yearlings, all unbroke, Shall, hallow'd victims,

on her

altar

smoke.

;

THE

190

ILIAD.

[book

*

If the consenting goddess, at her prayer,

*

Troy, and our wives, and speechless infants spare,

*

And from

'

The

*

Whom,

*

More than the

'

Stern tho' that goddess-born, Tydides' ire

*

Flames with unequall'd force and quenchless

the walls of Ilion turn afar

fury of Tydides, lord of war,

bravest of the brave, our warriors fear terror of Achilles' spear;

Hector obey'd, and swiftly from

Leapt on the ground

And

in

his car

panoply of war.

vibrating his spears, where'er he flew.

Bade the embolden'd host the

They

turn'd

The Greeks god had

fight renew.

and, as they fronted undismay'd.

;

once their course of slaughter staid

at

Staid, for they deem'd,

A

fire.'

fill'd

Then Hector

when Troy renew'd

them with

celestial

might.

to his battle loud exclaim'd

Ye

*

Brave Trojans

*

Be men

'

Stand, while

'^

There bid our wives adore the powers

'

And

:

!

allies

!

far-call'd,

your ancient fortitude I

the fight,

speed to

Ilion's

:

far-famed,

recall

sacred wall, divine,

load with hecatombs each fragrant shrine.'

vi.

BOOK

THE

.]

ILIAD.

Thus Hector spake, and from

To

Ilion's

sacred city bent his

]yi

their firm array

way

Aroiuid him, passing from the battle-field.

Cast the circumference of his bossy shield.

Whose

he forward

sable border, as

spiling,

Clash'd on his neck, and on his ankles rung.

Now

Glaucus'

spirit

and Tydides' rage

Riish'd in the van infuriate to engage

But ere they

clash'd in arms, stroke threat'ning stroke.

Foremost the son of Tydeus silence broke

*

Who

now

art thou, bravest Chief?

mould

:

first

beheld

'

Thou by no son

*

Thou whose

'

The vengeance

'

Ill-fated are

'

The measure

'

But,

'

Thou

*

Lycurgus, Dryas' son, of mortal

*

Who

*

Madman who

chased through Nyssa's sacred gTOve

*

Those who

Bacchus hung with nurturing

*

They,

*

Cast, as Lycurgus' ox-goad dealt the wound.

if

of mortal

excell'd

stern confidence, thus rashly shown,

of

my

spear confronts alone.

the sires whose offspring dare of their force with

mine compare.

descending from Jove's bright abode,

tread'st

on earth,

I strive

not 'gainst a god. birth,

waiT'd against the gods, soon pass'd from earth. !

all at

o'er

once, each thyrsus on the giOund

love.

THE

192

ILIAD.

[book

*

Nor

*

Fled from his rage, and plunged beneath the deep,

*

Where

*

And

'

But the

'

Doom'd him

*

Not long

*

On

'

If

*

If mortal,

*

Come

'

less alavm'd,

the God, with headlong leap,

her bosom Thetis shelter gave,

in

hid his terror in her inmost cave.

his

dire hate of heaven, in sightless

;

proud brow, by

wretchedness to rove

if

now

spake

;

men and

art, I

now come

and

This arm

and vengeful Jove,

so swift the stroke of vengeance burst

:

then a god thou

He

vi.

gods accursed.

shun thy might

forth to mortal fight.

aught of earth sustain thy breath, hurls thee to the gates of death.'

and Glaucus answer'd

:

—

'

sprung, and

Why

who my

*

Whence, from what race

'

Men,

like the leaves that flourish

'

Race

after race,

'

Autumnal

'

There Spring's

*

Not otherwise mankind comes

'

And

'

But, since thy wish, brave Chief

'

The

*

In Argos' depth proud Ephyra towers, of old

'

By sway

come

I

forth,

inquire sire

?

and decay,

and die away.

gales here strow with leaves the plain, soft

breath new-robes the branch again. forth,

and

dies,

a succeeding race the past supplies. !

my

lineage hear,

far-famed race that distant realms revere.

of craftiest Sisyphus control'd,

BOOK

VI.]

THE

-

ILIAD. whose

193

embrace

'

Sire of brave Glaucus, from

*

The famed Bellerophon

*

He,

*

All grace of person

'

Yet him, stern

*

Jove gave the sceptre of the Argive land,

'

Drove, through

*

Far from

*

Fain had Anteia, madden'd by his charms,

'

Clasp'd the fair youth in her adult'rous arms

*

But, tho' by

'

Bellerophon's chaste

*

Scorn'd by the youth, Anteia sought her lord,

'

And

*

Die

'

Who

fain

'

Rage

seized his soul, yet his reluctant

'

Dared not the murder by her

'

But bade the youth

*

*

in

whose favour'd

derived his race

birth the

and

all gifts

Proetus, to

fired to

Gods combined of mind.

whose high command

malice, in disastrous hour,

fell

his native seat,

all

from Ephyra's tower.

;

that tempts the heart, assail'd,

mind

o'er all prevail'd.

vengeance by her fraudful word

—or Bellerophon, the tempter,

And And

blest

had lured

me

:

slay,

from thine arms away.

mind

guile design'd

to Lycia's

realm repair,

death's seal'd letters in his tablet bear, there, presenting to Anteia's sire,

*

Beneath the

'

The

*

The Gods

'

Reach'd the

'

And

father's righteous rage expire.

VOL.

youth, unconscious of that his guides fair

intent

to Lycia safely

realm where

revell'd in the I.

—

fell

silver

w^nt

Xanthus

monarch's glad abode.

flow'd,

THE

194 '

ILIAD.

Nine days entire the banquet

[book

hail'd its guest,

And The

tenth, the

'

And

ponder'd on the horrour

'

Then bade

*

And

'

No

'

A lion

'

In midst a she-goat, whose pestiferous breath

'

Wide

*

'

*

'

nine selected bullocks graced the feast

King the

tablet's fold unseal'd, it

reveal'd

;

the youth the desperate conflict wage,

slay the roused

Chimaera

brood of earth, but of

behind

flakes of fire,

'

her rage

celestial kind,

front, a serpent train

spread, thro

in

consuming death.

He went, and slew the pest by heavenly aid, And the just Gods his trust in heaven repaid.

'

Again he bade the youth

'

Engage the Solymi's unequall'd might

'

Again he warr'd, again the victory gain'd

'

O'er

'

The King,

'

Set death's dark snares on his returning way.

'

His chosen youths in ambush on the plain

'

Couch'd, but none

'

By

*

The King

confess'd

'

Gave him

his daughter's

'

And

half the sceptre of his wide domain.

'

Nor

less the

'

All that the vine or golden harvest yields.

in daring figbt

Amazons mth blood

of

man

distain'd.

in rage, impatient for his prey,

homeward back

such clear signs, such

return'd again.

gifts divinely given,

him born a son of heaven charms

Lycians gave

:

;

his heart to gain,

their richest fields

vi.

BOOK

THE

VI.]

ILIAD.

195

*

Hippolochus, Isander, bless'd their love,

'

And fair Laodameia, spoused of Jove From Jove's embrace di\'ine Sarpedon

*

:

god

sprung,

among.

'

Hail'd like a

'

But when Bellerophon,

'

Roam'd, scorn'd of heaven, the Aleian wastes, alone,

'

And

*

Consumed

his heart in hopelessness of grief,

'

Mars slew

Isander, as in daring fight

'

He met

*

And

*

Untimely

'

Hence sprung

*

Bade me

'

Far

*

Ancestral honours by

*

Proud Lycia's fame with added fame adorn

'

Such

far

earth's mortal sons for crimes

from man, and

unknown,

ft'iendship's

kind

relief,

the Solymi's unequall'd might

gold-rein'd Dian, reft the

for

my

from the

light of

day

spouse of Jove away race

Ihon fame

;

— Hippolochus, my in

sire,

arms acquire

o'er the rest surpassing glory gain,

sires I

boast

:

—

my own for glory

sustain

;

:

Glaucus born.'

He spake and Diomed rejoiced to hear And answering, fix'd in earth his battle-spear :

'

Hail,

my

ancestral guest

:

—

as friends

^

So wont Bellerophon and Qineus

*

Twice ten whole days, by

*

(Eneus the good Bellerophon detain d

we meet

gi'eet.

social pleasure chain'd,

THE

\9G

ILIAD.

[book vi

*

And

'

In other times their interchange of love

'

(Eneus, a

*

His guest, a massive bowl,

'

I left

'

When

*

But Tydeus

'

While

'

Hence thou

'

And

*

Let

'

In single combat, or in serried

'

Of Troy, and Troy's

'

What

*

Thou, where thou canst, of Greece

*

Enough remains thy

*

Now, be our arms exchanged

*

Our

each, at parting, gave a gift to prove :

where purple broidery glow'd

belt,

that goblet in

my

all

gold, bestow'd.

guarded dome,

glory beckon'd each brave chief from home. I

ne'er view'd

— Thebes saw drew

yet, a cradled child, I in

Argos

I, if e'er in

art

my

my

his death,

breath.

bidden guest,

Lycia, claim thy feast.

us, the while,

each other's spears decline

allies,

a god gives me, or

line.

enough remains,

my

s^viftness gains.

thirst of

fell

vengeance take,

blood to slake.

—

so pledge, so prove

friendship rooted in ancestral love.'

They

spake, and, from their cars down-springing, join'd

Hand

pledged to hand, as heart with heart combined

Then, as '

his barter'd gift the

Twas Jove

Made him

Lycian brought,

himself confused his errant thought.

in blind

exchange

his

arms

resign.

His gold for brass, the hundred beeves for nine.

BOOK

THE

VI.]

When Had

Hector,

ILIAD.

197

now no more by war

gain'd the Scaean gate

delay 'd.

and beechen shade,

Troy's wives, Troy's daughters, ght him, throng on

throng.

Husband, Brother, trembhng on

Sire,

their tongue.

He view'd, and, pitying, bade them heaven implore To ward the woe dark-gathering, more and more.

But when the Hero came where, broadly-based. Majestic porticos the palace graced

Where Each

fifty

all

of polish'd stone.

join'd to each, in beauteous order

Where

shone

beauteous wife found peaceful rest

his

'neath the opposed roofs, one after one.

Twelve chambers of his daughters beam'd

Where,

With

Where

his

;

fair

Hung on

Why

wedded

lords reposed

kind mother, passing on her way. Laodice's bright

Met her brave

*

in stone

in the circuit of that court enclosed.

their chaste wives, their

There

'

;

the brave race that Priam's wedlock bless'd

Each with

And

chambers,

lay.

son, and, clasping to her breast,

his hand,

has

chamber

my

and fondly thus address'd

Hector

Has Greece around

left

:

the field of fight

these walls

?

worn down thy

mii>,ht

?

THE

198

ILIAD.

[book

thou come with wistful heart once more

*

Or

'

Jove on Troy's sacred summit to adore

*

Stay

'

To

*

Wine,

*

Such as thou

'

art

till

I

?

bring thee here delightful wine,

hail great

Jove and

all

the powers divine

;

to war's wearied Chief refreshing found,

Not now

art

—

sole

guard of

all

around.'

—thou most revered —the chief replied '

'

Not now,

*

Lest

my

*

And

these uncleansed hands profane the shrine.

'

Not

so the votaries to the gods repair,

*

And stretch

*

But thou

for

me, the nectar, bowl provide,

strength melt away, dissolved by wine,

their blood-stain'd

call forth

arms to Jove

in prayer.

the matrons, lead the train,

And And

with rich incense greet Minerva's fane,

*

The

finest, fullest

'

And vow

*

Shall, hallow'd victims,

'

If the consenting goddess, at thy prayer,

*

Troy, and her wives, and speechless infants spare,

*

And from

*

The

'

So

hail the

goddess

To

learn

Paris at

'

'

*

vf.

spread the veil most prized of

web her knees

twelve bulls,

all

all

thy store,

before,

yearlings, all unbroke,

on her

altar

smoke,

the walls of Ilion turn afar

'

fury of Tydides, lord of war

if

:

while

my

my

course

call attend.

I

bend,

BOOK

THE

VI.]

ILTAD.

199

*

O, that now earth would cleave, and close

*

So dreadful

*

So on

'

Great Jove has graved a curse and deep disgrace.

*

Yet might

*

That

He

his

o'er

us lowers the impending

tomb

his

doom

brow, to Troy, her king, and race,

sight

I see

him

would

spake, the

all

to the earth descend,

my

Queen

soul's

deep woe suspend.'

return'd,

and bade her

train

Call forth the matrons to Minerva's fane.

Then

wardrobe bent her way.

to her fragrant

Where

her rich veils in beauteous order lay

Webs by Sidonian virgins finely wrought. From Sidon's woofs, by youthful Paris brought.

When

o'er the

boundless main the adulterer led

Fair Helen from her

From

home and

nuptial bed.

these she chose the fullest, fairest far.

With broidery

bright,

and blazing as a

star.

from day.

Drew

forth the radiant veil long hid

Then

led the matrons on their solemn way.

Now, when they came, where, based on

Ilion s height,

Minerva's stately temple soar'd in sight.

The

fair

Theano, brave Antenor's

bride.

O'er Pallas' fane selected to preside.

The

portal to their entrance widely flung.

While

to their cries the

dome

responsive rung

:

THE

200

Each hand was

When

fair

raised,

ILIAD.

[book

each voice bade Pallas

Theano took the

vi.

h^il.

radiant veil.

Spread on Minerva's knees, devoutly pray'd.

And, supplicating, thus implored her aid

'

Supreme of Goddesses

Troy's guardian, hear

!

'

Break

into shivers, break Tydides' spear,

*

Prone

strike

*

Beneath our

*

Twelve yearling beeves, whose neck ne'er

*

Now,

'

So thou consent, and

*

Troy, and her wives, and helpless infants spare.'

But

Nor

him

lifeless, let

the slaughterer

sight, before the

fall

Sciean wall. felt

the yoke,

hallow'd victims, on thy altar smoke, at thy votaries' prayer,

Pallas heard not, as

listen'd to the

Theano

pray'd.

vows the matrons made.

Hector, meantime, impatient of delay.

To

Alexander's palace sped his way,

Plann'd by his taste, and by his wealth array'd.

Where

all

their art Troy's craftiest sons display'd.

Nigh Priam's

site,

Dome, chamber,

and Hector's proudly based.

hall, that stately fabric graced.

There, Hector, entering, poised

A

lance,

Bright

The

v/ith

easy .hand

whose length eleven cubits spann'd

its

!

brass point, and brightly round

it

roll'd

ring that clasp'd the shaft with rim of gold.

BOOK

He He

THE

VI.]

ILIAD.

found the youth, where, polish'd o'er

Gave

and

and

arms.

breast-plate, brighter glow.

the gi*aceiul curve that shaped his

While Argive Helen her

To weave

from war's alarms.

far

o'er his l^rilliant

his bright shield,

And smooth'd

201

bow

handmaids taught

train'd

the image by her fancy wrought.

Hector beheld, and by just anger moved.

With words of bitter taunt the

'

Why

here thus brood

—

chief reproved

:

to siulen wrath a prey

'

The Greeks round

*

Greece, for thy

*

For thee the warrior bleeds, the battle burns.

'

Come

*

Fall

'

Ilion's walls

guilt,

her guardians slay.

devoted Troy o'erturns,

forth, lest Ilion in her dust entomb'd,

by exterminating

Since not unjustly,'

fire

—

consumed.'

Paris, answering, said

*

Thy

*

Learn, not indulging woe, nor feeding rage,

*

I stay, while

'

Learn, that

*

Her

'

For wavering victory wanders to and

'

And

'

Wait, while

*

?

bitter

words a brother thus upbraid

Troy and Greece

my bride's

soft

;

fell conflict

wage

prayer would fain persuade

Paris, nothing loth, the fight to aid

oft uplifting,

my

fro,

wreathes the prostrate brow.

arms

Not long thy forward

I

brace

:

or,

thou precede

step shall vainly lead.'

THE

202

ILIAD.

[hook

vi.

Hector replied not, when, with heaving breast

And

'

*

My

brother

!

saw

my

Had seen me whirling in the tempest's blast, On the wide ocean or bleak mountain cast, had

name,

That

*

Ere witness'd deeds that brand

'

But

*

Had

'

One who had

'

The

killing

*

But

Paris,

*

Must reap the harvest

'

Yet, here,

*

Here loose awhile the yoke of galling woes

*

Woes

*

*

I

—

perish'd there, without a

since the gods thus

to these

heart to

words that

my

doom d

arms a braver feel,

my

front with

it,

that heaven

and shame

thrill his

fo hear

soul with fear. blind,

of a wavering mind.

brother, on this couch repose, :

that on thee the crime of Helen draws, Jove's holiest laws guilt all

men among

Shall pass from age to age in deathless song'

Kind

as thou art,' illustrious

Urge not

my

stay

:

shame

chieftain given

now, and aye, to reason

And Paris, traitor to We, whose recorded

*

*

!

natal morn,

'

*

:

—hear me, Ihon's cm'se and scorn

that the hour, which

'

'

soothing speech, him Helen thus address'd

Hector

said,

nor temptingly persuade.

HOOK

THE

VI.]

Onward

'

I

ILIAD.

203

speed to front the desperate

fight,

And succour Troy that claims her Hector's might. Thou Paris urge Let Paris rouse to fame, And join me, while these walls my presence claim. Home now I haste, revisiting in Troy

'

'

;

*

'

—

My wife, my household, and my infant boy, Whom—now foredoom'd to bleed on Phrygia's shore,

*

'

Haply

*

their

Hector

Thus Hector But with Yet

said,

shall

nor longer there remain'd.

swift foot his stately palace gain'd

—haply—found not

Her,

behold no more.'

whom

there,

:

more loved than

life.

alone he sought, his beauteous wife.

She, with her babe and nurse, that mournful hour,

Watch'd, steep'd in

Then,

— Hector

Where'

*

Sought she some

Or join'd

'

*

on Dion's topmost tower.

at the threshold, hastening to depart,

*

'

tears,

None

None

cried

!

sister's

'

the wife of Hector's heart

anguish to restrain,

the matrons at INIinerva's fane

—the guardian of

dares'

dares, thus

his

?'

house replied

charged, the truth from Hector

hide. '

Not now a

*

Nor with

sister's

?

anguish to restrain,

the matrons at Minerva's

i'ane.

THE

204

ILIAD.

[book

Troy

'

But,

when

*

And

Grecia to these walls the battle led,

'

Thy

wife,

*

With her loved

'twas widely bruited

where

Ilion's

child

vi.

liad fled,

tower o'erlooks the

fight,

and nurse flew wild with

fright.'

Swift at the w^rd, impatient of delay

Thro' Troy's proud streets the chief retraced his way

And now The

where to the

arrived,

Scsean gate recall'd his step again.

His rich-dow^er'd consort

Who

erst held

And from Led

battle-plain

the

far

sway

—from Eetion sprung,

Cilicia's

sons among.

Thebes, and Hypoplacia's grove,

fair virgin to

her Hector's love.

Before him came, and, with her, came the maid

On whose

fond breast their child was softly

Their only child, and lovelier in their

sight.

And fairer far than Hesper's golden light. From famed Scamander Hector named his But proudly

call'd

In honour of his

So

oft

Eyed him

The

boy.

Astyanax by Troy,

sire,

whose

single

had turn'd the host from

But now the

laid.

father,

bending

in silent joy,

power

Ilion's

tower.

o'er his child,

•

and sweetly smiled.

while Andromache, dissolved in tears.

Hung on

his

hand, and pour'd forth

all

her fears

*

THE

.]

BOOK

Too

ILIAD.

rash, thy boldness will thyself destroy

'

Thou

'

Nor me, thy widow soon

'

Of Greece

'

'

'

Ah To Ah

lie

will

triumph

—the united force thy prostrate corse.

o'er

be mine the wish'd-for

insensate in the untimely

reft of thee,

!

:

dost not feel compassion for thy boy,

reft of thee,

!

205

'

But

'

No mother

'

The

grief slow

doom

tomb

no hope, no solace mine,

wearing out

long decline.

Ufe's

waits me, no consoling

hapless victim of Achilles

sire,

ire.

'

'

Ere from the sack of Thebes the chief withdrew,

'

His nithless rage

'

Yet

*

Him, with

'

Then heap'd on high

'

With planted elms the Jove-born Oreads crown'd.

'

They,

*

Seven brothers sunk

'

These, 'mid their

'

Achilles' fury

'

'

my

fear'd to spoil,

sire,

Eetion, slew,

but honouring, on the pyre,

his arms, consign'd to feed the fire

too, in

one

the earth, whose funeral

fleet

at

day

breathless laid,

once in Hades' shade.

cattle,

doom'd

all

at

on the pasturing mead once to bleed.

And here the conqueror, 'mid his plunder'd From Hypoplacia's groves my mother bore

*

Then, richly ransom'd, back restored again,

'

Too soon

to perish,

*

Yet thou,

my

'

Sire,

by Diana

Hector

!

mound

slain.

thou art

mother, brethren, husband,

all,

alone,

all in

one.

store,

THE

20G

ILIAD.

[hook

*

In pity guard this tower, here shield thy hfe,

'

Leave not

'

There, by the fig-tree plant thy war array,

'

AVhere, easiest of ascent, to Troy the way.

'

Thrice have the boldest chiefs that spot

*

*

*

And The And

an•

orphan

widow'd

wife.

assail'd,

thrice the efforts of the boldest fail'd Atridae, either Ajax,

Tydeus' son,

Crete's fierce king there led their warriors on,

'

Whether by

'

There mark'd out

seer forewarn'd, or martial art

What moves

'

child, a

vi.

Ilion's

thee,

vulnerable part.'

my

moves

mind,' brave Hector

said,

^

'

Yet Troy's upbraiding scorn

'

If,

'

The

*

Not thus my heart

"

First of Troy's sons, I lead the

*

Firm-fix'd, not Priam's dignity alone

'^

And

like a slave,

where

deeply dread,

I

chiefs with chiefs engage,

warrior Hector fears the war to wage. inclines.

Far rather

van of war,

glory to uphold, but guard

know

the day di'aws nigh

'

I

'

When

'

Yet, less

'

Of Hecuba's and

'

Less

'

My

Priam and

my

own.

when Troy

shall fall,

his nation perish, all

—forebodings of Troy's ruined

gi'ieve

far,

Priam's hapless fate,

me, and that

all

state,

'

the heroic band,

brethren, bathe with blood their native land,

THE

.]

BOOK

ILIAD.

207

*

Than thoughts

'

Dragg'd by the grasp of war in chains away,

'

Of thee a

'

Labouring reluctant the allotted woof,

'

Or doom'd

'

Or from

'

A

*

Seest thou yon captive, pouring tear on tear

'

Lo

'

When Troy

'

Then thou with keener anguish

'

'

*

of thee in tears, to Greece a pre}•,

slave,

to

beneath an Argive roof,

draw from Hypereia's cave,

Messe'is' fount, the

measured wave

voice will then be heard that thou

!

must hear,

Hector's wife, the hero bravest far

and Greece round

war

Ilion clash'd in

wilt deplore

Him whose cold arm can free his wife no more. But, first, may earth o'er me her mound uprear, Ere

He To The The And

I

thy shriek

when

spake, and stretch'd his arms, and

clasp his child,

and

him

fold

onward

press'd

to his breast

while the child, on whose o'erdazzled sight helm's bright splendour flash'd too fierce a light. the thick horse-hair, as

From

the high helmet, cast

Scared at his father's

And The And

dragg'd to slavery hear.'

shrieking,

sight,

sunk upon

it

its

wavy

sweeping shade.

bent back distress'd.

his nurse's breast.

child's vain fear their bitter

o'er the

play'd

woe

beguiled,

boy each parent sweetly smiled.

THE

203

ILIAD.

[book

vi.

And Hector now the glittering helm unbraced. And gently on the ground its terrour placed, Then kiss'd, and dandling with his infant play'd. And to the gods and Jove devoutly pray'd Jove

*

!

and ye gods, vouchsafe that Hector's boy, surpass in Troy,

*

Another Hector,

'

Like

'

And guard

*

Heard be a

*

Behold the chieftain who

*

And

*

His mother's smile repay the hero's

He

me

all

in strength pre-eminently tower,

the nation with his father's power voice, where'er the warrior bends,

grant, that

home

spake, and gave,

his- sire

transcends

returning, charged with spoil, toil.'

now soothed from

The

lovely infant to his mother's arms.

And The

the fond mother, as she laid to rest lovely infant

Smiled

in

on her fragrant

'

Grieve not,

breast,

my

love, untimely

;

ere the

By

'

But

'

All pass alike within the allotted grave.

fate predestined,

fell,

and soothed with fond farewell.

'

—

vain alarms.

her tears, while Hector, as they

Kiss'd her pale cheek,

:

hour

dread no hostile power

at the time ordain'd, the base, the brave,

BOOK '

*

'

*

THE

VI.]

Now, home

retire

ILIAD.

209

thy charge, beneath our roof,

;

To ply the distaff, and to weave the woof To task thy maids, and guide their labour, thine The charge of war is man's, and, chiefly, mine.' He'spake

On

then raised from earth, and firmly press'd

:

his brave

brow the helmet's wavy

crest.

She homeward went, and slow and sadly Oft turn'd, and turning wept, with

And now beneath Tears of deep

One woe

all,

ne'er,

Would Nor

Whose

while

around her

all alike

flow'd.

deplored

as dead, their living lord.

they deem'd, escaped the battle-plain,

look on his loved wife and

Paris linger'd

;

home

again.

but in mail array 'd.

brilliant light the warrior's pride display'd,

Rush'd thro' the Swift, as

street.

—As when a

stall-fed steed.

he snaps the cord, from bondage freed.

Strikes with resounding hoof the earth,

Where

o'ercast.

her Hector's proud abode.

gi'ief ft'om all

own home,

In his

Who

in

woe

pass'd.

and

flies

spread before him the wide champaign

Seeks the remember'd haunts, on

fire to

lies

lave

His glowing limbs, and dash amid the wave.

High

rears his crest,

Widef o'er VOL.

I.

and tossing

in disdain,

his shoulders spreads the stream of

mane

;

THE

210

[book

ILIAD.

vi.

speed. fierce in beauty, graceful in his

And

Flies 'mid the steeds that

wanton

mead:

o'er the

otherwise, from Troy's embattled height.

Not

might. In pride of youth, in power of mailed Exulting, on, impatient of delay.

way Bright as the sun, young Paris sped his Hector found, where tears of anguish fell.

And

When '

'

heard his

Forgive,' the youth exclaim'd,

My

'

his loved consort

last farewell.

' if,

here detained,

loitering foot thy ardour has restrain'd.'

Air—Hector

answer'd— '

All,

who

rightly

deem,

dauntless heart and daring deeds esteem.

'

Thy

*

Yet—tho'

'

Thou

'

And

thus brave, to indolence resign'd, hast wilfully the war dechned,

oft

mourn, when Ihon's harass'd race,

oft I

thy frenzy, heap on thee disgrace.

*

Doom'd

'

But haste

'

Grant that our goblets

*

When Freedom

'

Whose

for :

these plaints shall cease,

o'er

hail the

favouring Jove

gods above,

our hearth shall pledge the host

valour chased the coast.'

if

Greeks fr'om Phrygia's

THE SEVENTH BOOK OP

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUJMENT.

The

—Hector challenges to single combat the bravest of —His combat with AJax. —The armies agree on a truce, in

battle continues.

the Greeks.

order to bury the

slain.

— The Grecians

a fosse and embattled wall.

defend their tents and ships by

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK Thus, breathing war,

VII.

in mailed pride elate.

The

brothers issued thro' the Scaean gate

And

as,

when heaven

;

vouchsafes a favouring gale.

That woos the mariner

to loose the

sail.

When, 'mid the deep, long-laboming at the oar. The exhausted crew their drooping strength deplore Not

otherwise, sore harass'd and assail'd,

Troy's wearied warriors their arrival

Menesthius

first

the rage of Paris

Son of Areithous, who

in

hail'd.

felt.

Arne dwelt.

Sprung from the king whose club turn'd death

And

fair

Philomeduse, his beauteous bride.

Beneath the helm, the lance by Hector Thro' brave Eioneus' neck

The Lycian

From famed

chieftain,

who

cast.

resistless pass'd.

his lineage

drew

Hippolochus, Iphinous slew

aside.

:

THE

214

ILIAD.

[book

vii.

His shoulder pierced, and as the warrior leapt

On

his fleet coursers,

from the

living swept.

But, from her heavenly throne

when

Pallas view'd

Beneath the sons of Troy her Greeks subdued.

The Goddess downward, from

To By

the Olympian height.

consecrated IKon wing'd her flight

Phoebus not unseen, vhose guardian power

O'er

Troy held watch on Ihon's topmost tower

Down

flew the God, and by the beechen shade.

Thus, as they met, address'd the blue-eyed Maid

'

:

Wherefore, again, dread progeny of Jove

from above

'

Thou,

'

Must wavering

victory

'

And

slaughter feast thy gladden'd sight

'

Yet

'

This day, at

'

Let war hereafter rage,

'

Glut thine and Juno's hate with Troy's o'erthrow.'

'

in thy fury, rushest

Troy's

—

fell

thou hear

wilt

I yield/

on thy Greeks

my

voice

least, to silence

^far

'

alight,

better far,

death and war

hopeless

till

Minerva spake,

—

?

woe

to thy request

*

On

'

But how the violence of war compose,

'

Calm

like intent I left heaven's blissful rest

the

fell

rage,

and soothe such ruthless foes V

?

BOOK

THE

VII.]

The son

ILIAD.

215

of Jove, Apollo, thus replied

we Hector,

'

Excite

'

His challenge shall provoke to single

*

All Greece defied

*

Indignant Greece his challenge shall embrace,

'

And Hector

sv^^ell

his martial pride, fight,

—the mightiest of her might

Thus they

view his

rival face to face.'

and Priam's son, with prescient mind.

:

Sage Helenus, the heavenly

will divined.

And

"

thus to Hector spake

:

Thou, wise as Jove,

'

Hear the suggestion of fraternal

'

Bid cease the war, and 'mid each anny's sight

'

Challenge the bravest foe to single fight

'

Death

*

Spake to

He

shall

not seize thee

my

spake

:

:

love

:

;

thus, distinctly heard,

soul the God's unchanging word.'

and Hector's heart exultant glow'd

;

Lone, mid each host the stately hero strode, Grasp'd in the midst his lance, his bands repress'd.

And

IHon's battle sat in peaceful rest.

Then Agamemnon bade

the host of Greece

Lie on their amis, and pause in transient peace.

The

while, Apollo

Their forms

and the blue-eyed Maid

celestial in fierce birds array'd

Like vultures on the beech's topmost height.

Hung

o'er the war-throng'd plain with

grim delight.

THE

216

Wide gleam'd and

bristling

up the

from the

dark'ning

^lance,

helm,

shudder rustled

iron field

in its order lay,

o'er the

arm'd array

Hector, in midst, proclaim'd

'

*

The

'

Jove sanctions not our league

violence of

West

rising

the ocean's ruffled breast.

vip

Thus, as each battle

A

—

vii.

shield.

as a shiver

Comes

[book

the dense-ranged hosts,

Rose hoiTent, And,

ILIAD.

