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+<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
+are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
+country where you are located before using this eBook.
+</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Iliad</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Homer</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translators: Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf and Ernest Meyers</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February, 2002 [eBook #3059]<br />
+[Most recently updated: October 29, 2019]</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Sandra Stewart and Jim Tinsley</div>
+<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD ***</div>
+
+<h1>The Iliad</h1>
+
+<h2 class="no-break">by Homer</h2>
+
+<h4>Done into English Prose<br/>
+by<br/>
+Andrew Lang, M.A. Walter Leaf, Litt. D.<br/>
+Late fellow of Merton College, Late fellow of Trinity College,<br/>
+Oxford Cambridge<br/>
+and<br/>
+Ernest Meyers, M.A.<br/>
+Late fellow of Wadham College,<br/>
+Oxford</h4>
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#pref01">PREFATORY NOTE.</a><br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap00">THE ILIAD OF HOMER</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap01">BOOK I.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap02">BOOK II.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap03">BOOK III.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap04">BOOK IV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap05">BOOK V.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap06">BOOK VI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap07">BOOK VII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap08">BOOK VIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap09">BOOK IX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap10">BOOK X.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap11">BOOK XI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap12">BOOK XII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap13">BOOK XIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap14">BOOK XIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap15">BOOK XV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap16">BOOK XVI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap17">BOOK XVII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap18">BOOK XVIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap19">BOOK XIX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap20">BOOK XX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap21">BOOK XXI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap22">BOOK XXII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap23">BOOK XXIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap24">BOOK XXIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="pref01"></a>PREFATORY NOTE.</h2>
+
+<p>
+The execution of this version of the <i>Iliad</i> has been entrusted to the
+three Translators in the following three parts:
+</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Books I. — IX. . . . . W. Leaf.<br/>
+Books X. — XVI. . . . . A. Lang.<br/>
+Books XVII. — XXIV. . . . . E. Myers.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Each Translator is therefore responsible for his own portion; but the whole has
+been revised by all three Translators, and the rendering of passages or phrases
+recurring in more than one portion has been determined after deliberation in
+common. Even in these, however, a certain elasticity has been deemed desirable.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On a few doubtful points, though very rarely, the opinion of two of the
+translators has had to be adopted to the suppression of that held by the third.
+Thus, for instance, the Translator of Books X. - XVI. Would have preferred
+“c” and “us” to “k” and “os” in
+the spelling of all proper names.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The text followed has been that of La Roche (Leipzig, 1873), except where the
+adoption of a different reading has been specified in a footnote. Where the
+balance of evidence, external and internal, has seemed to the Translator to be
+against the genuineness of the passage, such passage has been enclosed in
+brackets [].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The Translator of Books X. - XVI. has to thank Mr. R.W. Raper, Fellow of
+Trinity College, Oxford, for his valuable aid in revising the proof-sheets of
+these Books.
+</p>
+
+<h3>NOTE TO REVISED EDITION</h3>
+
+<p>
+In the present Edition the translation has been carefully revised throughout,
+and numerous minor corrections have been made. The Notes at the end of the
+volume have been, with a few exceptions, omitted; one of the Translators hopes
+to publish very shortly a Companion to the Iliad for English readers, which
+will deal fully with most of the points therein referred to.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The use of square brackets has in this edition been restricted to passages
+where there is external evidence, such as absence from the best MSS., for
+believing in interpolation. One or two departures from this Rule are noticed in
+footnotes.
+</p>
+
+<p class="p2">
+<i>November</i> 1891
+</p>
+
+<p class="p2">
+The reader will perhaps also be helped by the following list of the Greek and
+Latin names of the gods and goddesses who play important parts in the
+narrative. When the Greek names are new to him, the corresponding Latin names
+may be more familiar.
+</p>
+
+<table summary="">
+
+<tr>
+<td>Greek</td><td>Latin</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Zeus.</td><td>Jupiter.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Hera.</td><td>Juno.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>(Pallas) Athene.</td><td>Minerva.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Aphrodite.</td><td>Venus.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Poseidon.</td><td>Neptune.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Ares.</td><td>Mars.</td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td>Hephaestus.<br/><br/></td><td>Vulcan.<br/><br/></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+The sacred soil of Ilios is rent<br/>
+With shaft and pit; foiled waters wander slow<br/>
+Through plains where Simois and Scamander went<br/>
+To war with gods and heroes long ago.<br/>
+Not yet to dark Cassandra lying low<br/>
+In rich Mycenae do the Fates relent;<br/>
+The bones of Agamemnon are a show,<br/>
+And ruined is his royal monument.<br/>
+The dust and awful treasures of the dead<br/>
+Hath learning scattered wide; but vainly thee,<br/>
+Homer, she meteth with her Lesbian lead,<br/>
+And strives to rend thy songs, too blind is she<br/>
+To know the crown on thine immortal head<br/>
+Of indivisible supremacy. A.L.<br/><br/>
+</p>
+
+<p class="noindent">
+Athwart the sunrise of our western day<br/>
+The form of great Achilles, high and clear,<br/>
+Stands forth in arms, wielding the Pelian spear.<br/>
+The sanguine tides of that immortal fray,<br/>
+Swept on by gods, around him surge and sway,<br/>
+Wherethrough the helms of many a warrior peer,<br/>
+Strong men and swift, their tossing plumes uprear.<br/>
+But stronger, swifter, goodlier he than they,<br/>
+More awful, more divine. Yet mark anigh;<br/>
+Some fiery pang hath rent his soul within,<br/>
+Some hovering shade his brows encompasseth.<br/>
+What gifts hath Fate for all his chivalry?<br/>
+Even such as hearts heroic oftenest win;<br/>
+Honour, a friend, anguish, untimely death. E.M.<br/>
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap00"></a>THE ILIAD OF HOMER</h2>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap01"></a>BOOK I.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Agamemnon and Achilles fell out at the siege of Troy; and Achilles withdrew
+himself from battle, and won from Zeus a pledge that his wrong should be
+avenged on Agamemnon and the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus’ son, the ruinous wrath that
+brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into Hades many
+strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey to dogs and all
+winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out its accomplishment from
+the day when first strife parted Atreides king of men and noble Achilles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Who among the gods set the twain at strife and variance? Apollo, the son of
+Leto and of Zeus; for he in anger at the king sent a sore plague upon the host,
+so that the folk began to perish, because Atreides had done dishonour to
+Chryses the priest. For the priest had come to the Achaians’ fleet ships
+to win his daughter’s freedom, and brought a ransom beyond telling; and
+bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the Far-darter upon a golden staff; and
+made his prayer unto all the Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of
+Atreus, orderers of the host; “Ye sons of Atreus and all ye well-greaved
+Achaians, now may the gods that dwell in the mansions of Olympus grant you to
+lay waste the city of Priam, and to fare happily homeward; only set ye my dear
+child free, and accept the ransom in reverence to the son of Zeus, far-darting
+Apollo.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and accept
+his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, but he roughly sent him away, and laid stern charge upon him, saying:
+“Let me not find thee, old man, amid the hollow ships, whether tarrying
+now or returning again hereafter, lest the staff and fillet of the god avail
+thee naught. And her will I not set free; nay, ere that shall old age come on
+her in our house, in Argos, far from her native land, where she shall ply the
+loom and serve my couch. But depart, provoke me not, that thou mayest the
+rather go in peace.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the old man was afraid and obeyed his word, and fared silently
+along the shore of the loud-sounding sea. Then went that aged man apart and
+prayed aloud to king Apollo, whom Leto of the fair locks bare: “Hear me,
+god of the silver bow, that standest over Chryse and holy Killa, and rulest
+Tenedos with might, O Smintheus! If ever I built a temple gracious in thine
+eyes, or if ever I burnt to thee fat flesh of thighs of bulls or goats, fulfil
+thou this my desire; let the Danaans pay by thine arrows for my tears.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, and came down from the
+peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow and covered
+quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in wrath, as the god moved;
+and he descended like to night. Then he sate him aloof from the ships, and let
+an arrow fly; and there was heard a dread clanging of the silver bow. First did
+the assail the mules and fleet dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his
+piercing dart, he smote; and the pyres of the dead burnt continually in
+multitude.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for nine days ranged the god’s shafts through the host; but on the
+tenth Achilles summoned the folk to assembly, for in his mind did goddess Hera
+of white arms put the thought, because she had pity on the Danaans when she
+beheld them perishing. Now when they had gathered and were met in assembly,
+then Achilles fleet of foot stood up and spake among them: “Son of
+Atreus, now deem I that we shall return wandering home again—if verily we might
+escape death—if war at once and pestilence must indeed ravage the Achaians. But
+come, let us now inquire of some soothsayer or priest, yea, or an interpreter
+of dreams—seeing that a dream too is of Zeus—who shall say wherefore Phoebus
+Apollo is so wroth, whether he blame us by reason of vow or hecatomb; if
+perchance he would accept the savour of lambs or unblemished goats, and so
+would take away the pestilence from us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up before them Kalchas son of
+Thestor, most excellent far of augurs, who knew both things that were and that
+should be and that had been before, and guided the ships of the Achaians to
+Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo bestowed on him. He of good intent
+made harangue and spake amid them: “Achilles, dear to Zeus, thou biddest
+me tell the wrath of Apollo, the king that smiteth afar. Therefore will I
+speak; but do thou make covenant with me, and swear that verily with all thy
+heart thou wilt aid me both by word and deed. For of a truth I deem that I
+shall provoke one that ruleth all the Argives with might, and whom the Achaians
+obey. For a king is more of might when he is wroth with a meaner man; even
+though for the one day he swallow his anger, yet doth he still keep his
+displeasure thereafter in his breast till he accomplish it. Consider thou,
+then, if thou wilt hold me safe.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and spake to him: “Yea, be of good
+courage, speak whatever soothsaying thou knowest; for by Apollo dear to Zeus,
+him by whose worship thou, O Kalchas, declarest thy soothsaying to the Danaans,
+not even if thou mean Agamemnon, that now avoweth him to be greatest far of the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then was the noble seer of good courage, and spake: “Neither by reason of
+a vow is he displeased, nor for any hecatomb, but for his priest’s sake
+to whom Agamemnon did despite, and set not his daughter free and accepted not
+the ransom; therefore hath the Far-darter brought woes upon us, yea, and will
+bring. Nor will he ever remove the loathly pestilence from the Danaans till we
+have given the bright-eyed damsel to her father, unbought, unransomed, and
+carried a holy hecatomb to Chryse; then might we propitiate him to our
+prayer.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he and sate him down, and there stood up before them the hero son of
+Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, sore displeased; and his dark heart within him
+was greatly filled with anger, and his eyes were like flashing fire. To Kalchas
+first spake he with look of ill: “Thou seer of evil, never yet hast thou
+told me the thing that is pleasant. Evil is ever the joy of thy heart to
+prophesy, but never yet didst thou tell any good matter nor bring to pass. And
+now with soothsaying thou makest harangue among the Danaans, how that the
+Far-darter bringeth woes upon them because, forsooth, I would not take the
+goodly ransom of the damsel Chryseis, seeing I am the rather fain to keep her
+own self within mine house. Yea, I prefer her before Klytaimnestra my wedded
+wife; in no wise is she lacking beside her, neither in favour nor stature, nor
+wit nor skill. Yet for all this will I give her back, if that is better; rather
+would I see my folk whole than perishing. Only make ye me ready a prize of
+honour forthwith, lest I alone of all the Argives be disprized, which thing
+beseemeth not; for ye all behold how my prize is departing from me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him then made answer fleet-footed goodly Achilles: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, of all men most covetous, how shall the great-hearted Achaians give
+thee a meed of honour? We know naught of any wealth of common store, but what
+spoil soe’er we took from captured cities hath been apportioned, and it
+beseemeth not to beg all this back from the folk. Nay, yield thou the damsel to
+the god, and we Achaians will pay thee back threefold and fourfold, if ever
+Zeus grant us to sack some well-walled town of Troy-land.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him lord Agamemnon made answer and said: “Not in this wise, strong as
+thou art, O godlike Achilles, beguile thou me by craft; thou shalt not outwit
+me nor persuade me. Dost thou wish, that thou mayest keep thy meed of honour,
+for me to sit idle in bereavement, and biddest me give her back? Nay, if the
+great-hearted Achaians will give me a meed suited to my mind, that the
+recompense be equal—but if they give it not, then I myself will go and take a
+meed of honour, thine be it or Aias’, or Odysseus’ that I will take
+unto me; wroth shall he be to whomsoever I come. But for this we will take
+counsel hereafter; now let us launch a black ship on the great sea, and gather
+picked oarsmen, and set therein a hecatomb, and embark Chryseis of the fair
+cheeks herself, and let one of our counsellors be captain, Aias or Idomeneus or
+goodly Odysseus, or thou, Peleides, most redoubtable of men, to do sacrifice
+for us and propitiate the Far-darter.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles fleet of foot looked at him scowling and said: “Ah me, thou
+clothed in shamelessness, thou of crafty mind, how shall any Achaian hearken to
+thy bidding with all his heart, be it to go a journey or to fight the foe
+amain? Not by reason of the Trojan spearmen came I hither to fight, for they
+have not wronged me; never did they harry mine oxen nor my horses, nor ever
+waste my harvest in deep-soiled Phthia, the nurse of men; seeing there lieth
+between us long space of shadowy mountains and sounding sea; but thee, thou
+shameless one, followed we hither to make thee glad, by earning recompense at
+the Trojans’ hands for Menelaos and for thee, thou dog-face! All this
+thou threatenest thyself to take my meed of honour, wherefor I travailed much,
+and the sons of the Achaians gave it me. Never win I meed like unto thine, when
+the Achaians sack any populous citadel of Trojan men; my hands bear the brunt
+of furious war, but when the apportioning cometh then is thy meed far ampler,
+and I betake me to the ships with some small thing, yet my own, when I have
+fought to weariness. Now will I depart to Phthia, seeing it is far better to
+return home on my beaked ships; nor am I minded here in dishonour to draw thee
+thy fill of riches and wealth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men made answer to him “yea, flee, if thy soul be
+set thereon. It is not I that beseech thee to tarry for my sake; I have others
+by my side that shall do me honour, and above all Zeus, lord of counsel. Most
+hateful art thou to me of all kings, fosterlings of Zeus; thou ever lovest
+strife and wars and fightings. Though thou be very strong, yet that I ween is a
+gift to thee of God. Go home with thy ships and company and lord it among thy
+Myrmidons; I reck not aught of thee nor care I for thine indignation; and all
+this shall be my threat to thee: seeing Phoebus Apollo bereaveth me of
+Chryseis, her with my ship and my company will I send back; and mine own self
+will I go to thy hut and take Briseis of the fair cheeks, even that thy meed of
+honour, that thou mayest well know how far greater I am than thou, and so shall
+another hereafter abhor to match his words with mine and rival me to my
+face.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and grief came upon Peleus’ son, and his heart within his
+shaggy breast was divided in counsel, whether to draw his keen blade from his
+thigh and set the company aside and so slay Atreides, or to assuage his anger
+and curb his soul. While yet he doubted thereof in heart and soul, and was
+drawing his great sword from his sheath, Athene came to him from heaven, sent
+forth of the white-armed goddess Hera, whose heart loved both alike and had
+care for them. She stood behind Peleus’ son and caught him by his golden
+hair, to him only visible, and of the rest no man beheld her. Then Achilles
+marvelled, and turned him about, and straightway knew Pallas Athene; and
+terribly shone her eyes. He spake to her winged words, and said: “Why now
+art thou come hither, thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? Is it to behold the
+insolence of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Yea, I will tell thee that I deem shall
+even be brought to pass: by his own haughtinesses shall he soon lose his
+life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene spake to him again: “I came from
+heaven to stay thine anger, if perchance thou wilt hearken to me, being sent
+forth if the white-armed goddess Hera, that loveth you twain alike and careth
+for you. Go to now, cease from strife, and let not thine hand draw the sword;
+yet with words indeed revile him, even as it shall come to pass. For thus will
+I say to thee, and so it shall be fulfilled; hereafter shall goodly gifts come
+to thee, yea in threefold measure, by reason of this despite; hold thou thine
+hand, and hearken to us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to her: “Goddess, needs
+must a man observe the saying of you twain, even though he be very wroth at
+heart; for so is the better way. Whosoever obeyeth the gods, to him they gladly
+hearken.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and thrust the great
+Sword back into the sheath, and was not disobedient to the saying of Athene;
+and she forthwith was departed to Olympus, to the other gods in the palace of
+aegis-bearing Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son spake again with bitter words to Atreus’ son, and
+in no wise ceased from anger: “Thou heavy with wine, thou with face of
+dog and heart of deer, never didst thou take courage to arm for battle among
+thy folk or to lay ambush with the princes of the Achaians; that to thee were
+even as death. Far better booteth it, for sooth, to seize for thyself the meed
+of honour of every man through the wide host of the Achaians that speaketh
+contrary to thee. Folk-devouring king! seeing thou rulest men of naught; else
+were this despite, thou son of Atreus, thy last. But I will speak my word to
+thee, and swear a mighty oath therewith: verily by this staff that shall no
+more put forth leaf or twig, seeing it hath for ever left its trunk among the
+hills, neither shall it grow green again, because the axe hath stripped it of
+leaves and bark; and now the sons of the Achaians that exercise judgment bear
+it in their hands, even they that by Zeus’ command watch over the
+traditions—so shall this be a mighty oath in thine eyes—verily shall longing
+for Achilles come hereafter upon the sons of the Achaians one and all; and then
+wilt thou in no wise avail to save them, for all thy grief, when multitudes
+fall dying before manslaying Hector. Then shalt thou tear thy heart within thee
+for anger that thou didst in no wise honour the best of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said Peleides and dashed to earth the staff studded with golden nails, and
+himself sat down; and over against him Atreides waxed furious. Then in their
+midst rose up Nestor, pleasant of speech, the clear-voiced orator of the
+Pylians, he from whose tongue flowed discourse sweeter than honey. Two
+generations of mortal men already had he seen perish, that had been of old time
+born and nurtured with him in goodly Pylos, and he was king among the third. He
+of good intent made harangue to them and said: “Alas, of a truth sore
+lamentation cometh upon the land of Achaia. Verily Priam would be glad and
+Priam’s sons, and all the Trojans would have great joy of heart, were
+they to hear all this tale of strife between you twain that are chiefest of the
+Danaans in counsel and chiefest in battle. Nay, hearken to me; ye are younger
+both than I. Of old days held I converse with better men even than you, and
+never did they make light of me. Yea, I never beheld such warriors, nor shall
+behold, as were Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of the host and Kaineus and
+Exadios and godlike Polyphemos [and Theseus son of Aigeus, like to the
+Immortals]. Mightiest of growth were they of all men upon the earth; mightiest
+they were and with the mightiest fought they, even the wild tribes of the
+Mountain caves, and destroyed them utterly. And with these held I converse,
+being come from Pylos, from a distant land afar; for of themselves they
+summoned me. So I played my part in fight; and with them could none of men that
+are now on earth do battle. And they laid to heart my counsels and hearkened to
+my voice. Even so hearken ye also, for better is it to hearken. Neither do
+thou, though thou art very great, seize from him his damsel, but leave her as
+she was given at the first by the sons of the Achaians to be a meed of honour;
+nor do thou, son of Peleus, think to strive with a king, might against might;
+seeing that no common honour pertaineth to a sceptred king to whom Zeus
+apportioneth glory. Though thou be strong, and a goddess mother bare thee, yet
+his is the greater place, for he is king over more. And thou, Atreides, abate
+thy fury; nay, it is even I that beseech thee to let go thine anger with
+Achilles, who is made unto all the Achaians a mighty bulwark of evil
+war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon answered and said: “Yea verily, old man, all this
+thou sayest is according unto right. But this fellow would be above all others,
+he would be lord of all and king among all and captain to all; wherein I deem
+none will hearken to him. Though the immortal gods made him a spearman, do they
+therefore put revilings in his mouth for him to utter?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then goodly Achilles brake in on him and answered: “Yea, for I should be
+called coward and man of naught, if I yield to thee in every matter,
+howsoe’er thou bid. To others give now thine orders, not to me [play
+master; for thee I deem that I shall no more obey]. This, moreover, will I say
+to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart. Know that not by violence will I
+strive for the damsel’s sake, neither with thee nor any other; ye gave
+and ye have taken away. But of all else that is mine beside my fleet black
+ship, thereof shalt thou not take anything or bear it away against my will.
+Yea, go to now, make trial, that all these may see; forthwith thy dark blood
+shall gush about my spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the twain had thus finished the battle of violent words, they stood up
+and dissolved the assembly beside the Achaian ships. Peleides went his way to
+his huts and trim ships with Menoitios’ son [Patroklos] and his company;
+and Atreides launched a fleet ship on the sea, and picked twenty oarsmen
+therefor, and embarked the hecatomb for the god, and brought Chryseis of the
+fair cheeks and set her therein; and Odysseus of many devices went to be their
+captain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these embarked and sailed over the wet ways; and Atreides bade the folk
+purify themselves. So they purified themselves, and cast the defilements into
+the sea and did sacrifice to Apollo, even unblemished hecatombs of bulls and
+goats, along the shore of the unvintaged sea; and the sweet savour arose to
+heaven eddying amid the smoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus were they busied throughout the host; but Agamemnon ceased not from the
+strife wherewith he threatened Achilles at the first; he spake to Talthybios
+and Eurybates that were his heralds and nimble squires: “Go ye to the
+tent of Achilles Peleus’ son, and take Briseis of the fair cheeks by the
+hand and lead her hither; and if he give her not, then will I myself go, and
+more with me, and seize her; and that will be yet more grievous for him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sent them forth, and laid stern charge upon them. Unwillingly went
+they along the beach of the unvintaged sea, and came to the huts and ships of
+the Myrmidons. Him found they sitting beside his hut and black ship; nor when
+he saw them was Achilles glad. So they in dread and reverence of the king
+stood, and spake to him no word, nor questioned him. But he knew in his heart,
+and spake to them: “All hail, ye heralds, messengers of Zeus and men,
+come near; ye are not guilty in my sight, but Agamemnon that sent you for the
+sake of the damsel Briseis. Go now, heaven-sprung Patroklos, bring forth the
+damsel, and give them her to lead away. Moreover, let the twain themselves be
+my witnesses before the face of the blessed gods and mortal men, yea and of
+him, that king untoward, against the day when there cometh need of me hereafter
+to save them all from shameful wreck. Of a truth he raveth with baleful mind,
+and hath not knowledge to look before and after, that so his Achaians might
+battle in safety beside their ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade, and led forth from the
+hut Briseis of the fair cheeks, and gave them her to lead away. So these twain
+took their way back along the Achaians’ ships, and with them went the
+woman all unwilling. Then Achilles wept anon, and sat him down apart, aloof
+from his comrades on the beach of the grey sea, gazing across the boundless
+main; he stretched forth his hands and prayed instantly to his dear mother:
+“Mother, seeing thou didst of a truth bear me to so brief span of life,
+honour at the least ought the Olympian to have granted me, even Zeus that
+thundereth on high; but now doth he not honour me, no, not one whit. Verily
+Atreus’ son, wide-ruling Agamemnon, hath done me dishonour; for he hath
+taken away my meed of honour and keepeth her of his own violent deed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he weeping, and his lady mother heard him as she sate in the
+sea-depths beside her aged sire. With speed arose she from the grey sea, like a
+mist, and sate her before the face of her weeping son, and stroked him with her
+hand, and spake and called on his name: “My child, why weepest thou? What
+sorrow hath entered into they heart? Speak it forth, hide it not in thy mind,
+that both may know it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with heavy moan Achilles fleet of foot spake to her: “Thou knowest
+it; why should I tell this to thee that knowest all! We had fared to Thebe, the
+holy city of Eetion, and laid it waste and carried hither all the spoils. So
+the sons of the Achaians divided among them all aright; and for Atreides they
+set apart Chryseis of the fair cheeks. But Chryses, priest of Apollo the
+Far-darter, came unto the fleet ships of the mail-clad Achaians to win his
+daughter’s freedom, and brought a ransom beyond telling, and bare in his
+hands the fillet of Apollo the Far-darter upon a golden staff, and made his
+prayer unto all the Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus,
+orderers of the host. Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence
+the priest and accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away and laid stern charge
+upon him. So the old man went back in anger; and Apollo heard his prayers,
+seeing he loved him greatly, and he aimed against the Argives his deadly darts.
