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Section XI BOOK THE ELEVENTH.
ARGUMENT. Agamemnon distinguishes himself, but, being
wounded, retires from the field. Diomede is wounded by Paris: Ulysses by Socus. Ajax and
Menelaus then go to the relief of Ajax, and Eurypylus, who had joined them, is shot in
the thigh by Paris, who also wounds Machaon. Nestor conveys Machaon from the field. Achilles
sends Patroclus to the tent of Nestor, who exhorts Patroclus to engage in battle, assuming
the armour of Achilles. But Aurora was rising from her couch, from
beside glorious Tithonus, that she might bear light to immortals and to mortals, when Jove
sent forth fell Discord to the swift ships of the Greeks, bearing in her hands the portent
of war. And she stood upon the huge black ship of Ulysses, which was in the centre,
to shout to both sides, as well to the tents of Telamonian Ajax, as to those of Achilles;
who had both drawn up their equal ships at the very extremities, relying on their valour
and strength of hands. There standing, the goddess shouted both loudly and terribly,
in Orthian strain, to the Greeks, and implanted mighty strength in the heart of each, to war
and fight incessantly. And immediately war became more sweet to them, than to return
in the hollow ships to their dear fatherland. Then the son of Atreus shouted aloud, and
ordered the Greeks to be girded; and arrayed himself, putting on his shining armour. First
he put upon his legs his beautiful greaves, fitted with silver clasps; next he placed
around his breast a corslet which Cinyras once gave him, to be a pledge of hospitality.
For a great rumour was heard at Cyprus, that the Greeks were about to sail to Troy in ships:
wherefore he gave him this, gratifying the king. Ten bars indeed [of the corslet] were
of dark cyanus, twelve of gold, and twenty of tin; and three serpents of cyanus stretched
towards the neck on each side, like unto rainbows, which the son of Saturn hath fixed in a cloud,
a sign to articulate-speaking men. Then around his shoulders he hung his sword, on which
glittered golden studs; and a silver scabbard enclosed it, fitted with golden rings. Next
he took up his shield, mortal-covering, variously wrought, strong, beautiful, around which were
ten brazen orbs. Upon it were twenty white bosses of tin, and in the midst was [one]
of dark cyanus. On it a grim-visaged Gorgon was placed as an ornament, looking horribly,
and around [were] Terror and Flight. The belt was of silver, but round it a snake of cyanus
was twisted, and there were three heads entwined, springing from one neck. Upon his head also
he placed his helmet, adorned with studs on all sides, having four bosses, crested with
horse-hair, and dreadfully nodded the tuft from above. He then took two strong spears,
tipped with brass, sharp; and the brass of them glittered afar, even to heaven: and Minerva
and Juno thundered above, honouring the king of Mycenæ, rich in gold.
Then indeed each gave orders to his own charioteer to hold there his horses in good order by
the fosse; whilst they themselves on foot, arrayed with their armour, rushed forth; and
an inextinguishable clamour arose before morning. And they were marshalled in the foreground
with the cavalry at the trench; the cavalry followed at a little interval; but the son
of Saturn aroused a dreadful tumult, and sent down dew-drops, moist with blood, from the
air above, because he was about to hurl many brave souls on to Hades.
On the other side, on the contrary, the Trojans [drew up] on a hill in the plain around both
mighty Hector, blameless Polydamas, and Æneas, who, among the Trojans, was honoured by the
people as a god; and the three sons of Antenor, Polybus, noble Agenor, and youthful Acamas,
like unto the immortals. And Hector in the van carried his shield, equal on all sides.
And as when a pernicious star makes its appearance from the clouds, at one time shining, and
dark again hath entered the clouds; so Hector, giving orders, appeared now among the first,
and now among the last; and he glittered all over with brass, like the lightning of ægis-bearing
Jove.
And they,—as when reapers opposite to each other form swathes of wheat or barley along
the field of a rich man, and the frequent handfuls fall,—so the Trojans and Greeks,
rushing against one another, kept slaughtering: and neither thought of pernicious flight.
And they held their heads equal in combat, and rushed on like wolves; whilst lamentable
Discord, looking on, exulted: for she alone of the gods was present with them contending.
But the other gods were not present with them, but sat quiet in their palaces, where beautiful
mansions were built for each, along the summits of Olympus. All however blamed the Saturnian
collector of dark clouds, because he wished to afford glory to the Trojans. But the sire
did not regard them, but retiring by himself, sat down apart from the others, exulting in
glory, looking both upon the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Greeks, and the brightness
of armour, and the slaying, and slain. Whilst it was morn, and the sacred day was
increasing, so long the weapons reached both sides, and the people fell. But at the time
when the wood-cutter has prepared his repast in the dells of a mountain, when he has wearied
his hands hewing down lofty trees, and satiety comes upon his mind, and the desire of sweet
food seizes his breast; then the Greeks, by their valour, broke the phalanxes, cheering
their companions along the ranks. But Agamemnon first leaped forth, and slew the hero Bianor,
the shepherd of the people, and then also his companion, Oïleus, the goader of steeds.
For he then, leaping from the chariot, stood against him; but he (Agamemnon) smote him,
as he was rushing straight forward, with his sharp spear, in the forehead; nor did the
visor, heavy with brass, retard the weapon, but it penetrated both it and the bone, and
all the brain within was stained with gore. Him then he subdued while eagerly rushing
on. And Agamemnon, king of men, left them there with their bosoms all bare, for he had
stripped off their tunics. Next he went against Isus and Anthipus, two sons of Priam, [the
one] illegitimate, and [the other] legitimate, being both in one chariot, in order to slay
them. The spurious [son] guided the chariot, whilst illustrious Antiphus fought. Them Achilles
had once bound with tender osiers on the summits of Ida, taking them while pasturing their
sheep; and had liberated them for a ransom. Then however the son of Atreus, wide-ruling
Agamemnon, struck one upon the breast above the pap with his spear; and again he smote
Antiphus beside the ear with his sword, and hurled him from his chariot. Hastening up,
he despoiled them of their beautiful armour, recognizing them; for he had formerly seen
them at the swift ships, when swift-footed Achilles brought them from Ida. And as a lion,
returning to his lair, easily crushes the little fawns of the fleet hind, seizing them
in his strong teeth, and deprives them of their tender life, whilst she, although she
happen [to be] very near, cannot aid them; for a dreadful tremor comes upon herself;
but hastening, she immediately flies through the thick oak groves and the forest, sweating,
through the attack of the wild beast. Thus no one of the Trojans was then able to avert
destruction from these, but they themselves were put to flight by the Greeks. Next [he
attacked] Pisander and Hippolochus, brave in battle, the sons of warlike Antimachus,
who having accepted gold from Paris, rich gifts, would not suffer them to restore Helen
to yellow-haired Menelaus. His two sons, then, Agamemnon, king of men, seized, being in one
chariot, for they drove their fleet horses together; for the splendid reins had fallen
from their hands, and they were confounded. But the son of Atreus rushed against them
like a lion, and they, on the contrary, supplicated [him] from the chariot: "Take us alive, O
son of Atreus, and thou shalt receive worthy ransoms. For many treasures lie in the houses
of Antimachus, brass, gold, and variously-wrought iron. From these would our father give infinite
ransoms, if he should hear that we were alive at the ships of the Greeks."
Thus both weeping addressed the king with soothing words; but heard an unsoothing reply:
"If indeed ye be the sons of warlike Antimachus, who once in an assembly of the Trojans, ordered
that they should there put to death Menelaus, coming as an ambassador along with godlike
Ulysses, and not send him back to the Greeks—now surely shall ye pay the penalty of the unmerited
insolence of your father." He said, and hurled Pisander from his horses
to the ground, striking him on the breast with his spear; and he was stretched supine
upon the soil. But Hippolochus leaped down, whom next he slew upon the ground, having
lopped off his hands with his sword, and cut off his neck; and it (the head) like a cylinder,
he hurled forward, to be rolled through the crowd. These then he left there; and where
very many phalanxes were thrown into confusion, there he rushed, and at the same time other
well-greaved Greeks. Infantry slew infantry, flying from necessity, and horse [slew] horse,
slaughtering with the brass (whilst the dust was raised by them from the plain, which the
loud-sounding feet of the horses excited); but king Agamemnon, constantly slaying, pursued,
cheering on the Greeks. And as when a destructive fire falls upon a *** forest, and the wind
whirling carries it on all sides, whilst the branches fall with the roots, overwhelmed
by the violence of the flame; so fell the heads of the flying Trojans, at the hand of
Agamemnon, son of Atreus, and many lofty-necked steeds rattled their empty chariots through
the ranks of the battle, longing for their faultless charioteers; but they lay upon the
earth, far more agreeable to the vultures than to their wives.
But Jove withdrew Hector out of the reach of weapons, of dust, of slaughter, blood and
tumult, whilst Atrides pursued, loudly cheering on the Danai. [The Trojans] meanwhile rushed
through the middle of the plain towards the wild fig-tree, near the tomb of Ilus, the
descendant of ancient Dardanus, eager to reach the city; but Atrides still followed shouting,
and stained his invincible hands with dusty gore. But when now they reached the Scæan
gates and the beech-tree, there at length they halted, and awaited each other. Others,
however, still fled through the middle of the plain, like oxen which a lion, coming
at the depth of night, hath put tremblingly to flight—all, but to some one dreadful
destruction is apparent; whose neck he first completely breaks, seizing it in his strong
teeth; and then laps up both the blood and all the entrails: thus did the son of Atreus,
king Agamemnon, follow them, always killing the hindermost; and they kept flying. Many
fell prone and supine from their chariots, by the hands of the son of Atreus; for before
[all others] he raged exceedingly with the spear. But when now he was about soon to reach
the city and the lofty wall, then indeed the father both of men and gods, descending from
heaven, seated himself upon the tops of Ida, of many rills. And he held the lightning in
his hands, and aroused golden-winged Iris to bear his message: "Come, swift Iris, deliver
this message to Hector. As long as he may behold Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people,
raging in the van, [and] destroying the ranks of men, so long let him retreat, and let him
exhort the rest of the army to fight with the enemy during the violent contest. But
when he (Agamemnon) shall have mounted his steeds, either smitten by a spear, or wounded
by an arrow, then will I supply him with strength to slay, until he reach the well-benched ships,
and the sun set, and sacred darkness come on."
Thus he spake; nor did rapid Iris, swift as the wind on her feet, disobey. But she descended
from the mountains of Ida, towards sacred Ilium. She found noble Hector, son of warlike
Priam, standing in the midst of the horses and well-joined chariots: and having approached,
swift-footed Iris addressed him: "Hector, son of Priam, equal in counsel to Jove, Jove
hath sent me forward to deliver to thee this message: As long as thou seest Agamemnon,
the shepherd of the people, raging amongst the van, [and] destroying the ranks of men,
so long do thou abstain from combat, but exhort the rest of the army to fight with the enemy
during the violent contest. But when he shall have mounted his steeds, either smitten with
a spear, or wounded by an arrow, then will he supply thee with strength to slay, until
thou reach the well-benched ships, and the sun set, and sacred darkness come on."
Thus having spoken, swift-footed Iris departed. But Hector with his armour sprang from his
chariot to the ground, and brandishing sharp spears, ranged through the army on every side,
inciting them to fight, and stirred up the dreadful battle. They indeed rallied, and
stood opposite to the Greeks; but the Greeks, on the other hand, strengthened their phalanxes.
And the battle was renewed, and they stood front to front. But Agamemnon first rushed
on, for he wished to fight far before all. Tell me now, ye muses, possessing Olympian
dwellings, who first, either of the Trojans or illustrious allies, now came against Agamemnon?
Iphidamas, son of Antenor, both valiant and great, who was nurtured in fertile Thrace,
the mother of flocks. Cisseus, his maternal grandfather, who begat fair-cheeked Theano,
reared him in his house whilst yet a little boy: but when he had attained the measure
of glorious youth, he there detained him, and gave him his own daughter. And having
married her, he came from the bridal chamber, on the rumour of the Greeks, with twelve curved
vessels which followed him. The equal ships indeed he afterwards left at Percote, but
he, proceeding on foot, had arrived at Troy; and he it was who then came against Agamemnon,
the son of Atreus. When these, advancing against each other, were now near, the son of Atreus
on his part missed, and his spear was turned aside. But Iphidamas smote him upon the belt,
under the corslet; and he put his strength to it, relying on his strong hand. Yet he
pierced not the flexible belt, but meeting with the silver long before, the point was
turned like lead. Then indeed wide-ruling Agamemnon, seeing it in his hand, pulled it
towards him, exasperated, like a lion, and plucked it from his hand; and he smote him
on the neck with his sword, and relaxed his limbs. Thus he, unhappy, while aiding his
citizens, falling there, slept a brazen sleep, away from his lawful *** wife, whose charms
he had not yet known, although he had given many presents [for her]. First he gave a hundred
oxen, and then he promised a thousand goats and sheep together, which were pastured for
him in countless numbers. Him Agamemnon, son of Atreus, at that time stripped [of his arms],
and went through the army of the Greeks, bearing his rich armour. Whom when ***, the eldest
born of Antenor, conspicuous amongst men, then beheld, violent grief darkened his eyes,
for his brother having fallen, and he stood aside with his spear, escaping the notice
of noble Agamemnon. And he wounded him in the middle of the arm, below the elbow, and
the point of the shining spear passed right through to the other side. Then indeed Agamemnon,
the king of men, shuddered; but not even thus did he abstain from battle or from war, but
he rushed upon ***, holding his wind-nurtured spear. He on his part was eagerly dragging
by the foot Iphidamas his brother, and begotten by the same father, and was calling upon every
brave man, when [Agamemnon] wounded him with his polished brazen spear below the bossy
shield, whilst dragging him through the crowd, and relaxed his limbs; and, standing beside
him, cut off his head over Iphidamas. There the sons of Antenor, fulfilling their destiny
at the hands of the king, the son of Atreus, descended to the abode of Hades. But he was
ranging about through the ranks of other men, with his spear, his sword, and huge stones,
whilst the warm blood yet oozed from his wound. When, however, the wound grew dry, and the
blood ceased [to flow], sharp pains possessed the strength of Atreus's son. And as when
the sharp pang seizes a woman in travail, piercing, which the Ilithyiæ, daughters of
Juno, who preside over childbirth, send forth, keeping bitter pangs in their possession;
so did sharp anguish enter the strength of the son of Atreus. And he sprang into his
chariot, and ordered his charioteer to drive on to the hollow ships; for he was tortured
at heart. And vociferating, he shouted aloud to the Greeks: "O friends, leaders, and rulers
over the Argives, repel ye now the severe battle from the sea-traversing barks, since
provident Jove does not permit me to combat all day with the Trojans."
Thus he spoke; and the charioteer lashed on the fair-maned steeds towards the hollow ships;
and they, not unwilling, flew. They were covered with foam as to their ***, and were sprinkled
beneath with dust, as they bore the afflicted king apart from the battle. But Hector, when
he observed Agamemnon going apart, exhorted both the Trojans and Lycians, shouting aloud:
"Ye Trojans, Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my friends, and be mindful of impetuous
might. The bravest hero has departed, and Saturnian Jove has given great glory to me.
But straightway urge your solid-hoofed horses against the gallant Greeks, that ye may bear
off higher glory." Thus saying, he aroused the courage and spirit
of each. As when perchance some huntsman should urge his white-toothed dogs against a rustic
wild boar or lion; so Hector, the son of Priam, equal to man-slaughtering Mars, urged the
magnanimous Trojans against the Greeks. He himself, having mighty courage, advanced among
the first, and rushed into the battle, like unto a storm blowing from above, and which
rushing down, stirs up the purple deep. Then whom first and whom last, did Hector,
son of Priam, slay, when Jove gave him glory? ***æus indeed first, and Autonoüs, and Opites,
and Dolops, son of Clytis, and Opheltius, and Agelaus, and Æsymnus, and Orus, and Hipponoüs,
persevering in fight. These leaders of the Greeks he then slew, and afterwards the common
crowd; as when the west wind drives to and fro the clouds of the impetuous south, lashing
them with an impetuous blast, and many a swollen billow is rolled along, whilst the foam is
scattered on high by the far-straying blast of the wind; thus were many heads of the people
subdued by Hector. Then indeed would there have been ruin; and inevitable deeds had been
done, and the flying Greeks had fallen in flight into their ships, had not Ulysses encouraged
Diomede, the son of Tydeus: "Son of Tydeus, through what cause are we forgetful of impetuous
might? But come hither, my friend, stand by me; for surely it will be a disgrace if indeed
crest-tossing Hector take the ships." Him then valiant Diomede, answering, addressed:
"I indeed will remain, and be courageous; although there will be little use for us,
since cloud-compelling Jove chooses to give glory to the Trojans rather than to us."
He said, and hurled Thymbræus from his chariot to the ground, striking him with his spear
upon the left pap; but Ulysses [slew] Molion, the godlike attendant of the king. These then
they left, since they caused them to cease from war. Then both, advancing through the
multitude, excited confusion; as when two boars, full of courage, rush upon the hounds;
so they returning to the fight, cut down the Trojans; and the Greeks joyfully gained a
respite, avoiding noble Hector. Next they took a chariot and two warriors, the bravest
of the people, the two sons of Percosian Merops, who above all was skilled in augury, nor would
permit his sons to march to the man-destroying war: yet did they not obey him, because the
destinies of black death led them on. Them spear-renowned Diomede, the son of Tydeus,
depriving of life and breath, despoiled of their splendid armour. And Ulysses slew Hippodamus
and Hyperochus. Then the son of Saturn, looking down from
Ida, stretched for them the contest with equal tension, and they slaughtered one another.
The son of Tydeus indeed wounded on the hip, with his spear, the hero Agastrophus, son
of Pæon; for his horses were not at hand for him to take flight; but he had erred greatly
in his mind, for his attendant kept them apart, whilst he rushed on foot through the foremost
combatants, till he lost his life. But Hector quickly perceived it along the ranks, and
hastened towards them, shouting; and with him followed the phalanxes of the Trojans.
Diomede, brave in the din of battle, beholding him, shuddered, and immediately addressed
Ulysses, who was near: "Towards us is this great destruction, dreadful Hector, now rolled.
But come, let us stand firm, and awaiting, repulse [him]."
He said, and brandishing his long-shadowed spear, hurled it, and smote him on the summit
of the helmet on his head; nor, aiming did he miss. But brass wandered from brass, nor
did it reach the white skin; for the threefold oblong helmet stopped it, which Phœbus Apollo
had given him. Hector hastily retired to a distance, and was mingled with the crowd.