Ye

hosts, attend,

war awhile suspend

doom

his ruthless

;

*

Wills, that fresh misery should each host consume,

*

Till

*

From

'

The

bravest chiefs of Greece before

'

The

bravest chief of Greece I

'

Let him, whose

'

And, thus

'

My word

'

If Grecia's pointed lance pierce Hector's breast,

'

Let the proud victor to his navy bear,

^

Spoil of triumphant war, these arms I wear

'

Ihon

But

fall,

or vainly

'

mid her

fleet,

Troy's pursuing conquerors, Grfeece retreat.

spirit

yield

pledge

my

:

stand

now demand.

burns for war, appear,

defied, confront the I

me

thou, Jove

corse, that

Hectorean spear. !

our words

round

their

attest,

;

champion's

pyre '

Troy and the Trojan dames may feed the

'

But,

'

To

if I

conquer

—

if

Apollo yield

Hector's lance the glory of the

field.

fire.

.]

THE

ILIAD.

—the meed of

217

'

Mine be the

'

The trophy

*

Then, as the mariner,

'

Nigh yon broad ocean, points the mound sublime,

*

His voice shall say

'

Marks where a

chief of old dared Hector's might,

'

And

:

'

Sink in the silence of forgotten fame.'

He

spoil

to suspend o'er Phoebus' slirine.

nobly died

spake

:

in future time,

—Yon tomb that towers on

—then

throughout the host none made reply

length, indignant,

And,

'

Menelaus

fly.

rose.

scornful, thus pour'd forth his

Ye women-hearted dire disgrace

'

sight,

name

ne'er shall Hector's

Afraid to combat, yet ashamed to

At

victory mine,

;

!

men

inexpiable

bosom'd woes

alone in

name

:

;

shame

none advance, by Hector thus defied

*

If

*

No

'

Ye, dust of earth, ye dew-drops of the morn,

'

Fall in your fear,

*

I will confront

'

Send down

Grecian warrior

He Too

feel

proud

a warrior's pride

Ilion's

laugh and scorn

:

him, and Almighty Jove

at will the victory

from above

spake, and grasp'd his arms

:

!

and thee, that day.

daring chief, had hurl'd to death a prey

THE

218

ILIAD.

[book

vii.

Seen thee, beneath great Hector's mightier hand. Slain

But

and despoil'd on Phrygia's

hostile strand

Hellas' kings thy rash resolve withstood.

And staid the chief, too prodigal of blood And by fraternal love Atrides moved. Hung on his hand, and kindly thus reproved

'

:

Stay, tho' reluctant, nor thus, rashly blind,

'

Yield to the impulse of a raging mind

'

Seek not that matchless

'

Against that

arm which

*

Pehdes'

whose strength o'erpowers'thy might,

'

Not without

*

Now

*

Greece

*

And

*

Shall

'

If flight

'

Quails his brave heart, and turns his war career.'

self,

our host with

terror fronts the

Hectorean

fear.

fight.

'mid the ranks retire, resume thy seat, shall a

champion arm

this stern hero,

bend

his knee,

this chief to

inexhaust in

and needful

meet

ire,

rest require,

can save him, when the hostile spear

Such words,

The

nor poise thy spear

foe, fills

:

indignant

His followers

so utter d, potent to persuade. spirit

of the chief allay'd.

joy'd, his corselet's

weight unbound.

While Nestor spake the Argives gather'd round.

BOOK

THE

VII.]

ye

'

celestial

Powers

ILIAD.

219

what depth of woe

!

'

Will from this day the Achaean realms o'erflow

'

How

'

And wisdom

'

How

'

Ceased not the history of our force to hear,

'

And

*

Of the brave

race of Sires renown'd of old

'

What shame

will

*

Heard, that

'

How

'

In Hades to entomb his deep despair

'

Jove, Pallas, Phoebus

'

Give

'

will

will

still

?

hoar Peleus, whose experienced sway bid his

Myrmidons obey,

he deeply groan, whose wistful ear

inquiring, gloried

all

will his

when

I

told !

mingle with the indignant tear,

Hellas fled the Hectorean spear.

hands be

raised,

how

pour'd his prayer,

again restore,

!

me again my strength in days of yore, When by swift Celadon's ensanguined coast

'

The

'

Nigh Jardan met, and

'

The Pheian bulwarks shook with

'

There, in the van-ward Ereuthalion raged,

*

And

'

Divine Areithous,

'

Men

'

For not

'

But mace of iron crush'd the ranks of war.

*

Yet

*

And

Pylian army, and the Arcadian host,

in Areithous'

as they clash'd in

arms the

whom,

in

battle

arms

war-alarms.

waged.

war far-famed,

and robed damsels Corynetes named his dart,

nor lance that wounds

—where no iron mace the

afar,

chief could save,

the wing'd spear the sudden death-womid gave.

THE

220

ILIAD.

[book

*

Him,

*

And from

'

Such were the arms, that now, by age oppress'd,

'

Lycurgus braced on Ereuthalion's breast.

*

Thus arm'd, the

'

His proud defiance of our challenged host.

*

Deep

terrour

'

None

:

'

I,

*

Fronted the

chief,

*

We fought

Minerva's aid

*

The

'

Fell at

*

And

'

in

vii.

a narrow pass, Lycurgus slew, his corse the gift of

till

I

chief stepp'd forth

fell

on

all

:

all

heard his boast,

none dared appear

and

in

life's

who on

prime and pride, his strength rehed.

my

courage crown'd,

burly champion, staggering,

my

:

rose in youth's audacious year,

latest born,

:

Mars withdrew.

felt

the wound,

feet in all his pride of strength,

here and there stretch'd his gigantic length.

that youth's dauntless force were

mine again,

*

To

'

But

'^

Shrink back, and tremble at the Hectorean boast.'

front that Trojan ye, the

on the challenged plain

prime and glory of our host,

Then, ere yet silenced Nestor's scornful tongue.

Nine heroes, leaders of the

host, upsprung.

Foremost, the king of kings, then Tydeus' son.

Then

either

Ajax came undaunted on.

Then bold Idomeneus,

and, robed with might,

Meriones, like Mars in van of

fight.

BOOK

THE

VII.]

Next,

fierce

Ulysses

fail'd

To answer

221

Eurypylus, his soul on flame.

Then bold Andrsemon's Nor

ILIAD.

— one

heir,

young Thoas, came.

resolve in

all.

with their lives proud Hector's

call.

Girt with the heroes, Nestor proudly cried

:

Now favouring fortune shall the lot decide. He whom chance calls, —if scaped the Hectorean

*

*

lance,

Shall Grecia's glory and his

'

He

spake

own

each mark'd his

:

In the deep helm of

lot,

Agamemnon

Meantime, the people prayed,

advance.*

and hid from view threw.

their

hands upraised.

And, invocating heaven, sublimely gazed

'

*

Jove

Or

rich

!

be,

:

by Ajax, or great Tydeus' son,

Mycene's king, the honom* won.'

And Nestor shook the helm out foremost came The wish'd-for lot that honour'd Ajax's name :

The

herald to the host the sign display'd.

Then

to each chief

They knew

By

it

not

:

from right to

left

convey'd

:

but when to Ajax shown.

him, the mark he made, at once was known.

THE

222

ILIAD.

[book

vii.

His arm outstretch'd betray'd his keen desire.

And

seized the lot that fed the heroic fire

Then,

And '

at his feet, cast proudly

;

on the ground.

thus exultant spake the warriors round

Mine, mine the

lot

:

I feel

my

spirit

glow

:

*

This lance shall lay the haughty Hector low.

*

Ye

*

Pray

*

In silence

*

Shall turn back Ajax from his forward course.

'

I

am

*

I

march'd to manhood amid war's alarms

'

A hero

'

Beheld at Salamis a hero born.'

while I arm, to Jove your hands uprear

!

—yet not

in silence, lest a !

—

Jove

!

hostile force

to battle, rude in

train'd

He spake And one, the *

Trojan hear

—no—aloud—no

new

^to

me, and

my

arms

natal

:

mom

Jove the host their prayer

voice of

thou who

all,

by

reign'st

all

was heard

Great victory and renown on Ajax beam,

'

Or,

'

That

thou watch either chief

preferr'd. :

from Ida, God supreme

*

if

o'er Hector's glory, deign

hke strength and fame

obtain.'

Ajax, the while, in burnish'd arms array'd.

The splendour

:

of his panoply display'd,

!

BOOK

THE

VII.]

223

ILIAD.

And, issuing to the challenged combat, glow'd As, mail'd in might, goes forth the exultant god.

When, 'mid Mars

the press of war, at Jove's

command

and prostrates band on band

stalks in blood,

Thus, Telamonian Ajax, Hellas' tower. In fullness of the glory of his power.

High

strode,

and shook the earth

And, grimly smiling, waved

at each advance.

his length of lance.

Greece joyful view'd, while that tremendous sight

Troy

All

appall'd,

E'en Hector

and shook her sons with

felt his

fright.

wavering heart-pulse beat,

Fear'd, yet disdain'd ignobly to retreat.

And

shrink behind the host,

who

lately

heard

His daring challenge, and defying word.

Ajax drew near, and His

shield, with

The work Seven

a turret bore

seven bull-hides thick-coated

of Tychius,

His matchless

like

who

in

skill o'er earth's

Hyla bred. wide limits spread.

folds of mightiest bulls the buckler

A plate

of solid brass

The hero bore

its

its

o'er.

made,

orb o'erlaid

weight before his breast.

Stood nigh, and, threat'ning Hector, thus address'd

*

*

Hector, thou, sole with sole, shalt clearly

What

chieftains

:

know

Greece sends forth to quell her

foe.

THE

224

ILIAD.

[book

*

Tho' the war-breaker, tho' the

lion-heart,

*

The Son

all

'

Brood

*

But

'

*

of Peleus, brood from

in his fleet, nor

deig

apart,

the battle wage,

'gainst Atrides feed revengeful rage

Yet men,

No more

like

:

me, not few, thy force defy

begin the fight, o'ercome, or

;

Brave Hector answer'd

:

—

'

Glory of Telamon's heroic

'

Thou

*

No

'

:

die.'

Chief, of birth divine,

line,

here confront'st no stripling rude in arms,

woman

feeble

scared at war-alarms

;

*

This aim, long wont, can render blow for blow,

*

This eye has seen the

'

I

know

to right

and

field

left to

with blood o'erflow.

ward, and wield

*

The

'

On

*

Vault on the steeds, and wind at

'

Yet would

'

Against an Ajax speed an ambush'd dart

'

But here,

'

Hector confronts thy prowess, face to

untired burden of the battle shield

foot to time the

He It

by subtlety of

in sight of

spoke

And on

I not,

:

all,

and, raised

the hero's breast

smote the massive

:

measured march of war,

in

the car

art,

open space,

aloft, his its

will

face.'

javehn whirl'd.

burden hurl'd

;

shield, and, forceful cast.

Thro' the brass orb and hides six-folded

pass'd.

vii.

BOOK

THE

VII.]

There hung.

ILIAD.

— Then Ajax, with

225

gigantic strength,

'Gainst Hector Ian ch'd his spear's dark-shado^\^ng length.

On

thro' his shield

it

flew, not there to rest.

But pierced the brazen plate that mail'd

his breast.

And now,

while nigh his flank, the impatient dart.

That rent

his tunic, long'd to

From

And

its full

touch his heart,

force the inclining chief withdrew,

turn'd aside the death that

They

met

his view.

pluck'd their lances forth, and rush'd in rage

In closer contest, maddening to engage. Fierce as the infuriate boar, or wild for food

The

lion roaring for the feast of blood.

First

Hector smote the boss

:

its

brass unbroke

Turn'd, blunting, back, the ineffectual stroke.

But Ajax upward sprung, and

dealt the blow.

That pierced the buckler, and confused Cut, on

its

The blood

glancing

flight, his

that fi'om the

his foe.

neck, and drew

wound

dark-welling flew.

Hector stepp'd back, unyielding, and where lay

A

stone, black, rough,

immense, athwart

his

way,

Grasp'd with strong hand, and heaving from the

Lanch'd

its

destruction on the seven-fold shield

Struck on the central boss that far around

Spread the vibrations of

Then

A

its

brazen sound.

Ajax, straining each swoln nmscle, whirl'd

rock's

VOL.

I.

huge fragment, and on Hector Q

hurl'd,.

field,

THE

226

ILIAD.

[book

vii.

Shatter'd the hero's shield, his knees unstrung.

And him on

earth

But Phoebus

raised

upon

him

his buckler flung.

—and,

as sank the day.

Their falchions, hand to hand, had closed the fray.

Had

not the heralds, to whose

office

given

High charge

administ'ring 'twixt earth

The

by each host

heralds,

and heaven.

alike revered,

Talthybius and Idaeus interfered.

And mid

the chiefs their hallow'd sceptres held.

While thus

word

Idaeus'

their rage repell'd

Cease, sons beloved, the

*

strife

of arms give o'er,

contend no more.

*

Cease, dear alike to Jove

*

All

*

Night comes, to Night's advance, brave warriors,

know,

all

:

praise your powers

:

—Yet,

quit the field

yield.'

Ajax replied

:

—

'

Bid Hector speak that word,

*

First

from his

lip

the voice of peace be heard.

'

His challenge

all

provoked.

'

Cease we the

fight,

'

—Bid Hector

then Ajax

say,

will obey.'

Ajax, since heaven to thee,' brave Hector cried

'

Gave courage,

*

Since, in thy grasp, that lance,

*

Than

all

strength,

and wisdom, war

to guide

more powerful

far

the Greeks, can break the ranks of war

:

:

BOOK '

THE

VII.]

Yet, liero

!

not the

less relax

'

And

'

Another day, as

'

Our

'

The hour

'

Night warns us back, to

*

So

'

And

'

I,

'

Men

'

All

*

ILIAD.

cease, at least this day,

227

thy might,

from further

fate decides the

fight.

doom,

contest ends in victory or the tomb.

shalt

of rest

now

thou gladden

thee, thy friends

too, thro' Priam's

bids us quit the field, night's kind

all

warning yield—

the Grecian

fleet,

and joyful comrades

Troy

gi^eet.

shall spread delight,

and robed matrons welcoming

my

sio-ht,

who now suppliant in the hallow'd dome The gods invoke, and call their Hector home

'

Yet, let great

'

That

'

That Troy and Greece to future times record,

'

How

for

gifts

the mutual awe reveal,

each other's fame high warriors

Friendship

:

sheathed,

feel

when Glory drew,

the

sword.'

He

spake

:

and gave a silver-handled blade.

Bright-sheathed, and baldrick with

And Ajax

A

gemm'd

stars inlaid.

gave, as foe to generous foe,

baldric radiant with purpureal glow.

Each went

his

way.

This sought his Greeks again

That, back returning, pass'd

And

o'er Ihon's plain.

Ilion triumph'd, as her people view'd

Their chief ahve, by Ajax unsubdued.

THE

228

And

ILIAD.

unhoped

safe,

for, thro'

exulting Troy.

But the arm'd Greeks, exultant

Led Ajax

in his might.

glorying from victorious fight.

to Atrides' tent,

To Jove

A

whose solemn

feast

Saturnian, graced his honour'd guest.

chosen

bull, five year'd,

they slew, they

flay'd.

Carved, and minutely quartering, piece-meal

Then

And

laid.

roasting, fi*om the spits withdrew.

fitly

spread

—when ceased that —the toil

feast to view.

There, as the banquet each brave chief ;*egaled.

Nor ought The king

of wine, and equal viands

men

of

fail'd.

exulted to assign

Entire to Ajax the allotted chine.

But when the banquet ceased,

And

thirst

The

sage,

and hunger

their ardour o'er.

satiate craved

whose wisdom

Atrides,

how

no more.

oft avail'd the rest.

Aged Nestor, thus the hstening

'

vii.

wonder'd, as they led, in trance of joy.

Him,

Led

[book

chiefs address'd

and ye lords of Hellas' host,

'

Lo

'

Their blood empurples swoln Scamander's flow,

*

And

*

Then, be

'

To

!

Fate

our warriors strow with death the coast,

resistless it

sends their souls below

ours, next

morn, from dawn of

light

leave, unvex'd with war, the field of fight.

BOOK

THE

VII.]

'

ILIAD.

229

'

But with our mules and oxen wheel away

*

Corse heap'd on corse, and nigh the

'

There

'

Shall greet the child

'

And

'

Earth cast on earth, to

'

And

'

Fence to our

*

Thro' whose firm structured gates, in war-array,

'

Our

'

There delve, without, a circhng

*

To

'

That never Troy,

*

Dare pass that

He

bum

be

nigh

it

the dead, whose bones, at our return,

build

who

clasps his father s urn.

all

fleet,

and

Ye

foes,

to our tents repose

:

along the equestrian way

:

fosse profound,

in battle's fiercest hour,

fosse profound,

all

approved

gate,

and storm the tower.*

—But

Confused the council that in

'

mound

from horse and foot the guarded ground,

spake, and

At Priam's

one funeral

huge towers to awe our

may wheel

shield

Where

convey

ours to pile their p}Te around

it

cars

fleet

stern debate

Ilion sate.

on Troy's embattled

crest,

wise Antenor thus the chiefs address'd

Trojans, Dardans, and ye leagued

my

prompts,

my

allies,

words advise

'

Hear what

'

Now

*

Bear Helen, and her wealth, from Troy away.

'

Hope we,

*

Restore her or await severer woe.'

let

spirit

the Atridae, now, without delay,

thus perjured, to withstand the foe

?

THE

230

ILIAD.

[book

He spake and Helen's youthful consort rose. And dared, with scornful words, the chief oppose

vii.

:

'

suits

my

ear thy speech

—Far other word

'

Be from Antenor's

'

Speak'st thou deUberate thus

*

Betray that heaven thy erring mind confounds.

'

The

'

Hear,

'

Wish they

'

Yea

all,

for wealth

spake,

god

in

when

VLtdir

what

'

Now

feast, as

'

Each

'

At

'

—such

senseless sounds

—

?

let

Greece her wealth regain

skill'd their

stores contain.'

passions to compose,

wisdom, reverend Priam rose

'

'

?

—more—the treasures that my

Ye

'

grateful heard.

my word I, never more, my word, my beauteous bride restore.

'

'

more

host shall hear

He

A

lip

Trojans, Dardans, and ye leagued

my

spirit

prompts,

my

wont, your hosts

his allotted post, there

:

allies,

words advise

:

yet strictly guard

watch and ward

dawTi, Idaeas to the station'd

And And The And

:

bay

Hellas' fleet shall pass in peace his way, to the leaders of the Greeks propose

terms of Paris, author of our woes say, let

war awhile suspend

'

That each may

'

Then

'

And heaven

bum

its ire,

the dead, and raise their pyre.

war, perpetual war,

till

fate decide,

to conquest either battle guide.'

:

BOOK

THE

VII.]

At dawn,

The

'

'

*

*

'

'

In

me

!

231

Idaeus reach'd the fleet,

council gather'd

Atridae

ILIAD.

and ye

Agamemnon

chiefs,'

he

and found

round.

cried,

'

give ear

!

the voice of Troy and Priam hear.

may they favour find, the terms I bear, The terms of Paris, author of the war The wealth that once his fleet to Ihon bore, Would death had seized him ere yet reach'd :

shore

he

our

!

vills, that

Greece once more regain,

'

All, all

'

And added

'

But, tho' by Troy sore urged, the youth no more

'

Will Menelaus' beauteous bride restore.

'

This too consent, that war suspend

its ire,

'

That each may burn the dead, and

raise their p>Te.

'

Then

'

And heaven

treasures that his stores contain.

war, perpetual war,

fate decide,

to conquest either battle guide.*

They heard, and Till thus at last the

*

till

stilly sat,

none

silence broke.

son of Tydeus spoke

Let none his wealth

receive,' the

'

No, nor, were such the terms, that

*

A

*

And

child might tell their call

down

doom

:

:

hero cried, faithless bride

proud

Ilion's fall

ruin on her tottering wall.'

;

THE

232

A And '

ILIAD.

[book

vii.

shout of transport burst from every breast. thus their king the voice of

Herald, be that thy answer

express'd

all

:

thou hast heard,

:

*

And Agamemnon

*

But, to collect the dead, to feed the flame,

*

I

'

Haste, soothe the warrior with his last reward,

'

And

the word.

ratifies

envy not that tribute due to fame.

Jove,

He Then

who

hears

my

word,

its

sanction guard.'

spake, and raised to heaven his sceptred hand. swift Idaeus left the

ocean strand,

And Ihon sought, where yet the council sate. And waited fi'om his lips the word of fate. He came, and at his word, all onward sped. These, to collect the

wood

Like labom* Hellas urged.

And

these, the

When

o'er the

those, bear the dead.

All left the

collected

from ocean's

first

The sun had

wood

;

;

main

:

those, the slain.

softly flowing bed.

meads bright

lustre shed.

The Greeks and Trojans mingled on the plain. Where scarce the mourners recognised the slain. While

fi-om their

And, weeping

wounds they cleansed the blood of war.

o'er their bodies, piled the car.

BOOK

THE

VII.]

Priam forbade lament Their grief

who on

ILIAD.

233

no word betray'd

:

the pyre the bodies laid

:

And when the flame had all to ashes burn'd. To Ilion's sacred walls her sons return'd. Not otherwise the Greeks

the secret tear

:

Flow'd as they heap'd the bodies on the bier

And when

the flame had

all

:

consmned, again

Pass'd to their stations, near the sounding main.

Ere dawn of day, while

A

night's pale

chosen band of Grecians

shadow spread,

girt the dead.

There the vast momid upraised, one tomb

And And

nigh that

girt its crest

Guard

And

mound

of their

with

built

up a massive

many

camp and

for

all.

wall.

a lofty tower.

fleet in

adverse hour

with strong gates secured, to close, or yield

Free passage when the war-car claim'd the

field,

And by it delved a fosse, large, broad, profound. And fenced with bristling palisades the gi'ound. Thus Hellas Throned

labour'd, while the gods above.

in the starry

realm of thund'ring Jove,

Look'd down, and, wondering, on the structure gazed.

When '

thus his voice indignant Neptune raised

And

:

breathes there yet on earth's wide-peopled space,

'

One who,

henceforth, will hail our heavenly race

?

THE

234

ILIAD.

[book

vii.

*

View'st thou yon wall that guards the fleet around

'

View'st thou the breadth of yon vast fosse profound

'

While on our

'

No

'

Far as the hght spreads forth from east to west,

*

On

*

While mine and Phoebus' walls sink down unknown,

'

All that gods labour'd for Laomedon.'

'

none have

?

offerings laid,

votive hecatombs implored our aid.

man's amazing work

What

shall glory rest,

hast thou utter'd

Thou whose

'

altars

?

?

'

vast strength

—Jove indignant spake can earth's foundations

shake '

Such feebleness of fear, so weak a wor^,

'

Heaven from some meaner god had haply heard.

'

Far as the

*

Neptune, on thee

*

Arise,

and when the Grecian host once more

*

From

Ilion sail,

'

Break down the

'

Whelm

*

Then

*

So

it

all

shall

light spreads out

from east to west,

shall endless glory rest.

and greet wall,

and

their native shore,

mth

resistless

sweep

beneath the unfathomable deep

:

that spacious coast with sand o'erlay

proud Hellas' labour pass away.'

While thus they spake,

at setting of the

sun

Greece sought repose, her work of wonder done.

BOOK

THE

VII.]

They slew

And

ILIAD.

235

the bullocks, and the feast prepared.

banquet shared.

in their separate tents the

Meanwhile, ships charged with wine, from Lemnos fraught.

To

Phrygia's shore their grateful burden brought.

Sent by Euneus, Jason's blooming heir.

Whom His

A

chaste Hypsipyle to Jason bare.

fleet, apart, for their

peculiar store

thousand measures to the Atridae bore.

The

rest

Greece purchased, and, exchanging, gave

Brass and bright

steel,

the hide, the bull, the slave.

All night Greece revell'd

Her But

sons,

—

all

and

:

and,

all

night, at Troy,

their allies, dissolved in joy.

that night, Jove, meditating woe,

Rock'd with presaging thunder earth below. Fear blanch'd each cheek, and from each trembling hand

The

goblet

fell,

and bathed with \nne the land

—none dared—

None drank Then

sleep shed

down her

till

poured to highest Jove.

blessing from above.

THE EIGHTH BOOK OP

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. Jupiter, in the council of the gods, forbids battle continues.

Greeks.

them

—Juno and Pallas arm for but — Hector ceases from battle battle,

nace of Jupiter.

The Trojan

to aid either host.

—The

— Nestor defended by Diomed. — Hector slaughters the are restrained by the

at the

me-

approach of night.

forces repose by their fires on the field of battle.

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK Morn, golden robed, had Convened

VIII.

earth illumed,

powers above,

in council all the

And on Olympus' many-mountain'd The

*

*

*

attentive

Hear,

The word

speak,

I

— Let none

'

tis

!

ye, every goddess, hear

and what Jove speaks

vain

—the

'

But

'

Whoe'er, apart, what god

*

And

*

Shall

'

The

'

Or

'

Down

all

crest

synod of the Gods address'd

ye gods

all

when Jove

will of

approve, so perfect

revere.

Jove withstand,

my command. may

dare descend,

heavenly aid to Greek or Trojan lend,

by unseemly wounds, on

force

I will

and fury of

my

his return,

vengeance learn.

hurl him to Tartarean hell,

the far depth, where night and horrour dwell.

THE

240

ILIAD.

[book

Hades

*

The

*

Far as yon earth below the ethereal skies

'

Profouiidest gulf of ever-during woes,

*

Where

*

There

'

The unimaginable might

'

Gods

abyss, that underneath dark

viii.

hes, ;

iron gates the brazen floor inclose

he know

shall

far all

gods above

of Jove.

your powers concentrate

all

!

how

try the proof

:

'

Loose a gold chain from yon

'

There,

all,

*

Strive

from

'

Vain

toil

*

With

all

'

Then round

'

Centre of

'

Where

*

While Jove's omnipotence the whole

celestial roof,

heavenly birth

in counterpoise, all

my

me down

throne to draw

—while

I

at

to earth.

once hft up each god,

the world of waves, and man's abode

:

the Olympian crest the chain enwreath,

all,

above, around, beneath,

sublimely poised, at rest remains,

all,

sustains.'

He spake the heavenly powers in silence heard. And struck with terror, wonder'd at his word. :

At length Minerva spake *

The Gods

*

Yet

*

Thus doom'd

*

Yet

'

all

bitterly

know

to perish less

—

*

Sire

thy power,

we mourn

—not the

:

if

!

mightiest Jove

all

power above

for Grecia's host,

on a foreign

thus thy

The heavenly powers from

Avill

coast.

ordain,

earthly wars refrain.

!

:

BOOK '

Yet

'

Lest

let all

Stem

He

ILIAD.

our wisdom some

241

relief inspire,

should perish in thy ruthless

Fear not/ Satumius

'

*

THE

VIII.]

tho*

my

said,

ire.*

and kindly smiled,

word, Jove fain would please his

child.'

spake, and strait his brass-hoof 'd coursers join'd.

Whose

golden manes wide floated on the wind

His hmbs with gold enrobed, and graceful held

The golden

scourge, whose touch their speed impell'd.

Thro' the pure

Mid

To

air,

the chariot, as

it

flew

earth and starry heaven, Satumius di'ew

Ida came, where

many

a gushing fount

Nurtm'es the beasts that thickly haunt the mount

To Gargarus came, on whose

high crest adored.

His altar flamed before the Olympian

The god

And

lord.

there staid his car, his yoke unbound.

thickly pour'd the veil of darkness round.

And,

in his

might exultant,

Gazed on the Grecian

fleet

fi-om its

brow.

and Troy below.

Greece, in her tents, meantime, the banquet shared.

Then

issuing forth in arms, for fight prepared.

Alike the Trojans arm'd, tho' fewer

Yet firm Steel'd

And

in spirit,

and resolved on war,

by necessity, each

risk'd his life.

rush'd on death to shield

VOL.

I.

far.

R

liis

child

and

wife.

THE

242

[book vui.

ILIAD.

Thro' each wide-open'd gate, steeds, chariots flew.

Troop urged on

The

troop, on uproar uproar

encount'ring battles clash'd, in

grew

mid career

Corselet on corselet clatter'd, spear on spear,

Close and more close, the bosses, shield on shield Clang'd, and wide spread the thunder of the field

And

groans and shouts from slayers and the slain

Mix'd, as their blood dark gush'd o'er

Thro'

all

all

the plain.

the morn, and while yet day increased.

rage of war nor mutual slaughter ceased

Nor

But when the sun had heaven s high summit Jove the gold balance of the sky In either scale the fate of battle

And And

he raised

Beneath

And And

sustain'd. laid,

poised the beam, and o'er each as

it

gain'd,

his outstretch'd

»

army weigh'd

arm

saw on earth the Grecian

Troy's opposed scale sublimely

elate. fate.

rise.

in its swift ascension reach the skies.

Then Ida

reel'd, as

Jove, loud thund'ring, flung

His flame-wing'd bolts the Achaean host among

The

On

host beheld, and, wither'd at the sight.

all

amazement

Idomeneus

fell,

first fled

Nor Atreus'

and pale

the battle plain.

son, nor

Ajax dared remain,

Nestor alone involuntary

By

his

affright

staid.

gored courser's waning strength delay'd.

BooKvm.]

Whom, on

THE

ILIAD.

243

his forelock,

on that vital part. Fair Helen's mate had struck with deadly'dart

High

rear'd the steed,

and agonized with pain.

The barbed weapon whizzing Writh'd romKl the

in his brain,

and madden'd by the stroke Appall'd his comrades, strugghng with the yoke Then while hoar Nestor, with reposeless sword Labour'd to cut in twain the steel,

encumb'ring cord,'

'Mid the dense press of war each Bore Hector near and nearer

fiery steed

in his

speed—

Then, Nestor there had died; but Tydeus' son Perceived the wanior rushing fiercely on.

And

with loud shout, in horrour at the view. Rebuked Ulysses as the chief withdrew :

'

'

'

Why

flies

Laertes' son

?

Ulysses

!

stay—

Why, hke yon dastards, turn from war away ? Beware— behind thee flies the whizzing

spear:

'

Stay— Nestor

He And

spake

:

shield from Hector's fierce career.'

yet not the less Ulysses sped.

to the Grecian fleet for shelter

Ulysses

fled—

but Tydeus' dauntless son Rush'd to the van, unaided, and alone. fled,

Before aged Nestor's coursers, undismay'd. Stood in his strength, and to the warrior said

:

THE

244 '

Veteran

ILIAD.

[book

viii.

these champions in their youthful rage

!

'

Too

'

Faint

'

Here, at

'

Ascend, and mark

'

The Trojan

'

How

'

These, whose wing'd swiftness famed ^Eneas drew.