+So the people began to perish in multitudes, and the god’s shafts ranged
+everywhither throughout the wide host of the Achaians. Then of full knowledge
+the seer declared to us the oracle of the Far-darter. Forthwith I first bade
+propitiate the god; but wrath gat hold upon Atreus’ son thereat, and anon
+he stood up and spake a threatening word, that hath now been accomplished. Her
+the glancing-eyed Achaians are bringing on their fleet ship to Chryse, and bear
+with them offerings to the king; and the other but now the heralds went and
+took from my hut, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons of the Achaians
+gave me. Thou therefore, if indeed thou canst, guard thine own son; betake thee
+to Olympus and beseech Zeus by any word whereby thou ever didst make glad his
+heart. For oft have I heard thee proclaiming in my father’s halls and
+telling that thou alone amid the immortals didst save the son of Kronos, lord
+of the storm-cloud, from shameful wreck, when all the other Olympians would
+have bound him, even Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then didst thou, O
+goddess, enter in and loose him from his bonds, having with speed summoned to
+high Olympus him of the hundred arms whom gods call Briareus, but all men call
+Aigaion; for he is mightier even than his father—so he sate him by
+Kroniol’s side rejoicing in his triumph, and the blessed gods feared him
+withal and bound not Zeus. This bring thou to his remembrance and sit by him
+and clasp his knees, if perchance he will give succour to the Trojans; and for
+the Achaians, hem them among their ships’ sterns about the bay, given
+over to slaughter; that they may make trial of their king, and that even
+Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may perceive his blindness, in that he
+honoured not at all the best of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis weeping made answer to him: “Ah me, my child, why reared I
+thee, cursed in my motherhood? Would thou hadst been left tearless and
+griefless amid the ships, seeing thy lot is very brief and endureth no long
+while; but now art thou made short-lived alike and lamentable beyond all men;
+in an evil hour I bare thee in our halls. But I will go myself to snow-clad
+Olympus to tell this thy saying to Zeus, whose joy is in the thunder, [perhaps
+rather, “hurler of the thunderbolt.”] if perchance he may hearken
+to me. But tarry thou now amid thy fleet-faring ships, and continue wroth with
+the Achaians, and refrain utterly from battle: for Zeus went yesterday to
+Okeanos, unto the noble Ethiopians for a feast, and all the gods followed with
+him; but on the twelfth day will he return to Olympus, and then will I fare to
+Zeus’ palace of the bronze threshold, and will kneel to him and think to
+win him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she went her way and left him there, vexed in spirit for the
+fair-girdled womal’s sake, whom they had taken perforce despite his will:
+and meanwhile Odysseus came to Chryse with the holy hecatomb. When they were
+now entered within the deep haven, they furled their sails and laid them in the
+black ship, and lowered the mast by the forestays and brought it to the crutch
+with speed, and rowed her with oars to the anchorage. Then they cast out the
+mooring stones and made fast the hawsers, and so themselves went forth on to
+the sea-beach, and forth they brought the hecatomb for the Far-darter Apollo,
+and forth came Chryseis withal from the seafaring ship. Then Odysseus of many
+counsels brought her to the altar and gave her into her father’s arms,
+and spake unto him: “Chryses, Agamemnon king of men sent me hither to
+bring thee thy daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the
+Danaans’ behalf, wherewith to propitiate the king that hath now brought
+sorrow and lamentation on the Argives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he gave her to his arms, and he gladly took his dear child; and anon
+they set in order for the god the holy hecatomb about his well-builded altar;
+next washed they their hands and took up the barley meal. Then Chryses lifted
+up his hands and prayed aloud for them: “Hearken to me, god of the silver
+bow that standest over Chryse and holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might;
+even as erst thou heardest my prayer, and didst me honour, and mightily
+afflictest the people of the Achaians, even so now fulfil me this my desire:
+remove thou from the Danaans forthwith the loathly pestilence.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Now when they had prayed
+and sprinkled the barley meal, first they drew back the victims’ heads
+and slaughtered them and flayed them, and cut slices from the thighs and
+wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw collops thereon, and
+the old man burnt them on cleft wood and made libation over them of gleaming
+wine; and at his side the young men in their hands held five-pronged forks. Now
+when the thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all
+the rest and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and drew
+all off again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the
+banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair banquet.
+But when they had put away from them the desire of meat and drink, the young
+men crowned the bowls with wine, and gave each man his portion after the
+drink-offering had been poured into the cups. So all day long worshipped they
+the god with music, singing the beautiful paean, the sons of the Achaians
+making music to the Far-darter [or, “the Averter” (of pestilence)];
+and his heart was glad to hear. And when the sun went down and darkness came on
+them, they laid them to sleep beside the ship’s hawsers; and when
+rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, the child of morning, then set they sail for the
+wide camp of the Achaians; and Apollo the Far-darter sent them a favouring
+gale. They set up their mast and spread the white sails forth, and the wind
+filled the sail’s belly and the dark wave sang loud about the stem as the
+ship made way, and she sped across the wave, accomplishing her journey. So when
+they were now come to the wide camp of the Achaians, they drew up their black
+ship to land high upon the sands, and set in line the long props beneath her;
+and themselves were scattered amid their huts and ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But he sat by his swift-faring ships, still wroth, even the heaven-sprung son
+of Peleus, Achilles fleet of foot; he betook him neither to the assembly that
+is the hero’s glory, neither to war, but consumed his heart in tarrying
+in his place, and yearned for the war-cry and for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the twelfth morn thereafter was come, then the gods that are for ever
+fared to Olympus all in company, led of Zeus. And Thetis forgat not her
+sol’s charge, but rose up from the sea-wave, and at early morn mounted up
+to great heaven and Olympus. There found she Kronos’ son of the
+far-sounding voice sitting apart from all on the topmost peak of many-ridged
+Olympus. So she sat before his face and with her left hand clasped his knees,
+and with her right touched him beneath his chin, and spake in prayer to king
+Zeus son of Kronos: “Father Zeus, if ever I gave thee aid amid the
+immortal gods, whether by word or deed, fulfil thou this my desire: do honour
+to my son, that is doomed to earliest death of all men: now hath Agamemnon king
+of men done him dishonour, for he hath taken away his meed of honour and
+keepeth her of his own violent deed. But honour thou him, Zeus of Olympus, lord
+of counsel; grant thou victory to the Trojans the while until the Achaians do
+my son honour and exalt him with recompense.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she; but Zeus the cloud-gatherer said no word to her, and sat long
+time in silence. But even as Thetis had clasped his knees, so held she by him
+clinging, and questioned him yet a second time: “Promise me now this
+thing verily, and bow thy head thereto; or else deny me, seeing there is naught
+for thee to fear; that I may know full well how I among all gods am least in
+honour.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer, sore troubled, spake to her: “Verily it is
+a sorry matter, if thou wilt set me at variance with Hera, whene’er she
+provoketh me with taunting words. Even now she upbraideth me ever amid the
+immortal gods, and saith that I aid the Trojans in battle. But do thou now
+depart again, lest Hera mark aught; and I will take thought for these things to
+fulfil them. Come now, I will bow my head to thee, that thou mayest be of good
+courage; for that, of my part, is the surest token amid the immortals; no word
+of mine is revocable nor false nor unfulfilled when the bowing of my head hath
+pledged it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Kronion spake, and bowed his dark brow, and the ambrosial locks waved from the
+king’s immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the twain took counsel and parted; she leapt therewith into the deep sea
+from glittering Olympus, and Zeus fared to his own palace. All the gods in
+company arose from their seats before their father’s face; neither
+ventured any to await his coming, but stood up all before him. So he sate him
+there upon his throne; but Hera saw, and was not ignorant how that the daughter
+of the Ancient of the sea, Thetis the silver-footed, had devised counsel with
+him. Anon with taunting words spake she to Zeus the son of Kronos: “Now
+who among the gods, thou crafty of mind, hath devised counsel with thee? It is
+ever thy good pleasure to hold aloof from me and in secret meditation to give
+thy judgments, nor of thine own good will hast thou ever brought thyself to
+declare unto me the thing thou purposest.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the father of gods and men made answer her: “Hera, think not thou to
+know all my sayings; hard they are for thee, even though thou art my wife. But
+whichsoever it is seemly for thee to hear, none sooner than thou shall know, be
+he god or man. Only when I will to take thought aloof from the gods, then do
+not thou ask of every matter nor make question.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen made answer to him. “Most dread son of
+Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? Yea, surely of old I have not asked
+thee nor made question, but in my heart sore afraid lest thou have been won
+over by silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the Ancient of the sea, for she at
+early morn sat by thee and clasped thy knees. To her I deem thou gavest a sure
+pledge that thou wilt do honour to Achilles, and lay many low beside the
+Achaians’ ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To her made answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer: “Lady, Good lack! ever art
+thou imagining, nor can I escape thee; yet shalt thou in no wise have power to
+fulfil, but wilt be the further from my heart; that shall be even the worse for
+thee. And if it be so, then such must my good pleasure be. Abide thou in
+silence and hearken to my bidding, lest all the gods that are in Olympus keep
+not off from thee my visitation, when I put forth my hands unapproachable
+against thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Hera the ox-eyed queen was afraid, and sat in silence, curbing her
+heart; but throughout Zeus’ palace the gods of heaven were troubled. Then
+Hephaistos the famed craftsman began to make harangue among them, to do
+kindness to his mother, white-armed Hera: “Verily this will be a sorry
+matter, neither any more endurable, if ye twain thus fight for mortals’
+sakes, and bring wrangling among the gods; neither will there any more be joy
+of the goodly feast, seeing that evil triumpheth. So I give counsel to my
+mother, though herself is wise, to do kindness to our dear father Zeus, that
+our father upbraid us not again and cast the banquet in confusion. What if the
+Olympian, the lord of the lightning, will to dash us from our seats! for he is
+strongest far. Nay, approach thou him with gentle words, then will the Olympian
+forthwith be gracious unto us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he rose up and sat in his dear mother’s hand the twy-handled
+cup, and spake to her: “Be of good courage, mother mine, and endure,
+though thou art vexed, lest I behold thee, thou art so dear, chastised before
+mine eyes, and then shall I not be able for all my sorrow to save thee; for the
+Olympian is a hard foe to face. Yea, once ere this, when I was fain to save
+thee, he caught me by my foot and hurled me from the heavenly threshold; all
+day I flew, and at the set of sun I fell in Lemnos, and little life was in me.
+There did the Sintian folk forthwith tend me for my fall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled, and smiling took the cup at
+her sol’s hand. Then he poured wine to all the other gods from right to
+left, ladling the sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter unquenchable arose
+amid the blessed gods to see Hephaistos bustling through the palace.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So feasted they all day till the setting of the sun; nor was their soul aught
+stinted of the fair banquet, nor of the beauteous lyre that Apollo held, and
+the Muses singing alternately with sweet voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the bright light of the sun was set, these went each to his own house
+to sleep, where each one had his palace made with cunning device by famed
+Hephaistos the lame god; and Zeus the Olympian, the lord of lightning, departed
+to his couch where he was wont of old to take his rest, whenever sweet sleep
+visited him. There went he up and slept, and beside him was Hera of the golden
+throne.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap02"></a>BOOK II.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Zeus beguiled Agamemnon by a dream; and of the assembly of the Achaians and
+their marching forth to battle. And of the names and numbers of the hosts of
+the Achaians and the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and chariot-driving men slept all night long, only Zeus was
+not holden of sweet sleep; rather was he pondering in his heart how he should
+do honour to Achilles and destroy many beside the Achaians’ ships. And
+this design seemed to his mind the best, to wit, to send a baneful dream upon
+Agamemnon son of Atreus. So he spake, and uttered to him winged words:
+“Come now, thou baneful Dream, go to the Achaians’ fleet ships,
+enter into the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus, and tell him every word plainly
+as I charge thee. Bid him call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all
+speed, for that now he may take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the
+immortals that dwell in the halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel,
+since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans
+sorrows hang.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Dream went his way when he had heard the charge. With
+speed he came to the Achaians’ fleet ships, and went to Agamemnon son of
+Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and ambrosial slumber poured over
+him. So he stood over his head in seeming like unto the son of Neleus, even
+Nestor, whom most of all the elders Agamemnon honoured; in his likeness spake
+to him the heavenly Dream:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
+through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted
+and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me, for I am a
+messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee
+and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all
+speed, for that now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For
+the immortals that dwell in the halls of Olympus are no longer divided in
+counsel, since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over
+the Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy
+heart, not let forgetfulness come upon thee when honeyed sleep shall leave
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the Dream, and departed and left him there, deeming in his mind things
+that were not to be fulfilled. For indeed he thought to take Priam’s city
+that very day; fond man, in that he knew not the plans that Zeus had in mind,
+who was willed to bring yet more grief and wailing on Trojans alike and Danaans
+throughout the course of stubborn fights. Then woke he from sleep, and the
+heavenly voice was in his ears. So he rose up sitting, and donned his soft
+tunic, fair and bright, and cast around him his great cloak, and beneath his
+glistering feet he bound his fair sandals, and over his shoulders cast his
+silver-studded sword, and grasped his sires’ sceptre, imperishable for
+ever, wherewith he took his way amid the mail-clad Achaians’ ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now went the goddess Dawn to high Olympus, foretelling daylight to Zeus and all
+the immortals; and the king bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to the
+assembly the flowing-haired Achaians. So did those summon, and these gathered
+with speed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But first the council of the great-hearted elders met beside the ship of king
+Nestor the Pylos-born. And he that had assembled them framed his cunning
+counsel: “Hearken, my friends. A dream from heaven came to me in my sleep
+through the ambrosial night, and chiefly to goodly Nestor was very like in
+shape and bulk and stature. And it stood over my head and charged me saying:
+‘Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
+through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted
+and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me, for I am a
+messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee
+and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all
+speed, for that now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For
+the immortals that dwell in the palaces of Olympus are no longer divided in
+counsel, since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over
+the Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy
+heart.’ So spake the dream and was flown away, and sweet sleep left me.
+So come, let us now call to arms as we may the sons of the Achaians. But first
+I will speak to make trial of them as is fitting, and bid them flee with their
+benched ships; only do ye from this side and from that speak to hold them
+back.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them Nestor, who was
+king of sandy Pylos. He of good intent made harangue to them and said:
+“My friends, captains and rulers of the Argives, had any other of the
+Achaians told us this dream we might deem it a false thing, and rather turn
+away therefrom; but now he hath seen it who of all Achaians avoweth himself far
+greatest. So come, let us call to arms as we may the sons of the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led the way forth from the council, and all the other sceptred
+chiefs rose with him and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and the people
+hastened to them. Even as when the tribes of thronging bees issue from the
+hollow rock, ever in fresh procession, and fly clustering among the flowers of
+spring, and some on this hand and some on that fly thick; even so from ships
+and huts before the low beach marched forth their many tribes by companies to
+the place of assembly. And in their midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of
+Zeus, urging them to go; and so they gathered. And the place of assemblage was
+in an uproar, and the earth echoed again as the hosts sate them down, and there
+was turmoil. Nine heralds restrained them with shouting, if perchance they
+might refrain from clamour, and hearken to their kings, the fosterlings of
+Zeus. And hardly at the last would the people sit, and keep them to their
+benches and cease from noise. Then stood up lord Agamemnon bearing his sceptre,
+that Hephaistos had wrought curiously. Hephaistos gave it to king Zeus son of
+Kronos, and then Zeus gave it to the messenger-god the slayer of Argus [Or,
+possibly, “the swift-appearing”]; and king Hermes gave it to Pelops
+the charioteer, and Pelops again gave it to Atreus shepherd of the host. And
+Atreus dying left it to Thyestes rich in flocks, and Thyestes in his turn left
+it to Agamemnon to bear, that over many islands and all Argos he should be
+lord. Thereon he leaned and spake his saying to the Argives:
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“My friends, Danaan warriors, men of Ares’ company, Zeus
+Kronos’ son hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of soul; hard
+of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised me and pledged his nod that not
+till I had wasted well-walled Ilios should I return; but now see I that he
+planned a cruel wile and biddeth me return to Argos dishonoured, with the loss
+of many of my folk. So meseems it pleaseth most mighty Zeus, who hath laid low
+the head of many a city, yea, and shall lay low; for his is highest power.
+Shame is this even for them that come after to hear; how so goodly and great a
+folk of the Achaians thus vainly warred a bootless war, and fought scantier
+enemies, and no end thereof is yet seen. For if perchance we were minded, both
+Achaians and Trojans, to swear a solemn truce, and to number ourselves, and if
+the Trojans should gather together all that have their dwellings in the city,
+and we Achaians should marshal ourselves by tens, and every company choose a
+Trojan to pour their wine, then would many tens lack a cup-bearer: so much, I
+say, do the sons of the Achaians outnumber the Trojans that dwell within the
+city. But allies from many cities, even warriors that wield the spear, are
+therein, and they hinder me perforce, and for all my will suffer me not to
+waste the populous citadel of Ilios. Already have nine years of great Zeus
+passed away, and our ships’ timbers have rotted and the tackling is
+loosed; while there our wives and little children sit in our halls awaiting us;
+yet is our task utterly unaccomplished wherefor we came hither. So come, even
+as I bid let us all obey. Let us flee with our ships to our dear native land;
+for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and stirred the spirit in the breasts of all throughout the
+multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the assembly swayed like
+high sea-waves of the Icarian Main that east wind and south wind raise, rushing
+upon them from the clouds of father Zeus; and even as when the west wind cometh
+to stir a deep cornfield with violent blast, and the ears bow down, so was all
+the assembly stirred, and they with shouting hasted toward the ships; and the
+dust from beneath their feet rose and stood on high. And they bade each man his
+neighbor to seize the ships and drag them into the bright salt sea, and cleared
+out the launching-ways, and the noise went up to heaven of their hurrying
+homewards; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Argives have accomplished their return against the will of fate,
+but that Hera spake a word to Athene: “Out on it, daughter of
+aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Shall the Argives thus indeed flee
+homeward to their dear native land over the sea’s broad back? But they
+would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos, for
+whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far away from his dear native
+land. But go thou now amid the host of the mail-clad Achaians; with thy gentle
+words refrain thou every man, neither suffer them to draw their curved ships
+down to the salt sea.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not; but went
+darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came with speed to the fleet ships
+of the Achaians. There found she Odysseus standing, peer of Zeus in counsel,
+neither laid he any hand upon his decked black ship, because grief had entered
+into his heart and soul. And bright-eyed Athene stood by him and said:
+“Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many devices, will ye indeed
+fling yourselves upon your benched ships to flee homeward to your dear native
+land? But ye would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
+Argos, for whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far from his dear
+native land. But go thou now amid the host of the Achaians, and tarry not; and
+with gentle words refrain every man, neither suffer them to draw their curved
+ships down to the salt sea.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and he knew the voice of the goddess speaking to him, and set him
+to run, and cast away his mantle, the which his herald gathered up, even
+Eurybated of Ithaca, that waited on him. And himself he went to meet Agamemnon
+son of Atreus, and at his hand received the sceptre of his sires, imperishable
+for ever, wherewith he took his way amid the ships of the mail-clad Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Whenever he found one that was a captain and a man of mark, he stood by his
+side, and refrained him with gentle words: “Good sir, it is not seemly to
+affright thee like a coward, but do thou sit thyself and make all thy folk sit
+down. For thou knowest not yet clearly what is the purpose of Atreus’
+son; now is he but making trial, and soon he will afflict the sons of the
+Achaians. And heard we not all of us what he spake in the council? Beware lest
+in his anger he evilly entreat the sons of the Achaians. For proud is the soul
+of heaven-fostered kings; because their honour is of Zeus, and the god of
+counsel loveth them.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whatever man of the people he saw and found him shouting, him he drave with
+his sceptre and chode him with loud words: “Good sir, sit still and
+hearken to the words of others that are thy betters; but thou art no warrior,
+and a weakling, never reckoned whether in battle or in council. In no wise can
+we Achaians all be kings here. A multitude of masters is no good thing; let
+there be one master, one king, to whom the son of crooked-counselling Kronos
+hath granted it, [even the sceptre and judgments, that he may rule among
+you”].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So masterfully ranged he the host; and they hasted back to the assembly from
+ships and huts, with noise as when a wave of loud-sounding sea roareth on the
+long beach and the main resoundeth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all the rest sat down and kept their place upon the benches, only Thersites
+still chattered on, the uncontrolled speech, whose mind was full of words many
+and disorderly, wherewith to strive against the chiefs idly and in no good
+order, but even as he deemed that he should make the Argives laugh. And he was
+ill-favored beyond all men that came to Ilios. Bandy-legged was he, and lame of
+one foot, and his two shoulders rounded, arched down upon his chest; and over
+them his head was warped, and a scanty stubble sprouted on it. Hateful was he
+to Achilles above all and to Odysseus, for them he was wont to revile. But now
+with shrill shout he poured forth his upbraidings upon goodly Agamemnon. With
+him the Achaians were sore vexed and had indignation in their souls. But he
+with loud shout spake and reviled Agamemnon: “Atreides, for what art thou
+now ill content and lacking? Surely thy huts are full of bronze and many women
+are in they huts, the chosen spoils that we Achaians give thee first of all,
+whene’er we take a town. Can it be that thou yet wantest gold as well,
+such as some one of the horse-taming Trojans may bring from Ilios to ransom his
+son, whom I perchance or some other Achaian have led captive; or else some
+young girl, to know in love, whom thou mayest keep apart to thyself? But it is
+not seemly for one that is their captain to bring the sons of the Achaians to
+ill. Soft fools, base things of shame, ye women of Achaia and men no more, let
+us depart home with our ships, and leave this fellow here in Troy-land to gorge
+him with meeds of honour, that he may see whether our aid avail him aught or
+no; even he that hath now done dishonour to Achilles, a far better man than he;
+for he hath taken away his meed of honour and keepeth it by his own violent
+deed. Of a very surety is there no wrath at all in Achilles’ mind, but he
+is slack; else this despite, thou son of Atreus, were thy last.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Thersites, reviling Agamemnon shepherd of the host. But goodly
+Odysseus came straight to his side, and looking sternly at him with hard words
+rebuked him: “Thersites, reckless in words, shrill orator though thou
+art, refrain thyself, nor aim to strive singly against kings. For I deem that
+no mortal is baser than thou of all that with the sons of Atreus came before
+Ilios. Therefore were it well that thou shouldest not have kings in thy mouth
+as thou talkest, and utter revilings against them and be on the watch for
+departure. We know not yet clearly how these things shall be, whether we sons
+of the Achaians shall return for good or ill. Therefore now dost thou revile
+continually Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd of the host, because the Danaan
+warriors give him many gifts, and so thou talkest tauntingly. But I will tell
+thee plain, and that I say shall even be brought to pass: if I find thee again
+raving as now thou art, then may Odysseus’ head no longer abide upon his
+shoulders, nor may I any more be called father of Telemachos, if I take thee
+not and strip from thee thy garments, thy mantle and tunic that cover thy
+nakedness, and for thyself send thee weeping to the fleet ships, and beat thee
+out of the assembly with shameful blows.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and with his staff smote his back and shoulders: and he bowed down
+and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal stood up from his back beneath
+the golden sceptre. Then he sat down and was amazed, and in pain with helpless
+look wiped away the tear. But the rest, though they were sotty, laughed lightly
+at him, and thus would one speak looking at another standing by: “Go to,
+of a truth Odysseus hath wrought good deeds without number ere now, standing
+foremost in wise counsels and setting battle in array, but now is this thing
+the best by far that he hath wrought among the Argives, to wit, that he hath
+stayed this prating railer from his harangues. Never again, forsooth, will his
+proud soul henceforth bid him revile the kings with slanderous words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said the common sort; but up rose Odysseus waster of cities, with sceptre in
+his hand. And by his side bright-eyed Athene in the likeness of a herald bade
+the multitude keep silence, that the sons of the Achaians, both the nearest and
+the farthest, might hear his words together and give heed to his counsel. He of
+good intent made harangue to them and said: “Atreides, now surely are the
+Achaians for making thee, O king, most despised among all mortal men, nor will
+they fulfil the promise that they pledged thee when they still were marching
+hither from horse-pasturing Argos; that thou shouldest not return till thou
+hadst laid well-walled Ilios waste. For like young children or widow women do
+they wail each to the other of returning home. Yea, here is toil to make a man
+depart disheartened. For he that stayeth away but one single month far from his
+wife in his benched ship fretteth himself when winter storms and the furious
+sea imprison him; but for us, the ninth year of our stay here is upon us in its
+course. Therefore do I not marvel that the Achaians should fret beside their
+beaked ships; yet nevertheless is it shameful to wait long and to depart empty.
