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The Iliad of Homer by Homer
Translated by Theodore Alois Buckley Section I
PREFACE. The present translation of the Iliad will,
it is hoped, be found to convey, more accurately than any which has preceded it, the words
and thoughts of the original. It is based upon a careful examination of whatever has
been contributed by scholars of every age towards the elucidation of the text, including
the ancient scholiasts and lexicographers, the exegetical labours of Barnes and Clarke,
and the elaborate criticisms of Heyne, Wolf, and their successors.
The necessary brevity of the notes has prevented the full discussion of many passages where
there is great room for difference of opinion, and hence several interpretations are adopted
without question, which, had the editor's object been to write a critical commentary,
would have undergone a more lengthened examination. The same reason has compelled him, in many
instances, to substitute references for extracts, indicating rather than quoting those storehouses
of information, from whose abundant contents he would gladly have drawn more copious supplies.
Among the numerous works to which he has had recourse, the following deserve particular
mention-Alberti's invaluable edition of Hesychius, the Commentary of Eustathius, and Buttmann's
Lexilogus. In the succeeding volume, the Odyssey, Hymns,
and minor poems will be produced in a similar manner.
THEODORE ALOIS BUCKLEY, _Ch. Ch., Oxford._
THE ILIAD OF HOMER.
BOOK THE FIRST. ARGUMENT.
Apollo, enraged at the insult offered to his priest, Chryses, sends a pestilence upon the
Greeks. A council is called, and Agamemnon, being compelled to restore the daughter of
Chryses, whom he had taken from him, in revenge deprives Achilles of Hippodameia. Achilles
resigns her, but refuses to aid the Greeks in battle, and at his request, his mother,
Thetis, petitions Jove to honour her offended son at the expense of the Greeks. Jupiter,
despite the opposition of Juno, grants her request.
Sing, O goddess, the destructive wrath of Achilles, son of Peleus, which brought countless
woes upon the Greeks, and hurled many valiant souls of heroes down to Hades, and made themselves
a prey to dogs and to all birds [but the will of Jove was being accomplished], from the
time when Atrides, king of men, and noble Achilles, first contending, were disunited.
Which, then, of the gods, engaged these two in strife, so that they should fight? The
son of Latona and Jove; for he, enraged with the king, stirred up an evil pestilence through
the army [and the people kept perishing]; because the son of Atreus had dishonoured
the priest Chryses: for he came to the swift ships of the Greeks to ransom his daughter,
and bringing invaluable ransoms, having in his hands the fillets of far-darting Apollo
on his golden sceptre. And he supplicated all the Greeks, but chiefly the two sons of
Atreus, the leaders of the people: "Ye sons of Atreus, and ye other well-greaved
Greeks, to you indeed may the gods, possessing the heavenly dwellings, grant to destroy the
city of Priam, and to return home safely: but for me, liberate my beloved daughter,
and accept the ransoms, reverencing the son of Jove, far-darting Apollo."
Upon this, all the other Greeks shouted assent, that the priest should be reverenced, and
the splendid ransoms accepted; yet was it not pleasing in his mind to Agamemnon, son
of Atreus; but he dismissed him evilly, and added a harsh mandate:
"Let me not find thee, old man, at the hollow barks, either now loitering, or hereafter
returning, lest the staff and fillet of the god avail thee not. For her I will not set
free; sooner shall old age come upon her, at home in Argos, far away from her native
land, employed in offices of the loom, and preparing my bed. But away! irritate me not,
that thou mayest return the safer."
Thus he spoke; but the old man was afraid, and obeyed the command. And he went in silence
along the shore of the loud-resounding sea; but then, going apart, the aged man prayed
much to king Apollo, whom fair-haired Latona bore:
"Hear me, god of the silver bow, who art wont to protect Chrysa and divine Cilla, and who
mightily rulest over Tenedos: O Sminthius, if ever I have roofed thy graceful temple,
or if, moreover, at any time I have burned to thee the fat thighs of bulls or of goats,
accomplish this entreaty for me. Let the Greeks pay for my tears, by thy arrows."
Thus he spoke praying; but to him Phoebus Apollo hearkened. And he descended from the
summits of Olympus, enraged in heart, having upon his shoulders his bow and quiver covered
on all sides. But as he moved, the shafts rattled forthwith upon the shoulders of him
enraged; but he went along like unto the night. Then he sat down apart from the ships, and
sent among them an arrow, and terrible arose the clang of the silver bow. First he attacked
the mules, and the swift dogs; but afterwards despatching a pointed arrow against [the Greeks]
themselves, he smote them, and frequent funeral-piles of the dead were continually burning. Nine
days through the army went the arrows of the god; but on the tenth, Achilles called the
people to an assembly; for to his mind the white-armed goddess Juno had suggested it;
for she was anxious concerning the Greeks, because she saw them perishing. But when they
accordingly were assembled, and were met together, swift-footed footed Achilles, rising up amidst
them, [thus] spoke: "O son of Atreus! now do I think that we would
consent to return, having been defeated in our purpose, if we should but escape death,
since at the same time war and pestilence subdue the Greeks. But come now, let us consult
some prophet, or priest, or even one who is informed by dreams (for dream also is from
Jove), who would tell us on what account Phoebus Apollo is so much enraged with us: whether
he blames us on account of a vow [unperformed], or a hecatomb [unoffered]; and whether haply
he may be willing, having partaken of the savour of lambs and unblemished goats, to
avert from us the pestilence."
He indeed, thus having spoken, sat down; but to them there arose by far the best of augurs,
Calchas, son of Thestor, who knew the present, the future, and the past, and who guided the
ships of the Greeks to Ilium, by his prophetic art, which Phoebus Apollo gave him, who, being
well disposed, addressed them, and said: "O Achilles, dear to Jove, thou biddest me
to declare the wrath of Apollo, the far-darting king. Therefore will I declare it; but do
thou on thy part covenant, and swear to me, that thou wilt promptly assist me in word
and hand. For methinks I shall irritate a man who widely rules over all the Argives,
and whom the Greeks obey. For a king is more powerful when he is enraged with an inferior
man; for though he may repress his wrath for that same day, yet he afterwards retains his
anger in his heart, until he accomplishes it; but do thou consider whether thou wilt
protect me." But him swift-footed Achilles, answering,
addressed: "Taking full confidence, declare the divine oracle, whatsoever thou knowest.
For, by Apollo, dear to Jove, to whom thou, praying, O Calchas, dost disclose predictions
to the Greeks, no one of all the Greeks, while I am alive and have sight upon the earth,
shall lay heavy hands upon thee at the hollow ships; not even if thou wast to name Agamemnon,
who now boasts himself to be much the most powerful of the Greeks."
And upon this, the blameless prophet then took confidence, and spoke: "Neither is he
enraged on account of a vow [unperformed], nor of a hecatomb [unoffered], but on account
of his priest, whom Agamemnon dishonoured; neither did he liberate his daughter, nor
did he receive her ransom. Wherefore has the Far-darter given woes, and still will he give
them; nor will he withhold his heavy hands from the pestilence, before that [Agamemnon]
restore to her dear father the bright-eyed maid, unpurchased, unransomed, and conduct
a sacred hecatomb to Chrysa; then, perhaps, having appeased, we might persuade him."
He indeed, having thus spoken, sat down. But to them arose the hero, the son of Atreus,
wide-ruling Agamemnon, agitated; and his all-gloomy heart was greatly filled with wrath, and his
eyes were like unto gleaming fire. Sternly regarding Calchas most of all, he addressed
[him]: "Prophet of ills, not at any time hast thou
spoken anything good for me; but evils are always gratifying to thy soul to prophesy,
and never yet hast thou offered one good word, nor accomplished [one]. And now, prophesying
amongst the Greeks, thou haranguest that forsooth the Far-darter works griefs to them upon this
account, because I was unwilling to accept the splendid ransom of the *** daughter
of Chryses, since I much prefer to have her at home; and my reason is, I prefer her even
to Clytemnestra, my lawful wife; for she is not inferior to her, either in person, or
in figure, or in mind, or by any means in accomplishments. But even thus I am willing
to restore her, if it be better; for I wish the people to be safe rather than to perish.
But do thou immediately prepare a prize for me, that I may not alone, of the Argives,
be without a prize; since it is not fitting. For ye all see this, that my prize is going
elsewhere."
But him swift-footed godlike Achilles then answered: "Most noble son of Atreus, most
avaricious of all! for how shall the magnanimous Greeks assign thee a prize? Nor do we know
of many common stores laid up anywhere. But what we plundered from the cities, these have
been divided, and it is not fitting that the troops should collect these brought together
again. But do thou now let her go to the God, and we Greeks will compensate thee thrice,
or four-fold, if haply Jove grant to us to sack the well-fortified city of Troy."
But him answering, king Agamemnon addressed: "Do not thus, excellent though thou be, godlike
Achilles, practise deceit in thy mind; since thou shalt not overreach, nor yet persuade
me. Dost thou wish that thou thyself mayest have a prize, whilst I sit down idly, wanting
one? And dost thou bid me to restore her? If, however, the magnanimous Greeks will give
me a prize, having suited it to my mind, so that it shall be an equivalent, [it is well].
But if they will not give it, then I myself coming, will seize your prize, or that of
Ajax, or Ulysses, and will bear it away; and he to whom I may come shall have cause for
anger. On these things, however, we will consult afterwards. But now come, let us launch a
sable ship into the boundless sea, and let us collect into it rowers in sufficient number,
and place on board a hecatomb; and let us make the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses
to embark, and let some one noble man be commander, Ajax or Idomeneus, or divine Ulysses; or thyself,
son of Peleus, most terrible of all men, that thou mayest appease for us the Far-darter,
having offered sacrifices."
But him swift-footed Achilles sternly regarding, addressed: "Ha! thou clad in impudence, thou
bent on gain, how can any of the Greeks willingly obey thy orders, either to undertake a mission,
or to fight bravely with men? For I did not come hither to fight on account of the warlike
Trojans, seeing that they are blameless as respects me. Since they have never driven
away my oxen, nor my horses either nor ever injured my crops in fertile and populous Phthia:
for very many shadowy mountains, and the resounding sea, are between us. But thee, O most shameless
man, we follow, that thou mayest rejoice; seeking satisfaction from the Trojans for
Menelaus, and for thy pleasure, shameless one! for which things thou hast neither respect
nor care. And now thou hast threatened that thou wilt in person wrest from me my prize,
for which I have toiled much, and which the sons of the Greeks have given me. Whenever
the Greeks sacked a well-inhabited city of the Trojans, I never have had a prize equal
to thine; although my hands perform the greater portion of the tumultuous conflict, yet when
the division [of spoil] may come, a much greater prize is given to thee, while I come to my
ships, when I am fatigued with fighting, having one small and agreeable. But now I will go
to Phthia, for it is much better to return home with our curved ships; for I do not think
that thou shalt amass wealth and treasures while I am dishonoured here."
Thus he spoke, and grief arose to the son of Peleus, and the heart within, in his hairy
breast, was pondering upon two courses; whether, drawing his sharp sword from his thigh, he
should dismiss them, and should kill the son of Atreus, or should put a stop to his wrath,
and restrain his passion. While he was thus pondering in his heart and soul, and was drawing
his mighty sword from the scabbard, came Minerva from heaven; for her the white-armed goddess
Juno had sent forward, equally loving and regarding both from her soul. And she stood
behind, and caught the son of Peleus by his yellow hair, appearing to him alone; but none
of the others beheld her. But Achilles was amazed, and turned himself round, and immediately
recognized Pallas Minerva; and awe-inspiring her eyes appeared to him. And addressing her,
he spoke winged words: "Why, O offspring of ægis-bearing Jove, hast
thou come hither? Is it that thou mayest witness the insolence of Agamemnon, the son of Atreus?
But I tell thee, what I think will be accomplished, that he will probably soon lose his life by
his haughtiness."
But him in turn the azure-eyed goddess Minerva addressed: "I came from heaven to assuage
thy wrath, if thou wilt obey me; for the white-armed goddess Juno sent me forward, equally loving
and regarding both from her soul. But come, cease from strife, nor draw the sword with
thine hand. But reproach by words, as the occasion may suggest; for thus I declare,
and it shall be accomplished, that thrice as many splendid gifts shall be presented
to thee, because of this insolent act; only restrain thyself, and obey us."
But her answering, swift-footed Achilles addressed: "It behoves me to observe the command of you
both, O goddess, although much enraged in my soul; for so it is better. Whosoever obeys
the gods, to him they hearken propitiously."
He spoke, and held still his heavy hand upon the silvery hilt, and thrust back the great
sword into the scabbard, nor did he disobey the mandate of Minerva; but she had gone to
Olympus, to the mansions of ægis-bearing Jove, amongst the other deities. But the son
of Peleus again addressed Atrides with injurious words, nor as yet ceased from anger:
"Wine-bibber, having the countenance of a dog, but the heart of a stag, never hast thou
at any time dared in soul to arm thyself with the people for war, nor to go to ambuscade
with the chiefs of the Greeks; for this always appears to thee to be death. Certainly it
is much better through the wide army of the Achæans, to take away the rewards of whoever
may speak against thee. A people-devouring king [art thou], since thou rulest over fellows
of no account; for assuredly, son of Atreus, thou [otherwise] wouldst have insulted now
for the last time. But I will tell thee, and I will further swear a great oath: yea, by
this sceptre, which will never bear leaves and branches, nor will bud again, after it
has once left its trunk on the mountains; for the axe has lopped it all around of its
leaves and bark; but now the sons of the Greeks, the judges, they who protect the laws [received]
from Jove, bear it in their hands; and this will be a great oath to thee; surely will
a longing desire for Achilles come upon all the sons of the Achæans at some future day,
and thou, although much grieved, wilt be unable to assist them, when many dying shall fall
by the hand of man-slaying Hector. Then enraged, wilt thou inwardly fret thy soul, that thou
didst in no way honour the bravest of the Greeks."
Thus spoke the son of Peleus; and he cast upon the earth his sceptre studded with golden
nails, and sat down. But on the other hand, the son of Atreus was enraged; therefore to
them arose the sweet-voiced Nestor, the harmonious orator of the Pylians, from whose tongue flowed
language sweeter than honey. During his life two generations of articulately-speaking men
had become extinct, who, formerly, were reared and lived with him in divine Pylus, but he
was now ruling over the third; who, wisely counselling, addressed them, and said:
"O gods! surely a great sorrow comes upon the Grecian land. Verily, Priam would exult,
and the sons of Priam, and the other Trojans, would greatly rejoice in their souls, if they
were to hear these things of you twain contending: you who in council and in fighting surpass
the Greeks. But be persuaded; for ye are both younger than I am. For already, in former
times, I have associated with men braver than you, and they never disdained me. I never
saw, nor shall I see, such men as Pirithous, and Dryas, shepherd of the people, and Cæneus,
and Exadius, and god-like Polyphemus, and Theseus, the son of Ægeus, like unto the
immortals. Bravest indeed were they trained up of earthly men; bravest they were, and
they fought with the bravest Centaurs of the mountain caves, and terribly slew them. With
these was I conversant, coming from Pylus, far from the Apian land; for they invited
me, and I fought to the best of my power; but with them none of these who now are mortals
upon the earth could fight. And even they heard my counsels, and obeyed my words. But
do ye also obey, since it is better to be obedient; nor do thou, although being powerful,
take away the maid from him, but leave it so, seeing that the sons of the Greeks first
gave [her as] a prize on him. Nor do thou, O son of Peleus, feel inclined to contend
against the king; since never yet has any sceptre-bearing king, to whom Jove has given
glory, been allotted an equal share of dignity. But though thou be of superior strength, and
a goddess mother has given thee birth, yet he is superior in power, inasmuch as he rules
more people. Do thou, son of Atreus, repress thine anger; for it is I that entreat thee
to forego thy resentment on behalf of Achilles, who is the great bulwark of destructive war
to all the Achæans."
But him king Agamemnon answering addressed: "Of a truth thou hast said all these things,
old man, according to what is right. But this man is desirous to be above all other men;
he wishes to have the mastery, and lord it over all, and to prescribe to all; with which
his desires I think some one will not comply. But if the ever-existing gods have made him
a warrior, do they therefore give him the right to utter insults?"