'

Thine,

'

And

'

So

*

Maddens

is

tire

the

arm

of age

thy charioteer, thy steeds o'erspent,

my

side,

prompt

let

on vengeful slaughter bent,

how

disciphned to war

and

steeds wheel to to fly,

how

fro the car,

panting to pursue,

thy servants guard

:

we, these excite,

prove their mettle on Troy's gather'd might

shall this

Hector learn, what dreadful rage

this lance that quivers to engage.'

Nestor obey'd

And

and

fiercely press,

brave

—then Sthenelus the bold

Eurymedon

his steeds controll'd

But, side by side, in Diomedes' car.

Each

aiding each, the chieftains rush'd on war.

Hoar Nestor

Where Now,

and

seized the reins,

Hector's

arm achieved

front to front opposed,

lash'd the steeds.

unrivall'd deeds.

on near advance

Stern Tydeus' son against him hurl'd the lance It fail'd, yet failing,

not ignobly flew.

But the brave son of famed Thebaeus

Smote on the

breast,

That held the

reins,

and

fell'd

and bled

slew.

the faithful guide

at Hector's side

:

BOOK

Down The

THE

VIII.]

prone he

fell,

ILIAD.-

24i

and, while expiring lay,

steeds in horrour started back away.

Grieved Hector view'd, and tho' at heart

distress'd.

Left his pale corse in unavenged rest Left him, intent to seek another guide

To

and stem the ensanguin'd

rein the steeds,

Nor wanted

tide

:

long, but seated in his car

Bade Archeptolemus confront the war.

Then

Had

—

deeds

direst

—then slaughter uncontroll'd

chased the Trojans, penn'd in Ihon's

But Jove the thunders round Tydides

And

fold.

whirl'd.

at his courser's foot a firebolt hurl'd.

Scared at the lightning's blaze, the sulphur's smoke.

The

steeds prone

And

Nestor, shuddering, while

Cast from his

*

fell,

appall'd,

gi*asp the reins,

Turn back the

beneath the yoke. all

ether flamed.

and thus exclaim'd

steeds, Tydides

!

fly

the field

*

Not now Jove deigns

*

This day the god gives Hector high renown,

*

The

'

None, the most

'

Or wrest the thunder from

*

*

to us the victory yield.

god, tomoiTow, shall the Grecian crown fear'd

on

earth, can Jove withstand,

the Almighty hand.'

Just thy advice,' brave Tydeus' son replied,

The words

that

wisdom prompts, thy counsel guide.

THE

246

my

ILIAD.

[book

'

But

'

And

'

That, scared by him, Tydides fled the fight

*

Yawn

'

'

'

this afflicts

soul, lest

Hector boast,

bruit the insult 'mid his shouting host,

me

and hide

earth,

viewless night

first in

What!' the hoar Sage rephed,

From Tydeus

'

Thou

by Hector, base

term'd,

"

How

*

How,

*

Whose

He

shall

in

'

What

futile

!

word!

dauntless son has Nestor heard !

by him dismay'd

such boast the sons of Troy persuade

such boast, the Dardan widows

?

trust,

youthful lords thy spear has hurl'd in dust

spake

:

and where the Greeks,

Fled, drove his steeds,

Their

viii.

flight,

in wild dismay.

and turn'd from war away

when Hector and

the Trojans view'd.

The dart-storm, wing'd with death,

And Hector

loud exclaim'd,

'

their course pursued.

Thee, Hellas' host,

*

Thee, once, of

*

The

'

Thine, the choice viands, and the o'erflowing wine

all

?

her warriors honour d most,

seat of glory at the

banquet thine,

'

Henceforth, thy portion, shame.

*

No

*

Ere thou our consorts

'

Thy

— Go,

girl at heart,

more, weak woman, mock the warrior s part. seize, or scale

:

our walls,

blood's last drop from Hector's javelin

falls.'

BOOK

THE

VIII.]

He

spake

:

ILIAD.

Tydides paused

:

247

his spirit rose,

In doubt the Hectorean proAvess to oppose

Thrice paused, and thrice from Ida's topmost brow,

Jove lanch'd the bolt that rock'd the world below. While, by the omen, more and more inflamed. Fierce Hector, conscious of the god, exclaim'd

On Go in

Trojans, Lycians, Dardans, warriors bold,

'

'

'

*

'

I

your strength, in fury uncontroU'd

know

that

omen

:

its

auspicious flame

To Hector bodes renown, to Hellas shame. Fools who yon walls, contemptible and vain, !

my

*

Have

idly rear'd,

*

Fools

!

^

Wing

*

Ye, on their navy, when

'

Toss brand on brand, and thicken

'

Thus

*

The

inroad to restrain.

they shall view

my

coursers, wild with war,

o'er their deep-delved fosse the

will I

burn their

I

loose

fleet,

my

Hectorean

car.

ire,

fire

on

and 'neath

fire

its

fume

warriors and their ships at once consume.'

Then,

his fierce steeds exhorting, thus exclaim'd

'

Xanthus, and thou Podargus, battle-famed,

'

^thon, and Lampus, wing your

*

Now, Hector's

'

Andromache of famed

'

Who

oft

speed, away,

nurture, now, his wife's repay, Eetion's line,

has steep'd your grain in temper'd wine.

THE

248

ILIAD.

[book

'

And

*

Shared the

*

Away

'

Give to

*

Whose fame

*

Its handles,

*

Give

*

The hauberk, wonder

*

These trophies mine,

'

Shall, cow'ring in their navy, fly the coast.'

slaked your thirst, ere

!

pursue

my

—

o'ertake

—

her youthful lord,

I,

my

banquet, and

late

outstrip the field

strikes heaven, while

and

me from

its

orb, all massive gold.

of Vulcanian this night

who

toil.

yon dastard host

wife, with boundless

thus to Ocean's

!

spoil,

rashly boasting, loud exclaim'd

Shook her firm throne, whence

Thou

:

men amazed behold,

Tydeus' son to rend the

But Jove's stern

*

strength restored.

capture the Nestorean shield,

Thus Hector,

And

viii.

God

all

wrath enflamed.

Olympus

reel'd.

her rage reveal'd

canst shake the world, her rocks

throw,

woe

'

Swells not thy heart with giief at Hellas

'

Thine are her

*

Where

'

Aid then her sons

'

Possess'd each favouring god to Greece inclined,

*

Troy should

*

In solitude and silence

costliest gifts,

'

!

her victims thine,

Helice and vEgae load thy shrine. ;

and

retreat,

if alike

one mind

and Jove, on

mourn

Ida's throne,

alone.'

o'er-

BOOK

THE

VIII.]

The Ocean God

indignantly replied

'

What

'

Not,

*

Could war with one

hast thou said

all

ILIAD.

confederate,

whom,

?

all

Was

:

rash in speech, defied

the powers above

far mightier, mightiest Jove.'

While the gods communed,

Between the

249

all

fosse, the rampart,

the space that lay

and the bay.

choked with steeds and men,

that, wild

dread,

Rush'd from the

battle,

and confusedly

fled.

While, like the War-God, fierce and fiercer drove Hector, resistless in the strength of Jove.

And now his blazing brand the fleet had fired. Had not fierce Juno Atreus' son inspired. And urged him labouring, as his host withdrew. To rouse their com*age, and the war renew. Swift to the tents and ships the chieftain pass'd.

And,

as his robe purpureal caught the blast,

Tower'd on Ulysses' prow, and stood between

The

circling fleet,

by

all

distinctly seen

Thence, pour'd aloud the

Heard audibly by

all at

spirit-stirring

either bound.

Where, guard of all, here Ajax'

And

sound.

tents arose.

there Pelides camp'd in stern repose.

with

?

THE

250

Thus

[book vm.

ILIAD.

his loud voice exclaim'd

'

:

Shame, Argives,

shame, '

In outward form alone ye challenge fame.

'

Where

'

Ye

'

When

*

Ye

*

What

'

That every Greek should

'

Now

*

Yon

Hector's, brandishes the flaming brand.

*

Jove

!

*

So hurl'd a monarch from

*

Yet

'

I pass'd

'

My flame

*

Nor

less I

'

Now

with

*

Let

'

Nor

grant that Hector, and the sons of Troy,

*

The

flower of Hellas' host at will destroy.'

when

the vain boasts,

erst,

by Lemnos' wave,

hail'd yourselves the bravest of the brave,

gorged with

di-ain'd

bulls, in insolence of soul,

'mid banquet vaunts the o'erflowing bowl

then the vaunt of

foil'd

the loud-tongued boast,

face in

arms a

host.

by one alone, whose blood-red hand,

hast thou

e'er, in fullness

when here

ne'er,

all,

of his might,

his tow'ring height

I sail'd in evil

?

hour,

thy shrines unfed, unhail'd thy power of sacrifice high-soar'd from

coveted than

my

sole sad

us, at least,

\

:

all,

Ilion's fall.

at least

comply,

from Troy's stern vengeance

fly,

Jove heard, and to their king's deep anguish gave His nation rescued from the untimely grave Bade, sign

infallible

Grasp'd in

its

!

his eagle bear,

claws, a fawn aloft in

air.

:

?

BOOK

And

THE

VIII.]

cast

it

on the

altar

Where Greece adored

ILIAD.

251

from above.

the Panomph^ean Jove.

But when the Greeks Jove's sacred

bird beheld.

Fresh courage braced them, and to war impell'd. Amid the press of warriors sweeping on,

Rush'd foremost to the conflict Tydeus' son.

None,

o'er the fosse, before him, whirl'd his car.

None, front He,

first,

to front, before

him met the war

Phradmondes Agelaus

slew.

As, from his onset turn'd, his steeds withdrew

They

fled

:

Drove thro'

:

on, on behind, Tydides press'd. his

back the lance, and clave

his breast

Down

from

his car

Rung

as his

armour

Then

the Atridae their swift course pursued.

Then

either

Then

Crete's bold king, while lashing on his steeds.

he

fell,

and harsh the sound

rattling

Ajax with

:

smote the ground.

fierce strength

endued.

Another Mars Meriones succeeds.

Then bold Eurypylus, and

ninth and

last,

Teucer, his bow-string backward straining, pass'd.

He, underneath the Telamonian

When

Ajax raised

Then wing'd

Some

its

shield,

burden, watch'd the

field,

his shaft, and, while with Icss'ning breath

victim struggled in the arms of death.

THE

252

ILIAD.

[book

viii.

E'en as a child that seeks his mother, pass'd

Where Ajax

Who

his

huge orb before him

beneath that blameless chieftain bled

first

Orsilochus

'

Daetor,

god-hke Lycophontes

Each on the other

away,

spirit pass'd

Hamopaon, Chromius,

:

Ormen

writhing, bit the ground.

The Trojan phalanx by nigh,

lay.

wound on wound.

Then Agamemnon, who had proudly

Drew

?

nmnber'd with the dead

first

Then Melanippus

And

cast.

his shafts

view'd

subdued.

and thus exultantly exclaim'd

:

*

Friend Teucer, Telamonian chief far-famed,

'

So wing thy

'

So,

*

Who, underneath

'

Rear'd thee, an infant, in his native earth

'

Thus

*

And

*

Friend

'

By

*

If Ilion fall

*

Greece

*

Wilt thou a tripod

'

Wilt thou a car with each war-breathing steed

'

Or

*

From

and beam on Hellas

shafts,

by such deeds, a

light,

father's love requite,

his roof, tho' base

give thy sire, far

off,

thy birth, :

augmented fame,

higher raise the Telamonian name. !

hear

my

Pallas' aid,

if,

word, that shall not

fruitless

prove

by ^gis-bearing Jove,

beneath

me

—next

to mine,

shall to thee the conqueror's ?

meed

assign.

thine the spoil decreed

:

?

by beauty tempted, proudly bear Troy's bright dames the fairest of the

^

fair ?

BOOK

THE

VIII.]

Him

Teucer answer'd

:

ILIAD. '

253

Wherefore thus excite

'

A

'

Ne'er, while these

'

Ne'er from the battle Teucer shall refrain.

*

Since back

'

My

'

Eight darts

'

Has drunk the

'

But

'

Yet waits the w^eapon, and

warrior ardent to provoke the fight

we

Hmbs

their

?

wonted force

retain,

turn'd the foe, their flight pursued,

well-aim'd arrows have their strength subdued

this fell

my bow

:

has wing'd, and every dart

some youthful heart

life-blood of

hound, thus raging

Thus Teucer spake

;

shall

and, with

in his ire,

now

fi*esh

expire.'

hope inflamed,

'Gainst Hector's breast another arrow aim'd It fail'd

Buried

Him

;

but

its

fix'd in

Priam's son, the dart

death-barb in Gorgythion's heart

from ii^syma brought, the god-like

Priam bare.

Castianira, to great

Now,

fair,

as a garden-poppy charged with seed.

Droops, when the vernal shower has drench'd the

Thus, by the helmet's heavy weight oppress'd

Low

bow'd

his

brow, and lay upon his breast.

Once more impatient Teucer

And

strain'd his

bow.

loosed the shaft to lay great Hector low

Once more

it fail'd

;

Apollo, as

it

:

flew.

Aside from Hector's brow the shaft withdrew

:

mead

THE

254

But lodged

its

ILIAD.

The

viii.

vengeance in the warrior's breast,

Where Archeptolemus had onward

Down

[book

prone he

fell,

and

as

press'd

on earth he

lay.

steeds in wildering terrour turn'd away.

Grief

came

Yet there,

o'er

Hector, of that chief bereft.

tho' loth, his corse the hero left.

And call'd on brave Cebriones to guide And guard his steeds mid battle's gory '

But Troy's

fierce leader

Sprung, and with shout

tide

:

from his radiant car terrific

rush'd on war,

Grasp'd a huge stone, and, furious to engage, 'Gainst Teucer flew, to wreak in death his

But the brave

An

chieftain,

from

its

j'age.

dread repose.

arrow fledged with swift destruction chose

And, as he kept the advancing foe

in view.

And, quivering on the cord, the death-shaft drew.

And now had The

rock's

loosed

it,

when, by Hector thrown.

rough fragment crash'd

his shoulder

bone

Crash'd where the yielding clavicle divides

The neck and It

breast,

and

snapp'd the cord, and

Where

chiefly death resides

fell'd

him kneeling low.

the numb'd hand had dropp'd on earth the bow.

But Ajax, mindful of his brother, sped.

And Till

The

o'er

him

stretch'd the shield that darkness spread.

brave Mecisteus and Alastor bore chief,

deep-groaning, to their station'd shore.

BOOK

The

ILIAD.

i :i)j

while the Trojans, in the might of Jove,

Back

And

THE

VIII.]

to their deep-delved fosse the Acha?ans drove.

in their van, resistless in his ire.

Hector rush'd, and roU'd

First

his orbs of fire.

As when the unwearied blood-hound, stain'd with

gore.

Pursues a Hon, or a mountain boar.

Hangs on

When

his flank,

and marks with wary eye

the fierce beast, back-glancing, scorns to fly,—

Thus Hector

follow'd,

The

foe that

hindmost linger'd on

But

o'er their piles

When

and

e'er

ceased to slay his

way.

fosse confusedly fled.

rush'd the Greeks, and left on earth their dead.

They 'mid

And

nor

each

the ships their routed battle staid.

in fear

invoked the other's

aid.

Raised their clasp'd hands, and pour'd in deep despair To each celestial power the voice of prayer.

Then His

and

fro, fierce-lashing

fiery steeds thro' slayers

Grim

And

to

on amain

and the

slain.

god of battle. Hector rode. his gorgon orbs, that glared on blood.

as the

roll'd

But heaven's high Queen compassionat(| beheld.

And

breathed the vengeance that her bosom swell'd

:-

THE

256 '

we no

Shall

ILIAD.

[book

Jove-born Maid

longer now,

'

Now,

*

Behold how, hurl'd to everlasting night,

'

They

*

All neath the son of

*

While death on death but swells misated

in their last despair, the Grecians aid

He,

?

beneath that Hector's single might

fall

'

'

viii.

too,'

Minerva

Priam

'

said,

*

Cold on

*

Had

'

Withstood implacably

how

'

Reckless

*

I

*

When,

*

Jove sent

oft,

by

all

expire,

ere now,

had

by Grecians

his native earth,

not, in madd'ning

—

ire.'

lain

slain,

mood, the Olympian

my

toils

urged desire

on

toils

from Eurystheus' yoke relieved

Sire

;

o'erdone, his son

while to heaven the o'erwearied sufferer pray'd,

me down

the Herculean strength to aid.

'

had

'

When

'

Ne'er had the Herculean foot, returning, fled

'

The Stygian pool

'

But Jove now loathes me, and that nymph has graced,

'

That wily Thetis, who

his

'

Stroked with

his beard,

*

To

'

But come

*

Once more

I this

foreknown, from

to drag forth

gift

soft

its

hell's

descent,

dog that hero went,

that stagnates round the dead.

hand

knee embraced,

and suppliant pray'd

Achilles with supernal aid. it will,

another day, when Jove

will greet

me

with a father's love.

BOOK '

Now the

'

And

'

There

'

Where

'

Then

'

THE

VIII.]

ILIAD.

fleet coursers to

to the

mail

my

257

thy car array,

Olympian palace wing

will I

'

my way

strength, thence, arm'd, descend

in their fiiry clashing hosts

contend

:

view, advancing 'mid the ranks of fight, If Priam's son will gladden at

our sight.

'

Yes, gorged 'mid Grecia's

'

And

fleet, gaunt birds of prey dogs shall rend the flesh of Troy away.'

She

said

:

and Juno,

as the goddess spoke.

Prepared her gold-rein'd steeds to bear the yoke. Meantime the daughter of the Olympian God Reach'd her eternal

father's high abode.

Loosed the embroider'd robe her labour wove.

And

floated with

Then

its

flow the hall of Jove

girding on the terrour of her might,

Mail'd in Jove's corselet, steel'd her breast for fight Stepp'd forth, and mounting the refulgent car, Grasp'd the huge lance that breaks the strength of war.

And

prostrates, in the fierceness of her ire.

Heroic ranks, who 'neath her

Then Juno

feet expire.

lash'd the steeds, that, swiftly driven,

Rush'd where before them oped the gates of heaven Self-moved, on sounding hinges, where the Hours

Held watch, entrusted with VOL.

I.

alternate powers, jj

THE

258

[book

ILIAD.

viii.

the Olympian height. O'er heaven's vast concave, and close the light. roll away the clouds, or

To

ethereal road, Thro' these the goddess, on the beneath the goad. Lash'd the wing'd steeds that flew crest Jove view'd indignant, and from Ida's

^vinged Iris thus address'd

The golden

'

*

Speed,

111

shall

My

'

Iris

!

fly

:

turn, turn

we meet, and wage

word

is

consummation

:

them from

my way

the unequal fray.

—

'tis

decreed

strikes the steed; Bid them speed back, or lameness headlong thrown, will crush their car, and,

'

And

'

I

'

Hurl them beneath

'

Nor

'

The

'

So

its

wreck to writhe and

remove, ten long long years the scars brand inflicted by the bolt of Jove.

shall,

shall

Minerva, when she dares her

Feel what the force of his resistless

'

But

'

She but withstands, as wont, whate'er

less

my

Jove spake to

wrath with

:

and

Iris

Juno—less

sire,

ire.

'

Sped

gi'oan

her blame

my

on the tempest's

Olympus from the Idsean

utmost gate, preventive, staid

And

at

The

obey'd rushing car, and Jove's behest

its

aim.'

flight.

height.

;

:

BOOK

Stay

'

THE

VIII.]

ILIAD.

What your aim

!

?

'tis

Jove

'

I

'

Lameness beneath the yoke

'

The god

*

Hurl you beneath

'

Nor

'

The branding

'

So

'

Be taught the

'

But

speak his menace

will crush

shall ten long

shall

frenzy

fires

your course

not that you aid the Argive force.

'

wills

259

—

If

you dare the deed,

your

car,

wreck

its

shall strike the steed.

and headlong thrown,

to writhe

long years the scar remove,

of the thunderbolt of Jove.

Minerva, warring 'gainst her

sire,

force of Jove's resistless ire

wrath with Juno,

less his

and groan.

less

her blame,

'

Who

'

But thou, devoid of reverence, shame, and

'

Beware, nor

still,

as wont, withstands, whate'er his aim.

Uft 'gainst

She spake, and

fled

:

Jove thy ponderous

fear,

spear.'

nor Juno disobey'd.

But, mindful, thus address'd the blue eyed Maid

'

Hear, Jove-born, hear

our vain attempt give o'er

low race contend with Jove no more.

*

For

*

This mortal

'

The

'

Let Jove

*

As Troy

earth's

!

lives,

that dies, to each his lot

bale or bliss of earth imports us not.

—

'tis

just

—whate'er

his sov'reign will,

or Greece incline him,

all fulfil,'

THE

260

ILIAD.

She spake, and backward tum'd

[book

—And

lo

!

viii.

the Hours

Loosed her bright steeds 'mid heaven's ethereal bowers.

Led them, and bound

And

to their ambrosial stalls.

placed the car 'gainst heaven's refulgent walls

While

either goddess,

on her throne of gold.

Sat 'mid the gods, nor dared her grief unfold

Now The

to

Olympus' brow, from

Ida's grove.

eternal sire his ileet-wing'd chariot drove

There the earth-shaldng god the yoke unbraced.

And

the veil'd car within

on

But Jove himself

sat

And

reel'd

all

Olympus

Apart, Minerva and his

Nor

its

station placed.

his golden seat.

beneath his

Queen

feet.

reposed.

greeting gave him, nor their lips unclosed

Jove, conscious of their silence, thus express'd.

In taunting words, the scorn that swell'd his breast

Why droop ye thus ? Whence Juno's secret Why grieves Minerva on her golden throne *

'

groan

?

?

*

Not long ye

'

And

'

Know, while

'

Not

'

But

'

Ere you beheld the

the glorious war to wage,

toil'd

slake in Trojan blood celestial rage.

all

this

arm has

strength, this sceptre sway,

the leagued gods can bar

—terrour

fill'd

my way

your breast, your arm enchain'd, field

with death distain'd.

BOOK

THE

VIII.]

ILIAD.

—had you dared—by

261

my voice be upon my word

'

Hear

*

Sure consummation waits

*

Ye never more, your limbs by thunder riven, Had in your car regain'd the realm of heaven/

'

He

spake

—

heard

all

deep-groan'd the Queen, and Jove-born

Maid,

Who, weaving woe Minerva

That

silent sat,

to Troy, perforce obey'd.

nor breathed the

inly flamed against her

ire

god and

sire.

But Juno scorn d to curb her madd'ning

And

thus her bitterness of wrath express'd

—

What hast thou said, dire god ? thy power we own Thou in omnipotence rulest all, alone, Yet we may mourn o'er Greece, beneath thy hate '

'

*

breast.

'

Doom'd

to exhaust the bitterest dregs of fate.

*

But

tho'

no more,

'

We

break the battle with

*

Let

us, at least,

*

Lest, in thy wrath consumed,

'

At morn'

if

such thy stern command, celestial

hand,

some kind advice supply,

—the god

replied

*

Juno

shall see, if grateful to

'

Jove

in the fullness of his

*

The Argive

host,

all

*

hopeless

at

dawn

die.*

of light,

her sight,

power confound

and strew with death the ground.

THE

262

ILIAD.

proud Hector

[book

from war

*

Nor

shall

*

Till

quenchless vengeance rouse Pelides'

*

That day,

*

When

*

Tho,' where lapetus and Saturn reign,

'

Thou

e'er

retire,

'

ire,

in desperate streights, force urging force,

armies clash around Patroclus' corse

seek the boundaries of the earth and main,

Where none enjoy the sun-beams, none The breath of being from the vital gale,

*

viii.

inhale

'

But midnight darkness, and the depth profound

'

Of Tartarus gather

'

There, shouldst thou wrathful stray, unpitied groan,

'

And on

thy heart's

She answer'd not

all their

fell

horrours round

malice feed, alone.'

—Meanwhile the

light of day.

Beneath the depth of ocean, died away

And

night, o'er genial earth the veil outspread.

Which, loathed by conquering Troy, deep darkness shed But

hail'd, thrice hail'd

Which saved her That time

Where

by Greece, the favouring gloom

warriors from impending doom.

to council

Hector

call'd his host.

whirl'd the flood at distance

from the

coast.

And fresh the night-air breathed, and free the plain From bleeding foes by mutual slaughter slain. The chieftains left their cars, and silent heard Their leader, loved of Jove, their Hector's word

THE

BOOK vm.]

ILIAD.

263

with arm of un tired strength,

He, 'mid the

chiefs,

Firm grasp'd

his lance, eleven cubits' length.

Its

point of burnish'd brass before

And round the shaft a On this the hero leant

golden

him gleam'd.

circle

beam'd.

Ye Trojans

'

!

hear

!-

'

Dardans, and brave alHes, incHne your ear.

*

Yes

'

Their

'

But night has intervened, and saved the

host,

*

And

coast.

*

Now

'

Prepare the banquet, and recruit yovu' might.

'

Here

*

And, largely pampering,

for fresh battle feed.

*

Speed, bring from Troy

fat

'

'

—

And And

I

had hope, that we, yon Argives

fleet in flames,

slain,

had back return'd again

on the sea-beat

their ships station'd

:

rest awhile, and, yielding to the night,

fix

your

wine

cars,

unyoke the o'erwearied

beeves and chosen sheep,

in flowing bowls,

piles of

wood

your cares to steep,

collect, that all the night

morn unbars

the gates of hght.

'

Shall flame,

*

So

*

And

'

Nor Greece, now routed from

*

Seize on her ships, and cross once

'

Let none without a scar his deck ascend,

*

But 'neath

*

Haste

'

Arrest the dastard in his

shall

till

our army

steed,

fires

on

fires upraise,

heaven's high concave redden with the blaze

!

his roof the

—As each

the battle plain,

wounds of

more the main.

battle tend.

leaps on board, wing the swift spear, fleet

career

THE

264

ILIAD.

nor

[book

*

So Greece

*

Heap

*

And

*

Each blooming boy and hoary-headed

*

All, in their station, thro' night's sleepless hours,

shall dread,

her sons again

e*er

war's dire woes on Phrygia's distant plain

bid the heralds, loved of Jove, require sire,

To keep strict watch on Ilion's guarded towers And let the females, in their households, raise,

*

*

viii.

*

Each wakeful

'

All strictly watch, lest Troy, devoid of aid,

'

Fall, if the

*

So pass the night

*

My

*

Yet

'

Nor

'

Yes, I shall backward drive this wolfish host,

*

Forced by stern

*

Watch we

'

On

'

Then

*

Tydides from the ships

*

Or borne by me

'

His armour stains with blood

'

The morn

'

The

'

No

'

And many

;

her hearth, the undying blaze

o'er

ambush'd foe her walls invade :

and what the morn demands

voice shall proffer to our marshall'd bands.

—nor my prayer

shall fail,

nor trust in Jove,

firm rehance on each god above

fates

on Phrygia's

ourselves this night

to their

navy force

shall I

view

if

in

at

dawn

of day

arms your way

backward

my

in triumph

shall witness,

;

hostile coast.

to their wall

course recall,

from the

slain,

my native plain. if on my advance

chief withstand the terrour of this lance.

—the new sun

shall

view his mortal wound,

a warrior stretch'd his corse around.

:

.]

THE

*

So might

*

While

*

Adored

*

As comes

ILIAD.

I ceaseless live, so ne'er

o'er

me

like

265

wax

years on years had vainly roll'd,

Phoebus, and like Pallas hail'd,

that day

The Trojans

by Hellas' host

bewail'd.'

shouted, and from every car

Loosed the steeds foaming with the

And

old,

of war

toil

each in station'd ranks along the ground

Their coursers ranged, and by their chariots bound.

Thus they

—while some from

Ilion's

hoarded

store.

Bread, and rich wine, choice sheep, and oxen bore

Some

gather'd wood, and some, o'er \'ictims slain.

With

sacrificial fires fill'd all

the plain.

Whence by the winds in cloudy columns The fragi'ance of that field steam'd up to Yet

—unaccepted

Hung

dark

:

Beam

Rocks,

fate.

numerous watch-fires

heaven the

stars at night's

in their brightness

When And

in

and presaged her

elate, in orderly an*ay.

All night around her

As when

heaven.

so celestial hate

o'er Ilion,

But Troy

driven.

sleeps the wind, cliffs,

round the

still

noon.

iull-orb'd

moon.

and every mountain height.

and gToves, shine towering

\

the vast firmament innnensely riven.

Expands

lay,

for other stars another heaven.

in light.

THE

266

ILIAD.

Gladd'ning the shepherd's heart

The

watch-fires

;

[book

so

viii.

numerous rose

round the warriors' arm'd repose.

In sight of Troy, and wide iUumed the scene

The

A

flow of Xanthus and the fleet between

thousand

O'er

fifty

fires

:

and each with separate blaze

warriors cast the undying rays.

Where, ranged beside the

The

cars, full-fed

steeds impatient stood,

morn.

and

with com.

snuff''d

the coming

THE NINTH BOOK OF

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT.

Agamemnon,

at public council,

Ulysses and Ajax to

—Achilles

by the advice of Nestor, sends Phoenix,

endeavour to soothe and reconcile Achilles.

rejects their offers.

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK Thus watch'd the Trojan

IX.

host, while heaven-sent Fhght,

Chill Fear's ally, dispersed the Grecian

The

leaders

all,

might

each chief in arms renown'd.

Felt the deep anguish of war's piercing

wound

As when the north and west from Thracia sweep. Suddenly rage and tempest up the deep.

The dark swoln The sea-weed Such the So

billows curve,

and upward

by the stormy

scatter'd

cast

blast

dire conflict in each Grecian breast.

swell'd Atrides' heart with

woe

oppress'd.

He

bade the heralds, gently, name by name

To

council

Nor

summon

every chief of fame.

ceased himself from labour

The summon'd

:

bow'd by

giief.

leaders gather'd round their chief.

In tears Atrides stood

:

thus ceaseless flow

The dark streams gushing from a rocky brow.

THE

270

He

groan'd,

and spake

ILIAD.

Ye Argive

'

:

[book

my

leaders

woe

'

Stern Jove has link'd

'

His was the promise, when from Greece

'

To guard me back

'

The

'

I sail, inglorious, half

'

Jove

'

And wrecks

'

Now,

as I speak, your king's behest obey,

'

Now,

while a

'

List to the voice that

'

Nor

He

now

wills,

guileful, wills to

who

my army

came,

Greece ag^in slain

sail

and tower,

can waft us, speed away

:

back to Greece

all silent sat,

by

his rage restrain'd:

suits, I

foremost blame

—nor thou with anger flame

'

For

'

Dared name brave Tydeus son the

*

All, all alike,

*

Still in their

*

Of

*

One

'

But Jove withheld the

'

Ask thy own heart

words

thy rash reproach,

when death drew

'

either gift

walls.'

grief enchain'd.

Thy

ill-judged

recalls,

on Troy's uncaptured

'

:

I

the world in wantonness of power.