+Be of good heart, my friends, and wait a while, until we learn whether Kalchas
+be a true prophet or no. For this thing verily we know well in our hearts, and
+ye all are witnesses thereof, even as many as the fates of death have not borne
+away. It was as it were but yesterday or the day before that the
+Achaians’ ships were gathering in Aulis, freighted with trouble for Priam
+and the Trojans; and we round about a spring were offering on the holy altars
+unblemished hecatombs to the immortals, beneath a fair plane-tree whence flowed
+bright water, when there was seen a great portent: a snake blood-red on the
+back, terrible, whom the god of Olympus himself had sent forth to the light of
+day, sprang from beneath the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now there were
+there the brood of a sparrow, tender little ones, upon the topmost branch,
+nestling beneath the leaves; eight were they and the mother of the little ones
+was the ninth, and the snake swallowed these cheeping pitifully. And the mother
+fluttered around wailing for her dear little ones; but he coiled himself and
+caught her by the wing as she screamed about him. Now when he had swallowed the
+sparrow’s little ones and the mother with them, the god who revealed him
+made of him a sign; for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos turned him to
+stone, and we stood by and marvelled to see what was done. So when the dread
+portent brake in upon the hecatombs of the gods, then did Kalchas forthwith
+prophesy, and said: ‘Why hold ye your peace, ye flowing-haired Achaians?
+To us hath Zeus the counsellor shown this great sign, late come, of late
+fulfilment, the fame whereof shall never perish. Even as he swallowed the
+sparrow’s little ones and herself, the eight wherewith the mother that
+bare the little ones was the ninth, so shall we war there so many years, but in
+the tenth year shall we take the wide-wayed city.’ So spake the seer; and
+now are all these things being fulfilled. So come, abide ye all, ye
+well-greaved Achaians, even where ye are, until we have taken the great city of
+Priam.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round the ships echoed
+terribly to the voice of the Achaians as they praised the saying of god-like
+Odysseus. And then spake among them knightly Nestor of Gerenia: “Out on
+it; in very truth ye hold assembly like silly boys that have no care for deeds
+of war. What shall come of our covenants and our oaths? Let all counsels be
+cast into the fire and all devices of warriors and the pure drink-offerings and
+the right hands of fellowship wherein we trusted. For we are vainly striving
+with words nor can we find any device at all, for all our long tarrying here.
+Son of Atreus, do thou still, as erst, keep steadfast purpose and lead the
+Argives amid the violent fray; and for these, let them perish, the one or two
+Achaians that take secret counsel—to depart to Argos first, before they know
+whether the promise of aegis-bearing Zeus be a lie or no. Yea, for I say that
+most mighty Kronion pledged us his word that day when the Argives embarked upon
+their fleet ships, bearing unto the Trojans death and fate; for by his
+lightning upon our right he manifested signs of good. Therefore let
+Trojal’s wife and paid back his strivings and groans for Helel’s
+sake. But if any man is overmuch desirous to depart homewards, let him lay his
+hand upon his decked black ship, that before all men he may encounter death and
+fate. But do thou, my king, take good counsel thyself, and whate’er it
+be, shall not be cast away. Separate thy warriors by tribes and by clans,
+Agamemnon, that clan may give aid to clan and tribe to tribe. If thou do thus
+and the Achaians hearken to thee, then wilt thou know who among thy captains
+and who of the common sort is a coward, and who too is brave; for they will
+fight each after their sort. So wilt thou know whether it is even by divine
+command that thou shalt not take the city, or by the baseness of thy warriors
+and their ill skill in battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And lord Agamemnon answered and said to him: “Verily hast thou again
+outdone the sons of the Achaians in speech, old man. Ah, father Zeus and Athene
+and Apollo, would that among the Achaians I had ten such councillors; then
+would the city of king Priam soon bow beneath our hands, captive and wasted.
+But aegis-bearing Zeus, the son of Kronos, hath brought sorrows upon me, in
+that he casteth my lot amid fruitless wranglings and strifes. For in truth I
+and Achilles fought about a damsel with violent words, and I was first to be
+angry; but if we can only be at one in council, then will there no more be any
+putting off the day of evil for the Trojans, no not for an instant. But now go
+ye to your meal that we may join battle. Let each man sharpen well his spear
+and bestow well his shield, and let him well give his fleet-footed steeds their
+meal, and look well to his chariot on every side and take thought for battle,
+that all day long we may contend in hateful war. For of respite shall there
+intervene no, not a whit, only that the coming of night shall part the fury of
+warriors. On each mal’s breast shall the baldrick of his covering shield
+be wet with sweat, and his hand shall grow faint about the spear, and each
+mal’s horse shall sweat as he draweth the polished chariot. And
+whomsoever I perceive minded to tarry far from the fight beside the beaked
+ships, for him shall there be no hope hereafter to escape the dogs and birds of
+prey.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, like to a wave on a steep shore,
+when the south wind cometh and stirreth it; even on a jutting rock, that is
+never left at peace by the waves of all winds that rise from this side and from
+that. And they did sacrifice each man to one of the everlasting gods, praying
+for escape from death and the tumult of battle. But Agamemnon king of men slew
+a fat bull of five years to most mighty Kronion, and called the elders, the
+princes of the Achaian host, Nestor first and king Idomeneus, and then the two
+Aiantes and Tydeus’ son, and sixthly Odysseus peer of Zeus in counsel.
+And Menelaos of the loud war-cry came to him unbidden, for he knew in his heart
+how his brother toiled. Then stood they around the bull and took the
+barley-meal. And Agamemnon made his prayer in their midst and said:
+“Zeus, most glorious, most great, god of the storm-cloud, that dwellest
+in the heaven, vouchsafe that the sun set not upon us nor the darkness come
+near, till I have laid low upon the earth Priam’s palace smirched with
+smoke, and burnt the doorways thereof with consuming fire, and rent on
+Hector’s breast his doublet cleft with the blade; and about him may full
+many of his comrades prone in the dust bite the earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but not as yet would Kronion grant him fulfilment; he accepted the
+sacrifice, but made toil to wax increasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had prayed and sprinkled the barley-meal they first drew back the
+bull’s head and cut his throat and flayed him, and cut slices from the
+thigh’s and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw
+collops thereon. And these they burnt on cleft wood stript of leaves, and
+spitted the vitals and held them over Hephaistos’ flame. Now when the
+thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest
+and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off
+again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the banquet, they
+feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when they
+had put away from them the desire of meat and drink, then did knightly Nestor
+of Gerenia open his saying to them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon
+king of men, let us not any more hold long converse here, nor for long delay
+the work that god putteth in our hands; but come, let the heralds of the
+mail-clad Achaians make proclamation to the folk and gather them throughout the
+ships; and let us go thus in concert through the wide host of the Achaians,
+that the speedier we may arouse keen war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and Agamemnon king of men disregarded not. Straightway he bade the
+clear-voiced heralds summon to battle the flowing-haired Achaians. So those
+summoned and these gathered with all speed. And the kings, the fosterlings of
+Zeus that were about Atreus’ son, eagerly marshalled them, and
+bright-eyed Athene in the midst, bearing the holy aegis that knoweth neither
+age nor death, whereon wave an hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven
+and each one an hundred oxen worth. Therewith she passed dazzling through the
+Achaian folk, urging them forth; and in every mal’s heart she roused
+strength to battle without ceasing and to fight. So was war made sweeter to
+them than to depart in their hollow ships to their dear native land. Even as
+ravaging fire kindleth a boundless forest on a mountail’s peaks, and the
+blaze is seen from afar, even so as they marched went the dazzling gleam from
+the innumerable bronze through the sky even unto the heavens.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as the many tribes of feathered birds, wild geese or cranes or long-necked
+swans, on the Asian mead by Kaystrios’ stream, fly hither and thither
+joying in their plumage, and with loud cries settle ever onwards, and the mead
+resounds; even so poured forth the many tribes of warriors from ships and huts
+into the Skamandrian plain. And the earth echoed terribly beneath the tread of
+men and horses. So stood they in the flowery Skamandrian plain, unnumbered as
+are leaves and flowers in their season. Even as the many tribes of thick flies
+that hover about a herdsmal’s steading in the spring season, when milk
+drencheth the pails, even in like number stood the flowing-haired Achaians upon
+the plain in face of the Trojans, eager to rend them asunder. And even as the
+goatherds easily divide the ranging flocks of goats when they mingle in the
+pasture, so did their captains marshal them on this side and that, to enter
+into the fray, and in their midst lord Agamemnon, his head and eyes like unto
+Zeus whose joy is in the thunder, and his waist like unto Ares and his breast
+unto Poseidon. Even as a bull standeth out far foremost amid the herd, for his
+is pre-eminent amid the pasturing kine, even such did Zeus make Atreides on
+that day, pre-eminent among many and chief amid heroes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus—seeing that ye are
+goddesses and are at hand and know all things, but we hear only a rumour and
+know not anything—who were the captains of the Danaans and their lords. But the
+common sort could I not number nor name, nay, not if ten tongues were mine and
+ten mouths, and a voice unwearied, and my heart of bronze within me, did not
+the Muses of Olympus, daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus, put into my mind all
+that came to Ilios. So will I tell the captains of the ships and all the ships
+in order.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Of the Boiotians Peneleos and Leitos were captains, and Arkesilaos and
+Prothoenor and Klonios; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis and
+Schoinos and Skolos and Eteonos full of ridges, Thespeia and Graia and
+Mykalessos with wide lawns; and that dwelt about Harma and Eilesion and
+Erythrai, and they that possessed Eleon and Peteon and Hyle, Okalea and the
+stablished fortress of Medeon, Kopai and Eutresis and Thisbe haunt of doves;
+and they of Koroneia and grassy Haliartos, and that possessed Plataia and that
+dwelt in Glisas, and that possessed the stablished fortress of lesser Thebes
+and holy Onchestos, Poseidol’s bright grove; and that possessed Arne rich
+in vineyards, and Mideia and sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the furthest borders.
+Of these there came fifty ships, and in each one embarked young men of the
+Boiotians an hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenos
+of the Minyai were led of Askalaphos and Ialmenos, sons of Ares, whom Astyoche
+conceived of the mighty god in the palace of Aktor son of Azeus, having entered
+her upper chamber, a stately maiden; for mighty Ares lay with her privily. And
+with them sailed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Phokians were led of Schedios and Epistrophos, sons of great-hearted
+Iphitos son of Naubolos; these were they that possessed Kyparissos and rocky
+Pytho and sacred Krisa and Daulis and Panopeus, and they that dwelt about
+Anemoreia and Hyampolis, yea, and they that lived by the goodly river Kephisos
+and possessed Lilaia by Kephisos’ springs. And with them followed thirty
+black ships. So they marshalled the ranks of the Phokians diligently, and had
+their station hard by the Boiotians on the left.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Lokrians the fleet son of Oileus was captain, Aias the less, that
+was not so great as was the Telamonian Aias but far less. Small was he, with
+linen corslet, but with the spear he far outdid all the Hellenes and Achaians.
+These were they that dwelt in Kynos and Opus and Kalliaros and Bessa and
+Skarphe and lovely Augeiai and Tarphe and Thronion, about the streams of
+Boagrios. And with Aias followed forty black ships of the Lokrians that dwell
+over against holy Euboia.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Abantes breathing fury, they that possessed Euboia and Chalkis and
+Eiretria and Histiaia rich in vines, and Kerinthos by the sea and the steep
+fortress of Dios and they that possessed Karytos, and they that dwelt in Styra,
+all these again were led of Elephenor of the stock of Ares, even the son of
+Chalkodon, and captain of the proud Abantes. And with him followed the fleet
+Abantes with hair flowing behind, spearmen eager with ashen shafts outstretched
+to tear the corslets on the breasts of the foes. And with him forty black ships
+followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that possessed the goodly citadel of Athens, the domain of Erechtheus
+the high-hearted, whom erst Athene daughter of Zeus fostered when Earth, the
+grain-giver, brought him to birth;—and she gave him a resting-place in Athens
+in her own rich sanctuary; and there the sons of the Athenians worship him with
+bulls and rams as the years turn in their courses—these again were led of
+Menestheus son of Peteos. And there was no man upon the face of earth that was
+like him for the marshalling of horsemen and warriors that bear the shield.
+Only Nestor rivalled him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him rivalled
+him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him fifty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias led twelve ships from Salamis, [and brought them and set them where
+the battalions of the Athenians stood.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that possessed Argos and Tiryns of the great walls, Hermione and Asine
+that enfold the deep gulf, Troizen and Eionai and Epidauros full of vines, and
+the youths of the Achaians that possessed Aigina and Mases, these were led of
+Diomedes of the loud war-cary and Sthenelos, dear son of famous Kapaneus. And
+the third with them came Euryalos, a godlike warrior, the son of king Mekisteus
+son of Talaos. But Diomedes of the loud war-cry was lord over all. And with
+them eighty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed the stablished fortress of Mykene and wealthy
+Corinth and stablished Kleonai, and dwelt in Orneiai and lovely Araithyrea and
+Sikyon, wherein Adrestos was king at the first; and of them that possessed
+Hyperesie and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, and dwelt about Aigion and through
+all the coast-land and about broad Helike, of them did lord Agamemnon son of
+Atreus lead an hundred ships. With him followed most and goodliest folk by far;
+and in their midst himself was clad in flashing bronze, all glorious, and was
+pre-eminent amid all warriors, because he was goodliest and led folk far
+greatest in number.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Lakedaimon lying low amid the rifted hills, and
+Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and dwelt in Bryseiai and
+lovely Augeiai, and of them too that possessed Amyklai and the sea-coast
+fortress of Helos, and that possessed Laas and dwelt about Oitylos, of these
+was the king’s brother leader, even Menelaos of the loud war-cry, leader
+of sixty ships, and these were arrayed apart. And himself marched among them
+confident in his zeal, urging his men to battle: and his heart most of all was
+set to take vengeance for his strivings and groans for Helel’s sake [Or,
+“for Helel’s searchings of heart and groans.”].
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryon the fording-place
+of Alpheios, and in established Aipy, and were inhabitants of Kyparisseis and
+Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helos and Dorion—where the Muses met Thamyris the
+Thracian, and made an end of his singing, as he was faring from Oichalia, from
+Eurytos the Oichalian; for he averred with boasting that he would conquer, even
+did the Muses themselves sing against him, the daughters of aegis-bearing Zeus;
+but they in their anger maimed him, moreover they took from him the high gift
+of song and made him to forget his harping—of all these was knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia leader, and with him sailed ninety hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Arkadia beneath the steep mountain of Kyllene,
+beside the tomb of Aipytos, where are warriors that fight hand to hand; and of
+them that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenos abounding in flocks, and Rhipe and
+Stratie and windy Enispe, and that possessed Tegea and lovely Mantineia, and
+possessed Stymphelos and dwelt in Parhasie, of these was Ankaios’ son
+lord Agapenor leader, even of sixty ships; and in each ship embarked many
+Arkadian warriors skilled in fight. For Agamemnon king of men himself gave them
+benched ships wherewith to cross the wine-dark sea, even he the son of Atreus;
+for matters of seafaring concerned them not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they too that inhabited Bouprasion and goodly Elis, so much thereof as
+Hyrmine and Myrsinos upon the borders and the Olenian rock and Aleision bound
+between them, of these men there were four captains, and ten swift ships
+followed each one, and many Epeians embarked thereon. So some were led of
+Amphimachos and Thalpios, of the lineage of Aktor, sons one of Kteatos and one
+of Eurytos; and of some was stalwart Diores captain, son of Amarynkes; and of
+the fourth company godlike Polyxeinos was captain, son of king Agasthenes
+Augeias’ son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And them of Doulichion and the holy Echinean Isles that stand beyond the sea
+over against Elis, even these did Meges lead, the peer of Ares, Phyleides to
+wit, for he was begotten of knightly Phyleus dear to Zeus, him that erst
+changed his habitation to Doulichion for anger against his father. And with him
+followed forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Odysseus led the great-hearted Kephallenians, them that possessed Ithaka
+and Neriton with quivering leafage, and dwelt in Krokyleia and rugged Aigilips,
+and them that possessed Zakynthos and that dwelt in Samos, and possessed the
+mainland and dwelt in the parts over against the isles. Them did Odysseus lead,
+the peer of Zeus in counsel, and with him followed twelve ships with vermillion
+prow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Aitolians Thoas was captain, the son of Andraimon, even of them that
+dwelt in Pleuron and Olenos and Pylene, and Chalkis on the sea-shore and rocky
+Kalydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oineus were no more, neither did he
+still live, and golden-haired Meleagros was dead, to whose hands all had been
+committed, for him to be king of the Aitolians. And with Thoas there followed
+forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of the Cretans Idomeneus the famous spearman was leader, even of them that
+possessed Knosos and Gortys of the great walls, Lyktos and Miletos and chalky
+Lykastos and Phaistos and Rhytion, stablished cities all; and of all others
+that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. Of these men was Idomeneus the
+famous spearman leader, and Meriones peer of the man-slaying war-god. With
+these followed eighty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Tlepolemmos, Herakles’ son goodly and tall, led from Rhodes nine
+ships of the lordly Rhodians, that dwelt in Rhodes in threefold ordering, in
+Lindos and Ialysos and chalky Kameiros. These were led of Tlepolemos the famous
+spearman, that was born to great Herakles by Astyocheia, whom he had brought
+away from Ephyre by the river Selleeis, when he laid waste many cities of
+strong men, fosterlings of Zeus. Now when Tlepolemos had grown to manhood
+within the strong palace walls, anon he slew his own father’s dear uncle,
+an old man now, Likymnios of the stock of Ares. Then with speed built he ships
+and gathered much folk together, and went fleeing across the deep, because the
+other sons and grandsons of great Herakles threatened him. So he came to Rhodes
+a wanderer, enduring hardships, and his folk settled by kinship in three
+tribes, and were loved of Zeus that is king among gods and men; and Kronion
+poured upon them exceeding great wealth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nireus, moreover, led three trim ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaia and king
+Charopos, Nireus the most beauteous man that came up under Ilios of all the
+Danaans, after the noble son of Peleus. Howbeit he was a weakling, and a scanty
+host followed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Nisyros and Krapathos and Kasos and Kos the
+</p>
+
+<p>
+city of Eurypylos, and the Kalydnian Isles, of them Pheidippos and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Antiphos were leaders, the two sons of king Thessalos son of Herakles.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all moreover that dwelt in the Pelasgian Argos and inhabited Alos and Alope
+and Trachis and possessed Phthia and Hellas the home of fair women, and were
+called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaians; of all these, even fifty ships,
+Achilles was captain. But these took no thought of noisy war; for there was no
+man to array them in line of battle. For fleet-footed goodly Achilles lay idle
+amid the ships, wroth for the sake of a damsel, Briseis of the lovely hair,
+whom he had won from Lyrnessos and the walls of Thebe, and overthrew Mynes and
+Epistrophos, warriors that bare the spear, sons of king Euenos Selepos’
+son. For her sake lay Achilles sorrowing; but soon was he to arise again.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Phylake and flowery Pyrasos, Demeter’s
+sanctuary, and Iton mother of flocks, and Antron by the sea-shore and Pteleos
+couched in grass, of all these was warlike Protesilaos leader while yet he
+lived; but now ere this the black earth held him fast. His wife with marred
+visage was left alone in Phylake, yea, and his bridal chamber half builded; for
+a Dardanian warrior slew him as he leapt from his ship far first of the
+Achaians. Yet neither were his men leaderless, though they sorrowed for their
+leader; for Podarkes of the stock of Ares marshalled them, son of
+Phylakos’ son Iphiklos was he, the lord of many flocks, own brother of
+great-hearted Protesilaos, and younger-born than he: but the other was alike
+the elder and the braver, even Protesilaos, that mighty man of war. Yet did not
+the host lack at all a leader, only they yearned for the noble dead. With him
+followed forty black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Pherai by the Boibeian mere, in Boibe and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Glaphyre and stablished Iolkos, of them, even eleven ships, Admetos’
+</p>
+
+<p>
+dear son was leader, Eumelos whom Alkestis, fair among women, bare to
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Admetos, she that was most beauteous to look upon of the daughters of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pelias.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Methone and Thaumakie, and possessed Meliboia and
+rugged Olizon, of these, even seven ships, was Philoktetes leader, the cunning
+archer; and in each ship sailed fifty oarsmen skilled to fight amain with the
+bow. But their captain lay enduring sore pain in the isle of goodly Lemnos,
+where the sons of the Achaians left him sick of a grievous wound from a deadly
+water-snake. There lay he pining; yet were the Argives soon to bethink them
+beside their ships of king Philoktetes. Yet neither were his men leaderless,
+only they sorrowed for their leader; but Medon marshalled them, Oileus’
+bastard son, whom Rhene bare to Oileus waster of cities.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Trikke and terraced ithome and that possessed
+Oichalia city of Eurytos the Oichalian, of these again Asklepios’ two
+sons were leaders, the cunning leeches Podaleirios and Machaon. And with them
+were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Ormenios and the fountain of Hypereia, and possessed
+Asterion and the white crests of Titanos, of these was Eurypylos leader,
+Euaimol’s glorious son; and with him, forty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Argissa and dwelt in Gyrtona, Orthe and Elone and
+the white city of Olooson, of these was captain unflinching Polypoites, son of
+Peirithoos that immortal Zeus begat: and Polypoites did famed Hippodameia
+conceive of Peirithoos on that day when he took vengeance of the shaggy wild
+folk, and thrust them forth from Pelion and drave them to the Aithikes. And
+Polypoites ruled not alone, but with him was Leonteus of the stock of Ares, son
+of high-hearted Koronos Kaineus’ son. And with them forty black ships
+followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Gouneus from Kyphos led two-and-twenty ships, and with him followed the
+Enienes and unflinching Peraibians that had pitched their homes about wintry
+Dodona, and dwelt on the tilth about lovely Titaresios that poureth his
+fair-flowing stream into Peneios. Yet doth he not mingle with the silver eddies
+of Peneios, but floweth on over him like unto oil, seeing that he is an
+offspring from the water of Styx, the dread river of the oath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Magnetes were led of Prothoos son of Tenthredon, even they that dwelt
+about Peneios and Pelion with trembling leafage. These did fleet Prothoos lead,
+and with him forty black ships followed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains. Now tell me, O
+Muse, who among them was first and foremost, of warriors alike and horses that
+followed the sons of Atreus. Of horses they of Pheres’ son were far
+goodliest, those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds, like of coat, like of age,
+matched to the measure of a levelling line across their backs. These were
+reared in Peraia by Apollo of the silver bow, two mares carrying onward the
+terror of battle. But of warriors far best was the Telamonian Aias, while the
+wrath of Achilles yet endured; for he was greatest of all, he and his horses
+that bore him, even Peleus’ noble son. But he lay idle among his
+seafaring ships, in sore wrath against Agamemnon Atreus’ son, shepherd of
+the host; and his folk along the sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting
+of javelins and archery; and the horses each beside his own chariot stood idle,
+champing clover and parsley of the marsh, and their lords’ chariots lay
+well covered up within the huts, while the men yearned for their warrior chief,
+and wandered hither and thither through the camp and fought not.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire; and the
+earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is in the thunder,
+when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country of the Arimoi, where
+men say is Typhoeus’ couch. Even so groaned the earth aloud at their
+tread as they went: and with speed advanced they across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans, a messenger from
+aegis-bearing Zeus, with a grievous message. These were holding assembly at
+Priam’s gate, being gathered all together both young men and old. And
+fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them; and she made her voice like
+to the voice of Polites son of Priam, who was the sentinel of the Trojans and
+was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness upon the barrow of Aisyetes of old,
+and on the top thereof wait the sallying of the Achaians forth from their
+ships. Even in his likeness did fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam: “Old
+man, words beyond number are still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of
+peace; but war without respite is upon us. Of a truth have I very oft ere now
+entered into battles of the warriors, yet have I never seen so goodly a host
+and so great; for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the sands
+of the sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the city. But
+Hector, thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall say. Seeing that the
+allies are very many throughout Priam’s great city, and diverse men,
+being scattered abroad, have diverse tongues; therefore let each one give the
+word to those whose chieftain he is, and them let him lead forth and have the
+ordering of his countrymen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess, and
+straightway dismissed the assembly, and they rushed to arms. And the gates were
+thrown open wide, and the host issued forth, footmen and horsemen, and mighty
+din arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain, with a
+clear way about it on this side and on that; and men indeed call this
+“Batieia,” but the immortals call it “The tomb of lithe
+Myrine.” There did the Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader, the son of
+Priam; with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were arrayed, eager
+warriors of the spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises, Aineias, whom
+bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida, a goddess wedded
+to a mortal. Neither was he alone; with him were Antenor’s two sons,
+Archelochos and Akamas, well skilled in all the ways of war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida, the men of
+substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos, even the Troes; of these
+Lykaol’s glorious son was leader, Pandaros, to whom Apollo himself gave
+the bow.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and possessed
+Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia, of these Adrestos was captain, and
+Amphios of the linen corslet, the two sons of Merops of Perkote, that beyond
+all men knew soothsaying, and would have hindered his children marching to
+murderous war. But they gave him no heed, for the fates of black death led them
+on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and Abydos
+and bright Arisbe, these were led of Hyrtakos’ son Asios, a prince of
+men, Asios son of Hyrtakos, whom his tall sorrel steeds brought from Arisbe,
+from the river Selleeis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears,
+</p>
+
+<p>
+them that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Pylaios of the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Teutamos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos, even all they that the
+strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in. And Euphemos was captain of the
+Kikonian spearmen, the son of Troizenos Keos’ son, fosterling of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows, from far away in Amydon,
+from the broad stream of Axios, Axios whose water is the fairest that floweth
+over the face of the earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of the
+Eneti, whence is the breed of wild mules. This folk were they that possessed
+Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon, and inhabited their famed dwellings round the
+river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty Erythini.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Alizones were led of Odios and Epistrophos, from far away in
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Alybe, where is the birthplace of silver.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur, yet with all his
+auguries warded he not black fate from him, but was vanguished by the hand of
+fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, when he made havoc of the Trojans there and
+of the rest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania, and these
+were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos, Talaimenes’
+two sons, whose mother was the Gygaian mere. So these led the Maionians, whose
+birthplace was under Tmolos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Nastes led the Karians, uncouth of speech, that possessed Miletos and the
+mountain of Phthires, of leafage numberless, and the streams of Maiandros and
+the steep crest of Mykale. These were led of Amphimachos and Nastes: Nastes and
+Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion. And he came, forsooth, to battle
+with golden attire like a girl—fond man: that held not back in any wise
+grievous destruction, but he was vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed
+Aiakides in the river, and wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sarpedon and blameless Glaukos led the Lykians from far away in
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lykia by eddying Xanthos.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap03"></a>BOOK III.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat; and Aphrodite rescued Paris.