But him noble Achilles interruptingly answered: "Yea, forsooth, I may be called a coward and
a man of no worth, if now I yield to thee in everything, whatever thou mayest say. Enjoin
these things to other men; for dictate not to me, for I think that I shall no longer
obey thee. But another thing will I tell thee, and do thou store it in thy mind: I will not
contend with my hands, neither with thee, nor with others, on account of this maid,
since ye, the donors, take her away. But of the other effects, which I have at my swift
black ship, of those thou shalt not remove one, taking them away, I being unwilling.
But if [thou wilt], come, make trial, that these also may know: quickly shall thy black
blood flow around my lance."
Thus these twain, striving with contrary words, arose, and they broke up the assembly at the
ships of the Greeks. The son of Peleus on his part repaired to his tents and well-proportioned
ships, with the son of Menoetius, and his companions. But the son of Atreus launched
his swift ship into the sea, and selected and put into it twenty rowers, and embarked
a hecatomb for the god. And he led the fair daughter of Chryses and placed her on board,
and the very wise Ulysses embarked as conductor. They then embarking, sailed over the watery
paths. But the son of Atreus ordered the armies to purify themselves; and they were purified,
and cast forth the ablutions into the sea. And they sacrificed to Apollo perfect hecatombs
of bulls and goats, along the shore of the barren sea; and the savour involved in smoke
ascended to heaven. Thus were they employed in these things through the army. Nor did
Agamemnon cease from the contention which at first he threatened against Achilles. But
he thus addressed Talthybius and Eurybates, who were his heralds and zealous attendants:
"Going to the tent of Achilles, the son of Peleus, lead away fair Brisëis, having taken
her by the hand; but if he will not give her, then I myself, coming with great numbers,
will take her, and this will be more grievous to him."
Thus speaking, he despatched them, having added a harsh command. But they reluctantly
went along the shore of the barren sea, and came to the tents and ships of the Myrmidons.
And they found him sitting at his tent and his black ship: nor did Achilles, seeing them,
rejoice. But they, confused, and reverencing the king, stood still, nor addressed him at
all, nor spoke [their bidding]. But he perceived [it] in his mind, and said:
"Hail, heralds, messengers of Jove, and also of men, come near, for ye are not blamable
to me in the least, but Agamemnon, who has sent you on account of the maid Brisëis.
However, come, noble Patroclus, lead forth the maid, and give her to them to conduct;
but let these be witnesses [of the insult offered me], both before the blessed gods,
and before mortal men, and before the merciless king. But if ever again there shall be need
of me to avert unseemly destruction from the rest, [appeal to me shall be in vain], for
surely he rages with an infatuated mind, nor knows at all how to view the future and the
past, in order that the Greeks may fight in safety at their ships."
Thus he spoke. And Patroclus obeyed his dear companion, and led forth fair-cheeked Brisëis
from the tent, and gave her to them to conduct; and they returned along by the ships of the
Greeks. But the woman went with them reluctantly, whilst Achilles, weeping, immediately sat
down, removed apart from his companions, upon the shore of the hoary sea, gazing on the
darkling main; and much he be sought his dear mother, stretching forth his hands:
"O mother, since thou hast borne me, to be but short-lived, at least then ought high-thundering
Olympian Jove to have vouchsafed honour to me; but now he has not honoured me ever so
little; for the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, has dishonoured me; for he, taking
away my prize, possesses it, himself having wrested it [from me]."
Thus he spoke, weeping. But to him his venerable mother hearkened, sitting in the depths of
the ocean beside her aged sire. And immediately she rose up from the hoary deep, like a mist.
And then she sat before him weeping, and soothed him with her hand, and addressed him, and
spoke aloud: "Son, why weepest thou—on account of what
has grief come upon thy mind? Declare it, nor hide it in thy soul, that we both may
know it." But her, sighing deeply, swift-footed Achilles
addressed: "Thou knowest; why should I tell all these things to thee, already knowing
[them]? We went against Thebe, the sacred city of Eëtion; and this we plundered, and
brought hither all [the spoil]. And these things indeed the sons of the Greeks fairly
divided among themselves, and selected for Agamemnon the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses.
But Chryses, priest of the far-darting Apollo, came afterwards to the fleet ships of the
brazen-mailed Greeks, about to ransom his daughter, and bringing invaluable ransoms,
having in his hand the fillets of far-darting Apollo, on his golden sceptre. And he supplicated
all the Greeks, but chiefly the two sons of Atreus, the leaders of the people. Upon this
all the other Greeks shouted assent, that the priest should be reverenced, and the splendid
ransoms accepted: yet it was not pleasing to Agamemnon, son of Atreus, in his mind;
but he dismissed him evilly, and added a harsh mandate. The old man therefore went back enraged;
but Apollo hearkened to him praying, for he was very dear tohim. And he sent a destructive
arrow against the Greeks; and the forces were now dying one upon another, and the shafts
of the god went on all sides through the wide army of the Greeks. But to us the skilful
seer unfolded the divine will of the Far-darter. Straightway I first exhorted that we should
appease the god; but then rage seized upon the son of Atreus, and instantly rising, he
uttered a threatening speech, which is now accomplished; for the rolling-eyed Greeks
attend her to Chrysa with a swift bark, and bring presents to the king; but the heralds
have just now gone from my tent, conducting the *** daughter of Brisëis, whom the
sons of the Greeks gave to me. But do thou, if thou art able, aid thy son. Going to Olympus,
supplicate Jove, if ever thou didst delight the heart of Jove as to anything, by word
or deed; for I frequently heard thee boasting in the palaces of my sire, when thou saidest
that thou alone, amongst the immortals, didst avert unworthy destruction from the cloud-collecting
son of Saturn, when the other Olympian inhabitants, Juno, and Neptune, and Pallas Minerva, wished
to bind him. But thou, O goddess, having approached, freed him from his chains, having quickly
summoned to lofty Olympus, the hundred-handed, whom the gods call Briareus, and all men Ægeon,
because he was superior to his father in strength, who then sat by the son of Saturn, exulting
in renown. Him then the blessed gods dreaded, nor did they bind [Jove]. Of these things
now reminding him, sit beside him, and embrace his knees, if in anywise he may consent to
aid the Trojans, and hem in at their ships, and along the sea, the Greeks [while they
get] slaughtered, that all may enjoy their king, and that the son of Atreus, wide-ruling
Agamemnon, may know his baleful folly, when he in no wise honoured the bravest of the
Greeks."
But him Thetis then answered, shedding down a tear: "Alas! my son, wherefore have I reared
thee, having brought thee forth in an evil hour. Would that thou wert seated at the ships
tearless and uninjured; for thy destined life is but for a very short period, nor very long;
but now art thou both swift-fated and wretched above all mortals: therefore have I brought
thee forth in my palace under an evil fate. However, to tell thy words to thunder-delighting
Jove, I myself will go to snow-clad Olympus, if by chance he will be persuaded. But do
thou, now sitting at the swift ships, wage resentment against the Greeks, and totally
abstain from war. For yesterday Jove went to Oceanus, to the blameless Æthiopians,
to a banquet, and with him went all the gods. But on the twelfth day he will return to Olympus;
and then will I go to the brazen-floored palace of Jove, and suppliantly embrace his knees,
and I think that he will be persuaded."
Thus having said, she departed, and left him there wrathful in his soul for his well-girded
maid, whom they had taken from him against his will. But Ulysses, meantime, came to Chrysa,
bringing the sacred hecatomb. But they, when they had entered the deep haven, first furled
their sails, and stowed them in the sable bark; they next brought the mast to its receptacle,
lowering it quickly by its stays, and they rowed the vessel forwards with oars into its
moorage; they heaved out the sleepers, and tied the hawsers. They themselves then went
forth on the breakers of the sea, and disembarked the hecatomb to far-darting Apollo, and then
they made the daughter of Chryses descend from the sea-traversing bark. Then wise Ulysses,
leading her to the altar, placed her in the hands of her dear father, and addressed him:
"O Chryses, Agamemnon, king of men, sent me forth to conduct to thee thy daughter, and
to sacrifice a sacred hecatomb to Phœbus for the Greeks, that we may appease the king,
who now has sent evils fraught with groanings upon the Argives."
Thus having spoken, he placed her in his hands; but he rejoicing received his beloved daughter.
Then they immediately placed in order the splendid hecatomb for the god around the well-built
altar. After that they washed their hands, and held up the pounded barley. But for them,
Chryses, uplifting his hands, prayed with loud voice:
"Hear me, O thou of the silver bow, who art wont to protect Chrysa and divine Cilla, and
who mightily rulest over Tenedos! already indeed at a former time didst thou hear me
praying, and didst honour me, and didst very much afflict the people of the Greeks, now
also accomplish for me this further request: even now avert from the Greeks this unseemly
pestilence." Thus he spoke praying, and him Phœbus Apollo
heard. But after they had prayed, and sprinkled the pounded barley, they first bent back [the
neck of the victims], killed them, and flayed them, and cut out the thighs, and wrapped
them round with the fat, having arranged it in double folds; then laid the raw flesh upon
them. Then the old man burned them on billets, and poured sparkling wine upon them; and near
him the youths held five-pronged spits in their hands. But after the thighs were roasted,
and they had tasted the entrails, they then cut the rest of them into small pieces, and
fixed them on spits, and roasted them skilfully, and drew all the viands [off the spits].
But when they had ceased from their labour, and had prepared the banquet, they feasted;
nor did their soul in anywise lack a due allowance of the feast: but when they had dismissed
the desire of drink and food, the youths on the one hand filled the goblets with wine
to the brim, and handed round the wine to all, having poured the first of the wine into
the cups. But the Grecian youths throughout the day were appeasing the god by song, chanting
the joyous Pæan, hymning the Far-darter, and he was delighted in his mind as he listened.
But when the sun had set, and darkness came on, then they slept near the hawsers of their
ships. But when the mother of dawn, rosy-fingered morning, appeared, straightway then they set
sail for the spacious camp of the Achæans, and to them far-darting Apollo sent a favourable
gale. But they erected the mast and expanded the white sails. The wind streamed into the
*** of the sail; and as the vessel briskly ran, the dark wave roared loudly around the
keel; but she scudded through the wave, holding on her way. But when they reached the wide
armament of the Greeks, they drew up the black ship on the continent, far upon the sand,
and stretched long props under it; but they dispersed themselves through their tents and
ships.
But the Jove-sprung son of Peleus, swift-footed Achilles, continued his wrath, sitting at
his swift ships, nor ever did he frequent the assembly of noble heroes, nor the fight,
but he pined away his dear heart, remaining there, although he longed for the din and
the battle. Now when the twelfth morning from that time
arose, then indeed all the gods who are for ever went together to Olympus, but Jupiter
preceded. But Thetis was not forgetful of the charges of her son, but she emerged from
the wave of the sea, and at dawn ascended lofty heaven and Olympus; and she found the
far-seeing son of Saturn sitting apart from the others, on the highest summit of many-peaked
Olympus, and then she sat down before him, and embraced his knees with her left hand,
but with the right taking him by the chin, imploring, she thus addressed king Jove, the
son of Saturn: "O father Jove, if ever I have aided thee
among the immortals, either in word or deed, accomplish for me this desire: honour my son,
who is the most short-lived of others; for now indeed Agamemnon, the king of men, has
disgraced him; for he possesses his prize, he himself having borne it away. Do thou at
least, Olympian Jove all counselling, honour him: and so long grant victory to the Trojans,
until the Greeks shall reverence my son, and shall advance him in honour."
Thus she spoke; but cloud-compelling Jove answered her nothing, but sat silent for a
long time. And as Thetis seized his knees, fast clinging she held them, and thus again
entreated: "Do but now promise to me explicitly, and grant or refuse, (for in thee there is
no dread,) that I may well know how far I am the most dishonoured goddess amongst all."
But her cloud-compelling Jove, deeply moved, addressed: "Truly now this [will be] a grievous
matter, since thou wilt cause me to give offence to Juno, when she shall irritate me with reproachful
words. For, even without reason, she is perpetually chiding me amongst the immortal gods, and
also says that I aid the Trojans in battle. But do thou on thy part now depart, lest Juno
behold thee: but these things shall be my care, until I perform them. But if [thou wilt
have it thus], so be it; I will nod to thee with my head, that thou mayest feel confidence.
For this from me is the greatest pledge among the immortals: for my pledge, even whatsoever
I shall sanction by nod, is not to be retracted, neither fallacious nor unfulfilled."
The son of Saturn spoke, and nodded thereupon with his dark eyebrows. And then the ambrosial
locks of the king were shaken over him from his immortal head; and he made mighty Olympus
tremble. Thus having conferred, they separated. She at once plunged from splendid Olympus
into the profound sea. But Jove on the other hand [returned] to his palace. But all the
gods rose up together from their seats to meet their sire; nor did any dare to await
him approaching, but all rose in his presence. Thus indeed he sat there on his throne; nor
was Juno unconscious, having seen that silver-footed Thetis, the daughter of the marine old man,
had joined in deliberation with him. Forthwith with reproaches she accosted Saturnian Jove:
"Which of the gods again, O deceitful one, has been concerting measures with thee? Ever
is it agreeable to thee, being apart from me, plotting secret things, to decide thereon;
nor hast thou ever yet deigned willingly to tell me one word of what thou dost meditate."
To her then replied the father of men and gods: "O Juno, build up no hopes of knowing
all my counsels; difficult would they be for thee, although thou art my consort. But whatever
it may be fit for thee to hear, none then either of gods or men shall know it before
thee: but whatever I wish to consider apart from the gods, do thou neither inquire into
any of these things, nor investigate them." But him the large-eyed, venerable Juno then
answered: "Most dread son of Saturn, what a word hast thou spoken? Heretofore have I
ever questioned thee much, nor pryed [into thy secrets]; but thou mayest very quietly
deliberate on those things which thou desirest. But at present I greatly fear in my soul,
lest silver-footed Thetis, the daughter of the marine old man, may have influenced thee:
for at dawn she sat by thee and embraced thy knees: to her I suspect thou didst plainly
promise that thou wouldest honour Achilles, and destroy many at the ships of the Greeks."
But her answering, cloud-compelling Jove addressed: "Perverse one! thou art always suspecting,
nor do I escape thee. Nevertheless thou shalt produce no effect at all, but thou shalt be
farther from my heart: and this will be more bitter to thee. But granted this be so, it
appears to be my pleasure. But sit down in peace, and obey my mandate, lest as many deities
as are in Olympus avail thee not against me, I drawing near, when I shall lay my resistless
hands upon thee."
Thus he spoke: but venerable, large-eyed Juno feared, and sat down silent, having bent her
heart to submission. But the heavenly gods murmured throughout the palace of Jove. And
the renowned artificer, Vulcan, began to harangue them, doing kind offices to his beloved mother,
white-armed Juno: "Truly now these will be grievous matters,
and no longer tolerable, if ye twain contend thus on account of mortals, and excite uproar
among the deities. Nor will there be any enjoyment in the delightful banquet, since the worse
things prevail. But to my mother I advise, she herself being intelligent, to gratify
my dear father Jove, lest my sire may again reprove her, and disturb our banquet. For
if the Olympian Thunderer wishes to hurl [us] from our seats—for he is much the most powerful.
But do thou soothe him with gentle words; then will the Olympian king straightway be
propitious to us."
Thus then he spoke, and rising, he placed the double cup in the hand of his dear mother,
and addressed her: "Be patient, my mother, and restrain thyself,
although grieved, lest with my own eyes I behold thee beaten, being very dear to me;
nor then indeed should I be able, though full of grief, to assist thee; for Olympian Jove
is difficult to be opposed. For heretofore, having seized me by the foot, he cast me,
desiring at one time to assist you, down from the heavenly threshold. All day was I carried
down through the air, and I fell on Lemnos with the setting sun: and but little life
was in me by that time. There the Sintian men forthwith received and tended me, having
fallen." Thus he spoke: but the white-armed goddess
Juno smiled; and smiling she received the cup from the hand of her son. But he, beginning
from left to right, kept pouring out for all the other gods, drawing nectar from the goblet.
