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BOOK THE SIXTEENTH. ARGUMENT.
Patroclus at length obtains permission from Achilles, and enters the fight, on condition
that he should return after liberating the Greeks from their immediate peril. He comes
opportunely to the assistance of Ajax, routs the Trojans, and kills Sarpedon, whose body,
but without the armour, is rescued by Hector and Glaucus. Forgetful of his promise to Achilles,
Patroclus pursues the Trojans to their very walls. He is driven back by Apollo, but slays
the charioteer of Hector, Cebriones. He is suddenly afflicted with stupor by Apollo,
and dies by the hand of Hector, whose death he foretells. Hector pursues Automedon with
the chariot of Achilles towards the ships. Thus, then, they were fighting for the well-benched
ship. But Patroclus stood beside Achilles, the shepherd of the people, shedding warm
tears; as a black-water fountain, which pours its sable tide down from a lofty rock. But
swift-footed noble Achilles, seeing, pitied him, and addressing him, spoke winged words:
"Why weepest thou, O Patroclus, as an infant girl, who, running along with her mother,
importunes to be taken up, catching her by the robe, and detains her hastening; and weeping,
looks at her [mother] till she is taken up?—like unto her, O Patroclus, dost thou shed the
tender tear. Dost thou bear any tidings to the Myrmidons, or to me myself? Or hast thou
alone heard any news from Phthia? They say that, indeed, Menœtius, the son of Actor,
still lives, and that Peleus, the son of Æacus, lives amongst the Myrmidons: for deeply should
we lament for either of them dying. Or dost thou mourn for the Greeks, because they thus
perish at their hollow ships, on account of their injustice? Speak out, nor conceal it
in thy mind, that we both may know."
But deeply sighing, O knight Patroclus, him thou didst address: "O Achilles, son of Peleus,
by far the bravest of the Greeks, be not indignant; since a grief so heavy does oppress the Greeks:
for now all they, as many as were formerly most valiant, lie in the ships, wounded or
stricken. Brave Diomede, indeed, the son of Tydeus, is wounded, and spear-renowned Ulysses
is stricken, as also Agamemnon; and Eurypylus is also wounded in the thigh with an arrow.
About these, indeed, physicians skilled in many remedies are employed healing their wounds:
but thou, O Achilles, art inexorable. Never may such anger seize me at least, as thee,
O cruelly brave, dost preserve. What other after-born man will be defended by thee, if
thou will not avert unworthy ruin from the Greeks? merciless one! Certainly the knight
Peleus was not thy father, nor Thetis thy mother; but the grey Ocean produced thee,
and the lofty rocks; for thy mind is cruel. But if thou wouldst avoid any oracle in thy
mind, and thy venerable mother has told any to thee from Jove, at least send me quickly,
and at the same time give me the rest of the army of the Myrmidons, if perchance I may
become any aid to the Greeks. Grant me also to be armed on my shoulders with thy armour,
if perchance the Trojans, likening me to thee, may cease from battle, and the warlike sons
of the Greeks, now fatigued, breathe again; and there be a short respite from war. But
we [who are] fresh, can easily repulse men worn out with battle from our ships and tents
towards the city."
Thus he spoke, supplicating, very rash; for, assuredly, he was about to supplicate for
himself evil death and fate. Whom, deeply sighing, swift-footed Achilles addressed:
"Alas! most noble Patroclus, what hast thou said? I neither regard any oracle which I
have heard, nor has my venerable mother told anything to me from Jove. But this bitter
grief comes upon my heart and soul, when a man who excels in power, wishes to deprive
his equal of his portion, and to take back his reward because he excels in power."
"This to me is a bitter grief, since I have suffered sorrows in my mind. The maid whom
the sons of the Greeks selected as a reward for me, and [whom] I won by my spear, having
sacked a well-fortified city, her has king Agamemnon, son of Atreus, taken back out of
my hands, as from some dishonoured alien. But we shall allow these things to be among
the things that were; nor is it right, indeed, to be continually enraged in one's mind. Certainly
I affirmed that I would not put a stop to my wrath, before that clamour and war should
reach my ships. But do thou put on thy shoulders my famous armour, and lead on the war-loving
Myrmidons to battle; since now a black cloud of Trojans hath strongly surrounded the ships,
and the Greeks are hemmed in by the shore of the sea, possessing now but a small portion
of land. And the whole city of the Trojans has rushed on, confident, because they behold
not the front of my helmet gleaming near. Certainly, quickly flying, would they have
filled the trenches with their bodies, if king Agamemnon had known mildness to me: but
now they are fighting around the army. For the spear does not rage in the hands of Diomede,
the son of Tydeus, to avert destruction from the Greeks: nor do I at all hear the voice
of Agamemnon shouting from his odious head; but [the voice] of man-slaughtering Hector,
animating the Trojans, resounds: whilst they with a shout possess the whole plain, conquering
the Greeks in battle. Yet even thus, Patroclus, do thou fall on them bravely, warding off
destruction from the ships; nor let them consume the vessels with blazing fire, and cut off
thy own return. But obey, as I shall lay the sum of my advice in thy mind, in order that
thou mayest obtain for me great honour and glory from all the Greeks; and they may send
back to me the beautiful maid, and afford [me] besides rich presents. Having repulsed
the enemy from the ships, return back: and if, indeed, the loud-thundering husband of
Juno permit thee to obtain glory, do not be desirous of fighting with the warlike Trojans
apart from me; for thou wouldst render me more dishonoured; nor, exulting in the battle
and havoc, lead on as far as Ilium, slaughtering the Trojans, lest some of the immortal gods
come down from Olympus [against thee]; for far-darting Apollo greatly loves them. But
return after thou hast given safety to the ships, and allow the others to contend through
the plain. For would that, O father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, not one of the Trojans,
as many as there are, may escape death, nor any of the Greeks: whilst to us two it [may
be granted] to avoid destruction, that we alone might overthrow the sacred bulwarks
of Troy."
Thus they indeed discussed these matters with each other. But Ajax no longer remained firm,
for he was pressed hard with weapons; because the counsel of Jove overpowered him, and the
fierce Trojans hurling. And a dreadful clang did his glittering helmet round his temples
emit, being struck, and he was constantly smitten upon the well-made studs of his casque.
He was fatigued in the left shoulder, by always firmly holding his moveable shield; nor could
they, pressing him all around with their weapons, drive him [from his place]. Unceasingly afflicted
was he with severe panting, and everywhere from his limbs poured copious perspiration,
nor was he able to respire; for everywhere evil was heaped upon evil.
Declare now to me, ye Muses, possessing Olympic habitations, how first the fire fell upon
the ships of the Greeks! Hector, standing near, struck the ashen spear
of Ajax with his great sword, at the socket of the blade behind, and cut it quite off;
Telamonian Ajax indeed vainly brandished the mutilated spear in his hand; but the brazen
blade rang, falling upon the earth at a distance from him. Then Ajax knew in his blameless
soul, and shuddered at the deeds of the gods; because the lofty thundering Jove cut off
his plans of war, and willed the victory to the Trojans. Wherefore he retired out of the
reach of the weapons, and they hurled the indefatigable fire at the swift ships, the
inextinguishable flame of which was immediately diffused around. Thus indeed the flame surrounded
the stern; but Achilles, smiting his thighs, addressed Patroclus:
"Haste, O most noble steed-directing Patroclus (I perceive, indeed, the fury of the hostile
fire at the ships), lest they now take the vessels, and there be not an opportunity of
flying; put on thy armour very quickly, and I shall assemble the forces."
Thus he spoke; but Patroclus armed himself in glittering brass. First, indeed, he put
the beautiful greaves around his legs, fitted with clasps; next he placed the corslet of
the swift-footed descendant of Æacus upon his breast, variegated, and studded with stars;
and suspended from his shoulders his silver-studded sword, brazen, and then the great and sturdy
shield. But upon his gallant head he placed the well-made helmet, crested with horse-hair;
and dreadfully the plume nodded from above. He took besides two strong spears, which well
fitted his hands; but the spear alone of blameless Æacides, ponderous, large, and strong, he
did not take; which, indeed, no other of the Greeks could brandish, but Achilles alone
knew how to wield it; a Pelian ash which Chiron had given to his sire, [cut] from the tops
of Pelion, about to be death to heroes. He also commanded Automedon quickly to yoke the
steeds, whom, next to rank-breaking Achilles, he most honoured, because he was most faithful
to him in battle, to stand the charge. Wherefore Automedon yoked the fleet horses, Xanthus
and Balius, which kept pace with the winds. Them the Harpy Podargé bore to Zephyrus,
the wind, while feeding in the meadows by the stream of Oceanus. And in the outer harness
he fastened illustrious Pedasus, whom Achilles led away long since, having sacked the city
of Eëtion; and which [steed], though being mortal, accompanied immortal steeds. But Achilles,
going about, armed all the Myrmidons through the tents with their armour; but they, like
carnivorous wolves, in whose hearts is immense strength, and which, having slain a great
horned stag in the mountains, tearing, devour it; but the jaws of all are red with blood:
and then they rush in a pack, lapping with slender tongues the surface of the dark water
from a black-water fountain, vomiting forth clots of blood; but the courage in their ***
is dauntless, and their stomach is distended: so rushed the leaders and chiefs of the Myrmidons
round the brave attendant of swift-footed Æacides, and amongst them stood warlike Achilles,
animating both the steeds and the shield-bearing warriors.
Fifty were the swift galleys which Achilles, dear to Jove, led to Troy; and in each were
fifty men, companions at the benches. But he had appointed five leaders, in whom he
put trust, to command them; and he himself, being very powerful, governed. One troop indeed
Menesthius, with flexible corslet, commanded, the son of Sperchius, a Jove-descended river;
whom the daughter of Peleus, fair Polydora, bore to indefatigable Sperchius, a woman having
been embraced by a god; although, according to report, to Borus, son of Perieres, who
openly espoused her, giving infinite marriage gifts. But warlike Eudorus commanded another
[company], clandestinely begotten, whom Polymela, the daughter of Phylas, graceful in the dance,
bore. Her the powerful slayer of Argus loved, beholding her with his eyes among the dancers
at a choir of golden-bowed Diana, huntress-maid; and immediately ascending to an upper chamber,
pacific Mercury secretly lay with her: whence she bore to him a son, Eudorus, swift to run,
and also a warrior. But after that birth-presiding Ilithyia had brought him into light, and he
beheld the splendour of the sun, the mighty strength of Echecleus, son of Actor, led her
to his house when he had given innumerable marriage-gifts; whilst aged Phylas carefully
nurtured and educated him, tenderly loving him, as if being his own son. The third, warlike
Pisander led, the son of Mæmalus, who, after the companion of the son of Peleus, surpassed
all the Myrmidons in fighting with the spear. The fourth, the aged knight Phœnix commanded;
and Alcimedon, the illustrious son of Laërceus, the fifth. But when Achilles, marshalling
them well, had placed all with their leaders, he enjoined this strict command:
"Ye Myrmidons, let none of you be forgetful of the threats with which, at the swift ships,
ye did threaten the Trojans, during all my indignation, and blamed me, each of you [in
this manner]: 'O cruel son of Peleus! surely thy mother nurtured thee in wrath: relentless!
thou who at the ships detainest thy companions against their will. Let us at least return
home again in our sea-traversing barks, since pernicious wrath has thus fallen upon thy
mind.' These things ye frequently said to me, when assembled; and now the great task
of war appears, of which ye were hitherto desirous. Let each one here, having a valiant
heart, fight against the Trojans."
Thus speaking, he aroused the might and spirit of each, and their ranks were condensed the
more when they heard the king. As when a man constructs the wall of a lofty mansion with
closely-joined stones, guarding against the violence of the winds, so closely were their
helmets and bossed shields linked: then shield pressed upon shield, helmet upon helmet, and
man upon man; and the horse-hair crests upon the shining cones of [their helmets] nodding,
touched each other; so close stood they to each other. Before all were armed two warriors.
Patroclus and Automedon, having one mind, to fight in the front of the Myrmidons. But
Achilles hastened to go into his tent; and he opened the lid of a chest, beautiful, variously
adorned, which silver-footed Thetis placed, to be carried in his ship, having filled it
well with garments, and wind-resisting cloaks, and napped tapestry. And in it was a cup curiously
wrought, nor did any other of men drink dark wine from it, nor did he pour out [from it]
libations to any of the gods, except to father Jove. This then, taking from the coffer, he
first purified with sulphur, and then washed in a crystal rivulet of water; but he himself
washed his hands, and drew off the dark wine. Next, standing in the middle of the area,
he prayed, and offered a libation of wine, looking up to heaven; nor did he escape the
notice of thunder-rejoicing Jove: "O king Jove, Dodonean, Pelasgian, dwelling
afar off, presiding over wintry Dodona; but around dwell thy priests, the Selli, with
unwashed feet, and sleeping upon the ground; certainly thou didst formerly hear my voice
when praying: thou hast honoured me, and hast greatly injured the people of the Greeks;
wherefore now also accomplish this additional request for me; for I myself will remain in
the assemblage of ships, but I am sending forth my companion with the numerous Myrmidons
to battle; along with him, do thou send forth glory, O far-sounding Jove! embolden his heart
within his breast, that even Hector may know whether my attendant, even when alone, knows
how to wage war, or [only] when these invincible hands rage with him, when I likewise go forth
to the slaughter of Mars. But after he has repelled the contest and the tumult from the
ships, unscathed let him return to me, to the swift barks, with all his armour and his
close-fighting companions."
Thus he spoke, praying; and provident Jove heard him. One part indeed the Sire granted
him, but refused the other. He granted that he should repel the conflict and tumult from
the ships, but he refused that he should return safe from the battle. He, on his part, having
made a libation and prayed to father Jove, again entered his tent, and replaced the cup
in the chest. Then coming out, he stood before the tent, for he still wished in his mind
to behold the grievous conflict of Trojans and Greeks.
But those that were armed at the same time with magnanimous Patroclus, marched orderly,
till they rushed upon the Trojans, with high hopes. Immediately they were poured out, like
unto wasps dwelling by the road-side, which silly boys are wont to irritate, incessantly
harassing them, possessing cells by the way-side; and cause a common evil to many. And if by
chance any traveller, passing by, unintentionally disturb them, then they, possessing a valiant
heart, all fly forth, and fight for their young. The Myrmidons then, having the heart
and courage of these, poured out from the ships, and an inextinguishable tumult arose.
But Patroclus cheered on his companions, loudly shouting:
"Ye Myrmidons, companions of Achilles, the son of Peleus, be men, my friends, and be
mindful of impetuous valour; that we, his close-fighting servants, may honour the son
of Peleus, who is by far the bravest of the Greeks at the ships; and that the son of Atreus,
wide-ruling Agamemnon, may know his fault, that he nothing honoured the bravest of the
Greeks." Thus speaking, he aroused the might and spirits
of each: and in dense array they fell upon the Trojans: but the ships re-echoed dreadfully
around from the Greeks shouting. But the Trojans, when they beheld the brave son of Menœtius,
himself and his attendant glittering in arms, the mind to all of them was disturbed, and
the phalanxes were deranged, deeming that the swift-footed son of Peleus at the ships
had cast away his wrath, and resumed friendship: then each one gazed about where he might escape
utter destruction. But Patroclus first took aim with his shining
spear from the opposite side right into the midst, where they were huddled together in
greatest numbers at the stern of the ship of magnanimous Protesilaus, and wounded Pyræchmes,
who led the Pæonian equestrian warriors from Amydon, from the wide-flowing Axius. Him he
smote upon the right shoulder, and he fell on his back in the dust groaning; but the
Pæonians, his companions, were put to flight around him, for Patroclus caused fear to them
all, having slain their leader, who was very brave to fight. And he drove them from the
ships, and extinguished the blazing fire. But the ship was left there half-burnt, whilst
the Trojans were routed with a prodigious tumult: and the Greeks were poured forth amongst
the hollow ships; and mighty confusion was created. And as when, from the lofty summit
of a great mountain, lightning-driving Jove dislodges a dense cloud, and all the eminences
and highest ridges and glens appear, whilst the boundless æther is burst open throughout
the heaven; so the Greeks respired for a little, having repelled the hostile fire from their
vessels. But of battle there was no cessation: for the Trojans were by no means yet totally
routed from the black ships by the warlike Greeks, but still resisted, and retreated
from the ships from necessity. Then of the generals, man slew man, the fight being scattered;
and first, the brave son of Menœtius forthwith with his sharp spear smote the thigh of Areïlochus
when turned about, and drove the brass quite through: but the spear broke the bone, and
he fell prone upon the earth. But warlike Menelaus then wounded Thoas in the breast,
exposed near the shield, and relaxed his limbs. But Phylides, perceiving Amphiclus rushing
against him, anticipated him, taking aim at the extremity of his leg, where the calf of
a man is thickest; the tendons were severed all round by the point of the spear, and darkness
overshadowed his eyes. Then the sons of Nestor, the one, Antilochus, struck Atymnius with
his sharp spear, and drove the brazen lance through his flank; and he fell before him:
but Maris, standing before the carcase, rushed upon Antilochus hand to hand with his spear,
enraged on account of his brother; but godlike Thrasymedes, taking aim, anticipated him before
he had wounded [Antilochus], nor did he miss him, [but wounded him] immediately near the
shoulder; and the point of the spear cut off the extremity of the arm from the muscles,
and completely tore away the bone. Falling, he made a crash, and darkness veiled his eyes.
Thus to Erebus went these two, subdued by two brothers, the brave companions of Sarpedon,
the spear-renowned sons of Amisodarus, who nourished the invincible Chimæra, a destruction
to many men. But Ajax, the son of Oïleus, rushing upon Cleobulus, took him alive, impeded
in the crowd; and there relaxed his strength, striking him upon the neck with his hilted
sword. And the whole sword was warmed over with blood, and purple death and stern fate
possessed his eyes.
Then Peneleus and Lycon engaged in close combat, for they had missed each other with their
spears, and both had hurled in vain; therefore they ran on again with their swords; then
Lycon on his part struck the cone of the horse-hair-crested helmet, and the sword was broken at the hilt.
But Peneleus smote him in the neck below the ear, and the whole sword entered, and the
skin alone retained it: the head hung down, and his limbs were relaxed.
Meriones also, overtaking him with rapid feet, wounded Acamas in the right shoulder, as he
was about to ascend his chariot; and he fell from his chariot, and darkness was poured
over his eyes. But Idomeneus struck Erymas in the mouth with
the pitiless brass; and the brazen weapon passed right through from the opposite side
down under the brain, and then cleft the white bones. And his teeth were dashed out, and
both eyes were filled with gore, which, gaping, he forced out from his mouth and from his
nostrils; and the black cloud of death enveloped him. Thus these leaders of the Greeks slew
each a man. And as destructive wolves impetuously rush on lambs or kids, snatching them from
the flocks, which are dispersed upon the mountains by the negligence of the shepherd; but they,
perceiving them, immediately tear in pieces them, having an unwarlike heart: so did the
Greeks rush upon the Trojans, but they were mindful of dire-sounding flight, and forgot
resolute valour. But mighty Ajax ever longed to aim his javelin at brazen-armed Hector;
but he, from his skill in war, covering himself as to his broad shoulders with a bull's-hide
shield, watched the hissing of the arrows and the whizzing of the javelins. Already
indeed he knew the victory of battle was inclining to the other side; yet even thus he remained,
and saved his beloved companions.