And he (Hector) falling upon his knee, remained so, and supported himself with his strong
hand against the earth, whilst dark night overshadowed his eyes. But whilst the son
of Tydeus was following after the impulse of the spear far through the foremost combatants,
where it was fixed in the earth, Hector, in the meantime, breathed again, and springing
again into his chariot, drove into the crowd, and avoided black death. And valiant Diomede,
rushing upon him with his spear, addressed him: "Dog, thou hast escaped indeed death
at present, although destruction approached near thee. Now again has Phœbus Apollo rescued
thee, to whom thou art wont to offer prayers, advancing into the clash of spears. But I
will assuredly make an end of thee, meeting thee again, if perchance any one of the gods
be an ally to me. Now, however, I will go against others, whomsoever I can find."
He said, and slew the spear-renowned son of Pæon. But Paris, the husband of fair-haired
Helen, leaning against a pillar, at the tomb of the deceased hero, Dardanian Ilus, the
aged leader of the people, bent his bow against the son of Tydeus, the shepherd of the people.
Whilst he was removing the variegated corslet from the breast of gallant Agastrophus, the
shield from his shoulders, and his heavy casque, he (Paris) in the meantime was drawing back
the horn of his bow, and struck him on the broad part of the right foot, nor did the
weapon escape in vain from his hand; and the arrow went entirely into the ground. And he,
laughing very joyfully, sprang from his ambuscade, and boasting, spoke: "Thou art struck, nor
has the weapon escaped me in vain. Would that, striking thee in the lower part of the groin,
I had deprived thee of life. Thus, indeed, would the Trojans have respired from destruction,
who now are thrilled with horror at thee, as bleating goats at the lion."
But him valiant Diomede, undismayed, addressed: "Archer, reviler, decked out with curls, woman's
man, if now in arms thou wouldst make trial of me, hand to hand, thy bow should not avail
thee, and numerous arrows whereas now, having grazed the broad part of my foot, thou boastest
thus. I regard it not, as though a woman had wounded me, or a silly boy: for idle is the
weapon of an unwarlike, good-for-nothing man. From me, indeed, it is otherwise; for if one
be touched but slightly, the weapon is piercing, and forthwith renders him lifeless; and the
cheeks of his wife are furrowed on both sides, and his children are orphans; but crimsoning
the earth with his blood, he putrefies, and the birds around him are more numerous than
the women."
Thus he spoke; but spear-renowned Ulysses coming near, stood before him, and he (Diomede)
sitting down behind him, drew the swift shaft out of his foot, and severe agony darted through
his body. Then he leaped into his chariot, and commanded his charioteer to drive to the
hollow ships; for he was grieved at heart. But spear-renowned Ulysses was left alone,
nor did any of the Greeks remain beside him, as fear had seized upon all. Wherefore, groaning
inwardly, he addressed his own mighty soul: "Alas! what will become of me? Great would
be the disgrace if I fly, alarmed at the multitude; but worse would it be if I were taken alone:
but the son of Saturn hath struck the rest of the Greeks with terror. But wherefore does
my spirit discuss these things with me? for I know that cowards indeed retire from the
battle; but whosoever should be brave in combat, it is altogether necessary that he stand firmly,
whether he be wounded, or wound another." Whilst he revolved these things within his
mind and soul, the ranks of the shielded Trojans in the meantime came upon him, and enclosed
him in the midst, placing [their] bane in the midst of them. As when dogs and vigorous
youths rush against a boar on all sides, but he comes out from a deep thicket, sharpening
his white tusk within his crooked jaws; on all sides they rush upon him, and a gnashing
of teeth arises: but they remain at a distance from him, terrible as he is: so the Trojans
did rush round Ulysses, dear to Jove. But he wounded above the shoulder blameless Deïopites,
springing upon him with his sharp spear; and afterwards he slew Thoön and Ennomous. With
his spear he next wounded Chersidamas, when leaping from his chariot, in the navel, below
his bossed shield; but he, falling amid the dust, grasped the earth with the hollow of
his hand. These indeed he left, and next wounded with his spear Charops, son of Hippasus, and
brother of noble Socus. But Socus, godlike hero, hastened to give him aid; and approaching
very near, he stood, and addressed him in these words: "O illustrious Ulysses, insatiable
in crafts and toil, to-day shalt thou either boast over the two sons of Hippasus, having
slain such heroes, and stripped them of their arms, or else stricken by my spear, thou shalt
lose thy life." Thus saying, he smote him upon the shield
equal on all sides. The rapid weapon penetrated the shining shield, and was fixed through
the curiously-wrought corslet, and tore off all the skin from his sides. But Pallas Minerva
suffered it not to be mingled with the entrails of the hero. And Ulysses perceived that the
weapon had not come upon him mortally, and retiring, he addressed [this] speech to Socus:
"Ah! wretch; very soon indeed will dreadful destruction overtake thee. Without doubt thou
hast caused me to cease from fighting with the Trojans, but I declare that death and
black fate shall be thine this day; and that, subdued beneath my spear, thou shalt give
glory to me, and thy soul to steed-famed Pluto."
He said, and the other, turning again to flight, had begun to retreat, but whilst he was turning,
he (Ulysses) fixed his spear in his back between the shoulders, and drove it through his breast.
Falling, he made a crash, and noble Ulysses boasted over him: "O Socus, son of warlike,
horse-breaking Hippasus, the end of death has anticipated thee, nor hast thou escaped.
Ah! wretch, neither thy father nor venerable mother shall close thine eyes for thee, dead
as thou art, but ravenous birds shall tear thee, flapping about thee with dense wings:
but when I die, the noble Greeks will pay me funeral honours."
So saying, he plucked the strong spear of warlike Socus out of his flesh and bossy shield;
and his blood gushed forth as he drew it out, and tortured his mind. But the magnanimous
Trojans, when they beheld the blood of Ulysses, encouraging one another through the crowd,
all rushed on against him; whilst he kept retreating backwards, and called to his companions.
Thrice did he then shout as much as the head of mortal could contain, and thrice warlike
Menelaus heard him exclaiming, and instantly addressed Ajax, being near: "Most noble Ajax,
son of Telamon, chieftain of the people, the cry of invincible Ulysses has come upon me,
like to that, as if the Trojans were greatly pressing upon him, being alone, having cut
him off in the sharp fight. Wherefore let us go through the crowd, as it is better to
aid him. I fear lest being left alone amidst the Trojans, he suffer aught, although being
brave, and there be great want [of him] to the Greeks."
Thus speaking, he led the way, and the godlike hero followed along with him. Then they found
Ulysses, dear to Jove; and around him followed the Trojans, like tawny jackals round an antlered
stag when wounded in the mountains, which a man hath stricken with an arrow from the
bowstring. Him indeed, flying, it escapes on its feet, as long as the blood is warm,
and its knees have the power of motion. But when the swift arrow hath subdued it, the
raw-devouring jackals destroy it in a shady grove among the mountains. Chance, however,
brings thither the destructive lion: the jackals then fly in terror, and he devours. So at
that time followed the Trojans, numerous and brave, round warlike, crafty Ulysses; but
the hero, rushing on with his spear, warded off the merciless day. Then Ajax came near,
bearing his shield, like a tower, and stood beside him; and the Trojans fled, terrified,
different ways. In the meantime warlike Menelaus, taking him by the hand, withdrew [him] from
the throng, till his attendant drove his horses near. But Ajax, springing upon the Trojans,
slew Doryclus, son of Priam, an illegitimate son; and next wounded Pandocus. Lysander he
wounded, and Pyrasus, and Pylartes. And as when an overflowing river comes down on the
plain, a torrent from the mountains, accompanied by the shower of Jove, and bears along with
it many dry oaks and many pines, and casts forth the swollen torrent into the sea; so
illustrious Ajax, routing [them], pursued [them] along the plain, slaughtering both
horses and men. Nor as yet had Hector heard it; for he was fighting on the left of the
battle, on the banks of the river Scamander; for there chiefly fell the heads of men, and
an inextinguishable clamour had arisen around mighty Nestor, and warlike Idomeneus. Among
these did Hector mingle, performing arduous deeds with his spear and equestrian skill,
and he was laying waste the phalanxes of youths. Nevertheless the noble Greeks would not have
retired from the way, had not Paris, the husband of fair-haired Helen, disabled Machaon, the
shepherd of the people, performing prodigies of valour, wounding him on the right shoulder
with a triple-barbed arrow. For him then the valour-breathing Greeks trembled, lest perchance
they should slay him, the battle giving way, and immediately Idomeneus addressed noble
Nestor: "O Neleian Nestor, great glory of the Greeks, come, ascend thy chariot, and
let Machaon mount beside thee; and direct thy solid-hoofed horses with all speed towards
the ships, for a medical man is equivalent to many others, both to cut out arrows, and
to apply mild remedies."
Thus he spoke, nor did the Gerenian knight Nestor disobey. Forthwith he ascended his
chariot, and Machaon, the son of Æsculapius, blameless physician, mounted beside him; but
he lashed on the steeds, and they flew not unwillingly towards the hollow ships, for
there it was agreeable to their inclination [to go].
But Cebriones, sitting beside Hector, perceived the Trojans in confusion, and addressed him
in [these] words: "Hector, we two are mingling here with the Greeks in the outskirt of evil-sounding
battle, whilst the other Trojans are thrown into confusion in crowds, both their horses
and themselves. Telamonian Ajax is routing them, for I know him well, for around his
shoulders he bears a broad shield. But let us also direct our horses and chariot thither,
where cavalry and infantry, having engaged in the evil strife, are slaughtering each
other, and inextinguishable tumult hath arisen." Thus then having spoken, he lashed on the
fair-maned steeds with his shrill-cracking lash. But they, sensible of the stroke, speedily
bore the swift chariot through Trojans and Greeks, trampling on both corses and shields.
With blood the whole axletree was stained beneath, and the rims around the chariot-seat,
which the drops from the horses' hoofs, and from the wheel-tires, spattered. But he longed
to enter the crowd of heroes, and to break through, springing upon them. And he sent
destructive tumult upon the Greeks, and abstained very little from the spear. Among the ranks
of other men indeed he ranged with his spear, his sword, and with huge stones; but he shunned
the conflict of Telamonian Ajax. But lofty-throned Jove excited fear within
Ajax, and he stood confounded, and cast behind him his shield of seven bulls' hides. Panic-struck
he retired, gazing on all sides like a wild beast, turning to and fro, slowly moving knee
after knee. As when dogs and rustic men drive a ravening lion from the stall of oxen, who,
keeping watch all night, do not allow him to carry off the fat of their cattle, but
he, eager for their flesh, rushes on, but profits nought, for numerous javelins fly
against him from daring hands, and blazing torches, at which he trembles, although furious;
but in the morning he stalks away with saddened mind: so Ajax, sad at heart, then retired,
much against his will, from the Trojans; for he feared for the ships of the Greeks. And
as when a stubborn ***, upon whose sides many sticks have already been broken, entering
in, browses on the tall crop, but the boys still beat him with sticks, although their
strength is but feeble, and with difficulty drive him out, when he is satiated with food,
so then at length the magnanimous Trojans and far-summoned allies continually followed
Ajax, the mighty son of Telamon, striking the middle of his shield with missile weapons.
And Ajax, sometimes wheeling about, was mindful of impetuous might, and checked the phalanxes
of the horse-breaking Trojans, but again he would turn himself to fly. But he prevented
all from advancing to the swift ships, whilst standing himself between the Trojans and Greeks
he raged impetuously. And spears hurled against him from daring hands, stuck, some indeed
in his ample shield, and many, though eager to glut themselves with his flesh, stood fixed
in the ground between, before they could reach his fair skin.
Whom when Eurypylus, the illustrious son of Evæmon, perceived pressed hard with many
darts, advancing he stood beside him, and took aim with his shining spear; and smote
Apisaon, son of Phausias, shepherd of the people, in the liver, under the diaphragm;
and immediately relaxed his limbs. And when godlike Alexander observed him stripping off
the armour of Apisaon, he instantly bent his bow against Eurypylus, and smote him with
an arrow upon the right thigh; and the reed was broken, and pained his thigh. Then he
fell back into the column of his companions, avoiding fate, and shouting, he cried with
a loud voice to the Greeks: "O friends, leaders, and rulers over the Greeks, rallying, stand
firm, and ward off the merciless day from Ajax, who is hard pressed with darts; nor
do I think that he will escape from the dread-resounding battle. But by all means stand firm round
mighty Ajax, the son of Telamon." So spake the wounded Eurypylus, and they stood
very near him, resting their shields upon their shoulders, and lifting up their spears.
But Ajax came to meet them, and turning about, stood firm, when he reached the body of his
comrades. Thus they indeed combated like blazing fire.
In the meantime the Neleian steeds, sweating, bore Nestor from the battle, and conveyed
Machaon, the shepherd of the people. And noble Achilles, swift of foot, looking forth, beheld
him; for he stood upon the prow of his great ship, gazing at the severe labour and lamentable
rout. Straightway he addressed Patroclus, his companion, calling [to him] from the ship;
and he, hearing him within the tent, came forth, like unto Mars: but it was the beginning
of misfortune to him. Him first the gallant son of Menœtius addressed: "Why dost thou
call me, Achilles, and what need hast thou of me?"
But him swift-footed Achilles answering, addressed: "Noble son of Menœtius, most dear to my soul,
soon I think that the Greeks will stand round my knees entreating, for a necessity no longer
tolerable invades them. But go now, Patroclus, dear to Jove, ask Nestor what man this is
whom he is carrying wounded from the battle. Behind, indeed, he wholly resembles Machaon,
the son of Æsculapius, but I have not beheld the countenance of the man: for the horses
passed by me, hastening onward." Thus he spoke, and Patroclus was obedient
to his dear comrade, and hastened to run to the tents and ships of the Greeks.
But when they came to the tent of the son of Neleus, they themselves descended to the
fertile earth, and Eurymedon, the attendant of the old man, unyoked the mares from the
chariot; whilst they refreshed themselves from the sweat upon their tunics, standing
towards the breeze beside the shore of the sea, and afterwards, entering the tent, they
sat down upon couches. But for them fair-curled Hecamede prepared a mixture, she whom the
old man had brought from Tenedos, when Achilles laid it waste, the daughter of magnanimous
Arsinoüs, whom the Greeks selected for him, because he surpassed all in counsel. First
she set forward for them a handsome, cyanus-footed, well-polished table; then upon it a brazen
tray, and on it an onion, a relish for the draught, as well as new honey, and beside
it the fruit of sacred corn. Likewise a splendid cup near them, which the old man had brought
from home, studded with golden nails. Its handles were four, and around each were two
golden pigeons feeding, and under it were two bottoms. Another indeed would have removed
it with difficulty from the table, being full; but aged Nestor raised it without difficulty.
In it the woman, like unto the goddesses, had mixed for them Pramnian wine, and grated
over it a goat's-milk cheese with a brazen rasp, and sprinkled white flour upon it: then
bade them drink, as soon as she had prepared the potion. But when drinking they had removed
parching thirst, they amused themselves, addressing each other in conversation. And Patroclus
stood at the doors, a godlike hero.
But the old man, perceiving him, rose from his splendid seat, and taking him by the hand,
led him, in, and bade him be seated. But Patroclus, on the other side, declined, and uttered [this]
reply: "No seat [for me], O Jove-nurtured sage, nor wilt thou persuade me. Revered and
irascible is he who sent me forth to inquire who this man is whom thou leadest wounded;
but even I myself know, for I perceive Machaon, the shepherd of the people. Now, however,
in order to deliver my message, I will return again an ambassador to Achilles; for well
dost thou know, O Jove-nurtured sage, what a terrible man he is; soon would he blame
even the blameless."
But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: "But why indeed does Achilles thus compassionate
the sons of the Greeks, as many as have been wounded with weapons? Nor knows he how great
sorrow hath arisen throughout the army; for the bravest lie in the ships, smitten in the
distant or the close fight. Stricken is brave Diomede, the son of Tydeus, and wounded is
spear-renowned Ulysses, as well as Agamemnon. Eurypylus also has been wounded in the thigh
with an arrow; and this other have I lately brought from battle, smitten with an arrow
from the bowstring: yet Achilles, being brave, regards not the Greeks, nor pities them. Does
he wait until the swift ships near the sea, contrary to the will of the Greeks, be consumed
with the hostile fire, and we ourselves be slain one after the other? For my strength
is not as it formerly was in my active members. Would that I were thus young, and my might
was firm, as when a contest took place between the Eleans and us, about the driving away
some oxen, when, driving away in reprisal, I slew Itymoneus, the valiant son of Hypeirochus,
who dwelt in Elis: for he, defending his cattle, was smitten among the first by a javelin from
my hand, and there fell; and his rustic troops fled on every side. And we drove from the
plain a very great ***, fifty droves of oxen, as many flocks of sheep, as many herds
of swine, and as many broad herds of goats, one hundred and fifty yellow steeds, all mares,
and beneath many there were colts. And these we drove within Neleian Pylus, at night towards
the city; but Neleus was delighted in his mind, because many things had fallen to my
lot, going as a young man to the war. But with the appearing morn, heralds cried aloud
for those to approach to whom a debt was due in rich Elis; and the leading heroes of the
Pylians assembling, divided [the spoil], (because the Epeans owed a debt to many); for we in
Pylus, [being] few, were overwhelmed with evil. For the Herculean might, coming in former
years, did us mischief, and as many as were bravest were slain. For we, the sons of illustrious
Neleus, were twelve; of whom I alone am left, but all the rest have perished. Elated at
these things, the brazen-mailed Epeans, insulting us, devised wicked deeds. But the old man
chose for himself a herd of cattle and a large flock of sheep, selecting three hundred and
their shepherds; for even to him a great debt was due in rich Elis: four horses, victorious
in the race, with their chariots, which had gone for the prizes; for they were about to
run for a tripod; but Augeas, king of men, detained them there, and dismissed the charioteer,
grieved on account of his steeds. At which words and deeds the old man, being wroth,
chose out for himself mighty numbers, and gave the rest to the people to divide, that
no one might go away defrauded by him of his just proportion. We indeed accomplished each
of these things, and were performing sacrifices to the gods through the city, when on the
third day they all came at once, both the citizens themselves and their solid-hoofed
steeds, in full force: and with them were armed the two Molions, being still youths,
nor as yet very skilled in impetuous might. There is a certain city, a lofty hill, Thryoëssa,
far away at the Alpheus, the last of sandy Pylus; this they invested, eager to overthrow
it. But when they had crossed the whole plain, Minerva, hastening from Olympus, came to us
by night as a messenger, that we should be armed; nor did she assemble an unwilling people
at Pylus, but one very eager to fight. Still Neieus would not allow me to be armed, but
concealed my horses, for he said that I was not at all acquainted with warlike deeds.