And then inextinguishable laughter arose among the immortal gods, when they saw Vulcan bustling
about through the mansion. Thus, then, they feasted the entire day till
the setting sun; nor did the soul want anything of the equal feast, nor of the beautiful harp,
which Apollo held, nor of the Muses, who accompanied him, responding in turn, with delicious voice.
But when the splendid light of the sun was sunk, they retired to repose, each one to
his home, where renowned Vulcan, lame of both legs, with cunning skill had built a house
for each. But the Olympian thunderer Jove went to his couch, where he lay before, when
sweet sleep came upon him. There, having ascended, he lay down to rest, and beside him golden-throned
Juno. End of Book the First
BOOK THE SECOND. ARGUMENT.
Jove sends a dream to Agamemnon, in consequence of which he re-assembles the army. Thersites
is punished for his insolent speech, and the troops are restrained from seeking a return
homewards. The catalogue of the ships and the forces of the confederates follows.
The rest, then, both gods and horse-arraying men, slept all the night: but Jove sweet sleep
possessed not; but he was pondering in his mind how he might honour Achilles, and destroy
many at the ships of the Greeks. But this device appeared best to him in his mind, to
send a fatal dream to Agamemnon, the son of Atreus. And addressing him, he spoke winged
words: "Haste away, pernicious dream, to the swift
ships of the Greeks. Going into the tent of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, utter very accurately
everything as I shall command thee. Bid him arm the long-haired Achæans with all their
array; for now perhaps he may take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans; for the immortals who
possess the Olympian mansions no longer think dividedly, for Juno, supplicating, hath bent
all [to her will]. And woes are impending over the Trojans."
Thus he spake: and the dream accordingly departed, as soon as it heard the mandate. And quickly
it came to the swift ships of the Greeks, and went unto Agamemnon, the son of Atreus.
But him it found sleeping in his tent, and ambrosial slumber was diffused around. And
he stood over his head, like unto Nestor, the son of Neleus, him, to wit, whom Agamemnon
honoured most of the old men. To him assimilating himself, the divine dream addressed him:
"Sleepest thou, son of the warrior, horse-taming Atreus? It becomes not a counsel-giving man,
to whom the people have been intrusted, and to whom so many things are a care, to sleep
all the night. But now quickly attend to me; for I am a messenger to thee from Jove, who,
although far distant, greatly regards and pities thee. He orders thee to arm the long-haired
Greeks with all their array, for now mayest thou take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans,
since the immortals, who possess the Olympian mansions, no longer think dividedly; for Juno,
supplicating, hath bent all [to her will], and woes from Jove are impending over the
Trojans. But do thou preserve this in thy recollection, nor let forgetfulness possess
thee, when sweet sleep shall desert thee." Thus then having spoken, he departed, and
left him there pondering these things in his mind, which were not destined to be accomplished.
For he, foolish, thought that he would take the city of Priam on that day; nor knew he
the deeds which Jupiter was really devising; for even he was about yet to impose additional
hardships and sorrows upon both Trojans and Greeks, through mighty conflicts. But he awoke
from his sleep, and the heavenly voice was diffused around him. He sat up erect, and
put on his soft tunic, beautiful, new; and around him he threw his large cloak. And he
bound his beautiful sandals on his shining feet, and slung from his shoulders the silver-studded
sword. He also took his paternal sceptre, ever imperishable, with which he went to the
ships of the brazen-mailed Greeks. The goddess Aurora now ascended wide Olympus,
announcing the dawn to Jove and the other immortals. But he on his part ordered the
clear-voiced heralds to summon the long-haired Achæans to an assembly. They therefore summoned
them, and the people were very speedily assembled. First the assembly of magnanimous elders sat
at the ship of Nestor, the Pylus-born king. Having called them together, he propounded
a prudent counsel:
"Hear me, my friends: a divine dream came to me in sleep, during the ambrosial night,
very like unto the noble Nestor, in form, in stature, and in mien. And it stood above
my head, and addressed me: 'Sleepest thou, son of the warrior, horse-taming Atreus? It
becomes not a counsellor, to whom the people have been intrusted, and to whom so many things
are a care, to sleep all the night. But now quickly attend to me; for I am a messenger
to thee from Jove, who, although far distant, greatly regards and pities thee. He orders
thee to arm the long-haired Greeks with all their array, for now mayest thou take the
wide-wayed city of the Trojans; for the immortals, who possess the Olympian mansions, no longer
think dividedly, for Juno, supplicating, has bent all [to her will], and woes from Jove
are impending over the Trojans; but do thou preserve this in thy thoughts.' Thus having
spoken, flying away, it departed; but sweet sleep resigned me. But come, [let us try]
if by any means we can arm the sons of the Greeks. But first with words will I sound
their inclinations, as is right, and I will command them to fly with their many-benched
ships; but do you restrain them with words, one in one place, another in another."
He indeed having thus spoken, sat down; but Nestor, who was king of sandy Pylus, rose
up, who wisely counselling, harangued them, and said:
"O friends, generals and counsellors of the Argives, if any other of the Greeks had told
this dream, we should have pronounced it a fabrication, and withdrawn ourselves [from
the reciter]. But now he has seen it, who boasts himself [to be] by far the greatest
man in the army. But come on, if by any means we can arm the sons of the Greeks."
Thus then having spoken, he began to depart from the assembly; and they, the sceptre-bearing
princes, arose, and obeyed the shepherd of the tribes, and the hosts rushed forward.
Even as the swarms of clustering bees, issuing ever anew from the hollow rock, go forth,
and fly in troops over the vernal flowers, and some have flitted in bodies here, and
some there; thus of these [Greeks] many nations from the ships and tents kept marching in
troops in front of the steep shore to the assembly. And in the midst of them blazed
Rumour, messenger of Jove, urging them to proceed; and they kept collecting together.
The assembly was tumultuous, and the earth groaned beneath, as the people seated themselves,
and there was a clamour; but nine heralds vociferating restrained them, if by any means
they would cease from clamour, and hear the Jove-nurtured princes. With difficulty at
length the people sat down, and were kept to their respective seats, having desisted
from their clamour, when king Agamemnon arose, holding the sceptre, which Vulcan had laboriously
wrought. Vulcan in the first place gave it to king Jove, the son of Saturn, and Jove
in turn gave it to his messenger, the slayer of Argus. But king Mercury gave it to steed-taming
Pelops, and Pelops again gave it to Atreus, shepherd of the people. But Atreus, dying,
left it to Thyestes, rich in flocks; but Thyestes again left it to Agamemnon to be borne, that
he might rule over many islands, and all Argos. Leaning upon this, he spoke words amongst
the Greeks:
"O friends, Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, Jove, the son of Saturn, has entangled me
in a heavy misfortune. Cruel, who before indeed promised to me, and vouchsafed by his nod,
that I should return home, having destroyed well-fortified Ilium. But now he has devised
an evil deception, and commands me to return to Argos, inglorious, after I have lost many
of my people. So forsooth it appears to be agreeable to all-powerful Jove, who has already
overthrown the citadels of many cities, yea, and will even yet overthrow them, for transcendent
is his power. For this were disgraceful even for posterity to hear, that so brave and so
numerous a people of the Greeks warred an ineffectual war, and fought with fewer men;
but as yet no end has appeared. For if we, Greeks and Trojans, having struck a faithful
league, wished that both should be numbered, and [wished] to select the Trojans, on the
one hand, as many as are townsmen; and if we Greeks, on the other hand, were to be divided
into decades, and to choose a single man of the Trojans to pour out wine [for each decade],
many decades would be without a cupbearer. So much more numerous, I say, the sons of
the Greeks are than the Trojans who dwell in the city. But there are spear-wielding
auxiliaries from many cities, who greatly stand in my way, and do not permit me wishing
to destroy the well-inhabited city. Already have nine years of mighty Jove passed away,
and now the timbers of our ships have rotted, and the ropes have become untwisted. Our wives
and infant children sit in our dwellings expecting us; but to us the work for which we came hither
remains unaccomplished, contrary to expectation. But come, as I shall recommend, let us all
obey; let us fly with the ships to our dear native land, for at no future time shall we
take wide-wayed Troy."
Thus he spoke; and to them he aroused the heart in their ***, to all throughout
the multitude, whoever had not heard his scheme. And the assembly was moved, as the great waves
of the Icarian Sea, which, indeed, both the south-east wind and the south are wont to
raise, rushing from the clouds of father Jove. And as when the west wind agitates the thick-standing
corn, rushing down upon it impetuous, and it [the crop] bends with its ears; so was
all the assembly agitated. Some with shouting rushed to the ships, but from beneath their
feet the dust stood suspended aloft; and some exhorted one another to seize the vessels,
and drag them to the great ocean; and they began to clear the channels. The shout of
them, eager [to return] home, rose to the sky, and they withdrew the stays from beneath
the vessels. Then truly a return had happened to the Argives, contrary to destiny, had not
Juno addressed herself to Minerva:
"Alas! indomitable daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, thus now shall the Argives fly home
to their dear native land, over the broad back of the deep, and leave to Priam glory,
and to the Trojans Argive Helen, on whose account many Greeks have perished at Troy,
far from their dear native land? But go now to the people of the brazen-mailed Greeks,
and restrain each man with thy own flattering words, nor suffer them to launch to the sea
their evenly-plied barks." Thus she spoke, nor did the azure-eyed goddess Minerva refuse
compliance. But she, hastening, descended down from the summits of Olympus, and quickly
reached the swift ships of the Achæans. Then she found Ulysses, of equal weight with Jove
in counsel, standing still; nor was he touching his well-benched, sable bark, since regret
affected him in heart and mind. But standing near him, azure-eyed Minerva said:
"Jove-sprung son of Laertes, Ulysses of many wiles, thus then will ye fly home to your
dear native land, embarking in your many-benched ships? And will ye then leave to Priam glory,
and to the Trojans Argive Helen, on whose account many Greeks have fallen at Troy, far
from their dear native land? But go now to the people of the Greeks, delay not; and restrain
each man by thy own flattering words, nor suffer them to launch to the sea their evenly-plied
barks." Thus she spoke, but he knew the voice of the
goddess speaking. Then he hastened to run, and cast away his cloak, but the herald Eurybates,
the Ithacensian, who followed him, took it up. But he, meeting Agamemnon, son of Atreus,
received from him the ever-imperishable paternal sceptre, with which he went through the ships
of the brazen-mailed Greeks.
Whatsoever king, indeed, or distinguished man he chanced to find standing beside him,
he checked him with gentle words: "Strange man! it ill becomes thee, coward-like,
to be in trepidation; but both sit down thyself, and make the other people sit down, for thou
hast not as yet clearly ascertained what the intention of Atrides is. He is now making
trial of, and will quickly punish the sons of the Greeks. We have not all heard what
he said in council. Take care lest he, being incensed, do some mischief to the sons of
the Greeks. For the anger of a Jove-nurtured king is great; his honour too is from Jove,
and great-counselling Jove loves him." But on the other hand, whatever man of the
common people he chanced to see, or find shouting out, him would he strike with the sceptre,
and reprove with words: "Fellow, sit quietly, and listen to the voice
of others, who are better than thou; for thou art unwarlike and weak, nor ever of any account
either in war or in council. We Greeks cannot all by any means govern here, for a government
of many is not a good thing; let there be but one chief, one king, to whom the son of
wily Saturn has given a sceptre, and laws, that he may govern among them."
Thus he, acting as chief, was arranging the army. But they again rushed with tumult from
the ships and tents to an assembly, as when the waves of the much-resounding sea roar
against the lofty beach, and the deep resounds. The others indeed sat down, and were kept
to their respective seats. But Thersites alone, immediate in words, was wrangling; who, to
wit, knew in his mind expressions both unseemly and numerous, so as idly, and not according
to discipline, to wrangle with the princes, but [to blurt out] whatever seemed to him
to be matter of laughter to the Greeks. And he was the ugliest man who came to Ilium.
He was bandy-legged, and lame of one foot; his shoulders were crooked, and contracted
towards his breast; and his head was peaked towards the top, and thin woolly hair was
scattered over it. To Achilles and Ulysses he was particularly hostile, for these two
he used to revile. But on this occasion, shouting out shrilly, he uttered bitter taunts against
noble Agamemnon; but the Greeks were greatly irritated against him, and were indignant
in their minds. But vociferating aloud, he reviled Agamemnon with words:
"Son of Atreus, of what dost thou now complain, or what dost thou want? Thy tents are full
of brass, and many chosen women are in thy tents, whom we Greeks bestow on thee the first
of all, whenever we capture a city. Dost thou still require gold, which some one of the
horse-taming Trojans shall bring from Troy, as a ransom for his son, whom I, or some other
of the Greeks, having bound, may lead away? Or a young maid, that thou mayest be mingled
in dalliance, and whom thou for thyself mayest retain apart [from the rest]? Indeed it becomes
not a man who is chief in command, to lead the sons of the Greeks into evil. O ye soft
ones, vile disgraces, Grecian dames, no longer Grecian men, let us return home, home! with
our ships, and let us leave him here to digest his honours at Troy, that he may know whether
we really aid him in anything or not. He, who but just now has dishonoured Achilles,
a man much more valiant than himself; for, taking away, he retains his prize, he himself
having seized it. But assuredly there is not much anger in the heart of Achilles; but he
is forbearing; for truly, were it not so, O son of Atreus, thou wouldest have insulted
now for the last time."
Thus spoke Thersites, reviling Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people. But godlike Ulysses
immediately stood beside him, and eyeing him with scowling brow, reproached him with harsh
language: "Thersites, reckless babbler! noisy declaimer
though thou be, refrain, nor be forward singly to strive with princes; for I affirm that
there is not another mortal more base than thou, as many as came with the son of Atreus
to Ilium. Wherefore do not harangue, having kings in thy mouth, nor cast reproaches against
them, nor be on the watch for a return. Not as yet indeed do we certainly know how these
matters will turn out, whether we sons of the Greeks shall return to our advantage or
disadvantage. Wherefore, now thou sittest reviling Agamemnon, son of Atreus, the leader
of the people, because the Grecian heroes give him very many gifts, whilst thou, insulting,
dost harangue. But I declare to thee, which shall also be accomplished: if ever again
I catch thee raving, as now thou art, no longer may the head of Ulysses rest upon his shoulders,
and no longer may I be called the father of Telemachus, unless I seizing thee divest thee
of thy very garments, thy coat, thy cloak, and those which cover thy loins; and send
thyself weeping to the swift ships, having beaten thee out of the assembly with severe
blows." Thus he spoke, and smote him with the sceptre
upon the back and the shoulders; but he writhed, and plenteous tears fell from him, and a bloody
weal arose under the sceptre upon his back. But he sat down and trembled; and grieving,
looking foolish, he wiped away the tears. They, although chagrined, laughed heartily
at him, and thus one would say, looking towards the person next him:
"O strange! surely ten thousand good deeds has Ulysses already performed, both originating
good counsels, and arousing the war. But now has he done this by far the best deed amongst
the Greeks, in that he has restrained this foul-mouthed reviler from his harangues. Surely
his petulant mind will not again urge him to chide the kings with scurrilous language."
Thus spake the multitude; but Ulysses, the sacker of cities, arose, holding the sceptre,
and beside him azure-eyed Minerva, likened unto a herald, ordered the people to be silent,
that at the same time the sons of the Greeks, both first and last, might hear his speech,
and weigh his counsel. He wisely counselling, addressed them, and said:
"O son of Atreus, the Greeks wish to render thee now, O king, the meanest amongst articulately-speaking
men; nor perform their promise to thee, which they held forth, coming hither from steed-nourishing
Argos, that thou shouldest return home, having destroyed well-fortified Ilium. For, like
tender boys, or widowed women, they bewail unto one another to return home. And truly
it is a hardship to return [so], having been grieved. For he is impatient who is absent
even for a single month from his wife, remaining with his many-benched ship, though wintry
storms and the boisterous sea may be hemming in; but to us it is [now] the ninth revolving
year since we have been lingering here. Wherefore I am not indignant that the Greeks are growing
impatient by their curved ships; but still it would be disgraceful both to remain here
so long, and to return ineffectually. Endure, my friends, and remain yet awhile, that we
may know whether Calchas prophesies truly or not. For this we well know, and ye are
all witnesses, whom the Fates of death carried not off yesterday and the day before, when
the ships of the Greeks were collected at Aulis, bearing evils to Priam and the Trojans,
and we round about the fountain, at the sacred altars, offered perfect hecatombs to the immortals,
beneath a beauteous plane-tree, whence flowed limpid water. There a great prodigy appeared;
a serpent, spotted on the back, horrible, which the Olympian himself had sent forth
into the light, having glided out from beneath the altar, proceeded forthwith to the plane-tree.