And as when from Olympus comes a cloud into heaven, after a clear sky, when Jove stretches
forth a whirlwind, thus was the clamour and rout of those [flying] from the ships. Nor
did they repass [the trench] in seemly plight, but his fleet-footed steeds bore away Hector
with his arms; and he deserted the Trojan people, whom against their will the deep trench
detained. And many fleet car-drawing steeds left in the foss the chariots of their masters,
broken at the extremity of the pole. But Patroclus pursued, vehemently cheering on the Greeks,
and devising destruction for the Trojans; but they, with clamour and rout, filled all
the ways after they were dispersed. A storm [of dust] was tossed up beneath the clouds,
and the solid-hoofed horses pressed back towards the city, from the ships and tents. But Patroclus,
wherever he perceived the army in greatest confusion, thither directed [his steeds],
exclaiming in a threatening manner; whilst beneath his axles men fell prone from their
chariots, and the chariots were overturned. Then, from the opposite side, the fleet immortal
steeds, which the gods had given as splendid presents to Peleus, eagerly pressing on, bounded
quite across the trench; for his mind urged him against Hector, for he longed to strike
him, but his swift horses kept bearing him away.
And as beneath a whirlwind the whole dark earth is oppressed on an autumnal day, when
Jove pours forth his most violent stream; when, forsooth, enraged he gives vent to his
wrath against men, who by violence decree perverse judgments in the assembly, and drive
out justice, not regarding the vengeance of the gods; and all their rivers are flooded
as they flow, and the torrents sever asunder many mountains, and flowing headlong into
the dark sea, roar mightily, and the husbandry-works of men are diminished; so loudly moaned the
Trojan mares running along. But Patroclus, when he had cut off the first phalanxes, drove
them back again towards the ships, and did not permit them, desiring it, to ascend towards
the city; but, pressing on, he slew them between the ships, and the river, and the lofty wall,
and he exacted revenge for many. Then indeed he smote with his shining spear Pronous first,
bared as to his breast beside the shield, and relaxed his limbs: and falling, he gave
a crash. But next, attacking Thestor, son of Enops (who indeed sat huddled in his well-polished
chariot, for he was panic-struck in his mind, and the reins had then dropped from his hands),
he standing near, smote him with his spear on the right cheek, and drove it through his
teeth. Then catching the spear, he dragged him over the rim [of the chariot]; as when
a man, sitting upon a jutting rock, [draws] with a line and shining brass a large fish
entirely out of the sea; so he dragged from his chariot with his shining spear, him gaping.
Then he hurled him upon his mouth, and life left him as he fell. Then next he struck with
a stone on the middle of the head, Eryalus, rushing against him, and it was totally split
asunder into two parts in his strong helmet. He therefore fell prone upon the earth, and
fatal death was diffused around him. Afterwards Erymas, and Amphoterus, Epaltes, and Tlepolemus,
son of Damastor, Echius and Pyris, Icheus, Euïppus, and Polymelus, son of Argeus, all
one over the other he heaped upon the fertile earth.
But when Sarpedon perceived his loose-girt companions subdued by the hands of Patroclus,
the son of Menœtius, exhorting, he shouted to the godlike Lycians:
"Oh shame! Lycians, where do ye fly? Now be strenuous: for I will oppose this man, that
I may know who he is who is victorious: and certainly he has done many evils to the Trojans,
since he has relaxed the limbs of many and brave men."
He spoke, and leaped from his chariot with his armour to the ground; but Patroclus, on
the other side, when he beheld him, sprang from his car. Then they, as bent-taloned,
crook-beaked vultures, loudly screaming, fight upon a lofty rock, so they, shouting, rushed
against each other. But the son of the wily Saturn, beholding them, felt compassion, and
addressed Juno, his sister and wife: "O woe is me, because it is fated that Sarpedon,
most dear to me of men, shall be subdued by Patroclus, the son of Menœtius. But to me,
revolving it in my mind, my heart is impelled with a twofold anxiety, either that having
snatched him alive from the mournful battle, I may place him among the rich people of Lycia,
or now subdue him beneath the hands of the son of Menœtius."
Then the large-eyed, venerable Juno answered: "Most dread son of Saturn, what a word hast
thou spoken? Whether dost thou wish to liberate from sad death a mortal man long since doomed
to fate? Do so; but all we, the other gods, will not assent to it. But another thing I
will tell thee, and do thou revolve it in thy mind. If indeed thou sendest this Sarpedon
safe home, reflect whether some other of the gods may not also wish to send his beloved
son [safe home] from the violent conflict; for many sons of immortals fight round the
great city of Priam, upon whom thou wilt bring heavy wrath. If, however, he be dear to thee,
and thy heart pities him, let him indeed be subdued in the violent conflict, beneath the
hands of Patroclus, the son of Menœtius: but when his spirit and life shall have left
him, send death and sweet sleep to bear him until they reach the people of expansive Lycia.
There will his brethren and friends perform his obsequies with a tomb and a pillar; for
this is the honour of the dead." Thus she spoke, nor did the father of gods
and men disobey; but he poured down upon the earth bloody dew-drops, honouring his beloved
son, whom Patroclus was about to slay in fertile-soiled Troy, far away from his native land.
But when, advancing, they were now near each other, then indeed Patroclus [struck] illustrious
Thrasymelus, who was the brave companion of king Sarpedon, him he struck upon the lower
part of the belly, and relaxed his limbs. Then Sarpedon, attacking second, missed him
with his splendid javelin; but he wounded his horse Pedasus, with his spear, in the
right shoulder; but he groaned, breathing out his life, and fell in the dust, moaning,
and his spirit fled from him. But the two [other steeds] leaped asunder, and the yoke
crashed, and the reins were entangled about them, when the side horse lay in the dust.
But spear-renowned Automedon found an end of this. Drawing his long sword from his robust
thigh, rising, he cut away the farther horse, nor did he act slothfully. And the two [remaining
horses] were set aright, and were directed by the reins; and they [the men] again engage
in life-devouring combat. Then again Sarpedon missed [him] with his
shining spear, and the point of the weapon passed over the left shoulder of Patroclus,
nor did it wound him. But Patroclus rushed on with his javelin, and the weapon did not
escape in vain from his hand, for he struck him where the midriff encloses the compact
heart. And he fell, as when falls some oak, or poplar, or lofty pine, which the workmen
fell in the mountains with newly-sharpened axes, to be a naval timber: so he lay stretched
out before his horses and chariot, gnashing with his teeth, grasping the bloody dust.
As a lion slays a bull, coming among a herd, tawny, noble-spirited, among the stamping
oxen, and he perishes, bellowing, beneath the jaws of the lion; so the leader of the
shielded Lycians was indignant, being slain by Patroclus, and addressed his dear companion
by name:
"Glaucus, dear friend, warrior amongst heroes, now it greatly behoves thee to be a hero and
a bold warrior; now if thou art impetuous, let destructive battle be thy desire. First
indeed, going in every direction, exhort the leaders of the Lycians to fight around Sarpedon,
and do thou thyself also fight for me with thy spear. For I will hereafter be a cause
of shame and disgrace to thee, all thy days, throughout, if indeed the Greeks despoil me
of my armour, falling in the conflict at the ships. But persevere, and animate all the
army." While he was thus speaking, the end of death
covered him as to his eyes and nostrils; but Patroclus, trampling with his heel upon his
breast, drew out the spear from his body, and the midriff followed with it; and he drew
out at the same time his life and the point of the weapon. But the Myrmidons there held
his panting steeds, eager to fly along, since they had quitted the chariots of their lords.
Then bitter grief arose to Glaucus, hearing the voice [of his friend], and his heart was
grieved because he could not aid him. But grasping his own arm in his hand, he compressed
it; for grievously the wound pained him, which Teucer, with an arrow, had inflicted upon
him, as he was rushing against the lofty wall, warding off the battle from his companions.
Wherefore, praying, he addressed far-darting Apollo:
"Hear, O king, thou who art somewhere in the rich state of Lycia, or in Troy; for thou
canst everywhere hear a man afflicted, as sorrow now comes upon me. For indeed I have
this grievous wound, and my hand is penetrated on every side with acute pains, nor can the
blood be stanched, but my shoulder is oppressed with it. For neither can I firmly I hold my
spear, nor, advancing, fight with the enemy; moreover a very brave hero has fallen, Sarpedon,
the son of Jove; but he aids not even his own son. But heal for me this severe wound,
O king; assuage my pains, and grant me strength, that, cheering on my companions, the Lycians,
I may urge them to fight; and may myself fight for the dead body."
Thus he spoke praying; but Phœbus Apollo heard him. Immediately he allayed the pains,
and dried the black gore from the grievous wound, and instilled strength into his soul.
But Glaucus knew in his mind, and rejoiced because the mighty god had quickly heard him
praying. First then, going about in all directions, he aroused the heroes, leaders of the Lycians,
to fight for Sarpedon; and then he went to the Trojans, advancing with long strides to
Polydamas, son of Panthous, and noble Agenor. He also went after Æneas and brazen-armed
Hector, and, standing near, addressed to him winged words:
"O Hector, now hast thou altogether neglected thine allies, who are losing their lives for
thy sake, far away from their friends and father-land; but thou dost not wish to aid
them. Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the shield-bearing Lycians, who protected Lycia
by his justice and his valour. Him hath brazen Mars subdued with a spear at the hands of
Patroclus. But stand near, my friends, and be indignant in your minds, lest the Myrmidons
spoil his armour, and unworthily treat the body, enraged on account of the Greeks, as
many as have perished, whom we have slain with our spears at the ships."
Thus he spoke; but intolerable, unyielding grief wholly possessed the Trojans, for he
had been a pillar of their city, though being a foreigner; for many forces followed along
with him, among whom he himself was the most valiant in battle. They therefore advanced
eagerly straight against the Greeks, ardent with desire; but Hector led the way, enraged
on account of Sarpedon. But the valiant heart of Patroclus, son of Menœtius, aroused the
Greeks. First he addressed the Ajaces, though they themselves were also eager:
"O Ajaces, now let it be a delightful thing to you both to repel [the foe]; be ye such
as of old ye were amongst heroes, or even braver. Sarpedon lies low, the man who first
broke through the wall of the Greeks. But oh! that taking him, we could treat him with
indignity, and spoil the armour from his shoulders, and subdue with the cruel brass some one of
his companions keeping [us] off from him."
Thus he spoke; but they also themselves were ready to repel [the foe]. But when they had
strengthened their phalanxes on both sides, the Trojans and Lycians, as well as the Myrmidons
and Achæans, they closed to fight round the dead body, shouting dreadfully, and loudly
rattled the arms of men. But Jove stretched pernicious night over the violent contest,
that there might be a destructive toil of battle around his dear son. The Trojans first
drove back the rolling-eyed Greeks; for a man was smitten, by no means the most inferior
among the Myrmidons, noble Epigeus, son of magnanimous Agacles, who formerly ruled in
well-inhabited Budium; but then having slain a noble kinsman, he came as a suppliant to
Peleus and silver-footed Thetis: they sent him to follow with the rank-breaker Achilles,
to steed-renowned Ilium, that he might fight with the Trojans. Him then, while seizing
the body, illustrious Hector struck upon the head with a stone; and it was entirely split
in two in his strong helmet; and he fell prone upon the corpse, and soul-destroying death
was diffused around him. Then to Patroclus grief arose, on account of his companion slain;
and he rushed right through the foremost warriors, like unto a swift hawk, which has put to flight
jackdaws or starlings; so, O equestrian Patroclus, didst thou rush right against the Lycians
and Trojans; for thou wert enraged in thine heart for thy companion. And he struck Sthenelaus,
the beloved son of Ithæmeneus, on the neck with a stone, and broke his tendons: and the
foremost warriors and illustrious Hector gave back. And as far as is the cast of a long
javelin, which a man may have sent forth striving either in the game, or even in war, on account
of life-destroying enemies; so far did the Trojans retire, and the Greeks repelled them.
But Glaucus, the leader of the shield-bearing Lycians, first turned, and slew magnanimous
Bathycles, the beloved son of Chalcon, who, inhabiting dwellings in Hellas, was conspicuous
among the Myrmidons for his riches and wealth. Him then Glaucus, turning suddenly round,
wounded in the middle of the breast with his spear, when, pursuing, he had overtaken him.
But he made a crash as he fell; and deep grief possessed the Greeks, because a brave warrior
had thus fallen; but the Trojans greatly rejoiced, and, advancing in crowds, stood round him;
nor were the Greeks forgetful of valour, but they directed their strength straight against
them. Then again Meriones slew a hero of the Trojans, the warrior Laogonus, the gallant
son of Onetor, who was the priest of Idæan Jove, and was honoured like a god by the people.
He smote him under the jaw and ear, and his soul immediately departed from his limbs,
and dreadful darkness overshadowed him. But Æneas hurled a brazen spear at Meriones,
for he hoped to hit him, advancing under protection of his shield. He, however, observing it in
front, avoided the brazen spear; for he stooped forward, and the long javelin was fixed in
the ground behind him, and the nether point of the spear was shaken; then the rapid weapon
spent its force. Thus the javelin of Æneas, quivering entered the earth, for it had fled
in vain from his strong hand. Then Æneas was enraged in his mind, and said:
"Meriones, quickly indeed, although being a dancer, would my spear have made thee cease
for ever, if I had struck thee."
But him then in turn spear-renowned Meriones answered: "Æneas, it were difficult for thee,
although being brave, to extinguish the valour of all men, whosoever may come against thee
about to repulse thee; for thou too art mortal. And if I, taking aim, should strike thee in
the middle with my sharp spear, although being brave, and confiding in thy might, thou wouldst
give glory to me, but thy soul to steed-famed Pluto."
Thus he spoke; but him the brave son of Menœtius rebuked: "Meriones, why dost thou, although
being brave, harangue thus? O, my friend, the Trojans will not retire from the corse
by opprobrious words: first will the earth possess some of them; for the emergency of
battle is placed in the hands, but of counsel in words; wherefore it is by no means necessary
to multiply words, but to fight." So saying, he on his part led the way, and
along with him the godlike hero followed. And as the crash of woodcutting men arises
in the dells of a mountain, and the sound is heard from afar; so the noise of these,
smitten with swords and two-edged spears, arose from the wide-extended plain, from brass,
from leather, and from well-prepared bull's-hide shields. Nor would a man, although very discerning,
have recognized noble Sarpedon, since he was totally involved, from his head to the soles
of his feet, with weapons, and blood, and dust. But they still crowded round the corse,
as when flies in the stall hum around the pails full of milk, during the spring season,
when the milk makes moist the vessel. So they still crowded round the body: nor did Jove
ever turn his bright eyes from the violent conflict; but he ever beheld them, and meditated
many evil things in his mind concerning the death of Patroclus, anxiously deliberating
whether now illustrious Hector should kill him with his spear in the brave battle, over
godlike Sarpedon, and spoil the armour from his shoulders, or whether he should still
increase the severe labour to the multitude. To him, thus reflecting, it appeared better
that the brave servant of Achilles, the son of Peleus, should repulse the Trojans and
brazen-armed Hector, towards the city, and take away the life of many. Into Hector, therefore,
first [of all], he sent unwarlike flight, and ascending his chariot, he turned himself
to flight, and advised the other Trojans to fly, for he recognized the sacred scales of
Jove. Then not even the brave Lycians remained, but were all turned in flight, when they beheld
their king wounded to the heart, lying in the heap of dead; for many had fallen over
him, whilst the son of Saturn stretched on the violent strife. But after they had taken
from the shoulders of Sarpedon the brazen and glittering armour, the gallant son of
Menœtius gave them to his companions to carry to the hollow ships; and then cloud-compelling
Jove addressed Apollo: "Come now, dear Phœbus, going, cleanse Sarpedon,
[withdrawn] from among the heap of weapons, of sable gore, and afterwards bearing him
far away, lave him in the stream of the river, and anoint him with ambrosia, and put around
him immortal garments, then give him in charge to the twin-brothers. Sleep and Death, swift
conductors, to be borne away, who will quickly place him in the rich state of wide Lycia.
There will his brethren and kindred perform his obsequies with a tomb and a pillar, for
this is the honour of the dead."
Thus he spoke; nor was Apollo inattentive to his father, but he descended from the Idæan
mountains to the grievous conflict. Immediately removing noble Sarpedon out of [the reach
of] weapons, and bearing him far away, he laved him in the stream of the river, anointed
him with ambrosia, and placed around him immortal garments, then gave him in charge to the twin-brothers,
Sleep and Death, swift conductors, to be borne away with them; who accordingly quickly placed
him in the rich state of wide Lycia. In the meantime Patroclus, cheering on his
steeds, and Automedon, followed upon the Trojans and Lycians, and came to great harm,—infatuate
one!—but if he had observed the direction of the son of Peleus, he had certainly escaped
the evil fate of black death. But the counsel of Jove is ever better than that of men, who
puts to flight even the valiant man, and easily deprives him of victory, even when he himself
has impelled him to fight; who then also excited courage in his breast. Then whom first, and
whom last, didst thou slay, O Patroclus, when the gods now called thee on to death? Adrastus
indeed first, Autonous and Echeclus, and Perimus, son of Megas, and Epistor and Melanippus;
but then Elasus, and Mulius, and Pylartes. These he slew, but the others were, each of
them, mindful of flight. Then indeed had the sons of the Greeks taken lofty-gated Troy,
by the hands of Patroclus, for he raged greatly beyond [others] with his spear, had not Phœbus
Apollo stood upon a well-built tower, meditating destructive things to him, and assisting the
Trojans. Thrice indeed Patroclus mounted a buttress of the lofty wall, and thrice did
Apollo repel him with violence, striking his glittering shield with his immortal hands.
But when now, godlike, he rushed on the fourth time, far-casting Apollo, threatening fearfully,
addressed him: "Retire, thou Jove-sprung Patroclus; by no
means is it destined that the city of the magnanimous Trojans should be destroyed by
thy spear, nor by Achilles, who is much better than thou."
Thus he spoke, but Patroclus retired far back, avoiding the wrath of far-darting Apollo.