Yet even thus was I conspicuous amongst our cavalry, even although being on foot; for
thus did Minerva conduct me to battle. There is a certain river, Minyeïus, emptying itself
into the sea near Arena, where we, the Pylian horsemen, awaited divine Morn, whilst the
swarms of infantry poured in. Thence in full force, equipped in armour, we came at mid-day
to the sacred stream of Alpheus. There having offered fair victims to almighty Jove, a bull
to the Alpheus, and a bull to Neptune, but an untrained heifer to blue-eyed Minerva,
we then took supper through the army by troops; and we each slept in our arms along the river's
stream. In the meantime the magnanimous Epeans stood around, desirous to lay waste the city;
but a mighty work of Mars first appeared to them: for as soon as the splendid sun was
elevated above the earth, we were engaged in the battle, praying to Jove and to Minerva.
But when now the battle of the Pylians and Eleans began, I first slew a man, the warrior
Molion, and bore away his solid-hoofed steeds: he was the son-in-law of Augeas, and possessed
his eldest daughter, yellow-haired Agamede, who well understood as many drugs as the wide
earth nourishes. Him advancing against [me], I smote with my brazen spear. He fell in the
dust, and springing into his chariot, I then stood among the foremost combatants; but the
magnanimous Epeans fled terrified in different directions when they beheld the hero fallen,
the leader of their cavalry, he who was the best to fight. But I rushed upon them like
unto a black whirlwind; and I took fifty chariots, and in each two men bit the ground with their
teeth, vanquished by my spear. And now indeed I should have slain the youthful Molions,
the sons of Actor, had not their sire, wide-ruling Neptune, covering them with a thick haze,
preserved them from the war. Then Jove delivered into the hands of the Pylians great strength,
for so long did we follow them through the long plain, both slaying them, and gathering
up rich armour, until he had driven our horses to Buprasium, fertile in wheat, to the rock
Olenia and Alesium, where it is called Colone: whence Minerva turned back the people. Then
having killed the last man, I left him; but the Greeks guided back their swift steeds
from Buprasium to Pylus; and all gave glory to Jove, of the gods, and to Nestor, of men.
Thus was I, as sure as ever I existed, among men: but Achilles will enjoy his valour alone:
surely I think that he will hereafter greatly lament, when the people have bitterly perished.
O my friend, Menœtius did assuredly thus command thee on that day when he sent thee
from Phthia to Agamemnon. For we being both within, I and noble Ulysses, distinctly heard
all things in the halls, as he charged you: but we were come to the well-inhabited palace
of Peleus, collecting an army through fertile Greece. There then we found the hero Menœtius
within, as well as thee, and Achilles besides; but the aged horseman, Peleus, was burning
the fat thighs of an ox to thunder-rejoicing Jove, within the enclosure of his palace,
and held a golden cup, pouring the dark wine over the blazing sacrifice. Both of you were
then employed about the flesh of the ox, whilst we stood in the vestibule; but Achilles, astonished,
leaped up, and led us in, taking us by the hand, and bade us be seated: and he set in
order before us the offerings of hospitality which are proper for guests. But when we were
satiated with eating and drinking, I began discourse, exhorting you to follow along with
us. Ye were both very willing, and they both commanded you many things. Aged Peleus in
the first place directed his son Achilles ever to be the bravest, and to be conspicuous
above others; but to thee again Menœtius, the son of Actor, thus gave charge: 'My son,
Achilles indeed ia superior in birth; but thou art the elder. And he is much superior
in strength: but still do thou frequently suggest to him proper advice, and admonish
and direct him, and he will surely be obedient in what is for [his own] good.' Thus did the
old man command thee; but thou art forgetful: but even now do thou mention these things
to warlike Achilles, if perchance he may be obedient. Who knows if, advising him, thou
mayest, with the gods' assistance, arouse his mind? For the admonition of a friend is
good. But if within his mind he avoid some prophecy, and his venerable mother has told
him anything from Jove, let him at least send thee forth; and with thee let the other forces
of the Myrmidons follow, if indeed thou mayest be some aid to the Greeks. Let him likewise
give his beautiful armour to thee, to be borne into battle, if perchance the Trojans, assimilating
thee to him, may abstain from the conflict, and the warlike sons of the Greeks, already
afflicted, may respire; and there be a little respite from fighting. But you, [who are]
fresh, will, with fighting, easily drive back men wearied, towards the city, from the ships
and tents."
Thus he spake, and he aroused the spirit within his breast; and he hastened to run to the
ships to Achilles, the grandson of Æacus. But when now Patroclus, running, arrived at
the ships of godlike Ulysses, where were their forum and seat of justice, and there the altars
of their gods also were erected, there Eurypylus, the noble son of Evæmon, wounded with an
arrow in the thigh, limping from the battle, met him. Down his back ran the copious sweat
from his shoulders and head, and from the grievous wound oozed the black blood; nevertheless
his mind was firm. Seeing him, the gallant son of Menœtius pitied him, and, grieving,
spoke winged words: "Alas! unhappy men, leaders and rulers over the Greeks, are ye then thus
destined, far away from your friends and native land, to satiate the swift dogs at Troy with
your white fat? But come, tell me this, O Jove-nurtured hero, Eurypylus, will the Greeks
still at all sustain mighty Hector, or will they now be destroyed, subdued by his spear?"
But him prudent Eurypylus in turn addressed: "No longer, Jove-nurtured Patroclus, will
there be aid for the Greeks, but they will fall back upon the black ships. For already
all, as many as were once bravest, lie at the ships, stricken or wounded by the hands
of the Trojans, whose strength ever increases. But do thou now, indeed, save me, leading
me to my black ship; and cut out the arrow from my thigh, and wash the black blood from
it with warm water; then sprinkle upon it mild drugs, salubrious, which they say thou
wert taught by Achilles, whom Chiron instructed, the most just of the Centaurs. For the physicians,
Podalirius and Machaon, the one, I think, having a wound, lies at the tents, and himself
in want of a faultless physician, and the other awaits the sharp battle of the Trojans
upon the plain."
But him again the brave son of Menœtius addressed: "How then will these things turn out? What
shall we do, O hero Eurypylus? I go that I may deliver a message to warlike Achilles,
with which venerable Nestor, guardian of the Greeks, has intrusted me: but even thus I
cannot neglect thee, afflicted." He said, and having laid hold of the shepherd
of the people under his breast, bore him to the tent, and his attendant, when he saw him,
spread under him bulls' hides. There [Patroclus] laying him at length, cut out with a knife
the bitter, sharp arrow from his thigh, and washed the black blood from it with warm water.
Then he applied a bitter, pain-assuaging root, rubbing it in his hands, which checked all
his pangs: the wound, indeed, was dried up, and the bleeding ceased.
End of Book the Eleventh
BOOK THE TWELFTH. ARGUMENT.
The Trojans assail the rampart, and Hector, despite an omen, which Polydamas interprets
unfavourably, attacks and forces the gate, and opens a way to the ships.
Thus then at the tents the valiant son of Menœtius was healing the wounded Eurypylus:
but the Greeks and Trojans kept fighting in masses; nor was the ditch of the Greeks destined
to prove a barrier any longer, and the wide wall from above, which they had erected in
defence of the ships; but they had drawn a foss around (nor had they given splendid hecatombs
to the gods); that it enclosing within, might defend the swift ships and the great ***.
But it was built against the will of the immortal gods, therefore it remained not perfect for
any long period. As long as Hector was alive, and Achilles indignant, and the city of king
Priam unravaged, so long was the mighty wall of the Greeks firm. But when all the bravest
of the Trojans were dead, and many of the Greeks were subdued, but others left surviving,
when in the tenth year the city of Priam was sacked, and the Greeks went in their ships
to their dear fatherland; then at length Neptune and Apollo took counsel to demolish the wall,
introducing the strength of rivers, as many as flow into the sea from the Idæan mountains,
both the Rhesus and the Heptaporus, the Caresus and the Rhodius, the Granicus and the Æsepus,
the divine Scamander and the Simoïs, where many shields and helmets fell in the dust,
and the race of demigod men. The mouths of all these Phœbus Apollo turned to the same
spot, and for nine days he directed their streams against the wall; and Jove in the
meantime rained continually, that he might the sooner render the walls overwhelmed by
the sea. But the Earth-shaker [Neptune] himself, holding the trident in his hands, led them
on; and then dispersed among the billows all the foundations of beams and stones which
the Greeks had laid with toil. And he made [all] level along the rapid Hellespont, and
again covered the vast shore with sands, having demolished the wall: but then he turned the
rivers to go back into their own channels, in which they had formerly poured their sweet-flowing
water.
Thus were Neptune and Apollo about to act hereafter; but then the battle and clamour
burned around the well-built wall, and the stricken joists of the towers resounded: but
the Greeks, subdued by the scourge of Jove, were detained, hemmed in at the hollow ships,
dreading Hector, the furious cause of flight; for he fought, as formerly, equal to a whirlwind.
And as when a boar or lion is occupied amongst the dogs and huntsmen, looking dreadfully
with strength, and they, drawing themselves up in a square form, stand against him, and
hurl frequent javelins from their hands; but never is his noble heart alarmed, nor is he
put to flight; but his courage proves his death. And frequently he turns round, trying
the ranks of men; and wheresoever he has directed his attack, there the ranks of men give way:
so Hector, going through the crowd, rolled along, inciting his companions to cross the
trench. Nor did the swift-footed horses dare [it]; but they loudly neighed, standing upon
the precipitous brink; for the wide ditch affrighted [them], nor was it easy to leap
across, [by standing] near, or to pass it, for overhanging brinks stood round it on both
sides, and beneath it was fortified with sharp palisades, which the sons of the Greeks had
fixed, close-set and large, as a defence against hostile men. There a horse, drawing a swift-rolling
chariot, could not readily enter, but the infantry eagerly desired it, if they could
accomplish it. Then indeed Polydamas, standing near, addressed daring Hector: "Hector, and
ye other leaders of the Trojans, and allies, unwisely do we drive our fleet steeds through
the trench, which is very difficult to pass; since sharp palisades stand in it, and near
them is the wall of the Greeks. Wherefore it is by no means possible for the cavalry
to descend, or to fight, for it is a narrow place, where I think they would be wounded.
For if indeed lofty-thundering Jove, designing evil, destroys the Greeks, but wishes to assist
the Trojans, certainly I would wish this to take place even immediately, that the Greeks
perish here inglorious, away from Argos. If, however, they rally, and a repulse from the
ships take place, and we be entangled in the dug trench, I do not suppose that then even
a messenger will return back to the city from the Greeks. But come, let us all be persuaded
as I shall advise. Let the servants keep our horses at the trench, and let us, all on foot,
clad in armour, follow Hector in a close body; but the Greeks will not withstand us, if indeed
the end of destruction hang over them." Thus spake Polydamas; but the safe counsel
pleased Hector; and immediately he leaped with his armour from his chariot on the ground.
Nor did the other Trojans assemble on horseback, but dismounting, they rushed on, when they
beheld noble Hector. Then each commanded his own charioteer to rein his steeds in good
order there at the trench, and they, separating, drawing themselves up, and being arranged
in five columns, followed along with their leaders. Some then went with Hector and illustrious
Polydamas, who were most numerous and brave, and who were most resolutely desirous, having
broken down the wall, to fight at the hollow ships. And Cebriones followed as a third;
for Hector left another, inferior to Cebriones, with his chariot. Others Paris commanded,
and Alcathous, and Agenor. The third band Helenus and godlike Deïphobus, two sons of
Priam; but the third [commander] was the hero Asius, Asius son of Hyrtacus, whom fiery,
tall steeds brought from Arisba, from the river Selleïs. But the fourth, Æneas, the
brave son of Anchises, led; along with him were the two sons of Antenor, Archilochus
and Acamas, well skilled in every kind of fight. But Sarpedon commanded the illustrious
allies, and chose to himself Glaucus and warlike Asteropæus; for they appeared to him, next
to himself decidedly the bravest of the rest: for he, indeed, excelled among all. When they
then had fitted each other together with interlaced ox-hide bucklers, they advanced, full of courage,
direct against the Greeks, nor expected that they would sustain them, but that they would
fall in flight into their black ships. Then the other Trojans and far-summoned allies
obeyed the counsel of blameless Polydamas; but Asius, son of Hyrtacus, leader of heroes,
was unwilling to relinquish his horses and attendant charioteer, but with them advanced
to the swift ships,—foolish! Nor was he destined to return again, borne on his steeds
and chariot from the ships to wind-swept Ilium, having avoided evil destiny. For him unlucky
fate first encircled from the spear of Idomeneus, the illustrious son of Deucalion. For he rushed
towards the left of the ships, by the way in which the Greeks were returning from the
plain with their horses and chariots. Thither he drove his horses and his chariot, nor did
he find the gates closed in the portal, or the long bar up, but the men held them wide
open, that they might safely receive at the ships any of their companions flying from
the battle. He designedly guided his steeds right onward in that way, and [his troops],
shrilly shouting, followed along with him; for they supposed that the Greeks could no
longer sustain them, but would fall in flight into the black ships—fools! for at the gates
they found two very brave heroes, the magnanimous sons of the warlike Lapithæ, the one the
son of Pirithous, gallant Polypœtes, the other Leonteus, equal to man-slaughtering
Mars. These two then stood before the lofty gates, as tall oaks on the mountains, which
abide the wind and rain at all seasons, remaining firmly fixed by their great and wide-spreading
roots; so they too, trusting to their hands and strength, awaited mighty Asius coming
on, nor fled. But the troops, lifting high their well-seasoned bucklers, advanced with
loud shouting directly towards the well-built wall, round their king Asius, and Iämenus,
and Orestes, Acamas, the son of Asius, Thoon, and Œnomäus. Hitherto indeed these, remaining
within, were exhorting the well-armed Greeks to fight for the ships; but when they perceived
the Trojans rushing against the wall, and confusion and flight of the Greeks arose,
both darting out, fought before the gates, like unto wild boars, which await the approaching
tumult of men and dogs in the mountains, and, advancing obliquely to the attack, break down
the wood around them, cutting it to the root; and a gnashing of teeth arises from beneath,
till some one, having taken aim, deprive them of life. So resounded the shining brass upon
their ***, smitten in front, for very valiantly they fought, trusting to the troops
above, and to their own valour. But they hurled stones down from the well-built towers, defending
themselves, their tents, and the swift-voyaging ships. And as snow-flakes fall upon the earth,
which the violent wind, having disturbed the shady clouds, pours down thick upon the fertile
soil; thus poured the weapons from the hands as well of the Greeks as of the Trojans; and
the helmets and bossy shields, smitten with large stones, sounded drily around. Then indeed
Asius, son of Hyrtacus, groaned, and smote both his thighs, and indignant exclaimed:
"Father Jove, surely now at least thou also hast become utterly deceitful; for I did not
expect that the Grecian heroes would abide our strength and invincible hands. But they,
as wasps flexible in the middle, and bees, [which] make their dwellings in a rugged path,
nor quit their hollow mansion; but awaiting the huntsmen, fight for their offspring; so
are these unwilling to retire from the gates, though being only two, until they be either
killed or taken."
Thus he spake, nor did he persuade the mind of Jove, saying these things: for his soul
designed to bestow glory upon Hector. In the meantime others were waging the battle at
other gates; but difficult would it be for me, as if I were a god, to enumerate all these
things; for around the wall in every direction a furiously-raging fire of stones was aroused,
and the Greeks, although grieving, fought from necessity for their ships; and all the
gods were sorrowful in their minds; as many as were allies to the Greeks in battle.
But the Lapithæ began the battle and contest. Then the son of Pirithous, brave Polypœtes,
smote Damasus with his spear, through his brazen-cheeked helmet; nor did the brazen
casque withstand, but the brazen blade burst quite through the bone, and all the brain
within was shattered. Thus he subdued him, rushing on, and afterwards he slew Pylon and
Ormenus. And Leonteus, a branch of Mars, wounded Hippomachus, the son of Antimachus, with his
spear, striking him at the belt. Next, drawing his sharp sword from the sheath, he, rushing
through the crowd, smote Antiphates first, hand to hand, and he was dashed on his back
to the ground; then Menon and Iämenus, and Orestes, all one over another he brought to
the fertile earth. Whilst they were stripping off their glittering
armour, those youths, meantime, who were most numerous and most brave, and who were most
eager to break down the wall, and burn the ships with fire, followed Polydamas and Hector,
and they anxiously deliberated, standing at the trench. For an augury had appeared on
the left to them while eager to cross, a high-flying eagle dividing the people, bearing in his
talons a monstrous blood-stained serpent, alive, still panting; nor was it yet forgetful
of fighting; for, while holding it, writhing backwards, it wounded him upon the breast
near the neck; but he let it drop from him to the ground, afflicted with anguish, and
threw it into the midst of the crowd, and, flapping his wings, he fled away with the
breeze of the wind. And the Trojans shuddered as they beheld the spotted serpent lying in
the midst, a prodigy of ægis-bearing Jove. Then Polydamas, standing near, addressed gallant
Hector: "Hector, somehow or other thou art ever chiding me in the assemblies, although
proposing good counsels; because it is by no means becoming for a man, being a citizen,
to harangue contrary to thee, either in council or at any time in war; but ever to increase
thy authority. Yet will I again speak as appears to me to be best. Let us not go about to fight
with the Greeks for their ships; for thus do I think it will end, as sure as this augury
has come to the Trojans desiring to cross, the high-flying eagle upon the left dividing
the army, bearing in its talons a huge blood-stained serpent, [still] living; but presently it
dropped it, before it reached its dear home, nor succeeded in carrying it to give it to
its young: so we, if even we shall with great force break through the gates and wall of
the Greeks, and the Greeks shall give way,—not in order shall we return by the same way from
the ships: for we shall leave many Trojans, whom the Greeks, fighting for the ships, will
subdue with the brass. Thus indeed would the diviner, who truly kens omens in his mind,
interpret, and the people would obey him."
But him sternly regarding, crest-tossing Hector thus addressed: "O Polydamas, thou dost not
say things agreeable to me: besides, thou knowest how to devise other counsel better
than this. If, however, thou really speakest this with seriousness, then truly have the
gods destroyed thy judgment from thee, who advisest me to be forgetful of the counsels
of lofty-thundering Jove, which he hath himself undertaken for me, and confirmed. And thou
exhortest me to obey the wing-expanding birds; which I very little regard, nor do I care
for them, whether they fly to the right towards the Morn and the Sun, or to the left towards
the darkening west; but let us obey the will of mighty Jove, who rules over all mortals
and immortals. There is one augury, the best, to fight for our country. Why dost thou dread
the war and conflict? For although all the rest of us should perish round the ships of
the Greeks, there is no fear that thou wilt perish, for thy heart is not persevering in
the fight, nor warlike. But if thou darest to abstain from the combat, or dissuading,
dost avert another from the battle, immediately stricken by my spear, shalt thou lose thy
life." Thus then having spoken, he led the way, but
they followed him with an immense clamour. Then thunder-delighting Jove raised a storm
of wind from the Idæan mountains, which bore the dust directly towards the ships; moreover,
he weakened the courage of the Greeks, but bestowed glory upon the Trojans and Hector:
so that, relying upon his prodigies, and [their own] strength, they endeavoured to break through
the mighty wall of the Greeks. They tore down the niched battlements of the towers, and
demolished the breast-works, and with levers they upheaved the projecting buttresses, which
the Greeks had planted first in the earth, as supporters of the towers. These then they
tore down, and hoped to break through the wall of the Greeks.