+And how Helen and Priam beheld the Achaian host from the walls of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were arrayed, each company with their captains, the Trojans
+marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds, even as when there
+goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from the coming of winter
+and sudden rain, and fly with clamour towards the streams of ocean, bearing
+slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men, and in early morn offer cruel battle. But
+on the other side marched the Achaians in silence breathing courage, eager at
+heart to give succour man to man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a mountain, mist
+unwelcome to the shepherd, but to the robber better than night, and a man can
+see no further than he casteth a stone; even so thick arose the gathering
+dust-clouds at their tread as they went; and with all speed they advanced
+across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other, godlike Alexandros
+played champion to the Trojans, wearing upon his shoulders panther-skin and
+curved bow and sword; and he brandished two bronze-headed spears and challenged
+all the chieftains of the Argives to fight him man to man in deadly combat. But
+when Menelaos dear to Ares marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude
+with long strides, then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great
+carcase, a horned stag, or a wild goat that he hath found, being an hungered;
+and so he devoureth it amain, even though the fleet hounds and lusty youths set
+upon him; even thus was Menelaos glad when his eyes beheld godlike Alexandros;
+for he thought to take vengeance upon the sinner. So straightway he leap in his
+armour from his chariot to the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions, his heart was
+smitten, and he shrank back into the host of his comrades, avoiding death. And
+even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a mountain glade starteth backward
+and trembling seizeth his feet beneath him, and he retreateth back again, and
+paleness hath hold of his cheeks, even so did godlike Alexandros for fear of
+Atreus’ son shrink back into the throng of lordly Trojans. But Hector
+beheld and upbraided him with scornful words: “Ill Paris, most fair in
+semblance, thou deceiver woman-mad, would thou hadst been unborn and died
+unwed. Yea, that were my desire, and it were far better than thus to be our
+shame and looked at askance of all men. I ween that the flowing-haired Achaians
+laugh, deeming that a prince is our champion only because a goodly favour is
+his; but in his heart is there no strength nor any courage. Art thou indeed
+such an one that in thy seafaring ships thou didst sail over the deep with the
+company of thy trusty comrades, and in converse with strangers didst bring back
+a fair woman from a far country, one that was by marriage daughter to warriors
+that bear the spear, that she might be a sore mischief to they father and city
+and all the realm, but to our foes a rejoicing, and to thyself a hanging of the
+head? And canst thou not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares? Thou mightest see
+what sort of warrior is he whose lovely wife thou hast. Thy lyre will not avail
+thee nor the gifts of Aphrodite, those thy locks and fair favour, when thou
+grovellest in the dust. But the Trojans are very cowards: else ere this hadst
+thou donned a robe of stone [i.e., been stoned by the people] for all the ill
+thou hast wrought.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again: “Hector, since in
+measure thou chidest me and not beyond measure—they heart is ever keen, even as
+an axe that pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a ship’s
+timber with skill, and thereby is the mal’s blow strengthened; even such
+is thy heart undaunted in thy breast. Cast not in my teeth the lovely gifts of
+golden Aphrodite; not to be flung aside are the gods’ glorious gifts that
+of their own good will they give; for by his desire can no man win them. But
+now if thou wilt have me do battle and fight, make the other Trojans sit down
+and all the Achaians, and set ye me in the midst, and Menelaos dear to Ares, to
+fight for Helen and all her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the
+upper hand, let him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them
+home. And let the rest pledge friendship and sure oaths; so may ye dwell in
+deep-soiled Troy, and let them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses, and
+Achaia home of fair women.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went into the
+midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans, with his spear grasped by
+the middle; and they all sate them down. But the flowing-haired Achaians kept
+shooting at him, aiming with arrows and casting stones. But Agamemnon king of
+men cried aloud: “Refrain, ye Argives; shoot not, ye sons of the
+Achaians; for Hector of the glancing helm hath set himself to say
+somewhat.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily. And
+Hector spake between the two hosts, “Hear of me, Trojans and well-greaved
+Achaians, the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife hath come about. He
+biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to lay down their goodly armour
+on the bounteous earth, and himself in the midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to
+fight alone for Helen and all her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and
+gain the upper hand, let him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and
+bear them home; but let all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they all kept silence and were still. Then in their midst
+spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry: “Hearken ye now to me, too; for into
+my heart most of all is grief entered; and I deem that the parting of Argives
+and Trojans hath come at last; seeing ye have endured many ills because of my
+quarrel and the first sin of Alexandros. And for whichsoever of us death and
+fate are prepared, let him lie dead: and be ye all parted with speed. Bring ye
+two lambs, one white ram and one black ewe, for earth and sun; and let us bring
+one for Zeus. And call hither great Priam, that he may pledge the oath himself,
+seeing he hath sons that are overweening and faithless, lest any by
+transgression do violence to the oath of Zeus; for young mel’s hearts are
+ever lifted up. But wheresoever an old man entereth in, he looketh both before
+and after, whereby the best issue shall come for either side.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Achaians and Trojans were glad, deeming that they should have
+rest from grievous war. So they refrained their chariots to the ranks, and
+themselves alighted and doffed their arms. And these they laid upon the earth
+each close to each, and there was but small space between. And Hector sent two
+heralds to the city will all speed, to bring the lambs, and to call Priam. And
+lord Agamemnon sent forth Talthybios to go to the hollow ships, and bade him
+bring a ram; and he was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of her
+husband’s sister, the spouse of Antenor’s son, even her that lord
+Helikaon Antenor’s son had to wife, Laodike fairest favoured of
+Priam’s daughters. And in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple
+web of double fold, and embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming
+Trojans and mail-clad Achaians, that they had endured for her sake at the hands
+of Ares. So fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said: “Come hither,
+dear sister, that thou mayest see the wondrous doings of horse-taming Trojans
+and mail-clad Achaians. They that erst waged tearful war upon each other in the
+plain, eager for deadly battle, even they sit now in silence, and the tall
+spears are planted by their sides. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares
+will fight with their tall spears for thee; and thou wilt be declared the dear
+wife of him that conquereth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the goddess, and put into her heart sweet longing for her former
+husband and her city and parents.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen, and hastened from her chamber,
+letting fall a round tear; not unattended, for there followed with her two
+handmaidens, Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed Klymene. Then came she
+straightway to the place of the Skaian gates. And they that were with Priam and
+Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of
+Ares, Oukalegon withal and Antenor, twain sages, being elders of the people,
+sat at the Skaian gates. These had now ceased from battle for old age, yet were
+they right good orators, like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree and
+utter their lily-like [supposed to mean “delicate” or
+“tender”] voice; even so sat the elders of the Trojans upon the
+tower. Now when they saw Helen coming to the tower they softly spake winged
+words one to the other: “Small blame is it that Trojans and well-greaved
+Achaians should for such a woman long time suffer hardships; marvellously like
+is she to the immortal goddesses to look upon. Yet even so, though she be so
+goodly, let her go upon their ships and not stay to vex us and our children
+after us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they, and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen: “Come
+hither, dear child, and sit before me, that thou mayest see thy former husband
+and they kinsfolk and thy friends. I hold thee not to blame; nay, I hold the
+gods to blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the Achaians—so mayest thou
+now tell me who is this huge hero, this Achaian warrior so goodly and great. Of
+a truth there are others even taller by a head; yet mine eyes never behold a
+man so beautiful nor so royal; for he is like unto one that is a king.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helen, fair among women, spake and answered him: “Reverend art thou
+to me and dread, dear father of my lord; would that sore death had been my
+pleasure when I followed thy son hither, and left my home and my kinsfolk and
+my daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine age-fellows. But
+that was not so, wherefore I pine with weeping. Now will I tell thee that
+whereof thou askest me and enquirest. This is Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon,
+one that is both a goodly king and mighty spearman. And he was my
+husband’s brother to me, ah shameless me; if ever such an one there
+was.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the old man marvelled at him, and said: “Ah, happy
+Atreides, child of fortune, blest of heaven; now know I that many sons of the
+Achaians are subject to thee. Erewhile fared I to Phrygia, the land of vines,
+and there saw I that the men of Phrygia, they of the nimble steeds, were very
+many, even the hosts of Otreus and godlike Mygdon, that were then encamped
+along the banks of Sangarios. For I too being their ally was numbered among
+them on the day that the Amazons came, the peers of men. Yet were not even they
+so many as are the glancing-eyed Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: “Come now, tell me of this
+man too, dear child, who is he, shorter by a head than Agamemnon son of Atreus,
+but broader of shoulder and of chest to behold? His armour lieth upon the
+bounteous earth, and himself like a bell-wether rangeth the ranks of warriors.
+Yea, I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram ordering a great flock of ewes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him: “Now this is Laertes’
+son, crafty Odysseus, that was reared in the realm of Ithaka, rugged though it
+be, and skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then sage Antenor made answer to her: “Lady, verily the thing thou sayest
+is true indeed, for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an embassage for
+thee, in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares; and I gave them entertainment
+and welcomed them in my halls, and learnt the aspect of both and their wise
+devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans in the assembly, while all
+stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the measure of his broad shoulders;
+but when both sat down, Odysseus was the more stately. And when they began to
+weave the web of words and counsel in the face of all, then Menelaos harangued
+fluently, in few words, but very clearly, seeing he was not long of speech,
+neither random, though in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus full
+of wiles rose up, he stood and looked down, with eyes fixed upon the ground,
+and waved not his staff whether backwards or forwards, but held it stiff, like
+to a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be churlish, and naught but
+a fool. But when he uttered his great voice from his chest, and words like unto
+the snowflakes of winter, then could no mortal man contend with Odysseus; then
+marvelled we not thus to behold Odysseus’ aspect.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: “Who then is this other
+Achaian warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the measure
+of his head and broad shoulders?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: “This is huge Aias,
+bulwark of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans standeth
+Idomeneus like a god, and about him are gathered the captains of the Cretans.
+Oft did Menelaos dear to Ares entertain him in our house whene’er he came
+from Crete. And now behold I all the other glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I
+could discern and tell their names; but two captains of the host can I not see,
+even Kastor tamer of horses and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own
+brethren, whom the same mother bare. Either they came not in the company from
+lovely Lakedaimon; or they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but now
+will not enter into the battle of the warriors, for fear of the many scornings
+and revilings that are mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Lakedaimon, in their dear native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy oath-offerings,
+two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the earth, in a goat-skin
+bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining bowl and golden cups; and came
+to the old man and summoned him and said: “Rise, thou son of Laomedon.
+The chieftains of the horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians call on thee
+to go down into the plain, that ye may pledge a trusty oath. But Alexandros and
+Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their long spears for the lady’s
+sake; and let lady and treasure go with him that shall conquer. And may we that
+are left pledge friendship and trusty oaths and dwell in deep-soiled Troy, and
+they shall depart to Argos pasture-land of horses and Achaia home of fair
+women.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the old man shuddered and base his companions yoke the horses;
+and they with speed obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back the reins, and by
+his side Antenor mounted the splendid chariot. So the two drave the fleet
+horses through the Skaian gates to the plain. And when they had come even to
+the Trojans and Achaians, they went down from the chariots upon the bounteous
+earth, and marched into the midst of Trojans and Achaians. Then forthwith rose
+up Agamemnon king of men, and up rose Odysseus the man of wiles; and the lordly
+heralds gathered together the holy oath-offerings of the gods, and mingled the
+wine in a bowl, and poured water over the princes’ hands. And Atreides
+put forth his hand and drew his knife that hung ever beside his sword’s
+great sheath, and cut the hair from off the lambs’ heads; and then the
+heralds portioned it among the chief of the Trojans and Achaians. Then in their
+midst Atreus’ son lifted up his hands and prayed aloud: “Father
+Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great, and thou Sun that seest
+all things and hearest all things, and ye Rivers and thou Earth, and ye that in
+the underworld punish men outworn, whosoever sweareth falsely; be ye witnesses,
+and watch over the faithful oath. If Alexandros slay Menelaos, then let him
+have Helen to himself and all her possessions; and we will depart on our
+seafaring ships. But if golden-haired Menelaos slay Alexandros, then let the
+Trojans give back Helen and all her possessions and pay the Argives the
+recompense that is seemly, such as shall live among men that shall be
+hereafter. But if so be that Priam and Priam’s sons will not pay the
+recompense unto me when Alexandros falleth, then will I fight on thereafter for
+the price of sin, and abide here till I compass the end of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and cut the lambs’ throats with the pitiless knife. Them he
+laid gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had taken their
+strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the bowl into the cups,
+and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that live for ever. And thus would
+say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: “Zeus most glorious, most great,
+and all ye immortal gods, which folk soe’er be first to sin against the
+oaths, may their brains be so poured forth upon the earth even as this wine,
+theirs and their childrel’s; and let their wives be made subject unto
+strangers.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And in
+their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying: “Hearken to
+me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return back to windy
+Ilios, seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with mine eyes my dear son
+fighting with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus knoweth, and all the immortal
+gods, for whether of the twain the doom of death is appointed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and entered in
+himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor mounted the splendid
+chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and Hector son of Priam and
+goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and then they took the lots, and shook
+them in a bronze-bound helmet, to know whether of the twain should first cast
+his spear of bronze. And the people prayed and lifted up their hands to the
+gods; and thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: “Father
+Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great; whichsoe’er it be
+that brought this trouble upon both peoples, vouchsafe that he may die and
+enter the house of Hades; that so for us peace may be assured and trusty
+oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they; and great Hector of the glancing plume shook the helmet, looking
+behind him; and quickly leapt forth the lot of Paris. Then the people sat them
+down by ranks where each mal’s high-stepping horses and inwrought armour
+lay. And upon his shoulders goodly Alexandros donned his beauteous armour, even
+he that was lord to Helen of the lovely hair. First upon his legs set he his
+greaves, beautiful, fastened with silver ankle-clasps; next upon his breast he
+donned the corslet of his brother Lykaon, and fitted it upon himself. And over
+his shoulders cast he his silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a shield
+great and sturdy. And on his mighty head he set a wrought helmet of horse-hair
+crest, whereover the plume nodded terribly, and he took him a strong spear
+fitted to his grasp. And in like wise warlike Menelaos donned his armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they had armed themselves on either side in the throng, they strode
+between Trojans and Achaians, fierce of aspect, and wonder came on them that
+beheld, both on the Trojans tamers of horses and on the well-greaved Achaians.
+Then took they their stand near together in the measured space, brandishing
+their spears in wrath each against other. First Alexandros hurled his far
+shadowing spear, and smote on Atreides’ round shield; but the bronze
+brake not through, for its point was turned in the stout shield. Next Menelaos
+son of Atreus lifted up his hand to cast, and made prayer to father Zeus:
+“King Zeus, grant me revenge on him that was first to do me wrong, even
+on goodly Alexandros, and subdue thou him at my hands; so that many an one of
+men that shall be hereafter may shudder to wrong his host that hath shown him
+kindness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled, and smote on the
+round shield of the son of Priam. Through the bright shield went the ponderous
+spear and through the inwrought breastplate it pressed on; and straight beside
+his flank the spear rent the tunic, but he swerved and escaped black death.
+Then Atreides drew his silver-studded sword, and lifted up his hand and smote
+the helmet-ridge; but the sword shattered upon it into three, yea four, and
+fell from his hand. Thereat Atreides looked up to the wide heaven and cried:
+“Father Zeus, surely none of the gods is crueller than thou. Verily I
+thought to have gotten vengeance on Alexandros for his wickedness, but now my
+sword breaketh in my hand, and my spear sped from my grasp in vain, and I have
+not smitten him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying, he leapt upon him and caught him by his horse-hair crest, and
+swinging him round dragged him towards the well-greaved Achaians; and he was
+strangled by the embroidered strap beneath his soft throat, drawn tight below
+his chin to hold his helm. Now would Menelaos have dragged him away and won
+glory unspeakable, but that Zeus’ daughter Aphrodite was swift to mark,
+and tore asunder for him the strap of slaughtered ox’s hide; so the
+helmet came away empty in his stalwart hand. Thereat Menelaos cast it with a
+swing toward the well-greaved Achaians, and his trusty comrades took it up; and
+himself sprang back again eager to slay him with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite
+snatched up Paris, very easily as a goddess may, and hid him in thick darkness,
+and sent him down in his fragrant perfumed chamber; and herself went to summon
+Helen. Her she found on the high tower, and about her the Trojan women
+thronged. So with her hand she plucked her perfumed raiment and shook it and
+spake to her in the likeness of an aged dame, a wool-comber that was wont to
+work for her fair wool when she dwelt in Lakedaimon, whom too she greatly
+loved. Even in her likeness fair Aphrodite spake: “Come hither;
+Alexandros summoneth thee to go homeward. There is he in his chamber and inlaid
+bed, radiant in beauty and vesture; nor wouldst thou deem him to be come from
+fighting his foe, but rather to be faring to the dance, or from the dance to be
+just resting and set down.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and stirred Helel’s soul within her breast; and when now she
+marked the fair neck and lovely breast and sparkling eyes of the goddess, she
+marvelled straightway and spake a word and called upon her name: “Strange
+queen, why art thou desirous now to beguile me? Verily thou wilt lead me
+further on to some one of the people cities of Phrygia or lovely Maionia, if
+there too thou hast perchance some other darling among mortal men, because even
+now Menelaos hath conquered goodly Alexandros, and will lead me, accursed me,
+to his home. Therefore thou comest hither with guileful intent. Go and sit thou
+by his side and depart from the way of the gods; neither let thy feet ever bear
+thee back to Olympus, but still be vexed for his sake and guard him till he
+make thee his wife or perchance his slave. But thither will I not go— that were
+a sinful thing—to array the bed of him; all the women of Troy will blame me
+thereafter; and I have griefs untold within my soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in wrath bright Aphrodite spake to her: “Provoke me not, rash woman,
+lest in mine anger I desert thee, and hate thee even as now I love thee beyond
+measure, and lest I devise grievous enmities between both, even betwixt Trojans
+and Achaians, and so thou perish in evil wise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and Helen sprung of Zeus was afraid, and went wrapped in her
+bright radiant vesture, silently, and the Trojan women marked her not; and the
+goddess led the way.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were come to the beautiful house of Alexandros the handmaidens
+turned straightway to their tasks, and the fair lady went to the high-roofed
+chamber; and laughter-loving Aphrodite took for her a chair and brought it,
+even she the goddess, and set it before the face of Paris. There Helen took her
+seat, the child of aegis-bearing Zeus, and with eyes turned askance spake and
+chode her lord: “Thou comest back from battle; would thou hadst perished
+there, vanquished of that great warrior that was my former husband. Verily it
+was once thy boast that thou wast a better man than Menelaos dear to Ares, in
+the might of thine arm and thy spear. But go now, challenge Menelaos, dear to
+Ares to fight thee again face to face. Nay, but I, even I, bid thee refrain,
+nor fight a fight with golden-haired Menelaos man to man, neither attack him
+recklessly, lest perchance thou fall to his spear anon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Paris made answer to her and said: “Chide not my soul, lady, with
+cruel taunts. For now indeed hath Menelaos vanquished me with Athene’s
+aid, but another day may I do so unto him; for we too have gods with us. But
+come now, let us have joy of love upon our couch; for never yet hath love so
+enwrapped my heart—not even then when first I snatched thee from lovely
+Lakedaimon and sailed with thee on my sea-faring ships, and in the isle of
+Kranae had converse with thee upon thy couch in love—as I love thee now and
+sweet desire taketh hold upon me.” So saying he led the way to the couch,
+and the lady followed with him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus laid they them upon their fretted couch; but Atreides the while strode
+through the host like to a wild beast, if anywhere he might set eyes on godlike
+Alexandros. But none of the Trojans or their famed allies could discover
+Alexandros to Menelaos dear to Ares. Yet surely did they in no wise hide him
+for kindliness, could any have seen him; for he was hated of all even as black
+death. So Agamemnon king of men spake among them there: “Hearken to me,
+Trojans and Dardanians and allies. Now is victory declared for Menelaos dear to
+Ares; give ye back Helen of Argos and the possessions with her, and pay ye the
+recompense such as is seemly, that it may live even among men that shall be
+hereafter.” So said Atreides, and all the Achaians gave assent.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap04"></a>BOOK IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Pandaros wounded Menelaos by treachery; and Agamemnon exhorted his chief
+captains to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the gods sat by Zeus and held assembly on the golden floor, and in the
+midst the lady Hebe poured them their nectar: they with golden goblets pledged
+one another, and gazed upon the city of the Trojans. Then did Kronos’ son
+essay to provoke Hera with vexing words, and spake maliciously: “Twain
+goddesses hath Menelaos for his helpers, even Hera of Argos and Alalkomenean
+Athene. Yet these sit apart and take there pleasure in beholding; but beside
+that other ever standeth laughter-loving Aphrodite and wardeth off fate from
+him, and now hath she saved him as he thought to perish. But of a truth the
+victory is to Menelaos dear to Ares; so let us take thought how these things
+shall be; whether once more we shall arouse ill war and the dread battle-din,
+or put friendship between the foes. Moreover if this were welcome to all and
+well pleasing, may the city of king Priam yet be an habitation, and Menelaos
+take back Helen of Argos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but Athene and Hera murmured thereat, who were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace and said not anything,
+for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her: But Hera’s
+breast contained not her anger, and she spake: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what word is this thou hast spoken? How hast thou the will to make my labour
+void and of none effect, and the sweat of my toil that I sweated, when my
+horses were wearied with my summoning of the host, to be the plague of Priam
+and his sons? Do as thou wilt; but we other gods do not all approve
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in sore anger Zeus the cloud-gatherer spake to her: “Good lack, how
+have Priam and Priam’s sons done thee such great wrong that thou art
+furiously minded to sack the established citadel of Ilios? Perchance wert thou
+to enter within the gates and long walls and devour Priam raw, and
+Priam’s sons and all the Trojans, then mightest thou assuage thine anger.