King, as free counsel

first

severe.

prostrates temple, town,

cast a glance

spake

hear

with spoils of Troy in flame.

Tydeus' son no more

Till

'

god,

fate to

!

ix.

:

near,

slave of fear.

our youths and elders heard,

memory burns each

bitter

word.

thou hold'st alone of Jove,

sceptred sway, a king,

:

gift

all

that

kings above all

excels

not there firm courage dwells.

BOOK

THE

IX.]

—

ILIAD.

271

'

And

'

Such, as thou

'

But

'

Before thee hes the unobstructed way.

*

There, nigh the peaceful wave waits

'

That with thee from Mycenae caught the

'

But others

'

Shall at the conqueror's feet in ruins

'

Yet

'

Fly with their ships, and seek their native land,

'

I

'

We,

^hadst

—

—

if

if

thou hope say'st,

in Grecia's sons to find

own unwarhke mind ?

thy

fear goads thee back,

will

remain,

till

why

longer stay

many

a

?

sail,

gale.

Ilion's wall fall.

they too, hke thee, from Phrygia's strand

and brave Sthenelus

seal Ilion's

with the Gods here

sail'd,

and

doom, will

with them o'er-

come.'

He

spake

—and

all

the exulting Grecians heard.

Shouted applause, and wonder'd

'

'

*

Prince,'

Nestor spake,

*

at his word.

whose arm

in w'arlike deeds,

Whose wisdom all of equal age exceeds, None can thy speech reprove, no Greek

withstand,

maturer thoughts demand.

'

Yet these

'

Few

'

Thou, of his

'

Yet, what thy counsel prompts to Grecia's kings,

'

From

dire

ills

are thy years,

and

if

from Nestor sprung,

sons, wert youngest of the

the fair fount of

wisdom

young

clearly springs.

THE

272

But

'

—while

I

now

ILIAD.

time's gather

d

[book

ix.

stores unbind,

And give to Greece the harvest of my mind, None shall my speech inculpate, none contend,

*

'

word

'

Nor

'

The man,

*

A

'

Now,

*

Feast and recruit their strength to stand the fight

'

And

'

Each, at the trench, hold watch without the wall

*

And

*

Feast

'

Charged are thy tents with wine, which day by day

*

From

*

'

e'er shall Nestor's

whoe'er, that

his king offend.

war approves,

civil

tribeless, lawless, heartless let

let

wanderer roves.

our warriors, yielding to the night,

the guard

—on you, brave youths

!

I call,

thou, Atrides, Hellas' sovereign lord, all

the elders at thy regal board.

Thracia's realm the Grecian barks convey

Thy roof can all receive, profuse thy board, And many a menial waits thy sov'reign word.

'

Then, of the assembled guests

'

Whose

'

If counsel

'

Fire answers

*

Who

*

Or

counsel best directs our dangerous way,

can

avail,

fire,

when nigh our

— This night—

this

wrecks for ever Grecia's power.'

spake, and

Forth rush'd,

fleet

while Hellas' hosts retreat.

can behold, nor mourn ?

saves, or

He

his voice obey,

in

all

obe/d

arms

—

^to

watch and ward.

array'd, the nightly

guard

hour

BOOK

ILIAD.

Thrasymedes went, next,

First,

The

THE

IX.]

sons of Mars,

273

like their sire.

with Mavortian Ascalaphus and bold lalmen came,

Then

fierce

fill'd

fire,

Meriones, the heir of fame,

Deipyrus and Aphareus pass'd.

And

Creon's offspring, Lycomedes,

Seven

chiefs

The long

last.

each leading on an hundred band

;

lance gleaming as they cross'd the land

Then, 'mid the trench and wall they

fix'd

;—

the guard.

The

night

The

king, meanwhile, the grateful banquet spread.

fires

And onward

kindled, and their food

prepared—

to his tent the elders led

There, to the sated guests, the Pylian sage Unlock'd the treasures of experienced age.

And, ever as of

On

'

wondering hung

old, all

the mild

wisdom of his tuneful tongue

Atrides

king of kings,

!

my

my word

'

With thee

'

For vast the sway by Jove to thee

'

Power that

'

Therefore,

'

To

'

Then, what may

'

'Tis thine,

speech begins, with thee shall end

controuls, it

attend,

assign'd,

and laws that mend mankind

thee behoves, beyond the rest,

speak thy thoughts, and hear what ours suggest

VOL.

I.

profit

king

!

most the pubhc

by act

to

state

consummate.

THE

274

[book

ILIAD.

IX.

other word speak what wisdom prompts, nor heard. More wise than Nestor's shaU by thee be

'

I

'

'

Hear what

'

The

'

From From

'

I long,

not

now

alone, have thought,

counsel by matured reflection wrought, arms dread hour, when thou by force of that

scorn'd Pehdes reft'st Briseis' charms.

my

warning voice thy rage withstood,

'

In vain

'

And

'

When

'

The

'

Whose prize thou hold'st. Now,

blood, strove to calm the torrent of thy frantic passion

bravest hero,

bade thee proudly scorn

whom

the gods adorn, all

your counsel bend

How best to gain the chief thou daredst offend, How deprecate his wrath, how win his aid,

'

'

And by

'

rich gifts

and soothing speech persuade.'

The king rephed—

'

thou, for

wisdom famed,

Whose word of truth my wrong has justly blamed whom favouring Jove I own the offence, and him,

'

'

his heart, I rate

a host above.

'

Holds in

'

Jove, to exalt his fame, our force subdues,

'

And

Troy's wide plain with Hellas' blood embrues.

'

But

whom

'

Fain would

I

'

Be

all,

'

Hear, while his

witness,

I injured, yielding to

my rage,

soothe, and by rare gifts assuage.

what now your king proclaims, word each present singly names

KooK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

275

*

Seven tripods, round whose base no flame has

'

Ten weighted

'

Twice ten bright cauldrons

'

Whose

*

Not poor

'

Nor

'

Such

as these coui'sers, in their

'

Have

to

*

'

roll'd

talents, all of purest gold ;

twelve unwearied steeds,

swiftness, crown'd with conquest, all exceeds

that

man, whose chests

their prizes hold,

his a treasury destitute of gold,

And Had

my palace

seven

fair

unmatch'd speed,

brought, the victor's

Lesbians,

whom, when

meed

;

Peleus' son

captured Lesbos, by his valour won,

my

chose,

compare,

prize, all beauteous, past

'

I

'

And

'

These

'

The maid

*

Her

*

The

'

These wait

'

Troy's captive city to our host be given

'

His

'

When

*

And

'

Save peerless Helen, passing

'

But

'

And

*

Him,

'

My

all, in

every I give

art, as skill'd as fair. ;

and

—more than these—

I seized, Briseis,

resign

the divine,

—witness heaven —whom !

ne'er Atrides led,

unwilling captive, to his lawless bed. his will

:

and

if

by favouring heaven

with brass and gold shall freight the

fleet

tide,

Hellas' conquerors Priam's spoil divide;

to his choice twice ten fair

—

if

to

feed as

maids

all their

assign'd,

kind.

Argos we return again,

upon the

my

fatness of her plain,

son Orestes, youngest-born,

roof shall reverence, and

my

gifts

adorn.

THE

276

ILIAD.

my

[book

'

Three virgin daughters

'

Each fonn'd

'

Or pledged Chrysothemis

^

Or

chaste Laodice's unrivalFd charms,

'

Or

fair

*

Nor ask

'

But from

'

Such

'

Seven peopled

'

Cardamyle, green Hire's

'

And Enope, and Pherae's stately towers, And rich Antheia's meads, and fruitful bowers,

'

to

return await,

match a monarch's high

estate

:

shall grace his arms,

Iphianassa bless his bower, of Peleus' wealth the bridegroom's dower

my

treasured stores such dower supplied,

as ne'er yet enrich'd a royal bride

'

^peia

'

For

'

These

'

Tower

fair,

cities shall

confess his reign,

fertile plain,

and Paedasus renown'd

that glow with purple clusters crown'd.

hills

cities, all,

nigh Pylos' spacious plain

o'er the sands,

and border on the main

'

All densely peopled, and whose natives hold

'

Lands throng'd with herds and many a

*

These

'

Gifts

and large

'

Such

my

*

His vengeful mood, and soothe Pelides' rage.

*

Let him relent

'

Dwells, loathed of mortals, the relentless god.

'

Let him now

*

Such

shall revere

as

him

as a god,

:

fleecy fold.

and bring

tribute to their sceptred king.

pledged

:

gifts, if

alone in

yield,

becomes

such

hell's

may

yet assuage

abode

and due obedience pay,

my

years,

and ampler sway.'

ix-

BOOK

THE

IX.]

Then Nestor

:

'

ILIAD.

277

King of men, high-honour'd

'

Vast are the offers of thy plighted word.

'

Choose we the

'

Shall to Pelides' tent pursue their way.

'

Myself

*

Foremost

'

Then, Telamonian Ajax, then the heir

'

Of famed Laertes

'

And

'

Wise Hodius and Eurybates,

'

Now

'

While

will

let

chiefs,

who now,

choose them

I call

they,

^vithout delay,

my

choice approve

:

on Phoenix, loved of Jove

to his

camp

repair

the heralds, where the chieftains bend, attend.

water bring, each word profane repress, all

—

if

Jove

will save us

All heard well pleased

The

:

lord,

:

—Jove

and now,

address.'

their

hands to

lave.

obedient heralds pour'd the lustral wave.

Then, charged

\^^tll

wine, the youths their beakers

crown'd.

And gave from

right to left to all

And, when the

feast

Each on

his mission

Then with keen

To But

all

was

o'er, all, satiate,

from Atrides'

went,

teiit

glance, that search'd the secret mind.

Gerenian Nestor nuich enjoin'd.

to Ulysses most,

What

around

soft entreaties

what prayers assuage. soothe Pelides' rage.

THE

278

On

their high charge their

Where on

And And

ILIAD.

way

[book

ix.

the chieftains took

the beach the sounding billows broke.

to appease the chief, devoutly pray'd. oft

implored the ocean monarch's

aid.

But when they came, where camp'd along the bay, Pelides and his host in order lay.

They found him kindHng

his heroic fire

With high-toned harmony That

silver lyre,

that shook the lyre.

which crown'd the conqueror's

His chosen prize from sack'd Eetion's

toil.

spoil.

There, as the hero feats of heroes sung.

And

glowing chords enraptured hung.

o'er the

Alone Patroclus, hstening to the Sat

silent,

The

when advancing on

They came, and stood

his lyre in

Patroclus rose

*

and

:

Their hands in

'

Hail, friends

Tho' wrathful

his,

!

his seat.

hand, the chiefs to greet

strait Achilles press'd

and kindly thus address'd

harsh fate no doubt has forced you here still,

yet you

I

hold most dear.'

He spake and to his tent the And placed on seats, with purple :

way

before famed Peleus' son.

amazement, from

Sprung with

their

came, Ulysses led them on

chieftains

Achilles, in

lay.

chieftains led.

arras spread.

BOOK '

THE

IX.]

Now

ILIAD.

279

haste, Patroclus, to each guest assign

'

A

'

So greet the

*

Guests, who, beneath

larger beaker, charged with stronger wine.

He

spake

friends,

And

my

roof,

I

revere,

most loved appear.'

nor him Patroclus disobey'd

:

Then, nigh the

There

whose presence

fire his

cast a goat's

lord a basket laid.

and sheep's extended chine.

the huge carcass of a fatted swine.

Served by Automedon, with dexterous art Achilles

'

self divided part

from part,

Fix'd on the spits the flesh, where brightly blazed

The

fire's

pure splendour, by Patroclus raised.

Patroclus next,

when sank

the flame subdued.

O'er the raked embers placed the spitted food.

Then

And

raised

it

from the props, then, salted

duly roasted, to the dresser bore

Next

o'er.

:

to each guest, along the table spread

In beauteous baskets the allotted bread. Achilles' self distributed the meat.

And placed against his own, Ulysses' seat. And now Patroclus, at his lord's desire. The hallowed The

offering cast

amid the

fire

guests then feasted, and, the banquet o'er.

When

satiate thirst

and hunger claim'd no more,

THE

280

And

to hoar Phoenix

ILIAD.

[book

Ajax gave the

ix.

sign,

Ulysses, mindful, crown'd his cup with wine.

And

to Achilles drank

'

:

Hail, hero

!

*

AVe ne'er of honouring

'

Or, in Atrides' tent, or such as here

'

With

*

But now we seek not

all

feasts,

hail

and banquets

fail,

that cheers the sense, our senses cheer.

bow'd with dread,

feasts, but,

^w wing'd destruction bursting on our head, *

iii

*

«;

to live, or with our fleet

on

fire,

lOU gird thee with thy strength, expire.

'

\jii]:

*

Proua Troy, and her

'

Now

'

Light

'

And

'

O'er Ilion's conquering host Saturnian Jove

'

Sends prosperous signs in lightning from above,

*

And

*

Rolls his fierce eyes that glare with living

*

Nor men, nor gods

'

Boils in his heart, that

*

And

'

Shall \-iew

'

And bum

'

The Greeks

'

Not

'

The boundless measure

by the fires

fleet

on

in scornful

long

whose flames oiu•

their» host illume,

navy's strength consume.

Hector, trusting in the Olympian

light

him cut our our

my

fire,

maddens forth,

ships'

to engage,

whose

earliest ray

proud beaks away,

girt

around with

fuming columns

shall expire

fleet,

in

sire,

reveres, such boundless rage

dawn break

bids the

might

and wall wear out the night,

fires,

shall ere

allies,

where,

fire,

di'ead, that heaven's resistless will

of his threat

fulfil,

/ BOOK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

281

'

And

'

Far from the land that

*

Rise, hero

'

From

*

Lest vainly thou in after time repent,

'

Nor heal by

'

Ere the blow

*

And ward from Greece

'

slay our host

rise,

!

on Phrygia's shouting earth, our

hail'd

and now,

blissful birth.

tho' late, release

IHon's galling yoke the sons of Greece,

friend

self-reproach the past evefit. fall,

our woe maturely weigh, the exterminating day.

recall the words, recall the

!

hour

*

When

Peleus bade you join Atrides' power,

*

My

— He spake —Minerva can

*

And Juno

'

Thou, rule thy mind

'

Learn how humanity o'ermasters

'

Cease from

'

Thee,

'

He

*

Now — tho'

'

Hear the

'

If yet

'

Hear

'

The promised

'

Seven tripods round whose base no flame has

*

Ten

*

Twice ten bright cauldrons

'

Whose

son

fill

thee with heroic

fell

spake

—

^but

fire

curb passion's headlong course

:

:

force.

discord, that, both

all alike, in

inspire,

young and

old,

equal honour hold.

thou

reluctant

forgett'st

—

yet, yet assuage

—now relax thy rage

vast gifts Atrides has assign'd,

thou deign hold mastery

—yet be

patient gifts

—while

I

o'er

thy mind.

singly

name

Greece heard her king proclaim

weighted'talents,

all

:

roll'd

of purest gold ;

twelve unwearied steeds,

swiftness, crown'd with conquest, all exceeds

:

THE

282

ILIAD.

[book

man, whose chests such

ix.

*

Not poor

'

Not

'

Such

as these coursers, in their

*

Have

to his palace brought, the victor's

'

Seven Lesbian captives, whose distinguish'd charms,

*

When

*

Atrides chose,

'

And

'

These the king

*

The maid he

'

Whom—heaven has witness'd—ne'er the monarch led,

'

Unwilling captive, to his lawless bed.

*

These wait thy

'

Troy's captured city to our host be given,

that

prizes hold,

his a treasury destitute of gold,

unmatch'd speed,

meed

;

Lesbos yielded to thy conquering arms,

all,

all

beauteous, past compare,

in every art, as skill'd as fair. gives,

and

will,

with these, resign

seized, Briseis the divine,

will

:

and

if,

by favouring 'heaven,

'

Thy

'

When

'

And

*

Save peerless Helen, passing

'

But

*

And

*

Thee, as his son Orestes, youngest born,

*

His roof shall reverence and

'

Three

'

Each form'd

'

Or pledged Chrysothemis

*

Or

fleet

.

with brass and gold shall freight the tide,

Hellas' conquerors Priam's spoil divide,

to thy choice twdce ten fair maids assign'd,

if

to

feed

all

their kind.

Argos we return again,

upon the

fatness of her plain,

his gifts adorn.

\irgin daughters there thy choice await,

to

match a monarch's high shall grace

estate

thy arms,

chaste Laodice's unrivall'd charms.

:

BOOK

THE

IX.]

'

Or

'

Nor ask

fair

of Peleus' wealth the bridegroom's dower

But from

*

Such

'

And

*

Cardamyle, green Hire's

'

283

Iphianassa bless thy bower,

'

*

ILIAD.

his treasured stores a

:

dower supplied,

as ne'er yet enrich'd a royal bride

seven throng'd

cities shall confess

thy reign,

fertile plain,

And Enope, and Pherae's stately towers, And rich Antheia's meads, and fruitful bowers, and Paedasus renown'd

'

iEpeia

'

For

*

These

'

Tower

'

All densely peopled,

*

Lands throng'd with herds and many a

'

These

'

Gifts

*

Such now await

'

Nor longer brood

'

But,

'

The monarch and

his gifts alike abhorr'd,

*

Yet

Greece thy pity move

'

Aid

*

Rise, slay this Hector,

*

O'er thee extends the shadow of his spear,

'

And

*

No

fair,

hills

that glow with purple clusters crown'd.

cities all,

o'er the sands,

and border on the main

:

and whose natives hold

shall revere thee as a god,

and large

if

nigh Pylos' spacious plain,

fleecy fold.

and bring

tribute to their sceptred king.

thee, so thou deign assuage o'er unrelenting rage.

thy heart detest proud Argos' lord,

let despairing

—and be honour'd

like the

:

gods above

who now,

:

rai-ing near,

vaunts that none whose vessel cross'd the main.

Grecian warrior can his lance

sustain.'

THE

284

Most wise

*

ILIAD.

[book

Ulysses,' Peleus' son replied,

'

Thou

*

I

*

And what

'

That not a murmurer may of me complain,

*

Nor vex with

*

Loathed

*

The

'

What

*

Atrides nor the Greeks can change

'

Since no reward, no gi*atitude repays,

'

Him who

'

Alike his

'

The brave and

'

O'er

him whose

'

And

him, vhose day was undisturb'd repose.

'

Conquest on conquest, by

'

Ne'er yet to

'

And

*

Brings back, far wandering, the untasted food,

'

Thus have

*

And day

'

Battle on battle, not for

*

But

'

I,

'

And

glory of Laertes

speak

my

Grecia's pride

!

will as free, as fr^ee conceived,

once have said

I

lip that utters

deem

I

be achieved,

shall

prayer, importunate and vain.

like the gates of

best

!

Hades,

what the heart I

despise

I

denies.

speak, and so inclined,

my mind

wears out in war laborious days.

who

lot,

flies

or nobly fights,

base one recompense requites. life

me

a

was

gift

toil

the grave shall close,

my

life-blood bought,

superior brought.

as a famish'd bird, to feast her brood,

I labour'd,

succeeding day, in ceaseless

for their

with

night succeeding night,

my

my

fight,

desire,

mves who burn with wanton

fleet,

have twice

six

fire.

towns pbtain'd,

twelve, save one, on foot, in Phrygia gain'd.

ix.

BOOK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

and vast wealth from these

285 bore away,

'

Spoils

'

And

'

He,

'

Spared niggardly a part, the rest retain'd

'

To

'

Chiefs,

'

From me

'

Reft

'

There, in his forced embraces,

'

And

'

But

'

For distant

'

Why

'

To

bring back Helen to her spousal bed

'

Do

Atreus' offspring, sole of

'

Cleave to their consorts with unchanging mind

'

All,

'

All love their wives,

'

So was

'

Tho won

'

Now,

'

Her thus

'

Let him with thee, and

'

Consult

'

'

to Atrides

gave the uncounted prey.

in his fleet, at rest, 'mid wealth so gain'd,

other chiefs and kings their pittance doled,

who

my

at will their shares unquestion'd hold

alone, from these dishonour'd arms,

allotted prize, Briseis' charms.

close in say,

why

let

her

lie,

wantonness his reeling eye Grecia ann'd her eager host

battle

on Troy's foreign

coast,

Atreus' son such countless numbers led,

whom just

and honour

in war,

mankind,

still

whom

?

they love.

adored,

and captured by

since defrauding

my

sword.

me, he dares retain

beloved, his prayers, his presents vain,

how

raised

all

?

thoughts or generous feelings move,

Briseis loved, so

'

He He

I

all

his chiefs of fame,

best to shield his fleet from flame.

yon

wall, I aided not his toil

delved yon trench,

I

parted not the

soil

THE

286

ILIAD.

[book

'

He

'

Impedes not Hector's

'

But

'

This Hector fought not from his walls

'

Nor

'

'

fix'd

the piles, whose unavaihng force

—when e'er

my

ranged

I

destructive course.

all

host,

and led the war,

was seen beyond the Scaean

afar,

gate,

And beechen tree, the battle to await. He once dared front me but, as I drew :

by

my

near,

winged spear.

'

Fled, and

'

But

*

The morn

'

And

'

My

'

And thou

'

My

'

And my

*

Recross at dawn the Hellespont once more.

*

Then,

'

On

'

There boundless wealth

*

When

'

And

'

Freighted with burnish'd brass, and golden ore,

*

And

*

Spoils at

*

My

'

By him who gave

—

ix.

since

flight scarce

scaped

no more with Hector shall

Jove, and

my

view

I

contend,

sacrifice ascend,

the gods behold again,

all

drawn downward, breast the main

freighted fleet

too shalt behold

—

if

thus inclined,

streamers proudly waving in the wind,

if

brave crew, well

skill'd to

ply the oar,

consenting Neptune smooth the main,

the third day

first

my

I

Troy

polish'd steel, feet

prizes, all

:

I left, in ill-starr'd

forces join'd Atrides'

there from

my

greet rich Phthia's plain.

my

fleet shall

power

hour, :

crowd the shore,

and many a bright-zoned maid,

by glorious victory

one, one alone here it,

laid, left,

of that gift bereft.

:

THE

BooKix.]

ILIAD.

287

'

Go

'

Let

*

Lest he again fresh webs of falsehood weave,

'

And,

*

Yet

'

No more

*

Ne'er will I more with him in council join,

'

Nor

to your king all

:

my

words aloud proclaim,

the Greeks with righteous vengeance flame,

with insolence, again deceive.

girt

sear'd to

shame, and callous to disgrace,

that dog dares front me, face to face.

will I

more with him

war combine

in

;

—by him once outraged, once deceived,

*

Enough

'

Ne'er be his word by

*

Yes

*

A

'

His proffer'd

'

And him

'

His wealth, twice ten times told, to bribe me, vain,

'

All he

—

him perish

let

wi'etch,

me

again believed.

own

in his

offence,

by righteous Jove deprived of sense. gifts I valueless

esteem,

—himself—the sliadow of a dream.

now

boasts, or

may

Orchomenos, or

hereafter gain

;

the gold

'

All that

*

That the Egyptian Thebes' vast

'

Thebes, where, thro each her hundred portals wide,

'

Two hundred

'

Countless as sand, or dust before the gale,

'

Gifts heap'd

'

Till self-abasement expiate o'er

'

His scorned

'

Nor me

'

Tho'

all

treasuries hold,

'

charioteers their coursers guide.

on

gifts to

injuries,

move my mind, would

and

my

and

o'er

grace implore.

his daughter's proffer'd beauties

fairer

move,

than the golden Queen of Love

:

fail,

THE

288

ILIAD.

[book

*

Though

'

Ne'er would her tempting hand seduce

*

Be, as best suits his mood, another led,

*

A

*

Enough

'

Peleus will proffer a selected wife.

'

'

'

And

*

Of these, thus

'

Pelides' choice shall be Pelides' bride.

'

Such

my

*

Mine

to enjoy

'

For valueless

'

All that throng'd Ilion once profusely shared,

*

When

^

Leagued

'

Victory at will can herds and flocks acquire,

'

Wealth

'

But victory nor wealth can

'

Or win from

'

Celestial Thetis deign'd to

'

Death's two-fold lots that

'

Told, that,

'

I ne'er return,

'

Told, that,

'

Should ne'er to glory wed Pelides' name

kinglier

Mid

than Pallas'

skilfullev

skilful art,

my

bridegroom to adorn her bed

for

me,

that, if

Phthia's virgins

prolonged

;

life,

bloom surpassing charms,

Hellas' royal daughters court

my

arms

and with such union

vhat Peleus once

all

wealth with

in her palaces

life

bless'd,

possess'd.

compared,

peace dwelt, ere war

her spoil the Grecians from

sate with steeds

if

if

:

lovely, heart to heart allied,

resolve,

for

my

heart.

and tiipods her life

afar.

desire

restore,

death's seal'd lip one breathing more.

war

my

me

my

steps at

relate,

resolve await

Troy

detain,

but fame immortal gain

home

•

:

fame

return'd, the voice of :

ix.

BOOK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

28^

'

'

But lingering days should pass

'

Ere death inglorious

'

Back

'

Pour the same mind

'

Ye

'

Spreads his protecting iEgis fi'om above.

'

Ye now

depart,

'

As

your charge, the word

'

*

I return,

shall not

suits

and

repose,

would

I fain

in all, to cross the

view Troy

and

still

long slumber close.

hfe's

fully

in

fall,

—

main.

o'er Ilion,

Jove

to your princes bear,

my

lips declare

And bid them weave a web of subtler frame, To shield their host from death, their ships from flame.

'

This ne'er shall consummate their vain desire,

'

Bend my

'

Let Phoenix here remain, here pass the night,

'

Then

*

If

'

Shape to our pleasure

join our navy at the

spake

Awed by At

firm soul, or soothe

my

dawn

righteous

last,

of light,

:

his reluctant course.'

and long on

all

deep silence hung.

the sternness of his wrathful tongue.

aged Phoenix spake, while burning tears

Betray'd for Grecia's fleet the patriot's fears

'

If

ire,

such his free consent, for ne'er shall force

He

'

:

If,

famed

Achilles,

we

thus vainly plead,

thy return immutably decreed,

VOL.

I.

:

THE

290 '

*

*

If

ILIAD.

thou refuse to shield our

fleet

[book

from

ix.

fire,

And inly brood o'er unrelenting ire, How, beloved son of thee bereft, !

'

Can

*

'

*

I

here linger, in lone misery

left

?

Twas Peleus charged me, on that ill-starr'd day Thou join'dst Atrides' host, to watch thy way,

'

When

*

Nor

'

Charged

'

In action

*

Thus charged me.

thou went'st

forth, a boy, in

train'd in council to

me

all arts

skill,

arms untaught,

mature thy thought,

of war and peace to teach,

and eloquence

— Once

in speech.

thy guardian, once thy

gTiide, '

None

'

No

'

And

'

As when

'

Amyntor's vengeance hanging

'

'

'

shall

—not

if

flush

aged Phoenix from

his

son divide

:

Jove these wrinkles smooth away,

my

I left

cheek with beauty's vernal day, fair-femaled Greece,

and

fled,

o'er my head, A father's curse, who for unhallow'd charms, A younger beauty, shunn'd my mother's arms Who oft implored me, by seductive art

'

To win

'

That by

'

My

'

I

'

Invoked the

that younger beauty's tempted heart,

my

sire's

youthful grace allured to love,

entreaties

woo'd, and

might her hatred move.

her furies

:

and

my

conscious

'mid Tartarean

fire.

sire

:

BOOK '

'

'

To

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

hear his curse, that never of

race

Empress, and the infernal Jove.

Hell's horrid

*

Fain had

'

Appeased the rage that sought a

'

I fear'd

'

The

'

My home

was now

'

Drew me

to

'

Yet

'

With

'

With me

'

my

A fondled infant should this knee embrace. A father's curse had power the gods to move,

'

*

291

I slain

him, but some lenient god father's blood.

the public, that such guilt abhorr'd,

dooms the

voice which

my

hate

parricidal sword. :

no rash

haunt the roof that held

—^many a

many

friend, yet

fervent prayer implored

desire

my

;

a kindred breast

me

their sheep, their swine

there to rest

and oxen shared,

And daily o'er the fire my feast prepared And fiOm the cellars of my father drew

my

sire

;

'

His treasured wine

'

Nine nights by turns they watch'd, around

*

And,

'

One

'

Stream'd on

'

But when the tenth dark night had closed the day,

'

Through the firm-structured gates

'

Leapt

'

The

*

Then

'

And came where

to secure

me,

in the porch,

goblet to renew.

fires

me

sle})t,

undying kept,

and one, throughout the night,

my chamber

door pei*petual

o'er the walls, and, hid in

light.

I forced

my

way,

gloom profound,

females scaped, and those that watch'd around. o'er

wide Hellas

far

away

I fled,

countless flocks rich Phthia fed

THE

292

There Peleus

*

Hung

'

Vast treasures gave, and on

o'er

me

my

ix.

and with parental care

'

reign'd,

[book

ILIAD.

as his sole, his age-born heir, far Phthia's shore

proud sway the throng'd Dolopians

*

Stretch'd

*

There, such as

*

I

now thou

chief divine

art,

o'er.

!

d thee up, and loved as wholly mine. Nor would'st thou e'er beneath another's dome,

*

train

No, nor beneath thy own famihar home,

*

Save on the knee of Phoenix deign to eat, Nor taste, till Phoenix first had carved the meat.

'

*

*

Nor

would'st thou take the goblet, crown'd with wine,

*

Till

from thy Phoenix' hp

it

pass'd to thine.

thy wayward childhood on

my

'

And

'

Disgorged the wine that trickled down

'

For thee

'

For not to

'

But thou wert

oft

I

much have

labour'd,

much

vest

my

sustain'd

me had

heaven a child ordain'd

my

adopted, and thy power

deem'd would shield

me

in

life's

breast

;

adverse hour.

'

I

'

Then

*

Let pity move thee,

*

In virtue, glory, power, beyond compare,

*

The gods themselves

*

Vows, and

'

For supphant sinners

'

Prayers are the daughters of almighty Jove,

*

They

—master thou thy mind, subdue thy

libations,

let

my

:

rage,

prayers assuage.

are placable

by prayer.

and due victims

slain,

their forgiveness gain.

squint, are wrinkled, lame,

and slowly move.

BOOK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

293

'

Yet with unwearied search they surely trace

'

The

flight

'

But

Guilt, strong-arm'd, firm-footed, like the

'

Out-runs them, sweeps o'er earth, and hurts mankind

'

They, healing, follow, and consenting hear

*

Those

'

But on

'

Their voice

'

That Guilt may haunt, and on

*

Till

'

But thou,

'

That bows the haughtiest, tames the

'

My

'

Nor had

*

I ne'er

*

Or succour Greece,

'

Great

*

Far greater yet his error shall atone.