Yet did not the Greeks retire as yet from the way; but fencing up the embrazures with
their ox-hide shields, they wounded from behind them the enemy coming up under the wall. And
both the Ajaces ranged in every direction upon the towers, cheering on, rousing the
valour of the Greeks. One [they addressed] with soothing, another they rebuked with harsh
expressions, whomsoever they beheld totally neglectful of battle: "O friends, whoever
of the Greeks is excelling, or moderate, or inferior (since all men are not alike in war),
now is there work for all; and ye yourselves, I ween, know this. Let not any one be turned
back towards the ships, hearing the threatener [Hector], but advance onwards, and exhort
each other, if perchance Olympic Jove, the darter of lightning, may grant that, having
repulsed the conflict, we may pursue the enemy to the city."
Thus they, shouting in front, cheered on the attack of the Greeks. But of them—as when
frequent flakes of snow fall upon a winter's day, when provident Jove has begun to snow,
displaying his weapons in the sight of men, and, having lulled the winds, pours it down
incessantly, till he covers the tops and highest peaks of the lofty mountains, and the lotus
plains and rich husbandry of men: and likewise it is poured out upon the havens and shores
of the hoary sea; but the approaching wave restrains its progress, whilst all other things
are covered beneath it, when the shower of Jove comes down heavily; so flew the frequent
stones from those hurling on both sides, some indeed towards the Trojans, and others from
the Trojans towards the Greeks. And along the whole wall a tumult arose.
Yet never would the Trojans and illustrious Hector have burst open the gates of the wall,
and the long bolt, had not provident Jove urged on his son, Sarpedon, against the Greeks,
like a lion against crooked-horned oxen. But he immediately held before him his shield,
equal on all sides, beautiful, brazen, plated; which the brazier indeed had plated over,
and underneath had sewed together thick bulls' hides, with successive golden wires round
its orb. He then, holding this before him, advanced, brandishing two spears, like a lion
reared in the mountains, which hath been long in want of flesh, and whose valiant mind impels
him to go even to the well-fenced fold, about to make an attempt upon the sheep. And although
he there find the shepherds keeping watch about their flocks with dogs and spears, still
he cannot bear to be driven away, without having made trial of the fold, but, springing
in, he either carries [one] off, or is himself wounded among the first by a javelin from
a quick hand. Thus then did his mind impel godlike Sarpedon to attack the wall, and to
burst through the barriers; and instantly he addressed Glaucus, son of Hippolochus:
"Glaucus, why are we especially honoured in Lycia, both with the [first] seat in banquet,
and with full goblets, and why do all look to us as to gods? Why do we also possess a
great and beautiful enclosure of the vine-bearing and corn-bearing land on the banks of Xanthus?
Now, therefore, it behoves us, advancing among the foremost Lycians, to stand firm, and to
bear the brunt of the raging fight; so that some one of the closely-armed Lycians may
say, 'By no means inglorious do our kings govern Lycia, and eat the fat sheep, and [drink]
the choice sweet wine; but their valour likewise is excelling, because they fight among the
foremost Lycians.' O dear friend, if indeed, by escaping from this war, we were destined
to be ever free from old age, and immortal, neither would I combat myself in the van,
nor send thee into the glorious battle. But now—for of a truth ten thousand Fates of
death press upon us, which it is not possible for a mortal to escape or avoid—let us on:
either we shall give glory to some one, or some one to us."
Thus he spake, nor did Glaucus turn aside or disobey, but both advanced straight forward,
leading a numerous band of Lycians. But Menestheus, the son of Peteus, beholding them, shuddered,
for they were advancing towards his company, bearing destruction. He looked round along
the line of the Greeks, if he might see any of the leaders who could ward off the fight
from his companions, and perceived the two Ajaces, insatiable of war, standing, and Teucer,
lately come from his tent, near at hand. Yet was it not possible for him to be heard when
shouting, so great was the din; and the crash of stricken shields, and of horse-hair crested
helmets, and of the gates, reached to heaven. For they had assailed all, and they, standing
beside them, endeavoured to enter, bursting them open by force. But immediately he despatched
the herald Thoötes to Ajax: "Go, noble Thoötes, running, call Ajax, rather indeed both: for
this would be by far the best of all, since in a short while heavy destruction will arise
here. For so vigorously do the leaders of the Lycians press on, who even before were
impetuous in the sharp contest. If, however, labour and contest have arisen to them there,
at least let brave Telamonian Ajax come, and with him let Teucer follow, well skilled in
archery." Thus he spoke, nor did the herald, having
heard him, disobey, but he hastened to run along the wall of the brazen-mailed Greeks,
and proceeding, he stood beside the Ajaces and immediately addressed them: "Ye Ajaces,
leaders of the brazen-mailed Greeks, the beloved son of Jove-nourished Peteus adjures you to
come thither, that ye may participate in his toil, though for a short time. Both indeed
in preference, for this would be by far the best of all things, since soon will heavy
destruction arise there. For so vigorously do the leaders of the Lycians press on, who
even before were impetuous in the sharp contest. But if here also war and contest have arisen,
at least let brave Telamonian Ajax come alone, and with him let Teucer follow, well skilled
in archery." Thus he spake, nor did mighty Telamonian Ajax
disobey. Instantly he addressed to the son of Oïleus winged words: "Ajax, do thou and
gallant Lycomedes, standing here, incite the Greeks to fight bravely, whilst I go thither
and oppose the battle; but I will return again instantly, after I shall have assisted them."
Thus then having spoken, Telamonian Ajax departed, and with him went Teucer, his brother, sprung
from the same father; and Pandion, along with them, carried the bent bow of Teucer. As soon
as they reached the tower of magnanimous Menestheus, going within the wall (for they came to [their
friends] being hard pressed: and the brave leaders and chiefs of the Lycians were mounting
upon the breast-works like unto a dark whirlwind), but they engaged to fight in opposition, and
a clamour arose. Telamonian Ajax first slew a man, the companion of Sarpedon, magnanimous
Epicles, striking him with a rugged stone, which, mighty in size, lay highest up against
a pinnacle within the wall. Not easily would a man support it with both hands, such as
mortals now are, not although being very youthful; but he, raising it aloft, hurled it, and burst
the four-coned helmet, and along with it crushed all the bones of the skull: but he, like unto
a diver, fell from the lofty tower, and life deserted his bones. Teucer likewise with a
shaft wounded Glaucus, the brave son of Hippolochus, as he was rushing on, against the lofty wall,
in a part where he perceived his arm naked; and made him cease from combat. But he sprang
back from the wall, concealing himself, that none of the Greeks might perceive him wounded,
and insult him with words. Then grief came upon Sarpedon on account of Glaucus departing,
as soon as he observed it; though he nevertheless was not neglectful of the contest: but he
taking aim, wounded Alcmaon, son of Thestor, with his spear, and extracted the spear; but
he. following the weapon, fell prone, and his armour, variously decked with brass, resounded
upon him. Sarpedon then seizing the buttress with his sturdy hands, pulled, and it all
followed entirely; but the wall was stripped away from above, and he formed a way for many.
Then Ajax and Teucer aiming at him together, the one smote him with an arrow in the splendid
belt of his mortal-girding shield, around his breast; but Jove averted the fate from
his son, that he might not be slain at the sterns of the ships. But Ajax, springing upon
him, struck his shield, and pierced him quite through with his spear, and forcibly checked
him eager. And then he fell back for a little from the buttress, but did not altogether
retreat, because his spirit hoped to bear off glory. And turning round, he encouraged
the godlike Lycians: "O Lycians, why are ye thus remiss in your impetuous force? It is
difficult for me, although being brave, having alone burst through, to form a way to the
ships. But follow along with me; for the labour of the greater number is better."
Thus he spake; and they, reverencing the exhortation of their king, pressed on with more alacrity
round their counsel-giving king. And the Greeks, on the other side, strengthened their phalanxes
within the wall, because a great work presented itself to them. For neither could the gallant
Lycians, bursting through the wall of the Greeks, make their way to the ships, nor could
the warlike Greeks repulse the Lycians from the wall, since first they approached it.
But as two men, holding measures in their hands, dispute, in a common field, concerning
their boundaries, who in a small space contend for their equitable right; thus did the buttresses
separate these [warriors], and, for them, each smote the well-rounded ox-hide shields
around each other's ***, and the light bucklers of each other. And many were wounded
upon the body with the merciless brass, whether the back of any combatant, averted, was laid
bare, and many right through the shield itself. Everywhere the towers and buttresses were
sprinkled, on both sides, with the blood of heroes, from the Trojans and the Greeks. Yet
not even thus could they cause a flight of the Greeks, but they held themselves, as a
just woman, who labours with her hands, does the scales, who, poising both the weight and
the wool, draws them on either side to equalize them, that she may procure a scanty pittance
for the support of her children. Thus equally was their battle and war extended, before
the time when Jove gave superior glory to Hector, the son of Priam, who first leaped
within the wall of the Greeks, and shouted with a penetrating voice, calling out to the
Trojans: "Push on, ye horse-breaking Trojans, burst through the wall of the Greeks, and
hurl the fiercely-blazing fire against the ships."
Thus he spake, cheering them on; but they all heard him with their ears, and rushed
against the wall in great numbers, and then mounted the battlements, carrying their pointed
spears. But Hector seizing it, took up a stone, which stood before the gates, widening out
at the base, but sharp above; which two men, the strongest of the people, such as mortals
now are, could not easily raise from the ground upon a waggon. He, however, brandished it
easily and alone, because the son of wise Saturn had rendered it light to him.
As when a shepherd without difficulty carries the fleece of a male sheep, taking it in either
hand, and but a small weight oppresses him; so Hector, raising the stone, bore it right
against the beams which strengthened the closely-jointed gates, double and lofty; but two cross-bars
secured them within, and one key fitted them. But advancing, he stood very near, and exerting
his strength, struck them in the middle, standing with his legs wide asunder, that the blow
of the weapon might not be weak. And he tore away both hinges, and the stone fell within
with a great weight; and the gates crashed around; nor did the bars withstand it, but
the beams were rent asunder in different directions by the impulse of the stone. There illustrious
Hector rushed in, in aspect like unto the dreadful night; and he glittered in terrible
brass, with which he was girt around his body. And he held two spears in his hands, nor could
any one, opposing, restrain him, except the gods, after he had leaped within the gates;
but his eyes gleamed with fire. And turning to the crowd, he cheered on the Trojans to
ascend the wall, and they obeyed him encouraging. Straightway indeed some crossed the wall,
and others were poured in through the well-wrought gates, but the Greeks were routed towards
the hollow barks, and an unyielding tumult ensued.
End of Book the Twelfth
BOOK THE THIRTEENTH. ARGUMENT.
Neptune engages on the Grecian side, and the battle proceeds. Deïphobus is repulsed by
Meriones. Teucer kills Imbrius, and Hector Amphimachus. Neptune, assuming the likeness
of Thoas, exhorts Idomeneus, who goes forth with Meriones to battle, when the former slays
Othryoneus and Asius. Deïphobus attacks Idomeneus, but misses him, and slays Hypsenor. Idomeneus
slays Alcathous, over whose body a sharp contest ensues.
But after Jove, then, had brought the Trojans and Hector near the ships, he left them to
endure labour and toil at them incessantly; but he himself turned back his shining eyes
apart, looking towards the land of the equestrian Thracians and the close-fighting Mysians,
and the illustrious Hippomolgi, milk-nourished, simple in living, and most just men. But to
Troy he no longer now turned his bright eyes; for he did not suppose in his mind that any
one of the immortals, going, would aid either the Trojans or the Greeks.
Nor did king Neptune keep a vain watch; for he sat aloft upon the highest summit of the
*** Thracian Samos, admiring the war and the battle. For from thence all Ida was visible,
and the city of Priam was visible, and the ships of the Greeks. Then coming out of the
sea, he sat down, and he pitied the Greeks, subdued by the Trojans, and was very indignant
with Jove. But presently he descended down, from the rugged mountain, rapidly advancing
on foot, and the high hills and woods trembled beneath the immortal feet of Neptune, advancing.
Thrice indeed he strode, advancing, and with the fourth step he reached Ægæ, his destined
goal. There distinguished mansions, golden, glittering, ever incorruptible, were erected
to him in the depths of the sea. Coming thither, he yoked beneath his chariot the brazen-footed
steeds, swiftly flying, crested with golden manes. But he himself placed gold around his
person, took his golden lash, well wrought, and ascended his chariot. He proceeded to
drive over the billows, and the monsters of the deep sported beneath him on all sides
from their recesses, nor were ignorant of their king. For joy the sea separated; and
they flew very rapidly, nor was the brazen axle moist beneath. And his well-bounding
steeds bore him to the ships of the Greeks. Now there is an ample cave in the recesses
of the deep sea, between Tenedos and rugged Imbrus. There earth-shaking Neptune stopped
his horses, loosing them from the chariot, and cast beside [them] ambrosial fodder to
eat. And round their feet he threw golden fetters, irrefragable, indissoluble, that
they might there steadily await their king returning, but he departed towards the army
of the Greeks.
The Trojans, however, in crowds, like unto a flame or a whirlwind, followed Hector, the
son of Priam, with insatiable ardour, shouting loudly, and exclaiming; for they hoped to
capture the ships of the Greeks, and slay all the Greeks beside them. But earth-ruling,
earth-shaking Neptune, coming from the deep sea, aroused the Greeks, assimilating his
person and indefatigable voice to Calchas. The Ajaces he first addressed, though themselves
were earnest: "Ye Ajaces, ye indeed, mindful of valour, not of direful flight, will preserve
the people of the Greeks. For in any other place, indeed, I do not dread the audacious
hands of the Trojans, who in great numbers have surmounted the great wall, because the
well-greaved Greeks will sustain them all. But in that place I grievously fear lest we
suffer any thing, where infuriated Hector, like unto a flame, leads on who boasts to
be the son of almighty Jove. But may some of the gods thus put it in your minds, that
ye stand firmly yourselves, and exhort others; thus may ye drive him, although impetuous,
from the swift-sailing ships, even if Jove himself excites him."
He said, and earth-ruling Neptune, striking both with his sceptre, filled them with violent
might, and made their limbs light and their feet and hands above. But he, like as a swift-winged
hawk is impelled to fly, which, lifted up from a rugged, lofty rock, has hastened to
pursue another bird over the plain; so darted earth-shaking Neptune from them. But fleet
Ajax, the son of Oïleus, recognized him first of the two, and straightway addressed Ajax,
the son of Telamon: "O Ajax, since some one of the gods, who possess Olympus, likening
himself to the soothsayer, exhorts us to fight beside the ships (neither is this Calchas,
the prophesying augur; for I readily recognized the traces of his feet and legs when departing;
for the gods are easily distinguished), even to myself, the soul within my *** is more
incited to war and to fight, and my feet beneath and hands above eagerly desire it."
But him Telamonian Ajax answering, addressed: "So also to me are my strong hands upon my
spear eager, and my courage is aroused, and I am hurried along by both my feet under me;
and I eagerly long, even alone, to combat with Hector, the son of Priam, insatiably
raging." Thus they addressed these words to each other,
joyful in the desire of battle which the god had infused into their minds. In the meanwhile
the Earth-ruler (Neptune) aroused the Achæans in the rear, who were recruiting their spirit
at the swift ships; whose limbs were at the same time relaxed with toilsome labour, and
grief was arising in their minds, beholding the Trojans, who with a tumult had surmounted
the vast wall. But beholding them, they poured forth tears from beneath their eyebrows, for
they expected not to escape destruction: but the Earth-shaker intervening, easily aroused
the brave phalanxes. To Teucer and Leius he first came, exhorting them, and to the hero
Peneleus, and Thoas, and Deipyrus, and to Meriones and Antilochus, skilful in war. These
he encouraging, spoke winged words: "O shame! Argives, young men, I trust that our ships
will be preserved by your fighting; but if ye be remiss in the destructive battle, the
day is now come [for us] to be subdued by the Trojans. Ye gods, surely I behold with
my eyes a great marvel, terrible, which I never expected would be brought to pass, that
the Trojans should approach our ships; who formerly, like unto timid stags, which through
the wood are the prey of lynxes, pards, and wolves, foolishly straying about, weak, nor
fit for combat: so the Trojans formerly would not stand even for a little against the might
and prowess of the Greeks. But now, far away from the city, they combat at the hollow ships,
through the perverseness of our general, and the indifference of the troops; who, disputing
with him, are unwilling to defend the swift ships, but are slain among them. Yet although
in reality the hero, the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, be altogether in fault, in that
he hath dishonoured the swift-footed son of Peleus, still it is by no means our duty to
be remiss in battle, but let us the sooner repair [the mischief]; the minds of the brave
are easily appeased. But they by no means honourably remit your impetuous valour, being
all the bravest in the army: I indeed would not quarrel with a man who should desist from
combat, being unwarlike; but with you I am indignant from my heart. O soft ones! surely
will ye soon create some greater evil by this inertness: but do each of you in his mind
ponder on the shame and reproach; for certainly a mighty contest hath arisen. Now indeed brave
Hector, good in the din of war, combats at the ships, and hath burst through the gates
and the long bar."
Thus then Neptune, exhorting, aroused the Greeks. But round the two Ajaces firm phalanxes
stood, which not even Mars, coming amongst them, would have found fault with, nor Minerva,
the confounder of armies; for the bravest selected awaited the Trojans and noble Hector;
knitting spear with spear, shield with shield, one upon another, so that shield pressed upon
shield, helmet upon helmet, and man upon man. And the horse-haired helmets of them, nodding,
touched each other with their splendid ridges, so closely stood they to one another; and
spears in the act of being hurled, were brandishing from their daring hands, whilst they wished
[to go] straight [against the enemy], and were eager to fight. But the combined Trojans
first made the attack, and impetuous Hector first rushed against them: as a destructively-rolling
stone from a rock, which a wintry torrent drives down the brow, having burst with a
mighty shower the stays of the rugged rock, and bounding along, it rolls, and the forest
resounds beneath it: but straightway it runs on uninterruptedly until it reach the plain,
but then it rolls no longer, though impelled; so Hector for a while threatened that he would
easily come as far as the sea, to the tents and ships of the Greeks, slaughtering. But
when now he met the firm phalanxes, he stopped, being come into close contact; and the sons
of the Greeks, opposing, repulsed him from them, striking him with their swords and two-edged
spears; but retiring, he was compelled to withdraw; and he cried out shouting audibly
to the Trojans: "Ye Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, stand firm. Not
long will the Greeks withstand me, although they have drawn themselves up in very dense
array. But, I conceive, they will retire from my spear, if in truth the most powerful of
the gods, the high-thundering husband of Juno, hath urged me on."