And there were the young of a sparrow, an infant offspring, on a topmost branch, cowering
amongst the foliage, eight in number; but the mother, which had brought forth the young
ones, was the ninth. Thereupon he devoured them, twittering piteously, while the mother
kept fluttering about, lamenting her dear young; but then, having turned himself about,
he seized her by the wing, screaming around. But after he had devoured the young of the
sparrow, and herself, the god who had displayed him rendered him very portentous, for the
son of wily Saturn changed him into a stone; but we, standing by, were astonished at what
happened. Thus, therefore, the dreadful portents of the gods approached the hecatombs. Calchas,
then, immediately addressed us, revealing from the gods: 'Why are ye become silent,
ye waving-crested Greeks? For us, indeed, provident Jove has shown a great sign, late,
of late accomplishment, the renown of which shall never perish. As this [serpent] has
devoured the young of the sparrow, eight in number, and herself, the mother which brought
out the brood, was the ninth, so must we for as many years wage war here, but in the tenth
we shall take the wide-wayed city.' He indeed thus harangued: and all these things are now
in course of accomplishment. But come, ye well-greaved Greeks, remain all here, until
we shall take the great city of Priam."
Thus he [Ulysses] spoke, and the Greeks loudly shouted, applauding the speech of divine Ulysses;
but all around the ships echoed fearfully, by reason of the Greeks shouting. Then the
Gerenian knight Nestor addressed them: "O strange! assuredly now ye are talking like
infant children, with whom warlike achievements are of no account. Whither then will your
compacts and oaths depart? Into the fire now must the counsels and thoughts of men have
sunk, and the unmixed libations, and the right hands in which we trusted; for in vain do
we dispute with words, nor can we discover any resource, although we have been here for
a long time. But do thou, O son of Atreus, maintaining, as before, thy purpose firm,
command the Greeks in the hard-fought conflicts; and abandon those to perish, one and both,
who, separated from the Greeks, are meditating [but success shall not attend them] to return
back to Argos, before they know whether the promise of ægis-bearing Jove be false or
not. For I say that the powerful son of Saturn assented on that day, when the Argives embarked
in their swift ships, bearing death and fate to the Trojans, flashing his lightning on
the right, and showing propitious signs. Let not any one, therefore, hasten to return home
before each has slept with a Trojan wife, and has avenged the cares and griefs of Helen.
But if any one is extravagantly eager to return home, let him lay hands upon his well-benched
black ship, that he may draw on death and fate before others. But do thou thyself deliberate
well, O king, and attend to another; nor shall the advice which I am about to utter be discarded.
Separate the troops, Agamemnon, according to their tribes and clans, that kindred may
support kindred, and clan. If thou wilt thus act, and the Greeks obey, thou wilt then ascertain
which of the generals and which of the soldiers is a dastard, and which of them may be brave,
for they will fight their best, and thou wilt likewise learn whether it is by the divine
interposition that thou art destined not to dismantle the city, or by the cowardice of
the troops, and their unskilfulness in war."
But him answering, king Agamemnon addressed: "Old man, now indeed, as at other times, dost
thou excel the sons of the Greeks in council. For, would, O father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo,
that I were possessed of ten such fellow-counsellors among the Greeks! So should the city of Priam
quickly fall, captured and destroyed by our hands. But upon me hath ægis-bearing Jove,
the son of Saturn, sent sorrow, who casts me into unavailing strifes and contentions.
For I and Achilles have quarrelled on account of a maid with opposing words: but I began
quarrelling. But if ever we shall consult in common, no longer then shall there be a
respite from evil to the Trojans, no, not for ever so short a time. Now go to your repast,
that we may join battle. Let each one well sharpen his spear, and well prepare his shield.
Let him give fodder to his swift-footed steeds, and let each one, looking well to his chariot,
get ready for war; that we may contend all day in the dreadful battle. Nor shall there
be a cessation, not for ever so short a while, until night coming on shall part the wrath
of the heroes. The belt of the man-protecting shield shall be moist with sweat around the
*** of each one, and he shall weary his hand round his spear; and each one's horse
shall sweat, dragging the well-polished chariot. But whomsoever I shall perceive desirous to
remain at the beaked ships, apart from the battle, it will not be possible for him afterwards
to escape the dogs and the birds." Thus he spoke, but the Argives shouted aloud,
as when a wave [roars] against the steep shore, when the south wind urges it, coming against
an out-jutting rock; for this the billows from all kinds of winds never forsake, when
they may be here or there. And rising up, the people hastened forth, scattered from
ship to ship, and raised up smoke among the tents, and took repast. And one sacrificed
to some one of the immortal gods, and [another to another,] praying to escape death and the
slaughter of war. But king Agamemnon offered up a fat ox, of five years old, to the powerful
son of Saturn, and summoned the elder chiefs of all the Greeks, Nestor first of all, and
king Idomeneus, but next the two Ajaxes, and the son of Tydeus, and sixth Ulysses, of equal
weight with Jove in council. But Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, came of his own
accord, for he knew his brother in his heart, how he was oppressed. Then they stood around
the ox, and raised up the pounded barley cakes: and king Agamemnon, praying amidst them, said:
"O Jove, most glorious, most great dark-cloud-collector, dwelling in the air, may not the sun set,
nor darkness come on, before I have laid prostrate Priam's hall, blazing, and consumed its gates
with the hostile fire; and cut away Hector's coat of mail around his breast, split asunder
with the brass; and around him may many comrades, prone in the dust, seize the earth with their
teeth." Thus he spoke, nor as yet did the son of Saturn
assent, but he accepted the offering, and increased abundant toil. But after they had
prayed, and thrown forward the bruised barley, they first drew back [the neck of the victim,]
slew it, and flayed it, then cut out the thighs, and covered them in the fat, having arranged
it in a double fold, and then laid the raw flesh upon them. And they roasted them upon
leafless billets. Next, having pierced the entrails with spits, they held them over the
fire. But then, after the thighs were roasted, and they had tasted the entrails, they cut
the rest of them into small pieces, and fixed them on spits, and roasted them skilfully,
and drew them all off [the spits]. But when they had ceased from labour, and had prepared
the banquet, they feasted; nor did their soul in anywise lack a due allowance of the feast.
But when they had dismissed the desire of drink and food, them the Gerenian knight Nestor
began to address: "Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king
of men, let us now no longer sit prating here, nor let us long defer the work which the deity
now delivers into our hands. But come, let the heralds of the brazen-mailed Greeks, summoning
the people, assemble them at the ships, and let us thus in a body pass through the wide
army of the Greeks, that we may the sooner awaken keen warfare."
Thus he spoke, nor did Agamemnon, king of men, refuse compliance. Immediately he ordered
the clear-voiced heralds to summon the waving-crested Greeks to battle. These then gave the summons,
and they were hastily assembled, and the Jove-nurtured kings, who were with the son of Atreus, kept
hurrying about arranging them. But amongst them was azure-eyed Minerva, holding the inestimable
ægis, which grows not old, and is immortal: from which one hundred golden fringes were
suspended, all well woven, and each worth a hundred oxen in price. With this she, looking
fiercely about, traversed the host of the Greeks, inciting them to advance, and kindled
strength in the breast of each to fight and contend unceasingly. Thus war became instantly
sweeter to them than to return in the hollow ships to their dear native land.
As when a destructive fire consumes an immense forest upon the tops of a mountain, and the
gleam is seen from afar: so, as they advanced, the radiance from the beaming brass glittering
on all sides reached heaven through the air.
And of these—like as the numerous nations of winged fowl, of geese, or cranes, or long-necked
swans, on the Asian mead, by the waters of Cayster, fly on this side and on that, disporting
with their wings, alighting beside each other clamorously, and the meadow resounds—so
the numerous nations of these [the Greeks] from the ships and tents poured themselves
forth into the plain of Scamander, countless as the flowers and leaves are produced in
spring. As the numerous swarms of clustering flies
which congregate round the shepherd's pen in the spring season, when too the milk overflows
the pails; so numerous stood the head-crested Greeks upon the plain against the Trojans,
eager to break [their lines]. And these, as goat-herds easily separate the
broad flocks of the goats, when they are mingled in the pasture, so did the generals here and
there marshal them to go to battle; and among them commander Agamemnon, resembling, as to
his eyes and head, the thunder-delighting Jove, as to his middle, Mars, and as to his
breast, Neptune.
As a bull in the herd is greatly eminent above all, for he surpasses the collected cattle,
such on that day did Jove render Agamemnon, distinguished amongst many, and conspicuous
amongst heroes. Tell me now, ye Muses, who possess the Olympian
mansions (for ye are goddesses, and are [ever] present, and ken all things, whilst we hear
but a rumour, nor know anything), who were the leaders and chiefs of the Greeks. For
I could not recount nor tell the multitude, not even if ten tongues, and ten mouths were
mine, [not though] a voice unwearied, and a brazen heart were within me; unless the
Olympic Muses, daughters of ægis-bearing Jove, reminded me of how many came to Ilium.
However, I will rehearse the commanders of the ships, and all the ships.
THE CATALOGUE OF THE SHIPS. Peneleus, and Leïtus, and Arcesilaus, and
Prothoënor, and Clonius, commanded the Bœotians; both those who tilled Hyrie, and rocky Aulis,
and Schœnos, and Scholos, and hilly Eteonus, Thespia, Græa, and the ample plain of Mycalessus;
and those who dwelt about Harma, and Ilesius, and Erythræ; and those who possessed Elion,
Hyle, Peteon, Ocalea, and the well-built city Medeon, Copæ, Eutressis, and Thisbe abounding
in doves; and those who possessed Coronæa, and grassy Haliartus, and Platæa; and those
who inhabited Glissa, and those who dwelt in Hypothebæ, the well-built city, and in
sacred Onchestus, the beauteous grove of Neptune; and those who inhabited grape-clustered Arne,
and those [who inhabited] Midea, and divine Nissa, and remote Anthedon: fifty ships of
these went to Troy, and in each embarked a hundred and twenty Bœotian youths.
Those who inhabited Aspledon, and Minyean Orchomenus, these Ascalaphus and Ialmenus,
the sons of Mars, led, whom Astyoche bore to powerful Mars in the house of Actor, son
of Azis: a modest ***, when she ascended the upper part of her father's house; but
the god secretly embraced her. Of these thirty hollow ships went in order.
Moreover, Schedius and Epistrophus, sons of magnanimous Iphitus, the son of Naubolus,
led the Phoceans, who possessed Cyparissus, and rocky Python, and divine Crissa, and Daulis,
and Panopea; and those who dwelt round Anemoria and Hyampolis, and near the sacred river Cephissus,
and those who possessed Lilæa, at the sources of Cephissus: with these forty dark ships
followed. They indeed, going round, arranged the lines of the Phoceans; and they were drawn
up in array near the Bœotians, and towards the left wing.
Swift-footed Ajax, the son of Oileus, was leader of the Locrians; less in stature than,
and not so tall as Ajax, the son of Telamon, but much less. He was small indeed, wearing
a linen corslet, but in [the use of] the spear he surpassed all the Hellenes and Achæans,
who inhabited Cynus, Opus, Calliarus, Bessa, Scarpha, and pleasant Augeia, and Tarpha,
and Thronium, around the streams of Boagrius. But with him forty dark ships of the Locrians
followed, who dwell beyond sacred Eubœa. The Abantes, breathing strength, who possessed
Eubœa, and Chalcis, and Eretria, and grape-clustered Histiæa, and maritime Cerinthus, and the
towering city of Dium, and those who inhabited Carystus and Styra: the leader of these was
Elephenor, of the line of Mars, the son of Chalcodon, the magnanimous prince of the Abantes.
With him the swift Abantes followed, with flowing locks behind, warriors skilled with
protended spears of ash, to break the corslets on the *** of their enemies. With him
forty dark ships followed. Those besides who possessed Athens, the well-built
city, the state of magnanimous Erechtheus, whom Minerva, the daughter of Jove, formerly
nursed (but him the bounteous earth brought forth), and settled at Athens in her own rich
temple: there the sons of the Athenians, in revolving years, appease her with [sacrifices
of] bulls and lambs—them Menestheus, son of Peteus, commanded. "No man upon the earth
was equal to him in marshalling steeds and shielded warriors in battle; Nestor alone
vied with him, for he was elder. With him fifty dark ships followed."
But Ajax led twelve ships from Salamis, and leading arranged them where the phalanxes
of the Athenians were drawn up.
Those who possessed Argos, and well-fortified Tiryns, Hermione, and which encircle the Asine
deep bay, Trœzene, and Eionæ, and vine-planted Epidaurus, and those who possessed Ægina,
and Mases, Achæan youths. Their leader then was Diomede, brave in war, and Sthenelus,
the dear son of much-renowned Capaneus; and with these went Euryalus the third, god-like
man, the son of king Mecisteus, Talaus' son; and all these Diomede brave in war commanded.
With these eighty dark ships followed. Those who possessed Mycenæ, the well-built
city, and wealthy Corinth, and well-built Cleonæ, and those who inhabited Ornia, and
pleasant Aræthyrea, and Sicyon, where Adrastus first reigned: and those who possessed Hyperesia,
and lofty Gonoessa, and Pellene, and those who [inhabited] Ægium, and all along the
sea-coast, and about spacious Helice. Of these, king Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, commanded
a hundred ships: and with him by far the most and bravest troops followed; and he had clothed
himself in dazzling brass, exulting in his glory, that he shone conspicuous amongst all
heroes; for he was the most eminent, and led by far the most numerous troops.
But those who possessed great Lacedæmon, full of clefts, and Pharis and Sparta, and
dove-abounding Messa, and Brysiæ, and pleasant Augeiæ; and those who possessed Amyclæ,
and Helos, a maritime city; and those who possessed Laas, and dwelt round Œtylus. Of
these his brother Menelaus, brave in battle, commanded sixty ships, but they were armed
apart [from Agamemnon's forces]. Amidst them he himself went, confiding in his valour,
inciting them to war; but especially he desired in his soul to avenge the remorse of Helen
and her groans. Those who inhabited Pylos and pleasant Arene,
and Thryos, by the fords of Alphœus, and well-built Æpy, and Cyparesseis and Amphigenia,
and Pteleum, and Helos, and Dorium: and there it was the Muses, meeting the Thracian Thamyris,
as he was coming from Œchalia, from Œchalian Eurytus, caused him to cease his song; for
he averred, boasting, that he could obtain the victory, even though the Muses themselves,
the daughters of ægis-bearing Jove, should sing. But they, enraged, made him blind, and
moreover deprived him of his power of singing, and caused him to forget the minstrel-art.
These the Gerenian horseman Nestor commanded: and with him ninety hollow ships proceeded
in order. Those who possessed Arcadia, under the breezy
mountain of Cyllene, near the tomb of Æpytus, where are close-fighting heroes; those who
inhabited Pheneus, and sheep-abounding Orchomenus, and Ripe and Stratie, and wind-swept Enispe,
and who possessed Tegea and pleasant Mantinea; and those who held Stymphalus, and dwelt in
Parrhasie; of these king Agapenor, the son of Ancæus, commanded sixty ships; but aboard
each ship went many Arcadian heroes skilled in war. But the son of Atreus, Agamemnon himself,
the king of heroes, gave them the well-benched ships, to pass over the dark sea; since they
had no care of naval works.