But Hector detained his steeds at the Scæan gates; for he doubted whether, having driven
again into the crowd, he should fight, or should loudly command the people to be collected
within the walls. To him then, meditating these things, Phœbus Apollo stood near, having
assimilated himself to a hero youthful and brave, to Asius, who was the maternal uncle
of horse-breaking Hector, own brother of Hecuba, and the son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia,
by the streams of the Sangarius: to him Phœbus Apollo, assimilating himself, spoke:
"Hector, why dost thou cease from battle? Nor does it at all become thee. Would that
I were so much superior to thee as I am inferior; then indeed wouldst thou quickly have retired
from the battle to thy loss. But come, direct thy solid-hoofed steeds against Patroclus,
if perchance thou mayest slay him, and Apollo may give thee glory." So saying, the god on
his part went again through the labour of men; but illustrious Hector on his part commanded
warlike Cebriones to lash on his steeds to the battle, whilst Apollo, proceeding, entered
the throng; and sent an evil tumult among the Greeks; but gave glory to the Trojans
and Hector. Then indeed did Hector neglect the other Greeks, nor slew them; but directed
his solid-hoofed horses against Patroclus. But Patroclus, on the other side, leaped from
his chariot to the ground, in his left hand holding his spear; but in the other he seized
a stone, white, rugged, which his hand embraced around. Putting his force to it, he hurled
it; nor did it err far from the man, nor was the weapon hurled in vain, for in the forehead
with the sharp stone he smote the charioteer of Hector, Cebriones, the illegitimate son
of illustrious Priam, whilst holding the reins of the horses. But the stone crushed both
his eyebrows, nor did the bone sustain it, and his eyes fell amid the dust upon the ground
before his feet. But he then, like unto a diver, fell from the well-formed chariot-seat,
and life left his bones. But him insulting, thou didst address, O equestrian Patroclus:
"O gods! truly he is a very active man! how nimbly he dives! if indeed he were anywhere
in the fishy sea, this man, groping for oysters, might have satisfied many, plunging from his
ship, although it might be stormy; so easily now in the plain does he dive from his chariot!
Without doubt there are divers among the Trojans." So saying, he advanced against the hero Cebriones,
having the force of a lion, which, ravaging the folds, is wounded in the breast, and his
own courage destroys him; thus, O Patroclus, ardent, didst thou spring upon Cebriones;
whilst Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground. These two, as lions,
fought for Cebriones, when both being hungry fight with utmost courage for a slaughtered
stag in mountain tops. So, for Cebriones, these two masters of the fight, Patroclus,
son of Menœtius, and illustrious Hector, wished to rend each other's body with the
pitiless brass. Hector indeed, after he seized him by the head, did not let him go; but Patroclus,
on the other side, held [him by the] foot; and now the rest of the Trojans and Greeks
engaged in the violent conflict. And as the East and South winds strive with
each other, in the dells of a mountain, to shake a deep wood, beech, ash, and rugged
cornel, but they strike their long-extended boughs against each other with an immense
sound, and a crash of them breaking [arises]; thus the Trojans and Greeks, leaping upon
each other, slaughtered, but neither were mindful of pernicious flight. And many sharp
spears were fixed round Cebriones, and winged arrows bounding from the string; and many
huge stones smote the shields of those fighting round him; but he, mighty over mighty space,
lay in a whirlwind of dust, forgetful of his equestrian skill.
As long indeed as the sun was ascending the middle heaven, so long did the weapons reach
both sides effectually, and the people kept falling. But when the sun had passed over
towards the west, then indeed the Greeks were superior, contrary to fate. They drew the
hero Cebriones from the weapons, out of the tumult of Trojans, and took the armour from
his shoulders. But Patroclus, devising evils against the Trojans, rushed on. Thrice then
he charged, equal to swift Mars, shouting horridly, and thrice he slew nine heroes.
But when, like unto a god, he made the attack for the fourth time, then indeed, O Patroclus,
was the end of thy life manifest; for Phœbus, terrible in the dire battle, met thee. He
did not indeed perceive him coming through the crowd, for he advanced against him covered
with much darkness; but he stood behind, and smote him with his flat hand upon the back
and broad shoulders, and his eyes were seized with giddiness. And from his head Phœbus
Apollo struck the helmet, and the oblong helmet rattled, rolling under the horses' feet, and
the crest was defiled with blood and dust; although before this it was not permitted
that [this] helmet, crested with horse-hair, should be contaminated by the dust; for it
protected the head of a godlike hero, even the venerable forehead of Achilles; but Jove
then gave it to Hector to wear upon his head; but his destruction was near. But the long-shadowed
spear, great, sturdy, pointed [with brass], was utterly shattered in his hands; whilst
the shield, which reached to his heels, with its belt, fell to the ground; and king Apollo,
the son of Jove, unbound his corslet. But stupor seized his brain, and his fair limbs
were relaxed under him, and he stood astounded. But a Trojan, hero, Euphorbus, the son of
Panthous, who excelled those of his own age in the spear, in horsemanship, and in swiftness
of foot, smote him close at hand with his sharp spear, in the back between the shoulders.
For even before this he had hurled twenty men from their horses, at first coming with
his chariot, learning [the art] of war. He [it was] who first hurled a weapon at thee,
O knight Patroclus, nor did he subdue thee; for he ran back, and was mingled with the
crowd, having plucked the ashen spear out of thy body; nor did he await Patroclus, though
being unarmed, in the fight. Patroclus, however, subdued by the blow of the god, and by the
spear, retired into the crowd of his companions, avoiding death. But Hector, when he perceived
magnanimous Patroclus retiring, wounded with a sharp spear, went through the ranks near
him, and smote him with his javelin in the lowest part of the groin, and drove the brass
quite through. Falling, he gave a crash, and greatly grieved the people of the Greeks.
As when a lion presses on an unwearied boar in fight, and they twain, high spirited, contend
upon the mountain tops for a small rill, for they both desire to drink, but the lion subdues
him by force, panting much; so Hector, the son of Priam, in close fight with his spear,
deprived the gallant son of Menœtius of life, having slain many; and, boasting over him,
spoke winged words:
"Patroclus, doubtless thou didst think to waste our city, and to carry off in thy ships
the Trojan women to thy dear father-land, having taken away their day of freedom,—infatuated
one! But in defence of these, the fleet steeds of Hector hasten with their feet to war, and
I myself, who avert the day of slavery from them, am conspicuous amongst the war-loving
Trojans in [the use of] the spear. But the vultures shall devour thee here. Unhappy man!
Nor indeed did Achilles, although being brave, aid thee, who remaining behind, doubtless
enjoined many things to thee, going forth: 'Do not return to me, O equestrian Patroclus,
to the hollow barks, before thou rendest the blood-stained garment around the breast of
man-slaughtering Hector.' Thus, doubtless, he addressed thee, and persuaded the mind
of foolish thee." But him, O knight Patroclus, breathing faintly,
thou didst address: "Even now, Hector, vaunt greatly, for Jove, the son of Saturn, and
Apollo, have given thee the victory, who subdued me easily; for they stripped the armour from
my shoulders. But if even twenty such [as thou] had opposed me, they had all perished
here, subdued by my spear. But destructive fate, and the son of Latona, have slain me,
and of men, Euphorbus; whilst thou, the third, dost despoil me slain. Another thing will
I tell thee, and do thou ponder it in thy soul. Not long, indeed, shalt thou thyself
advance in life, but death and violent fate already stand near thee, subdued by the hands
of Achilles, the blameless descendant of Æacus."
Him then, having thus spoken, the end of death then overshadowed. But his soul flying from
his members, departed to Hades, bewailing its lot, relinquishing manliness and youth.
But him dead illustrious Hector addressed: "Why now, Patroclus, dost thou prophesy cruel
destruction to me? Who knows whether Achilles, the son of fair-haired Thetis, stricken by
my spear, may not be the first to lose his life?"
Thus having spoken, he extracted the brazen spear from the wound, pressing on him with
his heel; and thrust him prostrate from the spear. Then immediately, with the spear, he
went against Automedon, the godlike servant of swift-footed Æacides, for he was anxious
to strike him. But the fleet immortal steeds, which the gods bestowed on Peleus, splendid
gifts, bore him away.
BOOK THE SEVENTEENTH. ARGUMENT.
Euphorbus, attempting to despoil Patroclus of his armour, is slain by Menelaus. It falls
to the lot of Hector, but he retires on the approach of Ajax. Being rebuked by Glaucus,
he returns, and a fierce contest is renewed over the body of Patroclus. The chariot of
Achilles is bravely defended by Automedon, but the Greeks at last begin to give way,
even Ajax being seized with consternation. Meriones and Menelaus, however, succeed in
carrying off the body of Patroclus, although the Greeks are completely routed.
Nor did Patroclus, subdued in fight by the Trojans, escape the notice of the son of Atreus,
Mars-beloved Menelaus; but he advanced through the foremost warriors, armed in glittering
brass. And round him he walked, like a dam around its calf, having brought forth for
the first time, moaning, not being before conscious of parturition: thus did yellow-haired
Menelaus walk around Patroclus. But before him he extended his spear, and his shield
on all sides equal, anxious to slay him, whoever indeed should come against him. Nor was the
son of Panthus, of the good ashen spear, neglectful of blameless Patroclus, fallen; but he stood
near him, and addressed warlike Menelaus: "O Menelaus! son of Atreus, Jove-nurtured
one, leader of the people, retire, and leave the body, and let alone the bloody spoils;
for not any of the illustrious Trojans or allies smote Patroclus with the spear in the
violent conflict before me. Wherefore permit me to bear away the great glory amongst the
Trojans, lest I should strike thee, and take away thy sweet life."
But him yellow-haired Menelaus, very indignant, addressed:
"Father Jove, certainly it is not fitting to boast inordinately. Not so great is the
might of a panther, nor a lion, nor of a destructive wild boar, whose most mighty courage rages
in his heart, violently in its strength, as much as the sons of Panthus, of the good ashen
spear, breathe forth. Nor did the might of horse-breaking Hyperenor enjoy his youth,
when he reproached me, and withstood me; and said that I was the most reproachful warrior
amongst the Greeks; nor did he, I think, returning upon his feet, gratify his dear wife and respected
parents. Thus certainly will I dissolve thy strength, if thou wilt stand against me. But
I advise thee, retiring, to go back into the crowd; nor do thou stand against me, before
thou suffer any harm: for it is a fool that perceives a thing when it is done."
Thus he spoke, but persuaded him not; but he answering, spoke:
"Now indeed, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, shalt thou make atonement for my brother, whom thou
hast slain, and [over whom] thou speakest boastingly; and thou hast widowed his wife
in the recess of her new bridal chamber, and caused accursed mourning and sorrow to his
parents. Certainly I should be some alleviation of woe to them wretched, if indeed, bearing
back thy head and armour, I should place them in the hands of Panthus and noble Phrontis.
Nor shall the labour of valour or flight be untried or invincible any longer."
So saying, he smote [him] upon the shield equal on all sides, nor did the brass break
through, for the point was bent in the stout shield: and Menelaus, the son of Atreus, next
made the attack with his brazen spear, having prayed to father Jove. He smote him upon the
lowest part of the gullet as he retired, and he himself forcibly impressed [the spear],
relying on his strong hand; and the point went quite through his soft neck. And falling,
he made a crash, and his armour rang upon him. And his locks, like unto the Graces,
were bedewed with blood, and his curls, which were bound with gold and silver. And as a
man rears a widely-blooming plant of olive, fair budding, in a solitary place, where water
is wont to spring up in abundance, and which the breezes of every wind agitate, and it
buds forth with a white flower; but a wind, suddenly coming on with a mighty blast, overturns
it from the furrow, and stretches it upon the earth: so the son of Panthus, Euphorbus,
skilled in [the use of] the ashen spear, Menelaus, son of Atreus, when he had slain [him], spoiled
of his armour. As when any mountain-nurtured lion, relying on his strength, has carried
off from the pasturing herd a heifer, which is the best; but first he breaks its neck,
seizing it in his strong teeth, and then tearing it in pieces, laps up the blood and all the
entrails; whilst around him dogs and herdsmen shout very frequently from a distance, nor
do they wish to go against him, for pale fear violently seizes them: thus the soul of no
one within his breast dared to advance against glorious Menelaus. Then indeed the son of
Atreus had easily borne off the celebrated arms of the son of Panthus, had not Phœbus
Apollo envied him, who immediately aroused Hector, equal to fleet Mars, against him,
assimilating himself to the hero Mentes, leader of the Cicones; and addressing him, he spoke
winged words: "Hector, now indeed thou art thus running,
pursuing things not to be overtaken, the steeds of warlike Achilles; they indeed are difficult
to be managed by mortal men, or to be driven by any other than Achilles, whom an immortal
mother bore. In the meanwhile Menelaus, the warlike son of Atreus, protecting Patroclus,
has slain the bravest of the Trojans, Euphorbus, the son of Panthus, and made him cease from
impetuous valour."
Thus having spoken, the god on his part again departed into the labour of the men; but heavy
grief oppressed Hector as to his dark soul. Then, indeed, he looked around through the
ranks, and immediately observed the one bearing away the famous armour, and the other lying
upon the ground; and the blood flowed through the inflicted wound. But he advanced through
the foremost warriors, armed in shining brass, shrilly shouting, like unto the inextinguishable
flame of Vulcan. Nor did he escape the notice of the son of Atreus, loudly exclaiming; but
he, deeply sighing, thus communed with his own great-hearted soul:
"Ah me! if I leave the beautiful armour and Patroclus, who lies here for the sake of my
honour, [I dread] lest some one of the Greeks, whoever perceives it, will be indignant; but
if, being alone, I fight with Hector and the Trojans, from shame, [I fear] lest many surround
me, [being] alone. But crest-tossing Hector is leading all the Trojans hither. But wherefore
has my soul been thus debating? Whenever a man desires, in opposition to a deity, to
fight with a hero whom a god honours, soon is a great destruction hurled upon him; wherefore
no one of the Greeks will blame me, who may perceive me retiring from Hector, since he
wars under the impulse of a god. But if I could hear Ajax, brave in the din of war,
both of us, again returning, would be mindful of battle even against a god, if by any means
we could draw off the body for the sake of Achilles, the son of Peleus: of evils, certainly
it would be the better."
While he was thus deliberating these things in his mind and soul, the ranks of the Trojans
were meanwhile advancing; and Hector led the way. But he retired back, and quitted the
corpse, turning round as a shaggy-bearded lion, which dogs and men drive from the stall
with spears and clamour; out his valiant heart within his breast is shaken, and he, unwilling,
departs from the fold: thus did yellow-haired Menelaus retire from Patroclus. And being
turned round, he stood, when he had reached the band of his companions, looking all around
for mighty Ajax, the son of Telamon; whom he very quickly perceived upon the left of
the whole battle, encouraging his companions, and urging them to fight: for Phœbus Apollo
had cast a heaven-sent panic amongst them. But he made haste to run, and, immediately
standing near, spoke: "Ajax, hither, friend, let us hasten in defence
of slain Patroclus, if we can bear his naked corse at least to Achilles; for his armour
crest-tossing Hector possesses." Thus he spoke, but he roused the courage of
warlike Ajax, and he advanced through the foremost warriors, and with him yellow-haired
Menelaus. Hector on his part, after he had despoiled him of his beautiful armour, was
dragging Patroclus, that he might sever the head from the shoulders with the sharp brass,
and, carrying off the body, might give it to the Trojan dogs, when Ajax came near, bearing
his shield, like a tower. Then Hector, retiring back, retreated into the throng of his companions,
and sprung up into his chariot; but he gave the handsome armour to the Trojans to carry
to the city, to be a great glory to him. But Ajax, with his broad shield covering around
the son of Menœtius, stood like a lion over her young; against which, when leading her
whelps, the huntsmen rush together in the wood; whilst he looks dreadful in his might,
and draws down all his eyebrows, concealing his eyes: so strode Ajax round the hero Patroclus.
On the other side stood the son of Atreus, warlike Menelaus, augmenting the great grief
in his ***. But Glaucus, the son of Hippolochus, leader
of the Lycian heroes, looking sternly at Hector, upbraided him with harsh language: "Hector,
most excellent as to appearance, certainly thou art greatly deficient in fighting; doubtless
good fame possesses thee without reason, since thou art a fugitive. Consider now, how alone
with the people [who are] born in Ilium, thou mayest preserve the state and city, for none
of the Lycians, at all events, will go to fight with the Greeks for thy city; since
indeed there is no gratitude for fighting ever incessantly with hostile men. How indeed,
inglorious one, hast thou preserved an inferior man in the throng, and suffered Sarpedon,
at once thy guest and companion, to become a prey and *** to the Greeks; who, when
alive, was a great advantage to thy city and thyself; but now thou didst not attempt to
drive away the dogs from him. Wherefore if any of the Lycian warriors will now obey me,
go home, and utter destruction will be manifest to Troy. For if now that confident, intrepid
strength, was in the Trojans, which enters heroes who in the defence of their country
undertake toil, and conflict with hostile men, immediately might we draw Patroclus into
Ilium. But if he, lifeless, should come to the great city of king Priam, and we had drawn
him away from the battle, quickly indeed would the Greeks ransom [to us] the beautiful armour
of Sarpedon, and we might bear himself also into Troy; for the attendant of that man is
slain, who is by far the bravest of the Greeks at the ships, and whose servants are close-fighting
warriors. But thou, forsooth, hast not dared to stand against magnanimous Ajax, beholding
his eyes in the battle of the enemy, nor to fight against him; for he is more brave than
thou."
But him sternly regarding, crest-tossing Hector addressed: "O Glaucus, why hast thou, being
such as thou art, spoken haughtily? I' faith, friend, I thought that thou didst excel in
judgment the others, as many as inhabit fertile Lycia; but now I altogether blame thy understanding,
since thou hast thus spoken, thou who sayest that I do not withstand mighty Ajax. Neither
have I dreaded the battle, nor the tumult of steeds; but the counsel of ægis-bearing
Jove is ever superior, who puts even the valiant man to flight, and easily takes away the victory;
but at another time he himself impels him to fight. But come hither, my friend, stand
by me, and behold my conduct. Truly I shall always be a coward, as thou sayest, or I will
restrain even some of the Greeks, although very eager, from keeping defence over dead
Patroclus." Thus saying, he cheered on the Trojans, loudly
shouting, "Ye Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends, and be mindful
of impetuous valour, whilst I put on the armour of illustrious Achilles, beautiful, of which
I despoiled mighty Patroclus, having slain him."
Thus having spoken, crest-tossing Hector departed from the glowing battle, and, running very
quickly, overtook his companions, not far off, following with swift feet those who were
bearing towards the city the renowned arms of Achilles. Then standing apart from the
mournful battle, he changed his armour. His own indeed he gave to the warlike Trojans
to bear to sacred Ilium; but he put on the immortal arms of Achilles, the son of Peleus,
which the heavenly gods had bestowed on his dear father; but he indeed, growing old, presented
them to his son; but the son grew not old in the armour of his father.
But when cloud-compelling Jove beheld him apart, accoutred in the armour of divine Pelides,
then shaking his head, he said to his own soul:
"Ah! luckless one; nor is death at all in thy thoughts, which is now near thee; but
thou puttest on the immortal armour of the bravest hero, at whom others also tremble;
and thou hast slain his companion, both gentle and brave, and thou hast taken the armour
from his head and shoulders not according to propriety. But now will I give into thy
hands a great victory, a compensation for this, that Andromache shall never receive
from thee, having returned from the battle, the illustrious arms of the son of Peleus."