So saying, he aroused the might and courage of each. But Deïphobus, the son of Priam,
walked amongst them, high-minded, and he held his shield equal on all sides before him,
proceeding with light step, and advancing under protection of his shield. Then Meriones
took aim with his shining spear, and struck him (nor did he miss) upon the bull's-hide
shield, equal on all sides, which he did not pierce; for the long spear, far before was
broken at the socket. But Deïphobus held his bull's-hide shield far from him, for he
dreaded in his mind the spear of warlike Meriones; but that hero fell back into the column of
his companions, for he was grievously enraged on both accounts, both for [the loss] of the
victory, and of the spear which he had broken. Accordingly he proceeded to pass by the tents
and ships of the Greeks, to bring a long spear which had been left in his tent; whilst the
others fought, and a mighty tumult arose. Then Telamonian Teucer first slew a hero,
the warrior Imbrius, son of Mentor, rich in steeds; and he dwelt at Pedæum before the
sons of the Greeks arrived, and had married Medesicaste, the illegitimate daughter of
Priam. But when the equally-plied ships of the Greeks arrived, he came back to Ilium,
and excelled among the Trojans; and dwelt with Priam, who honoured him equally with
his sons. Him the son of Telamon smote under the ear with his long javelin, and plucked
out the spear; but he indeed fell, like an ash, which, on the summit of a mountain conspicuous
from afar, cut down with a brazen axe, strews its tender foliage on the earth. Thus he fell,
and his armour, variegated with brass, rang about him. Then Teucer rushed on, eager to
strip him of his armour; but Hector hurled his shining spear at him, hastening. He, however,
seeing it from the opposite side, avoided, by a small space, the brazen spear; and [Hector]
wounded with his javelin, on the breast, Amphimachus, son of Cteas, the son of Actor, advancing
to the battle; and, falling, he gave a crash, and his arms rang upon him. Then Hector rushed
to tear from the head of magnanimous Amphimachus the helmet fitted to his temples, but Ajax
hurled with his shining spear at Hector, rushing on. Yet it never reached his body, for he
was protected all over with terrible brass; but he smote him upon the boss of the shield,
and repulsed him with great violence; and he retired from both bodies, and the Greeks
drew them away. Then Stichius and noble Menestheus, the leaders of the Athenians, carried Amphimachus
to the army of the Greeks, but the two Ajaces, eager for impetuous combat, [carried] Imbrius.
As two lions bear a goat through the thick copse-wood, snatching it from the sharp-toothed
dogs, holding it high above the earth in their jaws; so the two warriors, the Ajaces, holding
him [Imbrius] aloft, stripped off his armour; but the son of Oïleus, enraged on account
of Amphimachus, severed his head from his tender neck, and sent it rolling like a ball
through the crowd; but it fell before the feet of Hector in the dust.
Then indeed was Neptune grieved at heart for his grandson, slain in the grievous fight;
and he proceeded to go along the tents and ships of the Greeks, exhorting the Greeks,
and prepared disasters for the Trojans. But spear-renowned Idomeneus then met him, returning
from a companion who had lately come to him from the battle, wounded in the ham with the
sharp brass, whom his comrades had carried in, and he, having given directions to the
surgeons, was returning from his tent; for he still desired to participate in the fight.
Him king Neptune addressed, assimilating himself, as to his voice, to Thoas, son of Andræmon,
who governed the Ætolians throughout all Pleuron and lofty Calydon, and who was honoured
by the people as a god: "Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the Cretans, where indeed are the threats
gone, with which the sons of the Greeks threatened the Trojans?" Whom again in return, Idomeneus,
the leader of the Cretans, addressed: "No man, O Thoas, as far as I know, is at present
to blame; for we are all skilled in warring. Neither does disheartening fear detain any
one, nor does any one, yielding to sloth, shirk evil strife; but thus, doubtless, it
will be agreeable to the all-powerful son of Saturn, that here, far away from Argos,
the Greeks shall perish inglorious. But, Thoas—for formerly thou wast warlike, and urged on others
when thou didst behold them negligent—so now desist not thyself, but exhort each man."
But him earth-shaking Neptune then answered: "Never may that man, O Idomeneus, return from
Troy, but let him here be the sport of the dogs, whosoever voluntarily this day shall
relax from fighting. But come, taking up arms, advance hither; for it behoves us to hasten
these things, if we may be of any service, although but two; for useful is the valour
of men, even the very pusillanimous, if combined, whereas we both understand how to fight even
with the brave." So saying, the god departed again to the toil
of heroes. But Idomeneus, when now he had reached his well-made tent, put on his rich
armour around his body, and seized two spears, and hastened to go, like unto the lightning,
which the son of Saturn, seizing in his hand, brandishes from glittering Olympus, showing
a sign to mortals; and brilliant are its rays: so shone the brass around the breast of him
running. Then Meriones, his good attendant, met him yet near the tent,—for he was going
to fetch a brazen spear; and the strength of Idomeneus addressed him: "Meriones, son
of Molus, swift of foot, dearest of my companions, why comest thou thus, quitting the war and
the contest? Art thou at all wounded, and does the point of a spear afflict thee? Or
comest thou to me on any message? For I myself am not desirous to sit within my tent, but
to fight." But him prudent Meriones in turn answered:
"Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the brazen-mailed Cretans, I come, if there be any spear left
within thy tents, to take it: because I indeed have broken that which I formerly had, having
struck the shield of ferocious Deïphobus." Whom again in turn Idomeneus, leader of the
Cretans, addressed: "Thou wilt find, if thou desirest [to select from them], one-and-twenty
spears standing in my tent against the shining walls, which I have taken from the slain Trojans;
for I affirm that I do not fight with hostile men, standing at a distance from them. Hence
I have both spears, and bossy shields, and helmets, and corslets, brightly polished."
But him again prudent Meriones addressed in turn: "At my tent also and black ship are
there many spoils of the Trojans; but they are not near, so that I might take them. For
neither do I conceive that I am forgetful of valour, but I stand among the foremost
in glory-giving battle, whenever the contest of war has arisen. I am rather unobserved
perhaps, when fighting by some other of the brazen-mailed Greeks; but I think that thou
knowest me." Whom again Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans,
addressed in turn: "I know what thou art as to valour: what necessity is there for thee
to enumerate these things? For if now all we the bravest at the ships should be selected
for an ambuscade, where the courage of men is especially distinguished, where both the
coward as well as the brave man is made apparent—for the complexion of the coward on the one hand
is changed from this to that, nor is his heart calm within his ***, so that he can rest
without trembling, but he shifts his position, and sits upon both his feet, whilst his heart
greatly palpitates within his breast, as he is expecting death; and a chattering of his
teeth arises. But neither is the complexion of the brave man changed, nor is he at all
disturbed, after he first sits down in the ambush of heroes; but he burns to be mingled
with all haste in direful fight—[no one], in that case, would find fault with thy courage
and might. For if, labouring [in the battle], thou wert wounded from a distance, or smitten
in close fight, the weapon would not fall upon thy neck behind, nor upon thy back; but
it would pierce through either thy breast, or thy stomach, as thou wast rushing forward
amid the conflict of foremost combatants. But come, no longer let us speak of these
things, standing like infatuated persons, lest perhaps some one chide us inordinately;
but do thou, going to the tent, take a strong spear."
Thus be spake, and Meriones, equal to swift Mars, quickly took from the tent a brazen
spear; and he went along with Idomeneus, very eager for war. But as man-destroying Mars
enters the battle—with whom Terror, his dear son, at the same time powerful and undismayed,
follows, who strikes fear into the warrior even of resolute soul: these indeed are armed
from Thrace, along with the Ephyri or with the magnanimous Phlegyans; neither do they
hear both, but they give glory to one or the other—so Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders
of heroes, advanced to battle equipped with helmets of glittering brass; and Meriones
first addressed him in these words: "Son of Deucalion, where dost thou meditate to enter
the throng? To the right of all the army, or at the centre, or upon the left? Since
nowhere [else] in the battle do I conceive that the long-haired Greeks so much require
support."
But him Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, in turn addressed: "Among the centre ships
indeed there are others to aid them, both the Ajaces and Teucer, who is the most skilful
of the Greeks in archery, and brave also in standing fight; who will sufficiently harass,
even to satiety, Hector, the son of Priam, although most urgent of battle, and although
being very gallant. Hard will it be for him, although very desirous of fighting, having
overpowered their strength and invincible hands, to fire the ships, unless the son of
Saturn himself cast a flaming torch upon the swift ships. Nor indeed will mighty Telamonian
Ajax yield to any man who may be a mortal, and who may eat the fruit of Ceres, who is
vulnerable by brass and by large stones. Not even to warlike Achilles would he give way,
at least in standing fight; but in speed he is by no means able to contend with him. Guide
us, therefore, to the left of the army that we may quickly know whether we shall afford
glory to any one, or any one to us." Thus he spoke. But Meriones, equal to rapid
Mars, began to proceed, until he came to [that part of] the army whither he had ordered him.
But they, when they beheld Idomeneus, like unto a flame in might, both him and his attendant,
in variously-wrought armour, they all, exhorting one another along the crowd, advanced against
him, and an equal contest arose at the sterns of their ships. And as when storms sweep along,
[driven] by the shrill winds, on a day when the dust around the roads [is] very abundant,
and they at the same time raise up a large cloud of dust; so came on the battle of these
together, and they were eager in their minds to slaughter one another throughout the throng
with the sharp brass. And the mortal-destroying combat bristles with the long spears which
they held, flesh-rending; and the brazen splendour from the gleaming helmets, the newly-burnished
corslets, and the shining shields, coming together, dazzled their eyes. Very brave-hearted
would he be who, when beholding their toil, could have rejoiced, and would not be disturbed.
But the two powerful sons of Saturn, favouring different sides, planned grievous toils for
the heroes. On the one hand, Jove willed victory to the Trojans and to Hector, glorifying swift-footed
Achilles; yet he desired not entirely to destroy the Grecian people before Ilium, but was honouring
Thetis and her magnanimous son. On the other hand, Neptune, coming amongst them, encouraged
the Greeks, having secretly emerged from the hoary deep; for he grieved that they should
be subdued by the Trojans, and he was greatly indignant with Jove. The same race indeed
was to both, and the same lineage, but Jove was born first, and knew more. For this reason
[Neptune] avoided aiding them openly, but always kept privately inciting them through
the army, assimilated to a man. They indeed alternately stretched over both the cord of
vehement contest and equally destructive war, irrefragable and indissoluble, which relaxed
the knees of many. Then, although half-hoary Idomeneus, encouraging the Greeks, rushing
upon the Trojans, created night; for he slew Othryoneus, who had come from Cabesus, staying
within [Priam's house]. He had lately come after the rumour of the war, and demanded
Cassandra, the most beautiful in form of the daughters of Priam, without a dowry; and he
had promised a mighty deed, to repulse in spite of themselves the sons of the Greeks
from Troy. But to him aged Priam had promised her, and pledged himself to give her; therefore
he fought, trusting in these promises. But Idomeneus took aim at him with his shining
spear, and hurling it, struck him, strutting proudly; nor did the brazen corslet which
he wore resist it, but he fixed it in the middle of his stomach. And falling, he gave
a crash, and [the other] boasted and said: "Othryoneus! above all men indeed do I praise
thee, if thou wilt now in truth accomplish all which thou hast undertaken for Dardanian
Priam: but he also promised thee his daughter. We likewise, promising these things, will
accomplish them to thee. We will give thee the most beautiful in form of the daughters
of the son of Atreus to wed, bringing her from Argos, if along with us thou wilt destroy
the well-inhabited city of Ilium. But follow, that we may treat with thee respecting the
marriage of the sea-traversing ships; since we are by no means bad brothers-in-law."
So saying, the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot through the brisk battle. But
to him Asius came as an avenger, on foot, before his steeds; which his attendant charioteer
always kept breathing over his shoulders; and in his mind he longed to strike Idomeneus,
but he (Idomeneus) anticipating him, smote him with his spear in the throat, below the
chin, and drove the brass quite through. And he fell, as when some oak falls, or white
poplar, or towering pine, which timber-workers have cut down upon the mountains with lately-whetted
axes, to become ship timber. So he lay, stretched out before his horses and chariot, gnashing
his teeth, grasping the bloody dust. But the charioteer was deprived of the senses which
he previously had, nor dared he turn back the horses that he might escape from the hands
of the enemy: but him warlike Antilochus, striking, transfixed in the middle with his
spear; nor did the brazen corslet which he wore resist, but he fixed it in the centre
of his stomach. Then, panting, he fell from the well-made chariot-seat, and Antilochus,
the son of magnanimous Nestor, drove away the horses from the Trojans to the well-armed
Greeks. But Deïphobus, enraged on account of Asius, drew very near to Idomeneus, and
hurled with his shining spear. Idomeneus, however, having perceived it opposite, avoided
the brazen spear, for he was concealed behind his shield equal on all sides, which he bore,
constructed of the hides of bulls, and glittering brass, fitted with two handles. Behind this
he collected himself entirely, and the brazen spear flew over him. But the shield returned
a dry sound, the spear grazing it obliquely. Yet he (Deïphobus) sent it not in vain from
his heavy hand, but he struck Hypsenor, son of Hippasus. the shepherd of the people, upon
the liver, below the breast, and straightway relaxed his knees under him. But Deïphobus
vainly boasted over him, loudly exclaiming: "Surely not unavenged lies Asius; I rather
think that he will rejoice in his mind, though going into the strong-gated, massy [dwelling]
of Hades, since I have given him a guide." Thus he spoke; but grief came upon the Greeks
at his boasting, and it particularly agitated the mind of warlike Antilochus. Yet, grieved
as he was, he neglected not his companion, but running, he protected him, and covered
him over with his shield. Him then his two dear companions, Mecisteus, son of Echius,
and noble Alastor, supporting, bore to the hollow ships, deeply groaning. In the meantime
Idomeneus ceased not his mighty valour; but always burned either to cover some of the
Trojans with pitchy night, or himself to fall with a crash, repelling destruction from the
Greeks. Then the hero Alcathous, the beloved son of Æsyetas (and he was the son-in-law
of Anchises, for he had married Hippodamia, the eldest of his daughters, whom her father
and venerable mother loved from their hearts, whilst in their home, because she excelled
all of her age in beauty, in accomplishments, and prudence, for which reason also the most
distinguished man in wide Troy had wedded her), him Neptune subdued under Idomeneus,
having dimmed his shining eyes, and fettered his fair limbs. For he was able neither to
fly back nor to turn aside, but him, standing motionless, like a pillar or lofty-branching
tree, the hero Idomeneus wounded with his spear in the middle of the breast, and burst
the brazen coat around him, which formerly warded off destruction from his body: but
then it sent forth a dry sound, severed by the spear. Falling, he gave a crash, and the
spear was fixed in his heart, which, palpitating, shook even the extremity of the spear; and
there at length the impetuous Mars spent its force. But Idomeneus boasted prodigiously
over him, loudly exclaiming: "Deïphobus! do we judge rightly that it is a fair return,
that three should be slain for one, since thus thou boastest? But do thou thyself also,
wretch, stand against me, that thou mayest know of what nature I am, who have come hither
the offspring of Jove, who first begat Minos, the guardian of Crete. Minos again begat Deucalion,
his blameless son, and Deucalion begat me, king over many men in wide Crete. But now
the ships have brought me hither, an evil both to thee and to thy father, and the other
Trojans." Thus he spoke, but Deïphobus hesitated between
two opinions, whether, falling back, he should join to himself some one of the magnanimous
Trojans, or make trial although alone. But to him, thus deliberating, it appeared preferable
to go in search of Æneas; whom he found standing at the rear of the army, for he was ever indignant
with noble Priam, because he by no means honoured him, though being valiant among heroes. And,
standing near, he addressed to him winged words: "Æneas, thou counsellor of the Trojans,
now does it greatly behove thee to aid thy brother-in-law, if indeed any regard reaches
thee. But follow, let us bring aid to Alcathous, who, being thy brother-in-law, nourished thee
whilst very young, in his palace, and whom spear-famed Idomeneus hath slain."
Thus he spoke, and roused the courage in his breast, and he, greatly desirous of battle,
went to meet Idomeneus. Yet fear seized not Idomeneus like a tender boy, but he stood
still, like a boar in the mountains, confident in his prowess, and who abides the mighty
din of men advancing against him, in a desert place, and bristles up his back; his eyes,
too, gleam with fire, and he whets his teeth, eager to keep at bay both dogs and men. So
spear-renowned Idomeneus awaited Æneas, swift in the battle-din, coming against him, nor
retired; but he shouted to his companions, looking to Ascalaphus, and Aphareus, and Deïpyrus,
and Meriones, and Antilochus, skilful in fight. Exhorting these, he addressed to them winged
words: "Hither, my friends, and aid me alone, for I greatly dread swift-footed Æneas, rushing
on, who is coming upon me; who is very powerful to slay men in battle, and possesses the bloom
of youth, which is the greatest strength. For if we were of the same age, with the spirit
that I now possess, quickly would either he bear off great glory, or I would."
Thus he spoke; but they all, having one determination in their minds, stood near him, inclining
their shields upon their shoulders. Æneas, on the other hand, animated his companions,
looking towards Deïphobus, Paris, and noble Agenor, who, together with himself, were leaders
of the Trojans. These also the people followed, as sheep follow from their pasture after the
ram in order to drink; and the shepherd then is rejoiced in his mind. So was the soul of
Æneas gladdened in his breast, when he beheld a body of troops following himself. These
therefore engaged in close fight round Alcathous with long spears, whilst the brass resounded
horribly on the *** of them, aiming at each other through the crowd. But two warlike
men, conspicuous among the rest, Æneas and Idomeneus, equal to Mars, longed to lacerate
each other's flesh with the ruthless brass. But Æneas first hurled his javelin at Idomeneus;
but he, perceiving it opposite, avoided the brazen spear; and the spear of Æneas sank
quivering into the earth; for it fled in vain from his sturdy hand. Idomeneus next smote
Œnomaus in the middle of the stomach, and the spear burst the cavity of his corslet,
and penetrating, drank his entrails through; but falling amid the dust, he grasped the
earth with the hollow of his hand. Then Idomeneus plucked out the long spear from his body,
but was unable to tear off the other rich armour from his shoulders, for he was pressed
hard by weapons. For no longer were the sinews of his feet firm as he rushed, either to hasten
on after his own dart, or avoid [that of another]. Wherefore also in standing fight, he warded
off the fatal day, nor did his feet any longer bear him with ease in retreating from the
battle. But against him, gradually retiring, Deïphobus took aim with his glittering spear,
for he ever had a rooted hatred towards him. But then too he missed, and struck with his
javelin Ascalaphus, the son of Mars, and drove the stout spear through his shoulder; and
tailing amid the dust, he grasped the earth with his hand.