Those who inhabited Buprasium and noble Elis, as much as Hyrmine, and distant Myrsinus,
and the Olenian rock, and Alisium, contain within; of these the leaders were four; but
ten swift ships followed each hero, and many Epeans went aboard them. Amphimachus and Thalpius,
sons, the one of Cteatus, the other of Eurytus, Actor's son, commanded some: brave Diores,
son of Amarynceus, commanded others: and god-like Polyxenus, son of Agasthenes, the son of king
Augeas, commanded the fourth division. Those from Dulichium, and the Echinades, sacred
islands, which lie beyond the sea, facing Elis. Over these presided Meges, son of Phyleus,
equal to Mars, whom the knight Phyleus, beloved by Jove, begat, who, enraged against his father,
once on a time removed to Dulichium. With him forty dark ships followed.
Moreover Ulysses led the magnanimous Cephallenians, those who possessed Ithaca and leaf-quivering
Neritos, and who dwelt in Crocylea and rugged Ægilips, and those who possessed Zacynthus,
and those who inhabited Samos, and those who possessed the continent, and dwelt in the
places lying opposite; these Ulysses commanded, equal to Jove in council. With him followed
twelve red-sided ships. Thoas, son of Andræmon, led the Ætolians,
those who inhabited Pleuron, and Olenus, and Pylene, and maritime Chalcis, and rocky Calydon.
For the sons of magnanimous Œneus were no more, nor was he himself surviving; moreover,
fair-haired Meleager was dead. To him [Thoas,] therefore, was intrusted the chief command,
to rule the Ætolians, and with him forty dark ships followed.
Spear-renowned Idomeneus commanded the Cretans, those who possessed Gnossus and well-walled
Gortyna and Lyctos, and Miletus, and white Lycastus and Phæstus, and Rhytium, well-inhabited
cities; and others who inhabited the hundred-towned Crete. These spear-famed Idomeneus commanded,
and Meriones, equal to man-slaying Mars: with these followed eighty dark ships.
But Tlepolemus, the brave and great descendant of Hercules, led from Rhodes nine ships of
the haughty Rhodians, those who inhabited Rhodes, arranged in three bands, Lindus, and
Ialyssus, and white Camirus. These spear-famed Tlepolemus led, he whom Astyochea brought
forth to the might of Hercules, whom [Astyochea] he [Hercules] carried out of Ephyre, from
the river Selleis, after having laid waste many cities of nobly-descended youths. Now
Tlepolemus, after he had been trained up in the well-built palaces, straightway slew the
beloved uncle of his father, Licymnius, now grown old, a branch of Mars; and instantly
he built a fleet; and having collected many troops, he departed, flying over the ocean;
for him the sons and grandsons of the might of Hercules had threatened. And he indeed
came wandering to Rhodes, suffering woes. And they, divided into three parts, dwelt
in tribes, and were beloved of Jove, who rules over gods and men: and on them the son of
Saturn poured down immense wealth.
Nireus moreover led three equal ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaea, and king Charopus,
Nireus, the fairest of men that came to Ilium, of all the other Greeks, next to the unblemished
son of Peleus. But he was feeble, and few troops followed him.
But those who possessed Nisyrus, and Crapathus, and Casus, and Cos, the city of Eurypylus,
and the Calydnæ isles, Phidippus and Antiphus, both sons of the Thessalian king, the son
of Hercules, commanded. Thirty hollow ships of these went in order.
But now, [O muse, recount] those, as many as inhabited Pelasgian Argos, both those who
dwelt in Alos and Alope, and Trechin, and those who possessed Phthia, and Hellas famous
for fair dames. But they are called Myrmidons, and Hellenes, and Achæans: of fifty ships
of these was Achilles chief. But they remembered not dire-sounding war, for there was no one
who might lead them to their ranks. For swift-footed Achilles lay at the ships, enraged on account
of the fair-haired maid Brisëis, whom he carried away from Lyrnessus, after having
suffered many labours, and having laid waste Lyrnessus and the walls of Thebes; and he
killed Mynetes and spear-skilled Epistrophus, sons of king Evenus, the son of Selepius.
On her account he lay grieving, but speedily was he about to be roused.
Those who possessed Phylace and flowery Pyrrhasus, the consecrated ground of Ceres, and Iton
the mother of sheep, maritime Antron, and grassy Ptelon. These warlike Protesilaus,
whilst he lived, commanded; but him the black earth then possessed. His wife, lacerated
all around, had been left at Phylace, and his palace half finished. For a Trojan man
slew him, as he leaped ashore from his ship much the first of the Greeks. Nor were they,
however, without a leader, although they longed for their own leader; for gallant Podarces
marshalled them, Podarces, son of sheep-abounding Iphiclus, the son of Phylacis, own brother
of magnanimous Protesilaus, younger by birth; but the warlike hero Protesilaus was older
and braver. His troops wanted not a leader, but lamented him, being brave; with him forty
dark ships followed. Those who inhabited Phære by the lake Bœbeïs,
Bœbe, and Glaphyræ, and well-built Iaolcus; these Eumeles, the beloved son of Admetus,
commanded in eleven ships, whom Alcestis, divine amongst women, most beautiful in form
of the daughters of Pelias, brought forth by Admetus.
Those who inhabited Methone and Thaumacia, and possessed Melibœa, and rugged Olizon;
these Philoctetes, well skilled in archery, commanded in seven ships. Fifty sailors, well
skilled in archery, went on board each to fight valiantly. But he lay in an island enduring
bitter pangs, in divine Lemnos, where the sons of the Greeks had left him suffering
with the evil sting of a deadly serpent. There he lay grieving; but soon were the Argives
at the ships destined to remember their king Philoctetes. Nor were they however without
a leader, though they longed for their own leader; but Medon, the *** son of Oïleus,
whom Rhina brought forth by city-wasting Oïleus, marshalled them.
Those who possessed Tricca, and hilly Ithome, and those who possessed Œchalia, the city
of Œchalian Eurytus; Podalirius and Machaon, two excellent physicians, both sons of Æsculapius,
led these. With them thirty hollow ships went in order.
Those who possessed Ormenium, and the fountain Hyperia, and those who possessed Asterium
and the white tops of Titanus; these Eurypylus, the brave son of Evæmon, commanded. With
him forty dark ships followed. Those who possessed Argissa, and inhabited
Gyrtone, and Orthe, and Elone, and the white city Oloosson: these the stout warrior Polypœtes,
son of Pirithous, whom immortal Jove begat, commanded. Him renowned Hippodamia brought
forth by Pirithous, on the day when he took vengeance on the shaggy Centaurs, and drove
them from Mount Pelion, and chased them to the Æthiceans. He was not the only leader;
with him commanded warlike Leonteus, son of magnamimous Coronus, the son of Cœneus. With
these forty dark ships followed. But Gyneus led two-and-twenty ships from Cyphus.
Him the Enienes followed, and the Peræbi, stout warriors, who placed their habitations
by chilly Dodona, and those who tilled the fields about delightful Titaresius, which
pours its fair-flowing stream into the Peneus; nor is it mingled with silver-eddied Peneus,
but flows on the surface of it like oil. For it is a streamlet of the Stygian wave, the
dreadful [pledge of] oath. Prothoüs, son of Tenthredon, commanded the
Magnetes, who dwell about the Peneus, and leaf-quivering Pelion: these swift Prothoüs
led; and with him forty dark ships followed. These then were the leaders and chieftains
of the Greeks. Do thou, then, O muse, tell me who was the most excellent of these, of
the kings and their steeds, who followed the son of Atreus to Troy. The steeds of the descendant
of Pheres were indeed by far the most excellent, which Eumelus drove, swift as birds, like
in hair, like in age, and level in [height of] back by the plumb-line. These, bearing
with them the terror of Mars, both mares, silver-bowed Apollo fed in Pieria. Of the
heroes Telamonian Ajax was by far the best, whilst Achilles continued wrathful, for he
was by far the bravest; and the steeds which bore the irreproachable son of Peleus surpassed
those of Eumelus. But he on his part lay in his dark sea-traversing ships, breathing wrath
against the son of Atreus, Agamemnon, the shepherd of the people. But his forces meantime
amused themselves with quoits and javelins, hurling [them,] and with their bows; and their
steeds stood, each near his chariot, feeding on lotus and lake-fed parsley. And the well-fastened
chariots lay in the tents of their lords. But they, longing for their warlike chief,
wandered hither and thither through the camp, and did not fight.
But they went along, as if the whole earth was being fed upon by fire, and the earth
groaned beneath, as in honour of thunder-rejoicing Jove when angry, when he strikes the earth
around Typhœus in Arimæ, where they say is the tomb of Typhœus; thus indeed beneath
their feet the earth groaned mightily, as they went, and very swift they passed over
the plain.
But swift-footed Iris came from aegis-bearing Jove, a messenger to the Trojans, with a woeful
announcement. They all, collected together, both young and old, were holding councils
at the gates of Priam. But swift-footed Iris standing near, accosted them: and she likened
herself in voice to Polites, son of Priam, who, trusting to the swiftness of his feet,
sat at watch for the Trojans on the top of the tomb of old Æsyetus, watching when the
Greeks should set forth from the ships. To him having likened herself, swift-footed Iris
addressed them: "Old man, ever are injudicious words pleasing
to thee, as formerly in time of peace: but now has an inevitable war arisen. Truly I
have already very often been present at the conflicts of heroes, but never have I beheld
such brave and numerous forces. For very like unto the leaves or the sand proceed they through
the plain, about to fight for the city. Hector, for it is to thee in particular I give advice:
and do thou act thus; for many are the allies through the great city of Priam; and different
are the languages of the widely-spread men. Let then each hero command those of whom he
is the chief: but do thou, marshalling the citizens, be leader of them."
Thus she said. But Hector was not ignorant of the voice of the goddess; and he instantly
dismissed the council, and they rushed to arms. And the portals were opened, and the
troops rushed out, both foot and horse; and much tumult arose.
Now there is a certain lofty mound before the city, far in the plain, that may be run
round, which men indeed call Batiea, but the immortals, the tomb of nimbly-springing Myrinna.
There the Trojans and their allies were then marshalled separately.
The Trojans, in the first place, great helmet-nodding Hector, son of Priam, commanded. With him
far the most numerous and the bravest troops were armed, ardent with their spears.
The Dardanians, in the next place, Æneas, the gallant son of Anchises, commanded (him
to Anchises the divine goddess Venus bore, couched with him a mortal on the tops of Ida):
not alone, but with him the two sons of Antenor, Archelochus and Acamas, skilled in every kind
of fight. But the Trojans who inhabited Zeleia, beneath
the lowest foot of Ida, wealthy and drinking the dark water of Æsepus, these Pandarus,
the valiant son of Lycaon, commanded, to whom even Apollo himself gave his bow.
Those who possessed Adrestæ, and the city of Apæsus, and possessed Pityea, and the
lofty mountain Tercia; these Adrastus and linen-mailed Amphius commanded, the two sons
of Percosian Merops, who was skilled in prophecy above all others; nor was he willing to suffer
his sons to go into the man-destroying fight. But they did not obey him, for the fates of
sable death impelled them. Those who dwelt around Percote and Practius,
and possessed Sestos and Abydos, and divine Arisbe; these Asius, son of Hyrtacus, prince
of heroes, commanded: Asius, son of Hyrtacus, whom large and fiery steeds bore from Arisbe,
from the river Selleïs. Hippothoüs led the tribes of the spear-skilled
Pelasgians, of those who inhabited fertile Larissa; Hippothoüs and Pylæus of the line
of Mars, the two sons of Pelasgian Lethus, son of Teutamus, commanded these.
But Acamus and the hero Piroüs led the Thracians, all that the rapidly flowing Hellespont confines
within. Euphemus, son of heaven-descended Trœzenus,
son of Ceas, was commander of the warlike Cicones.
But Pyræchmes led the Pæonians, who use darts fastened by a thong, far from Amydon,
from wide-flowing Axius, from Axius, whose stream is diffused the fairest over the earth.
But the sturdy heart of Pylæmenes from the Eneti, whence is the race of wild mules, led
the Paphlagonians, those who possessed Cytorus, and dwelt around Sesamus, and inhabited the
famous dwellings around the river Parthenius, and Cromna, Ægialus, and the lofty Erythine
hills. But Hodius and Epistrophus, far from Alybe,
whence is a rich product of silver, commanded the Halizonians. Chromis and the augur Ennomus
commanded the Mysians, but he avoided not sable death through his skill in augury, for
he was laid low by the hands of Achilles in the river, where he made havoc of the other
Trojans also. Phorcys and godlike Ascanius far from Ascania,
led the Phrygians, and they eagerly desired to engage in battle.
But Mesthles and Antiphus led the Mæonians, both sons of Talæmeneus, whom the lake Gygæa
bore; these led the Mæonians, born beneath Mount Tmolus.
Nastes commanded the barbarous-voiced Carians, who possessed Miletus, and the leaf-topped
mountain of Pethiri, and the streams of Mæander, and the lofty tops of Mycale. These indeed
Amphimachus and Nastes commanded, Nastes and Amphimachus the famous sons of Nomion, who
foolish went to battle decked with gold like a young girl; nor did this by any means ward
off bitter death; but he was laid low by the hands of the swift-footed son of Æacus at
the river, and warlike Achilles took away the gold.
But Sarpedon and gallant Glaucus from Lycia afar, from the eddying Xanthus, led the Lycians.
BOOK THE THIRD ARGUMENT.
Just as the armies are on the point of engaging, Paris proposes a single combat, but, on Menelaus
advancing, retires in affright. Being rebuked by Hector, he consents to engage Menelaus,
and a treaty is arranged. Paris is vanquished, but is brought back safe to Ilium by Venus,
who appeases the anger of Helen. Menelaus, as conqueror, calls upon the Trojans to fulfil
the conditions of the challenge. But after they had each been marshalled along
with their leaders, the Trojans, on the one hand, moved along with both clamour and battle-shout,
like birds; just as is the noise of cranes forth under heaven, which, after they have
escaped the winter and immeasurable shower, with a clamour do these wing their way towards
the streams of the ocean, bearing slaughter and fate to the Pygmæan men; and they then
at early dawn bring fatal strife. But the Greeks, on the other hand, breathing might,
advanced in silence, anxious in mind to aid one another.
As when the south wind sheds a mist over the top of a mountain, by no means friendly to
the shepherds, but more serviceable even than night to the robber, and one can see [only]
so far as he hurls a stone. So under the feet of them proceeding an eddying dust kept rising:
and very speedily they traversed the plain. But when they now were near, approaching each
other, godlike Alexander advanced in front of the Trojans, having a panther's skin on
his shoulders, and his crooked bow, and a sword; but he brandishing two spears tipped
with brass, challenged all the bravest of the Greeks to fight against him in grievous
conflict. But when Mars-beloved Menelaus perceived him
advancing before the host, taking long strides, as a hungering lion exults, when happening
on a carcase of large size, having found either a horned stag or a wild goat. For he greedily
devours it, although swift hounds and vigorous youths pursue him. Thus Menelaus rejoiced,
having beheld with his eyes godlike Alexander. For he thought he would be revenged upon the
guilty wretch: forthwith, therefore, with his arms he leaped from his chariot to the
earth. But when, therefore, godlike Alexander perceived
him appearing among the foremost warriors, he was smitten in his heart, and gave way
back into the band of his companions, avoiding death. And as when any one having seen a serpent
in the thickets of a mountain, has started back, and tremor has seized his limbs under
him, and he has retired backwards, and paleness seizes his cheeks: thus godlike Alexander
shrank back into the band of the haughty Trojans, dreading the son of Atreus.
But Hector having seen him, upbraided him with opprobrious words: "Cursed Paris, most
excellent in form, thou woman-raving seducer, would that thou hadst either not been born,
or that thou hadst perished unmarried. This, indeed, I would wish, and indeed it would
be much better, than that thou shouldst thus be a disgrace and scandal to others. In truth
the long-haired Achæans may laugh, having suspected that thou wast a noble champion,
because a fine person belongs [to thee]; but there is not strength in thy soul, nor any
nerve. Didst thou, being such a one, having sailed over the ocean in sea-traversing ships,
having collected congenial associates, and mingled with foreigners, take away a beauteous
lady, from the Apian land, the spouse of martial men, a great detriment to thy father, to the
city, and to all the people; a joy indeed to our enemies, but a disgrace to thyself?