The son of Saturn spoke, and moreover nodded with his sable brows. But the armour fitted
the person of Hector, and Mars, the dreadful warrior, entered him. And his limbs were inwardly
filled with might and strength, and he went after the illustrious allies, exclaiming aloud;
and glittering in his armour, to all of them he presented the appearance of the magnanimous
son of Peleus. But going among them, he animated each with his words,—Mesthles, Glaucus,
Medon, and Thersilochus, Asteropæus, Disenor, and Hippothoüs, Phorcys, Chromius, and Ennomus
the augur. Exhorting these, he spoke winged words:
"Hear, ye countless troops of allies dwelling around, for I did not assemble you here, each
from his own city, seeking or wanting a crowd, but that ye might willingly defend for me
the wives and infant children of the Trojans from the warlike Greeks. Thinking these things,
I wear away my people by gifts and provisions [to you], and I satisfy the desire of each
of you. Wherefore now let some one, being turned round straight, either perish or be
saved; for these are the chances of war. Nevertheless, whoever will drag Patroclus, although dead,
to the horse-breaking Trojans, and to whom Ajax shall yield, [to him] will I present
one-half of the spoils, but I myself will keep the other half; and glory shall be to
him as much as to me." Thus he spoke; but they, lifting up their
spears, advanced with condensed might direct against the Greeks; and their mind eagerly
hoped to draw away the dead body from Telamonian Ajax:—fools! truly over it he took away
the life from many. And then Ajax addressed Menelaus, good in the din of war:
"O my friend, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, no longer do I expect that even we ourselves
will return from battle. Nor do I fear so much about the dead body of Patroclus, which
will quickly satiate the dogs and birds of the Trojans, as much as I fear for my own
head, lest it suffer anything, and for thine, for Hector, that cloud of war, overshadows
all things; whilst to us, on the other hand, utter destruction appears. But come, call
the bravest of the Greeks, if any one will hear."
Thus he spoke; nor did Menelaus, good in the din of war, disobey; but he shouted, crying
with a loud voice to the Greeks: "O friends, leaders and chieftains of the
Greeks, ye who with Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, and Menelaus, drink the public wine,
and command each his forces; but honour and glory follows from Jove. Difficult would it
be for me to look to each of the leaders, for so great a strife of battle burns. But
let some one advance, and let him be indignant in his mind, that Patroclus should become
a sport to Trojan dogs."
Thus he spoke; but quickly the swift Oïlean Ajax heard, and first advanced opposite, running
through the battle; after him Idomeneus, and Meriones, the armour-bearer of Idomeneus,
equal to man-slaughtering Mars. But who in his mind could recount the names of the others
as many as afterwards aroused the battle of the Greeks? But the Trojans, in close array,
first made the onset, and Hector led them on.
But as when, at the mouths of a river flowing from Jove, the great wave roars against the
stream, while around the lofty shores resound, the wave being ejected [upon the beach], with
so loud a clamour did the Trojans advance: but the Greeks stood round the son of Menœtius,
having one spirit, protected by their brazen shields; whilst over their shining helmets
the son of Saturn poured a thick haze; for he did not formerly hate the son of Menœtius
when, being alive, he was the attendant of Achilles, therefore he was loth that he should
become a prey to the Trojan dogs of the enemy; and so he excited his companions to defend
him. The Trojans, however, first dislodged the dark-eyed Greeks, and they, leaving the
dead body, retreated; nor did the magnanimous Trojans slay any of them with their spears,
although desirous, but drew off the body. But the Greeks were about to be absent from
him a very short while, for very quickly did Ajax rally them, who, next to the renowned
son of Peleus, excelled the other Greeks in beauty and in deeds. And he broke through
the front ranks, resembling a wild boar in strength, which amongst the mountains easily
disperses the dogs and blooming youths through the woods, turning to bay; so the son of illustrious
Telamon, noble Ajax, having made the attack, easily routed the phalanxes of the Trojans
who had surrounded Patroclus, and mostly expected to drag him to their city, and bear away glory.
Meanwhile Hippothous, the illustrious son of Pelasgian Lethus, was dragging him by the
foot through the violent conflict, having bound him with a strap at the ancle round
the tendons, gratifying Hector and the Trojans. But soon came evil upon him, which no one,
even of those desiring it, averted from him. Him the son of Telamon, rushing through the
crowd, smote in close fight through the brazen-cheeked helmet. The horse-haired helmet was cleft
by the point of the weapon, stricken by the great spear and strong hand; and the brain,
bloody, gushed out of the wound at the cone of the helmet; and his strength was there
relaxed. Then he let fall from his hands the foot of magnanimous Patroclus, to lie upon
the earth, and near him he himself fell, prone upon the dead body, far away from fertile
Larissa: nor did he repay the debt of nourishment to his beloved parents, for his life was short,
subdued by the spear of magnanimous Ajax. But Hector again aimed at Ajax with his shining
spear; he, however, seeing it opposite, avoided the brazen spear by a little; but he struck
Schedius, the magnanimous son of Iphitus, by far the bravest of the Phoceans, who inhabited
dwellings in renowned Panopëus, ruling over many men. Him he smote under the middle of
the clavicle, and the brazen point of the weapon went quite through, near the extremity
of the shoulder. Falling, he made a crash, and his arms rang upon him. Then Ajax again
smote warlike Phorcys, the son of Phænops, in the middle of the belly, while defending
Hippothous. And he broke the cavity of the corslet, and the brazen weapon drank his entrails
through; and falling in the dust, he seized the earth with the palm of his hand. The foremost
warriors and illustrious Hector retreated; but the Greeks shouted loudly, and drew off
the bodies, both Phorcys and Hippothous, and they loosed the armour from their shoulders.
Then again would the Trojans, [routed] by the warlike Greeks, have gone up to Ilium,
subdued through cowardice; but the Argives on their part, by their valour and might,
would have obtained glory, even contrary to the destined will of Jove, had not Apollo
himself excited Æneas, in body like unto Periphas the herald, son of Epytis, who knowing
prudent counsels in his mind, had grown old, as a herald, with his aged sire. Assimilating
himself to him, Apollo, the son of Jove, addressed him:
"O Æneas, how could ye preserve lofty Ilium against the deity, since I behold these other
men relying on their bravery, and might, and valour, and their number, and possessing a
dauntless host? Yet Jove wills the victory to us, rather than to the Danai; yet ye greatly
tremble, nor fight." Thus he spoke; but Æneas, seeing him before
him, recognized far-darting Apollo; and loudly shouting, addressed Hector:
"O Hector, and ye other leaders of the Trojans and allies, this now indeed is a shame, that
we, subdued by cowardice, should go up to Ilium, [driven] by the warlike Achæans. For
already even now some one of the gods, having stood near to me, declared that Jove, the
highest counsellor, is an ally of the battle [to us]. Wherefore let us go direct against
the Greeks, nor let them quietly move the dead Patroclus to the ships."
Thus he spoke, and then springing forth, stood far before the front ranks. But they rallied,
and stood opposed to the Greeks. Then Æneas wounded with his spear Leocritus, son of Arisbas,
the brave companion of Lycomedes. Him falling, warlike Lycomedes pitied, and advancing very
near, he stood, and hurled with his shining spear, and struck Apisaon, the son of Hippasis,
shepherd of the people, in the liver, beneath the diaphragm, and immediately relaxed his
limbs. He had come from fertile Pæonia, and next to Asteropæus, was the bravest to fight.
Warlike Asteropæus pitied him-fallen, and he rushed forward, willing to fight with the
Greeks. But not yet could he [do so], for [those] standing around Patroclus were fenced
in on every side with shields, and held their spears before them; for Ajax went eagerly
among all, greatly cheering them on. He suffered not any one either to retire from the body,
nor any of the Greeks to fight in front, excelling the others, but vigorously to stalk around
for defence, and to combat in close fight. Thus did mighty Ajax command; but the earth
was moistened with purple gore, whilst upon each other fell the dead bodies of the Trojans
and courageous allies, and of the Greeks; for neither did they fight bloodlessly, although
far fewer perished, because they were ever mindful throughout the tumult to repel severe
labour from each other. Thus indeed they fought, like a fire; nor
would you say that the Sun was safe, or the Moon, for they were wrapt in dark haze in
the combat, as many of the bravest as stood around the dead son of Menœtius. The other
Trojans and well-armed Greeks, however, fought at ease beneath the atmosphere; the piercing
splendour of the sun was expanded over them, and a cloud did not appear over all the earth,
nor the mountains. Resting at intervals, they fought, avoiding the cruel weapons of each
other, standing far asunder; whilst those in the middle suffered hardships from darkness
and from war, and were afflicted by the ruthless brass, as many as were most brave. But two
heroes, illustrious men, Thrasymedes and Antilochus, had not yet heard that blameless Patroclus
was dead; but thought that, still alive, he was fighting with the Trojans in the foremost
tumult. But these, watching the slaughter and flight of their companions, fought apart,
since Nestor had so ordered, urging [them] on to battle from the black ships. But to
these all day a mighty contest of severe strife arose, and ever incessantly the knees, the
legs, and the feet of each under him, the hands and the eyes of those fighting around
the brave companion of swift-footed Æacides, were defiled with fatigue and perspiration.
And as when a man gives the hide of a huge ox, saturated with grease, to his people to
stretch, but they, having received, stretch it, standing apart from each other in a circle,
and straightway the moisture exudes, and the oily matter enters, many pulling it, till
it is stretched in every direction; so they, on both sides, dragged the body here and there
in a small space; for the mind of the Trojans, on the one hand, eagerly hoped to draw him
to Ilium, but of the Greeks, on the other, to the hollow ships. Around him arose a fierce
tumult; nor could Mars, the exciter of troops, nor Minerva, having beheld it, have found
fault, not even if wrath had particularly come upon her; such an evil labour of men
and horses did Jove extend over Patroclus on that day. Nor as yet did noble Achilles
at all know that Patroclus was dead, because they fought far from the swift ships, beneath
the wall of the Trojans. He never thought in his mind that he was dead; but that alive,
having approached the gates, he would return back, since he did not at all suppose that
he could sack the city without him, for he had often heard this from his mother, hearing
it apart, who used to tell him the design of mighty Jove. Yet his mother had not then
told him so great an evil as had happened, that the companion by far most dear to him
had perished.
But they, ever around the dead body, holding their sharp spears, charged incessantly, and
slaughtered one another, and thus would some of the brazen-mailed Greeks say:
"O friends, surely it will not be honourable for us to retreat to the hollow ships; but
[rather] let the black earth here gape for all. This indeed would at once be better for
us, than that we should permit the horse-breaking Trojans to drag him to their city, and obtain
glory." And thus also would some one of the magnanimous
Trojans say: "O friends, although it be our destiny that
all be equally subdued beside this man, never let any one retire from the battle."
Thus, then, some one said, and aroused the spirit of each. Thus indeed were they fighting;
and the iron clangour reached the brazen heaven through the unfruitful air. But the horses
of Æacides being apart from the combat, wept, when first they perceived that their charioteer
had fallen in the dust, beneath man-slaughtering Hector. Automedon, indeed, the brave son of
Diores, frequently urged them on, beating them with the sharp lash, and frequently addressed
them in mild terms and in threats; but they chose neither to go back to the ships towards
the wide Hellespont nor into the battle among the Greeks; but, as a pillar remains firm,
which stands at the tomb of a dead man or woman, so they remained detaining the splendid
chariot motionless, and drooping their heads to the earth. But warm tears flowed from their
eyelids to the earth, complaining from desire of their charioteer; and their thick mane
was defiled, flowing down on both sides from the collar at the yoke. But the son of Saturn
beholding them lamenting, felt compassion, and shaking his head, communed with his own
mind: "Ah! luckless pair, why did we give you to
king Peleus, a mortal; for ye are free from old age, and immortal? Was it that ye might
endure griefs with unhappy men? For there is not anything at all more wretched than
man, of all, as many as breathe and move over the earth. But Hector, the son of Priam, shall
not be borne by you, even in the curiously-wrought chariot, for I will not permit it. Is it not
enough that he both possesses those arms, and vainly boasts? But into your knees and
spirit will I cast vigour, that ye may safely bear Automedon from the battle to the hollow
ships; for still will I give glory to them (the Trojans), to slay, until they reach the
well-benched ships, till the sun set, and sacred darkness come on."
So saying, he breathed strong vigour into the steeds; and they, shaking the dust from
their manes to the ground, quickly bore the rapid car amongst the Trojans and Greeks.
And against them fought Automedon, though grieved for his companion, rushing along in
his chariot like a vulture among the geese. For he fled easily from the tumult of the
Trojans, and easily did he rush on, pursuing through the dense throng. Yet did he not slay
the men when he pressed onward to pursue; for it was by no means possible for him, being
alone in the sacred car, to assault with the spear and to rein in the fleet steeds. At
length, however, a companion, the hero Alcimedon, son of Laërceus, the son of Æmon, beheld
him with his eyes, and stood behind his chariot, and addressed Automedon:
"Which of the gods, O Automedon, has placed a foolish counsel in thy ***, and taken
from thee sound judgment; inasmuch as alone thou fightest in the foremost ranks with the
Trojans? Thy companion indeed is slain; and Hector himself vaunts, having upon his shoulders
the armour of Æacides." Him then Automedon, the son of Diores, addressed:
"Alcimedon, what other of the Greeks, then, is like thee, to subdue and restrain the spirit
of immortal steeds, unless Patroclus, whilst alive, a counsellor equal to the gods? Now,
however, death and fate possess him. Nevertheless, do thou take the lash and beautiful reins;
but I will descend from the chariot, that I may fight."
Thus he spoke, but Alcimedon, ascending the chariot, swift in war, instantly took in his
hands the lash and reins, whilst Automedon leaped down; but illustrious Hector perceived
this, and immediately addressed Æneas, being near:
"Æneas, counsellor of the brazen-mailed Trojans, I have observed these two steeds of Achilles
proceeding through the battle with unskilful charioteers. I therefore may hope to capture
them, if thou, at least, desire it in thy mind; for standing opposite, they will not
dare to withstand us, rushing on to fight in battle."
Thus he spoke; nor did the brave son of Anchises disobey. Both advanced direct, covered as
to their shoulders with bulls' hides, dry, thick; and upon them much brass was plated.
But along with them went both Chromius and god-like Aretus: and their mind greatly hoped
to slay them, and to drive away the long-necked steeds. Foolish, for they were not destined
to return back bloodlessly from Automedon, for he, having prayed to father Jove, was
filled with fortitude and valour, as to his dark mind, and immediately addressed Alcimedon,
his faithful comrade:
"O Alcimedon, do not now detain the steeds far from me; but [keep them] breathing closely
at my back; for I do not think that Hector, the son of Priam, will abstain from violence,
before that he has mounted the beautiful-maned horses of Achilles, having slain both of us,
and put to rout the ranks of Grecian heroes; or himself be slain among the first."
Thus saying, he called upon the Ajaces, and Menelaus: "Ye Ajaces, leaders of the Greeks,
and Menelaus, leave then the dead body to those, as many as are bravest, to defend it
on all sides, and to repulse the ranks of men; but from us who are alive avert the merciless
day. For hither violently rush through the lamentable fight Hector and Æneas, who are
the best of the Trojans. But all these things rest upon the knees of the gods; for I also
will hurl, and all these things will be a care to Jove."
He said; and, brandishing, hurled his long-shadowed spear, and struck upon the shield of Aretus,
equal on all sides; it however did not repel the spear, but the brass went entirely through,
and passed through the belt into the bottom of his belly. And as when a man in youthful
vigour, holding a sharp axe, cuts through the whole tendon, striking behind the horns
of a wild bull; but it, leaping forward, falls; so he, springing forward, fell supine; and
the sharp spear, quivering in his entrails, relaxed his limbs. Then Hector took aim at
Automedon with his shining spear, but he, seeing it in front of him, avoided the brazen
weapon; for he bent forward. But the long spear was fixed in the ground behind him;
and moreover the nether end of the spear was shaken; but there then the strong weapon spent
its force. Then truly they would have engaged hand to hand with their swords, had not the
eager Ajaces, who came through the crowd, at the call of their companion, separated
them. But Hector, Æneas, and godlike Chromius, greatly dreading them, retired back again,
and left Aretus lying there, lacerated as to his heart; but him Automedon, equal to
swift Mars, despoiled of his armour, and, boasting, uttered this speech:
"Surely now I have a little relieved my heart of sorrow for the dead son of Menœtius, although
having slain but an inferior man." Thus having spoken, seizing the gore-stained
spoils, he placed them in the chariot, and mounted himself, bloody as to his feet and
hands above, like some lion which has fed upon a bull. Again over Patroclus was the
direful battle extended, grievous, lamentable; and Minerva excited the contention, descending
from heaven; for far-sounding Jove sent her forth to encourage the Greeks, as his intention
was now changed. As Jove extends a purple rainbow from heaven to mortals, to be a signal
either of war, or of a chilling storm, which causes men to cease from their works upon
the earth, and afflicts the cattle; so she, having obscured herself in a purple cloud,
entered the army of the Greeks, and aroused every man. First, however, she addressed the
son of Atreus, gallant Menelaus, inciting him, for he was near her, assimilating herself,
in her form and unwearied voice, to Phœnix: "Thine, of a truth, will shame and disgrace
now be, O Menelaus, if the swift dogs tear the faithful companion of illustrious Achilles
beneath the wall of the Trojans; therefore bravely hold on, and urge on all the people."
Whom, in return, Menelaus, good in the din of war, addressed: "Phœnix, father, old man
long since born, would that Minerva would give me strength, and ward off the force of
the weapons. Then indeed would I be willing to stand by and defend Patroclus; for dying,
he greatly affected my mind with grief. But Hector has the dreadful force of fire, nor
does he cease slaying with his spear; for to him Jove affords glory."
Thus he spoke; but the azure-eyed goddess Minerva rejoiced, because to her he had prayed
first of all the gods. But in his shoulders and knees she put strength, and placed in
his *** the boldness of a fly, which, although frequently driven away from a human body,
persists in biting,—and the blood of man is sweet to it. With such confidence she filled
his dark soul: and he advanced towards Patroclus, and took aim with his splendid spear. Now
there was among the Trojans one Podes, the son of Eëtion, rich and brave; whom of his
people Hector chiefly honoured, for he was his dear companion in the banquet. Him yellow-haired
Menelaus smote upon the belt while hastening to flight, and drove the brazen weapon quite
through. He, falling, gave a crash, and Menelaus, the son of Atreus, dragged away the body from
the Trojans to the crowd of his companions. But Apollo, standing near, excited Hector
in the likeness of Phœnops, son of Asias, who, inhabiting dwellings at Abydos, was most
dear to him of all his guests. Assimilating himself to him, far-darting Apollo spoke:
"Hector, what other of the Greeks will any more fear thee, since now thou dreadest Menelaus,
who indeed before was but an effeminate warrior, but now departs done, bearing off the dead
corse from the Trojans? He has slain, in the front ranks, Podes, the son of Eëtion, thy
comrade, faithful and brave." Thus he spoke; but him a dark cloud of grief
overshadowed, and he went through the front ranks, armed in glittering brass. And then
the son of Saturn took his ægis, fringed and splendid, and covered Ida with clouds;
but having flashed his lightning, he thundered very loudly, and shook it (the mountain);
and (he) gave victory to the Trojans, but put the Greeks to flight.