'

Has he not

*

To

'

Let then their prayer, their zeal thee rightly move

'

Till

'

Have we not heard

'

Of heroes far-renown'd

*

How, when inflamed

'

A

of Guilt, nor cease his step to chase.

whom

wind

the daughters of the god revere

their scorners, at the throne of Jove, calls

down

his

vengeance from above, their spirit prey,

deep repentance cleanse each spot away.

son,

my

if

son, revere their high controul

yet with wrath the

these

now

monarch flamed,

and more to come, proclaim'd,

gifts,

had bid thee

fiercest soul.

just revenge forego,

tho' bow'd with bitterest woe.

his presents,

but not these alone,

sent, selected

from our host,

soothe thy rage, the chiefs thou honour'st most

now, none justly might thy rage reprove.

gift

the oft-resounding praise in

former days,

in passion's fiercest

mood,

has calm'd them, and a prayer subdued.

?

THE

294

Yes

'

—

I recall

ILIAD.

[book

ix.

a deed in years of yore,

And 'mid such friends may dwell on it once more. 'Twas when the ^Etolians and Curetes waged

'

'

Fierce war, and mutual slaughter widely raged

' '

Those, Calydon's defence, these firmly bound

'

To

*

spoil the

town, and raze

it

:

from the ground

For golden-throned Diana's ruthless

ire

'

Urged on the war, and

'

Enraged that (Eneus, harvesting

*

Heap'd not

*

That

'

When

*

Whate'er the cause, design'd, or undesign'd

'

Scorn, or forgetfulness enraged her

'

Hence Dian

'

To

*

His lofty trees to

'

Branch

*

Till

'

Gaunt hounds and hunters, and the monster slew

'

For never had a scanty host subdued

*

The

fiU'd

his offerings

each breast with his store,

on her sacred

floor,

Jove's great daughter of her honours all

fire,

fail'd,

the gods, save her, his feast regaled.

mind

sent the forest's fiercest boar

waste the lands of (Eneus o'er and level,

o'er,

and uproot

after branch, with all their flow'ring fruit

Meleager from

beast,

far cities

drew

whose tusks the pyres with slaughter

strew'd. *

Then

*

For the

Dian's vengeance feuds and battle spread, fell

:

beast's

rough hide and

bristly head.

BOOK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

295

'

For these, the

'

And

'

But never the Curetes dared withstand

*

When

willing

war with mutual carnage waged.

Meleager led the jEtohan band

'

None dared

'

Or throng the

'

But when brave CEneus'

'

That

'

*

'

*

'

'

and Curetes raged,

iEtoliaiis

to battle pass

beyond

:

their towers,

plain with their superior powers.

son, enfiamed

by rage,

oft to folly turns the wisest sage,

Had left Althaea's roof, his mother's home, He led his bride beneath another dome, Fair Cleopatra,

whom

Marpessa gave

To her loved Idas, bravest of the brave Famed chief, who seized his bow, and boldly To guard the bride against the Archer God. :

strode

'

Then

Idas and Mai-pessa

'

From

that fair maid

'

Alcyone, for such, alike her doom,

*

So sad

*

What

'

Forced by Apollo from her

*

Thus Meleager

*

As

'

Althaea raging for her brothers slain,

*

Oft call'd the gods,

*

Oft struck the earth, and at each dreadful stroke

*

Dared

alike to

named

whom

their child

Phcel)us

had

defiled,

both their youthful bloom,

time Marpessa wept her fatal charms,

o'er his

lover's arms.

dwelt, Avith fury stung,

brow the curse maternal hung.

hell's stern

who

hold in heaven their reign

god and Proserpine invoke,

:

THE

29

ILIAD.

[book

ix.

'

And

'

Urged them her fiend-devoted

'

Her

curse, in hell's abyss Erinnys heard,

And The

stamp'd with death the inexorable word. iEtolian gates

'

Her

turrets trembled at the

'

All

'

Each supphant

'

All pray'd the hero to go forth,

'

And

for his succour proiFer'd high

'

Full

fifty

*

Half, crown'd with vineyards, half, v/ith golden gi-ain.

*

His reverend

'

Oft on his threshold knelt, and struck his door

*

Oft his aged mother, oft his sisters pray'd,

'

But he, the more importuned, more

*

Oft

'

Yet on

'

But when war shook

*

Cast from the towers the blazing torch below,

'

Then

'

Told

all

a woman's,

'

Told

all

the horrours that the town aivait,

'

When war

*

The men

*

The

*

*

with breast bathed in tears, and bended knees,

now rung

hung on Meleager, nor eld,

child to seize.

with war-alarms,

shock of arms e'er

ceased

and delegated

priest

and guard, reward

acres of their richest plain,

many

sire,

entreating o'er and o'er,

delay'd.

a friend most loved his succour sought,

his sternness

no impression wrought. his roof,

and now the foe

his bright-cinctured consort, steep'd in tears, all

a matron

s fears,

bursts frantic through the shatter'd gate,

all

slaughter'd, every roof in flame,

child, the wife, the virgin

yoked

to shame,

BOOK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

'

Roused

at her word, the chief,

'

Braced

his bright arms,

'

Thus

*

The

'

But vain

'

And

'

Unthank'd, he saved them

'

Temper thy mind, nor

*

'

'

*

^

*

chief rush'd forth, their

and drove the gifts

his

:

foe away.

hngering

aid,

long reluctant victory none repaid.

—but thou, timely taught,

yield to fiends thy thought.

What recks thy succour when our fleet 's in Go and accept the presents we proclaim.

flame

?

—

The meed

deserved, the recompense be thine

thee a power — Greece But — war, ungifted thou advance,

Go

if

None

like

shall hail

:

divine.

to

shall reward, tho' \'ictory yae\a thy lance.'

'

Friend, father, loved of Jove

Not me such

'

Great Jove, to gratify

transitory honours

move.

my just desires, Yields the sole honour that my spirit fires Such as shall grace me while I guard my fleet,

'

Long

*

Vex me no more

'

Nay

'

and burn'd the war to wage.

promised

'

'

enflamed with rage,

yielding to his mind's empassion'd sway,

Achilles spake

'

297

as these limbs can :

the

move,

word

I

—weep not—pray not— Why honour Atrides —

this pulse

speak retain,

tears

that

?

can beat.

111

and prayers are vain.

beseems

'

Such honour from the man who me esteems

'

Turn not

*

Must be by Phoenix wrong'd,

mv

love to hate

:

—who wroui^s thv

lord

despised, abhorr'd

THE

298

ILIAD.

[book

—my sceptre share

'

But thou abide with me

*

They

to their king

my

iix'd resolve declare

*

Here

softly sleep

and

at the

'

Consult, to hnger on, or speed away.'

Then

:

dawn

ix.

:

of day

to Patroclus gave the silent sign

To smooth the couch for Phoenix to rechne And that the rest might speedily depart

When *

Ajax thus loosed

his o'erburden'd heart

Haste we, Ulysses, back our footsteps bend,

—no success our mission can

*

None

*

Haste to yon host, who our return await,

*

And

there his harsh resolve perforce relate.

'

Still

Peleus' son to wrath resigns his soid,

'

Nor

deigns to yield to friendship's mild controul.

'

No

'

Those

'

Merciless

*

Some

*

*

attend.

soothing image steals upon his mind to requite,

man

!

who

—some

raise

him

o'er

mankind.

for a brother slain,

for a son will barter

blood for gain

:

The atonement paid, the murderer dwells in peace, The mulct accepted, wrath and vengeance cease.

*

But heaven has

*

Thou

*

Tho' seven

'

And

fill'd

thy heart with wrath unknown,

that thus ravest for one, one girl alone,

gifts,

fair virgins

innumerous

of surpassing grace, gifts,

her loss replace.

BOOK

THE

IX.]

—revere

ILIAD.

299

—thy roof revere,

'

Be calm

'

Beneath whose shadow, we, thy guests appear,

'

We, who most

*

To '

thyself

serve, to love,

Ajax

Illustrious

the Argive host,

strive, of all

and honour thee the most.'

!

Peleus son replied,

'

'

'

Not

light

'

But

my

'

He who

'

Scorn'd 'mid your host, and with infuriate pride

'

Me

'

But

'

I

*

Till

*

Chace host on host incessantly pursued,

*

And

'

Burst thro' their tents, and wrap their

'

Then

*

Shall turn to flight this conqueror's rash advance.'

thy speech

blood

:

in thee I dare confide

when

boils,

darts across

my

brain

'mid Greece Achilles dared disdain,

as a

weak and wandering

—ye depart, and

slave defied.

to your host repeat,

go not forth war's gory van to meet, Hector with your bravest blood embrued,

'mid

—

at

my my

Now, from Nor longer

The

IVIyrmidons, in all his ire

tent,

my

fleet in fire

ship, Pelides' lance

their bowls the chiefs libations

made.

to their fleet their course delay 'd

while Patroclus bade the menials spread

Wool, and the

fine

There, laid to

rest,

Till the

new

spun

flax for Phaniix' bed.

the wearied chief reposed

day's bright

dawn

his lids

unclosed

:

THE

300

ILIAD.

[book

ix.

Pelides in his tent's profound recess

Deign'd in his arms a captive

girl caress.

The beauteous Diomeda, Phorbas' The

child.

pride of Lesbos by his host despoil'd

And,

in the side

opposed, Patroclus lay.

Where

bright-zoned Iphis soothed his cares away.

Whom

to his friend di\'ine Achilles gave.

From

captured Scyros a selected slave.

And now And,

the chieftains reach'd Atrides' tent.

thro' the host that rose to greet

them, went.

Pledged with gold cups, and, as they question'd, hung

To

catch the word from their responsive tongue.

First spake the king

Ulysses

glorious chief

!

pride of Greece, the wish'd rehef ?

'

Bring'st thou,

'

Will he defend our

'

Or burns

*

'

fleet

from Trojan

fire,

his soul as erst with quenchless ire

Great king!

still

—the

flames his rage'

chief replied,

*

Thy

*

He

'

Thy

*

Ne'er

'

Ne'er Ilion's turrets prone on earth repose.

prayers, thy profFer'd

gifts,

?

but swell his pride.

bids thee, with thy host consulting, save fleet

from

shall,

fire,

thy

wamors from

he deems, thy

fiiiitless

the grave.

labours close,

BOOK

THE

IX.]

ILIAD.

*

For Jove o'ershades them, and

*

Force and fresh hearts

'

Lo

*

Ajax

'

There Phoenix

*

To

these, !

sail

He

whose statement can

if

spake

The harsh

—

all

rest.

at break of

:

—

awe-struck, heard

all,

no voice that

:

silence broke.

Tydeus spoke

To bend

'

His heart, the throne of insolence of yore,

'

With added insolence

'

Cease we of him, by

*

Let him depart, or

*

That chief

*

Or when a god

*

Ye

*

Then, with recruited strength,

*

Thou, son of Atreus,

*

Before the ships thy gather'd host array,

*

:

that with bribes thou ne'er hadst vainly sued

*

*

day

expression of his bitter word

Till thus at length the son of

Would

attest.

—from Troy away.'

mute remain'd

Long mute remain'd

*

my word

speak the

!

sleeps this night

so inclined

arm beneath

his

in Troy's defenders breathe.

and ye wise heralds

—

301

the spirit of the unsubdued

will

swells

more and more

all alike

stay,

it

forgot

recks us not

war, whene'er to war inclined, to battle fires his mind.

—hear my words

:

this night in feasting close,

swift at

in

peace repose

dawn

By words that rouse the soul each And teach by thy example how to

of day

heart excite, fight.'

THE

302

He

spake

ILIAD.

—the princes rose

:

all,

[book

wondering, heard

Embolden'd Diomed's heroic word

And, due

And

libations

ix.

made, each separate went.

peaceful slept in his untroubled tent.

THE TENTH BOOK OP

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. Agamemnon assembles med and Ulysses go

the chiefs to council at

tire

Dolon, and Rhesus, and return

to their

camp.

—Dio—They slay

night guard.

forth to explore the Trojan forces.

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK

X.

The Grecian

chiefs, forgetfi.il of their

Lay near the

fleet,

All, save Atrides

Could

his

;

woes.

that night, in soft repose.

but no soothing sleep

keen thoughts

in soft

obhvion steep.

Swift as the thunder peals, the lightning glares.

When

Jove the

Or snows The

fl.ooding rain or hail prepares.

that sheet the earth, or fiercer far.

all-devouring violence of war

Thus groan'd the Deep

king,

sighs that burst

and from

on sighs

his labouring breast.

his fear express'd.

Oft as he glanced on Troy, the king, amazed,

View'd what vast

fires

before bright Ilion blazed.

And heard—'mid hum of men—how sweet The

to hear.

pipe and reed-flute stealing on his ear

But when he view'd

From

his bare

VOL.

I.

his fleet, in deep despair.

head he pluck'd the uprooted

X

hair,

THE

306

And

cast

ILIAD.

[book

x.

as he sternly gazed above.

it,

In bitter anguish to unpitying Jove.

One hope

remain'd, sole left to lighten grief.

If Nestor's

wisdom might suggest

relief.

If in their counsels, their consentient mind,

Hellas might yet, tho' late, a refuge find.

He On

rose,

and round

his breast his tunic threw.

his fair feet his radiant sandals drew.

Firm grasp'd

The tawny Nor

his spear, and, as

lion's blood-stain'd

less his brother's

dread

:

it

swept the ground.

mantle bound.

no

soft repose.

No soothing sleep came down his eye to close. He fear'd that Greece, wlio cross'd that mighty main. And warr'd for him, should bitterest woe sustain :

Then

A

rose

and round

his breadth of shoulders

threw

leopard's mantling hide of varied hue,

Clasp'd his brass casque, and helmeting his head.

Seized with firm grasp his lance, and onward sped.

Sped

to arouse the king

And whom Him,

*

widely sway'd.

the Grecians, as a god, obey'd.

at his galley's stern the chieftain

Half-mail'd,

'

who

Why

and buckling yet

arm'd V he cried,

Seek'st thou a friend

*

his

found

arms around.

deceive thyself no

yon Trojans

to explore

?

more

:

THE

BOOK .] '

None

'

And who unsought

*

Who

*

And

thy words,

will

307

greatly fear, persuade

will proffer willing aid

?

'mid such foes a lonely spy proceed, night's sweet rest resign, to dare the adventurous

deed

*

I

ILIAD.

?'

Thou, and myself,

alike,'

the king rephed,

'

Need some experienced

*

One, who the Argives and their

'

Since changeful Jove here destines Grecia's grave-

'

In Troy's oblations, in the Hectorean

*

More than

*

Ne'er have

*

In one brief day such vast achievements heard,

*

As

*

Born of no god, nor of a goddess'

'

Deeds such

*

Shall

'

Now — to

*

Call on the

*

I will

'

'

*

this

chief our course to guide

in Argive feasts, the I witness'd, or

from

fleet

god

may

save,

rites,

delights.

other's

word

Jove-loved has wrought, this son of earth,

fill

birth

:

as die not, but age after age

the heart of Greece with

our navy speed,

lest

woe and

worst

King of Crete, on Ajax

myself hoar Nestor's

rage.

befall, call.

self persuade,

To yield our night-watch his experienced aid. Him all obey and with his son on guard :

Meriones

now

holds the entnisted ward.'

THE

308 *

'

[book

?'

pursue thy path, or there ahide

I,

There

wait,' the

monarch

said,

*

many

lest

wide we stray,

way

'

Where mid

'

Shout, where thou comest, bid each awake to fame,

'

*

'

the tents winds

a devious

And call him by his race, his father's name. To all yield honour, nor superbly scorn

"

The meanest

of our host, the lowliest born

*

We

toil

'

Dire suffering

too must

He

Jove yoked to

the

doom

much

Near him, shield,

his

all

enjoin'd

;

on

om' birth

earth.'

his

arms

ground.

in orderly array.

each lance, and radiant helmet lay.

broad belt by

skilful artist

in

war

made.

its

guardian braid.

the brave veteran, ardent to engage,

Felt not, the foe in sight, the weight of age.

Roused

And

:

then onward went.

his navy's station'd

That round him wreathed

When

of

toil

couch the king aged Nestor found,

Encamp'd amid

And

:

the hoar Pylian chief had pitch'd his tent

his soft

His

is

spake, and

Where

On

.

Wilt thou, thy mandate told/ the chief replied,

That

*

ILIAD.

at his

coming, Nestor raised his head.

leaning on his elbow, swiftly said

THE

BOOK .]

Who

'

art

thou

'

Thus 'mid the

'

Seek'st

?

why,

ILIAD. at night,

309

when

otliers sleep,

tents with lonely footstep creep

thou some guard, or friend

?

?

Why

hither

bent? '

Speak

*

—mute approach not—

—thou

Lo

'

While yet a pulse can

'

Foredoom'd

'

I stray

'

War, and

'

Deeply

'

My

*

Fain would

'

Thrills every limb,

'

what thy

intent

behold'st Atiides at thy side,

I

beat, a limb can

to drain the dregs of

—no, not

move,

woe by Jove.

in sleep these eyelids close,

a nation's grief, forbid repose.

dread, and hke a wretch distraught,

wavering mind retains no stedfast thought.

Come Come

— —

my

can'st

heart leap forth, such dread affright

and deadens

all their

thou aught suggest

for sleep flies thee

—

to

—my

might. step attend

yon guard descend,

o'erweary, and long watching steep

'

Lest

'

Forgetful of their charge, their eyes in sleep.

'

Haste, lest the foe, thus nigh, at dead of night,

'

Rush

'

'

V

Guide, glory, boast of Greece,' the king replied

'

'

say,

toil

forth,

and quell us with

Great king'

Monarch

resistless might.'

— Gerenian Nestor thus

replied

of monarchs! Grecia's lord, and guide,

THE

310

ILIAD.

[book

*

Ne'er will Jove consummate the intense desire,

*

The

'

But more severe

'

The unsated vengeance

'

King, thy

willingly

'

Haste

the leaders on our

'

Call forth Ulysses, Phyleus' son excite,

'

The

'

Rouse

'

Ajax, whose ships our naval station close.

'

But

^

I pass

*

Who now

'

Bids thee,

'

While he,

'

Should weary every chief with ceaseless prayer.'

'

ardent hopes that Hector's

:

swift Oileus,

of Achilles' rage.

tho'

move

it

obey

way

and Tydides' might and

Crete's brave king,

—

fire.

woe, should heaven assuage

command I summon forth

thee

—

tho'

call

from

dire repose

by thee beloved,

not by thy brother unreproved close folded in oblivious sleep

king

!

nocturnal

in this dread

Not now,' the king

'

Let not

'

What

'

Not

'

But

'

And,

'

He

'

his

bosom

my

brother

vigils

keep

hour of deep despair,

replied,

now

'

his deeds reprove,

thy censure move.

tho' at times to labour disincUned,

sloth the cause, not

impotence of mind,

—honouring me, the expectant till

my

chief remains,

counsel guides, his zeal restrains.

me first, and sped at my request To summon those you named from peaceful roused

rest.

.

THE

ROOK .]

—

*

But

*

Each

'

haste,

where now on watch, before the

chief, as I enjoin'd,

Nestor

Him,'

311

ILIAD.

said,

'

my

gates,

presence waits.'

none, henceforth, up-

let

braid,

Nor be thy

'

brother's

summons

disobey'd.'

He spake and round his breast the tunic On his fair feet his radiant sandals laced, :

braced.

Clasp'd his red mantle, o'er whose double fold

The

finest

Then

wool

its

fleecy softness roU'd,

grasp'd his brazen lance, and foremost

Where moor'd

the navy nigh the warrior's tent.

Then, with a shout that

The

went

night's

deep silence broke.

godlike offspring of Laertes

At once aroused, the

chief the

woke

summons

heard,

Rush'd fi-om his tent, and spoke with hurried word

Why, *

'mid the camp, at night, thus roam alone

?

Say, what distress impels, what cause unknown?'

'

Be not

incensed,' he cried,

*

illustrious chief,

Greece, sunk in desperate misery, claims Join thou

my

step,

Whose wisdom

and other

shall

relief.

chiefs excite

detennine war or

flight.'

THE

312

ILIAD.

[book

.

He spake and to his tent Ulysses pass'd. And his broad buckler round his shoulders cast :

Onward they went, and

first

Tydides found.

All arm'd, without his tent, in slumber drown'd.

Girt by his host, that on the open field

Lay each

reclining

on

his battle shield

Fix'd were their spears upright

The

:

and widely gleam'd

rays that from their points hke lightning stream'd.

On a bull's hide the hero sank to rest. And his still brow a splendid tapestry press'd. When Nestor with his foot the slumberer moved. Roused, and with wrathfid words

'

Rise, son of Tydeus.

his sloth reproved

Why m

sweet repose

'

Thro' night's long-lingering hours thy eyeUds close

*

Hast thou not heard, on yon commanding brow

'

How

Troy, impatient, eyes our

Swift, at the word,

fleet

below

V

from sleep Tydides woke.

Leap'd up, and thus in winged accents spoke

'

Unwearied

whose labours never

chief!

cease,

*

Shall not the younger-born thy toils release,

*

And

'

How

call

the kings

?

:

—But, what can Nestor tame

tire his indefatigable

frame

?

?

?

THE

BOOK .] '

*

'

'

'

Just are thy words

Nestor has sons, in

'

ILIAD.

—the aged

whom

313

chief rephed

he dares confide,

And many a youth, who, prompt at his command, Would call each chieftain of our leagued band. But if while now on peril's edge extreme

—

and destruction tremble on the beam,

*

Life

*

Thou

'

The speed

reck'st of

me

:

haste, younger-born, excite

of Ajax, and Phyhdes' might.'

Then bold Tydides round

The

lion's hide, that

his shoulders

threw

swept the nightly dew,

Grasp'd his war-lance, rush'd forth, and from their tent

Aroused the

chiefs,

They came, and Couch'd,

As

all in

and led where Nestor went.

at their station

found the guard,

arms, and vigilant on ward

dogs, that rest not, keenly watch around.

When

nigh their fold the

lion's roars

resound.

Who, by fierce hounds and hunters close pursued. Darts down the mount, and strews the crushing wood Thus, to the

No

perils of that night

soothing sleep the warrior's eyelids closed

While turning

On

exposed. ;

to the plain, they seem'd to hear

the night-breeze the Trojans rushing near.

Aged Nestor

The

view'd,

and with exultant breast

watchful guard thus cheeringly address'd

:

:

THE

314 *

'

So watch, brave sons

ILIAD. lest

!

[book

yon

.

insulting foe

Burst on your sleep, and laugh to scorn your woe.*

He

spake, and pass'd the trench, and unappall'd

The

warriors foUow'd, to that council call'd.

And

brave Meriones, and Nestor's son.

Alike invited, went undaunted on

The

now

trench

pass'd, they gain'd the

Free from the dire pollution of the

Where,

open

plain.

slain.

tired \vith slaughter, fi'om the Argive flight

Grim Hector

turn'd, slow-yielding to the night.

In mutual converse there the chiefs reclined

While thus the Pylian sage pour'd forth

'

*

*

Say, valiant friends

Who from Now issue

his

!

will

own brave

forth,

his

mind

not some dauntless chief,

breast derives

and intercept

his

relief,

way,

gloom some Ungering Trojan

'

If thro' the

*

Or, in the night's deep silence haply heard

'

In secret consultation, catch the word,

'

If

*

Or, crown'd \^dth \dctory, back to Troy retreat

*

If such

'

And

'

Him, each high leader of our numerous

'

Shall with a sable

here they linger, camp'd before our

stray

unstinted his deserts proclaim

ewe and suckling

?

fleet,

unharm'd return, immortal fame

gifts

:

fleet

greet.

?

THE

BOOK .] '

And

*

The banquet

ever

when the hail

ILIAD.

chieftains spread the feast,

him a high honour'd

Thus Nestor spake

:

all

*

Me, Nestor, me

'

To

'

Yet

'

Mine, firmer

*

When

*

And

*

If

'

Doubts, slow to

my

his

glowing word

if

my

He

:

path some brave associate join, trust,

two go

and bolder daring mine.

forth, each yields the other aid,

counsels join'd to counsels best persuade

spake

:

dauntless heart inclines

seek yon host, and pass the Trojan lines

one alone, the

And

guest.'

long in silence heard.

Tydeus' son pour'd forth

Till

315

:

chief,

act,

however

:

wise,

nor on himself rehes.'

and many a

chieftain at the close.

either willing Ajax, swiftly rose.

Rose bold Meriones, rose Nestor's

heir.

Rose Menelaus, prompt to do and dare And, to brave deeds by native courage Laertes' son, to search the

*

—spake

Chief

camp

the king of

fired,

aspired.

men

'

Friend most

beloved.

Thine be the choice, who'er by thee approved.

THE

316

thy peril

ILIAD.

make

[book

own,

'

Since

*

Choose thou the bravest of the brave alone.

*

Let no

*

Let no respect, save worth, thy choice obtain

*

Nor

'

No

all alike

inferior chief

thy favour gain,

rank, nor pride of birth thy preference move,

—nor the monarch, tho

He

'

allied to Jove.'

spake, and fear'd lest his decisive voice

Should on

'

their

If,'

his brother fix his fatal choice.

— Diomed rejoin'd

:

'

if

mine to choose,

'

Can

'

Him, whose bold heart nor

'

Him,

'

Him, by whose wisdom, from surrounding flame

*

We *

*

I

Laertes' godlike son refuse

o'er

nor dangers move,

Pallas bends with heavenly love,

should come forth uninjured, crown'd by fame.'

Forbear

Nor

whom

toils,

?

'

—Ulysses spake

'

rashly blame, nor lavishly

me

*

These know

'

The darkness

'

The

^

But now remains

stars are far

They

my

commend

friend

;

am

but, haste,

advanced

:

one third of night

—speed, speed—prevent the

light.'

spake, and arm'd, and ThraspOedes gave

To Tydeus'

:

— away apace — soon dawns the day,

as I

flies

forbear,

son, a shield,

and two-edged

glaive,

.

THE

BOOK .]

His in the ship were

A A A

crestless

left,

ILIAD.

—then

stripling, yet

A

unversed

fitly

arms

in war-alarms.

brave Meriones Ulysses gave

quiver,

And

bound

firmly

casque the warrior's brow around,

leathern helmet, such as

And

317

and a bow, and two-edged

glaive.

a skin casque, within, with thongs enlaced,

AVithout, by dext'rous subtlety enchased.

Where, thickly studded,

glisten'd here

Teeth of a mountain boar, as ivory

That was the casque, which,

fair.

lined with

The shrewd Autolycus from Eleon

When

and there

he had pierced Amyntor's

of yore

felt,

bore,

solid wall,

And stole the treasure from the plunder'd hall. He gave that helm Amphidamas to save, And he, to grace his guest, to Molus gave, And Molus to Meriones, who bound The

ancestral gift Ulysses'

Thus grimly There

And

A

left

brow around.

arm'd, they brook'd no

more

delay.

the chiefs, and fearless sped their way.

Pallas, as the adventurers forward went,

heron on the right before them sent

They saw her not beneath But

the o'ershadowing gloom,

wistful heard the clanging of her plume.

Ulysses joy'd, and thus to Pallas pray'd, *

Thou, wont

to aid

me, Jove-born goddess

!

aid

!

THE

318

ILIAD.

[book

to thy votary's fervent call attend,

*

Hear

'

And

'

Let us by signal deeds high fame acquire,

'

And '

!

—

as thou erst defended

—now defend

!

back, while Troy weeps blood, to Greece

Me

too

'

hear, unconquerable

Hear, Jove-born

!

*

Aid me, as once

at

'

Watch'd

o'er

my

Maid

Thebes thy guardian power

sire in

danger's desperate hour,

When from the Achaeans at Asopus' wave He vdth mild words their peaceful message

*

retire.*

—brave Diomed devoutly pray'd

'

'

x.

—back returning, matchless

gave

:

*

But

*

When

*

Thus deign

*

A yearly bull,

'

Ne'er tamed, ne'er yoked, and round whose horns

thou, thy

arm the

assist

—

victory gain'd,

hero's strengfh sustain'd.

so shall

my

zeal assign

broad-horn'd, to feast thy shrine,

enroll'd, *

My

hand

shall grace

Thus pray'd the

Not unreluctant They,

like

two

them with circumfluent

cliiefs

;

gold.'

and as the goddess heard

their imploring word,

lions, their

dark way pursued

'Mid death, strown arms, and corses blood^embrued.

But Hector

will'd

not that oblivious sleep

Should his brave host

in

dead inaction steep.

THE

BOOK .]

Prompt, at

The

his call, the

ILIAD.

summon'd

319 leaders heard

well-weigh'd counsel of his guiding word.

who

'

Lives there a chief,

'

That justly challenges a matchless meed

*

His be the chariot, his the noblest steeds,

'

That 'mid yon host

'

Let him, by glory

*

Now

near the navy of the Greeks repair,

*

And

clearly learn their leader's fix'd design,

'

If yet they guard, as once, their naval line,

'

Or, chased by me,

'

Nor keep, with

He

spake, and

all

?

for battle Grecia breeds.

fired,

now

toil

dares the adventurous deed,

now

greatly dare,

meditate their

flight,

o'erworn, the watch of night.'

were mute

—

it

chanced, that hour.

There stood amid the Trojans' gather'd power,

A

Herald's son, Eumedes, Dolon named.

For brazen wealth and golden treasure famed. Sole son amid five daughters,

Yet

*

like the

Me

'

And

*

Lift

*

Mine

'

wind the racer

mean

his view.

swiftly flew.

—Dolon spake—* me much my native

spirit

fire

urge to compass thy desire.

thou thy sceptre, and by oath assign war's great spoil, the envied trophy mine,

THE

320

ILIAD.

*

Be Dolon's

'

Be Dolon's boast

his steeds

*

No

I,

'

'

*

[book

prize Pelides' radiant car,

vain explorer

unmatch'd in war

nor vain

my

boast,

To penetrate unseen the Grecian host, And at Atrides' tent their purpose learn Whether

Hector

to fight, or fugitives return.'

his sceptre raised,

*

Dread Thunderer

*

None, but thou, Dolon,

*

None,

!

and Jove address'd,

Juno's lord,

my

oath attest

shall those coursers giiide,

in that car, save thou, in

triumph

ride.'

Fired by that fruitless oath, rash Dolon cast

Round him O'er

the bow, that rattled as he pass'd.

him a wolfs grey

skin

its

mantle spread.

Felt of a weasel helmeted his head

He

:

grasp'd his spear, and, hast'ning fronv the host.

Sought, where the Grecian navy lined the coast

Went Went

forth Atrides' fix'd resolve to learn.

gladly forth

Now, with

The

:

but never to return.

swift foot,

and unsuspicious mind.

horse and Trojan army

left

behind,

Laertes' son his step advancing heard.

And

spake to Diomed the warning word

:

.

THE

BOOK .]

ILIAD.

321

From yonder camp— hark Son of Tydeus Some hurrying footstep now advances near. '

!