Not yet, however, had loudly-roaring, impetuous Mars heard that his son had fallen in the
violent fight; but he sat upon the summit of Olympus, beneath golden clouds, excluded
[from the battle] by the will of Jove, where also the other immortal gods were restrained
from the war. In the meantime they engaged in close fight round Ascalaphus. Deïphobus
indeed tore the shining helmet from Ascalaphus; and Meriones, equal to swift Mars, springing
[upon him], smote [him] with his spear in the arm, and the crested casque, falling from
his hand, rang upon the earth. Immediately Meriones, leaping upon him like a vulture,
plucked out the tough spear from the lower part of his arm, and retired back again into
the crowd of his comrades. But him Polites, his own brother, throwing his hands round
his waist, carried out of the dread-sounding battle, till he reached his fleet steeds,
which awaited him in the rear of the combat and the war, having both a charioteer and
a variegated car; which then carried him towards the city, groaning heavily [and] afflicted;
and the blood flowed from his recently-wounded hand: but the others kept fighting, and an
unquenchable clamour arose. Then Æneas rushing upon Aphareus, the son of Caletor, smote him
with his sharp spear upon the throat, when turned towards him. And his head was bent
to one side, then his shield clung to him, and his helmet; and around him life-destroying
death was spread. Antilochus, however, observing Thoas turning around, attacking, wounded him;
and cut away all the vein, which, running quite along the back, reaches to the neck.
All this he cut off; but he fell on his back in the dust, stretching out both hands to
his beloved companions. Then Antilochus sprang upon him, and stripped the armour from his
shoulders, looking around; for the Trojans surrounding him, struck his wide and ornamented
shield with their darts, nor were they able to graze with the dire brass the tender body
of Antilochus within it; because earth-shaking Neptune protected the son of Nestor all round,
even amongst many weapons. For never indeed was he apart from the enemy, but he turned
himself about among them: nor did he hold his spear without motion, but continually
moving, it was whirled about; and he prepared within his mind, either to hurl it at some
one afar off, or to rush upon some one close at hand. But meditating these things amid
the throng, he escaped not the notice of Adamas, the son of Asias, who smote him in the middle
of his shield with the sharp brass, attacking him in close combat; but azure-haired Neptune
weakened the spear, grudging him the life [of Antilochus]. Part of it remained there,
like a stake burned in the fire, in the shield of Antilochus, and the other half lay upon
the ground; whilst he gave backwards into the crowd of his companions, shunning death.
Meriones, however, following him departing, smote him with his spear between the private
parts and the navel, where a wound is particularly painful to miserable mortals. There he fixed
the spear in him; and he falling, struggled panting around the spear, as an ox, when cowherds
in the mountains, forcibly binding him with twisted cords, lead [him] away unwilling.
So he, wounded, throbbed, though but for a short time, and not very long, until the hero
Meriones coming near, plucked the spear from his body; and darkness veiled his eyes. But
Helenas, close at hand, struck Deïpyrus upon the temple with his huge Thracian sword, and
cut away the three-coned helmet; which, being dashed off, fell upon the ground; and some
one of the combating Greeks lifted it up, having rolled between his feet; whilst dim
night enveloped his eyes. Then grief seized the son of Atreus, Menelaus, brave in the
din of battle, and he advanced, threatening the hero, king Helenus; brandishing his sharp
spear, whilst the other drew the horn of his bow. Together then they darted, the one eager
to launch his fir-tree spear, and the other an arrow from the string. Then indeed the
son of Priam smote him in the breast with an arrow, on the cavity of the corslet, but
the bitter shaft rebounded. As when from the broad winnowing-fan in a large threshing-floor,
the black-coated beans or vetches leap at the shrill blast, and the force of the winnower;
so, strongly repulsed by the corslet of glorious Menelaus, the bitter arrow flew afar. But
Menelaus, the son of Atreus, brave in the din of battle, smote him upon the hand which
held his well-polished bow; and in the bow the brazen spear was fixed from the opposite
side, through his hand. Then he retired back into the crowd of his companions, avoiding
death, hanging down his hand at his side, but the ashen spear was trailed along with
him. And then magnanimous Agenor extracted it from his hand, and bound [the hand] itself
sling-ways in well-twisted sheep's wool, which his attendant carried for the shepherd of
the people.
But Pisander went direct against glorious Menelaus, because evil Fate led him towards
the end of death, to be subdued by thee, O Menelaus, in the dire battle. When therefore
they were near, advancing against each other, the son of Atreus indeed missed, and his spear
was turned aside from him; but Pisander smote the shield of glorious Menelaus, nor could
he drive the spear quite through; because the broad shield kept it off, and the spear
was broken at the extremity: still he rejoiced in his mind, and hoped for victory. The son
of Atreus, however, drawing his silver-studded sword, sprang upon Pisander; but he drew from
beneath his shield a handsome battle-axe of well-wrought brass, fixed upon either side
of an olive handle, long, well-polished; and at once they struck each other. Then he (Pisander)
cut away the cone of the helmet, thick with horse-hair, under the very crest, but (Menelaus
smote) him, approaching, upon the forehead, above the root of the nose. And the bones
crashed, and his blood-stained eyes fell at his feet upon the ground in the dust: and
falling, he writhed. Then he (Menelaus) placing his heel upon his breast, despoiled him of
his armour, and boasting, spoke [this] speech: "Thus, then, shall ye abandon the ships of
the Greeks, who possess swift steeds, ye treaty-breaking Trojans, insatiate of dire battle. Of other
injury and disgrace ye indeed lack nothing with which ye have injured me, vile dogs,
nor have ye at all dreaded in your minds the heavy wrath of high-thundering, hospitable
Jove, who will yet destroy for you your lofty city; ye who unprovoked departed, carrying
off my *** spouse, and much wealth, after ye had been hospitably received by her. Now
again do ye eagerly desire to hurl destructive fire upon the sea-traversing ships, and to
slay the Grecian heroes. But ye shall yet be restrained, impetuous as ye be, from war.
O father Jove, assuredly they say that thou excellest all others, men and gods, in prudence,
yet from thee do all these things proceed. How much dost thou gratify these insolent
Trojan men, whose violence is ever pernicious, and who cannot be satisfied with war, equally
destructive to all! Of all things is there satiety,—of sleep, of love, of sweet singing,
and of faultless dancing, with which one would much more readily satisfy his desire, than
with war; but the Trojans are insatiate of battle."
So saying, having stripped the bloody armour from the body, illustrious Menelaus gave it
to his companions, whilst he, advancing, was again mixed with the foremost combatants.
Then Harpalion, the son of king Pylæmenes, who had then followed his dear father to wage
war at Troy, leaped upon him; nor returned he back to his native land. [He it was] who
then, close at hand, struck the middle of Atrides' shield with his lance, nor was he
able to drive quite through the brass; but he retired back into the crowd of his companions,
avoiding death, looking around on all sides, lest any one should touch his body with a
spear. Meriones, however, shot a brazen-pointed arrow at him retreating, and struck him upon
the right hip, and the arrow penetrated to the other side, through the bladder, below
the bone. Sinking down, therefore, in the same place, breathing out his life in the
arms of his beloved companions, like a worm, he lay stretched upon the ground, whilst his
black blood flowed, and moistened the earth. Around him the magnanimous Paphlagonians were
employed, and, lifting him upon a chariot, they bore him to sacred Ilium, grieving; and
with them went his father, shedding tears: but no vengeance was taken for his dead son.
But Paris was greatly enraged in his soul on account of his being slain, for he had
been his guest among many Paphlagonians; wherefore, enraged on his account, he sent forth a brazen
arrow. Now there was one Euchenor, son of the diviner Polyïdus, wealthy and brave,
inhabiting a dwelling at Corinth, who, well knowing his fatal destiny, had arrived in
a ship. For often had Polyïdus, good old man, told him, that he would perish in his
halls of a grievous disease, or be subdued by the Trojans among the ships of the Greeks;
wherefore he avoided at once the severe mulct of the Achæans, and odious disease, that
he might not suffer sorrows in his mind. Him he (Paris) smote below the jaw and the ear;
and his spirit quickly departed from his members, and hateful darkness seized him.
Thus indeed they fought like unto a burning fire. But Hector, dear to Jove, had not learned,
nor knew at all, how at the left of the ships his people were being slaughtered by the Greeks,
for the victory was on the point of being the Grecians'; so much did earth-shaking Neptune
encourage the Greeks, and moreover himself assisted with his strength; but he (Hector)
pressed on where first he had sprung within the gates and wall, breaking the thick ranks
of the shielded Greeks. There were the ships of Ajax and Protesilaus, drawn up upon the
shore of the hoary sea; but above them the wall was built very low; there themselves
and their horses were most impetuous in the combat. There the Bœotians and long-robed
Iaonians, the Locrians, the Phthians, and the illustrious Epeans, restrained him from
the ships, fiercely rushing on; but were unable to drive away from them noble Hector, like
unto a flame. The chosen men of the Athenians stood in the van; among whom Menestheus, son
of Peteus, had the command; and with him followed Phidas, Stichius, and brave Bias, Meges, the
son of Phyieus, Amphion, and Dracius, led the Epeans, and over the Phthians were Medon
and Podarces, steady in fight (Medon indeed was the spurious offspring of godlike Oïleus,
and the brother of Ajax; but he dwelt at Phylace, away from his native country, having slain
a man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, whom Oïleus had married. But the other was
the son of Iphiclus, of Phylace). These in arms before the magnanimous Phthians, fought
among the Bœotians, defending the ships.
But Ajax, the swift son of Oïleus, never separated from Telamonian Ajax, not even for
a little time; but as in a fallow field two black bullocks possessing equal spirit, draw
a well-joined plough,—but meanwhile copious sweat breaks forth around the roots of their
horns; and them the well-polished yoke alone separates on either side, advancing along
the furrows, and [the plough] cuts up the bottom of the soil; so they twain, joined
together, stood very near to each other. And then many and brave troops followed the son
of Telamon as companions, who received from him his shield, whenever fatigue and sweat
came upon his limbs. But the Locrians followed not the great-souled son of Oïleus, for their
heart remained not firm to them in the standing fight, because they had not brazen helmets
crested with horse-hair, nor had they well-orbed shields and ashen spears; but they followed
along with him to Ilium, trusting in the bows and the well-twisted sheep's wool, with which,
frequently hurling, they broke the phalanxes of the Trojans. At that time indeed these
(the Ajaces) in the van, with their variously-wrought armour, fought against the Trojans and brazen-armed
Hector, whilst (the Locrians) shooting from the rear, lay concealed; nor were the Trojans
any longer mindful of combat, for the arrows put them in confusion.
Then surely would the Trojans have retreated with loss from the ships and tents to lofty
Ilium, had not Polydamas, standing near, addressed bold Hector: "Hector, thou art impossible
to be persuaded by advice. Because indeed a god hath given thee, above others, warlike
deeds, for this reason dost thou also desire to be more skilled than others in counsel?
But by no means canst thou thyself obtain all things at once. To one indeed hath the
deity given warlike deeds; to another dancing; and to another the harp and singing. To another
again far-sounding Jove implants a prudent mind in his ***, of which many men reap
the advantage, as it (prudence) even preserves cities; and he himself (who possesses it)
especially knows (its value). Yet will I speak as appears to me best; because the encircling
host of war burns round thee on all sides, and the magnanimous Trojans, since they have
crossed the walls, some indeed stand apart with their arms, and others fight, the fewer
against the greater number, scattered amongst the ships. But retiring back, summon hither
all the chiefs. And then we can better discuss the whole plan; whether we shall enter upon
the many-benched ships, if indeed the deity will give us victory; or depart uninjured
from the barks; because of a truth I fear lest the Greeks repay their debt of yesterday,
since a man, insatiate in war, still remains at the ships, who I conceive will no longer
abstain entirely from battle." Thus spoke Polydamas, but the faultless advice pleased
Hector; and immediately he leaped with his armour from his chariot to the ground, and,
addressing him, spoke winged words: "Polydamas, do thou retain here all the bravest, whilst
I will come back again immediately after I have given proper orders to the [troops]."
He said, and shouting, he rushed on, like unto a snowy mountain, and flew through the
Trojans and the allies. But they all crowded round valour-loving Polydamas, the son of
Panthous, as soon as they heard the voice of Hector. He, however, ranged through the
foremost combatants, seeking if he could anywhere find Deïphobus, the might of king Helenus,
and Adamas, the son of Asias, and Asius, the son of Hyrtacus. Some he found no longer quite
unhurt, nor yet destroyed, whilst others again lay at the sterns of the ships of the Greeks,
having lost their lives by the hands of the Greeks; and others were stricken or wounded
within the wall. But he quickly found noble Alexander, the husband of fair-haired Helen,
on the left of the lamentable battle, cheering of his companions, and encouraging them to
fight; and, standing near, he addressed him with reproachful words: "Accursed Paris, fine
only in person, woman-mad, seducer, where are Deïphobus and the might of king Helenus,
and Adamas, the son of Asias, and Asius, the son of Hyrtacus? Where also is Othryoneus?
Now lofty Ilium all perishes from its summit, now is its final destruction certain."
But him godlike Alexander in turn addressed: "Hector, since it is thy intention to find
fault with me when innocent, at some other time perhaps, I may be more neglectful of
the fight; [but not now], since neither did my mother bear me altogether unwarlike. For
from the time when thou didst stir up the battle of thy companions at the ships, from
that time, remaining here, have we engaged incessantly with the Greeks; and those comrades
are dead for whom thou inquirest. Deïphobus and the might of king Helenus alone have withdrawn,
both wounded in the hand with long spears; but the son of Saturn hath warded off death
[from them]. But now lead on, wheresoever thy heart and soul urge thee; and we will
follow with determined minds, nor do I think that thou wilt be at all in want of valour,
as much strength as is in us. It is not possible even for one, although keenly desirous, to
fight beyond his strength." So saying, the hero persuaded the mind of
his brother, and they hastened to advance towards that place where especially was the
battle and contest; round Cebriones and excellent Polydamas, Phalces and Orthæus, and godlike
Polyphœtes, and Palmys, and Ascanius and Morys, the sons of Hippotion, who the day
before had come as a relief guard from fertile Ascania: and Jove then urged them to fight.
But they marched like unto the blast of boisterous winds, which rushes down to the plain, urged
by the thunder of father Jove, and with a dreadful tumult is mingled with the ocean;
and in it [rise] many boiling billows of the much-resounding sea, swollen, whitened with
foam, first indeed some and then others following.
So the Trojans, first indeed some in battle array, and then others glittering in brass,
followed along with their leaders. But Hector, the son of Priam, equal to man-slaughtering
Mars, led the van, and held before him his shield, equal on all sides, thick with skins;
and much brass was laid over it: and round his temples his gleaming helmet was shaken.
Stepping forward, he tried the phalanxes around on every side, if perchance they would give
way to him, advancing under cover of his shield. Yet he disturbed not the courage of the Greeks
in their ***: but Ajax, far-striding, first challenged him: "O noble Sir, draw nearer:
why dost thou thus frighten the Greeks? We Greeks are by no means unskilful in battle,
although we are subdued by the evil scourge of Jove. Thy soul, forsooth, hopes, I suppose,
to plunder the ships; but we also have hands ready to repulse thee immediately. Assuredly,
long before shall thy well-inhabited city be taken and destroyed by our hands. But to
thee thyself, I say, the time draws near, when, flying, thou shalt pray to father Jove
and the other immortals, that thy fair-maned steeds, which shall bear thee to the city,
raising dust over the plain, may become swifter than hawks."
Whilst he was thus speaking, a bird flew over him on the right—a lofty-flying eagle; upon
which the people of the Greeks shouted, encouraged by the omen; but illustrious Hector replied:
"O babbling and vain-boasting Ajax, what hast thou said? Would that I were as sure of becoming
for ever the child of ægis-bearing Jove, that the venerable Juno had borne me, and
that I were honoured as Minerva and Apollo are honoured, as that this day now certainly
brings destruction upon all the Greeks; and among others thou shalt be slain, if thou
wilt dare to abide my long spear, which shall tear for thee thy dainty person, and thou
shalt satiate the dogs and birds of the Trojans with thy fat and flesh, falling at the ships
of the Greeks." Thus then having spoken, he led on; and they
followed along with him with a mighty shout, and the troops likewise shouted in the rear.
The Greeks, on the other side, raised a shout, nor were they forgetful of their valour, but
they awaited the bravest of the Trojans, assaulting. But the clamour of both reached to the æther
and the shining splendour of Jove. End of Book the Thirteenth
BOOK THE FOURTEENTH. ARGUMENT.
Agamemnon and the other wounded chiefs visit the battle with Nestor. Juno, having borrowed
the cestus of Venus, first obtains the assistance of Sleep, and then hastens to Ida to inveigle
Jove. She prevails, Jove sleeps, and Neptune seizes the opportunity to aid the Trojans.
But the shouting did not entirely escape the notice of Nestor, although drinking, but he
addressed winged words to the son of Æsculapius: "Consider, noble Machaon, how these things
will be; greater, certainly, [grows] the shouting of the blooming youths at the ships. But sitting
here at present, drink indeed the dark wine, until fair-haired Hecamede has warmed the
tepid baths, and washed away the bloody gore; whilst I, going with speed to a watchtower,
will gain information." So saying, he took the well-made shield of
his own son, horse-breaking Thrasymedes, [which was] lying in the tent, all shining with brass
(for he had the shield of his sire); and seized a strong spear, pointed with sharp brass;
and stood without the tent, and soon beheld an unseemly deed,—these [the Greeks] in
confusion, and those, the haughty Trojans, routing them in the rear; but the wall of
the Greeks had fallen. And as when the vast deep blackens with the noiseless wave, foreboding
with no effect, the rapid courses of the shrill blasts, nor yet is it rolled forwards or backwards,
before some decisive blast comes down from Jove: so meditated the old man, distracted
in his mind between two opinions: whether he should go amongst the throng of fleet-horsed
Greeks, or to Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, shepherd of the people. But to him thus reflecting,
it appeared better to go in quest of the son of Atreus. Meanwhile they kept slaughtering
each other, contending, and the solid brass around their bodies rang, as they were stricken
with the swords and two-edged spears.