+Do as thou art minded, only let not this quarrel hereafter be to me and thee a
+sore strife between us both. And this moreover will I say to thee, and do thou
+lay it to they heart; whene’er I too be of eager mind to lay waste to a
+city where is the race of men that are dear to thee, hinder thou not my wrath,
+but let me be, even as I yield to thee of free will, yet with soul unwilling.
+For all cities beneath sun and starry heaven that are the dwelling of mortal
+men, holy Ilios was most honoured of my heart, and Priam and the folk of Priam
+of the good ashen spear. For never did mine altar lack the seemly feast, even
+drink-offering and burnt-offering, the worship that is our due.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Helen the ox-eyed queen made answer to him: “Of a surety three
+cities are there that are dearest far to me, Argos and Sparta and wide-wayed
+Mykene; these lay thou waste whene’er they are found hateful to thy
+heart; not for them will I stand forth, nor do I grudge thee them. For even if
+I be jealous and would forbid thee to overthrow them, yet will my jealousy not
+avail, seeing that thou art stronger far than I. Still must my labour too not
+be made of none effect; for I also am a god, and my lineage is even as thine,
+and Kronos the crooked counsellor begat me to the place of honour in double
+wise, by birthright, and because I am named thy spouse, and thou art king among
+all the immortals. Let us indeed yield each to other herein, I to thee and thou
+to me, and the rest of the immortal gods will follow with us; and do thou with
+speed charge Athene to betake her to the fierce battle din of Trojans and
+Achaians, and to essay that the Trojans may first take upon them to do violence
+to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the father of men and gods disregarded not; forthwith he spake
+to Athene winged words: “Betake thee with all speed to the host, to the
+midst of Trojans and Achaians, and essay that the Trojans may first take upon
+them to do violence to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and roused Athene that already was set thereon; and from
+Olympus’ heights she darted down. Even as the son of Kronos the crooked
+counsellor sendeth a star, a portent for mariners or a wide host of men, bright
+shining, and therefrom are scattered sparks in multitude; even in such guise
+sped Pallas Athene to earth, and leapt into their midst; and astonishment came
+on them that beheld, on horse-taming Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. And
+thus would many an one say, looking at his neighbor: “Of a surety either
+shall sore war and the fierce battle din return again; or else Zeus doth
+stablish peace between the foes, even he that is mel’s dispenser of
+battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would many an one of Achaians and Trojans say. Then the goddess entered
+the throng of Trojans in the likeness of a man, even Antenor’s son
+Laodokos, a stalwart warrior, and sought for godlike Pandaros, if haply she
+might find him. Lykaol’s son found she, the noble and stalwart, standing,
+and about him the stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing host that followed him
+from the streams of Aisepos. So she came near and spake winged words:
+“Wilt thou now hearken to me, thou wise son of Lykaon? Then wouldst thou
+take heart to shoot a swift arrow at Menelaos, and wouldst win favour and glory
+before all the Trojans, and before king Alexandros most of all. Surely from him
+first of any wouldst thou receive glorious gifts, if perchance he see Menelaos,
+Atreus’ warrior son, vanquished by thy dart and brought to the grievous
+pyre. Go to now, shoot at glorious Menelaos, and vow to Apollo, the son of
+light [Or, perhaps, “the Wolf-born”], the lord of archery, to
+sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when thou art returned to thy
+home, in the city of holy Zeleia.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Athene, and persuaded his fool’s heart. Forthwith he unsheathed
+his polished bow of horn of a wild ibex that he himself had erst smitten
+beneath the breast as it came forth from a rock, the while he awaited in a
+lurking-place; and had pierced it in the chest, so that it fell backward on the
+rock. Now from its head sprang there horns of sixteen palms; these the
+artificer, even the worker in horn, joined cunningly together, and polished
+them all well and set the top of gold thereon. So he laid it down when he had
+well strung it, by resting it upon the ground; and his staunch comrades held
+their shields before him, lest the warrior sons of the Achaians should first
+set on them, ere Menelaos, Atreus’ son, were smitten. Then opened he the
+lid of his quiver and took forth a feathered arrow, never yet shot, a source of
+grievous pangs; and anon he laid the bitter dart upon the string and vowed to
+Apollo, the son of light, the lord of archery, to sacrifice a goodly hecatomb
+of firstling lambs when he should have returned to his home in the city of holy
+Zeleia. Then he took the notch and string of oxes’ sinew together, and
+drew, bringing to his breast the string, and to the bow the iron head. So when
+he had now bent the great bow into a round, the horn twanged, and the string
+sang aloud, and the keen arrow leapt eager to wing his way amid the throng.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the blessed gods immortal forgat not thee, Menelaos; and before all the
+daughter of Zeus, the driver of the spoil, who stood before thee and warded off
+the piercing dart. She turned it just aside from the flesh, even as a mother
+driveth a fly from her child that lieth in sweet slumber; and with her own hand
+guided it where the golden buckles of the belt were clasped and the doubled
+breastplate met them. So the bitter arrow lighted upon the firm belt; through
+the inwrought belt it sped and through the curiously wrought breastplate it
+pressed on and through the taslet [and apron or belt set with metal, worn below
+the corslet] he wore to shield his flesh, a barrier against darts; and this
+best shielded him, yet it passed on even through this. Then did the arrow graze
+the warrior’s outermost flesh, and forthwith the dusky blood flowed from
+the wound.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As when some woman of Maionia or Karia staineth ivory with purple, to make a
+cheek-piece for horses, and it is laid up in the treasure chamber, and many a
+horseman prayeth for it to wear; but it is laid up to be a king’s boast,
+alike an adornment for his horse and a glory for his charioteer; even in such
+wise, Menelaos, were thy shapely thighs stained with blood and thy legs and thy
+fair ankles beneath.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thereat shuddered Agamemnon king of men when he saw the black blood flowing
+from the wound. And Menelaos dear to Ares likewise shuddered; but when he saw
+how thread [by which the iron head was attached to the shaft] and bards were
+without, his spirit was gathered in his breast again. Then lord Agamemnon
+moaned deep, and spake among them, holding Menelaos by the hand; and his
+comrades made moan the while: “Dear brother, to thy death, meseemeth,
+pledged I these oaths, setting thee forth to fight the Trojans alone before the
+face of the Achaians; seeing that the Trojans have so smitten thee, and trodden
+under floor the trusty oaths. Yet in no wise is an oath of none effect, and the
+blood of lambs and pure drink-offerings and the right hands of fellowship
+wherein we trusted. For even if the Olympian bring not about the fulfilment
+forthwith, yet doth he fulfil at last, and men make dear amends, even with
+their own heads and their wives and little ones. Yea of a surety I know this in
+heart and soul; the day shall come for holy Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and
+the folk of Priam of the good ashen spear; and Zeus the son of Kronos enthroned
+on high, that dwelleth in the heaven, himself shall brandish over them all his
+lowring aegis, in indignation at this deceit. Then shall all this not be void;
+yet shall I have sore sorrow for thee, Menelaos, if thou die and fulfil the lot
+of life. Yea in utter shame should I return to thirsty Argos, seeing that the
+Achaians will forthwith bethink them of their native land, and so should we
+leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos. And the earth
+shall rot thy bones as thou liest in Troy with thy task unfinished: and thus
+shall many an overweening Trojan say as he leapeth upon the tomb of glorious
+Menelaos: ‘Would to God Agamemnon might so fulfil his wrath in every
+matter, even as now he led hither the host of the Achaians for naught, and hath
+gone home again to his dear native land with empty ships, and hath left noble
+Menelaos behind.’ Thus shall men say hereafter: in that day let the wide
+earth gape for me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But golden-haired Menelaos encouraged him and said: “Be of good courage,
+neither dismay at all the host of the Achaians. The keen dart lighted not upon
+a deadly spot; my glistening belt in front stayed it, and the kirtle of mail
+beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon answered him and said: “Would it may be so, dear
+Menelaos. But the leech shall feel the wound, and lay thereon drugs that shall
+assuage thy dire pangs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he spake to godlike Talthybios, his herald: “Talthybios, with
+all speed call Machaon hither, the hero son of Asklepios the noble leech, to
+see Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, whom one well skilled in archery, some
+Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our
+grief.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and the herald heard him and disregarded not, and went his way
+through the host of mail-clad Achaians to spy out the hero Machaon. Him he
+found standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing host
+that followed him from Trike, pasture land of horses. So he came near and spake
+his winged words: “Arise, thou son of Asklepios. Lord Agamemnon calleth
+thee to see Menelaos, captain of the Achaians, whom one well skilled in
+archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and
+our grief.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he aroused his spirit in his breast, and they went their way amid the
+throng, through the wide host of the Achaians. And when they were now come
+where was golden-haired Menelaos wounded, and all as many as were chieftains
+gathered around him in a circle, the godlike hero came and stood in their
+midst, and anon drew forth the arrow from the clasped belt; and as it was drawn
+forth the keen barbs were broken backwards. Then he loosed the glistering belt
+and kirtle of mail beneath and taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned; and when
+he saw the wound where the bitter arrow had lighted, he sucked out the blood
+and cunningly spread thereon soothing drugs, such as Cheiron of his good will
+had imparted to his sire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While these were tending Menelaos of the loud war-cry, the ranks of
+shield-bearing Trojans came on; so the Achaians donned their arms again, and
+bethought them of the fray. Now wouldest thou not see noble Agamemnon
+slumbering, nor cowering, unready to fight, but very eager for glorious battle.
+He left his horses and his chariot adorned with bronze; and his squire, even
+Eurymedon son of Ptolemaios Peiraieus’ son, kept apart the snorting
+steeds; and he straitly charged him to have them at hand whenever weariness
+should come upon his limbs with marshalling so many; and thus on foot ranged he
+through the ranks of warriors. And whomsoever of all the fleet-horsed Danaans
+he found eager, he stood by them and by his words encouraged them: “Ye
+Argives, relax not in any wise your impetuous valour; for father Zeus will be
+no helper of liars, but as these were first to transgress against the oaths, so
+shall their own tender flesh be eaten of the vultures, and we shall bear away
+their dear wives and little children in our ships, when once we take the
+stronghold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But whomsoever he found shrinking from hateful battle, these he chode sore with
+angry words: “Ye Argives, warriors of the bow, ye men of dishonour, have
+ye no shame? Why stand ye thus dazed like fawns that are weary with running
+over the long plain and so stand still, and no valour is found in their hearts
+at all? Even thus stand ye dazed, and fight not. Is it that ye wait for the
+Trojans to come near where your good ships’ sterns are drawn up on the
+shore of the grey sea, to see if Kronion will stretch his arm over you
+indeed?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So masterfully ranged he through the ranks of warriors. Then came he to the
+Cretans as he went through the throng of warriors; and these were taking arms
+around wise Idomeneus; Idomeneus amid the foremost, valiant as a wild boar, and
+Meriones the while was hastening his hindermost battalions. Then Agamemnon king
+of men rejoiced to see them, and anon spake to Idomeneus with kindly words:
+“Idomeneus, more than all the fleet-horsed Danaans do I honour thee,
+whether in war or in task of other sort or in the feast, when the chieftains of
+the Argives mingle in the bowl the gleaming wine of the counsellor. For even
+though all the other flowing-haired Achaians drink one allotted portion, yet
+thy cup standeth ever full even as mine, to drink as oft as they soul biddeth
+thee. Now arouse thee to war like such an one as thou avowest thyself to be of
+old.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus the captain of the Cretans made answer to him: “Atreides,
+of very truth will I be to thee a trusty comrade even as at the first I
+promised and gave my pledge; but do thou urge on all the flowing-haired
+Achaians, that we may fight will all speed, seeing the Trojans have disannulled
+the oaths. But for all that death and sorrow hereafter shall be their lot,
+because they were the first to transgress against the oaths.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Agamemnon passed on glad at heart. Then came he to the Aiantes
+as he went through the throng of warriors; and these twain were arming, and a
+cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when a goatherd from a place of
+outlook seeth a cloud coming across the deep before the blast of the west wind;
+and to him being afar it seemeth ever blacker, even as pitch, as it goeth along
+the deep, and bringeth a great whirlwind, and he shuddereth to see it and
+driveth his flock beneath a cave; even in such wise moved the serried
+battalions of young men, the fosterlings of Zeus, by the side of the Aiantes
+into furious war, battalions dark of line, bristling with shields and spears.
+And lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see them and spake to them winged words, and
+said: “Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Argives, to you twain, seeing it
+is not seemly to urge you, give I no charge; for of your own selves ye do
+indeed bid your folk to fight amain. Ah, father Zeus and Athene and Apollo,
+would that all had like spirit in their breasts; then would king Priam’s
+city soon bow captive and wasted beneath our hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he left them there, and went to others. Then found he Nestor, the
+clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades, and urging them to
+fight, around great Pelegon and Alastor and Chromios and lord Haimon and Bias
+shepherd of the host. And first he arrayed the horsemen with horses and
+chariots, and behind them the footmen many and brave, to be a bulwark of
+battle; but the cowards he drave into the midst, that every man, even though he
+would not, yet of necessity must fight. First he laid charge upon the horsemen;
+these he bade hold in their horses nor be entangled in the throng.
+“Neither let any man, trusting in his horsemanship and manhood, be eager
+to fight the Trojans alone and before the rest, nor yet let him draw back, for
+so will ye be enfeebled. But whomsoever a warrior from the place of his own car
+can come at a chariot of the foe, let him thrust forth with his spear; even so
+is the far better way. Thus moreover did men of old time lay low cities and
+walls, because they had this mind and spirit in their breasts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So did the old man charge them, being well skilled of yore in battles. And lord
+Agamemnon rejoiced to see hem, and spake to him winged words, and said:
+“Old man, would to god that, even as thy spirit is in thine own breast,
+thy limbs might obey and thy strength be unabated. But the common lot of age is
+heavy upon thee; would that it had come upon some other man, and thou wert amid
+the young.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Atreides, I verily, even I
+too, would wish to be as on the day when I slew noble Ereuthalion. But the gods
+in no wise grant men all things at once. As I was then a youth, so doth old age
+now beset me. Yet even so will I abide among the horsemen and urge them by
+counsel and words; for that is the right of elders. But the young men shall
+wield the spear, they that are more youthful than I and have confidence in
+their strength.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Atreides passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus the
+charioteer, the son of Peteos, standing still, and round him were the
+Athenians, masters of the battle-cry. And hard by stood crafty Odysseus, and
+round about him the ranks of Kephallenians, no feeble folk, stood still; for
+their host had not yet heard the battle-cry, seeing the battalions of
+horse-taming Trojans and Achaians had but just bestirred them to move; so these
+stood still tarrying till some other column of the Achaians should advance to
+set upon the Trojans and begin the battle. But when Agamemnon king of men saw
+it, he upbraided them, and spake to them winged words, saying: “O son of
+king Peteos fosterling of Zeus, and thou skilled in evil wiles, thou cunning of
+mind, why stand ye shrinking apart, and tarry for others? You beseemeth it to
+stand in your place amid the foremost and to front the fiery battle; for ye are
+the first to hear my bidding to the feast, as oft as we Achaians prepare a
+feast for the counsellors. Then are ye glad to eat roast meat and drink your
+cups of honey-sweet wine as long as ye will. But now would ye gladly behold it,
+yea, if ten columns of Achaians in front of you were fighting with the pitiless
+sword.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Odysseus of many counsels looked fiercely at him and said: “Atreides,
+what word is this that hath escaped the barrier of thy lips? How sayest thou
+that we are slack in battle? When once our [Or, “that we are slack in
+battle, when once we Achaians,” putting the note of interrogation after
+“tamers of horses.”] Achaians launch furious war on the Trojans,
+tamers of horses, then shalt thou, if thou wilt, and if thou hast any care
+therefor, behold Telemachos’ dear father mingling with the champions of
+the Trojans, the tamers of horses. But that thou sayest is empty as air.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then lord Agamemnon spake to him smiling, seeing how he was wroth, and took
+back his saying: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus full of devices,
+neither do I chide thee beyond measure nor urge thee; for I know that thy heart
+within thy breast is kindly disposed; for thy thoughts are as my thoughts. Go
+to, we will make amends hereafter, if any ill word hath been spoken now; may
+the gods bring it all to none effect.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he left them there and went on to others. The son of Tydeus found he,
+high-hearted Diomedes, standing still with horses and chariot well compact; and
+by him stood Sthenelos son of Kapaneus. Him lord Agamemnon saw and upbraided,
+and spake to him winged words, and said: “Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus
+tamer of horses, why shrinkest thou, why gazest thou at the highways of the
+battle? Not thus was Tydeus wont to shrink, but rather to fight his enemies far
+in front of his dear comrades, as they say that beheld him at the task; for
+never did I meet him nor behold him, but men say that he was preeminent amid
+all. Of a truth he came to Mykene, not in enmity, but as a guest with godlike
+Polyneikes, to raise him an army for the war that they were levying against the
+holy walls of Thebes; and they besought earnestly that valiant allies might be
+given them, and our folk were fain to grant them and made assent to their
+entreaty, only Zeus showed omens of ill and turned their minds. So when these
+were departed and were come on their way, and had attained to Asopos deep in
+rushes, that maketh his bed in grass, there did the Achaians appoint Tydeus to
+be their ambassador. So he went and found the multitude of the sons of Kadmos
+feasting in the palace of mighty Eteokles. Yet was knightly Tydeus, even though
+a stranger, not afraid, being alone amid the multitude of the Kadmeians, but
+challenged them all to feats of strength, and in every one vanquished he them
+easily; so present a helper was Athene unto him. But the Kadmeians, the urgers
+of horses, were wroth, and as he fared back again they brought and set a strong
+ambush, even fifty young men, whose leaders were twain, Maion son of Haimon,
+like to the immortals, and Autophonos’ son Polyphontes staunch in battle.
+Still even on the Tydeus brought shameful death; he slew them all, save one
+that he sent home alone; Maion to wit he sent away in obedience to the omens of
+heaven. Such was Tydeus of Aitolia; but he begat a son that in battle is worse
+than he; only in harangue is he the better.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and stalwart Diomedes made no answer, but had respect to the
+chiding of the king revered. But the son of glorious Kapaneus answered him:
+“Atreides, utter not falsehood, seeing thou knowest how to speak truly.
+We avow ourselves to be better men by far than our fathers were: we did take
+the seat of Thebes the seven gated, though we led a scantier host against a
+stronger wall, because we followed the omens of the gods and the salvation of
+Zeus; but they perished by their own iniquities. Do not thou therefore in any
+wise have our fathers in like honour with us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him, and said: “Brother, sit
+silent and obey my saying. I grudge not that Agamemnon shepherd of the host
+should urge on the well-greaved Achaians to fight; for him the glory will
+attend if the Achaians lay the Trojans low and take holy Ilios; and his will be
+the great sorrow if the Achaians be laid low. Go to now, let us too bethink us
+of impetuous valour.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake and leapt in his armour from the chariot to earth, and terribly rang
+the bronze upon the chieftail’s breast as he moved; thereat might fear
+have come even upon one stout-hearted.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As when on the echoing beach the sea-wave lifteth up itself in close array
+before the driving of the west wind; out on the deep doth it first raise its
+head, and then breaketh upon the land and belloweth aloud and goeth with
+arching crest about the promontories, and speweth the foaming brine afar; even
+so in close array moved the battalions of the Danaans without pause to battle.
+Each captain gave his men the word, and the rest went silently; thou wouldest
+not deem that all the great host following them had any voice within their
+breasts; in silence feared they their captains. On every man glittered the
+inwrought armour wherewith they went clad. But for the Trojans, like sheep
+beyond number that stand in the courtyard of a man of great substance, to be
+milked of their white milk, and bleat without ceasing to hear their
+lambs’ cry, even so arose the clamour of the Trojans through the wide
+host. For they had not all like speech nor one language, but their tongues were
+mingled, and they were brought from many lands. These were urged on of Ares,
+and those of bright-eyed Athene, and Terror and Rout, and Strife whose fury
+wearieth not, sister and friend of murderous Ares; her crest is but lowly at
+the first, but afterward she holdeth up her head in heaven and her feet walk
+upon the earth. She now cast common discord in their midst, as she fared
+through the throng and made the lamentation of men to wax.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed they targe
+and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields pressed each on
+each and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of groaning and the voice
+of triumph together of the slayers and the slain, and the earth streamed with
+blood. As when two winter torrents flow down the mountains to a watersmeet and
+join their furious flood within the ravine from their great springs, and the
+shepherd heareth the roaring far off among the hills: even so from the joining
+of battle came there forth shouting and travail. Antilochos first slew a Trojan
+warrior in full array, valiant amid the champions, Echepolos son of Thalysios;
+him was he first to smite upon the ridge of his crested helmet, and he drave
+the spear into his brow and the point of bronze passed within the bone;
+darkness clouded his eyes, and he crashed like a tower amid the press of fight.
+As he fell lord Elephenor caught him by the foot, Chalkodol’s son,
+captain of the great-hearted Abantes, and dragged him from beneath the darts,
+eager with all speed to despoil him of his armour. Yet but for a little endured
+his essay; great-hearted Agenor saw him haling away the corpse, and where his
+side was left uncovered of his buckler as he bowed him down, there smote he him
+with bronze-tipped spear-shaft and unstrung his limbs. So his life departed
+from him, and over his corpse the task of Trojans and Achaians grew hot; like
+wolves leapt they one at another, and man lashed at man.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next Telamonian Aias smote Anthemiol’s son, the lusty stripling
+Simoeisios, whose erst is mother bare beside the banks of Simoeis on the way
+down from Ida whither she had followed with her parents to see their flocks.
+Therefore they called him Simoeisios, but he repaid not his dear parents the
+recompense of his nurture; scanty was his span of life by reason of the spear
+of great-hearted Aias that laid him low. For as he went he first was smitten on
+his right breast beside the pap; straight though his shoulder passed the spear
+of bronze, and he fell to the ground in the dust like a poplar-tree, that hath
+grown up smooth in the lowland of a great marsh, and its branches grow upon the
+top thereof; this hath a wainwright felled with gleaming steel, to bend him a
+felloe for a goodly chariot, and so it lies drying by a river’s banks. In
+such a fashion did heaven-sprung Aias slay Simoeisios son of Anthemion; then at
+him Antiphos of the glancing corslet, Priam’s son, made a cast with his
+keen javelin across the throng. Him he missed, but smote Odysseus’
+valiant comrade Leukos in the groin as he drew the corpse his way, so that he
+fell upon it and the body dropped from his hands. Then Odysseus was very wroth
+at heart for the slaying of him, and strode through the forefront of the battle
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and went and stood hard by and glanced around
+him, and cast his bright javelin; and the Trojans shrank before the casting of
+the hero. He sped not the dart in vain, but smote Demokoon, Priam’s
+bastard son that had come to him from tending his fleet mares in Abydos. Him
+Odysseus, being wroth for his comrade’s sake, smote with his javelin on
+one temple; and through both temples passed the point of bronze, and darkness
+clouded his eyes, and he fell with a crash and his armour clanged upon him.