Couldst thou not have awaited warlike Menelaus? Then shouldst thou have known of how brave
a man thou dost possess the blooming spouse. Nor will thy harp, and the gifts of Venus,
and thy hair, and thy figure avail thee, when thou shalt be mingled with the dust. But the
Trojans are very pusillanimous; else wouldst thou have been arrayed in a garment of stone,
on account of the evils which thou hast done." Him then godlike Alexander in turn addressed:
"Hector, since thou hast reproached me justly, and not unjustly, [I will submit]. Ever is
thy spirit unwearied, like an axe, which penetrates the wood, [driven] by the man who with art
cuts out the naval plank, and it increases the force of the man: so in thy breast is
there an intrepid heart. Reproach me not with the lovely gifts of golden Venus: the distinguished
gifts of the gods are by no means to be rejected, whatever indeed they give; for no one can
choose them at his own pleasure. Now, however, if thou desirest me to wage war and to fight,
cause the other Trojans and all the Greeks to sit down, but match me and Mars-beloved
Menelaus to contend in the midst for Helen and all the treasures. And whichever of us
shall conquer, and shall be superior, having received all the treasures without reserve,
and the woman, let him conduct them home. But let the rest of you, striking a friendship
and faithful league, inhabit fertile Troy; and let them return to the steed-nourishing
Argos, and fair-damed Achaia."
Thus he spoke, but Hector on the other hand rejoiced greatly, having heard his speech;
and having advanced into the centre, holding his spear by the middle, he restrained the
phalanxes of the Trojans, and they all sat down. Against him the waving-haired Achæans
were directing their bows, and taking aim, were going to hurl with shafts and with stones.
But Agamemnon, he, the king of men, exclaimed aloud:
"Withhold, Argives! cast not, ye sons of the Aenæans; for helm-nodding Hector stands as
if intending to propose something." Thus he spoke; but they abstained from battle,
and instantly became silent. But Hector between both [armies] spoke thus:
"Hear from me, ye Trojans, and well-greaved Greeks, the proposal of Alexander, on whose
account this strife has arisen. He advises that the other Trojans and all the Greeks
should lay down their beauteous arms upon the bounteous earth; but that he and Mars-beloved
Menelaus alone should fight in the midst for Helen and all the treasures; and whichever
shall conquer, and shall be superior, having received all the treasures without reserve,
and the woman, let him conduct them home: but let the rest of us strike a friendship
and faithful league." Thus he said, and all became mute in silence.
But amidst them Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, thus spoke:
"Now hear me also; for anguish has invaded my soul most: but I purpose that the Greeks
and Trojans should now be separated, since ye have suffered many evils on account of
my quarrel and the beginning of [this strife through] Alexander. And to whichever of us
death and fate has been ordained, let him die; but do the rest of you be very speedily
separated. And bring lambs—one white, the other black—to the Earth and to the Sun;
and we will bring another to Jove. Moreover ye shall bring the might of Priam, that he
may strike the league himself, for his sons are overbearing and faithless; lest any one,
by transgression, violate the covenant of Jove. For the minds of younger men are ever
fluctuating; but for those among whom a senior is present, he looks at the same time both
backward and forward, in order that the best results may accrue to both parties."
Thus he spoke. But both Greeks and Trojans rejoiced, hoping to have respite from grievous
war. And they accordingly reined back their horses to the ranks [of the foot], but dismounted
themselves, and put off their arms, and laid them down on the ground near each other; and
around [each pile of arms] there was a little space.
But Hector despatched two heralds to the city with speed, to bring the lambs, and to call
Priam. While, on the other hand, king Agamemnon sent Talthybius to go to the hollow ships,
and ordered him to bring a lamb. And he did not disobey noble Agamemnon.
And meantime came Iris a messenger to white-armed Helen, likening herself to her husband's sister,
the wife of Antenor's son, most excelling in beauty of the daughters of Priam, Laodice,
whom the son of Antenor, king Helicaon, possessed. But she found her in her palace, and she was
weaving an ample web, a double [mantle], resplendent, and on it was working many labours both of
the horse-taming Trojans and the brazen-mailed Greeks, which on her account they suffered
at the hands of Mars. Standing near, the swift-footed Iris accosted her thus:
"Come hither, dear lady, that thou mayest view the wondrous deeds of the horse-taming
Trojans, and of the brazen-mailed Greeks, who formerly against each other waged tearful
war in the plain, eager for destructive battle. Now, however, they sit in silence (and the
war has ceased), leaning on their shields, and near them their long spears are fixed.
But Alexander and Mars-beloved Menelaus are about to fight for thy sake with their long
spears, and thou shalt be called the dear wife of him who conquers."
Thus having spoken, the goddess infused a tender desire into her mind both of her former
husband, and of her city, and her parents. And instantly veiling herself in white linen
robes, she rushed from her chamber, shedding a tender tear: not alone, for two domestics
accompanied her, Œthra, daughter of Pittheus, and large-eyed Clymene. Then they quickly
came to where the Scæan gates were. But Priam and Panthous, and Thymœtes, Lampus, Clytius,
Hicetaon, an offshoot of Mars, Ucalegon, and Antenor, both prudent, elders of the people,
sat at the Scæan gates, long since desisting from war, through old age: but good orators,
like unto the Cicadæ, which, in the woods, sitting on a tree, send forth a delicate voice;
such leaders of the Trojans at that time were sitting on the tower. But when they saw Helen
coming to the tower, in low tone they addressed to each other winged words:
"It is not a subject for indignation, that Trojans and well-greaved Greeks endure hardships
for a long time on account of such a woman. In countenance she is wondrous like unto the
immortal goddess, but even so, although being such, let her return in the ships, nor be
left a destruction to us and to our children hereafter."
Thus they spoke. But Priam called Helen,—"Coming hither before us, dear daughter, sit by me,
that thou mayest see thy former husband, thy kindred, and thy friends—(thou art not at
all in fault towards me; the gods, in truth, are in fault towards me, who have sent against
me the lamentable war of the Greeks)—that thou mayest name for me this mighty man, who
is this gallant and tall Grecian hero. Certainly there are others taller in height; but so
graceful a man have I never yet beheld with my eyes, nor so venerable; for he is like
unto a kingly man." But him Helen, one of the divine women, answered
in [these] words: "Revered art thou and feared by me, dear father-in-law; would that an evil
death had pleased me, when I followed thy son hither, having left my marriage-bed, my
brothers, my darling daughter, and the congenial company of my equals. But these things were
not done: therefore I pine away with weeping. But this will I tell thee, which thou seekest
of me and inquirest. This is wide-ruling Agamemnon, son of Atreus, in both characters, a good
king and a brave warrior. He was the brother-in-law, moreover, of shameless me, if ever indeed
he was."
Thus she spoke. But him the old man admired, and said "O blessed son of Atreus, happy-born,
fortunate, truly indeed were many Achæan youths made subject to thee. Before now I
entered vine-bearing Phrygia, where I beheld many Phrygians, heroes on fleet horses, the
forces of Otreus and godlike Mygdon, who encamped there near the banks of the Sangarius. For
I also, being an ally, was numbered with them on that day, when the man-opposing Amazons
came. But not even these were so numerous as the black-eyed Greeks."
But next perceiving Ulysses, the old man asked her: "Come, tell me of this one also, dear
daughter, who he is? he is less indeed in height than Agamemnon, the son of Atreus,
but is broader to behold in shoulders and breast. His arms lie up on the fertile earth,
but he himself, like a ram, goes round the ranks of the men. I for my part compare him
to a thick-fleeced ram, which wanders through a great flock of snowy sheep."
But him Helen, sprung from Jove, answered: "Now, this one again is the son of Laertes,
much-scheming Ulysses, who was bred in the country of Ithaca, rugged though it be, skilled
in all kinds of stratagems and prudent counsels." Her then the sage Antenor addressed in reply:
"O lady, assuredly hast thou spoken this word very truly: for already in former times divine
Ulysses came hither also, on an embassy concerning thee, with Mars-beloved Menelaus. I received
them as guests, and entertained them in my palace, and became acquainted with the genius
of both, and their prudent counsels; but when they were mingled with the assembled Trojans,
Menelaus indeed overtopped him, as they stood by his broad shoulders; but when both were
sitting, Ulysses was more majestic. But when they began to weave words and counsels for
all, Menelaus, on his part, would harangue very fluently; a few [words] indeed, but very
sweetly, since he was not loquacious, nor a random talker, though he was younger in
age. But when much-counselling Ulysses arose, he stood and looked down, fixing his eyes
on the earth, but he neither moved his sceptre backwards nor forwards, but held it unmoved
like an unskilful man: you would say indeed that he was a very irritable man, as well
as devoid of reason. But when he did send forth the mighty voice from his breast, and
words like unto wintry flakes of snow, no longer then would another mortal contend with
Ulysses. And beholding, we then marvelled not so much at the aspect of Ulysses, [as
at his words]."
Then in the third place, having beheld Ajax, the old man asked: "Who is that other Achæan
hero, valiant and great, out-topping the Argives by his head and broad shoulders?"
But him long-robed Helen answered, divine of women: "This indeed is mighty Ajax, the
bulwark of the Achæans: on the other side, amongst the Cretans, stands Idomeneus like
unto a god: but around him the leaders of the Cretans are collected. Often did Mars-beloved
Menelaus entertain him in our palace, when he would come from Crete. But now I behold
all the other rolling-eyed Greeks, whom I could easily recognize, and pronounce their
names; but two leaders of the people I cannot see: horse-taming Castor, and Pollux skilled
in boxing, twin brothers, whom the same mother brought forth with me. Either they have not
followed from pleasant Lacedæmon, or they indeed have followed hither in the sea-traversing
ships, but now are reluctant to enter the fight of the heroes, fearing the disgrace,
and the many reproaches which are mine." Thus she spoke; but them the life-bestowing
earth already possessed: there in Lacedæmon, in their dear native land.
But heralds through the city were bearing the firm pledges of the gods, two lambs and
joyous wine, the fruit of the earth, in a goat-skin flagon. But the herald Idæus also
brought a splendid goblet, and golden cups; and standing by him, incited the old man in
these words: "Arise, son of Laomedon; the chiefs of the
horse-breaking Trojans, and of the brazen-mailed Greeks, call thee to descend into the plain,
that thou mayest ratify a faithful league. For Alexander and Mars-beloved Menelaus are
about to fight with long spears for the woman. But let the woman and the effects attend the
conqueror; but let the rest of us, having struck a friendship and faithful league, inhabit
fruitful Troy, and they shall return to horse-feeding Argos, and to Achaia, famed for fair dames."
Thus he said, but the old man shuddered, and ordered his attendants to yoke his horses;
and they briskly obeyed. Priam then mounted his chariot, and drew back the reins: and
beside him Antenor mounted the beautiful chariot. So they guided their fleet steeds through
the Scæan gates, towards the plain. But when they had now come between the Trojans
and the Greeks, descending from their steeds to the fruitful earth, they advanced into
the midst of the Trojans and Greeks. Then Agamemnon, king of heroes, immediately arose,
and much-counselling Ulysses arose. But the illustrious heralds collected together the
faithful pledges of the gods, and mixed wine in a bowl, and poured water upon the hands
of the kings. And the son of Atreus, drawing with his hands his dagger, which was always
suspended at the huge sheath of his sword, cut off hairs from the heads of the lambs:
and then the heralds distributed them to the chiefs of the Trojans and the Greeks. Amongst
them the son of Atreus prayed earnestly, having stretched forth his hands:
"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty,—and thou, O sun, who beholdest
all things, and nearest all things—and ye rivers, and thou earth, and ye below who punish
men deceased, whosoever swears with perjury, be ye witnesses and preserve the faithful
league. If, on the one hand, Alexander should slay Menelaus, let him thenceforth retain
Helen and all her possessions; but let us return in our sea-traversing ships. But if,
on the contrary, yellow-haired Menelaus slay Alexander, let the Trojans then restore Helen
and all her treasures, and pay a fine to the Argives such as is just, and which may be
[recorded] amongst posterity. But if Priam and the sons of Priam will not pay me the
fine, on Alexander falling, then will I afterwards fight on account of the fine, remaining here
till I find an end of the war." He spoke, and cut the throats of the lambs
with the cruel steel, and he laid them on the earth panting, wanting life; for the brass
had taken away their [vital] strength. Then having drawn wine from the goblet, they poured
it into the cups, and prayed to the immortal gods. But thus some one of the Greeks and
Trojans said: "O Jove, most glorious, most mighty, and ye
other immortal gods, whoever first shall offend against the leagues, so let the brain of themselves
and of their children stream upon the ground like this wine, and let their wives be mingled
with other men." Thus they said, nor yet did the son of Saturn
ratify [their vows]. Then Priam, the son of Dardanus, addressed them:
"Hear me, ye Trojans, and ye well-greaved Greeks: I, indeed, return again to wind-swept
Ilion, since I can by no means endure to behold with these eyes my dear son fighting with
Mars-beloved Menelaus. Jove, certainly, knows this, and the other immortal gods, to which
of them the event of death is destined." He spoke, and the godlike man placed the lambs
in the chariot, and ascended himself, and drew back the reins; and beside him Antenor
mounted the very beautiful chariot. They on their part returning went back towards Ilion.
But Hector on the other hand, the son of Priam, and divine Ulysses, first measured the ground;
then taking the lots, they shook them in the brazen helmet, [to decide] which should hurl
the brazen spear first. But the people meantime supplicated, and stretched forth their hands
to the gods; and thus some one of the Greeks and Trojans said:
"O father Jove, ruling from Ida, most glorious, most mighty, whichever has caused these evil
works to both sides, grant that he, being slain, may enter the house of Pluto, but that
to us, on the other hand, there may be friendship and a faithful league."
Thus then they spoke, and now mighty helm-quivering Hector shook the lots, looking backward; and
quickly the lot of Paris leaped forth. They then sat down in their ranks, where the fleet
steeds of each stood, and their varied arms lay. But divine Alexander, the husband of
fair-haired Helen, put on his beauteous armour around his shoulders. In the first place,
around his legs he placed his beautiful greaves fitted with silver clasps; then again he put
on his breast the corslet of his brother Lycaon, for it fitted him; but around his shoulders
he slung his brazen, silver-studded sword and then his huge and solid shield. But on
his valiant head he placed a well-wrought helmet, crested with horse-hair, and the crest
nodded dreadfully from above; and he grasped his doughty spear, which fitted to his hands.
In this same manner the martial Menelaus put on his arms.
But they, when they were armed from each side of the throne, advanced to the middle between
the Trojans and Greeks, looking dreadfully; and amazement seized the beholders, both the
horse-breaking Trojans and the well-greaved Greeks. They then stood near in the measured-out
space, brandishing their spears, incensed against each other. Alexander ander first
hurled his long-shadowed spear, and smote the shield of the son of Atreus, equal on
all sides, nor did the brass break, for the point was bent upon the strong shield: but
next Menelaus, son of Atreus, commenced the attack with his brazen spear, praying to father
Jove: "O king Jove, grant [me] to avenge myself
[on him] who first injured me, and subdue impious Alexander under my hands, that every
one, even of future men, may shudder to offer injury to a guest who may have afforded [him]
an hospitable reception." He spoke; and brandishing, he hurled his long-shadowed
spear, and smote the shield of the son of Priam, equal on all sides; and through the
glittering shield went the impetuous spear, and was stuck firmly into the deftly-wrought
corslet: and the spear pierced right through his soft tunic beside the flank: but he bent
sideways, and evaded black death. Next the son of Atreus having drawn his silver-studded
sword, raising it, struck the cone of his helmet, but it fell from his hand shivered
round about into three or four pieces. And the son of Atreus groaned aloud, looking towards
the wide heaven:
"O father Jove, none other of the gods is more baleful than thou. Certainly I hoped
to be revenged upon Alexander for his wickedness: but now my sword has been broken in my hands,
and my spear has been hurled from my hand in vain, nor have I smote him."