Peneleus, the Bœotian, first was leader of the flight; for he was wounded slightly on
the tip of the shoulder with a spear, being always turned frontwards; but the spear of
Polydamas grazed even to the bone, for he, coming close, had wounded him. Next Hector
wounded Leïtus, son of magnanimous Alectryon, on the hand at the wrist, and caused him to
cease from battle. Then looking around him, he trembled, since he no longer hoped in his
mind [to be able] to fight with the Trojans, holding his spear in his hand. But Idomeneus
had struck, on the corslet, upon the breast near the pap, Hector rushing after Leïtus:
the long spear, however, was broken at the socket; and the Trojans shouted. But he [Hector]
discharged his javelin at Idomeneus, the son of Deucalion, as he was standing in his car:
him he missed by a little, but struck Coeranus, the attendant and charioteer of Meriones,
who had followed him from well-situated Lyctus. For at first on foot, having left his equally-plied
ships, he came, and would have secured a decided victory to the Trojans, had not Coeranus quickly
driven on his swift-footed steeds: to him then he (Coeranus) came as a help, and warded
off the merciless day; but he himself lost his life beneath man-slaughtering Hector.
Him he smote beneath the jaw-bone and ear, and the extremity of the spear forced out
his teeth and cut through the middle of his tongue. He fell from his chariot, and the
reins dropped to the ground; and Meriones, stooping, lifted them from the plain in his
own hands, and addressed Idomeneus: "Lash on, now, until thou reach the swift
ships; for even thou thyself perceivest that victory is no longer on the side of the Achæans."
Thus he spake; and Idomeneus lashed on the beautiful-maned steeds to the hollow ships;
for fear now seized his mind. Nor did Jove escape notice of magnanimous
Ajax and Menelaus, when he for the present gave the dubious victory to the Trojans; but
to them the mighty Ajax, son of Telamon, began to speak:
"Alas! even he who is very stupid might now know that father Jove himself is aiding the
Trojans; for the weapons of them all take effect, whoever may throw them, whether coward
or brave man. Jove certainly directs them all. But the weapons of all of us fall to
the earth in vain. Come, however, let us devise the best plan, both how we may drag off the
corse, and how we ourselves may be a source of joy to our beloved comrades, having returned
home. They, of a truth, beholding us here, are grieved, and think that we shall no longer
resist the might and invincible hands of man-slaughtering Hector. But, would there were some companion
who would quickly bring word to Achilles, since I think he has not yet heard the mournful
tidings, that his dear comrade has died. But nowhere can I see such a person among the
Greeks, for they and their steeds are together enveloped in darkness. O father Jove, liberate
at least the sons of the Greeks from darkness; make a clear atmosphere, and grant us to see
with our eyes; then destroy us in the light, if thus it be pleasing to thee."
Thus he spoke; but the Sire felt compassion for him weeping, and immediately dissipated
the haze, and removed the cloud. And the sun shone forth, and the whole battle was displayed,
and then Ajax addressed Menelaus, good in the din of war:
"Look around now, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, if anywhere thou canst perceive, yet alive,
Antilochus, the son of magnanimous Nestor. Urge him, going speedily, to tell to warlike
Achilles, that the comrade, by far most dear to him, has perished."
Thus he spoke; nor did Menelaus, good in the din of war, disobey. But he hastened to go,
like some lion from a fold, which after that he is fatigued, harassing both dogs and men,
who watching all night, suffer him not to carry off the fat of the oxen; but he, desirous
of flesh, rushes on, but nothing profits; for many javelins fly against him from daring
hands, and blazing torches, which, eager as he is, he dreads; but early in the morning
he goes apart with saddened mind. So, most unwilling, from Patroclus went Menelaus, brave
in the din of war; because he greatly feared lest the Greeks, through grievous terror,
should leave him a prey to the enemy. And much, therefore, he exhorted Meriones and
the Ajaces: "Ye Ajaces, leaders of the Greeks, and Meriones,
now let each one be mindful of the gentleness of wretched Patroclus; for when alive, he
knew how to be mild to all; but now, indeed, Death and Fate overtake him."
Thus then having spoken, yellow-haired Menelaus departed, gazing round in all directions,
like an eagle, which, they say, sees most acutely of birds beneath the sky, and which,
though being aloft, the swift-footed hare does not escape, when lying beneath the dense-foliaged
thicket; but he pounces upon it, and quickly seizing it, deprives it of life. Thus, O Jove-nurtured
Menelaus, were thy shining eyes turned round in all directions through the band of thy
numerous companions, if anywhere thou mightst behold the son of Nestor, yet living. But
him he very soon perceived upon the left of all the battle, encouraging his companions,
and inciting them to fight; and standing near, yellow-haired Menelaus addressed [him]:
"Ho! hither come, Antilochus, Jove-nurtured, that thou mayest hear the sad message which—would
that it had not happened. I think, indeed, that thou thyself looking, perceivest that
a god rolls disaster upon the Greeks, but that victory is on the side of the Trojans;
for Patroclus, the bravest of the Greeks, is slain; and a great longing [after him]
has befallen the Greeks. But do thou quickly tell it to Achilles, running to the ships
of the Greeks, if perchance quickly he may bring in safety to his ships the unarmed body;
for crest-tossing Hector possesses the armour." Thus he spoke; but Antilochus shuddered, hearing
the news; and long did a want of words possess him; and his eyes were filled with tears,
and his liquid voice was interrupted. Yet not even thus did he neglect the command of
Menelaus; but he hastened to run, and gave his armour to Laodocus, his blameless companion,
who, near him, managed the solid-hoofed steeds. Him, however, his feet bore, weeping, from
the battle, about to communicate the evil news to Achilles, son of Peleus.
Nor, O Jove-nurtured Menelaus, was thy mind willing to aid the harassed comrades, in the
place whence Antilochus had departed, and great longing after him was caused to the
Pylians; but to them he sent noble Thrasymedes, and he himself went again towards the hero
Patroclus; but arriving, he stood beside the Ajaces, and immediately addressed them:
"Him, indeed, I have now despatched to the swift ships, to go to swift-footed Achilles:
yet I do not think that he will come, although greatly enraged with noble Hector; for being
unarmed, he could by no means fight with the Trojans. Let even us then ourselves deliberate
upon the best plan, as well how we shall draw off the body, as also how we ourselves may
escape Death and Fate from the clamour of the Trojans."
But him mighty Telamonian Ajax then answered: "All things correctly hast thou spoken, O
illustrious Menelaus. But do thou, and Meriones, stooping quickly under it, having lifted it
up, bear the body from the fight; whilst we two of like name, possessing equal courage,
will fight with the Trojans and with noble Hector, we who even formerly have sustained
the sharp conflict, remaining by each other." Thus he spoke; but they with great exertion
lifted up the body in their arms from the ground: but the Trojan army shouted in their
rear when they saw the Greeks raising up the dead body, and rushed on like dogs, which
spring upon a wounded boar, before the youthful hunters. One while indeed they run, eager
to tear him asunder, but again, when he turns upon them, relying on his strength, then they
retreat, and fly in different directions hither and thither: so the Trojans sometimes steadily
pursued in a body, striking with their swords and two-edged spears; but when again the Ajaces,
turning round upon them, stood, then was their colour changed, nor dared any one, rushing
forward, to combat for the corpse. Thus they with alacrity bore the body from
the fight towards the hollow ships; but the fierce battle was extended to them like a
flame, which assailing, [and] being suddenly excited, sets fire to a city of men, and the
houses diminish in the mighty blaze; whilst the force of the wind roars through it: so
a horrid tumult of steeds and warlike heroes followed them departing. But as mules, exerting
vast strength, drag from a mountain along a rugged path either a beam or a large piece
of timber for ship-building, but the spirit within them, as they hasten, is wearied equally
with fatigue and perspiration; so they with alacrity bore away the body, whilst the Ajaces
behind them checked [the enemy]; as a barrier of wood, stretched straight across a plain,
restrains water; which checks the furious courses even of rapid rivers, and immediately
turning them, directs the streams of all into the plain; nor can they at all burst through
it, though flowing with violence. So the Ajaces in the rear always repulsed the attack of
the Trojans, who, however, followed along with them; but two amongst them in particular,
Æneas, son of Anchises, and illustrious Hector. And as a cloud of starlings or jackdaws, shrilly
chattering, flies away when they perceive a hawk advancing, which brings death to small
birds; so then from Æneas and Hector departed the sons of the Greeks, loudly clamouring,
and were forgetful of the fight. And much beautiful armour of the flying Greeks fell
both in and about the trench; but there was no cessation from the battle.
BOOK THE EIGHTEENTH. ARGUMENT.
Thetis comforts her son for the death of Patroclus, and promises to procure him new armour from
Vulcan. At the command of Juno, Achilles comes forth and strikes terror into the enemy. The
body of Patroclus is rescued, and prepared for funeral rites, and Vulcan forges a suit
of armour and a splendid shield for Achilles. Thus they, then, were fighting, like a blazing
fire; but swift-footed Antilochus came as a messenger to Achilles. Him he found in front
of his lofty-prowed ships, revolving in his mind those things which had already been accomplished;
and then groaning, he communed with his own mind:
"Ah me! why are the long-haired Achæans driven back in confusion to the ships, routed through
the plain? [I fear] lest the gods have accomplished evil sorrows to my soul, as my mother once
informed me, and told me that the bravest of the Myrmidons, I being yet alive, would
leave the light of the sun, by the hands of the Trojans. Too surely now the valiant son
of Menœtius is dead,—obstinate one! certainly I desired him, having repelled the hostile
fire, to return to the ships, nor to fight bravely with Hector."
Whilst he was revolving these things in his mind and in his soul, in the meantime the
son of illustrious Nestor drew near, shedding warm tears, and delivered his sad message:
"Alas! O son of warlike Peleus, surely thou wilt hear a very grievous message, which—would
that it had not taken place. Patroclus lies low; and around his unarmed corse they are
now fighting, whilst crest-tossing Hector possesses his armour."
Thus he spoke; but him a black cloud of grief overshadowed, and taking the burnt ashes with
both hands, he poured them on his head, and denied his comely countenance; but the dark
ashes everywhere adhered to his rich tunic. But he, mighty, lay extended at great length
in the dust, and tearing, he disordered his hair with his hands. The handmaids, whom Achilles
and Patroclus had taken, grieved in their souls, shrieked aloud, and ran out of the
door round warlike Achilles; and all smote their *** with their hands, and the limbs
of each were relaxed. Antilochus, on the other side, lamented, shedding tears, holding the
hands of Achilles; (and he kept groaning within his generous heart,) for he feared lest he
should cut his throat with his sword. Then he moaned dreadfully, and his venerable mother
heard him, sitting in the depths of the sea, beside her aged father, and immediately lamented:
and all the goddesses assembled around her, as many Nereïdes as were at the bottom of
the sea. There were Glauce, Thaleia, and Cymodoce, Nesæa, Spio, Thoa, and large-eyed Halia,
Cymothoë, Actæa, and Limnorea, Melita, Iæra, Amphithoë, and Agave, Doto, Proto, Pherusa,
and Dynamene, Dexamene, Amphinome, and Callianira, Doris, Panope, and distinguished Galatea,
Nemertes, Apseudes, and Callianassa. There were also Clymene, Ianira, and Ianassa, Mæra,
Orithya, and fair-haired Amathea, and other Nereïdes which were in the depths of the
sea. But the resplendent cave was full of them, and all at once they beat their ***;
but Thetis began the lamentation:
"Hear, sister Nereïdes, that hearing ye may all well know what griefs are in my mind.
Woe is me wretched! woe is me who have in an evil hour brought forth the bravest [of
men], I who, after having borne a son, blameless and valiant, the chief of heroes, and he grew
up like a young tree: having reared him like a sapling in a fruitful spot of a field, I
afterwards sent him forth in the curved ships to Ilium, to fight against the Trojans; but
I shall not receive him again, having returned home to the palace of Peleus. But whilst he
lives and beholds the light of the sun, he grieves, nor can I, going to him, avail him
aught. Yet will I go, that I may see my beloved son, and hear what grief comes upon him remaining
away from the battle." Thus having spoken, she left the cave; but
they all went along with her, weeping, and the wave of the ocean was cleft around for
them. But when they reached fertile Troy, they in order ascended the shore, where the
fleet ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up round swift Achilles. Then his venerable mother,
shrilly wailing, stood near to him deeply lamenting, and took the head of her son, and,
mourning, addressed to him winged words:
"O son, why weepest thou, and what sorrow has come upon thy mind? Speak out, nor conceal
it. Those things indeed are fulfilled for thee from Jove, as thou didst formerly pray,
lifting up thy hands—that all the sons of the Greeks, wanting thee, should, be collected
at the ships, and suffer disgraceful deeds." But her swift-footed Achilles addressed, deeply
groaning: "Mother mine, these things indeed the Olympian
king hath accomplished for me; but what pleasure is there in them to me, since Patroclus, my
dear companion, is dead, whom I honoured beyond all my companions, equally with my own head?
Him have I lost; and Hector, having slain him, has stripped off his mighty armour, a
wonder to be seen, beautiful; which the other gods gave to Peleus, splendid gifts, on that
day when they laid thee in the bed of a mortal man. Would that thou hadst dwelt there among
the immortal marine inhabitants, and that Peleus had wedded a mortal spouse. But now
[thou hast been wedded, to the end] that immeasurable grief may be upon thy mind for thy son slain,
whom thou shalt not again receive, having returned home. Since even my mind urges me
not to live nor have intercourse with men, unless Hector first lose his life, smitten
by my spear, and pay the penalty for the slaughter of Patroclus, the son of Menœtius."
But him Thetis in turn addressed, pouring forth tears: "Short-lived thou wilt be, O
my son, as thou sayest, for fate is ready for thee immediately after Hector." Then,
heavily sighing, swift-footed Achilles addressed her: "May I die then immediately, since it
was not destined that I should aid my companion now slain; but he indeed hath perished far
away from his native land, and longed for me to be an averter of his doom. But now—since
I shall not return to my dear father-land, nor have been a preservation to Patroclus,
or to my other companions, who have been subdued in great numbers by noble Hector; but sit
beside the ships, an useless weight on the earth, being such as is none of the brazen-mailed
Achæans in war, though in council there are others superior; would that therefore contention
might be extinguished from gods and men; and anger, which is wont to impel even the very
wisest to be harsh; and which, much sweeter than distilling honey, like smoke, rises in
the *** of men; so now did Agamemnon, king of men, enrage me: but although greatly
grieved, let us leave these things to pass by as done, subduing, from necessity, our
own spirit within our bosoms: but now will I go, that I may find Hector, the destroyer
of my dear friend, and I will accept death whensoever Jove and the other immortal gods
shall please to accomplish it. For not even the might of Hercules escaped death, who was
very dear to king Jove, the son of Saturn; but fate subdued him, and the grievous wrath
of Juno. So also shall I lie, when I am dead, if a similar fate be destined for me; but
now may I bear away illustrious glory, and compel some one of the Trojan women and deep-robed
Dardanians to sigh frequently, wiping away the tears from her tender cheeks with both
hands; and may they know that I have long ceased from battle. Wherefore do not hinder
me from the combat, although loving me, for thou wilt not persuade me."
Him then the silver-footed goddess Thetis answered: "Certainly this is true, O son,
nor is it an evil thing to avert utter destruction from our friends when afflicted. But thy beautiful
arms, brazen and shining, are detained among the Trojans, which crest-tossing Hector himself,
having on his shoulders, boasts of: yet I suspect that he will not long glory in them,
for death is near to him. But do thou by no means enter the slaughter of Mars before thou
beholdest me with thine eyes coming hither. For at dawn I will return with the rising
sun, bearing beautiful armour from king Vulcan." Thus having spoken, she turned round from
her son, and being turned, addressed her marine sisters: "Enter ye now the broad *** of
the deep, about to behold the marine old man, and the mansions of my sire, and tell him
all things; but I go to lofty Olympus, to Vulcan, the skilful artist, to try if he is
willing to give my son illustrious, glittering armour."
Thus she spoke, but they immediately sank beneath the wave of the sea. But Thetis, the
silver-footed goddess, again departed to Olympus, that she might bear the illustrious armour
to her beloved son. Her, on the one hand, her feet bore towards Olympus: but the Greeks,
flying with a heaven-sent uproar from man-slaughtering Hector, reached the ships and the Hellespont.
Nor had the well-greaved Greeks drawn off the dead body of Patroclus, the attendant
of Achilles, out of the reach of weapons; for now again both infantry and cavalry pursued
him, and Hector, the son of Priam, like unto a flame in violence. Thrice did illustrious
Hector seize him behind by the feet, eager to draw him away, and loudly shouted to the
Trojans; and thrice did the two Ajaces, clad in impetuous might, forcibly repulse him from
the corse; whilst he, with steady purpose, ever relying on his might, sometimes charged
through the crowd, and sometimes again stopped, loudly shouting; but never retreated altogether.
But as night-watching shepherds are by no means able to drive away from a carcase a
tawny lion, greatly hungering; so were the two warriors, the Ajaces, unable to drive
away Hector, the son of Priam, from the body. And now indeed would he have dragged it off,
and obtained great glory, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come as a messenger to the son of Peleus,
running down from Olympus, that he should arm himself unknown to Jove and the other
gods; for Juno sent her forth; and standing near, she addressed to him winged words:
"Arise, son of Peleus, most terrible of all men; defend Patroclus, for whom a dire contest
is maintained before the ships. But they are slaughtering each other, the one party fighting
for the slain corpse, whilst the other, the Trojans, rush on, that they may drag him away
to wind-swept Ilium; and above all, illustrious Hector desires to seize him, for his mind
prompts him to fix his head upon stakes, having cut it from the tender neck. But up, nor lie
longer; but let reverence touch thy soul, that Patroclus should be a source of delight
to Trojan dogs. A disgrace would be to thee, if the dead body should come at all defiled."
But her noble, swift-footed Achilles, then answered: "Which of the gods, O goddess Iris,
sent thee as a messenger tome?" But him fleet, wind-footed Iris, again addressed:
"Juno sent me forth, the glorious spouse of Jove, nor does the lofty-throned son of Saturn
know it, nor any other of the immortals who inhabit snowy Olympus."
But her swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed: "And how can I go to the slaughter? for they
possess my armour. Besides, my dear mother does not permit me to be armed, before that
with my eyes I behold her coming, for she hath promised that she will bear me beautiful
armour from Vulcan. But I indeed know not of another, whose splendid armour I could
put on, except the shield of Ajax, son of Telamon."
"But he, I hope, mingles in the front ranks, slaying with his spear round the head of Patroclus."