+Then the forefighters and glorious Hector yielded, and the Argives shouted
+aloud, and drew the bodies unto them, and pressed yet further onward. But
+Apollo looked down from Pergamos, and had indignation, and with a shout called
+to the Trojans: “Arise, ye Trojans, tamers of horses; yield not to the
+Argives in fight; not of stone nor iron is their flesh, that it should resist
+the piercing bronze when they are smitten. Moreover Achilles, son of Thetis of
+the fair tresses, fighteth not, but amid the ships broodeth on his bitter
+anger.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the dread god from the city; and the Achaians likewise were urged on
+of Zeus’ daughter the Triton-born, most glorious, as she passed through
+the throng wheresoever she beheld them slackening.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next was Diores son of Amrynkeus caught in the snare of fate; for he was
+smitten by a jagged stone on the right leg hard by the ankle, and the caster
+thereof was captain of the men of Thrace, Peirros son of Imbrasos that had come
+from Ainos. The pitiless stone crushed utterly the two sinews and the bones;
+back fell he in the dust, and stretched out both his hands to his dear
+comrades, gasping out his soul. Then he that smote him, even Peiroos, sprang at
+him and pierced him with a spear beside the navel; so all his bowels gushed
+forth upon the ground, and darkness clouded his eyes. But even as Peiroos
+departed from him Thoas of Aitolia smote with a spear his chest above the pap,
+and the point fixed in his lung. Then Thoas came close, and plucked out from
+his breast the ponderous spear, and drew his sharp sword, wherewith he smote
+his belly in the midst, and took his life. Yet he stripped not off his armour;
+for his comrades, the men of Thrace that wear the top-knot, stood around, their
+long spears in their hands, and albeit he was great and valiant and proud they
+drave him off from them and he gave ground reeling. So were the two captains
+stretched in the dust side by side, he of the Thracians and he of the mail-clad
+Epeians; and around them were many others likewise slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now would none any more enter in and make light of the battle, could it be that
+a man yet unwounded by dart or thrust of keen bronze might roam in the midst,
+being led of Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her guarded from the flying
+shafts. For many Trojans that day and many Achaians were laid side by side upon
+their faces in the dust.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap05"></a>BOOK V.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes by his great valour made havoc of the Trojans, and wounded even
+Aphrodite and Ares by the help of Athene.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But now to Tydeus’ son Diomedes Athene gave might and courage, for him to
+be pre-eminent amid all the Argives and win glorious renown. She kindled flame
+unwearied from his helmet and shield, like to the star of summer that above all
+others glittereth bright after he hath bathed in the ocean stream. In such wise
+kindled she flame from his head and shoulders and sent him into the midst,
+where men thronged the thickest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there was amid the Trojans one Dares, rich and noble, priest of Hephaistos;
+and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaios, well skilled in all the art of battle.
+These separated themselves and assailed him face to face, they setting on him
+from their car and he on foot upon the ground. And when they were now come near
+in onset on each other, first Phegeus hurled his far-shadowing spear; and over
+Tydeides’ left shoulder the spear point passed, and smote not his body.
+Then next Tydeides made a spear-cast, and the javelin sped not from his hand in
+vain, but smote his breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the
+chariot. So Idaios sprang away, leaving his beautiful car, and dared not to
+bestride his slain brother; else had neither he himself escaped black fate: but
+Hephaistos guarded him and saved him in a veil of darkness, that he might not
+have his aged priest all broken with sorrow. And the son of great-hearted
+Tydeus drave away the horses and gave them to his men to take to the hollow
+ships. But when the great-hearted Trojans beheld the sons of Dares, how one was
+fled, and one was slain beside his chariot, the spirit of all was stirred. But
+bright-eyed Athene took impetuous Ares by the hand and spake to him and said:
+“Ares, Ares, blood-stained bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, can we
+not now leave the Trojans and Achaians to fight, on whichsoever it be that
+father Zeus bestoweth glory? But let us twain give place, and escape the wrath
+of Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she led impetuous Ares from the battle. Then she made him sit down
+beside loud Skamandros, and the Danaans pushed the Trojans back.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they laboured in the violent mellay; but of Tydeides man could not tell with
+whom he were joined, whether he consorted with Trojans or with Achaians. For he
+stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at the full, that in swift
+course scattereth the causeys [Causeways.]; neither can the long lines of
+causeys hold it in, nor the fences of fruitful orchards stay its sudden coming
+when the rain of heaven driveth it; and before it perish in multitudes the fair
+works of the sons of men. Thus before Tydeides the serried battalions of the
+Trojans were overthrown, and they abode him not for all they were so many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Lykaol’s glorious son marked him storming across the plain,
+overthrowing battalions before him, anon he bent his crooked bow against
+Tydeides, and smote him as he sped onwards, hitting hard by his right shoulder
+the plate of his corslet; the bitter arrow flew through and held straight upon
+its way, and the corslet was dabbled with blood. Over him then loudly shouted
+Lykaol’s glorious son: “Bestir you, great-hearted Trojans, urgers
+of horses; the best man of the Achaians is wounded, and I deem that he shall
+not for long endure the violent dart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he boasting; yet was the other not vanquished of the swift dart, only
+he gave place and stood before his horses and his chariot and spake to
+Sthenelos son of Kapaneus: “Haste thee, dear son of Kapaneus; descend
+from thy chariot, to draw me from my shoulder the bitter arrow.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Sthenelos leapt from his chariot to earth and stood beside him
+and drew the swift shaft right through, out of his shoulder; and the blood
+darted up through the pliant tunic. Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry prayed
+thereat: “Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! If
+ever in kindly mood thou stoodest by my father in the heat of battle, even so
+now be thou likewise kind to me, Athene. Grant me to slay this man, and bring
+within my spear-cast him that took advantage to shoot me, and boasteth over me,
+deeming that not for long shall I see the bright light of the sun.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs nimble,
+his feet and his hands withal, and came near and spake winged words: “Be
+of good courage now, Diomedes, to fight the Trojans; for in thy breast I have
+set thy father’s courage undaunted, even as it was in knightly Tydeus,
+wielder of the buckler. Moreover I have taken from thine eyes the mist that
+erst was on them, that thou mayest well discern both god and man. Therefore if
+any god come hither to make trial of thee, fight not thou face to face with any
+of the immortal gods; save only if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus enter into the
+battle, her smite thou with the keen bronze.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying bright-eyed Athene went her way and Tydeides returned and entered the
+forefront of the battle; even though erst his soul was eager to do battle with
+the Trojans, yet now did threefold courage come upon him, as upon a lion whom
+some shepherd in the field guarding his fleecy sheep hath wounded, being sprung
+into the fold, yet hath not vanquished him; he hath roused his might, and then
+cannot beat him back, but lurketh amid the steading, and his forsaken flock is
+affrighted; so the sheep are cast in heaps, one upon the other, and the lion in
+his fury leapeth out of the high fold; even so in fury mingled mighty Diomedes
+with the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Him Aineias beheld making havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his way
+along the battle and amid the hurtling of spears, seeking godlike Pandaros, if
+haply he might find him. Lykaol’s son he found, the noble and stalwart,
+and stood before his face, and spake a word unto him. “Pandaros, where
+now are thy bow and thy winged arrows, and the fame wherein no man of this land
+rivalleth thee, nor any in Lykia boasteth to be thy better? Go to now, lift thy
+hands in prayer to Zeus and shoot thy dart at this fellow, whoe’er he be
+that lordeth it here and hath already wrought the Trojans much mischief, seeing
+he hath unstrung the knees of many a brave man; if indeed it be not some god
+wroth with the Trojans, in anger by reason of sacrifices; the wrath of god is a
+sore thing to fall on men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Lykaol’s glorious son made answer to him: “Aineias, counsellor
+of the mail-clad Trojans, in everything liken I him to the wise son of Tydeus;
+I discern him by his shield and crested helmet, and by the aspect of his
+horses; yet know I not surely if it be not a god. But if it be the man I deem,
+even the wise son of Tydeus, then not without help of a god is he thus furious,
+but some immortal standeth beside him with a cloud wrapped about his shoulders
+and turned aside from him my swift dart even as it lighted. For already have I
+shot my dart at him and smote his right shoulder right through the breastplate
+of his corslet, yea and I thought to hurl him headlong to Aidoneus, yet I
+vanquished him not; surely it is some wrathful god. Already have I aimed at two
+princes, Tydeus’ and Atreus’ sons, and both I smote and surely drew
+forth blood, yet only roused them the more. Therefore in an evil hour I took
+from the peg my curved bow on that day when I led my Trojans to lovely Ilios,
+to do noble Hector pleasure. But if I return and mine eyes behold my native
+land and wife and great palace lofty-roofed, then may an alien forthwith cut my
+head from me if I break not this bow with mine hands and cast it upon the
+blazing fire; worthless is its service to me as air.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aineias captain of the Trojans answered him: “Nay, talk not thus;
+naught shall be mended before that we with horses and chariot have gone to face
+this man, and made trial of him in arms. Come then, mount upon my car that thou
+mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well skilled for following or
+for fleeing hither or thither very fleetly across the plain; they will
+e’en bring us to the city safe and sound, even though Zeus hereafter give
+victory to Diomedes son of Tydeus. Come therefore, take thou the lash and
+shining reins, and I will stand upon the car to fight; or else withstand thou
+him, and to the horses will I look.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+To him made answer Lykaol’s glorious son: “Aineias, take thou
+thyself the reins and thine own horses; better will they draw the curved car
+for their wonted charioteer, if perchance it hap that we must flee from
+Tydeus’ son; lest they go wild for fear and will not take us from the
+fight, for lack of thy voice, and so the son of great-hearted Tydeus attack us
+and slay us both and drive away the whole-hooved horses. So drive thou thyself
+thy chariot and thy horses, and I will await his onset with my keen
+spear.” So saying mounted they upon the well dight chariot, and eagerly
+drave the fleet horses against Tydeides, And Sthenelos, the glorious son of
+Kapaneus, saw them, and anon spake to Tydeides winged words: “Diomedes
+son of Tydeus, dear to mine heart, I behold two stalwart warriors eager to
+fight against thee, endued with might beyond measure. The one is well skilled
+in the bow, even Pandaros, and he moreover boasteth him to be Lykaol’s
+son; and Aineias boasteth himself to be born son of great-hearted Anchises, and
+his mother is Aphrodite. Come now, let us give place upon the chariot, neither
+rage thou thus, I pray thee, in the forefront of battle, lest perchance thou
+lose thy life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him and said: “Speak to me no
+word of flight, for I ween that thou shalt not at all persuade me; not in my
+blood is it to fight a skulking fight or cower down; my force is steadfast
+still. I have no mind to mount the chariot, nay, even as I am will I go to face
+them; Pallas Athene biddeth me not be afraid. And as for these, their fleet
+horses shall not take both back from us again, even if one or other escape. And
+this moreover tell I thee, and lay thou it to heart: if Athene rich in counsel
+grant me this glory, to slay them both, then refrain thou here these my fleet
+horses, and bind the reins tight to the chariot rim; and be mindful to leap
+upon Aineias’ horses, and drive them forth from the Trojans amid the
+well-greaved Achaians. For they are of that breed whereof farseeing Zeus gave
+to Tros recompense for Ganymede his child, because they were the best of all
+horses beneath the daylight and the sun.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+In such wise talked they one to the other, and anon those other twain came
+near, driving their fleet horses. First to him spake Lykaol’s glorious
+son: “O thou strong-souled and cunning, son of proud Tydeus, verily my
+swift dart vanquished thee not, the bitter arrow; so now will I make trial with
+my spear if I can hit thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake and poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
+Tydeides’ shield; right through it sped the point of bronze and reached
+the breastplate. So over him shouted loudly Lykaol’s glorious son:
+“Thou art smitten on the belly right through, and I ween thou shalt not
+long hold up thine head; so thou givest me great renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But mighty Diomedes unaffrighted answered him: “Thou hast missed, and not
+hit; but ye twain I deem shall not cease till one or other shall have fallen
+and glutted with blood Ares the stubborn god of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and hurled; and Athene guided the dart upon his nose beside the
+eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the hard bronze cut through his
+tongue at the root and the point issued forth by the base of the chin. He fell
+from his chariot, and his splendid armour gleaming clanged upon him, and the
+fleet-footed horses swerved aside; so there his soul and strength were
+unstrung.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aineias leapt down with shield and long spear, fearing lest perchance the
+Achaians might take from him the corpse; and strode over him like a lion
+confident in his strength, and held before him his spear and the circle of his
+shield, eager to slay whoe’er should come to face him, crying his
+terrible cry. Then Tydeides grasped in his hand a stone—a mighty deed—such as
+two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift; yet he with ease wielded it
+all alone. Therewith he smote Aineias on the hip where the thigh turneth in the
+hip joint, and this men call the “cup-bone.” So he crushed his
+cup-bone, and brake both sinews withal, and the jagged stone tore apart the
+skin. Then the hero stayed fallen upon his knees and with stout hand leant upon
+the earth; and the darkness of night veiled his eyes. And now might Aineias
+king of men have perished, but that Aphrodite daughter of Zeus was swift to
+mark. About her dear son wound she her white arms, and spread before his face a
+fold of her radiant vesture, to be a covering from the darts, lest any of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into his breast and take away his
+life.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So was she bearing her dear son away from battle; but the son of Kapaneus
+forgat not the behest that Diomedes of the loud war-cry had laid upon him; he
+refrained his own whole-hooved horses away from the tumult, binding the reins
+tight to the chariot-rim, and leapt on the sleek-coated horses of Aineias, and
+drave them from the Trojans to the well-greaved Achaians, and gave them to
+Deipylos his dear comrade whom he esteemed above all that were his age-fellows,
+because he was like-minded with himself; and bade him drive them to the hollow
+ships. Then did the hero mount his own chariot and take the shining reins and
+forthwith drive his strong-hooved horses in quest of Tydeides, eagerly. Now
+Tydeides had made onslaught with pitiless weapon on Kypris [Aphrodite], knowing
+how she was a coward goddess and none of those that have mastery in battle of
+the warriors. Now when he had pursued her through the dense throng and come on
+her, then great-hearted Tydeus’ son thrust with his keen spear, and leapt
+on her and wounded the skin of her weak hand; straight through the ambrosial
+raiment that the Graces themselves had woven her pierced the dart into the
+flesh, above the springing of the palm. Then flowed the goddess’s
+immortal blood, such ichor as floweth in the blessed gods; for they eat no
+bread neither drink they gleaming wine, wherefore they are bloodless and are
+named immortals. And she with a great cry let fall her son: him Phoebus Apollo
+took into his arms and saved him in a dusky cloud, lest any of the fleet-horsed
+Danaans might hurl the spear into his breast and take away his life. But over
+her Diomedes of the loud war-cry shouted afar: “Refrain thee, thou
+daughter of Zeus, from war and fighting. Is it not enough that thou beguilest
+feeble women? But if in battle thou wilt mingle, verily I deem that thou shalt
+shudder at the name of battle, if thou hear it even afar off.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and she departed in amaze and was sore troubled: and wind-footed
+Iris took her and led her from the throng tormented with her pain, and her fair
+skin was stained. There found she impetuous Ares sitting, on the battle’s
+left; and his spear rested upon a cloud, and his fleet steeds. Then she fell on
+her knees and with instant prayer besought of her dear brother his
+golden-frontleted steeds: “Dear brother, save me and give me thy steeds,
+that I may win to Olympus, where is the habitation of the immortals. Sorely am
+I afflicted with a wound wherewith a mortal smote me, even Tydeides, who now
+would fight even with father Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and Ares gave her his golden-frontleted steeds, and she mounted
+on the chariot sore at heart. By her side mounted Iris, and in her hands
+grasped the reins and lashed the horses to start them; and they flew onward
+nothing loth. Thus soon they came to the habitation of the gods, even steep
+Olympus. There wind-footed fleet Iris loosed the horses from the chariot and
+stabled them, and set ambrosial forage before them; but fair Aphrodite fell
+upon Dione’s knees that was her mother. She took her daughter in her arms
+and stroked her with her hand, and spake and called upon her name: “Who
+now of the sons of heaven, dear child, hath entreated thee thus wantonly, as
+though thou wert a wrong-doer in the face of all?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite made answer to her: “Tydeus’ son
+wounded me, high-hearted Diomedes, because I was saving from the battle my dear
+son Aineias, who to me is dearest far of all men. For no more is the fierce
+battle-cry for Trojans and Achaians, but the Danaans now are fighting even the
+immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the fair goddess Dione answered her: “Be of good heart, my child,
+and endure for all thy pain; for many of us that inhabit the mansions of
+Olympus have suffered through men, in bringing grievous woes one upon
+another.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying with both hands she wiped the ichor from the arm; her arm was
+comforted, and the grievous pangs assuaged. But Athene and Hera beheld, and
+with bitter words provoked Zeus the son, of Kronos. Of them was the bright-eyed
+goddess Athene first to speak: “Father Zeus, wilt thou indeed be wroth
+with me whate’er I say? Verily I ween that Kypris was urging some woman
+of Achaia to join her unto the Trojans whom she so marvellously loveth; and
+stroking such an one of the fair-robed women of Achaia, she tore upon the
+golden brooch her delicate hand.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and called unto him golden
+Aphrodite and said: “Not unto thee, my child, are given the works of war;
+but follow thou after the loving tasks of wedlock, and to all these things
+shall fleet Ares and Athene look.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while they thus spake in converse one with the other, Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry leapt upon Aineias, knowing full well that Apollo himself had spread
+his arms over him; yet reverenced he not even the great god, but still was
+eager to slay Aineias and strip from him his glorious armour. So thrice he
+leapt on him, fain to slay him, and thrice Apollo beat back his glittering
+shield. And when the fourth time he sprang at him like a god, then Apollo the
+Far-darter spake to him with terrible shout: “Think, Tydeides, and
+shrink, nor desire to match thy spirit with gods; seeing there is no comparison
+of the race of immortal gods and of men that walk upon the earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Tydeides shrank a short space backwards, to avoid the wrath of
+Apollo the Far-darter. Then Apollo set Aineias away from the throng in holy
+Pergamos where his temple stood. There Leto and Archer Artemis healed him in
+the mighty sanctuary, and gave him glory; but Apollo of the silver bow made a
+wraith like unto Aineias’ self, and in such armour as his; and over the
+wraith Trojans and goodly Achaians each hewed the others’ bucklers on
+their breasts, their round shields and fluttering targes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to impetuous Ares said Phoebus Apollo: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained
+bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, wilt thou not follow after this man and
+withdraw him from the battle, this Tydeides, who now would fight even with
+father Zeus? First in close fight he wounded Kypris in her hand hard by the
+wrist, and then sprang he upon myself like unto a god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sate himself upon the height of Pergamos, and baleful Ares entered
+among the Trojan ranks and aroused them in the likeness of fleet Akamas,
+captain of the Thracians. On the heaven-nurtured sons of Priam he called
+saying: “O ye sons of Priam, the heaven-nurtured king, how long will ye
+yet suffer your host to be slain of the Achaians? Shall it be even until they
+fight about our well-builded gates? Low lieth the warrior whom we esteemed like
+unto goodly Hector, even Aineias son of Anchises great of heart. Go to now, let
+us save from the tumult our valiant comrade.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he aroused the spirit and soul of every man. Thereat Sarpedon sorely
+chode noble Hector: “Hector, where now is the spirit gone that erst thou
+hadst? Thou saidst forsooth that without armies or allies thou wouldest hold
+the city, alone with thy sisters’ husbands and thy brothers; but now can
+I not see any of these neither perceive them, but they are cowering like hounds
+about a lion; and we are fighting that are but allies among you.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Sarpedon, and his word stung Hector to the heart, Forthwith he leapt
+from his chariot in his armour to the earth, and brandishing two keen spears
+went everywhere through the host, urging them to fight, and roused the dread
+battle-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the Achaians: and the
+Argives withstood them in close array and fled not. Even as a wind carrieth the
+chaff about the sacred threshing-floors when men are winnowing, and the
+chaff-heaps grow white—so now grew the Achaians white with falling dust which
+in their midst the horses’ hooves beat up into the brazen heaven, as
+fight was joined again, and the charioteers wheeled round. Thus bare they
+forward the fury of their hands: and impetuous Ares drew round them a veil of
+night to aid the Trojans in the battle, ranging everywhere. And Apollo himself
+sent forth Aineias from his rich sanctuary and put courage in the heart of him,
+shepherd of the hosts. So Aineias took his place amid his comrades, and they
+were glad to see him come among them alive and sound and full of valiant
+spirit. Yet they questioned him not at all, for all the toil forbade them that
+the god of the silver bow was stirring and Ares bane of men and Strife raging
+insatiably.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And on the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes stirred the
+Danaans to fight; yet these of themselves feared neither the Trojans’
+violence nor assaults, but stood like mists that Kronos’ son setteth in
+windless air on the mountain tops, at peace, while the might of the north wind
+sleepeth and of all the violent winds that blow with keen breath and scatter
+apart the shadowing clouds. Even so the Danaans withstood the Trojans
+steadfastly and fled not. And Atreides ranged through the throng exhorting
+instantly: “My friends, quit you like men and take heart of courage, and
+shun dishonour in one another’s eyes amid the stress of battle. Of men
+that shun dishonour more are saved than slain, but for them that flee is
+neither glory found nor any safety.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he darted swiftly with his javelin and smote a foremost warrior, even
+great-hearted Aineias’ comrade Deikoon son of Pergasos, whom the Trojans
+held in like honour with Priam’s sons, because he was swift to do battle
+amid the foremost. Him lord Agamemnon smote with his dart upon the shield, and
+it stayed not the spear, but the point passed through, so that he drave it
+through the belt into his nethermost belly: and he fell with a crash and his
+armour clanged upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then did Aineias slay two champions of the Danaans, even the sons of Diokles,
+Krethon and Orsilochos. Like them, two lions on the mountain tops are nurtured
+by their dam in the deep forest thickets; and these harry the kine and goodly
+sheep and make havoc of the farmsteads of men, till in their turn they too are
+slain at mel’s hands with the keen bronze; in such wise were these twain
+vanquished at Aineias’ hands and fell like tall pine-trees.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos dear to Ares had pity of them in their fall, and strode through
+the forefront, harnessed in flashing bronze, brandishing his spear; and Ares
+stirred his courage, with intent that he might fall beneath Aineias’
+hand. But Antilochos, great-hearted Nestor’s son, beheld him, and strode
+through the forefront; because he feared exceedingly for the shepherd of the
+host, lest aught befall him and disappoint them utterly of their labour. So
+those two were now holding forth their hands and sharp spears each against the
+other, eager to do battle; when Antilochos came and stood hard by the shepherd
+of the host. But Aineias faced them not, keen warrior though he was, when he
+beheld two men abiding side by side; so these haled away the corpses to the
+Achaians’ host, and laid the hapless twain in their comrades’ arms,
+and themselves turned back and fought on amid the foremost.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector marked them across the ranks, and sprang on them with a shout, and
+the battalions of the Trojans followed him in their might: and Ares led them on
+and dread Enyo, she bringing ruthless turmoil of war, the while Ares wielded in
+his hands his monstrous spear, and ranged now before Hector’s face, and
+now behind.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered to behold him; and even as a
+shiftless man crossing a great plain cometh on a swift-streaming river flowing
+on to the sea, and seeing it boil with foam springeth backwards, even so now
+Tydeides shrank back and spake to the host: “Friends, how marvel we that
+noble Hector is a spearman and bold man of war! Yet ever is there beside him
+some god that wardeth off destruction; even as now Ares is there by him in
+likeness of a mortal man. But with faces towards the Trojans still give ground
+backwards, neither be desirous to fight amain with gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives before the face of Ares and mail-clad Hector neither turned
+them round about toward their black ships, nor charged forward in battle, but
+still fell backward, when they heard of Ares amid the Trojans. But when the
+white-armed goddess Hera marked them making havoc of the Argives in the press
+of battle, anon she spake winged words to Athene: “Out on it, thou
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Was it for naught we pledged
+our word to Menelaos, that he should not depart till he had laid waste
+well-walled Ilios,—if thus we let baleful Ares rage? Go to now, let us twain
+also take thought of impetuous valour.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. So Hera the
+goddess queen, daughter of Kronos, went her way to harness the gold-frontleted
+steeds. And Athene, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cast down at her
+father’s threshold her woven vesture many-coloured, that herself had
+wrought and her hands had fashioned, and put on her the tunic of Zeus the
+cloud-gatherer, and arrayed her in her armour for dolorous battle. About her
+shoulders cast she the tasselled aegis terrible, whereon is Panic as a crown
+all round about, and Strife is therein and Valour and horrible Onslaught
+withal, and therein is the dreadful monster’s Gorgon head, dreadful and
+grim, portent of aegis-bearing Zeus. Upon her head set she the two-crested
+golden helm with fourfold plate, bedecked with men-at-arms of a hundred cities.