He spoke; and rushing on, he seized him by the horse-hair tufted helmet, and turning,
began to drag him to the well-greaved Greeks: but the richly-embroidered band under his
tender throat was choking him, which was drawn under his chin as the strap of his helmet.
And now he had dragged him away, and obtained infinite glory, had not Venus, the daughter
of Jove, quickly perceived it, who broke for him the thong, [made] from the hide of an
ox slaughtered by violence: and thereupon the empty helmet followed with his strong
hand. It, then, the hero whirling round, cast to the well-greaved Greeks, and his dear companions
took it up. And he [Menelaus] again rushed on, desiring to slay him with his brazen spear:
but him [Paris] Venus very easily, as being a goddess, rescued, and covered him in a thick
mist; then placed him down in his fragrant chamber, exhaling perfumes.
But she herself, on the other hand, went to call Helen, and she found her on the lofty
tower, and many Trojan dames around her. Then with her hand catching her by the fragrant
mantle, she shook her: and likening herself to an ancient dame, a spinner of wool, who
used to comb fair wool for her when dwelling at Lacedæmon, and she loved her much: to
her having likened herself, divine Venus accosted [Helen]:
"Come hither, Alexander calls thee to return home. He himself is in his chamber and turned
bed, shining both in beauty and attire; nor wouldst thou say that he had returned after
having fought with a hero, but that he was going to the dance, or that just ceasing from
the dance, he sat down." Thus she said, and agitated the heart in her
breast: and when she beheld the all-beauteous neck of the goddess, and her lovely ***,
and her flashing eyes, she was awe-struck, and spoke a word, and said:
"Strange one! why dost thou desire to deceive me in these things? Wilt thou lead me anywhere
farther on to one of the well-inhabited cities, either of Phrygia or pleasant Mæonia, if
there be any of articulately-speaking men dear to thee there? Is it because Menelaus,
having now conquered noble Alexander, wishes to bring hated me home, that therefore with
artful purpose thou now standest near me? Going, sit with him thyself, and renounce
the path of the gods. And mayest thou no more return on thy feet to Olympus: but always
grieve beside him, and watch him, until he either make thee his consort, or he indeed
[make thee] his handmaid. But there I will not go to adorn his couch, for it would be
reprehensible: all the Trojan ladies henceforth will reproach me. But I shall have woes without
measure in my soul." But her, divine Venus, incensed, thus addressed:
"Wretch, provoke me not, lest in my wrath I abandon thee, and detest thee as much as
heretofore I have wonderfully loved thee, and lest I scatter destructive hate in the
midst of the Trojans and Greeks, and thou perish by an evil fate."
Thus she spoke: but Helen, sprung from Jove, dreaded, and she went covered with a white
transparent robe, in silence; and escaped the notice of all the Trojan dames, for the
goddess led the way. But when they reached the very beautiful palace
of Alexander, then the maids, on their part, turned themselves speedily to their tasks;
but she, divine of women, ascended into her lofty-roofed chamber: and then laughter-loving
Venus, carrying, placed a seat for her opposite Alexander: there Helen, daughter of the ægis-bearing
Jove, sat, averting her eyes, and reproached her husband with these words:
"Thou hast come from the war: would that thou hadst perished there, slain by that brave
hero, who was my former husband. Certainly, thou didst formerly boast, that thou wast
superior to Mars-beloved Menelaus, in might, in hands, and at the spear. But go now, challenge
Mars-beloved Menelaus to fight once more against thee! But I advise thee to refrain, nor unadvisedly
wage war and fight against fair-haired Menelaus, lest perchance thou mayest be subdued beneath
his spear." But her Paris answering addressed in words:
"Woman! assail me not in soul with reproachful taunts; for now indeed has Menelaus conquered
by Minerva's aid; but I in turn will vanquish him, for gods are with us also. But come,
let us delight in dalliance, reclining together, for never before did love so fondly enwrap
my soul, not even when formerly, having borne thee away from pleasant Lacedæmon, I sailed
in the sea-traversing ships, and was united with thee in love and in the couch in the
island Cranaë; so now am I enamoured of thee, and sweet desire possesses me."
He spoke, and led the way, ascending the couch; but his wife followed with him: they therefore
rested upon their perforated couch. Meanwhile the son of Atreus was wandering
through the crowd like to a savage beast, if anywhere he could perceive godlike Alexander.
But none of the Trojans or their illustrious allies could then point out Alexander to Mars-beloved
Menelaus; for neither through friendship would they have concealed him, if any one did see
him; for he was hateful to them all, like sable death. But amongst them spoke Agamemnon,
king of heroes: "Hear me, ye Trojans, Greeks, and allies:
the victory indeed appears [to belong to] Mars-beloved Menelaus. Do ye therefore restore
Argive Helen and her treasures with her, and pay the fine which is fitting, and which shall
be remembered by future men." Thus spoke the son of Atreus, and the other
Greeks approved.
BOOK THE FOURTH ARGUMENT.
_Paris not being slain, the combat left it doubtful whether Helen should be returned
or not; but Juno extorts a promise from Jove of the final destruction of Troy. Minerva
then persuades Pandarus to break the truce by aiming an arrow at Menelaus. The wound
is, however, cured by Machaon. The Trojans proceed to the battle, while Agamemnon exhorts
the chieftains of the Greeks. The fight then commences, Mars and Apollo encouraging the
Trojans, Minerva and the other deities the Greeks._
Now they, the gods, sitting on the golden floor with Jove, were engaged in consultation,
and amidst them venerable *** poured out the nectar: but they pledged one another with
golden cups, looking towards the city of the Trojans. Forthwith the son of Saturn attempted
to irritate Juno, speaking with a covert allusion, with reproachful words:
"Two goddesses, indeed, are auxiliaries to Menelaus, Argive Juno and Minerva of Alalcomenæ:
and yet these, forsooth, sitting apart, amuse themselves with looking on; but to the other,
on the contrary [Paris], laughter-loving Venus is ever present, and averts fate from him.
Even now has she saved him, thinking that he was about to die. But the victory, indeed,
belongs to Mars-beloved Menelaus: let us therefore consult how these things shall be, whether
we shall again excite the destructive war, and dreadful battle-din, or promote friendship
between both parties. And if, moreover, this shall perchance be grateful and pleasing to
all, the city of king Priam, indeed, may be inhabited, but let Menelaus lead back again
Argive Helen."
Thus he spoke: but Minerva and Juno murmured with closed lips, for they were sitting near,
and were devising evils for the Trojans. Minerva, indeed, was silent, nor said anything, indignant
with her father Jove, for dreadful rage possessed her. But Juno could not retain her fury in
her breast, but addressed him: "Most baleful son of Saturn! what a sentence
hast thou uttered! How dost thou wish to render my labour vain, and my sweat fruitless, which
I have sweated through with toil? For the steeds are tired to me assembling the host,
evils to Priam and to his sons. Do so: but all we the other gods do not approve."
But her cloud-compelling Jove, in great wrath, answered: "Strange one! how now do Priam and
the sons of Priam work so many wrongs against thee, that thou desirest implacably to overturn
the well-built city of Ilion? But if thou, entering the gates and the lofty walls, couldst
devour alive Priam and the sons of Priam, and the other Trojans, then perhaps thou mightst
satiate thy fury. Do as thou wilt, lest this contention be in future a great strife between
thee and me. But another thing I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy soul: whenever
haply I, anxiously desiring, shall wish to destroy some city, where men dear to thee
are born, retard not my rage, but suffer me; for I have given thee this of free will, though
with unwilling mind. For of those cities of earthly men, which are situated under the
sun and the starry heaven, sacred Ilion was most honoured by me in my heart, and Priam
and the people of Priam skilled in the ashen spear. For there my altars never lacked a
due banquet and libation, and savour; for this honour were we allotted."
Him then the venerable full-eyed Juno answered: "There are three cities, indeed, most dear
to me: Argos, and Sparta, and wide-wayed Mycenæ; destroy these whenever they become hateful
to thy soul. In behalf of these I neither stand forth, nor do I grudge them to thee:
for even were I to grudge them, and not suffer thee to destroy them, by grudging I avail
nothing, since thou art much more powerful. And yet it becomes [thee] to render my labour
not fruitless; for I am a goddess, and thence my race, whence thine; and wily Saturn begat
me, very venerable on two accounts, both by my parentage, and because I have been called
thy spouse. Moreover, thou rulest amongst all the immortals. But truly let us make these
concessions to each other: I, on my part, to thee, and thou to me; and the other immortal
gods will follow. Do thou without delay bid Minerva go to the dreadful battle-din of the
Trojans and Greeks, and contrive that the Trojans may first begin to injure the most
renowned Greeks, contrary to the leagues."
Thus she spoke; nor did the father of gods and men disobey. Instantly he addressed Minerva
in winged words: "Go very quickly to the army, among the Trojans
and Greeks, and contrive that the Trojans may first begin to injure the most renowned
Greeks, contrary to the league." Thus having spoken, he urged on Minerva already
inclined; she hastening descended the heights of Olympus; such as the star which the son
of wily Saturn sends, a sign either to mariners, or to a wide host of nations, and from it
many sparks are emitted. Like unto this Pallas Minerva hastened to the earth, and leaped
into the midst [of the army]; and astonishment seized the horse-breaking Trojans and the
well-greaved Greeks, looking on. And thus would one say, looking at some other near
him: "Doubtless evil war and dreadful battle-din
will take place again, or Jove is establishing friendship between both sides, he who has
been ordained the arbiter of war amongst men."
Thus then did some one of the Greeks and Trojans say; but she like a hero entered the host
of the Trojans, the brave warrior Laodocus, son of Antenor, seeking godlike Pandarus,
if anywhere she might find him. She found the blameless and valiant son of Lycaon standing,
and around him the brave ranks of shielded warriors, who had followed him from the streams
of Æsepus; and standing near, she thus to him spoke winged words:
"Wouldst thou now hearken to me in anything, O warlike son of Lycaon? Thou wouldst venture
then to aim a swift arrow at Menelaus. Doubtless thou wouldst bear away both thanks and glory
from all the Trojans, but of all, chiefly from the prince Alexander, from whom, indeed,
first of all, thou wouldst receive splendid gifts, if he should see martial Menelaus,
the son of Atreus, subdued by this weapon, ascending the sad pile. But come, aim an arrow
at renowned Menelaus; and vow to Lycian-born Apollo, the renowned archer, that thou wilt
sacrifice a splendid hecatomb of firstling lambs, having returned home to the city of
sacred Zeleia."
Thus spoke Minerva, and she persuaded his mind for him, unthinking one. Straightway
he uncased his well-polished bow, made from [the horn of] a wild, bounding goat, which
he indeed surprising once on a time in ambush, as it was coming out of a cavern, struck,
aiming at it beneath the breast; but it fell supine on the rock. Its horns had grown sixteen
palms from its head; and these the horn-polishing artist, having duly prepared, fitted together,
and when he had well smoothed all, added a golden tip. And having bent the bow, he aptly
lowered it, having inclined it against the ground; but his excellent companions held
their shields before him, lest the martial sons of the Greeks should rise against him,
before warlike Menelaus, the chief of the Greeks, was wounded. Then he drew off the
cover of his quiver, and took out an arrow, fresh, winged, a cause of gloomy ills. Forthwith
he fitted the bitter arrow to the string, and vowed to Lycian-born Apollo, the renowned
archer, that he would sacrifice a splendid hecatomb of firstling lambs, having returned
home to the city of sacred Zeleia. Having seized them, he drew together the notch [of
the arrow] and the ox-hide string; the string, indeed, he brought near to his breast, and
the barb to the bow. But after he had bent the great bow into a circle, the bow twanged,
the bowstring rang loudly, and the sharp-pointed shaft bounded forth, impatient to wing its
flight through the host. Nor did the blessed immortal gods forget thee,
O Menelaus; but chiefly the spoil-hunting daughter of Jove, who, standing before thee,
averted the deadly weapon. She as much repelled it from thy body, as a mother repels a fly
from her infant, when it shall have laid itself down in sweet sleep. But she herself guided
it to that part where the golden clasps of the girdle bound it, and the double-formed
corslet met. The bitter arrow fell on his well-fitted belt, and through the deftly-wrought
belt was it driven, and it stuck in the variegated corslet and the brazen-plated belt which he
wore, the main defence of his body, a guard against weapons, which protect him most; through
even this did it pass onwards, and the arrow grazed the surface of the hero's skin, and
straightway black gore flowed from the wound. And as when some Mæonian or Carian woman
tinges ivory with purple colour, to be a cheek-trapping for steeds; in her chamber it lies, and many
charioteers desire to bear it, but it lies by as an ornament for the king, both as a
decoration to the steed, and a glory to the rider: so, Menelaus, were thy well-proportioned
thighs, and legs, and fair feet below, stained with gore.
Then Agamemnon, the king of men, shuddered, as he beheld the black gore flowing from the
wound, and Mars-beloved Menelaus himself shuddered. But when he saw the string and the barbs still
outside, his courage was once more collected in his breast. But Agamemnon, deeply sighing,
and holding Menelaus with his hand, spoke thus amidst them, and all his companions kept
groaning with him:
"O dear brother, now have I ratified a treaty which will prove thy death, exposing thee
alone to fight with the Trojans for the Greeks; since the Trojans have thus wounded thee,
and trampled on the faithful league. But by no means shall the league and the blood of
the lambs be in vain, and the pure libations, and the right hands in which we confided.
For even although Olympian Jove has not immediately brought them to pass, he will however bring
them to pass at last; and at a great price have they paid the penalty, to wit, with their
own heads, and their wives and children. For this I know well in mind and soul. A day will
be, when sacred Ilium shall perish, and Priam, and the people of ashen-speared Priam; and
when Saturnian Jove, lofty-throned, dwelling in the æther, will himself shake his gloomy
ægis over all, wrathful on account of this treachery. These things, indeed, shall not
be unaccomplished; but to me there will be grief on thy account, O Menelaus, if thou
shalt die and fulfil the fate of life; then, indeed, branded with shame, shall I return
to much longed-for Argos. For quickly the Greeks will bethink themselves of their fatherland,
and we shall leave Argive Helen a boast to Priam and to the Trojans, and the earth will
rot thy bones lying in Troy, near to an unfinished work. And thus will some one of the haughty
Trojans exclaim, leaping upon the tomb of glorious Menelaus: 'Would that Agamemnon thus
wreaked his vengeance against all, as even now he has led hither an army of the Greeks
in vain, and has now returned home into his dear native land, with empty ships, having
left behind him brave Menelaus.' Thus will some one hereafter say: then may the wide
earth yawn for me."
But him fair-haired Menelaus accosted, cheering him: "Have courage, nor in anywise frighten
the people of the Achæans. The sharp arrow has not stuck in a vital part, but before
[it reached a vital part], the variegated belt, and the girdle beneath, and the plate
which brass-working men forged, warded it off."
King Agamemnon answering him replied: "Would that it were so, O beloved Menelaus; but the
physician shall probe the wound, and apply remedies, which may ease thee of thy acute
pains." He spoke; and thus accosted Talthybius, the
divine herald: "Talthybius, summon hither with all speed the hero Machaon, son of the
blameless physician Æsculapius, that he may see martial Menelaus, the chief of the Greeks,
whom some skilful archer of the Trojans, or of the Lycians, has wounded with a shaft;
a glory, indeed, to him, but a grief to us." He spoke; nor did the herald disobey when
he had heard. But he proceeded to go through the forces of the brazen-mailed Greeks, looking
around for the hero Machaon: him he saw standing, and round him the brave ranks of the shield-bearing
hosts, who followed him from steed-nourishing Tricca. Standing near, he spoke winged words:
"Come, O son of Æsculapius, Agamemnon, king of men, calls thee, that thou mayest see martial
Menelaus, the son of Atreus, whom some skilful archer of the Trojans or of the Lycians has
wounded with a dart; a glory indeed to him, but a grief to us."