But him fleet-footed Iris again addressed: "Well too do we know that they possess thy
distinguished armour: yet even thus, going towards the ditch, show thyself to the Trojans,
if perchance the Trojans, terrified, may desist from battle, and the warlike, harassed sons
of the Greeks may breathe again; and there be a short respite from fighting."
Thus indeed having spoken, swift-footed Iris departed; but Achilles, dear to Jove, arose;
and around his strong shoulders Minerva threw her fringed ægis. And the divine one of goddesses
crowned his head around with a golden cloud, and from it she kindled a shining flame. And
as when smoke, ascending from a city, reaches the æther from an island afar off, which
foes invest, who [pouring out] from their city, contend all day in hateful fight: but
with the setting sun torches blaze one after another, and the splendour arises, rushing
upwards, for [their] neighbours to behold, if perchance they may come with ships, as
repellers of the war; thus did the flame from the head of Achilles reach the sky. He stood,
having advanced from the wall to the trench, nor mingled with the Greeks, for he reverenced
the prudent advice of his mother. There standing, he shouted, and Pallas Minerva, on the other
side, vociferated, and stirred up immense tumult among the Trojans. And as the tone
is very clear, when a trumpet sounds, while deadly foes are investing a city; so distinct
then was the voice of the descendant of Æacus. But when they heard the brazen voice of Achilles,
the soul was disturbed to all, whilst the beautiful-maned steeds turned the chariots
backwards, for they presaged sorrows in their mind. The charioteers were panic-struck when
they beheld the terrific, indefatigable flame, blazing over the head of magnanimous Pelides;
for the azure-eyed goddess Minerva lighted it. Thrice over the trench loudly shouted
noble Achilles, and thrice were the Trojans and their illustrious allies thrown into confusion.
There then perished twelve bravest heroes by their chariots and spears, whilst the Greeks,
dragging Patroclus with joy out of the reach of weapons, stretched him on a bier; but his
beloved companions stood round him mourning, and with them followed swift-footed Achilles,
shedding warm tears, when he beheld his faithful comrade lying upon a bier, lacerated with
the sharp brass: whom indeed he had sent forth with his horses and chariots to battle, but
did not receive him again, having returned.
But the large-eyed, venerable Juno sent the unwearied sun, to return to the flowing of
the ocean, against his inclination. The sun then set, and the noble Greeks desisted from
the violent conflict, and the equally destructive battle. The Trojans again, on the other side,
retiring from the violent combat, loosed their fleet steeds from their chariots. But they
assembled in the council before they bethought them of their banquet. The assembly consisted
of persons standing up, nor did any one dare to sit; for fear possessed all, because Achilles
had appeared, who had long abstained from the direful combat. Among them prudent Polydamas,
the son of Panthus, began to speak, for he alone saw both the future and the past. He
was the companion of Hector, and they were born in one night, but the one excelled in
counsel, and the other greatly in the spear. He wisely counselling, harangued them, and
spoke: "My friends, consider well on both sides;
for I advise that we now return to the city, nor await the sacred Morn in the plain near
the ships; for we are far away from the wall. As long indeed as this man was wroth with
noble Agamemnon, so long were the Greeks more easy to fight with. For even I was delighted,
passing the night by the swift barks, expecting that we should take the equally-plied barks;
but now greatly do I fear swift-footed Pelides: so violent is his soul, nor will he be content
to remain in the plain, where usually the Trojans and Greeks in the intervening space
divide the force of war, but he will combat for the city and our wives. We will go, then,
towards the city—be persuaded by me—for so it must be. Ambrosial night at present
hath made swift-footed Pelides cease; but if, rushing forth to-morrow with his arms,
he shall find us here, then will some one know him; for gladly will he reach sacred
Ilium, whosoever shall escape: but dogs and vultures will devour many of the Trojans.
O that such [tidings] may be far from our ears. But if we be obedient to my words, although
sad, we shall have protection in the assembly during the night, and the towers and lofty
gates, and the valves fitted to them, long, well polished, fastened together, will protect
the city. But to-morrow, at early dawn, we will stand on the towers, arrayed in armour;
and it would be difficult for him, even if he should wish it, coming from the ships,
to fight with us around the wall. Back again will he go to the ships, after he has satiated
his high-necked steeds with a varied course, driving beneath the city. But his mind will
not permit him to rush within, nor will he ever lay it waste; sooner shall the fleet
dogs devour him."
Him, then, crest-tossing Hector sternly regarding, addressed:
"No longer, O Polydamas, dost thou speak these things agreeable to me, thou who advisest
us, returning, to be cooped up in the city. Are ye not yet satiated with being shut up
within the towers? Formerly indeed all articulate-speaking men pronounced the city of Priam rich in gold
and in brass; but now have the rich treasures of our houses perished, and many possessions
have already departed to Phrygia and agreeable Mœonia, to be sold, since mighty Jove was
enraged. But at this crisis, when the son of politic Saturn has granted me to obtain
glory at the ships, and to hem in the Greeks by the sea, no longer, foolish man, disclose
these counsels to the people: for none of the Trojans will obey; nor will I permit them.
But come, let us all obey as I shall advise. At present take supper in your ranks throughout
the army; be mindful of the watch, and keep guard each [of you]; but whosoever of the
Trojans is particularly anxious about his possessions, collecting them together, let
him give them to the people to be publicly consumed; it is better that any of them should
enjoy them than the Greeks. But to-morrow, with the dawn, arrayed in armour, let us excite
sharp conflict at the hollow ships, and if truly noble Achilles has arisen at the ships,
it will be the worse for him, if he wishes [to fight]: I indeed will not fly him from
the horrid-sounding battle, but will stand very obstinately against him, whether he bear
away great glory, or I bear it away. Mars [is] common, and even slays the slayer."
Thus Hector harangued, and the Trojans shouted in applause: foolish men, for Pallas Minerva
had taken their senses away from them. For they assented to Hector, advising destructive
things, whilst no one [assented to] Polydamas, who advised prudent counsel. Then they took
supper through the army. But the Greeks, lamenting all night, wept over Patroclus, but among
them Pelides led the ceaseless lamentation, placing his man-slaying hands upon the breast
of his companion, very frequently sighing; as the well-bearded lion, from whom the stag-hunter
has stolen the cubs out of the thick forest; and he is grieved, coming afterwards. And
through many valleys he goes, tracking the footsteps of the man, if anywhere he may find
him; for very keen rage possesses him. So, deeply sighing, he addressed the Myrmidons:
"Alas! vain indeed was the promise I uttered on that day, encouraging the hero Menœtius
in our halls; for I said that I would bring back his illustrious son to Opus, having wasted
Troy, and obtained a share of the spoil. But Jove fulfils not for men all their intentions;
for it is fated that we shall both stain with blood the same earth here in Troy; but neither
shall aged horse-driving Peleus receive me in his palaces, returning, nor my mother Thetis,
but the earth shall here hold me. Now, however, O Patroclus! since after thee I go beneath
the earth, I shall not perform thy funeral rites, before that I bring hither the arms
and head of magnanimous Hector, thy murderer, and behead twelve illustrious sons of the
Trojans, before thy pile, enraged on account of thee slain. Meanwhile thou shall lie thus
at the crooked ships; and round thee Trojan [dames] and deep-bosomed Dardanians shall
weep and shed tears night and day; whom we ourselves have toiled to get by our valour
and the long spear, laying waste the rich cities of articulate-speaking men."
Thus having• spoken, noble Achilles ordered his companions to surround a large tripod
with fire, that as soon as possible they might wash away the bloody gore from Patroclus.
They then placed a bathing tripod on the blazing fire, and poured water into it, and taking
***, lighted them under it. The fire indeed encircled the belly of the tripod, and the
water was warmed. But when the water boiled in the sonorous brass, then they both washed
him, and anointed him with rich oil. And they filled up his wounds with ointment nine years
old; and laying him upon a bed, they covered him with fine linen from head to foot; and
over all, with a white mantle. All night then the Myrmidons, lamenting Patroclus, wept around
swift-footed Achilles. But Jove addressed Juno, his sister and wife:
"And at length thou hast accomplished thy object, O large-eyed, venerable Juno, having
aroused swift-fooled Achilles. Surely the waving-crested Greeks are born from thy very
self."
But him large-eyed, venerable Juno then answered: "Most imperious son of Saturn, what a word
hast thou spoken? Surely now any man who is mortal, and knows not so many designs, might
accomplish this against a man. How therefore ought not I, who boast myself to be chief
of the goddesses, both from birth and also because I am called thy wife (and thou rulest
over all the immortals), being enraged with the Trojans, to [be able to] design evils
against them." Thus indeed they conversed with one another.
But silver-footed Thetis reached the abode of Vulcan, incorruptible, starry, remarkable
amongst the immortals, brazen, which the lame-footed himself had constructed. Him she found sweating,
exerting himself at the bellows, earnestly working; for he was making full twenty tripods
to stand around the wall of his well-built palace. Under the base of each he placed golden
wheels, that of their own accord they might enter the heavenly council, and again return
home—a wonder to be seen. So much finish had they, but he had not yet added the well-made
handles, which he was preparing; and he was forging the rivets. Whilst he was toiling
at these things with, skilful mind, meanwhile Thetis, the silver-footed goddess, came to
him. But the beautiful and fair-veiled Charis, whom illustrious Vulcan had espoused, advancing,
beheld her; and hung upon her hand, and addressed her, and spoke:
"Why, O long-robed Thetis, venerable, beloved, dost thou visit our abode? Formerly thou wast
not in the habit of coming frequently. But follow farther onwards, that I may set before
thee hospitable fare." Thus having spoken, the divine of goddesses
led on. Then indeed she placed her upon a silver-studded throne, beautiful, variously
wrought, and there was a stool under her feet. But she called Vulcan, the distinguished artist,
and spoke this word: "Come hither, Vulcan, Thetis now has need
of thee." But her illustrious Vulcan then answered:
"Assuredly then an awful and revered goddess is within, who saved me when distress came
upon me, fallen down far by the contrivance of my shameless mother, who wished to conceal
me, being lame. Then should I have suffered sorrows in my mind, had not Eurynome and Thetis
received me in their ***; Eurynome, daughter of the refluent Ocean. With them for nine
years wrought I in brass many ingenious works of art, buckles, twisted bracelets, and clasp-tubes,
in the hollow cave; whilst round us flowed the immense stream of Ocean, murmuring with
foam: nor did any other either of gods or mortal men know it; but Thetis and Eurynome,
who preserved me, knew it. She now comes to my house; wherefore there is need that I should
repay all the rewards of my safety to fair-haired Thetis. But set now before her good hospitable
fare, whilst I lay aside my bellows and all my tools."
He spoke and rose, a wondrous bulk, from his anvil-block, limping, and his weak legs moved
actively beneath him. The bellows he laid apart from the fire, and all the tools with
which he laboured he collected into a silver chest. With a sponge he wiped, all over, his
face and both his hands, his strong neck and shaggy breast; then put on his tunic and seized
his stout sceptre. But he went out of the doors limping, and golden handmaids, like
unto living maidens, moved briskly about the king; and in their bosoms was prudence with
understanding, and within them was voice and strength; and they are instructed in works
by the immortal gods. These were busily occupied by the king's side; but he, hobbling along,
sat down upon a splendid throne near where Thetis was, and hung upon her hand, and spoke,
and addressed her: "Why, long-robed Thetis, venerable and dear,
hast thou come to our abode? For indeed thou didst not often come before. Make known what
thou desirest, for my mind orders me to perform it, if in truth I can perform it, and if it
is to be performed."
Him then Thetis, pouring forth tears, answered: "O Vulcan, has any then, as many as are the
goddesses in Olympus, endured so many bitter griefs in her mind, as, to me above all, Jove,
the son of Saturn, has given sorrows? Me, from among the other marine inhabitants, has
he subjected to a man, to Peleus, son of Æacus; and I have endured the couch of a man very
much against my will. He, indeed, now lies in his palaces, afflicted with grievous old
age; but now other [woes] are my lot. After he had granted me to bring forth aud nurture
a son, distinguished among heroes, and who grew up like a plant; him having reared, as
a plant in a fertile spot of the field, I sent forth in the crooked barks to Ilium,
to fight with the Trojans; but him I shall not receive again, having returned home to
the mansion of Peleus. As long, however, as he lives to me, and beholds the light of the
sun, he suffers sorrow, nor am I, going to him, able to avail him aught. The maid whom
the sons of the Greeks selected as a reward for him, her hath king Agamemnon taken back
again from his hands. Certainly, grieving for her, he has been wasting his soul; whilst
the Trojans were hemming in the Greeks at the ships, nor suffered them to go beyond
the gates: but the elders of the Greeks supplicated him, and named many distinguished presents.
But then he refused to avert destruction, yet he clad Patroclus in his own armour, and
sent him forth to the battle, and he gave with him much people. All day they fought
round the Scæan gates, and certainly on that day had overturned Troy, had not Apollo slain,
among the foremost warriors, the gallant son of Menœtius, after having done much mischief,
and given glory to Hector. On this account do I now approach thy knees, if thou wilt
give to my short-lived son a shield and helmet, and beautiful greaves, joined with clasps,
and a corslet: for what were his, his faithful companion has lost, subdued by the Trojans;
and he (Achilles) lies upon the ground, grieving in his soul."
Her then illustrious Vulcan answered: "Take courage, nor let these things be cause of
uneasiness in thy mind; for would that I could so surely conceal him from dread-sounding
death, when grievous fate approaches him, as that beautiful armour shall be ready for
him, such as any one of many men shall hereafter admire, whosoever may behold it."
So saying, he left her there, and went towards the bellows, which he turned towards the fire,
and commanded them to work. And full twenty bellows blew in the furnaces, exciting a varied
well-regulated blast, to be ready for him, at one time busy, at another the reverse,
as Vulcan pleased, and that the work might be complete. He cast into the fire impenetrable
brass, and tin, precious gold and silver; but next he placed the mighty anvil on the
stock, and took in [one] hand his strong hammer, and with the other grasped the forceps.
First of all he formed a shield, both large and solid, decorating it all over, and around
it he threw a shining border, triple and glittering, and from it [there hung] a silver belt. Of
the shield itself, there were five folds; but on it he formed many curious works, with
cunning skill. On it he wrought the earth, and the heaven, and the sea, the unwearied
sun, and the full moon. On it also [he represented] all the constellations with which the heaven
is crowned, the Pleiades, the Hyades, and the strength of Orion, and the Bear, which
they also call by the appellation of the Wain, which there revolves, and watches Orion; but
it alone is free from the baths of the ocean.
In it likewise he wrought two fair cities of articulate-speaking men. In the one, indeed,
there were marriages and feasts; and they were conducting the brides from their chambers
through the city with brilliant torches, and many a bridal song was raised. The youthful
dancers were wheeling round, and amongst them pipes and lyres uttered a sound; and the women
standing, each at her portals, admired. And people were crowded together in an assembly,
and there a contest had arisen; for two men contended for the ransom-money of a slain
man: the one affirmed that he had paid all, appealing to the people; but the other denied,
[averring] that he had received nought: and both wished to find an end [of the dispute]
before a judge. The people were applauding both,—supporters of either party, and the
heralds were keeping back the people; but the elders sat upon polished stones, in a
sacred circle, and [the pleaders] held in their hands the staves of the clear-voiced
heralds; with these then they arose, and alternately pleaded their cause. Moreover, in the midst
lay two talents of gold, to give to him who should best establish his claim among them.
But round the other city sat two armies of people glittering in arms; and one of two
plans was agreeable to them, either to waste it, or to divide all things into two parts,—the
wealth, whatever the pleasant city contained within it. They, however, had not yet complied,
but were secretly arming themselves for an ambuscade. Meanwhile, their beloved wives
and young children kept watch, standing above, and amongst them the men whom old age possessed.
But they (the younger men) advanced; but Mars was their leader, and Pallas Minerva, both
golden, and clad in golden dresses, beautiful and large, along with their armour, radiant
all round, and indeed like gods; but the people were of humbler size. But when they now had
reached a place where it appeared fit to lay an ambuscade, by a river, where there was
a watering-place for all sorts of cattle, there then they settled, clad in shining steel.
There, apart from the people, sat two spies, watching when they might perceive the sheep
and crooked-horned oxen. These, however, soon advanced, and two shepherds accompanied them,
amusing themselves with their pipes, for they had not yet perceived the stratagem. Then
they, discerning them, ran in upon them, and immediately slaughtered on all sides the herds
of oxen, and the beautiful flocks of snow-white sheep; and slew the shepherds besides. But
they, when they heard the great tumult amongst the oxen, previously sitting in front of the
assembly, mounting their nimble-footed steeds, pursued; and soon came up with them. Then,
having marshalled themselves, they fought a battle on the banks of the river, and wounded
one another with their brazen spears. Amongst them mingled Discord and Tumult, and destructive
Fate, holding one alive, recently wounded, another unwounded, but a third, slain, she
drew by the feet through the battle; and had the garment around her shoulders crimsoned
with the gore of men. But they turned about, like living mortals, and fought, and drew
away the slaughtered bodies of each other.
On it he also placed a soft fallow field, rich glebe, wide, thrice-ploughed; and in
it many ploughmen drove hither and thither, turning round their teams. But when, returning,
they reached the end of the field, then a man, advancing, gave into their hands a cup
of very sweet wine; but they turned themselves in series, eager to reach the [other] end
of the deep fallow. But it was all black behind, similar to ploughed land, which indeed was
a marvel beyond [all others]. On it likewise he placed a field of deep corn,
where reapers were cutting, having sharp sickles in their hands. Some handfuls fell one after
the other upon the ground along the furrow, and the binders of sheaves tied others with
bands. Three binders followed [the reapers], whilst behind them boys gathering the handfuls,
[and] bearing them in their arms, continually supplied them; and amongst them the master
stood by the swathe in silence, holding a sceptre, delighted in heart. But apart, beneath
an oak, servants were preparing a banquet, and sacrificing a huge ox, they ministered;
whilst women sprinkled much white barley [on the meat], as a supper for the reapers.
On it likewise he placed a vineyard, heavily laden with grapes, beautiful, golden; but
the clusters throughout were black; and it was supported throughout by silver poles.
Round it he drew an azure trench, and about it a hedge of tin; but there was only one
path to it, by which the gatherers went when they collected the vintage. Young virgins
and youths, of tender minds, bore the luscious fruit in woven baskets, in the midst of whom
a boy played sweetly on a shrill harp; and with tender voice sang gracefully to the chord;
whilst they, beating [the ground] in unison with dancing and shouts, followed, skipping
with their feet.
In it he also wrought a herd of oxen with horns erect. But the kine were made of gold
and of tin, and rushed out with a lowing from the stall to the pasture, beside a murmuring
stream, along the breeze-waving reeds. Four golden herdsmen accompanied the oxen, and
nine dogs, swift of foot, followed. But two terrible lions detained the bull, roaring
among the foremost oxen, and he was dragged away, loudly bellowing, and the dogs and youths
followed for a rescue. They indeed, having torn off the skin of the great ox, lapped
up his entrails and black blood; and the shepherds vainly pressed upon them, urging on their
fleet dogs. These however refused to bite the lions, but, standing very near, barked,
and shunned them. On it illustrious Vulcan also formed a pasture
in a beautiful grove full of white sheep, and folds, and covered huts and cottages.