*

'

Some

'

To

'

Let him beyond us pass a httle space,

'

'

!

hear—

spy, perchance, or plmiderer, nightly sped

strip

the warriors on their blood-stain'd bed

Ere our pursuit the incautious straggler chase But if too swift his flight, and we in vain

:

:

—

*

Toil to o'ertake, and seize

'

Our threatning

*

And

him on the

spears shall turn

plain,

him tow'rd the

intercept to Ilion his retreat.'

Then 'mid

the slain the chiefs in

While Dolon hurried heedless on

But when advanced

The ox

far as the

ambush

his

mules

way in

lay.

:

speed

that breaks the fallow field exceed.

They forward

rush'd,

and Dolon

at the

sound

Turn'd back, and, unsuspicious, stood his giOund.

He

thought, fond

Some

friend

man

had sent

warn him back

to

But, scarce a spear-cast

And

that Hector to that plain

!

off,

the Grecians knew.

with redoubled swiftness onward flew

They

quickly followed

—

well-train'd

:

as in eager chase

Thro' wilds and woodlands,

Two

again.

\vith

unwearied pace,-

hounds the hind or hare pursue.

Press on his shriek, and gain upon his view VOL.

I.

:

fleet,

THE

322 Thus, from

his host

still

And now, when nigh the Had nearly mingled with first,

way

ships, his ceaseless flight

the guards of night,

Minerva gave Tydides added Lest that another,

x.

further forced astray,

chieftains virged his intercepted

The

[book

ILIAD.

aid.

the foe invade.

Another's lance the death of Dolon claim. to her warrior leave diminish'd fame.

And

Stay

<

*

'

— Diomed exclaim'd

Arrests thee, dastard

!

on thy

'

or

now

this spear

fleet career

:

—or death hurls thee now and whizz'd on He spake — the weapon *

to ewdless night.'

Stay

flew,

flight

Wilfully err'd, with cool precaution lanced.

And fix'd before him, o'er He stood, he quaked, the

Was

chatter of his teeth

him came the hue of death they gi'asp'd, and o'er him panting hung.

heard, as on

They

rush'd,

While

'

his shoulder glanced.

:

tears of terrour

Let

me

but hve

!

from their captive sprung

—my treasures

Brass, gold, wrought steel, the

My If

sire shall

:

shall repay.

ransom of my day.

heap his stores before thy

heard his son yet breathes in Heflas'

feet. fleet.'

THE

BOOK .]

Nay,

'

'

'

truth, and fully own from thy host thou wander'st here alone, Wherefore, when sleep on other Uds is laid,

Why

'

Thou

'

Spoil'st

*

By

'

Or comest thou

secret guile to

his

self-impell'd

?

?

knees trembled ere his

'

lip

replied

Lured by high

bribes his purpose to

fulfil,

Lured by temptation of Pelides' car, And by Pelides' steeds, unmatch'd in war, To search your camp, and secretly explore, Greece yet guard her

'

If

'

Or

'

And '

fleet, as

in her terrour meditate

spent with

toil

on

trivial gift

flight,

forego the watch of night.'

In sooth,' Ulysses said, with

No No

wont of yore,

lip

of scorn,

would thy return adorn.

power, save such as earthly power exceeds, None, save a goddess-born, can guide those steeds. Yet,

say,

when here thou camest

to

search

coast, '

?

'— Me '— Dolon cried—

'

'

'

fathom our intent

Me— Hector—to my hurt—against my will

'

'

our ships beneath the nightly shade thou the dead ? or here by Hector sent

seek'st

'

*

'

let

Speak undisguised the

And

'

323

not death/ Laertes' son replied, Confuse thy spirit— cast such fear aside— '

'

ILIAD.

Where was

the chieftain of the Trojan host

.'

our

THE

324

[book

ILIAD.

and

faithfully disclose,

'

His arms, his steeds

*

Where watch

*

Their counsel, what

*

Before our

'

Or, back returning, in Troy's sacred wall,

'

Dwell on their mighty deeds and Hellas'

*

What

?

the Trojans, where their chiefs repose

Navy

?

whether on yonder plain

longer to remain,

fall.'

thou inquirest,'— Eumedes' son rephed,

my

lip deceitful

hide

'

Ne'er shall from thee

'

Far from the bray of arms, in nightly gloom,

'

Hector his council meets at

*

But

*

Surrounds our camp, and holds

Ilus'

since thy wish to learn

;

tomb.

—no

station'd strict

guard

watch and

ward Alone, compell'd by danger's urgent sense, The sons of Ihon watch for Troy's defence

'

'

from

And

'

Yield to their vigilance the watch of war.

their alhes, collected

for their wives the associate leaders

Not

'

And,

'

'

This

too,'

Couch they

*

'

safe their children, far

;

afar,

'

'

arm,

from war's alarm.'

the crafty Grecian said,

'

disclose

apart, or with Troy's host repose

:

?

This too '—Eumedes' trembling son replied,

My

x.

word

to thee shall faithfully confide.

THE

BOOK .] *

The

'

Caucones and Pelasgi

ILIAD.

325

Carians, Leleges, Paeonia's band, line the strand,

By Thymbra, Lycia's, and the Mysian train, And Phrygians and Maeonians hold the plain. But why, each after each, thus singly name ?

*

'

*

Trojan camp your aim,

'

If to explore the

'

Know, now

'

Apart, the Thracians

*

Son of Eioneus.

'

Whose

*

Most grand, most

'

And

'

Wrought gold and

'

From

'

I

*

And deem'd

*

But

*

Here under bondage of thy

'

Till,

your design achieved, you back return,

*

And

true, or false

arrived at our extremest bound,

camp

saw

I

their king around,

his steeds,

whiteness far the falling snow exceeds beautiful,

beyond compare,

challenging in speed the viewless

his gold

silver plates

air.

enchased his car,

arms the splendour flamed

saw the wondrous

!

light that

round him

afar

:

flo^v'd,

the son of earth a present god.

—

to thy fleet

now send me,

my

or detain,

galling chain,

word, by

trial learn.'

Tydides sternly eyed him, and rejoin'd '

Not with

'

Tho' many a

'

Thou must,

vain hope of

life

delude thy mind

grateful truth thy

thus seized,

all

Hp has

told,

hope of life withhold.

THE

326

ILIAD.

[book

'

Thou,

'

As spy impede

'

But

*

Ne'er shall thy art or arms wrong Greece again.'

if

He

if

Smote

released, wilt here again be found,

wound

us, or as warrior

me

thou perish, now, beneath

slain,

spake, and as the suppliant stretch'd his

To touch

.

his beard, high rose,

his

and swung

mid neck, each tendon

hand

his brand.

sheer'd in twain.

And the head fell, yet speaking, on the plain. They took the feiTet felt that helm'd his brow. The lance, the wolf skin, and elastic bow :

These, raised

A

aloft,

votive trophy to Jove's blue-eyed Maid.

'

Joy thou

in these

'

Thee we

will first

*

'

Laertes' son display'd,

—he spake

'

invoke

:

*

Maid

divine

this trophy, thine.

Thou too, goddess deign thy votaries lead Where Thracia's tents and coursers throng the !

Then

raised the spoils,

Conspicuous

sign, lest

mead.'

and on a tamarisk hung.

And broken boughs and The

!

reeds around

it

flung

wandering back at night

uncertain path escape their wilder'd sight.

Then

the bold chiefs, thro' ways v/ide scatter'd o'er

With broken arms and

warriors bathed in gore.

Came where the Thracians, tired, in By their bright armour sank in dead

triple

rows

repose

;

THE

BOOK .]

Each, nigh his steeds Their

And

chief,

and,

:

ILIAD. '

mid

327

their ranged array.

unguarded, steep'd in slumber

where

his fleet coursers,

their

lay.

monarch

slept,

Rein'd at his chariot's ring, their station kept.

Then keen There,

*

Lo

first,

'

Ulysses, with preventive view.

the attention of Tydides drew.

—and he pointed out

*

The very man,

'

Now

'

The weapon

'

Or

*

'

There, there, behold,

the steeds that Dolon told

tax thy utmost strength, nor idly stand, of destruction in thy

loose the coursers

Or mine the charge

Then

hand

or the Thracians slay,

;

to drive the steeds away.'

Pallas with fresh force her chief endued.

While death on every

side his

sword pursued.

Dire was the death-groan, and earth far and wide

Glow'd, purpled by the blood's o'erflowing

As a grim

lion

tide.

'mid the ung-uarded fold

Riots in blood, and gorges uncontroll'd.

Thus Tydeus' son 'mid Raged,

till

the defenceless band

twelve warriors bit in death the land

And, evermore, Ulysses'

craft

withdrew

Dragg'd by the foot each

man

Tydides slew,

THE

328

ILIAD.

[book

.

Intent, that o'er the disencumber'd plain

The

steeds should sweep unstain'd their

Nor, '

all

Mid

snowy mane.

unused to war, reluctant tread

bleeding limbs, and trample on the dead

And now, where Rhesus lay, Tydides came. And loosed his spirit from its earthly fr-ame. While

he gasp'd, a dream, by Pallas wrought.

as

Before him Tydeus' son in vision brought.

Meanwhile, Laertes' heir the steeds unbotmd.

And,

reining, led

them from the

Lash'd by his bow,

blood-stain'd ground,

forgetfril that

the car

Held the bright scourge that urged the ,steeds to war Then,

hissing, to

He

paused

His

spirit

—

in

Tydides gave the sign

doubt to follow, or decline.

glow'd some bolder deed to dare.

Seize on the car, and raise aloft in

Or by

:

the pole draw forth with

air.

all its store.

All the gold arms that Rhesus proudly wore.

Or with

fresh slaughter of the foe assuage

In Thracian blood his unrelenting rage.

IVhile thus Tydides ponder'd, Pallas came.

Stood nigh the

'

'

chief,

and

fix'd his

Hence, mindful of return,

Some

hostile

god

lest

wavering aim

forced on flight,

'gainst thee roused

Troy

excite.'

THE

.]

BOOK

The goddess spake And,

swiftly

While with

And

:

ILIAD.

329

—her voice Tydides knew.

mounting, from the dead withdrew. his

bow

Ulysses lash'd each steed.

to the ships impell'd their headlong speed.

Not

vainly Phoebus watch'd

Where with her hero went Then

darting

—the god survey'd

Jove's martial

downward on

Maid

:

that fatal plain.

Burst 'mid the Trojans' congregated train,

Hippocoon roused, and to

Him

his sense restored

the loved kinsman of the Thracian lord.

—when Hippocoon view'd the vacant

But

Where

space.

stood the coursers of immortal race.

And men yet gasping out in blood their breath, He groan'd, and naming Rhesus, wept his death. Dire burst the clang, and terrible the sound

Of Troy's tumultuous

Who,

wondering, view'd the achievements of the

While on they

Now, on

Where They

And And

warriors gathering round.

pass'd, unhurt,

who

foe.

dealt the blow.

the spot, returning o'er the plain.

the stern chiefs had hapless Dolon

staid the coursers

seized the

;

down

leap'd

slain,

Tydeus

'

armour whence the blood-drops

son. loin.

to Ulysses gave, then both again

Sped where the Greeks

lay

camp'd along the main.

THE

330 First,

ILIAD.

Nestor heard the sound

[book x.

—

friends

'

! '

—he

cried

who

our host preside

'

Princes and chiefs

*

Shall I speak falsely, or the truth reveal

'

Yet

*

— must — Hark—

utter

I

^hark

it

o'er

what

I

warmly

my

strikes

ear

—

?

feel. I

hear the sound

'

Of swift-hoof 'd

*

Oh, that our

'

On

Troy's fleet coursers here return once more

*

Yet

—much

'

Sink

horses on the echoing ground.

chiefs

—

all toil, all peril o'er

I dread, lest Grecia's pride

down o'erwhelm'd by

and boast

Ihon's countless host

!

Ere closed the word, the warriors onward swept, Rush'd mid their '

friends,

and from the coursers

Warm their kind greeting, hands in transport When them Gerenian Nestor first address'd '

'

—hero steeds — How

Ulysses, pride of Grecia

Whence

these brave

away

!

!

leap'd.

press'd.

say,

?

borne by thee

?

'

From yonder camp

'

Gift

'

How bright

*

When

'

With Trojans

'

Inglorious in

purloin'd

?

or freely given,

worthy of a god who came from heaven their splendour

darts the solar oft

my

beam

immix'd, fleet,

!

like the dazzling ray

at

noon of day.

I ne'er

by age

?

remain'd

detain'd.

THE

.]

BOOK

ILIAD.

331

—some present god

*

Yet

'

From heaven

'

Still o'er

Tydides hangs the arm of Jove,

'

And

Ulysses claims Minerva's love.*

still

view'd such steeds

alighting has this gift bestow'd.

—thy country's pride — Ulysses The gods— gods vouchsafe '

'

I ne'er

!

Nestor

'

if

said,

celestial aid

'

Had,

'

For what can bound the omnipotence of heaven

'

These steeds are Thracians,

'

Their monarch Hes, beneath Tydides, dead

'

His gallant chieftains, twelve, around him

at their will, far nobler coursers given

*

The

thirteenth

'

The

spy,

*

To

fell

:

late to Ilion led,

slain

:

beneath us near the main,

by Hector and

his chieftains sent

search our camp, and fathom our intent.'

He

spake, and where the trench before

Drove glorying, with the

him

chiefs that hail'd his

And 'mid their loud acclaims exulting went Where rose aloft Tydides' spacious tent. And the stall'd coursers bound, where proudly

lay

vay

stood

His war-steeds, pamper'd high with wheaten food.

Then, while the

chiefs Minerva's rites prepared,

Ulysses gave his ship the spoils to guard

And

?

either

Plunged, in

wamor its

'mid the ocean wave

cleansing flood their

hmbs

to lave.

THE

332

ILIAD.

And, when the ocean wave had

[book x.

o'er

and

o'er

Cleansed from then: Hmbs the sweat, and braced each pore.

In polish'd baths, forgetful of their

toil.

Their joints they suppled with anointing

Then,

And

oil;

at the banquet, loosed to joy their soul.

to

Minerva pour'd the o'erflowing bowl.

THE ELEVENTH BOOK OF

THE

ILIAD.

ARGUMENT. At moru Agameuinon arms for his great achievements.— He

battle.

—The Muses

invoked to celebrate

—

wounded by Coon. Hector encourages his host retires .stunned by Tydides.—Tydides wounded by Ulysses wounded by Socus. Machaon wounded by Paris. Paris.

—

—

retreats,

—

Ajax, forced by numbers, reluctantly recedes. Achilles to Nestor's tent, in the

armour of

is

Achilles.

— Patroclus,

sent by

exhorted by him to aid the Grecians, mail'd

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK XL Aurora

forth

from famed Tithonus' bed

men

Rose, and to gods and

the hght outspread.

When by Jove's stem behest, on mission sent, Down to the Grecian fleet fell Discord went. And waving

war's dread sign, with outstretch'd

prow her

Fix'd on Ulysses' lofty

hand

stand.

There, 'mid the circhng ships, where clearly heard

Went

forth to each far

horn

at

once her word

Here, trusting in his strength where Ajax moor'd. There, where Pelides' might his

Tower'd the

dire fiend,

fleet secured,

and with tremendous sound

Spread the deep thunder of her voice around. Forceful, a host with valour to inspire,

And

kindle in each heart heroic

Then, sweeter seem'd

Than winds

fire

to all the battle-roar.

that woo'd

them

to their native shore.

THE

336

The king on

his

that round

guarded thighs

[book

and

call'd forth his host,

The brazen arms First

ILIAD.

girt for fight

him beam'd

secui'ely

The

clasp'd his breadth of

their

silver gi'aced,

bosom

splendid cuirass Cinyras sent of yore

For rumour had to Cyprus spread the

That Greece

'gainst

Hence Cinyras

sent to Grecia

him

Ten

bars of polish'd steel around

And

:

tale

that pledged

sail.

mighty lord

s

gift

ten,

o'er

Troy was gathering every

The

Of tin twice

hght

braced

His well-wrought greaves with studs of

Then proudly

to his social

board

it roll'd,

and twelve of burnish'd gold

three ca^i-ulean snakes, on either side.

That

to his

Gleam'd

neck tower'd up

like the

their crested pride,

rainbow, that ft'om heaven above

Bears on the cloud to earth the

Then

will of

afar,

:

with golden studs inlaid

Its

sheath of silver ore, that firmly

On

the gold-belt that clasp'd

Next

Jove

'thwart his shoulders cast his battle-blade.

That shone

it

as

hung

it

swung

raised aloft, the terrour of the field.

The inunense circumference

of his massive shield

Ten brazen

it

And

circles

wreathed

twice ten bosses

Each boss

its

round and round.

huge burden crown'd.

alike with tin refulgent flamed.

Save where dark

steel its central

xi.

horrour framed

THE

BooKxr.]

Around

ILIAD.

337

Fear and Flight, and, swoln with ire. The Gorgon head fierce roU'd its balls of fire. it.

thong was

Its

silver

:

and

o'er all

entwined

A snake, whose neck three arching crests combined. A casque, bright-gemm'd, four-coned, adorn'd his

And

terribly its horse-hair stream'd

Then grasp'd two massive

spears,

below

brow.

:

whence beams of hghi

Shot up, and seemed to touch the ethereal height. Thus sped the monarch, while the Queen of Jove,

And

Pallas, thundering, hail'd

The

chiefs

Along the

now gave

their charioteers

forth,

and

dire the bray

clash of armour, ushering in the day.

First, at

The

command.

fosse to fix their order'd stand.

While they on foot rush'd

And

him from above.

the trench the foot their ranks disposed.

horse, close following, next their order closed

Throughout, Saturnian Jove, with fell desio-n Dire tumult roused, and spread from line to

hne.

And shower'd down blood-stain'd dews, that omens gave Of heroes passing to the untimely grave. The Trojans

stood, opposed,

where rose the giOund,

Great Hector and Polydamas around.

And famed The

^Eneas, and the triple race.

offspring of Antenor's chaste embrace,

VOL.

I.

2

THE

338

[book

ILIAD.

The And

strength of Polybus, Agenor

But

first

s

XI.

might,

youthful Acamas, a god in fight-

amid the foremost,

o'er the field

Hector advanced the burden of

And

as a baleful star

Now

flames,

from forth the clouds

and now

Thus Hector

flash'd

his shield

its

by

course in darkness shrouds.

fits,

now

seen,

now

lost,

host. In van, in rear, lone marshalling the

And

brass refulgent

all in

As the

moved

in hght.

lanch'd fire-bolt from Jove's

arm of might.

to band. But, as keen reapers, band opposed

Toil in the harvest of a grateful land.

And, where the barley

Row

after

bristles into gi'ain.

row with sheaves o'erstrow the

The Greeks and Trojans Slay and are

But

lift

slain,

plain.

thus in clash'd career

none pause, none

fly,

none

alike their crests, and, wild with rage.

Like wolves the exterminating battle wage.

Alone of

all

the gods, with grim delight

Discord, there present, gloried 'mid the fight

The

rest, in

Amid But

peace, each on his palace throne

the Olympian

all

cliffs

reposed alone

Saturnius blamed, whose partial sway

To lUon

gave the glory of the day

:

fear.

THE

1500K XI.]

While reckless of their

ire,

The Thunderer, throned Troy, and the Grecian

ILIAD. from

all afar.

in glory, view'd the war,

fleet,

That blazed with arms, the

From

339

and

the plain

all

and the

slayers

slain.

the grey dawn, and thro' the advancing day.

Spears clash'd on spears, on warriors warriors lay

But when

in leafy heights, with toil oppress'd.

The hewer

seeks an interval of rest.

And

mountain glades, where

in the

Longs

for refreshment,

Then rank

fell

and prepares

the wood.

his food.

to rank, loud shouting in their might,

Greece tm*n'd the Trojan phalanxes to

flight

While, rushing from their van, Atrides flew.

And

fierce Bianor,

guide of battle, slew

Next, his tried friend, associate of his war, O'ileus

Him,

And

urging on his battle-car

as he leapt

on earth, and dared advance.

poise against the king his quivering lance.

His brazen casque betray 'd, Atrides' blow

Smote

On

his helm'd front,

and

laid the warrior low,

thro' the casque, the bone, the brain, the spear

Flew, and arrested him in mid career.

The conqueror

left

them prone

Spoil'd their bright arms,

in

death to

rest,

and bared each snowy breast

THE

340

Then

ILIAD.

[book

xi.

rush'd where Priam's sons the battle led.

This of a lawful, that a lawless bed,

whom

Isus

and Antiphus,

And

in

The

spurious drove, while,

friendship held,

one car at once to war impell'd skill'd

Brave Antiphus in arms opposed the

Them,

;

the lance to wield. field

once, amid their flocks Achilles found

In Ida's glades, and there with osiers bound.

Then '

loosed, rich-ransom'd.

Neath the

Gored above the

king's spear fall'n Isus

sank to

breast,

rest.

But Antiphus, beneath the trenchant blade. That clove

his ear, dropp'd headlong, breathless laid

Then from each

corse the conqueror

drew

sjviftly

Their armour flashing on his conscious view. First seen,

From

when

Peleus' son the captives bore

pasturing Ida to the Phrygian shore.

As when Views

a lion, in keen search of food

in the deer's

warm

lair

her tender brood.

His forceful jaws, that grasp with ease the prey.

Crush every bone, and reave

The

its life

away.

while the hind in horrour standing nigh.

Fain would defend, but dares not, forced to

And

'mid far woods, alive alone to

Bathed

in thick sweat-drops,

Thus none dared While Greece

fly.

fear.

seems the roar to hear

shield the Trojans, as they fled.

resistless rush'd

from dead to dead.

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

341

Next, on two brothers, each in youthful might. Sons of Antimachus, renovvn'd in fight.

Who,

bribed by Paris, had refused of yore

That Troy should Helen to her lord restore. Borne in one chariot, while, confused by fear.

The

reins dropp'd loose

from their uncheck'd career,

Rush'd, lion-like, the king, and sternly gazed

As

'

in the car their

hands the suppliants

raised.

Spare us, and take due ransom, largely

told,

'

All that Antimachus' heap'd treasures hold,

'

Pure gold, and radiant brass, a countless

'

And

steel elaborated o'er

Thus with

From

'

soft

lip

Urged that our

'

My

'

The

word

soft

of fierce Atrides heard.

in sooth his sons,

'

store,

o'er.'

words they sued, but no

the stern

Are ye

and

whose voice of yore

legates should return

no more,

much-loved brother, and Laertes' heir

?

father's guilt forbids the sons to spare.'

Then

lanch'd the

spear, that

pierced with deadly

wound Pisander's breast,

and headlong hurl'd on giOund And when Hippolochus leapt down dismay'd, Sever'd his hands and head with venoeful blade

THE

342

Then with

fierce scorn

ILIAD.

[book

xi.

amid the armed throng,

Whirl'd the bare trmik that

roll'd in

blood along

Left there the slain, and as his host pm'sued

Rush'd, where Troy's densest ranks the fight renew'd

Foot slew the

foot,

and ever where they

The horsemen trampled

And from

o'er the

horsemen dead.

the steeds loud hoofs thick dust on high '

Roll'd in dark volumes up,

While

fled

fierce Atrides,

and

veil'd the

sky

:

on Troy's deep array

Swept, and in slaughter batlied the Argive way.

As when,

in forest depths, fire kindles fire.

When winds on winds to spread the flames conspire, Down to their roots consumed, as whirls the blast. Trees after trees on earth are thickly cast So, where Atrides raged, beneath

him

slain,

Trojan on Trojan strew'd with death the

And

steeds, high-crested,

'

plain.

mid the ranks of war

Rush'd wildly on, and whirl'd their guideless

car.

While, far more grateful to gaunt birds of prey

Than

to their wives,

on earth the warriors

But Jove brave Hector from the darts

The

dust, blood, death,

Then, guiding on

conceal'd.

and uproar of the

his host, with gore

lay.

field.

embued.

Great Atreus' son the fugitives pursued.

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK

XI.]

Who

sought then' walls, and, as they fled their

343

'

foes,

Pass'd where the fig-tree 'mid the champaign rose.

By

ancient Ilus'

The

tomb

:

while,

more and more.

king, fierce-shouting, drench'd his hands in gore.

Now, by

the beech-tree, and the Scaean gate.

The Trojans dared their routed ranks await They 'mid the plain rush'd on, like beeves in Chased by a

The herds

lion at the

One whom

all fly,

flight

noon of night

but death

o'er

one impends.

the lion seizes, grasps, and rends.

Crushes his neck, and with insatiate jaws Drains his

Thus

warm

blood, and forth his entrails draws

stern Atrides follow'd

Seized on the

last,

where they

dash'd on, and

left

:

fled.

him dead

Chiefs from their cars, hurl'd prostrate, bit the ground

Beneath that lance that gave no second wound.

But when,

in

hardihood of rage impell'd.

The conqueror drew nigh

Ilion,

Jove beheld.

Came down, and throned on Ida's stream-fed height The thunder grasp'd, and sat in awful might Speed, swift as air, And gold-wing'd Iris call'd To Hector speed, and Jove's behest declare :

'

'

'

Long

*

Of Atreus' son

'

Bid him awhile recede, but urge the rest

'

To

as, in

van of war, beneath the

ire

his slaughter'd ranks expire,

front the battle with unswerving breast

THE

344

ILIAD.

[book

'

But when the

'

Force Atreus' son to mount, and quit the ground,

*

Then

'

The

'

Till Grecia's fleet at sun-set

*

And

lance, or arrow's winged

will I yield

Mid *

'

dread his spear,

Iris

from the Idaean height

to sacred Ilion wing'd her flight

the famed son of war-skill'd Priam found, chariots

Hector,

And '

fulfil,

night alone arrest his proud career.'

At once

'

victory, then at will

slaughtering sword his vengeance shall

Jove spake, and

And

him

wound,

I

and proud steeds encompass'd round.

come on mission from above,

thus to thee announce the will of Jove

Long

as, in

van of war, beneath the

ire

'

Of Atreus

'

Jove bids thee pause awhile, but urge the rest

'

To

*

But when the

'

Force him to mount his

'

Then

*

The

'

Till Grecia's fleet at sun-set

*

And

'

son, thy slaughter'd ranks expire,

front the battle with unswerving breast lance, or arrow's car,

winged wound,

and quit the ground,

the god yields thee victory, then, at

will,

slaughtering sword thy vengeance shall

dread thy spear,

night alone arrest thy proud career.'

fulfil,

xi.

BOOK

THE

XI.]

She spake, and

fled

—

ILIAD.

all

345

arm'd, as Hector heard.

On earth he leapt, obedient to her word And brandishing his spears with powerful

hand.

His host embold'ning, sped from band to band.

They

stood,

When From

host to host, a

First to

spirit

and

in each breast,

fronted van,

nor shunn'd their might

when

fight.

misubdued all

the war renew'd

:

forth before their view

engage the son of Atreus flew.

Deign ye, who

in

yon heaven your mansions hold.

Deign, sacred Muses

Who,

their foe,

Greece had closed her phalanxes for

Flamed

Van

and faced

!

to

my

search unfold.

of Troy's sons, or Troy's confederate band.

First dared Atrides' ruthless rr^ge withstand

?

Antenor's son, large-limb'd, the brave, the bold, Train'd where the Thracians vaunt their fleecy fold.

Whom,

yet a child, by kindred blood endear'd.

His grandsire,

And

to

Theano's father, rear d.

whose blooming youth had

A beauteous But

fair

lately led

daughter to adorn his bed

lust of fame, fi'om love's connubial joy.

Lured him, with twelve brave These Pass'd,

at Percote left,

ships, to succour

Troy

on foot the chief

when hoar Priam sought from Thrace

relief.

:

THE

346

He,

first,

Front against

Atndes

met

Atrides

fail'd

Beneath the

:

fi'ont,

—

fierce-rushing near.

but where the girdle,

Firm

wound

struck, and, trusting in his strength.

on the

press'd

lance's length.

the silver o'er the girdle spread

Blunted the point, and tum'd

Then,

like

a Hon,

it

Agamemnon

Smote with sharp edge

back, hke lead.

sprung.

and from the

gi*asp'd the lance,

his neck,

wamor wrung

and prostrate

laid

Iphidamas a corse beneath his blade In iron slumber, on a foreign bed.

There lay the Far from

chief,

whom

for

Ihon bled.

and blooming charms.

bless'd his marriageable

the wooer,

An hundred oxen

A

whose youth

his virgin bride

That scarce had For

la\T[sh

arms

:

of his store.

gave, and promised more,

thousand goats and sheep, that largely fed

Where The But

o'er rich

Thrace

victor spoil'd him,

Back

xr.

each wanior hurl'd his spear

With pond'rous hand :

[book

corselet, girt the king around.

The Thracian In vain

ILIAD.

his fertile pastures spread

and exulting bore

to his host his armour, stain'd with gore

as Antenor's first

Beheld him

:

and far-famed son

in his glory passing on.

Coon, whose tears had

o'er his brother slain

Gush'd, where his corse lay prostrate on the plain.

:

BOOK

The

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

347

stern avenger stole Atrides near.

Stood by his side unseen, and lanch'd his spear.

And

pierced his arm, where the resplendent point

Came out, and beam'd below the elbow joint The monarch shudder'd, but not less remain'd Firm

in his soul,

and war's

And, onward rushing, with 'Gainst

Then

Coon shook

resistless ire

his lance's quivering fire

as the brother

And, shouting,

dire proof sustain'd.

call'd

drew the brother's

corse.

the bravest of his force,

Him, fondly labouring

thus, his shield beneath

Atrides smote, and loosed his limbs in death

And on

Iphidamas, while yet he bled.

With sword unsparing struck Thus, side by

side, in

off Coon's head.

one disastrous day

Antenor's sons, in death united, lay.

Then, Agamemnon

With

lance,

fierce

and

fiercer

grown.

and sword, and many a massive stone.

Traversed the ranks, and spread destruction wide.

wound warm

While from

his

But when

ceased to ooze,

it

Sharp pangs each limb

As when a matron, '

Mid her long

in

gush'd the sanguine tide

when

cold the wound.

numbing weakness bound.

ere her travail's close,

labour's agonizing throes.

Thrills at the shaq^ness of the

That Juno's daughters, the

arrowy smart

Ilithyie, dart

;

THE

348

ILIAD.

[book

Thus, rack'd with pain, Atrides gain'd his

xi.

car.

And bade his guide swift hasten back from war And as he pass'd in agony of grief. His host

'

heard their loud-exhorting chief

far

Friends

lords,

!

and leaders of the Argive host,

'

Shield from assault the

'

Since doom'd by Jove's stern

'

This day from battle

I

fleet,

and guard the

will, worn

coast,

down with pain,

perforce refrain.'

He spake the while his guide, in all their speed, Down to the navy lash'd each fiery steed: Foam bathed their chests, thro' clouds of dust they flew. :

As

their wing'd feet the suffering

Glad Hector saw, and shouting

Urged on

'

Ye

his forces,

monarch drew.

at the sight.

and renew'd the

fight

Trojans, Lycians, Dardans war-renown'd,

'

Now

'

Troy's bravest foe

'

Jove's, has to Hector's

*

Right onwards 'gainst the Grecians lash your steeds,

'

And

be your valour is

fled

—a voice from heaven,

arm

the victory given.

greater glory gain by greater deeds.'