But the Jove-cherished kings, coming up from the vessels, met Nestor, as many as had been
wounded with the brass,—Tydides, and Ulysses, and Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. Their ships
indeed were drawn up upon the shore of the hoary deep, very far away from the battle;
for they had drawn the first as far as the plain, and had built a wall at their sterns.
For, broad as it was, the shore was by no means able to contain their vessels, and the
people were crowded. Wherefore they drew them up in rows one behind the other, and filled
the wide mouth of the whole shore, as much as the promontories enclosed. There then were
they walking together, leaning upon the spear, in order to behold the tumult and the battle;
and the heart in their bosoms was grieved. But aged Nestor met them, and terrified the
souls in the *** of the Greeks: whom first king Agamemnon addressing, said: "O Neleïan
Nestor, great glory of the Greeks, why, leaving the man-destroying battle, comest thou hither?
Truly I fear lest impetuous Hector make good his speech, as once he threatened, haranguing
among the Trojans, that he would not return to Ilium from the ships, before that he had
burned the ships with fire, and slain us also: thus indeed he harangued; and now are all
things fulfilling. Ye gods, surely the other well-greaved Greeks, as well as Achilles,
store up wrath against me in their minds; nor are they willing to fight at the sterns
of the ships." But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered:
"Assuredly these things are in active accomplishment, nor could even lofty-thundering Jove himself
contrive them otherwise; for the wall, in which we trusted that it would be an impregnable
defence to the ships and to ourselves, has now fallen. But they are sustaining an obstinate
contest at the swift ships; nor couldst thou any longer distinguish, though examining particularly,
on which side the Greeks, confounded, are routed; so promiscuously are they slain, whilst
the shout reaches heaven. Let us, however, deliberate how these things will be, if counsel
avail anything; although I advise not that we enter the battle; for it is by no means
proper that a wounded man should fight." But him then answered Agamemnon, king of men.
"Nestor, since they are combating at the sterns of the ships, and the constructed rampart
avails not, nor the ditch, at which the Greeks suffered much, and hoped in their minds that
it would be an impregnable defence to the ships and to themselves, surely it will be
agreeable to all-powerful Jove that the Greeks perish here, inglorious, far away from Argos.
For I was conscious when he willingly gave assistance to the Greeks, and I now know that
he honours those [the Trojans] equally with the happy gods, but hath fettered our courage
and our hands. But come, let us all obey as I shall advise. Let us draw down the ships,
as many as are drawn up first near the sea, and launch them all into the vast ocean. Let
us moor them at anchor in the deep, till mortal-deceiving night arrive, if even then the Trojans may
abstain from battle, and then we may perhaps draw down all the vessels; for there is no
disgrace in flying from evil, not even during the night. It is better for a flying man to
escape from evil, than to be taken."
But him sternly regarding, wise Ulysses then addressed: "Son of Atreus, what speech hath
escaped thy lips? Lost man! thou shouldst command some worthless army, and not rule
over us, to whom Jove hath granted, from youth even unto old age, to accomplish toilsome
wars, until we, each of us, shall perish. Dost thou then desire thus to leave wide-wayed
Troy, on account of which we have endured so many woes? Be silent, lest some other of
the Greeks hear a speech, which a man ought not to have brought through his mouth, whoever
understands in his mind how to speak prudent things, who is a sceptre-bearer, and whom
so many people obey, as many as thou dost govern among the Greeks. For now do I reprobate
thy judgment, in what thou hast said; who commandest us, whilst the war and battle are
waged, to draw down the well-benched ships to the sea, in order that the wishes of the
Trojans may be still better fulfilled, victorious though they be, and dire destruction fall
upon us: for the Greeks will not maintain the fight whilst the ships are being dragged
to the sea, but will look back, and retire from the combat. Then will thy counsel be
injurious, O leader of the people." But him Agamemnon, the king of men, then answered:
"Much, O Ulysses, hast thou touched me to the soul with thy severe reproof; yet I commanded
not the sons of the Greeks against their will to draw the well-benched ships down to the
sea. But now would that there were one, either young or old, who would deliver an opinion
better than this; it would be to my joy." But among them Diomede, valiant in the din
of battle, also spoke: "The man is near, we need not seek far, if indeed ye are willing
to be persuaded; and do not find fault each through wrath, because I am by birth the youngest
amongst you; for I boast that my race is from a noble sire, Tydeus, whom the heaped-up earth
covers at Thebes. For to Portheus were born three distinguished sons, and they dwelt in
Pleuron and lofty Calydon: Agrius and Melas, but the third was the knight Œneus, the father
of my father, who was conspicuous among them for valour. He indeed remained there, but
my father, as an exile, dwelt at Argos, for so Jove willed and the other gods. But he
married [one] of the daughters of Adrastus, and he inhabited a mansion opulent in resources,
and corn-bearing fields were his in abundance, and there were many rows of plants around
him. Numerous were his herds, and he surpassed the Greeks in the use of the spear; but these
things ye ought to know, since it is a truth. Do not, therefore, dispute the opinion freely
delivered, which I give advisedly, deeming that I am base by birth, and unwarlike. Come,
then, let us go to battle, wounded as we are, from necessity. There, then, let us ourselves
approach the combat, out [of the reach] of weapons, lest any one receive wound upon wound;
and, encouraging others, we will urge them on, who hitherto, gratifying their souls,
have stood apart, nor fought."
Thus he spoke; and to him they all listened readily, and obeyed. Wherefore they hastened
to advance, and the king of men, Agamemnon, led them.
Nor did the illustrious Earth-shaker keep a negligent look-out, but he went amongst
them like unto an aged man, and he caught the right hand of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus,
and addressing him, spoke winged words: "Son of Atreus, now perchance the revengeful heart
of Achilles rejoices in his breast, beholding the slaughter and rout of the Greeks; since
there is no feeling in him, not even a little. May he, however, thus perish, and may a god
cover him with disgrace. But with thee the blessed gods are not yet altogether enraged,
but again the leaders and chiefs of the Trojans will perchance raise the dust upon the wide
plain, and thou wilt behold them flying towards the city from the ships and the tents."
So saying, he shouted aloud, rushing over the plain. As loud as nine or ten thousand
men shout, beginning the contest of Mars, so loud a cry did king Neptune send forth
from his breast; and he cast great resolution into every heart among the Greeks, to war
and to fight incessantly. But golden-throned Juno, standing, looked
down with her eyes from the summit of Olympus, and immediately recognized her own brother,
[who was] also her brother-in-law, exerting himself through the glorious battle, and she
rejoiced in her mind. She also beheld Jove sitting upon the highest top of many-rilled
Ida, and he was hateful to her soul. Then the venerable large-eyed Juno next anxiously
considered how she could beguile the mind of ægis-bearing Jove. And now this plan appeared
best to her mind, to proceed to Ida, having well arrayed herself, if perchance he might
desire to lie beside her form in dalliance, so that she might pour upon his eyelids and
vigilant mind careless and genial sleep. And she proceeded to her chamber, which Vulcan,
her dear son, had made for her, and had fitted the thick doors to the lintels with a secret
bolt; and this no other god could remove. There entering in, she closed the shining
doors. First she washed all impurities from her lovely person with rich oil, ambrosial,
and anointed herself with rich oil, ambrosial and agreeable, which was odoriferous to her;
and the perfume of which, when shaken in the brazen-floored mansion of Jove, reached even
to earth and to heaven. With this having anointed her body, and having also combed her hair,
with her hands she arranged her shining locks, beautiful, ambrosial, [which flowed] from
her immortal head. Next she threw around her an ambrosial robe, which Minerva had wrought
for her in needlework, and had embroidered much varied work upon it, and she fastened
it upon her breast with golden clasps. Then she girded herself with a zone, adorned with
a hundred fringes, and in her well-perforated ears placed her triple-gemmed, elaborate,earrings,
and much grace shone from [her]. From above she, divine of goddesses, covered herself
with a veil, beautiful, newly wrought, and it was bright as the sun; and beneath her
shining feet she fastened her beautiful sandals. But when she had arranged all her ornaments
around her person, she proceeded straight from her chamber; and having called Venus
apart from the other gods, addressed her in speech: "Wilt thou now be at all obedient
to me, dear child, in what I shall say? Or wilt thou refuse, enraged in thy mind on this
account, because I aid the Greeks whilst thou [aidest] the Trojans?"
But her Venus, the daughter of Jove, then answered: "Juno, venerable goddess, daughter
of mighty Saturn, declare whatsoever thou dost meditate; for my mind urges me to accomplish
it, if indeed I can accomplish it, and if it be practicable."
But her the venerable Juno, meditating guile, addressed: "Give now to me that loveliness
and desire with which thou dost subdue all, immortals, and mortal men; for I go to visit
the limits of the fertile earth, and Oceanus, the parent of the gods, and mother Tethys;
who, receiving me from Rhea, nurtured and educated me with care in their abodes, when
far-resounding Jove cast down Saturn beneath the earth and the fruitless sea. These I go
to visit, and I will put an end to eternal quarrels. For already have they abstained
for a length of time from the couch and embrace of each other, since anger fell upon their
mind. But if, by persuading their hearts by my words, I should lead them back to the bed,
to be united in love, then should I always be called by them beloved and revered."
But her laughter-loving Venus in turn addressed: "It is not possible nor becoming to refuse
thy request, for thou reclinest in the arms of mightiest Jove."
She said, and loosed from her *** the embroidered, variegated cestus; where all allurements were
enclosed. In it were love, and desire, converse, seductive speech, which steals away the mind
even of the very prudent. This then she placed in her hands, spoke, and addressed her: "Take
this, now place in thy *** this variegated belt, in which all things are contained; and
I think that thou wilt not return with thy object unaccomplished, whatsoever thou desirest
in thy mind."
Thus she spake, and the large-eyed, venerable Juno smiled, and smiling, then placed it in
her ***. But Venus, the daughter of Jove, departed to the palace; and Juno, hastening,
quitted the summit of Olympus, and, having passed over Pieria and fertile Emathia, she
hastened over the snowy mountains of equestrian Thrace, most lofty summits, nor did she touch
the ground with her feet. From Athos she descended to the foaming deep, and came to Lemnos, the
city of divine Thoas, where she met Sleep, the brother of Death; to whose hand she then
clung, and spoke, and addressed him: "O Sleep, king of all gods and all men, if ever indeed
thou didst listen to my entreaty, now too be persuaded; and I will acknowledge gratitude
to thee all my days. Close immediately in sleep for me the bright eyes of Jove under
his eyelids, after I couch with him in love; and I will give thee, as gifts, a handsome
golden throne, for ever incorruptible. And my limping son, Vulcan, adorning it, shall
make it, and below thy feet he shall place a footstool, upon which thou mayest rest thy
shining feet while feasting."
But her sweet Sleep answering, addressed: "Juno, venerable goddess, daughter of great
Saturn, any other of the everlasting gods could I easily lull to sleep, and even the
flowing of rapid Ocean, who is the parent of all; but I could not approach Saturnian
Jove, nor lull him to sleep, unless, at least, he himself command me. For once already, at
least, has he terrified me by his threats, on that day when the magnanimous son of Jove
(Hercules) sailed from Ilium, having sacked the city of the Trojans. Then I lulled the
mind of ægis-bearing Jove, being poured gently around him, whilst thou wast planning evils
in thy mind [against the hero], rousing the blasts of bitter winds over the deep; and
thou didst afterwards carry him away apart from all his friends to well-inhabited Cos.
But he, when awakened, was enraged, hurling about the gods through his mansion, and me
chiefly of all he sought, and would have cast me down, a lost one, from the æther into
the deep, had not Night, vanquisher of gods and men, preserved me, to whom I came flying.
So he restrained himself, angry as he was; for he dreaded lest he should do things which
were disagreeable to swift Night. And now again dost thou urge me to perform this another
dangerous deed." But him the venerable large-eyed Juno in turn
answered: "O Sleep, why thinkest thou these things within thy mind? Canst thou suppose
that far-sounding Jove favours the Trojans, as he was enraged on account of Hercules,
his own son? But come, [do this], and I will give thee one of the younger Graces to wed,
and to be called thy spouse, Pasithea, whom thou fondly desirest day after day."
Thus she spoke; but Sleep was delighted, and, answering, addressed her: "Come now, swear
to me by the inviolable water of the Styx, and touch with one hand the fertile earth,
and with the other the marble sea; so that all the gods beneath, around Saturn, may be
witnesses between us, that thou wilt surely give me one of the younger Graces, Pasithea,
whom I will desire all my days." Thus he spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess
Juno disobey, but she swore as he desired, and named all gods who dwell under Tartarus,
which are called Titans. When then she had sworn, and performed her oath, they both proceeded,
leaving the city of Lemnos and Imbrus, mantled in haze, quickly making their way; and they
came to Ida of many rills, the mother of wild beasts, to Lectos, where first they quitted
the sea: but they both advanced over the land, and the summit of the wood was shaken beneath
their feet. There Sleep on his part remained, before the eyes of Jove should perceive him;
ascending a lofty fir, which then growing the highest upon Ida, sprung up through the
air to the clouds. There he sat, thickly covered with the fir branches, like unto a shrill
bird, which, living in the mountains, the gods call Chalcis, and men Cymindis.
But Juno proceeded hastily to Gargarus, the summit of lofty Ida, and cloud-compelling
Jove beheld her. But the instant he beheld her, that instant desire entirely shadowed
around his august mind, just as when they first were united in love, retiring to the
bed, without the knowledge of their dear parents. And he stood before her, and spoke, and addressed
her: "Wherefore hastening from Olympus, Juno, comest thou hither, but thy horses and chariot
are not near, which thou mayest ascend."
But him the venerable Juno, meditating guiles, addressed; "I go to visit the limits of the
fertile earth, and Oceanus, the parent of the gods, and mother Tethys, who nurtured
and trained me with care in their palaces. Them I go to see, and will take away their
bitter quarrels. For already they abstain a long while from the couch and embrace of
each other; since anger has invaded their minds. But my steeds, which will bear me over
dry and wet, stand near the base of Ida with many rills. Now, however, on thy account have
I come hither from Olympus, lest perchance thou shouldst afterwards be angry with me,
were I to depart in secret to the abode of deep-flowing Oceanus?"
But her cloud-collecting Jove answering, addressed: "Juno, thither thou canst go even by-and-by,
but come [now], let us, reclining, be delighted with love; for never at any time did the love
of a goddess or a woman, poured around the heart within my breast, so subdue me: neither
when I loved the wife of Ixion, who bore Pirithous, a counsellor equal to the gods; nor when [I
loved] fair-ankled Danaë, the daughter of Acrisius, who bore Perseus, most illustrious
of all men; nor when with that of the celebrated daughter of Phoenix, who bore to me Minos
and godlike Rhadamanthus: nor yet when [I loved] Semele, nor Alcmena in Thebes, who
brought forth my valiant son Hercules: but Semele bore [me] Bacchus, a joy to mortals:
nor when [I loved] Ceres, the fair-haired queen: nor when glorious Latona nor thyself;
as I now love thee, and sweet desire seizes me."
But him venerable Juno, meditating guiles, addressed: "Most shameless son of Saturn,
what word hast thou spoken? If now thou desire to recline in love upon the summit of Ida,
where all places are exposed, how will it be, if any of the immortal gods should perceive
us sleeping, and, going amongst all the gods, disclose it? I for my part could never return
to thy mansion, arising from the couch; for surely it would be unbecoming. But if in truth
thou desirest it, and it be agreeable to thy soul, there is a chamber of thine which Vulcan,
thy beloved son, formed for thee, and fitted its secure doors to its lintels. Thither let
us repair, about to recline, since an embrace is indeed thy desire."
But her cloud-collecting Jove, answering, addressed: "Fear not, O Juno, that any of
either gods or men shall behold this. Such a golden cloud will I spread around, that
not even the Sun may see us through it, although his eye is very keen to behold."
Thus he spake, and the son of Saturn encircled his wife in his arms. And the divine earth
produced fresh herbage under them, the dewy lotus, and the crocus, and the hyacinth, close
and soft, which elevated them from the earth. Upon this [couch] they reclined, and clothed
themselves above with a beautiful golden cloud; and lucid dew-drops fell from it.
Thus quietly slumbered the sire upon the summit of Gargarus, subdued by sleep and love, and
held his spouse in his arms. But sweet Sleep hastened to run to the ships of the Greeks,
that he might deliver a message to Neptune, the shaker of the earth. And, standing near,
he addressed to him winged words: "Now, Neptune, heartily give aid to the Greeks, and bestow
glory upon them, at least for a little, whilst yet Jove sleeps; since I have enveloped him
in a veil of soft slumber, and Juno hath deceived [him], that he might sleep in love."
So saying, he indeed departed to the illustrious tribes of men; but he still more impelled
[Neptune] to assist the Greeks, and immediately springing forward far into the van, he exhorted
them: "O Greeks, yet again do we yield the victory to Hector, the son of Priam, that
he may seize the ships and bear away glory? For so indeed he supposes and boasts, because
Achilles remains at the hollow ships, enraged at heart. However, there would not be a great
need of him, if the rest of us were incited to assist one another. But come? let us all
obey as I shall advise. Let us, clad with shields, as many as are best and greatest
in the army, who are covered as to our heads with glittering helmets, and hold the longest
spears in our hands, advance, and I will lead the way; nor do I think that Hector, the son
of Priam, will await us, though very eager. Whatsoever man also is obstinate in the fight,
and bears but a small shield upon his shoulder, let him give it to an inferior man, and let
him clothe himself in a larger shield." Thus he spoke; but they listened to him readily,
and obeyed. The kings themselves, Tydides, Ulysses, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus, marshalled
[the troops], wounded as they were; and, going about among them all, exchanged their martial
arms, the brave [soldier] put on the good [armour], and the worse they gave to the inferior
man. But when they had girded the splendid brass around their bodies, they began to advance;
and earth-shaking Neptune led them on, grasping in his firm hand a dreadful tapering sword,
like unto a thunderbolt, with which [sword] it is not possible to engage in destructive
battle, for the fear [of it] restrains men. On the other side again illustrious Hector
drew up the Trojans. Then truly azure-haired Neptune and illustrious Hector drew forth
the severest struggle of war, the one indeed aiding the Trojans, and the other the Greeks.