+Upon the flaming chariot set she her foot, and grasped her heavy spear, great
+and stout, wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks of men, even of heroes with whom
+she of the awful sire is wroth. Then Hera swiftly smote the horses with the
+lash; self-moving groaned upon their hinges the gates of heaven whereof the
+Hours are warders, to whom is committed great heaven and Olympus, whether to
+throw open the thick cloud or set it to. There through the gates guided they
+their horses patient of the lash. And they found the son of Kronos sitting
+apart from all the gods on the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. Then the
+white-armed goddess Hera stayed her horses and questioned the most high Zeus,
+the son of Kronos, and said: “Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation with
+Ares for these violent deeds? How great and goodly a company of Achaians hath
+he destroyed recklessly and in unruly wise, unto my sorrow. But here in peace
+Kypris and Apollo of the silver bow take their pleasure, having set on this mad
+one that knoweth not any law. Father Zeus, wilt thou at all be wroth with me if
+I smite Ares and chase him from the battle in sorry plight?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said to her: “Go to now, set
+upon him Athene driver of the spoil, who most is wont to bring sore pain upon
+him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not, and lashed her
+horses; they nothing loth flew on between earth and starry heaven. As far as a
+man seeth with his eyes into the haze of distance as he sitteth on a place of
+outlook and gazeth over the wine-dark sea, so far leap the loudly neighing
+horses of the gods. Now when they came to Troy and the two flowing rivers, even
+to where Simoeis and Skamandros join their streams, there the white-armed
+goddess Hera stayed her horses and loosed them from the car and poured thick
+mist round about them, and Simoeis made ambrosia spring up for them to graze.
+So the goddesses went their way with step like unto turtle-doves, being fain to
+bring succour to the men of Argos. And when they were now come where the most
+and most valiant stood, thronging about mighty Diomedes tamer of horses, in the
+semblance of ravening lions or wild boars whose strength is nowise feeble, then
+stood the white-armed goddess Hera and shouted in the likeness of great-hearted
+Stentor with voice of bronze, whose cry was loud as the cry of fifty other men:
+“Fie upon you, Argives, base things of shame, so brave in semblance!
+While yet noble Achilles entered continually into battle, then issued not the
+Trojans even from the Dardanian gate; for they had dread of his terrible spear.
+But now fight they far from the city at the hollow ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying she aroused the spirit and soul of every man. And to Tydeides’
+side sprang the bright-eyed goddess Athene. That lord she found beside his
+horses and chariot, cooling the wound that Pandaros with his dart had pierced,
+for his sweat vexed it by reason of the broad baldrick of his round shield;
+therewith was he vexed and his arm grew weary, so he was lifting up the
+baldrick and wiping away the dusky blood. Then the goddess laid her hand on his
+horses’ yoke, and said: “Of a truth Tydeus begat a son little after
+his own likeness. Tydeus was short of stature, but a man of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And stalwart Diomedes made answer to her and said: “I know thee, goddess
+daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus: therefore with my whole heart will I tell thee
+my thought and hide it not. Neither hath disheartening terror taken hold upon
+me, nor any faintness, but I am still mindful of thy behest that thou didst lay
+upon me. Thou forbadest me to fight face to face with all the blessed gods,
+save only if Zeus’ daughter Aphrodite should enter into battle, then to
+wound her with the keen bronze. Therefore do I now give ground myself and have
+bidden all the Argives likewise to gather here together; for I discern Ares
+lording it in the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: “Diomedes son of
+Tydeus, thou joy of mine heart, fear thou, for that, neither Ares nor any other
+of the immortals; so great a helper am I to thee. Go to now, at Ares first
+guide thou thy whole-hooved horses, and smite him hand to hand, nor have any
+awe of impetuous Ares, raving here, a curse incarnate, the renegade that of
+late in converse with me and Hera pledged him to fight against the Trojans and
+give succour to the Argives, but now consorteth with the Trojans and hath
+forgotten these.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking, with her hand she drew back Sthenelos and thrust him from the
+chariot to earth, and instantly leapt he down; so the goddess mounted the car
+by noble Diomedes’ side right eagerly. The oaken axle creaked loud with
+its burden, bearing the dread goddess and the man of might. Then Athene grasped
+the whip and reins; forthwith against Ares first guided she the whole-hooved
+horses. Now he was stripping huge Periphas, most valiant far of the Aitolians,
+Ochesios’ glorious son. Him was blood-stained Ares stripping; and Athene
+donned the helm of Hades, that terrible Ares might not behold her. Now when
+Ares scourge of mortals beheld noble Diomedes, he left huge Periphas lying
+there, where at the first he had slain him and taken away his life, and made
+straight at Diomedes tamer of horses. Now when they were come nigh in onset on
+one another, first Ares thrust over the yoke and horse’s reins with spear
+of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the bright-eyed goddess Athene with
+her hand seized the spear and thrust it up over the car, to spend itself in
+vain. Next Diomedes of the loud war-cry attacked with spear of bronze; and
+Athene drave it home against Ares’ nethermost belly, where his taslets
+were girt about him. There smote he him and wounded him, rending through his
+fair skin, and plucked forth the spear again. Then brazen Ares bellowed loud as
+nine thousand warriors or ten thousand cry in battle as they join in strife and
+fray. Thereat trembling gat hold of Achaians and Trojans for fear, so mightily
+bellowed Ares insatiate of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as gloomy mist appeareth from the clouds when after beat a stormy wind
+ariseth, even so to Tydeus’ son Diomedes brazen Ares appeared amid
+clouds, faring to wide heaven. Swiftly came he to the gods’ dwelling,
+steep Olympus, and sat beside Zeus son of Kronos with grief at heart, and
+shewed the immortal blood flowing from the wound, and piteously spake to him
+winged words: “Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation to behold these
+violent deeds? For ever cruelly suffer we gods by one another’s devices,
+in shewing men grace. With thee are we all at variance, because thou didst
+beget that reckless maiden and baleful, whose thought is ever of iniquitous
+deeds. For all the other gods that are in Olympus hearken to thee, and we are
+subject every one; only her thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but
+settest her on, because this pestilent one is thine own offspring. Now hath she
+urged on Tydeus’ son, even overweening Diomedes, to rage furiously
+against the immortal gods. Kypris first he wounded in close fight, in the wrist
+of her hand, and then assailed he me, even me, with the might of a god. Howbeit
+my swift feet bare me away; else had I long endured anguish there amid the
+grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived strengthless from the smitings of the
+spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer looked sternly at him and said: “Nay, thou
+renegade, sit not by me and whine. Most hateful to me art thou of all gods that
+dwell in Olympus: thou ever lovest strife and wars and battles. Truly thy
+mother’s spirit is intolerable, unyielding, even Hera’s; her can I
+scarce rule with words. Therefore I deem that by her prompting thou art in this
+plight. Yet will I no longer endure to see thee in anguish; mine offspring art
+thou, and to me thy mother bare thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and bade Paieon heal him. And Paieon laid assuaging drugs upon the
+wound. Even as fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk, that is liquid but
+curdleth speedily as a man stirreth, even so swiftly healed he impetuous Ares.
+And Hebe bathed him, and clothed him in gracious raiment, and he sate him down
+by Zeus son of Kronos, glorying in his might.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fared the twain back to the mansion of great Zeus, even Hera and
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Athene, having stayed Ares scourge of mortals from his man-slaying.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap06"></a>BOOK VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes and Glaukos, being about to fight, were known to each other, and
+parted in friendliness. And how Hector returning to the city bade farewell to
+Andromache his wife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So was the dread fray of Trojans and Achaians left to itself, and the battle
+swayed oft this way and that across the plain, as they aimed against each other
+their bronze-shod javelins, between Simoeis and the streams of Xanthos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now had the Trojans been chased again by the Achaians, dear to Ares, up into
+Ilios, in their weakness overcome, but that Prism’s son Helenos, far best
+of augurs, stood by Aineias’ side and Hector’s, and spake to them:
+“Aineias and Hector, seeing that on you lieth the task of war in chief of
+Trojans and Lykians, because for every issue ye are foremost both for fight and
+counsel, stand ye your ground, and range the host everywhither to rally them
+before the gates, ere yet they fall fleeing in their womel’s arms, and be
+made a rejoicing to the foe. Then when ye have aroused all our battalions we
+will abide here and fight the Danaans, though in sore weariness; for necessity
+presseth us hard: but thou, Hector, go into the city, and speak there to thy
+mother and mine; let her gather the aged wives to bright-eyed Athene’s
+temple in the upper city, and with her key open the doors of the holy house;
+and let her lay the robe, that seemeth to her the most gracious and greatest in
+her hall and far dearest unto herself, upon the knees of beauteous-haired
+Athene; and vow to her to sacrifice in her temple twelve sleek kine, that have
+not felt the goad, if she will have mercy on the city and the Trojans’
+wives and little children. So may she perchance hold back Tydeus’ son
+from holy Ilios, the furious spearman, the mighty deviser of rout, whom in good
+sooth I deem to have proved himself mightiest of the Achaians. Never in this
+wise feared we Achilles, prince of men, who they say is born of a goddess; nay,
+but he that we see is beyond measure furious; none can match him for
+might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector disregarded not his brother’s word, but leapt
+forthwith from his chariot in his armour to earth, and brandishing two sharp
+spears passed everywhere through the host, rousing them to battle, and stirred
+the dread war-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the Achaians, and the
+Argives gave ground and ceased from slaughter, and deemed that some immortal
+had descended from starry heaven to bring the Trojans succour, in such wise
+rallied they. Then Hector called to the Trojans with far-reaching shout:
+“O high-souled Trojans and ye far-famed allies, quit you like men, my
+friends, and take thought of impetuous courage, while I depart to Ilios and bid
+the elders of the council and our wives pray to the gods and vow them
+hecatombs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying Hector of the glancing helm departed, and the black hide beat on
+either side against his ankles and his neck, even the rim that ran uttermost
+about his bossed shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Glaukos son of Hippolochos and Tydeus’ son met in the mid-space of
+the foes, eager to do battle. Thus when the twain were come nigh in onset on
+each other, to him first spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Who art
+thou, noble sir, of mortal men? For never have I beheld thee in glorious battle
+ere this, yet now hast thou far outstripped all men in thy hardihood, seeing
+thou abidest my far-shadowing spear. Luckless are the fathers whose children
+face my might. But if thou art some immortal come down from heaven, then will
+not I fight with heavenly gods. But if thou art of men that eat the fruit of
+the field, come nigh, that anon thou mayest enter the toils of
+destruction.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hippolochos’ glorious son made answer to him: “Great-hearted
+Tydeides, why enquirest thou of my generation? Even as are the generations of
+leaves such are those likewise of men; the leaves that be the wind scattereth
+on the earth, and the forest buddeth and putteth forth more again, when the
+season of spring is at hand; so of the generations of men one putteth forth and
+another ceaseth. Yet if thou wilt, have thine answer, that thou mayest well
+know our lineage, whereof many men have knowledge. Hippolochos, son of
+Bellerophon, begat me, and of him do I declare me to be sprung; he sent me to
+Troy and bade me very instantly to be ever the best and to excel all other men,
+nor put to shame the lineage of my fathers that were of noblest blood in Ephyre
+and in wide Lykia. This is the lineage and blood whereof I avow myself to
+be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Diomedes of the loud war-cry was glad. He planted his spear in
+the bounteous earth and with soft words spake to the shepherd of the host:
+“Surely then thou art to me a guest-friend of old times through my
+father: for goodly Oineus of yore entertained noble Bellerophon in his halls
+and kept him twenty days. Moreover they gave each the other goodly gifts of
+friendship; Oineus gave a belt bright with purple, and Bellerophon a gold
+two-handled cup. Therefore now am I to thee a dear guest-friend in midmost
+Argos, and thou in Lykia, whene’er I fare to your land. So let us shun
+each other’s spears, even amid the throng; Trojans are there in
+multitudes and famous allies for me to slay, whoe’er it be that God
+vouchsafeth me and my feet overtake; and for thee are there Achaians in
+multitude, to slay whome’er thou canst. But let us make exchange of arms
+between us, that these also may know how we avow ourselves to be guest-friends
+by lineage.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the twain, and leaping from their cars clasped each the other by his
+hand, and pledged their faith. But now Zeus son of Kronos took from Glaukos his
+wits, in that he made exchange with Diomedes Tydeus’ son of golden armour
+for bronze, the price of five score oxen for the price of nine.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Hector came to the Skaian gates and to the oak tree, there came
+running round about him the Trojans’ wives and daughters, enquiring of
+sons and brethren and friends and husbands. But he bade them thereat all in
+turn pray to the gods; but sorrow hung over many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when he came to Priam’s beautiful palace, adorned with polished
+colonnades—and in it were fifty chambers of polished stone, builded hard by one
+another, wherein Priam’s sons slept beside their wedded wives; and for
+his daughters over against them on the other side within the courtyard were
+twelve roofed chambers of polished stone builded hard by one another, wherein
+slept Priam’s sons-in-law beside their chaste wives—then came there to
+meet him his bountiful mother, leading with her Laodike, fairest of her
+daughters to look on; and she clasped her hand in his, and spake, and called
+upon his name: “My son, why hast thou left violent battle to come hither.
+Surely the sons of the Achaians—name of evil!—press thee hard in fight about
+thy city, and so thy spirit hath brought thee hither, to come and stretch forth
+thy hands to Zeus from the citadel. But tarry till I bring thee honey-sweet
+wine, that thou mayest pour libation to Zeus and all the immortals first, and
+then shalt thou thyself also be refreshed if thou wilt drink. When a man is
+awearied wine greatly maketh his strength to wax, even as thou art awearied in
+fighting for thy fellows.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bring me no
+honey-hearted wine, my lady mother, lest thou cripple me of my courage and I be
+forgetful of my might. But go thou to the temple of Athene, driver of the
+spoil, with offerings, and gather the aged wives together; and the robe that
+seemeth to thee the most gracious and greatest in thy palace, and dearest unto
+thyself, that lay thou upon the knees of beauteous-haired Athene, and vow to
+her to sacrifice in her temple twelve sleek kine, that have not felt the goad,
+if she will have mercy on the city and the Trojans’ wives and little
+children. So go thou to the temple of Athene, driver of the spoil; and I will
+go after Paris, to summon him, if perchance he will hearken to my voice. Would
+that the earth forthwith might swallow him up! The Olympian fostered him to be
+a sore bane to the Trojans and to great-hearted Priam, and to Priam’s
+sons. If I but saw him going down to the gates of death, then might I deem that
+my heart had forgotten its sorrows.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and she went unto the hall, and called to her handmaidens, and they
+gathered the aged wives throughout the city. Then she herself went down to her
+fragrant chamber where were her embroidered robes, the work of Sidonian women,
+whom godlike Alexandros himself brought from Sidon, when he sailed over the
+wide sea, that journey wherein he brought home high-born Helen. Of these Hekabe
+took one to bear for an offering to Athene, the one that was fairest for
+adornment and greatest, and shone like a star, and lay nethermost of all. Then
+went she her way and the multitude of aged wives hasted after her. And Hector
+was come to Alexandros’ fair palace, that himself had builded with them
+that were most excellent carpenters then in deep-soiled Troy-land; these made
+him his chamber and hall and courtyard hard by to Priam and Hector, in the
+upper city. There entered in Hector dear to Zeus, and his hand bare his spear,
+eleven cubits long: before his face glittered the bronze spear-point, and a
+ring of gold ran round about it. And he found Paris in his chamber busied with
+his beauteous arms, his shield and breastplate, and handling his curved bow;
+and Helen of Argos sate among her serving-women and appointed brave handiwork
+for her handmaidens. Then when Hector saw him he rebuked him with scornful
+words: “Good sir, thou dost not well to cherish this rancour in thy
+heart. The folk are perishing about the city and high wall in battle, and for
+thy sake the battle-cry is kindled and war around this city; yes thyself
+wouldest thou fall out with another, didst thou see him shrinking from hateful
+war. Up then, lest the city soon be scorched with burning fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And godlike Alexandros answered him: “Hector, since in measure thou
+chidest me and not beyond measure, therefore will I tell thee; lay thou it to
+thine heart and hearken to me. Not by reason so much of the Trojans, for wrath
+and indignation, sate I me in my chamber, but fain would I yield me to my
+sorrow. Even now my wife hath persuaded me with soft words, and urged me into
+battle; and I moreover, even I, deem that it will be better so; for victory
+shifteth from man to man. Go to then, tarry awhile, let me put on my armour of
+war; or else fare thou forth, and I will follow; and I think to overtake
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm answered him not a word. But Helen
+spake to him with gentle words: “My brother, even mine that am a dog,
+mischievous and abominable, would that on the day when my mother bare me at the
+first, an evil storm-wind had caught me away to a mountain or a billow of the
+loud-sounding sea, where the billow might have swept me away before all these
+things came to pass. Howbeit, seeing the gods devised all these ills in this
+wise, would that then I had been mated with a better man, that felt dishonour
+and the multitude of mel’s reproachings. But as for him, neither hath he
+now sound heart, nor ever will have; thereof deem I moreover that he will reap
+the fruit. But now come, enter in and sit thee here upon this bench, my
+brother, since thy heart chiefly trouble hath encompassed, for the sake of me,
+that am a dog, and for Alexandros’ sin; on whom Zeus bringeth evil doom,
+that even in days to come we may be a song in the ears of men that shall be
+hereafter.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Bid me not sit,
+Helen, of thy love; thou wilt not persuade me. Already my heart is set to
+succour the men of Troy, that have great desire for me that am not with them.
+But rouse thou this fellow, yea let himself make speed, to overtake me yet
+within the city. For I shall go into mine house to behold my housefolk and my
+dear wife, and infant boy; for I know not if I shall return home to them again,
+or if the gods will now overthrow me at the hands of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Hector of the glancing helm and departed; and anon he came to his
+well-stablished house. But he found not white-armed Andromache in the halls;
+she with her boy and fair-robed handmaiden had taken her stand upon the tower,
+weeping and wailing. And when Hector found not his noble wife within, he came
+and stood upon the threshold and spake amid the serving women: “Come tell
+me now true, my serving women. Whither went white-armed Andromache forth from
+the hall? Hath she gone out to my sisters or unto my brothers’ fair-robed
+wives, or to Athene’s temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women
+propitiate the awful goddess?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then a busy housedame spake in answer to him: “Hector, seeing thou
+straitly chargest us tell thee true, neither hath she gone out to any of thy
+sisters or thy brothers’ fair-robed wives, neither to Athene’s
+temple, where all the fair-tressed Trojan women are propitiating the awful
+goddess; but she went to the great tower of Ilios, because she heard the
+Trojans were hard pressed, and great victory was for the Achaians. So hath she
+come in haste to the wall, like unto one frenzied; and the nurse with her
+beareth the child.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the housedame, and Hector hastened from his house back by the same way
+down the well-builded streets. When he had passed through the great city and
+was come to the Skaian gates, whereby he was minded to issue upon the plain,
+then came his dear-won wife, running to meet him, even Andromache daughter of
+great-hearted Eetion. So she met him now, and with her went the handmaid
+bearing in her bosom the tender boy, the little child, Hector’s loved
+son, like unto a beautiful star. Him Hector called Skamandrios, but all the
+folk Astyanax [Astyanax = “City King.”]; for only Hector guarded
+Ilios. So now he smiled and gazed at his boy silently, and Andromache stood by
+his side weeping, and clasped her hand in his, and spake and called upon his
+name. “Dear my lord, this thy hardihood will undo thee, neither hast thou
+any pity for thine infant boy, nor for me forlorn that soon shall be thy widow;
+for soon will the Achaians all set upon thee and slay thee. But it were better
+for me to go down to the grave if I lose thee; for never more will any comfort
+be mine, when once thou, even thou, hast met thy fate, but only sorrow. Nay,
+Hector, thou art to me father and lady mother, yea and brother, even as thou
+art my goodly husband. Come now, have pity and abide here upon the tower, lest
+thou make thy child an orphan and thy wife a widow.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm answered her: “Surely I take
+thought for all these things, my wife; but I have very sore shame of the
+Trojans and Trojan dames with trailing robes, if like a coward I shrink away
+from battle. Moreover mine own soul forbiddeth me, seeing I have learnt ever to
+be valiant and fight in the forefront of the Trojans, winning my father’s
+great glory and mine own. Yea of a surety I know this in heart and soul; the
+day shall come for holy Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam
+of the good ashen spear. Yet doth the anguish of the Trojans hereafter not so
+much trouble me, neither Hekabe’s own, neither king Priam’s,
+neither my brethrel’s, the many and brave that shall fall in the dust
+before their foemen, as doth thine anguish in the day when some mail-clad
+Achaian shall lead thee weeping and rob thee of the light of freedom. So shalt
+thou abide in Argos and ply the loom at another womal’s bidding, and bear
+water from fount Messeis or Hypereia, being grievously entreated, and sore
+constraint shall be laid upon thee. And then shall one say that beholdeth thee
+weep: ‘This is the wife of Hector, that was foremost in battle of the
+horse-taming Trojans when men fought about Ilios.’ Thus shall one say
+hereafter, and fresh grief will be thine for lack of such an husband as thou
+hadst to ward off the day of thraldom. But me in death may the heaped-up earth
+be covering, ere I hear thy crying and thy carrying into captivity.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector, and stretched out his arm to his boy. But the child
+shrunk crying to the bosom of his fair-girdled nurse, dismayed at his dear
+father’s aspect, and in dread at the bronze and horse-hair crest that he
+beheld nodding fiercely from the helmet’s top. Then his dear father
+laughed aloud, and his lady mother; forthwith glorious Hector took the helmet
+from his head, and laid it, all gleaming, upon the earth; then kissed he his
+dear son and dandled him in his arms, and spake in prayer to Zeus and all the
+gods, “O Zeus and all ye gods, vouchsafe ye that this my son may likewise
+prove even as I, pre-eminent amid the Trojans, and as valiant in might, and be
+a great king of Ilios. Then may men say of him, ‘Far greater is he than
+his father’ as he returneth home from battle; and may he bring with him
+blood-stained spoils from the foeman he hath slain, and may his mother’s
+heart be glad.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and laid his son in his dear wife’s arms; and she took him
+to her fragrant bosom, smiling tearfully. And her husband had pity to see her,
+and caressed her with his hand, and spake and called upon her name: “Dear
+one, I pray thee be not of oversorrowful heart; no man against my fate shall
+hurl me to Hades; only destiny, I ween, no man hath escaped, be he coward or be
+he valiant, when once he hath been born. But go thou to thine house and see to
+thine own tasks, the loom and distaff, and bid thine handmaidens ply their
+work; but for war shall men provide, and I in chief of all men that dwell in
+Ilios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector, and took up his horse-hair crested helmet; and his
+dear wife departed to her home, oft looking back, and letting fall big tears.