Thus Hector spake, and

The

your victory crown'd

tried,

in each heart inspired

dauntless spirit that his

bosom

fired

BOOK

THE

XI.]

As when a

ILIAD.

349

hunter's eager cheers excite

His hounds to stand a boar's or

lion's

might.

Thus Hector's

voice the Trojan battle cheer'd,

While

God

like the

War

of

the chief appear'd

Before the van, with high and haughty stride, Stalk'd,

And

and alone upon himself relied.

dash'd on war, as with impetuous sweep

The rushing tempest darkens

Who When

first,

who

the deep.

by Hector doom'd to bleed.

Jove to him that glorious day decreed

Assaeus, Dolops,

Opites,

last,

all

and Autonous

and Opheltius

bit

?

slain,

the plain

iilsymnus, Orus, Agelaus bled.

And

bold Hipponous swell'd the untimely dead

All, leaders of the Grecians, all

The

rest,

renown'd

:

:

a nameless number, strew'd the ground.

As when the west wind,

lash'd

by southern

blasts.

Whirls, and with war of clouds the heaven o'ercasts,

Vex'd ocean

boils,

The foam with

and swept, hke driven snow.

fitful

gusts veers to

and

fro

Beneath the Hectorean lance, thus, corse on corse Fell

from the raging

chief's resistless force.

Death then, and nameless deeds, and

fell

defeat.

And, wild with terrour, Greece had sought her

fleet.

THE

350

ILIAD.

[book

xi.

But thus Ulysses Tydeus' son address'd '

Why

'

Stand at

'

If

'

droop we thus, of courage dispossess'd ?

my

Hector

By

side

seize,

—Inexpiable shame

and wrap our

thine,' the chief replied,

fleet in flame.'

*

I fix

my

stand,

'

Yet vain the succour of an earthly hand,

'

Since Jove, omnipotent in earth and heaven,

'

To Troy, not

He

us, this victory-day

spake, and hurl'd, the death-lance in his breast,

Thymbraeus from

And

has given.'

his car to endless rest

brave Ulysses, as his javelin sped,»

Cast his bold guide Molion on the dead.

They

left

each corse, and rush'd amid the throng.

As boars turn back, and rush scared dogs among. Thus they the Trojans

slew, while stay'd

The Grecians breathed, and chiefs rush'd on,

The

sons of Merops, foremost in the war

and captured, with

Percosian Merops, whose prophetic all

:

their car.

skill.

surpass'd, forbade, presaging

His sons to war

flight

faced the Hectorean might.

The

That

on

ill.

they heard, but disobey'd.

And pass'd where fate spread o'er them death's dark shade.

Them Diomed

transfix'd,

and where they lay

Reft from each corse the radiant arms away

:

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

351

While famed Laertes' son Hippodamus

And

spoil'd.

brave Hyperocbus witb gore defiled.

Tbey

slew

—were

Look'd on the

slain

field,

—wbile Jove

ft'om Ida's height

and poised the equal

fight.

Tlien Tydeus' son Agastrophus subdued.

Plunged

in his flank his lance with

The wounded For

blood embued

:

warrior look'd around in vain

his far steeds to bear

him from the

plain

:

In vain, on foot, by desperate courage led,

Rush'd

in the

van

till

number'd with the dead.

Hector beheld, and, shouting, onward drew

Phalanx on phalanx following where he flew

And Diomed, who Thus

'

*

view'd

him thundering

half in terrour spake Laertes' son

On

Here

on.

:

us that war-fiend Hector drives amain stand,

and dare

Then, brandishing

his

Glanced

high all

off",

Such that

:

his fierce assault sustain.'

his spear's far-shadowing length,

Hurl'd, against Hector's front,

Smote

;

crest,

its

deadly strength.

but from the brass the brass

powerless thro' the flesh to pass

thrice-plated helm, the gift of heaven.

Gift to gi-eat

Hector afar

Hector by Apollo given.

recoil'd, and,

Fall'n, kneeling,

'

mid

his band,

sank on his sustaining hand

:

THE

352 Night

To

veil'd his

eyes

ILIAD.

[book

xi.

but while Tydides flew

;

pluck from earth the shaft that gleam'd on view.

Hector revived, and charioted again,

From '

death escaped 'mid Troy's encircling

Dog,'

Diomed

train.

exclaim'd, and poised his spear,

'

Again thou hast escaped, though death drew near.

*

Phoebus, once more, to

*

Ere clash of

spears,

my

'

But would some god

'

And,

'

On

'

They whom

slain

others

whom

vengeance has dela/d

diest

now my WTath

beneath

my

feet.

shall deeply fall,

are slain, they perish

all.'

He spake and smote brave Paeon's offspring And reft his araaour as the chieftain bled. :

Then

the

fair

;

we meet,

befriend, ere long

by me, thou

I seize

thy vows are paid

dead.

youth, whose charms had Helen won.

Raised his bent bow, and aim'd at Tydeus son, '

Couchant behind the stone,

That

And His

cast o'er Ilus' ancient

But

tomb

its

shade

while the chief Agastrophus despoil'd. shield,

Arch'd the

The

in darkness laid.

huge helm and elastic horns,

shaft that

from

his

corselet blood defiled,

and firmly drew

hand not vainly

flew.

thro' his foot's broad sole, with painfiu

Sped whizzing on, and

fix'd it to

wound.

the ground

BOOK

THE

XI.]

Then

ILIAD.

3j3

loudly laughing, with contemptuous pride.

Leapt from

ambush, and, exultant

his

'

Yes, thou art struck

*

Would

*

Then had our

'

As she-goats dread a

it

not vain

;

had pierced thy host,

now

my

heart,

cried,

arrow sped,

and

thee dead

left

shuddering at thy might,

lion,

breathed from

fight.'

But Tydeus' dauntless son thus scornful

bowman,

*

Vile

'

Come,

'

Then

shall

'

What

!

:

slanderer, girl with glist'ning braid,

front to front, in

my

arms

force assail

thy bow, nor shower of shafts

— Hast

said

my

thou scratch'd

foot

!

avail.

—

Is that

thy

joy? '

So wounds a woman or a

feeble boy.

*

Weak

hand

is

the

weapon

in a

wound

like thine

that waits on

;

mine

'

Far, other far the

'

If

*

Prone

*

His wife shall blanch her cheek in anguish torn,

*

O'er his void hearth his orphan children mourn,

*

While where

*

Flock,

my

sharp point but touch, falls at

Thus

once the victim

in

touch

reft of

more than

death,

breath

females, birds that rend their prey.'

as the hero spake in dauntless

I.

is

blood his corse corrupts away,

Laertes' son before VOL.

its

him

firmly stood

A

mood,

THE

354

While

ILIAD.

[book

unyielding to severest pain.

all

Forth from his foot he pluck'd the shaft again, Regain'd his car, and bade, tho' grieved at heart,

Back

And

to the fleet his charioteer depart as

Who

he

pass'd,

to his

all,

save Ulysses, fled,

own brave

heart thus, groaning, said

Woe woe How act How fly, tho' numerous, '

!

!

*

when

?

—

Yet

'

Here

'

Yet wherefore waver thus

'

None but

are fled,

to remain, cut

the

off,

by Jove o'erthrown,

a captive, lone ?

— Enough

weak and worthless

fly

to

know,

the foe

The brave must bravely stand, whate'er decreed, Whether they wound the foe, or wounded bleed.'

*

'

all

!

Troy's oft-conquer'd race

'

dire,

Indelible disgrace

While pondering thus, with insolent acclaim

The Trojans

And

clash'd their shields,

as they girt

him

and

close

In narrower ring their

own

As when keen youths and

and onward came

closer round.

destruction found

;

dogs, their prey in view.

With

breathless speed the mountain boar pursue.

From

the deep

wood he

darts,

and whets

in ire

His snow-white tusks, and glares with eye of

Yet

The

still

fire

they close him round, tho' heard afar

grinding of his teeth that gnash for war

;

xi.

BOOK

THE

XI.]

Thus compassing the

ILIAD.

chief, the

355

Trojans drove

Against Ulysses, the beloved of Jove.

The

chief rush'd on,

and

first,

in swift advance.

Thro' Deiopites' shoulder drove his lance;

Then from the

light of

day prone Ennomus

hurl'd.

And swept bold Thoon from the hving world The next, where rashly leaping from his car,

:

Chersidamas dared wage the equal war. Pierced thro' his navel, underneath his shield.

And

left

These

him grasping,

all unspoil'd,

And Charops,

fierce in death, the field.

the unwearied conqueror flew.

brother of famed Socus, slew

While generous Socus strove

And

'

in vain to aid.

standing near him, thus undaunted said

Far-famed Ulysses,

chief,

by

all

:

renown'd,

'

Alike in arms and arts unequall'd found,

*

Thou

'

Two

'

Their arms thy trophy, or beneath this hand

*

Thou

day immortal glory gain,

sons of Hippasus together slain,

Then

On

shalt this

bleed'st stretch'd breathless

on a stranger

land.'

struck his shield's vast orb, and drove the spear

thro' the buckler in its wing'd career

Then

traversing the corselet, steep'd in gore.

From

his bare side the flesh in piece-meal tore

THE

356

ILIAD.

[book

Pallas saved, nor will'd the death-fraught dart

But

Should

in the entrails pierce a vital part.

Ulysses

knew

And, back

'

xi.

Ah

the ineffectual blow.

retreating, thus address'd his foe

wretch

hangs

dire fate

!

:

thee, tho' thy

o'er

spear

my

'

'Gainst Ilion's host has stay'd

'

Yet

*

Shall

'

This lance, that slays thee, shall

*

And

I to thee

He

announce,

summon

thee from

proud career

this fatal life

and

day light

new

away

:

glory gain,

hurl thy soul to Pluto's dreary reign.'

spake, and swift, as Socus turn'd for flight,

Lanch'd

at his

back

his spear's resistless

might

Pierced thro' and thro', and clave his breast in twain.

And

.

as

The

he

fell, all

arm'd, wide rang the plain.

chief exulting cried,

'

Death's rapid pace,

*

Socus Hippasides, outstrips thy race.

*

Ah, wretch

*

Shall close thy lids, or sadden o'er thy pyi'e,

'

But ravenous vultures on unhallow'd ground

'

Gorge thy rent limbs, and

*

But,

*

With pomp of funeral

when

!

I

no mother's tender touch, no

flap their

sire

wings around.

cease to breathe, the Achaean host glorify

my

ghost.'

BOOK

THE

XI.]

He

spake

The massive

And

A

and from

:

ILIAD.

his flesh

shaft that vengeful

as the life-blood issued, o'er

357

and buckler drew Socus threw

him

stole

dead'ning langour that oppress'd his soul.

The

Trojans, as the life-blood warmly gush'd.

Band urging band,

He back

at

once against him rush'd.

retreated slow, and unappall'd.

Thrice, far as voice can reach, on Grecia call'd

Thrice Menelaus his loud outcry heard.

And Ajax '

Prince

thus aroused with winged word

!

Telamonian Ajax, lord of war, heard Ulysses' voice

*

Thrice have

*

Voice as of one who, nigh by Troy o'erthrown,

*

Cut

'

Come,

'

To

*

Tho' strong his arm,

*

Haste

I

afar,

off in battle droops, abandon'd, lone. let

us pierce the throng, and, undismay'd,

our brave warrior give a warrior's aid

!

lest his

how

lone contend with

all

?

death the host of Greece appal.'

He spake, nor longer interposed delay. And Ajax follow'd where he led the way. The

By

heroes, rushing on, Ulysses found,

Trojans, in their rage, encompass'd round.

As on a mount gaunt wolves a While down the death-wing'd

stag inclose.

shaft his Ufe-blood flows,

THE

358

Who Had

ILIAD.

[book

xi.

long, as flow'd that blood, and strength avail'd,

hunter that from

fled the

But when the

far assail'd

thirsty dart has drain'd his blood.

The fierce wolves rend him 'mid the o'ershadowing wood But

if

a lion there should haply stray.

—

—and

They

fear

Thus

throng'd, thus fierce, on swift destruction

are fled

The Trojans

his alone the

prey

bound

press'd Laertes' son around.

While the brave warrior, with unwearied

lance,

Turn'd death aside, and curb'd their rash advance.

Ajax came on, and

The

shield

like a

tower outspread

from whose dense shade the Trojans

While Menelaus drew the chief

And

led

him

to his car

and

aside*.

faithful guide.

Then, rushing on the Trojans, Ajax

And

fled.

flew.

Priam's spurious son, Doryclus, slew,

Lysander, Pyrasus, Pylartes bled.

And Pandocus on As when

A

earth bow'd do^\^l his head.

o'erflooded

by autumnal

mountain torrent deluges the

Sweeps down the

And

rains,

plains.

arid oaks, the piny

darkens ocean with

Thus Ajax thundering

its

shmy

thro' the

wood.

flood

dense array,

'Mid steeds and slaughter'd warriors hew'd

Unheard of Hector

On

the

left

:

for the war,

his

he waged.

bank of vex'd Scamander raged

way

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

There slaughter spread, and

359

conflict's

Rang, where Crete's king and Nestor

deepest roar stalk'd in gore.

Hector 'mid these achieved tremendous deeds. Pierced the dense ranks, and o'er them lash'd his steeds

Yet

had Hellas

ne'er

turn'd, but Priam's son.

Whose guile the faithless bride had woo'd and won, Young Paris, with his arrow's thrice-barb'd point Pierced in the van Machaon's shoulder joint.

Then Grecia

fear'd, lest, forced, retreating slow.

That chief should

Then spake

fall

the king,

beneath the insulting '

Speed, Nestor

!

foe.

Grecia's pride,

*

Speed, to Machaon's aid thy coursers guide,

*

And

'

Prompt others

'

Skill'd to cut

*

That leech outvalues many a

He But

bear him to the

spake

:

fleet

to relieve,

that

now

wounded

chief,

claims relief;

out the shaft, the balsam spread, warrior's head.'

nor him hoar Nestor disobey'd

lash'd his coursers to

Machaon mounted

And

;

:

Machaon's

on again they

aid.

flew.

gladly to the ships the chariot drew.

But brave Cebriones,

Who

at Hector's side.

view'd Troy's troubled battle, swiftly cried

'

Hector

'

We

!

Avhile

here at war's extrcmest verge

press the conflict, and the Grecians urge,

THE

360

ILIAD.

[book

'

Yon

'

In wild disorder clash'd, confusedly war

*

There Telamonian Ajax routs the

'

I

'

There

*

Where

horse and foot in mutual slaughter bleed,

'

Where

fiercest rings the

'

The miextinguishable

Trojans, and their steeds, car mix'd with car

know him

He The

xi.

let

—

his, that

:

field.

broad, that blazing shield,

us wield our arms, there urge each steed

clamour from

afar,

roar of war.'

spake, and lash'd his steeds

:

beneath the thong

full-maned coursers wing'd the car along.

Burst 'mid each host, and crush'd beneath their tread

Hauberk, and helm, the dying, and the Head

The

axle roU'd amid the ensanguined flood.

The

chariot-rings shower'd

down

large drops of blood.

These, from the dashing of the coursers' heels.

Those, from the ceaseless whirling of the wheels.

But Hector onward rush'd

And

fierce

and

fiercer burst the host

Fell tumult thicken'd,

and increasing

on the Greeks from

Fell

to pierce the throng.

among, fear

his reposeless spear.

While with rock-fragments,

lance,

and slaughtering

sword.

On

raged from rank to rank the

battle's lord.

Save, where in matchless might tower'd up alone

The

giant strength of Ajax Telamon.

BOOK

THE

XI.]

But Jove

On

his

ILIAD.

quail'd Ajax' heart

3G1

—he stood aghast.

broad back his seven-fold buckler

Tum'd, eyed the

host, and, as a beast

cast,

on chase

Turns, step by step stalk'd back with sullen pace.

As when keen huntsmen and

A

their dogs appal

ravenous lion prowhng round the

And

stall.

wearing out on watch the night away.

Stay him, intent to fasten on his prey,

Tho' urged by famine, and athirst for blood Right on again he burst,

So dense the shower of

—again withstood.

darts, so fierce the fires.

Scared at whose flames the beast in rage

retires.

And

day

lingering long, perforce, at break of

Slow

stalks at last reluctantly

Thus Ajax

pass'd,

and sad

Groan'd in deep anguish

As when an

Of urchins,

And

ass,

in slow retreat

o'er the threaten'd fleet

slow-paced, despite a throng

many

At pleasure crops the While nought such

Thus

:

bursts ripe fields of corn

bruised by

Till the

away

a broken

staff"

among. in vain.

ears of golden grain.

efforts,

and weak blows

gorged beast's keen sense of hunger

avail. fail.

the brave Trojans, and their leagued bands.

Their missile weapons in unwearied hands. Struck on the seven-fold shield, and pressing on.

Urged more and more the Telamonian son

THE

3G2

But he,

ILIAD.

[book

xr.

at times, collecting all his force.

Fronted their phalanxes, and staid their course.

At times

retreated, yet in slow retreat

Check'd their

fell

inroad, bulwarking the fleet,

Tower'd lone 'mid either host, and kept the

While

field

their thick lances charged with death his shield.

Or, mid-way, fix'd in earth, a brazen wood.

Stood quivering up, and thirsted for

Him,

his blood.

as Eurypylus, Evaemon's son.

Saw underneath

the

wood

of spears bow'd down.

Swift to his aid he flew, and lanch'd the dart

That pierced Phausiades beneath the

heart.

And smote him dead, then, forward springing, drew The blood-stain'd armour from the man he slew :

Fair Paris view'd the spoiler's

And, wing'd with death,

intent.

fell

his vengeful

arrow

sent.

Pierced his right thigh, and with the forceful stroke

That

inly fix'd the barb, the reed-shaft broke

The wounded

chief,

:

avoiding death, withdrev/.

And, shouting, bade the Greeks the war renew

'

Turn, chieftains

!

stand

!

ward

'

Lo! Ajax, whelm'd beneath the

'

Haste, or he dies

*

And round

:

off

:

impending

fate,

lances' weight

speed forward, band on band,

the Telamonian

fix

your

stand.'

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

303

Thus spake the wounded chief: the Greeks drew nigh. Sloped their broad shields, and held their spears on high

:

Ajax before them stood, to battle tum'd.

And,

like a raging flame, the conflict burn'd.

But Nestor's coursers, foaming

Him and Machaon

in their speed.

from the tumult

freed.

Achilles view'd them, as the hero tower'd

On

his ship's high-raised stern,

Widely o'erlooking

fiiOm that vantage height

The sharp encounter, and

And

call'd

and war devour'd.

Patroclus

:

the shameful flight.

and Patroclus heard.

In silence of his tent, his piercing word.

And came Hke Mars, Which doom'd him

'

Achilles

but in that

first

my

by

hour

to fate's malignant power.

—Patroclus beloved —the

speak thy wish

!

ill-starr'd

'

cried

'

Friend

'

Now,

*

Such

their

'

Now

speed to Nestor, bid the warrior say

*

What wounded

'

His form, Machaon' s, but the chariot flew

'

So

!

at

my

soul

'

spake

deep

:

down by

knees, the Greeks, bow'd

Avoe, shall supplicate relief.

chief his coursers bore

swift, that scarce his features

He

chief replied

met

away

my

view.'

Patroclus, with unwearied feet,

Pass'd 'mid the tented camp, and station'd

fleet.

grief,

THE

364 But they, the Staid,

Aged

chiefs,

ILIAD.

[book

where Nestor's tent arose

and ahghting, sought awhile repose. Nestor's friend,

Eurymedon, unbound

The yoke

that clasp'd the courser's neck around.

While the

chiefs cleansed their vests

And woo'd

from sweat and gore.

the breezes on the sea-beat shore

Then, where the tented covering

Recumbent on

their

couch

in

o'er

them

:

closed.

peace reposed.

There, bright-hair'd Hecamede, Nestor's slave.

Whom, to reward his wisdom, Grecia gave. When Tenedos, by Peleus' son despoil'd, Resign'd the beauteous prize, Arsinous' child.

The

grateful beverage mix'd, their table placed,

Smooth-polish'd, bright, with feet cerulean graced

Next, a brass vessel

:

set, that garlic held.

Whose pungent flavour keener thirst impell'd, Mix'd with new honey, and the flower}^ grain. Celestial gift of Ceres' golden plain

Then, by aged Nestor's

A bowl vnth Four were

And

its ears,

None could

self

:

from Pylos brought,

studs of gold distinctly wrought

two, beneath,

at each all

two

turtles fed.

gold, their wings outspread.

with ease that bowl

full

charged upraise.

Save Nestor, bow'd beneath the weight of days.

Then

xi.

the

fair

maid, with juice of Pramnian grapes

Mix'd the goat-cheese her rasp minutely scrapes.

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

365

Strew'd o'er the whole fine flour, and bade each guest

Pledge the charged cup her dainty hand had dress'd.

Now, when the

painful sense of thirst repress'd.

While mutual converse cheer'd each gladsome

guest,

Patroclus came, and Nestor from his seat

Rose, at the porch Menoetius' son to greet.

And

clasp'd his hand,

and urged him to remain

now

*

Not now,' Patroclus

*

Austere the man, from

*

I

seek what wounded chieftain Nestor led.

*

I

know him

'

*

—

there,

'

said,

not

whom, here

Machaon

I

:

detain, swiftly sped,

discern,

And to Achilles now in haste return. Thou know'st that lord's fierce mood, how

swift to

flame, '

How

'

rashly

Can

prompt the blameless man

then,'

aged Nestor

cried,

'

to blame.'

Achilles deign

'

A

'

Yet

'

Pervade our host, and

'

Our

*

Lie in their ships, nor dare to war advance.

'

Tydides bleeds beneath the arrowy

*

The

kindly care for Grecia live,

still

retain,

unconscious what distress and dread

bravest,

far

and widely spread

wounded by the

shaft or lance,

flight,

piercing lance has tamed Ulysses' might

?

THE

366

ILIAD.

[book

*

And Agamemnon's

'

The

*

And,

*

When

*

But Peleus

'

Recks not of Greece, nor wards her baleful hour.

'

*

when maim'd

shaft,

!

—waits

he,

That moved

*

*

'

'

till

my

now

and

from

its

fire,

wrecks, expire

?

the force remains

flexile limbs,

more

that once I

from battle bore.

our navy wrapt in

each other, 'mid

In me, no longer

When When

his gore,

son, tho' girt with matchless power,

'

*

'

Euryi^ylus withdrew

I this gallant chief

What We, on

and deadly flew

weapon drunk

dire the feather'd

*

'

strength,

and

swell'd

my

veins,

that youth, that vigour mine,

Elis battled for her kine his native

town her champioh

whom I bravely slew When seizing my reprisals, as I came He rush'd between me and my rightful

flew,

Itymoneus,

Rush'd from his host, but, when

*

Fell prone,

*

We

'

Beeves

*

Nor

*

Thrice

*

Mares

*

The

*

These,

home by

'

Where

the Neleian Pylos guarded

and

all,

foals

off,

a plenteous store,

herd, of sheep

full fifty

swine and goats, and

fifty,

sped,

at his fall the Eleians fled

drove the booty fifty

claim,

my javelin

*

less of

xi.

more,

many

a steed,

bright of hue, a far-famed breed,

and mothers mostly, gay bounded night,

at

whose

side,

in their youthful pride.

we drove

within our wall, all.

BOOK

THE

XI.]

Aged Neleus

*

ILIAD.

367

gladdeii'd at the treasure

won

By me, unversed in war, his stripHng son. Then the shrill heralds, at the dawn of light,

'

'

'

Bade

*

They came

Elis' claimants prosecute their right.

— our

chiefs, in just division, there,

To many a Pylian doled his righteous share We, then at Pylos, we, a scanty band, Were yoked to misery in our ravaged land

*

'

'

:

:

'

For there, of yore, the Herculean strength had

'

And, prone on earth, our bravest warriors cast

*

Twelve blameless brothers,

'

All these, save one,

'

Thence, swoln with pride, the Epeians, brazen-mail'd,

'

Us

*

Then, from the plunder, from the

'

Aged Neleus bore a herd

*

And

*

Three hundred sheep, the shepherds, and

in

were

all

pass'd,

of Neleus born,

slain, I left forlorn.

our woe insultingly

assail'd.

allotted prey,

of kine away,

took, selecting from the fleecy stock,

—Four

their flock

'

For great

*

Four, bred for conquest, with his chariot went,

*

Train'd to contend the prize, the tripod gain,

'

And add new

'

But sceptred Augeas back

*

Sent their grieved guide, and dared his steeds detain.

'

By such proud

*

Not

his claims.

glory to

my

steeds to Elis sent,

father

s

reign.

in stern disdain

vords, such injuries enflanied,

light the spoil that

aged Neleus claim'd,

;

THE

368

ILIAD.

[book

'

Then bade

'

That none ungifted thence should home

*

Such was our

'

And

'

At the

third day,

'

Arm'd

Elis gather'd to invade our coast,

*

Horsemen, and footmen, and,

'

The two Molions,

*

A

*

At Pylos' verge, by

*

Soars, Thiyoessa

*

Girt

'

But, sent by night, Minerva from above

*

Flew down, and bade us arm, and onward move.

*

She roused no lingering people

'

Rush'd in their strength, and

'

But Neleus deem'd

'

And

*

Yet, tho' on foot, the horsemen

'

For Pallas to the battle led

'

There

*

And

*

Hight Minyeius, there

'

Our horsemen waited

*

Meantime, on flow'd the foot

*

All gather'd, gain'd at

xi.

the people the rich plunder share,

state

:

repair.

and now, when warfare ceased,

the whole city solemnized the feast,

city,

it

mth

all

her marshall'd host,

in

youthful might,

yet unversed in fight.

seated on a mountain brow, far

named, the Epeian powers

around, and vow'd to raze

me

all

hid the coiu-sers from

is

^

Alpheus' flow,

its

towers.

band on band

:

fill'd

with war the land.

unversed in

my me

fight,

searching sight. I

outshone,

on.

a stream that by Arena flows,

in the

deep

its

weight of water throws, in firm array,

for the

dawn :

of day

thence

all

:

our force,

noon Alpheus' course

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

369

'

There Jove we solemnized, the bullocks led

'

One

'

A

'

Troop

'

And where

*

Each

'

The

'

Resolved to level Thryoessa's towers.

'

Dire havoc intervened, at

'

Host

'

Minerva, Jove, we hail'd

:

And And

thine,

'

'

to Alpheiis,

heifer to

one to Neptune bled

Minerva

:

thus prepared,

after troop the feast in order shared,

the stream

in his arms,

we

its

lay,

flow perpetual kept,

and

stilly slept.

while the fierce Epeians' sieging powers,

of light, in their might.

on host conflicting

clash'd

first

dawn

then forth

I flew,

a warrior in the vanguard slew,

seized his steeds

:

Muhus,

thine,

whose

arms '

Had

'

Augeas'

*

Each medicinal herb

*

Him,

'

My

clasp'd in

wedlock Agamede's charms,

first-born, skill'd to cull

as he

onward

death-lance

of

heahng

from earth

birth.

rush'd, with fatal

pierced, and hurl'd

wound him prone on

ground sprang into his car, and fearless stood

*

I

'

Amid

'

The proud

'

Their bravest

'

The more

*

Rush'd onward VOL.

the van, fresh bathed with Mulius' blood.

I.

Epeians, then, confusedly

I

chief, their

fled,

guide in battle dead.

raged, and with resistless might like a

tempest charged with night.

THE

370

ILIAD.

[book

xi.

'

Full

fifty

'

And

in

'

Then

'

But

'

There with great conquest Jove the Pylians crown'd,

*

The while we chased them

cars I seized

:

I dealt

each car two warriors

each wound, ground.

bit the

the Molions, Neptune's sons had bled,

around them darkness spread.

their dread sire

o'er the shield-strown

ground, '

And

*

Till

'

The Olenian

'

Of fair

'

Then

*

There the

'

Thence the Achaeans from Buprasium's

'

To

*

There

'

And me, young

'

Such, 'mid the brave,

*

In his

*

Yet well

'

His

'

But thou,

'

From

'

When

'

The

and of their armour

slew,

spoil'd the slain,

foam'd our steeds on rich Buprasium's plain, rock, or where the lofty site

Alesia crowns Colone's height.

Pallas staid us

:

and, as turn'd our force,

last foe I slew,

and

Pylos drave their coursers all,

above

all

I

spirit,

home

plain,

again

:

gods, praised highest Jove,

Nestor,

own worth

left his corse.

I

all

mankind above.

was

:

but Peleus' son,

enjoys himself alone.

ween, when slaughter wastes our host, conscience-struck, will grieve the most.

my

friend,

by wise Menoetius taught,

Phthia camest with noble precepts fraught, I,

that day,

virtuous

I

and Ulysses heard

mandate of thy

father's

word.

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

371

'

While we,

*

Gathering thro' Greece the associates, made resort

'

And

'

Thee, nigh Achilles, and Mencetius found.

'

Aged Peleus

*

Then

'

And from

*

Pour d on the flame the

*

And We,

*

in Peleus'

many-chamber'd court,

there, his hospitable hearth around,

'

before Jove's hallow'd fane,

self,

in his court

consumed the victims

slain,

his golden bowl, with rites divine, sacrificial

wine

while ye labour'd, and prepared the food, in the portal, unexpected, stood.

'

Achilles rose, amazed, our doubts released,

'

Clasp'd our pledged hands, and bade us share the feast

*

And on

*

Whate'er most cheers the hospitable board.

'

When

'

And urged you

*

Both glad obey'd, yet

'

The

*

Aged Peleus

'

In dauntless bravery to surpass mankind

*

*

our tables placed, profusely stored,

and hunger ceased,

thirst

I

foremost spoke,

both to bear war's glorious yoke first

attentive heard

well-weigh'd counsels of each father's word. to his glowing son enjoin'd,

And wise Mencetius, Actor's son, impress'd The words my voice now utters on thy breast. thine, adorn

'

High

'

Pehdes

'

Therefore, by prudence guide, by wisdom sway,

'

And

birth, :

and strength surpassing

thou,

my

son, art elder born

gently lead, and mould

him

to obey.

:

THE

372

—

ILIAD.

[book

what Menoetius

xi.

'

But thou

'

May

'

Some god may

*

Persuasion moves the Hp of friend with friend.

'

But

'

Or

'

Let him, at

*

And Greece relume

'

Bear thou

'

Troy, likening thee to him,

'

And

'

Seize the short respite, and recruit her might.

'

From thy fresh force, Troy, worn with war, once more

'

Shall seek her guardian walls,

forget'st

yet,

calm his wrath

if

:

said,

by soothing words persuade

yet, so press'd, his spirit bend,

that chief avoid

some doom

Thetis, warn'd of Jove, from least,

arm thee with

foretold,

war withhold, all his

her glory by thy

his arms, that,

by

might,

light.

their fear betray'd,

may

fly

dismay'd,

Greece, o'er-tired, reposing from the

fight,

and shun the

shore.'