But the sea was dashed up to the tents and ships of the Greeks and they engaged with
a mighty shout. Not so loudly does the billow of the ocean roar against the main land, when
driven from the deep by the rough blast of Boreas; nor so great is the crackling of blazing
fire in the glens of a mountain, when it is raised aloft to consume the wood; nor so loud
howls the wind amidst the high-foliaged oaks (which, in particular, loudly roars in its
wrath), as was the cry of the Trojans and Greeks shouting dreadfully, when they rushed
one upon the other. At Ajax illustrious Hector first took aim
with his spear, as he was turned right against him; nor did he miss. [He struck him] where
the two belts were crossed upon his breast, both that of the shield and that of the silver-studded
sword; for these protected the tender skin: but Hector was enraged because his swift weapon
had fled from his hand in vain, and he retired back into the crowd of his companions, shunning
death. At him then, retiring, mighty Telamonian Ajax [threw] with a stone, for [stones] in
great numbers were rolled about among the feet of the combatants, props for the fleet
barks; lifting up one of these, he struck him upon the breast, above the orb of the
shield, near the neck. And, throwing, he twirled it like a top, and it (the stone) rolled round
on all sides. As when, beneath a violent stroke from father Jove, an oak falls uprooted, and
a terrible smell of sulphur arises from it; but confidence no longer possesses the man,
whosoever being near beholds it, because the thunderbolt of mighty Jove is terrible: so
rapidly upon the ground fell the might of Hector in the dust. And he dropped his spear
from his hand, his shield and helmet followed above him, and his armour, variegated with
brass, rang upon him. Then the sons of the Greeks, loudly shouting, rushed in, hoping
to draw him off, and they hurled numerous javelins; but no one was able either to strike
from a distance, or to smite close at hand, the shepherd of the people, for the bravest
[of the warriors], Polydamas, Æneas, and noble Agenor, Sarpedon, leader of the Lycians,
and illustrious Glaucus, first threw themselves round him. And no one of the rest neglected
him, but they held their well-orbed shields before him. But his companions, up-raising
him in their hands, bore him out of the conflict, till they reached his fleet horses, which
stood for him in rear of the combat and the war, holding both the charioteer and the variegated
car; which then carried him towards the city, groaning heavily.
But when now they came to the ford of the rapid-flowing current of eddying Xanthus,
whom immortal Jove begat, there they removed him from his car to the ground, and poured
water over him; but he breathed again, and looked up with his eyes; and, sitting upon
his knees, disgorged black blood. Again he fell back upon the ground, and dark night
overshadowed his eyes; for the blow still subdued his spirits.
But when the Greeks saw Hector going apart, they pressed the more on the Trojans, and
were mindful of contest. Then swift Oïlean Ajax before others, leaping forward with his
fir-tree spear, wounded Satnius, son of Enops, whom a Naiad, the fairest nymph, bore to Enops,
when keeping his flocks by the banks of Satnio. Him the spear-renowned son of Oïleus, drawing
near, wounded in the flank; but he fell supine, and round him the Trojans and Greeks engaged
in a valiant battle. But to him spear-brandishing Polydamas, son of Panthous, came as an avenger,
and smote Prothoënor, son of Areïlochus, upon the right shoulder. The tough spear passed
on through his shoulder, but falling in the dust, he grasped the earth with his hand.
And Polydamas boasted mightily over him, shouting aloud: "I do not think, indeed, that the weapon
hath fled vainly from the sturdy hand of the magnanimous son of Panthous, but some one
of the Greeks has received it in his body; and I think that he, leaning upon it, will
descend to the mansion of Pluto." Thus he spoke, but grief arose among the Greeks
at his boasting, and particularly agitated the mind of warlike Ajax, the son of Telamon,
for he had fallen very near him; and he immediately hurled with his shining spear at him departing.
Polydamas himself indeed avoided black fate, springing off obliquely; but Archilochus,
son of Antenor, received [the blow], for to him the gods had doomed destruction. Him then
he struck upon the last vertebra, in the joining of the head and neck, and he disjoined both
tendons; but the head, the mouth, and the nostrils of him falling, met the ground much
sooner than his legs and knees. Then Ajax in turn cried out to blameless Polydamas:
"Reflect, O Polydamas, and tell me the truth; is not this man worthy to be slain in exchange
of Prothoënor? He appears not to me indeed a coward, nor [sprung] from cowards, but [to
be] the brother or the son of horse-breaking Antenor, for he seems most like him as to
his race." Thus he spoke, well knowing [him], but grief
possessed the minds of the Trojans. Then Acamas, stalking round his brother, wounded with his
spear Promachus, the Bœotian; whilst he was dragging him off by the feet. But over him
Acamas greatly boasted, calling out aloud: "Ye Argive archers, insatiable in threats,
assuredly not to us alone will toil and sorrow accrue, but thus thou also wilt at some time
be slain. Consider how your Promachus sleeps, subdued by my spear, that a requital for my
brother might not be long unpaid. Therefore should a man wish a brother to be left in
his family, as an avenger of his death."
Thus he spoke; but grief arose among the Greeks as he boasted, and he particularly agitated
the mind of warlike Peneleus. Accordingly he rushed upon Acamas, who awaited not the
charge of king Peneleus; but he wounded Ilioneus, son of Phorbas, rich in flocks, whom Mercury
loved most of all the Trojans, and had presented with possessions; and to whom his mother bore
Ilioneus alone. Him then he wounded below the brow, in the socket of the eye, and he
forced out the pupil: but the spear went forward through the eye, and through the back of the
head; and he sat down, stretching out both his hands. But Peneleus, drawing his sharp
sword, smote him upon the middle of the neck, and lopped off his head with its helmet to
the ground, and the strong spear still remained in his eye. But he (Peneleus), holding it
up like a poppy, shouted to the Trojans, and boasting spoke thus: "Tell for me, ye Trojans,
the beloved father and mother of illustrious Ilioneus, that they may lament him in their
halls; for neither shall the wife of Promachus, the son of Alegenor, present herself with
joy to her dear husband coming [back], when we, sons of the Greeks, return from Troy with
our ships." Thus he spoke; but pale fear seized upon them
all, and each gazed about, [seeking] where he might escape utter destruction.
Tell me now, ye muses, possessing Olympian dwellings, which of the Greeks now first bore
away gore-stained spoils of men, when the illustrious Earth-shaker turned the [tide
of] battle. Telamonian Ajax then first wounded Hyrtius,
son of Gyrtias, leader of the undaunted Mysians; and Antilochus spoiled Phalces and Mermerus;
Meriones slew Morys and Hippotion; and Teucer slew Prothous and Periphœtes. But the son
of Atreus next wounded upon the flank Hyperenor, the shepherd of the people, and the spear,
cutting its way, drank his entrails; and his soul, expelled, fled in haste through the
inflicted wound, and darkness veiled his eyes. But Ajax, the swift son of Oïleus, slew the
most; because there was not one equal to him on foot, to follow the flying men, when Jove
had excited flight amongst them. End of Book the Fourteenth
BOOK THE FIFTEENTH. ARGUMENT.
Jove awaking, and finding the Trojans routed, menaces Juno. He then sends Iris to desire
Neptune to relinquish the battle, and Apollo to restore Hector to health. Armed with the
ægis, Apollo puts the Greeks to flight; who are pursued home to their fleet, while Telamonian
Ajax slays twelve Trojans who were bringing fire to burn it.
But after the fugitives had crossed both the ramparts and the trench, and many were subdued
by the hands of the Greeks, the rest were at length detained, waiting beside their chariots,
pallid with fear, and terrified. But Jove arose on the summits of Ida, from beside golden-throned
Juno; and starting up, he stood and beheld the Trojans and Greeks, those indeed in confusion,
and the Greeks throwing them into confusion in the rear; and amongst them king Neptune.
Hector he beheld lying upon the plain, and his companions sat round him: but he was afflicted
with grievous difficulty of respiration, and devoid of his senses, vomiting blood, for
it was not the weakest of the Greeks who had wounded him. The father of men and gods, seeing,
pitied him, and sternly regarding Juno, severely addressed her: "O Juno, of evil arts, impracticable,
thy stratagem has made noble Hector cease from battle, and put his troops to flight.
Indeed I know not whether again thou mayest not be the first to reap the fruits of thy
pernicious machinations, and I may chastise thee with stripes. Dost thou not remember
when thou didst swing from on high, and I hung two anvils from thy feet, and bound a
golden chain around thy hands, that could not be broken? And thou didst hang in the
air and clouds, and the gods commiserated thee throughout lofty Olympus; but standing
around, they were not able to release thee; but whomsoever I caught, seizing, I hurled
from the threshold [of heaven], till he reached the earth, hardly breathing. Nor even thus
did my vehement anger, through grief for divine Hercules, leave me; whom thou, prevailing
upon the storms, with the north wind, didst send over the unfruitful sea, designing evils,
and afterwards bore him out of his course, to well-inhabited Cos. I liberated him, indeed,
and brought him back thence to steed-nourishing Argos, although having accomplished many toils.
These things will I again recall to thy memory, that thou mayest cease from deceits; in order
that thou mayest know whether the intercourse and a couch will avail thee, in which thou
wast mingled, coming apart from the gods, and having deceived me."
Thus he spoke; but venerable large-eyed Juno shuddered, and, addressing him, spoke winged
words: "Be witness now, Earth, and boundless Heaven above, and the water of Styx gliding
beneath, which is the greatest and most dreaded oath amongst the blessed gods; likewise thy
sacred head, and our own nuptial couch, by which I would not rashly swear at any time,
that it is not by my instigation that earth-shaking Neptune harasses the Trojans and Hector, and
aids the other side; but certainly his own mind incites and orders him; for, beholding
the Greeks oppressed at the ships, he took compassion on them. And even him would I advise
to go there, where thou, O Cloud-collector, mayest command."
Thus she spoke; but the father of men and gods smiled, and answering her, spoke winged
words: "If indeed thou from henceforth, O venerable, large-eyed Juno, wouldst sit amongst
the immortals, being of the same mind with me, then truly would Neptune, even although
he very much wishes otherwise, immediately change his mind to the same point, to thy
wish and mine. But if indeed thou speakest in sincerity and truly, go now to the assemblies
of the gods, and call Iris to come hither, and Apollo, renowned in archery, that she
may go to the people of the brazen-mailed Greeks, and tell king Neptune, ceasing from
battle, to repair to his own palaces; but let Phœbus Apollo excite Hector to battle,
and breathe strength into him again, and make him forgetful of the pains which now afflict
him in his mind: but let him again put the Greeks to flight, exciting unwarlike panic
[amongst them], and, flying, let them fall back upon the many-benched ships of Achilles,
the son of Peleus. Then shall he stimulate his companion Patroclus, whom illustrious
Hector shall slay with his spear before Ilium, [Patroclus] having slain many other youths,
and with them my son, noble Sarpedon; but noble Achilles shall slay Hector. From this
time forward will I always continually effect for thee, that there shall be a retreat [of
the Trojans] from the ships, until the Greeks, by the counsels of Minerva, shall take lofty
Ilium. However, I shall not abate my anger, nor will I here permit any of the immortals
to assist the Greeks, before that the request of the son of Peleus be completed; as first
I promised to him, and nodded assent with my head, on that day when the goddess Thetis
touched my knees, beseeching me that I would honour Achilles, the destroyer of cities."
Thus he spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but went down from the Idæan
mountains to lofty Olympus. And as when the mind of a man flashes swiftly [in thought],
who, having traversed over many a land, thinks within his prudent heart, "I was here, I was
there," and deliberates much: thus quickly hastening, up sprung venerable Juno. But she
reached lofty Olympus, and came in upon the immortal gods, assembled in the house of Jove
but they beholding her, all rose up and welcomed her with their cups. The rest, however, she
neglected, but received a goblet from fair-cheeked Themis; for she first running, came to meet
her, and addressing her, spoke winged words: "Why, O Juno, hast thou come [hither], and
art like unto one in consternation? Has then the son of Saturn, who is thy husband, greatly
terrified thee?" But her the white-armed goddess Juno then
answered: "Do not, O goddess Themis, ask me these things; even thou thyself knowest how
overbearing and cruel a spirit is his. But do thou preside over the equal feast, in the
palaces of the gods, and thou shalt hear these things along with all the immortals, what
evil deeds Jove denounces. Nor do I at all think that the mind will equally rejoice to
all, neither to mortals nor to the gods, although some one even yet be feasting pleasantly."
Thus having spoken, venerable Juno sat down; but the gods were grieved throughout the palace
of Jove. But she laughed with her lips [only], nor was her forehead above her dark brows
exhilarated; and, indignant, she spoke amongst them all: "Senseless we, who are thus foolishly
enraged with father Jove! Of a truth we still desire to restrain him, approaching near,
either by persuasion or by force; whilst he, sitting apart, does not regard, nor is moved,
for he says he is decidedly the most mighty in strength and power among the immortal gods.
Wherefore endure whatever evil he may please to send upon each of you; for now already,
I think, misfortune hath been inflicted upon Mars, since his son has perished in the fight,
the dearest of mortals, Ascalaphus, whom impetuous Mars calls his own."
Thus she spake; but Mars smote his brawny thighs with his dropped hands, and sorrowing,
addressed them: "Do not now blame me, ye who possess the Olympic mansions, repairing to
the ships of the Greeks, to avenge the slaughter of my son, even although it should be my fate,
smitten with the thunderbolt of Jove, to lie together with the dead bodies in blood and
dust." Thus he spake, and he commanded Fear and Flight
to yoke his steeds, but he himself girded on his shining armour. Then indeed some other
greater and more grievous wrath and indignation had fallen upon the immortals from Jove, had
not Minerva, greatly fearing for all the gods, leaped forth from the vestibule, and left
the throne where she sat. From his head she snatched the helmet, and the shield from his
shoulders, and taking the brazen spear out of his strong hand, she placed it upright;
and rebuked impetuous Mars with [these] words: "Infuriated one, infatuated in mind, thou
art undone! are thy ears indeed useless for hearing, and have thy sense and shame perished?
Dost thou not hear what the white-armed goddess Juno says, and she has just now come from
Olympian Jove? Dost thou thyself wish, having fulfilled many misfortunes, to return to Olympus
very much grieved, and by compulsion, and also to create a great evil to all the rest?
For he will immediately leave the Trojans and magnanimous Greeks, and will come against
us, about to disturb us in Olympus; and will seize us one after the other, whoever is culpable
and who is not. Wherefore I exhort thee now to lay aside thy wrath on account of thy son,
for already some one, even superior to him in strength and in hands, either is slain,
or will be hereafter; for it would be a difficult task to liberate [from death] the race and
offspring of all men." So saying, she seated impetuous Mars upon
his throne. But Juno called Apollo outside the house, and Iris, who is the messenger
among the immortal gods, and addressing them, spoke winged words: "Jove orders you twain
to repair with all haste to Ida, but when ye arrive, and look upon the countenance of
Jove, do whatsoever he may urge and command." Then indeed, having thus spoken, venerable
Juno retired, and sat down upon her throne; but they, hastening, flew and arrived at Ida
of many rills, the mother of wild beasts. They found the far-seeing son of Saturn sitting
upon lofty Gargarus, and an odoriferous cloud encircled him around. But coming before cloud-compelling
Jove, they stood; nor was he enraged in his mind, beholding them, because they quickly
obeyed the commands of his dear wife. And first to Iris he addressed winged words: "Haste,
begone, fleet Iris, tell all these things to king Neptune, nor be thou a false messenger.
Order him, having ceased from the battle and the war, to repair to the assemblies of the
gods, or to the vast sea. If, however, he will not obey my words, but shall despise
them, let him then consider in his mind and soul, lest, however powerful he may be, he
may not be able to withstand me coming against him; for I say that I am superior to him in
strength, and elder in birth; but his heart fears riot to assert himself equal to me,
whom even the others dread." Thus he spoke, nor was wind-footed, swift
Iris disobedient: but she descended from the Idæan mountains to sacred Ilium. And as when
snow drifts from the clouds, or cold hail, by the impulse of cloud-dispelling Boreas,
so quickly swift Iris with eagerness flew along, and standing near illustrious Neptune,
she addressed him: "O azure-haired Earth-shaker, I have come hither, bringing a certain message
to thee from ægis-bearing Jove. He has commanded thee, having ceased from the battle and the
war, to repair either to the assemblies of the gods or to the vast sea. But if thou wilt
not obey his words, but shalt despise them, he threatens that he will come hither himself
to fight against thee; and advises thee to avoid his hands, because he asserts that he
is greatly superior to thee in strength, and elder in birth: but thy heart does not fear
to profess that thou art equal to him, whom even the others dread."
But her illustrious Neptune, greatly indignant, then addressed: "Gods! powerful though he
be, he surely has spoken proudly, if he will by force restrain me unwilling, who am of
equal honour. For we are three brothers [descended] from Saturn, whom Rhea brought forth: Jupiter
and I, and Pluto, governing the infernal regions, the third; all things were divided into three
parts, and each was allotted his dignity. I in the first place, the lots being shaken,
was allotted to inhabit for ever the hoary sea, and Pluto next obtained the pitchy darkness;
but Jove in the third place had allotted to him the wide heaven in the air and in the
clouds. Nevertheless the earth is still the common property of all, and lofty Olympus.
Wherefore I shall not live according to the will of Jove, but although being very powerful,
let him remain quiet in his third part; and let him by no means terrify me as a coward
with his hands. For it would be better for him to insult with terrific language the daughters
and sons whom he hath begotten, who will also through necessity attend to him, exhorting
them." But him the fleet wind-footed Iris then answered:
"O azure-haired Earth-shaker, shall I really thus bear back from thee to Jove this relentless
and violent reply? Or wilt thou change it at all? The minds of the prudent indeed are
flexible. Thou knowest that the Furies are ever attendant on the elders."
But her again earth-shaking Neptune in turn addressed: "Goddess Iris, very rightly hast
thou delivered this opinion; moreover, it is good when a messenger knows fitting things.
But on this account severe indignation comes upon my heart and soul, because he wishes
to chide with angry words me, equal to him by lot, and doomed to an equal destiny. Nevertheless,
at present, although being indignant, I will give way. But another thing will I tell thee,
and I will threaten this from my soul; if indeed, without me and prey-hunting Minerva,
Juno, Mercury, and king Vulcan, he shall spare lofty Ilium, nor shall wish to destroy it,
and give great glory to the Greeks; let him know this, that endless animosity shall arise
between us." So saying, the Earth-shaker quitted the Grecian
army, and proceeding, he plunged into the deep; but the Grecian heroes longed for him.
And then cloud-compelling Jove addressed Apollo: "Go now, dear Phœbus, to brazen-helmed Hector;
for already hath earth-encircling Neptune departed to the vast sea, avoiding our dreadful
anger; for otherwise the rest, who are infernal gods, being around Saturn, would surely have
heard our quarrel. This, however, is much better for me as well as for himself, that
he hath first yielded to my hands, accounting himself worthy of blame, because the matter
would not have been accomplished without sweat. But do thou take the fringed ægis in thy
End of Book the Fifteenth