Thus he spoke, and incited his soul within his breast. And they proceeded to go through
the host, through the wide army of the Greeks; but when they had now arrived where fair-haired
Menelaus had been wounded (but around him were collected as many as were bravest, in
a circle, while the godlike hero stood in the midst), instantly thereupon he extracted
the arrow from the well-fitted belt. But while it was being extracted, the sharp barbs were
broken. Then he loosed the variegated belt, and the girdle beneath, and the plated belt
which brass-workers had forged. But when he perceived the wound, where the bitter shaft
had fallen, having sucked out the blood, he skilfully sprinkled on it soothing remedies,
which, benevolent Chiron had formerly given to his father.
Whilst they were thus occupied around warlike Menelaus, meantime the ranks of the shielded
Trojans advanced; and these again put on their arms, and were mindful of battle. Then would
you not see divine Agamemnon slumbering, nor trembling nor refusing to fight; but hastening
quickly to the glorious fight. He left his steeds, indeed, and his brass-variegated chariot;
and these his servant Eurymedon, son of Ptolymæus, the son of Piräis, held apart panting. Him
he strictly enjoined to keep them near him, against the time when weariness should seize
his limbs, commanding over many. But he on foot traversed the ranks of the heroes, and
whichever of the swift-horsed Greeks he saw hastening, them standing beside, he encouraged
with words: "Argives! remit nought of your fierce ardour,
for father Jove will not be an abettor to falsehoods, but certainly vultures will devour
the tender bodies of those very persons, who first offered injury, contrary to the league;
and we, after we shall have taken the city, will carry off in our ships their dear wives,
and their infant children." But whomsoever on the other hand he saw declining
hateful battle, them he much rebuked with angry words:
"Argives, ye arrow-fighters, subjects for disgrace, are ye not ashamed? Why stand ye
here astounded, like fawns, which, when they are wearied, running through the extensive
plain, stand, and have no strength in their hearts? Thus do ye stand amazed, nor fight.
Do ye await the Trojans until they come near, where your fair-prowed galleys are moored
on the shore of the hoary sea, that ye may know whether the son of Saturn will stretch
forth his hand over you."
Thus he, acting as commander, kept going through the ranks of heroes, and he came to the Cretans,
going through the throng of men. But they were armed around warlike Idomeneus. Idomeneus,
on his part, [commanded] in the van, like a boar in strength; but Meriones urged on
the hindmost phalanxes for him. Seeing these, Agamemnon, the king of men, rejoiced, and
instantly accosted Idomeneus, in bland words: "O Idomeneus, I honour thee, indeed, above
the swift-horsed Greeks, as well in war, as in any other work, and at the banquet, when
the nobles of the Argives mix in their cups the dark-red honourable wine: for though the
other crested Greeks drink by certain measures, thy cup always stands full, as [mine] to me,
that thou mayest drink when thy mind desires it. But hasten into war, such as formerly
thou didst boast to be."
But him Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, in turn answered: "Son of Atreus, a very congenial
ally will I be to thee, as first I promised and assented. But exhort the other crested
Greeks that we may fight with all haste, since the Trojans have confounded the league: death
and griefs shall be theirs hereafter, since they first offered injury, contrary to the
league." Thus he spoke: and the son of Atreus passed
on, joyous at heart, and he came to the Ajaces, going through the troops of the heroes. But
they were armed, and with them followed a cloud of infantry. As when a goat-herd from
a hill-top perceives a cloud traversing the deep, beneath the north-western blast; and
to him, standing at a distance, it appears while coming over the ocean, darker than pitch,
and brings with it a mighty whirlwind; he both shudders on seeing it, and drives his
flock into a cave. Such, with the Ajaces, moved into hostile battle the dense dark phalanxes
of Jove-nurtured youths, bristling with shields and spears. And king Agamemnon seeing them,
rejoiced, and accosting them, spoke winged words:
"Ye Ajaces, leaders of the brazen-mailed Argives, ye two, indeed, for it becomes me not, I in
no respect desire to incite; for ye yourselves mightily instigate the people to fight valiantly.
Would that, O father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, such courage were in the *** of all; soon
then would the city of king Priam bend to its fall, taken and destroyed by our hands."
Thus having said, he left them there and went to the others; there he found Nestor, the
harmonious orator of the Pylians, marshalling his associates, and exhorting them to battle,
mighty Pelagon, Alastor, Chromius, and prince Hæmon, and Bias the shepherd of the people.
In front, indeed, he placed the cavalry with their horses and chariots, but the foot, both
numerous and brave, in the rear, to be the stay of the battle; but the cowards he drove
into the middle, that every man, even unwilling, might fight from necessity. At first, indeed,
he gave orders to the horsemen; these he commanded to rein in their horses, nor to be confused
with the crowd. "And let no person, relying on his skill in horsemanship, and on his strength,
desire alone, before the rest, to fight with the Trojans, nor let him retreat: for [if
so], ye will be weaker. And whatever man, from his own chariot, can reach that of another,
let him stretch out with his spear; for so it is much better: for thus the ancients overturned
cities and walls, keeping this purpose and resolution in their ***."
Thus the old man, long since well skilled in wars, exhorted them, and king Agamemnon
rejoiced when he saw him; and accosting him, spoke winged words:
"O old man, would that thy knees could so follow thee, and thy strength were firm as
is the courage in thy breast. But old age, common alike to all, wearies thee. Would that
some other man had thy age, and that thou wert amongst the more youthful."
Him then the Gerenian knight Nestor answered: "Son of Atreus, I myself would much wish to
be so, as when I killed Eruthalion. But the gods never give all things at the same time
to men. If I were a young man then, now in turn old age invades me. Yet even so, I will
be with the horse, and will exhort them with counsel and words: for this is the office
of old men. But let the youths, who are younger than I am, and confide in their strength,
brandish their spears." Thus he spoke; and the son of Atreus passed
him by, rejoicing at heart. Next he found the horseman Menestheus, son of Peteus, standing,
and around him the Athenians skilled in the war-shout: but crafty Ulysses stood near;
and round him stood the ranks of the Cephallenians not feeble; for not yet had the troops of
these heard the shout, since lately the roused phalanxes of the horse-subduing Trojans and
of the Greeks moved along; but they stood waiting till another division of the Greeks,
coming on, should charge the Trojans and begin the battle. Having seen these, therefore,
Agamemnon, the king of men, reproved them, and, accosting them, spoke winged words:
"O son of Peteus, Jove-nurtured king, and thou, accomplished in evil wiles, crafty-minded
[Ulysses], why trembling do ye refrain from battle, and wait for others? It became you,
indeed, being amongst the first, to stand and meet the ardent battle. For ye are the
first invited by me to the feast when we Greeks prepare a banquet for the chiefs. Then it
is pleasant to you to eat the roasted meats, and to quaff cups of sweet wine, as long as
ye please. But now would ye in preference be spectators, though ten divisions of the
Greeks should fight in your presence with the ruthless brass."
But him sternly regarding, crafty Ulysses answered thus: "Son of Atreus, what a word
has escaped the barrier of thy teeth! How canst thou say that we are remiss in fighting?
Whenever we Greeks stir up fierce conflict against the horse-taming Trojans, thou shalt
see, if thou desirest, and if these things are a care to thee, the beloved father of
Telemachus mingled with the foremost of the horse-taming Trojans. But thou sayest these
things rashly." But him king Agamemnon, when he perceived
that he was angry, smiling, addressed, and he retracted his words:
"Noble son of Laertes, much-contriving Ulysses, I neither chide thee in terms above measure,
nor exhort thee. For I am aware that thy mind in thy breast kens friendly counsels: for
thou thinkest the same that I do. But come, we shall settle these disputes at a future
time, should anything evil have now been uttered. But may the gods render all these things vain."
Thus having spoken, he left them there, and went to others; he found magnanimous Diomede,
son of Tydeus, standing by his horses and brass-mounted chariot. Near him stood Sthenelus,
son of Capaneus. And having seen him too, king Agamemnon reproved him, and accosting
him thus, spoke winged words: "Alas! O son of warlike horse-breaking Tydeus,
why dost thou tremble? Why dost thou explore the intervals of the ranks? It was not with
Tydeus thus customary to tremble, but to fight with the enemy far before his dear companions.
So they have said, who beheld him toiling: for I never met, nor have I beheld him: but
they say that he excelled all others. For certainly with godlike Polynices he entered
Mycenæ without warlike array, a guest, collecting forces: they were then preparing an expedition
against the sacred walls of Thebes, and supplicated much that they would give renowned auxiliaries.
But they [the Mycenæans] were willing to give them, and approved of it, as they urged;
but Jove changed [their design], showing unpropitious omens. But, after they departed, and proceeded
on their way, they came to rushy, grassy Asopus. Then the Achæans sent Tydeus upon an embassy.
Accordingly he went, and found many Cadmeans feasting in the palace of brave Eteocles.
Then the knight Tydeus, though being a stranger, feared not, being alone amongst many Cadmeans:
but challenged them to contend [in games], and easily conquered in all, so mighty a second
was Minerva to him. But the Cadmeans, goaders of steeds, being enraged, leading fifty youths,
laid a crafty ambuscade for him returning: but there were two leaders, Mæon, son of
Hæmon, like unto the immortals, and Lycophontes, persevering in fight, the son of Autophonus.
Tydeus, however, brought cruel death upon them. He killed them all, but sent one only
to return home: for he dismissed Mæon, obeying the portents of the gods. Such was Ætolian
Tydeus. But he begat a son, inferior to himself in battle, but superior in council."
Thus he spoke; but brave Diomede answered nothing, reverencing the rebuke of the venerable
king. But him the son of renowned Capaneus answered:
"Son of Atreus, lie not, knowing how to tell truth. We, indeed, boast to be far better
than our fathers. We too have taken the citadel of seven-gated Thebes, leading fewer troops
under the wall sacred to Mars, confiding in the portents of the gods, and in the aid of
Jove: but they perished through their own infatuation. Wherefore, never place my ancestors
in the same rank with me." Him sternly regarding, brave Diomede accosted
thus: "My friend Sthenelus, sit in silence, and obey my words; for I blame not Agamemnon,
the shepherd of the people, for thus exhorting the well-greaved Greeks to fight. Glory shall
attend him, if, indeed, the Greeks shall conquer the Trojans, and take sacred Ilium; but great
grief shall be his, on the other hand, the Greeks being cut off. But come now, and let
us be mindful of impetuous valour."
He spoke, and from his chariot leaped with his arms upon the earth, and dreadfully sounded
the brass on the breast of the prince, as he moved rapidly along: then truly would fear
have seized even a brave spirit. As when on the loud-resounding shore a wave
of the sea is impelled in continuous succession beneath the north-west wind which has set
it in motion; at first indeed it raises itself aloft in the deep, but then dashed against
the land, it roars mightily; and being swollen it rises high around the projecting points,
and spits from it the foam of the sea: thus then the thick phalanxes of the Greeks moved
incessantly on to battle. Each leader commanded his own troops. The rest went in silence (nor
would you have said that so numerous an army followed, having the power of speech in their
***), silently reverencing their leaders. And around them all their arms of various
workmanship shone brightly; clad with which, they proceeded in order. But the Trojans,
as the sheep of a rich man stand countless in the fold, whilst they are milked of their
white milk, continually bleating, having heard the voice of their lambs—thus was the clamour
of the Trojans excited through the wide army. For there was not the same shout of all, nor
the same voice, but their language was mixed, for the men were called from many climes.
These Mars urged on, but those blue-eyed Minerva, and Terror, and Rout, and Strife, insatiably
raging, the sister and attendant of homicide Mars, she raises her head, small indeed at
first, but afterwards she has fixed her head in heaven, and stalks along the earth. Then
also she, going through the crowd, increasing the groaning of the men, cast into the midst
upon them contention alike destruction to all.
But they, when now meeting, they had reached the same place, at once joined their ox-hide
shields, and their spears, and the might of brazen-mailed warriors; and the bossy shields
met one another, and much battle-din arose. There at the same time were heard both the
groans and shouts of men slaying and being slain; and the earth flowed with blood. As
when wintry torrents flowing down from the mountains, mix in a basin the impetuous water
from their great springs in a hollow ravine, and the shepherd in the mountains hears the
distant roar—so arose the shouting and panic of them, mixed together.
Antilochus first killed a Trojan warrior, Echepolus, son of Thalysias, valiant in the
van. Him he first struck on the cone of his horse-plumed helmet, and the brazen point
fixed itself in his forehead, then pierced the bone, and darkness veiled his eyes; and
he fell, like a tower, in fierce conflict. Him fallen, king Elephenor, the offspring
of Chalcodon, chief of the magnanimous Abantes, seized by the feet, and was drawing him beyond
the reach of darts in haste, that with all haste he might despoil him of his armour:
but that attempt was short; for magnanimous Agenor having descried him dragging the body,
wounded him with a brazen spear in the side, which, as he stooped, appeared from beneath
the covert of his shield, and he relaxed his limbs [in death]. His soul therefore left
him. But over him arose a fierce conflict of Trojans and of Greeks. But they like wolves
rushed on each other, and man bore down man. Then Telamonian Ajax smote the blooming youth
Simoïsius, son of Anthemion, whom formerly his mother, descending from Ida, brought forth
on the banks of Simois, when, to wit, she followed her parents to view the flocks; wherefore
they called him Simoïsius. Nor did he repay to his dear parents the price of his early
nurture, for his life was short, he being slain with a spear by magnanimous Ajax. For
him advancing first, he [Ajax] struck on the breast, near the right pap: and the brazen
spear passed out through his shoulder on the opposite side. He fell on the ground in the
dust, like a poplar, winch has sprung up in the moist grass-land of an extensive marsh,—branches
grow smooth, yet upon the very top, which the chariot-maker lops with the shining steel,
that he might bend [it as] a felloe for a beauteous chariot. Drying, it lies indeed
on the banks of the river. So did the high-born Ajax spoil Simoïsius, the descendant of Anthemion.
But at him Antiphus, of the varied corslet, the son of Priam, took aim through the crowd
with a sharp spear. From whom, indeed, it erred: but he struck Leucus, the faithful
companion of Ulysses, in the groin, as he was drawing the body aside; but he fell near
it, and the body dropped from his hand. For him slain, Ulysses was much enraged in mind;
and he rushed through the van, armed in shining brass; and advancing very near, he stood,
and casting his eyes all around him, hurled with his glittering spear. But the Trojans
retired in confusion, as the hero hurled; he did not, however, hurl the spear in vain,
but struck Democoon, the spurious son of Priam, who came from Abydos, from [tending] the swift
mares. Him Ulysses, enraged for his companion, struck with his spear in the temple, and the
brazen point penetrated through the other temple, and darkness veiled his eyes. Falling
he made a crash, and his arms resounded upon him. Both the foremost bands and illustrious
Hector fell back. The Argives shouted aloud, and dragged the bodies away: then they rushed
farther forward; and Apollo was enraged, looking down from Pergamus; and, shouting out, exhorted
the Trojans:
"Arouse ye, ye horse-breaking Trojans, nor yield the battle to the Greeks; since their
flesh is not of stone, nor of iron, that when they are struck, it should withstand the flesh-rending
brass; neither does Achilles, the son of fair-haired Thetis, fight, but at the ships he nourishes
his vexatious spleen." Thus spoke the dreadful god from the city.
But most glorious Tritonian Pallas, the daughter of Jove, going through the host, roused the
Greeks wherever she saw them relaxing. Then fate ensnared Diores, son of Amarynceus;
for he was struck with a jagged hand-stone, at the ankle, on the right leg; but Pirus,
son of Imbrasus, who came from Ænos, the leader of the Thracian warriors, struck him.
The reckless stone entirely crushed both tendons and bones; supine in the dust he fell, stretching
forth both hands to his dear companions, and breathing forth his soul. But Pirus, he who
struck him, ran up, and pierced him in the navel with his spear; and thereupon all his
entrails poured forth upon the ground, and darkness veiled his eyes.
But him Ætolian Thoas struck, rushing on with his spear, in the breast over the pap,
and the brass was fastened in his lungs: Thoas came near to him, and drew the mighty spear
out of his breast; then he unsheathed his sharp sword, and with it smote him in the
midst of the belly, and took away his life. But he did not spoil him of his armour, for
his companions stood round him, the hair-tufted Thracians, holding long spears in their hands,
who drove him from them, though being mighty, and valiant, and glorious; but he, retreating,
Mars from his deeds of slaughter.