Touch'd by that moving speech, Patroclus went

With

rapid feet to gain Pelides' tent;

But when the

chieftain reach'd Ulysses' fleet.

Graced by the forum, and the judgment

seat.

And altars, where, by Greece devoutly raised. To all the gods her frequent offerings blazed. Escaped from

battle,

brave Evaemon's son.

His thigh shaft-pierced, slow came, sore halting on.

From

And

:

his pale front big sweat-drops fell around.

the blood spouted from his painful

wound

BOOK

THE

XI.]

ILIAD.

373

Yet, firm his heart, and bold the warrior's breast.

Whom, '

pitying, thus Menoetius' son address'd

Ah must !

the lords and leaders of our bands,

and from

'

Far from their

friends,

'

Thus

satiate with their flesh

*

Troy's famish'd dogs on this accursed shore

'

Can

*

Or must

'

die,

and

their native lands,

and gore,

yet the Greeks the Hectorean rage sustain,

No

all

bleed beneath his javelin slain

more,' Eurypylus replied,

*

?

no more

arm the Grecian power

'

Shall mortal

'

Soon

'

Our

'

Pierced by the winged shaft, or barbed spear,

'

While daring victory urges Troy's

'

But thou preserve me,

*

Cut from

'

With

*

Soft balsams potent to revive the dead,

'

Which

*

Thee, partner of his

*

Now, wounded

*

'

'

And And

Now

will

best,

our ships be seized

restore.

—

there, there they

our bravest warriors doom'd to die

my

to the

lie,

:

career.

navy

lead,

thigh the agonizing reed,

tepid water

wash the wound, and spread

Peleus' son, with Chiron's science fraught, soul, divinely taught.

in his tent,

Machaon

to another's art for aid applies

:

Podalirius 'mid the battle strife

hazards his inestimable

life.'

lies,

THE

374 '

How

ILIAD.

shall I act,' Menoetius'

[book

son replied,

how

*

Both duties how accomplish

'

I

'

All that Gerenian Nestor lately told

*

?

decide

?

speed to stem Achilles, to unfold

Yet

will I

not desert thee.'

—Thus

him homeward on

Patroclus bore

;

address'd,

his breast,

Strew'd for his couch soft hides, and where he lay.

Cut with kind

With

And

knife the dart's

keen point away.

tepid water cleansed the oozing gore.

placed a bitter root, bruised o'er and

Spread on the wound, so soothed Heal'd the rent

flesh,

all

o'er.

sense of pain,

and closed the broken

vein.

xi.

THE TWELFTH BOOK OF

THE

ILIAD.

. Hector, by the advice of Polydamas,

assails,

on

foot, the

Grecian ram-

—Hector's sublime reply to Polydamas. —The Ajaces defend the battlements. — Sarpedon's heroic speech to Glaucus. —Glaucus wounded. — Sarpedon rends the battlement. — Hector crushes the portal with an enormous parts.—The gate defended by Polypetes and Leonteus.

first

stone,

and bursts victoriously through the

ruin.

THE

ILIAD.

BOOK While

To

in the tent,

XII.

by kindly cares

detain'd.

heal the chief, Menoetius' son remain'd.

By mutual Host

slaughter

clash'd

more and more enraged.

on host, and deadliest

battle waged.

But now no more the trench that yawn'd below.

The

wall's vast breadth, or

Could guard the

The

battlemented brow.

ships, tho' widely

fosse enclosed

them

in its

drawn around

ample bound.

For never had the Greeks the gods adored.

Nor heaven with chosen hecatombs

implored,

That, safe within that guardian wall immured.

Their

fleet

and glorious

spoils

might

Hence, Jove indignant view'd the

And doom'd

rest secured.

rising

mound.

ere long to level with the ground.

But while yet Hector breathed, while yet the

Of stern

Pelides view'd the Greeks expire.

ire

THE

378

And

ILIAD.

[book

xii.

Priam's lofty towers his state sustain'd.

So long the structure But when

in its strength remain'd.

had Troy's famed heroes

stern fate

slain.

And many a Grecian chief had strewn the plain. And the tenth year had Troy in dust discern'd. And war's sad relics had to Greece return'd Then Phoebus, and the god who rules the deep. Met, and resolved from earth that wall to sweep

By

violence of floods,

whose

rivers flow

Perpetual from the springs on Ida's brow All that Heptaporus, Rhodius, Rhesus spread.

Or

fill'd

Granicus and ^Esepus' bed,

Caresus' stream, divine Scamander's wave.

And Simois swoln with slaughter of the brave. Where shields and helmets of each adverse host. And sons of gods untomb'd strow'd all her coast. These

thro' nine days, at once, in confluent

fall,

Apollo hurl'd one deluge on that wall.

And Jove heaven's flood-gates More

And

swift to

whelm

Neptune's

self,

First led the gods,

And

oped, pour'd rain on rain.

the wreck beneath the main

the trident in his hand.

and struck the reeling land.

swept the huge foundations, heap on heap.

Buttress,

and beams, and rocks, amid the deep

All Grecia's toils o'erthrew, and smoothed the

Where foam'd

the Hellespont around the bay

:

way

BOOK

THE

XII.]

And where And turn'd

ILIAD.

379

the wall had tower'd, the sands outspread.

each river to

Thus Neptune and

its

separate bed.

Apollo's vengeful

power

Fore-doom'd, awaiting Fate's appointed hour.

Now And

war and uproar raged the wall around.

each storm'd bulwark thunder'd back the sound,

While from the wrath of Jove, Greece

fled for refuge to

Scared by

fell

in wild retreat,

her guarded

fleet.

Hector, who, yet fresh in force,

Rush'd Hke a whirlwind's desolating course.

As when a

boar, or lion, wild with

On hounds and While from

hunters

their

ire.

rolls his balls

numbers, ranged

in

of

fire.

dense array.

Their darts ring round him, and o'ercloud his way.

The

beast nor harbours fear, nor deigns to

But conquer'd by

And

his

courage stands to

fly.

die.

ere his strength deserts him, dares oppose.

And, where he

Thus Hector

darts, drives

back their ranged rows

rush'd along, while, heard by

:

all.

His voice of thunder bade them pass the wall

But not

his coursers dared

:

they stood dismay'd,

Stretch'd o'er the trench their necks,

So vast

Nor

its

and wildly neigh'd

breadth, no courser could o'erleap.

thund'ring chariot thro' the bulwark sweep

For, on each side, precipitous uprose

Heights that the guarded camp around enclose.

;

THE

380

ILIAD.

[book

xii.

And sharp piles, thickly planted, row on row, Huge toil of Grecia's host, defied the foe. Yet

tho'

None '

no car could there

could the ardour of the foot restrain.

Twas thus

:

when waning where

The brave Polydamas

'

light entrance gain.

his

Hector raged.

fierce

wrath assuaged

Hector, and ye, the associate chieftains, hear,

*

No

'

Too

*

And yon huge

'

Ne'er can our chariots from

'

Or ranged

'

Death guards the

*

That Greece should there her destiny

'

Grant, Jove,

*

Her host

'

Far from their Argos.

'

They

'

Here we

*

To

'

Then, hear

*

That nigh the trench

'

While

*

Rush

longer urge the coursers' rash career, perilous the pass

sharp stakes uprise,

:

wall the vain attempt defies its

my

But,

pass.

wish

now,

!

in

if

Saturnius will

in that

fulfil,

narrow bed,

shall perish, all, ignobly dead,

But

in heaps shall

to

all

height descend,

for battle in the fosse contend.

if

force us from the fleet,

tell

:

Troy

that

my word

on

foot,

fall,

all ;

back once more,

and war

restore,

nor one remain

her sons are

slain.

each leader give command, his car

and coursers stand,

each in his mail'd array,

one mass, where Hector leads the way.

THE

BOOK MI.]

ILIAD.

381

'

Ne'er can the Greeks such strength condensed oppose,

'

If fate decree that here the contest close.'

Thus spake the

chief: his sage advice prevail'd,

Down Hector sprung in arms completely mail'd. No more the heroes in their chariots staid. But, like their lord, sprung down, in arms array'd.

And

charged their guides to station car by

car.

Ranged nigh the fosse, prepared to rush on war.

The Trojans then beneath Broke into

The

To

first,

five divisions,

their chiefs

command

band by band

most throng'd, most brave, determined most

break the barrier, and invade the host,

Beneath Polydamas and Hector's might, Burn'd 'mid the

fleet to

rush and close the fight

With them, Cebriones march'd

And The And The And And

left

the car to an inferior guide

second Paris and Agenor

by

side.

:

led.

with their legion bold Alcathous sped. third,

Deiphobus, of form divine.

Helenus, both sprung of Priam's Asius,

Bore from

The

side

whom Selleis'

his fierce

and

line.

fiery steeds

and Arisba's meads.

fourth di\ision, famed Anchises' son^

i^neas, goddess-born, led bravely on.

THE

382

ILIAD.

[book

xii.

And brave Archilochus^ Antenor's brood And Acamas in gallant brotherhood. Sarpedon led Troy's bold Their bravest chiefs

all

allies,

and chose

dangers to oppose,

Asteropaeus far in war renown'd.

And, save Sarpedon, Glaucus matchless found.

Now,

shield with shield, as one, their hosts conspired,

Dash'd on, and deem'd the Grecian navy

Thus Troy, and Troy's

The

alhes in

arms

fired.

array'd.

counsel of Polydamas obe/d

All save rash Asius, whose o'erweening

mind

Left not his steeds and charioteer behind.

But

lash'd his fiery coursers

Insensate

' !

mid the

on amain.

ships to crush the slain.

Yet, his fleet car and fiery steeds no Shall bear

him glorying from

Death stood between, and

that fatal shore.

o'er his

mad

Dark lower'd Idomeneus' avenging

Now, on

the

left,

more advance

lance.

where from the routed plain

Greece lash'd her steeds, and gain'd the camp again. Fierce Asius drove, nor on his inroad found Portals that closed, or bars that fenced the

mound

But, at the gate flung wide, two chieftains stood.

To guard

their flying rear,

by Troy pursued.

BOOK

THE

XII.]

ILIAD.

383

There, Asius drove right on, and close behind.

His host's

shrill

clamours thunder'd on the wind.

They deem'd no Grecian could But

all

Fools

!

must

bleed,

amid

at those gates

their force sustain,

navy

their

slain.

two mightiest warriors stood.

Resistless race of Lapithean blood

;

This, Polypoetes, fierce Pirithous' child.

And

that Leonteus, Mars-like, gore-defiled.

They stood

like

oaks that on the mountain soar.

Where, day by day, perpetual tempests Rear amid whirlwinds

And

miswerving form.

spread their gnarled roots beneath the storm.

Thus, trusting

And

their

roar.

in their strength, the chiefs remain'd.

powerful Asius, and his host sustain'd

They came,

their shields upraised, call answer'd call.

Each urging each

to burst the barrier wall,

QEnomaus, Acamas, Orestes' might,

Thoon, and Asius'

While

Bade

self

unmatch'd

in fight

in the gates, the chiefs, with deaf'ning cries,

Grecia's host to guard their fleet arise.

But when they saw

fierce

Whirl on, and Greece

Troy

repell'd

in fell career.

by

flight

and

fear.

Fired at the view, and furious at the roar.

Forward they sprung, and fought, the gates Like mountain boars, that, hearing irom

Hounds and

fierce

huntsmen

issuing

on

before.

afar.

to war.

THE

3S4

ILIAD.

[book

xii.

Obliquely dart, and, rooting up the ground, Strow, where they nish, the fractured trees around.

Grind their gnash'd teeth, and

Ufe's last struggle o'er.

Lie on the quivering lance that drinks their gore

From The

their brass

hawberks thus

:

in fierce rebound.

iron storm re-echoed round and round

:

While, trusting in their strength, the brothers strove, '

Mid

clouds of missiles darkening from above.

As from the Greeks,

downward, stone on

hurl'd

From tower and battlement Guard of their camp, and

And

stone.

confusedly thrown.

fleet,

incessant hail'd.

crush'd the invaders that the wall assail'd.

Down

flew the weapons, dense as ceaseless snows.

When,

When

gathering up the clouds, the north wind blows. flakes

on

flakes

from

all

the ether

fall.

And earth lies hid beneath a fleecy pall. The weapons thus from each encountering Trojan and Greek alike confusedly

host,

cross'd.

Darts, lances, mill-stones, dense and denser flung,

Clash'd on their helms, and on their hawberks rung.

Then

fierce Hyrtacides, his brain

Smote on

'

*

Thou

Thou

his thigh,

too,

on

fire.

and thunder'd out

Olympian

too art wholly

!

his ire

:

throned in heaven above,

false,

Olympian Jove.

BOOK

ILIAD.

385

surely deem'd no Grecian chief again

I

'

THE

XII.]

Could our unconquerable arms sustain. But like streak'd wasps, or bees that hive

'

'

some rude

'

In

'

Still

guard their

'

And

wait the war

*

So these,

*

And

He

tho'

pass, the rifted rocks offspring,

still

their

young

among,

defend their nest,

when plunderers dare

infest,

two alone, dare guard the gate,

there captivity or death await.'

spake, but

moved not

Jove's determined mind.

That Hector's fame with that proud day combined.

War XT IS

raged at every gate, and deeds were wiOudit, one but a god can sing, deeds passing

human

The

battle buni'd

:—the

thought.

stones, a missile shower.

Rung round the wall, and smote each batter d The Greeks, by harsh necessity constrain'd, Guards of their

And

all

tower.

bow'd with woe, remain'd the gods once wont their battle aid. fleet, tho'

:

Their desperate state deploringly survcy'd. Yet not the less the Lapithean brood Maintain'd the conflict, and the foe withstood. First, Polypaetes' lance

with fatal blow

Smote Damasus, and pierced

On

his

thro' the brazen casque, thro'

helmed brow

;

bone and brain

Pierced the spear-point, and stretch'd him 'mid the VOL.

I.

CO

slain,

THE

386

ILIAD.

[book

xii.

In scorn the conqueror from the corse withdrew.

And Ormenus and Pylon

Now

as the fierce

swiftly slew.

Antimachus advanced,

Leonteus thro' his belt the death-spear lanced Next, rushing 'mid the press, with flaming blade, Antiphates before him breathless

And

laid.

corse on corse, swift as the hero pass'd,

lamenus, Orestes, Menon,

While these

cast.

despoil'd the dead, Troy's youthful band,

'Neath Hector's and Polydamas' command.

Most brave, most numerous, burn'd with keen

To

burst the wall, and wrap the fleet in

But on the borders of the

desire.

fire

barrier fence

Their leaders paused, and stood in deep suspense. Stood, as to pass the

mound

their spirits glow'd.

Struck by a portent from the warning god.

Lo

!

on the Trojans'

left,

both hosts between.

Aloft an eagle soar'd, distinctly seen.

Whose

talons a volmuinous serpent grasp'd.

That, bathed in gore, yet palpitating gasp'd.

And

fiercely strugghng,

Coil'd

The Mid

round the

backward

eagle's neck,

rear'd his crest

and tore her breast

bird, in anguish of that piercing

the throng'd

army

cast

wound.

him on the ground

BOOK

THE

XII.]

ILIAD.

387

Spread her broad wings, and floating on the wind, Shriek'd as she flew, and left her prey behind,— While, where the serpent lay, with fear amazed.

On

Jove's portentous sign the Trojans gazed.

Then spake Polydamas,

Full oft

'

my

word,

'

Tho' just, brave Hector, has thy blame

'

Yet—both

'

'

in war,

and council,

still

incurr'd,

the aim,

That best becomes each citizen, thy fame Hence will I freely speak here. Hector, stay, :

'

Nor

'

If to Troy's rushing host that

'

Full clearly I

expound the dread event.

'

When

battle's left,

*

The

'

Which, yet

'

Nor

'

Thus

'

And Greece

'

Ne'er from that

'

Shall back return

on our triumphant way

*

But, in her

defence by Grecia

'

There many a Trojan son

'

Slight not

'

Whom

lead against the fleet our arm'd array.

on our

eagle,

and that snake alive,

omen

sent,

each host between, distinctly seen,

on earth she downward

to her aiery brouglit, to feast her

we—if forced

each gate,

if

fluuir

young

:

prone each tower,

dishearten'd dread to front our power, fleet, in

fleet's

my word— I

gods have

orderly array,

slain,

shall strow the plain.

speak as speaks the Seer

gifted,

and mankind

revere.'

THE

388

ILIAD.

Cease,' Hector sternly answer

'

[book

d,'

cease this word,

'

*

This warning voice, with scorn by Hector heard

'

Some

worthier frame

—

*

this ad^isedly said,

if

Thy reason wanders, by Thou bidst me, reckless

*

the gods betray'd. of the powers above,

*

Forget the comisels ratified by Jove

'

Thou

*

I

me

bidst

birds obey

—

I

:

scorn their

on the

they seek the dawn of day,

If,

'

Or, on the

*

Jove

'

O'er mortals and immortals rules alcme.

*

Watch thou

*

*

flight,

reck not whence they spring, nor where alight,

*

*

xii.

I

right, left,

thro' darkness cleave their

way.

obey, who, on the Olympian throne,

—such omens, thine One — — guard my country—mine Why are the war — 'Mid yonder —thou unscathed remain, the flight of birds to

far o'er all

di'ead

?

If

slain

I, if all

wilt

fleet

'

Ne'er can thy heart endure the shock of arms,

*

The war-somid

'

But

'

Or

*

This lance, that

*

Shall hurl thy soul to an untimely gi^ave.'

fills

thy soul with

—mark my words,

others, lured

He

spake

:

:

if

\\ alarms.

thou decline the

by thee, pursue thy

now not

tremblingly

and onward rush'd

:

fight,

flight, I

wave,

Troy's dense array

Pursued, loud clamouring, where he led the way

:

HOOK

THE

XII.]

From Ida O'er

s

topmost brow,

tlie

389

Thunderer, Jove,

the fleet thick dust in whirlwinds drove,

all

Queird

in the

Greeks the

And added fame All, to

ILIAD.

to

spirit

of the brave

Troy and Hector gave.

break down the barrier, boldly

And on

tried.

the portent of the god relied.

Here, hurl'd on earth, with hideous ruin rent.

The

buttress and projecting battlement

There, with huge bars heaved upw^ard stock and stone,

The

Grecians' firm foundations

Troy now^ had burst the

Had But

o'erthrown

and prostrate

o'er its crest their fence of shields

While

laid,

either Ajax,

With animating

And

they hung.

the foe their iron tempest flung

on from tower to tower,

Stalk'd in his strength,

and roused the Grecian power.

voice the brave address'd.

pierced with keen reproach the coward's breast

Ye

!

bravest Grecians

!

ye, too, less renown'd

in fight, all warriors equal

found

*

For not,

*

To

*

None, scared by Hector's menace, seek the

*

*

:

the Greeks fled, by heartless fear betrayed

And on

'

wall,

all

each his labour

On May :

:

on

each the other aid

:

:

:

none, none retreat, fleet.

so Jove again

guide our battle, and our fame sustain,

THE

390 *

And we

'

'Neath

ILIAD.

[book

victorious, in pursuit of Troy,

towers her trembling sons destroy.'

Ilion's

Thus, in advance, each Ajax, shouting,

The Grecian As densely

When

xii.

host,

and war's stern rage on frozen

large flakes

fall

fired

inspired.

flakes.

Jove the violence of winter wakes.

Displays his icy javelins,

The burden

of the

lulls

unmo\ang cloud unbinds.

Hides with deep snows the

One

veil o'er hill

One

o'er

the winds.

cliffs

and mountain heads.

and dale and. champaign spreads.

the marge and harbours of the deep.

Save where the rolling billows onward sweep.

And the whole world o'erwhehns thus densely From either host, the rocky fragments rung, :

Trojan and Grecian, foes immix'd with

flung

foes.

While round that wall war's thundering roar uprose.

Nor then had Hector and

his host prevail'd.

Burst thro' the portals, or the rampire scaled.

Had

not Sarpedon, by his father, Jove,

Sent as a lion mid a broad-horn'd drove. '

Advanced the

The splendour

shield,

that before

Thick hides on hides

And golden

whose brazen disk

circles

its

him

display'd

brightly ray'd.

structure inly fi-anied.

round

its

margin flamed.

BOOK

THE

XII.]

ILIAD.

391

'

This, borne aloft, and brandish'd either spear,

On

rush'd the son of Jove in fierce career,

Rush'd

Who

like a lion of the

raves, long famish'd, for the feast of blood.

Dares what his

The

mountain brood.

fiery spirit

prompts, nor dreads

close protection of the sheltering sheds.

Nor, tho' arm'd guards and dogs

resist his

Leaves in repose his unattempted prey

But

fiercely grasps

it,

or,

amid the

Thus glow'd Sarpedon, raging barrier wall,

While pouring

The

'

and lay

:

too rashly bold.

Dies, writhing on the spear,

The

way.

its

fold

to o'erthrow

turrets

low

;

forth the ardour of his breast.

chief the heroic Glaucus thus address'd

Why, where

distinguish'd chiefs the

banquet

'

Our mark'd pre-eminence, our honour'd

'

Our board more amply

'

The foaming

'

Why

'

As sprung from gods

'

Why,

'

Our

'

Why

*

We

Lycia's race adores,

far as

?

bowl o'erflows hails

?

our birth

that deign'd descend on earth

Xanthus winds, her sons behold

vine robed ?

and

place

gi'ace,

where brighter glows

spread,

nectar, that our

:

— That

hills,

and

fields

of floating gold

?

in battle, in our nation's sight,

should the vanward lead, and front the

fiiiht.

?

THE

392

ILIAD.

[book

—^That one voice be heard— No, not

*

Why

*

Our monarchs boast

'

Feasts,

*

In van of war they vindicate their claim.

?

!

if

in vain

their wide-extended reign,

and o'erflowing bowls

friend beloved

'

xii.

:

lo

fame,

first in

!

scaped the battle rage,

'

We might hnmortal live,

'

I

'

Where

'

But, watch'd by thousand deaths, since mortal birth

*

Lives but to die, and swell the dust of earth,

*

Come, where our death

'

Or vanquish'd Greece immortalize our

untouch'd by age,

would not lead the van, nor glory far the warrior's

Nor Glaucus

disobey'd

Rush'd the brave

chiefs,

risk

thy days,

toil o'erpays.

shall raise the

—

Grecian name, fame.'

on, forth amain

and led the Lycian

train,

Rush'd where, appall'd by their advancing power.

Stood Mnestheus, guardian of the invaded tower.

And gazed

around,

if

some

distinguish'd chief

Might there be found, and haply

He

yield relief.

gazed, and viewM each Ajax, nor afar

Brave Teucer issuing from

—

Yet

tho' not far, vain

his tent to

Mnestheus' loudest

So rang the bray of battle round the

The

clash of

Helm

war call.

wall.

arms that smote the vault of heaven.

against helm, 'gainst buckler buckler driven.

THE

BOOK

XII.]

And

clang of

Host

press'd

'

all

ILIAD.

393

the gates, for dense on

on host to rend and pass the

Speed, herald! speed, Thootes'

awake

Haste to the Ajaces

'

Bid both here haste,

'

Yon

'

On

*

Has

'

But

'

Let one alone, the Telamonian, speed,

'

And, where the Telamonian takes

*

Not long

:

all if

their fire

both

wall.

— Mnestheus spake-

'

may

yet repel

storms of war, that fierce and fiercer swell.

rush the Lycian chiefs, whose dreaded might oft our battle

—

if

stemm'd, and turn'd to

flight.

around them death and slaughter bleed,

will Teucer's

Nor then Thootes But

all

bow

its

his stand,

prey demand!'

disobey'd his call.

swiftly sped along the barrier wall

And hail'd the chiefs

:

^

Famed lords by Greece adored !

'

Speed, where brave Peteus' son implores your sword,

*

Bids both unite,

'

The storms

*

But,

*

Let one alone, the Telamonian, speed,

*

For where the Telamonian takes

'

Not long

if

if

both

may

yet repel

of war, that fierce and fiercer swell

around you death and slaughter bleed,

will

Teucer's

bow

its

his stand,

prey demand.'

THE

394

ILIAD.

Great Ajax Telamon the

And

[book

xii.

call obey'd.

thus, departing, to the Oilian said

*

Here, thou and Lycomedes firm remain,

'

Reanimate the Greeks, their strength sustain

'

Back

*

I quell

He

\^dll I

:

soon return, when there once more

the Trojans, and our war restore.'

spake

:

and sped

:

but on without delay

Brave Teucer follow'd his fraternal way

And where

they forward pass'd; and sought the foe,

Pandion proudly bore the archer's bow.

Now,

at the wall,

where Mnestheus held the tower.

Their sight revived the Greeks o'er-harass'd power.

For there the

chiefs,

with Lycia's gather'd might.

Like a dark whirlwind, storm'd the rampire's height.

Not unopposed, while thundering

The

battle clangour burst

Then, Telamonian Ajax,

far

and wide.

from either

side.

first in fight,

Sarpedon's friend, Epicles, hurl'd to night

Smote with a

stone, that

Like a rough rock, Such, in

hfe's

its

on the embattled

crest.

crushing weight impress'd

prime in these degenerate days

None with both hands But Ajax, high

could easily upraise.

uplifting, whirl'd the stone

Full on his front, and helm's four-crested cone.

BOOK

THE

XII.]

Crusli'd his

The

whole

ILIAD.

395

skull, with all its bones,

and hurl'd

diver headlong to the nether w^rld.

Then Teucer,

straining his unerring

bow.

Struck Glaucus rushing up the rampire's brow. Pierced his unguarded arm, and forced to yield

The

chief,

who

pass'd reluctant ft'om the field.

Leapt from the wall unnoticed,

Should view

his blood drops,

Sarpedon, deeply

Yet to the

and

gi'ieved, his

conflict inish'd

lest

the foe

insult his

woe.

comrade gone.

undaunted on.

With ponderous lance the brave Alcmaon

slew.

And from the deep-fix'd wound the weapon drew. And when he wrench'd it forth, the brazen sound Rang as his armour clang'd against the ground. Then, with a

From

giant's strength,

Sarpedon rent

the high wall the o'erarching battlement.

The mass

fell

whole, and, where on earth

The

wall wide oped for Lycia's host the

But

as

Sarpedon

led, in dauntless

it

lay.

way

mood

Before him Teucer and huge Ajax stood.

By

both at once

At

his first inroad check'd his fierce

assail'd,

the shaft and lance

advance

:

Here, Teucer's arrow rang with whizzing sound

On

the rich baldrick that his buckler bound,

Jove turn'd the dart Lest Hellas'

fleet

aside,

bade death recede.

should view Sarpedon bleed;

THE

396

ILIAD.

[book

Then, Ajax forward sprung, and pierced

And

his shield.

forced him, long reluctant, slow to yield,

A little While

while, a brief, brief space, retire.

lust of glory

Then, turning to

fill'd

his heart

mth

fire.

his host, their chief exclaim'd,

*

Where now

*

Tho' brave your king, tho' wide the breach

'

How

*

On

'

Ye, in dense mass, achieve the adventurous deed.'

the ardour that your soul enflamed

pass unaided, and yon fleet im^ade

—on—and where one warrior dares

I

?

made,

?

to lead,

Fired by his just reproach, the Lycian train Fierce rush'd their monarch's glory to sustain

Greece not the

And phalanx Nor could

To

less

her utmost

efforts strain'd. :

the Lycians in their strength avail.

and the

Nor could the Greeks,

fleet assail.

collecting all their power.

Force them to quit the wall, and But, as on confine of some

Two men,

:

closed on phalanx, firm remain'd

force the barrier,

fi'ee

common

the tower.

ground,

contending, claim the uncertain bound.

Their measuring rods in hand, refuse to yield

The

xii.

slightest portion of the doubtful field

Thus,

at the barrier Hue, host clash'd

These strove

to gain,

and those

to

on host.

guard the post

BOOK

THF: ILIAD.

XII.]

Around

light targets rung,

The burden

307

and heard

afar

of their bucklers clang'd the war.

Deep were the wounds, and many a wamor bled

Who

bravely battled, or ignobly

fled.

Darts, javelins, spears, confused the darken'd

field,

Crush'd the brass helm, and pierced the plated

shield.

Blood bathed the battlements, and ceaseless gore

From each

storm'd turret gaish'd the assailants

o'er.

Yet, tho' by Troy's and Lycia's sons assail'd.

The

countless host, to turn the Grecians,

fail'd.

As when a

house-wife,

The beam

that balances her hard-earn'd gains.

whose just hand

The wool and weight hangs

And

poises long,

Thus, in the

On Till

*

opposing scales.

neither part prevails

:

conflict of that dreadful day.

either host war's level balance lay.

Hector, girt with prowess from above.

Sprung foremost

'

till

in the

sustains

On, Trojans,

Now, bmst

thro' the barrier,

on,'

the wall

he cried,

—now

'

graced by Jove.

exalt your

fame

wi'ap their fleet in flame.'

He spake and all the host attentive heard. And in one mass rush'd onward at his word :

:

Swarm'd up the battlements, and forward Their keen-barb'd lances

tliat

hi'ld

the loe rcpoll'd

THE

398

But Hector seized a

ILIAD.

[book xn.

stone, that nigh the gate

Rose, pointed, craggy, of enormous weight. Such, not with ease, in our degenerate days

Two

sturdiest labourers could

from earth upraise

:

But, Hector \ibrated with ease alone.

So Jove had

lighten'd of

its

weight the stone.

As with one hand a shepherd bears the

spoil

Shorn from a ram, nor

feels

Thus Hector

and right onward bore

raised

it,

'Gainst the thick planks,

a sense of

toil

whose juncture framed the door.

Whose double gates, high towering, all immured. And braced by transverse bars, one bolt secured Then, on firm

feet,

The ponderous The

fix'd,

the hero east

stone that through

hinges burst, and by

The thundering The

wide

portal's

its

its

centre pass'd.

weight of stroke

double structure broke.

crush'd planks crack'd, in shiver'd fragments flown.

Nor beam, nor

bar, nor bolt, withstood the stone.

Swift thro' the wreck, in visage dark as night.

Fierce Hector sprung in unresisted might

While, from his armour, hght

And

in flashes

beam'd.

quivering from his lance wide radiance stream'd.

None, then, of mortal bom, no human None, save a god, could dare withstand

force. his course.

Back, to his host, loud shouting as they came.

The hero

turn'd his eyes, that roll'd in flume.

BOOK

THE

XII.]

All heard his voice,

Nor

fosse,

399

and eagerly obey'd.

nor wall, nor gate their inroad

The Grecians Rang

ILIAD.

fled,

stay'd.

and loud the wildering roar

as they sought their ships,

and

fiU'd \^ith

woe

shore.

END OF

VOL.

LONDON

I.

:

PRINTED BY W. NICOL, SHAKSrEARE PRESS,

ST.

JAMES's.

the

f:?>:

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1941

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