Illustrious Vulcan likewise adorned it with a dance, like unto that which, in wide Gnossus,
Dædalus contrived for fair-haired Ariadne. There danced youths and alluring virgins,
holding each other's hands at the wrist. These wore fine linen robes, but those were dressed
in well-woven tunics, shining as with oil; these also had beautiful garlands, and those
wore golden swords, [hanging] from silver belts. Sometimes, with skilful feet, they
nimbly bounded [round]; as when a potter, sitting, shall make trial of a wheel fitted
to his hands, whether it will run: and at other times again they ran back to their places
through one another. But a great crowd surrounded the pleasing dance, amusing themselves; and
amongst them two tumblers, beginning their song, spun round through the midst.
But in it he also formed the vast strength of the river Oceanus, near the last border
of the well-formed shield. But when he had finished the shield, large
and solid, he next formed for him a corslet, brighter than the splendour of fire. He also
made for him a strong helmet, fitted to his temples, beautiful and variously ornamented,
and on it placed a golden crest; and made greaves for him of ductile tin.
But when renowned Vulcan had with toil made all the armour, lifting it up, he laid it
before the mother of Achilles; but she, like a hawk, darted down from snowy Olympus, bearing
from Vulcan the shining armour.
BOOK THE NINETEENTH. ARGUMENT.
Thetis, having brought Achilles his new armour, and promised to preserve the body of Patroclus
from corruption, he is reconciled to Agamemnon, and being miraculously invigorated by Minerva,
goes forth to battle, regardless of the prediction of his fate by his horse Xanthus.
Saffron-robed Morn was rising from the streams of ocean, that she might bear light to immortals
and mortals; but she (Thetis) came to the ships, bearing the gifts from the god. Her
dear son she found lying upon Patroclus, bitterly lamenting, and his numerous companions were
lamenting around him. But near to him stood the divine of goddesses, and hung upon his
hand and spoke, and addressed him:
"My son, let us suffer him now to lie, grieved although we be, since first he has been laid
low by the counsel of the gods: but do thou receive these distinguished arms from Vulcan,
very beautiful, such as no man has ever worn upon his shoulders."
Having thus spoken, the goddess placed the armour before Achilles; and they, all curiously
wrought, clashed aloud. Then tremor seized all the Myrmidons, nor did any one dare to
look directly at them, but they fled in fear. But when Achilles saw them, the more rage
entered him; and his eyes shone terribly beneath his eyelids, like a flame; and he was delighted,
holding in his hands the splendid gifts of the god. But after he had delighted his mind,
beholding these artificial works, he immediately addressed to his mother winged words:
"Mother mine, the god hath indeed given arms, such as are fit to be works of immortals,
nor that a mortal man could make. Truly now will I arm myself; but I very much fear lest,
in the meantime, the flies, having entered the gallant son of Menœtius, by his spear-inflicted
wounds, create maggots, and pollute the corse, (for life in it is destroyed,) and all the
parts of the body grow putrid." But him the silver-footed goddess Thetis then
answered: "My child, let not these things be a care
to thy mind. I will endeavour to drive away from him the fierce swarms, the flies which
devour heroes slain in battle. For although he lie an entire year, his body shall always
be uncorrupted, or even better. But do thou, having summoned the Grecian heroes to an assembly,
having renounced thy wrath towards Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people, arm thyself quickly
for war, and put on thy might." Thus, therefore, having spoken, she infused
into him the most daring courage, and then instilled into Patroclus, through the nostrils,
ambrosia and ruby nectar, that his body might be uncorrupted.
But noble Achilles went along the shore of the sea, shouting fearfully, and aroused the
Grecian heroes; so that even those who used formerly to remain in the assemblage of the
ships, both those who were pilots, and who held the rudders of the ships, and the pursers
[who] were at the ships, dispensers of food, even these then indeed went to the assembly,
because Achilles appeared, for he had long abstained from the grievous battle. And two
servants of Mars, the warlike son of Tydeus, and noble Ulysses, went limping, leaning upon
a spear; for they still had painful wounds; and advancing, they sat in the front seats.
But last came the king of men, Agamemnon, having a wound; for him also, in the sharp
battle, ***, son of Antenor, had wounded with his brazen spear. Then when all the Greeks
were assembled, swift-footed Achilles, rising up amongst them, said:
"Son of Atreus, this would surely have been somewhat better for both thee and me, when
we two, grieved at heart, raged with soul-devouring contention for the sake of a girl. Would that
Diana had slain her with an arrow in the ships on that day, when wasting, I took Lyrnessus;
then indeed so many Greeks had not seized the mighty ground in their teeth under the
hands of the enemy, I being continually enraged. This however was better for Hector and the
Trojans, but I think the Greeks will long remember the contention of you and me. But
let us leave these things as passed, although grieved, subduing from necessity the soul
within our bosoms. And now I terminate my wrath, nor is it at all fit that I always
obstinately be enraged; but come quickly, incite the long-haired Achæans to battle,
in order that still I may make trial of the Trojans, going against them; if they wish
to pass the night at the ships; but of them I think that any will very gladly bend the
knee, whoever shall escape out of the destructive fight from my spear."
Thus he spoke; but the well-greaved Greeks rejoiced, the magnanimous son of Peleus renouncing
his wrath. But them, the king of men, Agamemnon, also addressed out of the same place, from
his seat, nor advancing into the midst: "O friends! heroes of the Greeks, servants
of Mars, it is becoming indeed that ye should hearken to me, thus rising, nor is it convenient
that thou shouldst interrupt; for [it is] difficult, even for one being skilled. But
in a great uproar of men, how can any one hear or speak? but he is interrupted, although
being a clear-toned orator. I indeed will direct myself to the son of Peleus; but do
ye, the other Greeks, understand, and carefully learn my meaning. Often already have the Greeks
spoken this saying to me, and have rebuked me; but I am not to blame, but Jove, and Fate,
and Erinnys, roaming amid the shades, who, during the assembly, cast into my mind a sad
injury, on that day, when I myself took away the reward of Achilles. But what could I do?
for the deity accomplishes all things; pernicious Até, the venerable daughter of Jove, who
injures all. Her feet are tender, for she does not approach the ground, but she walks
over the heads of men, injuring mankind, and one at least [she] fetters. For at one time
she injured even Jove, who, they say, is the most powerful of men and gods; but him Juno,
being a female, deceived by her guile on that day when Alemene was about to bring forth
mighty Hercules in well-walled Thebes. He indeed, boasting, had said among all the gods:
"Hear me, all ye gods and all ye goddesses, whilst I speak those things which the mind
within my *** urges. This day Ilithyia, presiding over births, shall bring into the
light a certain man, who shall be ruler over all his neighbours,—[one] of those men of
the blood of my race!"
But him the august Juno addressed, devising guile: "Thou shalt lie, nor shalt thou insure
accomplishment to thy speech. But come, swear a firm oath to me, O Olympian! that he shall
indeed be ruler over all his neighbours, who shall this day fall between the feet of a
woman, among those men, who are of the blood of thy family."
Thus she spoke, but Jove perceived not her crafty design, but he swore the mighty oath,
and afterwards was much befooled. Then Juno springing forth, quitted the top of Olympus,
and came speedily to Achaean Argos, where she knew the noble spouse of Sthenelus, the
son of Perseus. And she, indeed, was pregnant of her beloved son; and the seventh month
was at hand; and she brought him into light, being deficient the number of months; but
kept back the delivery of Alemene, and restrained the Ilithyiæ; and herself bearing the message,
addressed Jove, the son of Saturn:
"Father Jove, hurler of the red lightning, I will put a certain matter in thy mind. A
noble man is now born, who shall rule the Argives, Eurystheus, the son of Perseus, thy
offspring; nor is it unbecoming that he should govern the Argives."
"Thus she spoke; but sharp grief smote him in his deep mind; and immediately he seized
Até by her head of shining curls, enraged in his mind, and swore a powerful oath, that
Até, who injures all, should never again return to Olympus and the starry heaven.
"Thus saying, he cast her from the starry heaven, whirling her round in his hand, but
she quickly reached the works of men. On her account he always groaned, when he beheld
his beloved son suffering unworthy toil under the labours of Eurystheus.
"So I also, when the great crest-tossing Hector was thus destroying the Greeks at the sterns
of the ships, was not able to forget the wrong which I had formerly foolishly committed.
But since I have suffered harm, and Jove has taken away my reason, I am willing again to
appease thee, and to give infinite presents. But arise to the battle, and incite the other
people, and I myself [will pledge myself] to furnish all the presents, as many as noble
Ulysses yesterday, going to thee, promised in thy tents. Yet, if thou wilt, wait a little,
although hastening to battle, and my servants, taking the presents from my ship, shall bring
them, that thou mayest see that I will present [thee] with appeasing offerings."
But him swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed; "Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men,
Agamemnon, whether thou wilt furnish gifts, as is meet, or keep them with thee, [will
be seen]; but now let us very quickly be mindful of the contest; for it is not fitting to waste
time in idle talk, nor to delay; as a mighty work is yet undone. But as some one may again
behold Achilles among the front ranks, destroying the phalanxes of the Trojans with his brazen
spear, so also let some one of you, keeping this in mind, fight with [his] man."
But him Ulysses, of many wiles, answering, addressed: "Not thus, brave as thou art, O
godlike Achilles, urge on the sons of the Greeks, fasting, towards Ilium, about to fight
with the Trojans; for the conflict will not be for a short time only, when once the phalanxes
of men shall mingle, and a god breathe might into both. But command the Greeks to be fed
at the ships with food and wine, for this is might and vigour. For a man, unrefreshed
by food, would not be able to fight against [the enemy] all day to the setting sun; for
although he might desire in his mind to fight, yet his limbs gradually grow languid, and
thirst and hunger come upon him, and his knees fail him as he goes. The man, on the other
hand, who is satiated with wine and food, fights all day with hostile men, the heart
within his breast is daring, nor are his limbs at all fatigued before that all retire from
battle. But come, dismiss the people, and order a repast to be made ready; and let the
king of men, Agamemnon, bring the gifts into the midst of the assembly, that all the Greeks
may see them with their eyes, and thou mayest be delighted in thy mind. Let him, moreover,
swear an oath to thee, standing up among the Greeks, that he has never ascended her bed,
nor has been mingled with her, as is the custom, O king, of men and wives; and to thee thyself,
also, let the soul within thy breast be placid. Then let him next conciliate thee by a rich
banquet within his tents, that thou mayest not have aught wanting of redress. And for
the future, O son of Atreus, thou wilt be more just towards another; for it is by no
means unworthy that a king should appease a man, when he may first have given offence."
But him the king of men, Agamemnon, in return addressed:
"I rejoice, O son of Laërtes, having heard thy speech, for with propriety hast thou gone
through and enumerated all things. These things I am willing to swear, and my mind orders
me, in presence of a god, nor will I perjure myself. But let Achilles remain here, at least
for a little while, though hastening to battle, and do all ye others remain assembled, until
they bring the gifts from my tent, and we strike faithful leagues. To thyself, however,
[O Ulysses], I give this charge, and order thee, selecting the principal youths of all
the Greeks, to bear from my ship the gifts, as many as we yesterday promised that we should
give to Achilles, and to lead [hither] the women. But let Talthybius also quickly prepare
for me through the wide army of the Greeks, a boar to sacrifice to Jove and the sun."
Him answering, swift-footed Achilles then addressed:
"Most glorious son of Atreus, king of men, Agamemnon, at some other time ought they rather
to attend to these things, when any cessation of battle hereafter be, and so much ardour
be not in my ***: but at present those lie mangled, whom Hector, son of Priam, subdued,
when Jove gave him the glory: but ye urge [them] to food! Now indeed I should excite
the sons of the Greeks to fight, fasting, but with the setting sun, to prepare a large
supper, after we have revenged our disgrace. Before that neither drink nor food shall pass
down my throat, my companion being slain, who lies in my tent, torn with the sharp brass,
turned towards the vestibule, whilst his comrades mourn around these things are not a care to
my mind, but slaughter and bloodshed, and the dreadful groans of heroes."
But him much-scheming Ulysses answering, addressed: "O Achilles, son of Peleus, by far the bravest
of the Greeks, thou art superior indeed to me, and not a little more valiant with the
spear, but I indeed excel thee much in prudence; because I was born before thee, and know more:
wherefore let thy mind be restrained by my words. Soon is there a satiety of contest
to the men, a most abundant crop of whom the brass pours upon the earth; but the harvest
is very small, when Jove, who is the umpire of the battle of men, inclines his scales.
It is by no means fit that the Greeks should lament the dead with the stomach, for in great
numbers and one upon another are they every day falling; when therefore could any one
respire from toil? But it is necessary to bury him, whosoever may die, having a patient
mind, weeping for a day. But as many as survive the hateful combat should be mindful of drinking
and of food, in order that we may ever the more ceaselessly contend with our enemies,
clad as to our bodies in impenetrable brass; nor let any of the troops lie by awaiting
another exhortation. For evilly will that exhortation come upon him, whoever may be
left at the ships of the Greeks; but advancing in a body, let us stir up the keen battle
against the horse-breaking Trojans."
He said, and chose as his companions the sons of glorious Nestor, and Meges, son of Phyleus,
Thoas, and Meriones, Lycomedes, son of Creon, and Melanippus; and they proceeded to go towards
the tent of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Immediately after the word was spoken, and the work was
perfected. Seven tripods they bore from the tent, which he had promised him, and twenty
splendid goblets, and twelve steeds; and straightway led forth seven blameless women, skilled in
works, but the eighth was fair-cheeked Briseïs. But Ulysses, placing ten whole talents of
gold, led the way, and with him the other youths of the Greeks bore the presents, and
placed them in the midst of the assembly; but Agamemnon rose up; and Talthybius, like
unto a god in his voice, stood beside the shepherd of the people, holding a boar in
his hands. Then the son of Atreus, drawing the knife with his hands, which always hung
by the great scabbard of his sword, cutting off the forelock of the boar, prayed, lifting
up his hands to Jove; but all the Greeks sat in silence in the same spot, listening in
a becoming manner to the king. But praying, he spoke, looking towards the wide heaven:
"Now first let Jove be witness, the most supreme and best of gods, and Earth, and Sun, and
ye Furies, who beneath the earth chastise men, whoever may swear a falsehood; never
have I laid hands upon the maid Briseïs, needing her for the sake of the couch, or
any other purpose; but inviolate has she remained in my tents. But if any of these things be
false, may the gods inflict on me those very many distresses which they inflict when men
sin in swearing." He said, and cut the throat of the boar with
the ruthless brass; which Talthybius, whirling round, cast into the mighty water of the hoary
sea, as food for fishes. But Achilles, rising, said among the war-loving Greeks:
"O father Jove, certainly thou givest great calamities to men; for never could Atrides
have so thoroughly aroused the indignation in my ***, nor foolish, led away the girl,
I being unwilling, but Jove for some intent wished death should happen to many Greeks.
But now go to the repast, that we may join battle."
Thus then he spoke, and dissolved the assembly in haste.
They indeed were separated, each to his own ship; but the magnanimous Myrmidons were occupied
about the gifts, and, bearing them, went to the ship of godlike Achilles. These they laid
up in the tents, and placed the women in seats; but the illustrious attendants drove the horses
to the stud. But afterwards Briseïs, like unto golden Venus, when she beheld Patroclus
lacerated with the sharp spear, throwing herself about him, wept aloud, and with her hands
tore her breast and tender neck, and fair countenance. Then the woman, like unto the
goddesses, weeping, said: "O Patroclus! most dear to my wretched soul,
I left thee indeed alive, departing from my tent, but now returning, I find thee dead,
O chieftain of the people! How in my case evil ever succeeds evil. The hero indeed to
whom my father and venerable mother had given me, I saw pierced with the sharp brass before
the city; and three beloved brothers whom the same mother had brought forth to me, all
drew on the destructive day. Nevertheless, thou didst not suffer me to weep, when swift
Achilles slew my husband, and laid waste the city of divine Mynes, but thou saidst thou
wouldst render me the wedded wife of noble Achilles, lead me in the ships to Phthia,
and prepare the nuptial feast amongst the Myrmidons. Therefore do I insatiably lament
thee dead, being ever gentle."
Thus she spoke, weeping; and the women lamented for Patroclus, as a pretext, but [really]
each for her own ills. And around him (Achilles) were collected the elders of the Greeks, entreating
him to take refreshment; but he, moaning, refused:
"I entreat [you], if any of my beloved companions would be obedient to me, bid me not satiate
my heart with food or drink, since heavy grief hath invaded me; but I will wait entirely
till the setting sun, and will endure." So saying, he dismissed the other kings: but
two sons of Atreus remained; and noble Ulysses, Nestor, Idomeneus, and the aged knight Phœnix,
constantly endeavouring to delight him sorrowing; nor was he at all delighted, before he should
enter the mouth of bloody war. But remembering [Patroclus], he frequently heaved [a sigh],
and said:
"Surely once, thou too, O unhappy one! dearest of my companions, wouldst thyself have set
before me a plentiful feast, within my tent, speedily and diligently, when the Greeks hastened
to make tearful war upon the horse-breaking Trojans. But now thou liest mangled; but my
heart is without drink and food, though they are within, from regret for thee; for I could
not suffer anything worse, not even if I were to hear of my father being dead, who now perhaps
sheds the tender tear in Phthia from the want of such a son; while I, in a foreign people,
wage war against the Trojans, for the sake of detested Helen: or him, my beloved son,
who is nurtured for me at Scyros, if indeed he still lives, godlike Neoptolemus. For formerly
the mind within my *** hoped that I alone should perish here in Troy, far from steed-nourishing
Argos, and that thou shouldst return to Phthia, that thou mightst lead back my son in thy
black ship from Scyros, and mightst show him everything, my property, my servants, and
my great, lofty-domed abode. For now I suppose that Peleus is either totally deceased, or
that he, barely alive, suffers pain from hateful old age, and that he is continually expecting
bad news respecting me, when he shall hear of my being dead."
Thus he spoke, weeping; and the elders also groaned, remembering, each of them, the things
which they had left in their dwellings. But the son of Saturn felt compassion, seeing
them weeping, and immediately to Minerva addressed winged words:
"O daughter mine, thou entirely now desertest thy valiant hero. Is Achilles then no longer
at all a care to thee in thy mind? He himself is sitting before his lofty-beaked ships,
bewailing his dear companion; while the others have gone to a banquet; but he is unrefreshed
and unfed. Go, therefore, instil into his breast nectar and delightful ambrosia, that
hunger may come not upon him." So saying, he urged on Minerva, who was before
eager. But she, like unto a broad-winged, shrill-voiced harpy, leaped down from the
heavens through the air. The Greeks, however, were then arming themselves throughout the
camp, when she instilled into the *** of Achilles nectar and delightful ambrosia, that
unpleasant hunger might not come upon his limbs. Then she went to the solid mansion
of her powerful sire, and they, apart, poured forth from the swift ships.
And as when thick snow-flakes fly down from Jove, beneath the force of the cold, air-clearing
Boreas; so from the ships were borne out crowded helmets, shining brightly, and bossed shields,
strong-cavitied corslets, and ashen spears. But the sheen reached to heaven, and all the
earth around smiled beneath the splendour of the brass; and a trampling of the feet
of men arose beneath. In the midst noble Achilles was armed, and there was a gnashing of his
teeth, and his eyes shone like a blaze of fire; but intolerable grief entered his heart
within him, and, enraged against the Trojans, he put on the gifts of the god, which Vulcan,
toiling, had fabricated for him. First around his legs he placed the beautiful greaves,
joined with silver clasps, next he put on the corslet round his breast, and suspended
from his shoulders the brazen, silver-studded sword; then he seized the shield, large and
solid, the sheen of which went to a great distance, as of the moon. And as when from
the sea the blaze of a burning fire shines to mariners, which is lit aloft amongst the
mountains in a solitary place; but the storm bears them against their inclination away
from their friends over the fishy deep; so from the shield of Achilles, beautiful and
skilfully made, the brightness reached the sky. But raising it, he placed the strong
helmet upon his head; and the helmet, crested with horse-hair, shone like a star; and the
golden tufts which Vulcan had diffused thick around the cone were shaken. Then noble Achilles
tried himself in his arms if they would fit him, and if his fair limbs would move freely
in them; but they were like wings to him, and lifted up the shepherd of the people.
And from its sheath he drew forth his paternal spear, heavy, great, and stout, which no other
of the Greeks was able to brandish, but Achilles alone knew how to hurl it—a Pelian ash,
which Chiron had cut for his father from the top of Pelion, to be a destruction to heroes.
But Automedon and Alcimus, harnessing the steeds, yoked them; and beautiful collars
were upon them. They put the bridles into their jaws, and drew back the reins towards
the well-glued car, when Automedon, seizing the shining lash, fitted to his hand, leaped
into the car; Achilles, armed for battle, mounted behind him, glittering in his armour
like the shining sun; and terribly he gave command to the horses of his sire:
"Xanthus, and Balius, illustrious offspring of Podarges, resolve now in a different manner
to bring back your charioteer in safety to the body of the Greeks, after we are satiated
with battle, nor leave him there dead, like Patroclus."
But from beneath the yoke, Xanthus, his swift-footed steed, addressed him, and immediately hung
down his head, and his whole mane, drooping from the ring which was near the yoke, reached
the ground. But the white-armed goddess Juno gave him the power of speech:
"Now, at least, we will bear thee safe, O impetuous Achilles: but the fatal day draws
nigh to thee; nor are we to blame, but a mighty deity and violent destiny. For not by our
laziness, or sloth, have the Trojans stripped the armour from the shoulders of Patroclus;
but the bravest of the gods, whom fair-haired Latona brought forth, slew him among the front
ranks, and gave glory to Hector. And [though] we can run even with the blast of Zephyrus,
which they say is the most fleet, yet to thyself it is fated that thou shouldst be violently
subdued by a god and a man." Of him, having thus spoken, the Furies restrained
the voice: but him swift-footed Achilles, greatly indignant, addressed:
"O Xanthus, why dost thou predict my death to me? For it is not at all necessary for
thee. Well do I myself know that it is my fate to perish here, far away from my dear
father and mother. Nevertheless I will not cease before the Trojans are abundantly satiated
with war." He spoke, and shouting amongst the front ranks,
directed on his solid-hoofed steeds.
BOOK THE TWENTIETH ARGUMENT.
Jove permits the gods to join in the battle, and they take their respective places on either
side. Æneas engages Achilles, but is rescued by Neptune. Hector, in revenge for the death
of his brother Polydorus, also attacks Achilles, and is only saved from death by the intervention
of Apollo. Achilles then slays many Trojans. Thus around thee, O son of Peleus, were the
Achæans armed, insatiable in fight, beside their crooked ships; and the Trojans, on the
other side, on the acclivity of the plain. But Jove ordered Themis to summon the gods
to an assembly, from the top of many-valleyed Olympus, and she, going round, ordered them
to proceed to the palace of Jove. Nor was any one of the rivers absent, save Oceanus,
nor of the nymphs who inhabit the pleasant groves and springs of rivers, and the grassy
meads. Then, coming to the habitation of cloud-compelling Jove, they sat down upon shining polished
benches, which Vulcan with cunning skill had made for father Jove. Thus were they assembled
within the palace of Jove: nor did Neptune disobey the goddess, but he came to them from
the sea. Then he sat in the midst, and inquired the design of Jove:
"Why again, O hurler of the glowing lightning, hast thou summoned the gods to an assembly?
Dost thou deliberate anything respecting the Trojans and Greeks? For now their combat and
the battle are on the point of being kindled." But him cloud-compelling Jove answering, addressed:
"Thou knowest, O earth-shaker, my design within my breast, [and] for whose sake I have assembled
you; for though about to perish, they are a care to me. I will, however, remain sitting
on the top of Olympus, whence looking, I shall delight my soul; but depart the rest of you,
that ye may go to the Trojans and Greeks. Give aid to both, according as is the inclination
of each. For if Achilles alone shall fight against the Trojans, they will not even for
a little sustain the swift-footed son of Peleus. Formerly even beholding him, they fled terrified;
but now when he is grievously enraged in his mind on account of his companion, I fear lest
he overthrow the wall, even contrary to fate." Thus spoke Saturnian Jove, and he stirred
up the unyielding contest; and the gods hastened to proceed to the battle, having discordant
minds. Juno, indeed, and Pallas Minerva [went] to the assemblage of the ships, as well as
earth-shaking Neptune, and useful Mercury, who excelled in a prudent mind, with whom
went Vulcan, looking savage in his might, limping, and under him his weak limbs moved
with all their force. But to the Trojans [went] crest-tossing Mars, and with him unshorn Phœbus,
and Diana, delighting in archery, Latona, Xanthus, and laughter-loving Venus. As long
as the gods were apart from mortal men, so long the Greeks were greatly elated, because
Achilles appeared, for he had long abstained from the dire battle; and a violent tremor
came upon the Trojans, upon each of them as to their limbs, fearing because they beheld
the swift-footed son of Peleus glittering in arms, equal to man-slaughtering Mars. But
after the Olympians had come to the crowd of men, then arose fierce Contention, the
exciter of the people, and Minerva shouted, sometimes standing beside the trench, outside
the wall, at other times she loudly shouted along the echoing shores. But Mars yelled
aloud on the other side, like unto a dark whirlwind, keenly animating the Trojans from
the lofty city, at other times running along the Simoïs over Callicolone.
Thus the blessed gods, inciting both sides, engaged, and among them made severe contention
to break out. But dreadfully from above thundered the father of gods and men; whilst beneath
Neptune shook the boundless earth and the lofty summits of the mountains. The roots
and all the summits of many-rilled Ida were shaken, and the city of the Trojans, and the
ships of the Greeks. Pluto himself, king of the nether world, trembled beneath, and leaped
up from his throne, terrified, and shouted aloud, lest earth-shaking Neptune should rend
asunder the earth over him, and disclose to mortals and immortals his mansions, terrible,
squalid, which even the gods loathe. So great a tumult arose from the gods engaging in combat.
Against king Neptune, indeed, stood Phœbus Apollo, having his winged shafts, and against
Mars the azure-eyed goddess Minerva. Opposed to Juno stood the goddess of the golden bow,
huntress Diana, rejoicing in archery, the sister of Apollo; and opposite Latona, the
preserver, useful Mercury. Against Vulcan also was the great deep-eddying river, which
the gods call Xanthus, and men the Scamander.
Thus indeed gods went against gods; but Achilles chiefly longed to penetrate through the crowd
against Hector, the son of Priam; for with his blood his mind particularly ordered him
to satiate Mars, the invincible warrior. But Apollo, exciter of troops, immediately aroused
Æneas against the son of Peleus, and infused into him strong courage. And he likened himself
in voice to Lycaon, the son of Priam, and having likened himself to him, Apollo, the
son of Jove, said: "O Æneas, counsellor of the Trojans, where
are thy threats which, whilst carousing, thou didst promise to the leaders of the Trojans,
that thou wouldst fight against Achilles, the son of Peleus?"
But him Æneas, answering, addressed in turn: "Son of Priam, why dost thou order me, not
wishing it, these things, to fight against magnanimous Pelides? For shall I not now for
the first time stand against swift-footed Achilles, but already, on another occasion,
he chased me with his spear from Ida, when he attacked our cattle, and laid waste Lyrnessus
and Pedasus: but Jove preserved me, who excited my strength and nimble limbs. Certainly I
should have been subdued beneath the hands of Achilles, and Minerva, who, preceding,
gave him victory, and encouraged him to slay the Lelegans and Trojans with his brazen spear.
Wherefore it is not possible that a man should fight against Achilles, because one of the
gods is ever beside him, who averts destruction. Besides, also, his weapon flies direct, nor
stops before it has pierced through human flesh; though if the deity would extend an
equal scale of victory, not very easily would he conquer me, although he boasts himself
to be all brazen." But him again king Apollo, the son of Jove,
addressed: "But do thou also pray, O hero, to the immortal
gods, for they say that thou too art sprung from Venus, the daughter of Jove, but he from
an inferior goddess; for the one is from Jove, and the other from the aged sea-god. But direct
thy invincible brass right against him, nor let him at all avert thee by haughty words
and threats." Thus saying, he breathed great courage into
the shepherd of the people; and he advanced through the front ranks, accoutred in shining
brass. Nor did the son of Anchises escape the notice of white-armed Juno, going against
the son of Peleus through the ranks of men; but, calling the gods together, she addressed
them: "Consider now, both Neptune and Minerva, in
your minds, how these things shall be. This Æneas, accoutred in shining brass, has advanced
against the son of Peleus; and Phœbus Apollo has urged him on. But come, let us, however,
turn him back again; or let some one of us stand by Achilles, and give him great strength,
nor let him at all be wanting in courage; that he may know that the mightiest of the
immortals love him; and that those, on the contrary, are vain, who hitherto avert war
and slaughter from the Trojans. But we have all come down from Olympus, about to participate
in this battle, lest he should suffer anything among the Trojans to-day; but hereafter he
shall suffer those things, as many as Fate at his birth wove in his thread [of destiny],
to him, what time his mother brought him forth. But if Achilles shall not learn these things
from the voice of a god, he will afterwards be afraid when any god comes against him in
battle; for the gods, when made manifest, are terrible to be seen manifestly."
But her then earth-shaking Neptune answered: "Juno, be not beyond reason enraged; nor is
it at all necessary. I, indeed, would not desire that we should engage the other gods
in a battle, since we are much more powerful. Rather let us, going out of the way, sit down
upon a place of observation, but the war shall be a care to mortals. But if Mars shall begin
the combat, or Apollo, or shall restrain Achilles, and not suffer him to fight, then immediately
shall the strife of contention there arise to us; and I think that they, having very
speedily decided it, will return to Olympus, and mix with the assembly of other gods, violently
subdued by necessity under our hands." Thus then having spoken, the azure-haired
[god] led the way to the lofty mound-raised wall of divine Hercules, which the Trojans
and Pallas Minerva had made, that, flying, he might escape from the sea-monster, when
pursued from the shore to the plain. There then Neptune sat down, and the other gods,
and drew an indissoluble cloud around their shoulders; whilst on the other side they sat
upon the tops of Callicolone, around thee, O archer Apollo, and Mars, the sacker of cities.
Thus they sat on both sides, planning designs, yet both were unwilling to commence grievous
war; but Jove, sitting aloft, cheered them on. All the plain, however, was filled with
them, and glittered with the brass of men and horses, and the earth echoed under the
feet of them rushing together. But two heroes, by far the most valiant, advanced towards
[each other] into the midst of both armies, eager to fight,—Æneas, the son of Anchises,
and noble Achilles. And first Æneas, threatening, advanced, nodding with his strong casque;
and before his breast he held his impetuous shield, and shook his brazen spear. But on
the other side Pelides rushed against him like a destructive lion, which men assembled
together, a whole village, are anxious to kill. He, however, at first despising them,
proceeds; but when some one of vigorous youths has wounded him with a dart, yawning, he collects
himself [for a spring], and the foam arises round his teeth, and his valiant soul groans
within his breast, and he lashes his sides and thighs on both sides with his tail, and
rouses himself to battle; then, grimly glaring, he is borne straight on by his strength, if
he can kill some of the men, or is himself destroyed in the first crowd. Thus did his
might and noble soul urge Achilles to go against magnanimous Æneas. But when now, advancing,
they approached each other, swift-footed, noble Achilles first addressed the other:
"Why, O Æneas, coming through so great a length of crowd, dost thou stand against me?
Does then thy soul urge thee to fight with me, hoping that thou wilt govern the horse-breaking
Trojans in the place of Priam? Yet even if thou shalt slay me, not thus will Priam place
this reward in thy hand: for he has sons; and he is himself steady, nor inconstant.
Or, if thou slayest me, have the Trojans cut off for thee an enclosure of soil surpassing
others, suited to vines and the plough, that thou mayest cultivate it? Still I hope thou
wilt effect it with difficulty. For I think I have at some other time put thee to flight
with my spear. Dost thou not remember when I impetuously drove thee, when alone, from
the oxen, with rapid feet, down the Idæan mountains? Then indeed thou didst never turn
round while flying, but didst escape thence into Lyrnessus; but I wasted it, having attacked
it with the aid of Minerva and father Jove. The women also I led away captives, having
taken away their day of freedom; but Jove and the other gods preserved thee. However,
I do not think they will protect thee now, as thou castest in thy mind; but I exhort
thee, retiring, to go into the crowd, nor stand against me, before thou suffer some
evil; but [it is] a fool [who] knows a thing [only] when it is done."
But him Æneas answered in turn, and said: "Do not think, O son of Peleus, to affright
me, like an infant boy, with words; since I also well know how to utter both threats
and reproaches. But we know each other's race, and we know our parents, hearing the words
of mortal men long since uttered; although by sight, indeed, neither dost thou know mine,
nor I thine. They say, indeed, that thou art the offspring of renowned Peleus, and of thy
mother Thetis, the fair-haired sea-nymph; whereas I boast myself to be sprung from magnanimous
Anchises, and Venus is my mother. Of these the one or the other shall this day lament
their beloved son; for I think we shall not return from the battle thus separated by childish
words. But if thou desirest to be taught these matters, that thou mayest well know our race
(for many men know it), cloud-compelling Jove indeed first begat Dardanus. And he built
Dardania, for sacred Ilium, the city of articulate-speaking men, was not as yet built in the plain, and
they still dwelt at the foot of many-rilled Ida. Dardanus again begat a son, king Erichthonius,
who was then the richest of mortal men; whose three thousand mares pastured through the
marsh, rejoicing in their tender foals. Boreas, however, was enamoured of some of these when
pasturing, and having likened himself to an azure-maned steed, covered them; and they,
becoming pregnant, brought forth twelve female foals; which when they bounded upon the fruitful
earth, ran over the highest fruit of the stalks of corn, nor did they break them: but when
they sported over the broad back of the ocean, they ran along the surface of the ridge of
the hoary sea. But Erichthonius begat Tros, king of the Trojans. From Tros again were
descended three illustrious sons, Ilus, Assaracus, and godlike Ganymede, who indeed was the handsomest
of mortal men; and whom the gods caught up into heaven, to pour out wine for Jove, that,
on account of his beauty, he might be with the immortals. Ilus again begat his renowned
son Laomedon; but Laomedon begat Tithonus and Priam, Lampus, Clytius, and Hicetaon,
a branch of Mars; and Assaracus Capys, who also begat his son Anchises. But Anchises
begat me, and Priam noble Hector. Of this race and blood do I boast myself to be. But
Jove increases and diminishes valour to men, as he pleases; for he is the most powerful
of all. But come, let us no longer talk of these things, like little boys, standing in
the middle combat of the strife. For it is possible for both to utter very many reproaches,
so that a hundred-oared galley would not contain the burthen; for the language of mortals is
voluble, and the discourses in it numerous and varied: and vast is the distribution of
words here and there. Whatsoever word thou mayest speak, such also wilt thou hear. But
what need is there to us of disputes and railing, that we should quarrel with each other like
women, who, being angry with a soul-destroying strife, proceeding into the middle of the
way, chide each other with many things true and not true: for rage also suggests those
things? With words, however, thou shalt not turn me, courageous, from my valour, before
thou lightest against me with thy brass; but come, quickly let us make trial of each other
with brazen spears."
He spoke, and hurled his brazen spear against the dreadful shield, terrible [to be seen],
and the huge buckler resounded with the stroke of the javelin. But the son of Peleus, alarmed,
held the shield from him with his strong hand, for he supposed that the long spear of great-hearted
Æneas would easily penetrate; foolish! nor did he reflect in his mind and soul, that
the glorious gifts of the gods are not easy to be subdued by mortal men, nor to yield.
Nor then did the heavy spear of warlike Æneas penetrate the shield; but the gold stopped
it, the gift of the god. It penetrated, however, through two folds, but there were still three;
since Vulcan had drawn five folds over it, two brazen, two inside of tin, and one golden;
in which the brazen spear was stopped. But Achilles next sent forth his long-shadowed
spear, and struck against the shield of Æneas, equal on all sides, at the outside edge, where
the thinnest brass ran round it, and the ox-hide was thinnest upon it; but the Pelian ash broke
through, and the shield was crushed by it. But Æneas crouched, and being terrified,
held the shield from him; whilst the spear [passing] over his back, stuck in the earth
eager [to go on], for it had burst through both orbs of the mighty shield. But he, having
escaped the long spear, stood still, but immoderate sadness was poured over his eyes, terrified,
because the weapon had stuck so near him. But Achilles eagerly sprang upon him, drawing
his sharp sword, and shouting dreadfully. Then Æneas seized in his hand a stone, a
great weight, which not two men could bear, such as men now are; but he, though alone,
easily wielded it. Then indeed had Æneas smitten him, rushing on, with the stone, either
upon the helmet or the shield, which kept off grievous destruction from him; and Pelides,
in close fight, had taken away his life with the sword, had not earth-shaking Neptune quickly
perceived it, and immediately addressed this speech to the immortal gods:
"Ye gods! certainly there now is grief to me, on account of magnanimous Æneas, who
will quickly descend to Hades, subdued by the son of Peleus, foolish, being persuaded
by the words of far-darting Apollo; nor can he by any means avert sad destruction from
him. But why now should this guiltless man suffer evils gratuitously, on account of sorrows
due to others, for he always presents gifts agreeable to the gods who inhabit the wide
heaven? But come, let us withdraw him from death, lest even the son of Saturn be angry,
and was polluted with gore as to his invincible hands.