+Anon she came to the well-stablished house of man-slaying Hector, and found
+therein her many handmaidens, and stirred lamentation in them all. So bewailed
+they Hector, while yet he lived, within his house: for they deemed that he
+would no more come back to them from battle, nor escape the fury of the hands
+of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Neither lingered Paris long in his lofty house, but clothed on him his brave
+armour, bedight with bronze, and hasted through the city, trusting to his
+nimble feet. Even as when a stalled horse, full-fed at the manger, breaketh his
+tether and speedeth at the gallop across the plain, being wont to bathe him in
+the fair-flowing stream, exultingly; and holdeth his head on high, and his mane
+floateth about his shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his
+limbs bear him to the haunts and pasturages of mares; even so Priam’s son
+Paris, glittering in his armour like the shining sun, strode down from high
+Pergamos laughingly, and his swift feet bare him. Forthwith he overtook his
+brother noble Hector, even as he was on the point to turn him away from the
+spot where he had dallied with his wife. To him first spake godlike Alexandros:
+“Sir, in good sooth I have delayed thee in thine haste by my tarrying,
+and came not rightly as thou badest me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector of the glancing helm answered him and said: “Good brother, no
+man that is rightminded could make light of thy doings in fight, seeing thou
+art strong: but thou art wilfully remiss and hast no care; and for this my
+heart is grieved within me, that I hear shameful words concerning thee in the
+Trojans’ mouths, who for thy sake endure much toil. But let us be going;
+all this will we make good hereafter, if Zeus ever vouchsafe us to set before
+the heavenly gods that are for everlasting the cup of deliverance in our halls,
+when we have chased out of Troy-land the well-greaved Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap07"></a>BOOK VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the single combat between Aias and Hector, and of the burying of the dead,
+and the building of a wall about the Achaian ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake glorious Hector and issued from the gates, and with him went his
+brother Alexandros; and both were eager of soul for fight and battle. Even as
+God giveth to longing seamen fair wind when they have grown weary of beating
+the main with polished oars, and their limbs are fordone with toil, even so
+appeared these to the longing Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when the goddess bright-eyed Athene marked them making havoc of the Argives
+in the press of battle, she darted down from the crests of Olympus to holy
+Ilios. But Apollo rose to meet her, for he beheld her from Pergamos, and would
+have victory for the Trojans. So the twain met each the other by the oak-tree.
+To her spake first king Apollo son of Zeus: “Why now art thou come thus
+eagerly from Olympus, thou daughter of great Zeus, and why hath thy high heart
+sent thee? Surely it is to give the Danaans unequal victory in battle! seeing
+thou hast no mercy on the Trojans, that perish. But if thou wouldest hearken to
+me—and it were far better so—let us now stay battle and warring for the day;
+hereafter shall they fight again, till they reach the goal of Ilios, since thus
+it seemeth good to your hearts, goddesses immortal, to lay waste this
+city.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the goddess bright-eyed Athene made answer to him: “So be it,
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Far-darter; in this mind I likewise came from Olympus to the midst of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Trojans and Achaians. But come, how thinkest thou to stay the battle of
+</p>
+
+<p>
+the warriors?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And king Apollo, son of Zeus, made answer to her: “Let us arouse the
+stalwart spirit of horse-taming Hector, if so be he will challenge some one of
+the Danaans in single fight man to man to meet him in deadly combat. So shall
+the bronze-greaved Achaians be jealous and stir up one to fight singly with
+goodly Hector.” So spake he and the bright-eyed goddess Athene
+disregarded not. Now Helenos Priam’s dear son understood in spirit their
+resolve that the gods in counsel had approved; and he went to Hector and stood
+beside him, and spake a word to him: “Hector son of Priam, peer of Zeus
+in counsel, wouldest thou now hearken at all to me? for I am thy brother. Make
+the other Trojans sit, and all the Achaians, and thyself challenge him that is
+best of the Achaians to meet thee man to man in deadly combat. It is not yet
+thy destiny to die and meet thy doom; for thus heard I the voice of the gods
+that are from everlasting.” So said he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to
+hear his saying, and went into the midst and refrained the battalions of the
+Trojans with his spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them down: and
+Agamemnon made the well-greaved Achaians sit. And Athene withal and Apollo of
+the silver bow, in the likeness of vulture birds, sate them upon a tall oak
+holy to aegis-bearing father Zeus, rejoicing in their warriors; and the ranks
+of all of them sate close together, bristling with shields and plumes and
+spears. Even as there spreadeth across the main the ripple of the west wind
+newly risen, and the sea grows black beneath it, so sate the ranks of Achaians
+and Trojans upon the plain. And Hector spake between both hosts: “Hearken
+to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians, that I may speak what my mind within
+my breast biddeth me. Our oaths of truce Kronos’ son, enthroned on high,
+accomplished not; but evil is his intent and ordinance for both our hosts,
+until either ye take fair-towered Troy or yourselves be vanquished beside your
+seafaring ships. But in the midst of you are the chiefest of all the Achaians;
+therefore now let the man whose heart biddeth him fight with me come hither
+from among you all to be your champion against goodly Hector. And this declare
+I, and be Zeus our witness thereto; if that man slay me with the long-edged
+sword, let him spoil me of my armour and bear it to the hollow ships, but give
+back my body to my home, that Trojans and Trojans’ wives may give me my
+due of burning in my death. But if I slay him and Apollo vouchsafe me glory, I
+will spoil him of his armour and bear it to holy Ilios and hang it upon the
+temple of far-darting Apollo, but his corpse will I render back to the
+well-decked ships, that the flowing-haired Achaians may entomb him, and build
+him a barrow beside wide Hellespont. So shall one say even of men that be late
+born, as he saileth in his benched ship over the wine-dark sea: ‘This is
+the barrow of a man that died in days of old, a champion whom glorious Hector
+slew.’ So shall a man say hereafter, and this my glory shall never
+die.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and they all were silent and held their peace; to deny him they
+were ashamed, and feared to meet him. But at the last stood up Menelaos and
+spake amid them and chiding upbraided them, and groaned deep at heart:
+“Ah me, vain threateners, ye women of Achaia and no more men, surely all
+this shall be a shame, evil of evil, if no one of the Danaans now goeth to meet
+Hector. Nay, turn ye all to earth and water, sitting there each man
+disheartened, helplessly inglorious; against him will I myself array me; and
+from on high the threads of victory are guided of the immortal gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and donned his fair armour. And now, O Menelaos, had the end of
+life appeared for thee at Hector’s hands, seeing he was stronger far, but
+that the princes of the Achaians started up and caught thee. And Atreus’
+son himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, took him by his right hand and spake a word
+and called upon his name: “Thou doest madly, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus;
+yet is it no time for this thy madness. Draw back, though it be with pain, nor
+think for contentiol’s sake to fight with one better than thou, with
+Hector Priam’s son, whom others beside thee abhor. Yea, this man even
+Achilles dreadeth to meet in battle, wherein is the warrior’s glory; and
+Achilles is better far than thou. Go therefore now and sit amid the company of
+thy fellows; against him shall the Achaians put forth another champion.
+Fearless though he be and insatiate of turmoil, I ween that he shall be fain to
+rest his knees, if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero and persuaded his brother’s heart with just counsel;
+and he obeyed. So his squires thereat with gladness took his armour from his
+shoulders; and Nestor stood up and spake amid the Argives: “Fie upon it,
+verily sore lamentation cometh on the land of Achaia. Verily old Peleus driver
+of chariots would groan sore, that goodly counsellor of the Myrmidons and
+orator, who erst questioned me in his house, and rejoiced greatly, inquiring of
+the lineage and birth of all the Argives. If he heard now of those that all
+were cowering before Hector, then would he lift his hands to the immortals,
+instantly praying that his soul might depart from his limbs down to the house
+of Hades. Would to God I were thus young and my strength were sound; then would
+Hector of the glancing helm soon find his combat. But of those of you that be
+chieftains of the host of the Achaians, yet desireth no man of good heart to
+meet Hector face to face.” So the old man upbraided them, and there stood
+up nine in all. Far first arose Agamemnon king of men, and after him rose
+Tydeus’ son stalwart Diomedes, and after them the Aiantes clothed with
+impetuous might, and after them Idomeneus and Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms
+Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men, and after them Eurypylos
+Euaimol’s glorious son; and up rose Thoas Andraimol’s son and
+goodly Odysseus. So all these were fain to fight with goodly Hector. And among
+them spake again knightly Nestor of Gerenia: “Now cast ye the lot from
+the first unto the last, for him that shall be chosen: for he shall in truth
+profit the well-greaved Achaians, yea and he shall have profit of his own soul,
+if he escape from the fury of war and terrible fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they marked each man his lot and cast them in the helmet of
+Agamemnon Atreus’ son; and the hosts prayed and lifted up their hands to
+the gods. And thus would one say, looking up to wide heaven: “O father
+Zeus, vouchsafe that the lot fall upon Aias or Tydeus’ son, or else on
+the king of Mykene rich in gold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia shook the helmet, and there leapt
+forth the lot that themselves desired, even the lot of Aias. And Aias saw and
+knew the token upon the lot, and rejoiced in heart, and spake: “My
+friends, verily the lot is mine, yea and myself am glad at heart, because I
+deem that I shall vanquish goodly Hector. But come now, while I clothe me in my
+armour of battle, pray ye the while to Kronos’ son king Zeus, in silence
+to yourselves, that the Trojans hear you not—nay rather, openly if ye will, for
+we have no fear of any man soever. For none by force shall chase me, he willing
+me unwilling, neither by skill; seeing I hope that not so skill-less, either,
+was I born in Salamis nor nurtured.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they prayed to Kronos’ son, king Zeus; and thus would one
+speak, looking up to wide heaven: “O father Zeus that rulest from Ida,
+most glorious, most great, vouchsafe to Aias victory and the winning of great
+glory. But if thou so lovest Hector indeed, and carest for him, grant unto
+either equal prowess and renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said they, while Aias arrayed him in flashing bronze. And when he had now
+clothed upon his flesh all his armour, then marched he as huge Ares coming
+forth, when he goeth to battle amid heroes whom Kronos’ son setteth to
+fight in fury of heart-consuming strife. So rose up huge Aias, bulwark of the
+Achaians, with a smile on his grim face: and went with long strides of his feet
+beneath him, shaking his far-shadowing spear. Then moreover the Argives
+rejoiced to look upon him, but sore trembling came upon the Trojans, on the
+limbs of every man, and Hector’s own heart beat within his breast. But in
+no wise could he now flee nor shrink back into the throng of the host, seeing
+he had challenged him to battle. And Aias came near bearing his tower-like
+shield of bronze, with sevenfold ox-hide, and stood near to Hector, and spake
+to him threatening: “Hector, now verily shalt thou well know, man to man,
+what manner of princes the Danaans likewise have among them, even after
+Achilles, render of men, the lion-hearted. But he amid his beaked seafaring
+ships lieth in sore wrath with Agamemnon shepherd of the host; yet are we such
+as to face thee, yea and many of us. But make thou beginning of war and
+battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And great Hector of the glancing helm answered him: “Aias of the seed of
+Zeus, son of Telamon, chieftain of the host, tempt not thou me like some puny
+boy or woman that knoweth not deeds of battle. But I well know wars and
+slaughterings. To right know I, to left know I the wielding of my tough targe;
+therein I deem is stalwart soldiership. And I know how to charge into the
+mellay of fleet chariots, and how in close battle to join in furious
+Ares’ dance. Howbeit, I have no mind to smite thee, being such an one as
+thou art, by spying thee unawares; but rather openly, if perchance I may hit
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled and smote Aias’
+dread shield of sevenfold hide upon the uttermost bronze, the eighth layer that
+was thereon. Through six folds went the stubborn bronze cleaving, but in the
+seventh hide it stayed. Then heaven-sprung Aias hurled next his far-shadowing
+spear, and smote upon the circle of the shield of Priam’s son. Through
+the bright shield passed the violent spear, and through the curiously wrought
+corslet pressed it on; and straight forth beside the flank the spear rent his
+doublet; but he swerved aside and escaped black death. Then both together with
+their hands plucked forth their long spears and fell to like ravening lions or
+wild boars whose might is nowise feeble. Then Priam’s son smote the
+shield’s midst with his dart, but the bronze brake not through, for the
+point turned back; but Aias leapt on him and pierced his buckler, and straight
+through went the spear and staggered him in his onset, and cleft its way unto
+his neck, so that the dark blood gushed up. Yet even then did not Hector of the
+glancing helm cease from fight, but yielded ground and with stout hand seized a
+stone lying upon the plain, black and rugged and great; therewith hurled he and
+smote Aias’ dread shield of sevenfold ox-hide in the midst upon the boss,
+and the bronze resounded. Next Aias lifted a far greater stone, and swung and
+hurled it, putting might immeasurable therein. So smote he the buckler and
+burst it inwards with the rock like unto a millstone, and beat down his knees;
+and he was stretched upon his back, pressed into his shield; but Apollo
+straightway raised him up. And now had they been smiting hand to hand with
+swords, but that the heralds, messengers of gods and men, came, one from the
+Trojans, one from the mail-clad Achaians, even Talthybios and Idaios, both men
+discreet. Between the two held they their staves, and herald Idaios spake a
+word, being skilled in wise counsel: “Fight ye no more, dear sons,
+neither do battle; seeing Zeus the cloud-gatherer loveth you both, and both are
+men of war; that verily know we all. But night already is upon us: it is well
+withal to obey the hest [behest] of night.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Telamonian Aias answered and said to him: “Idaios, bid ye Hector to
+speak those words; of his own self he challenged to combat all our best. Let
+him be first, and I will surely follow as he saith.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then great Hector of the glancing helm said to him: “Aias, seeing God
+gave thee stature and might and wisdom, and with the spear thou art excellent
+above all the Achaians, let us now cease from combat and battle for the day;
+but hereafter will we fight until God judge between as, giving to one of us the
+victory: But come, let us give each the other famous gifts, that men may thus
+say, Achaians alike and Trojans: ‘These, having fought for sake of
+heart-consuming strife, parted again reconciled in friendship.’”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and gave him his silver-studded sword, with scabbard and well-cut
+baldrick; and Aias gave his belt bright with purple. So they parted, and one
+went to the Achaian host, and one betook him to the throng of Trojans. And
+these rejoiced to behold him come to them alive and sound, escaped from the
+fury of Aias and his hands unapproachable; and they brought him to the city
+saved beyond their hope. And Aias on their side the well-greaved Achaians
+brought to noble Agamemnon, exulting in his victory.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when these were come unto the huts of Atreides, then did Agamemnon king of
+men slay them an ox, a male of five years old, for the most mighty son of
+Kronos. This they flayed and made ready, and divided it all, and minced it
+cunningly, and pierced it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and
+drew all off again. Then as soon as they had rest from the task and had made
+ready the meal, they began the feast, nor was their soul aught stinted of the
+equal banquet. And the hero son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave to Aias
+slices of the chine’s full length for his honour. And when they had put
+from them the desire of meat and drink, then first the old man began to weave
+the web of counsel, even Nestor whose rede [counsel] of old time was proved
+most excellent. He made harangue among them and said: “Son of Atreus and
+ye other princes of the Achaians, seeing that many flowing-haired Achaians are
+dead, and keen Ares hath spilt their dusky blood about fair-flowing Skamandros,
+and their souls have gone down to the house of Hades; therefore it behoveth
+thee to make the battle of the Achaians cease with daybreak; and we will
+assemble to wheel hither the corpses with oxen and mules; so let us burn them;
+and let us heap one barrow about the pyre, rearing it from the plain for all
+alike; and thereto build with speed high towers, a bulwark for our ships and
+for ourselves. In the midst thereof let us make gates well compact, that
+through them may be a way for chariot-driving. And without let us dig a deep
+foss hard by, to be about it and to hinder horses and footmen, lest the battle
+of the lordly Trojans be heavy on us hereafter.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and all the chiefs gave assent. But meanwhile there was in the high
+town of Ilios an assembly of the Trojans, fierce, confused, beside
+Priam’s gate. To them discreet Antenor began to make harangue:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you
+that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Lo, go to now, let us give Helen
+of Argos and the wealth with her for the sons of Atreus to take away. Now fight
+we in guilt against the oaths of faith; therefore is there no profit for us
+that I hope to see fulfilled, unless we do thus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them noble Alexandros,
+lord of Helen beautiful-haired; he made him answer and spake winged words:
+“Antenor, these words from thee are no longer to my pleasure; yet thou
+hast it in thee to devise other sayings more excellent than this. But if indeed
+thou sayest this in earnest, then verily the gods themselves have destroyed thy
+wit. But I will speak forth amid the horse-taming Trojans, and declare
+outright; my wife will I not give back; but the wealth I brought from Argos to
+our home, all that I have a mind to give, and add more of mine own
+substance.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and sate him down, and there stood up among them Priam of the seed
+of Dardanos, the peer of gods in counsel; he made harangue to them, and said:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may tell you
+that my soul within my breast commandeth me. Now eat your supper throughout the
+city as of old, and take thought to keep watch, and be wakeful every man. And
+at dawn let Idaios fare to the hollow ships to tell to Atreus’ sons
+Agamemnon and Menelaos the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife is come
+about: and likewise to ask them this wise word, whether they are minded to
+refrain from noisy war till we have burned our dead; afterwards will we fight
+again, till heaven part us and give one or other victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they hearkened diligently to him and obeyed: and at dawn
+Idaios fared to the hollow ships. He found the Danaans in assembly, the men of
+Ares’ company, beside the stern of Agamemnol’s ship; and so the
+loud-voiced herald stood in their midst and said unto them: “Atreides and
+ye other princes of the Achaians, Priam and all the noble Trojans bade me tell
+you-if perchance it might find favour and acceptance with you-the saying of
+Alexandros, for whose sake strife hath come about. The wealth that Alexandros
+brought in his hollow ships to Troy-would he had perished first!-all that he
+hath a mind to give, and to add more thereto of his substance. But the wedded
+wife of glorious Menelaos he saith he will not give; yet verily the Trojans bid
+him do it. Moreover they bade me ask this thing of you; whether ye are minded
+to refrain from noisy war until we have burned our dead; afterwards will we
+fight again, till heaven part us and give one or other victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he and they all kept silence and were still. But at the last spake
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry in their midst: “Let no man now accept
+Alexandros’ substance, neither Helel’s self; known is it, even to
+him that hath no wit at all, how that the issues of destruction hang already
+over the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted, applauding the saying of
+horse-taming Diomedes. And then lord Agamemnon spake to Idaios: “Idaios,
+thyself thou hearest the saying of the Achaians, how they answer thee; and the
+like seemeth good to me. But as concerning the dead, I grudge you not to burn
+them; for dead corpses is there no stinting; when they once are dead, of the
+swift propitiation of fire. And for the oaths let Zeus be witness, the
+loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he lifted up his sceptre in the sight of all the gods, and Idaios
+departed back to holy Ilios. Now Trojans and Dardanians sate in assembly,
+gathered all together to wait till Idaios should come; and he came and stood in
+their midst and declared his message. Then they made them ready very swiftly
+for either task, some to bring the dead, and some to seek for wood. And on
+their part the Argives hasted from their well-decked ships, some to bring the
+dead and some to seek for wood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the sun was newly beating on the fields as he climbed heaven from the deep
+stream of gently-flowing Ocean, when both sides met together. Then was it a
+hard matter to know each man again; but they washed them with water clean of
+clotted gore, and with shedding of hot tears lifted them upon the wains. But
+great Priam bade them not wail aloud; so in silence heaped they the corpses on
+the pyre, stricken at heart; and when they had burned them with fire departed
+to holy Ilios. And in like manner on their side the well-greaved Achaians
+heaped the corpses on the pyre, stricken at heart, and when they had burned
+them with fire departed to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when day was not yet, but still twilight of night, then was the chosen folk
+of the Achaians gathered together around the pyre, and made one barrow about
+it, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereto built they a wall and
+lofty towers, a bulwark for their ships and for themselves. In the midst
+thereof made they gates well-compacted, that through them might be a way for
+chariot-driving. And without they dug a deep foss beside it, broad and great,
+and planted a palisade therein.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus toiled the flowing-haired Achaians: and the gods sate by Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, and marvelled at the great work of the mail-clad Achaians. And
+Poseidon shaker of earth spake first to them: “O father Zeus, is there
+any man throughout the boundless earth that will any more declare to the
+immortals his mind and counsel? Seest thou not how the flowing-haired Achaians
+have now again built them a wall before their ships, and drawn a foss around
+it, but gave not excellent hecatombs to the gods? Verily the fame thereof shall
+reach as far as the dawn spreadeth, and men will forget the wall that I and
+Phoebus Apollo built with travail for the hero Laomedon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer said to him, sore troubled: “Out on it,
+far-swaying Shaker of earth, for this thing thou sayest. Well might some other
+god fear this device, one that were far feebler than thou in the might of his
+hands: but thine shall be the fame as far as the dawn spreadeth. Go to now,
+hereafter when the flowing-haired Achaians be departed upon their ships to
+their dear native land, then burst thou this wall asunder and scatter it all
+into the sea, and cover the great sea-beach over with sand again, that the
+great wall of the Achaians be brought to naught.”
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap08"></a>BOOK VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Zeus bethought him of his promise to avenge Achilles’ wrong on
+Agamemnon; and therefore bade the gods refrain from war, and gave victory to
+the Trojans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Dawn the saffron-robed was spreading over all the earth, and Zeus whose joy
+is in the thunder let call an assembly of the gods upon the topmost peak of
+many-ridged Olympus, and himself made harangue to them and all the gods gave
+ear: “Hearken to me, all gods and all ye goddesses, that I may tell you
+what my heart within my breast commandeth me. One thing let none essay, be it
+goddess or be it god, to wit, to thwart my saying; approve ye it all together,
+that with all speed I may accomplish these things. Whomsoever I shall perceive
+minded to go, apart from the gods, to succour Trojans or Danaans, chastened in
+no seemly wise shall he return to Olympus, or I will take and cast him into
+misty Tartaros, right far away, where is the deepest gulf beneath the earth;
+there are the gate of iron and threshold of bronze, as far beneath Hades as
+heaven is high above the earth: then shall he know how far I am mightiest of
+all gods. Go to now, ye gods, make trial that ye all may know. Fasten ye a rope
+of gold from heaven, and all ye gods lay hold thereof and all goddesses; yet
+could ye not drag from heaven to earth Zeus, counsellor supreme, not though ye
+toiled sore. But once I likewise were minded to draw with all my heart, then
+should I draw you up with very earth and sea withal. Thereafter would I bind
+the rope about a pinnacle of Olympus, and so should all those things be hung in
+air. By so much am I beyond gods and beyond men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he let harness to his chariot his bronze-shod horses, fleet of foot,
+with flowing manes of gold; and himself clad him with gold upon his flesh, and
+grasped the whip of gold, well wrought, and mounted upon his car, and lashed
+the horses to start them; they nothing loth sped on between earth and starry
+heaven. So fared he to many-fountained Ida, mother of wild beasts, even unto
+Gargaros, where is his demesne and fragrant altar. There did the father of men
+and gods stay his horses, and unloose them from the car, and cast thick mist
+about them; and himself sate on the mountain-tops rejoicing in his glory, to
+behold the city of the Trojans and ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the flowing-haired Achaians took meat hastily among the huts and thereafter
+arrayed themselves. Likewise the Trojans on their side armed them throughout
+the town—a smaller host, yet for all that were they eager to fight in battle,
+of forceful need, for their childrel’s sake and their wives’. And
+the gates were opened wide and the host issued forth, footmen and horsemen; and
+mighty din arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed they targe
+and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed shields pressed each on
+each, and mighty din arose. Then were heard the voice of groaning and the voice
+of triumph together of the slayers and the slain, and the earth streamed with
+blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while it yet was morn and the divine day waxed, so long from either side
+lighted the darts amain and the people fell. But when the sun bestrode
+mid-heaven, then did the Father balance his golden scales, and put therein two
+fates of death that layeth men at their length, one for horse-taming Trojans,
+one for mail-clad Achaians; and he took the scale-yard by the midst and lifted
+it, and the Achaians’ day of destiny sank down. So lay the
+Achaians’ fates on the bounteous earth, and the Trojans’ fates were
+lifted up towards wide heaven. And the god thundered aloud from Ida, and sent
+his blazing flash amid the host of the Achaians; and they saw and were
+astonished, and pale fear gat hold upon all.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had Idomeneus no heart to stand, neither Agamemnon, neither stood the
+twain Aiantes, men of Ares’ company. Only Nestor of Gerenia stood his
+ground, he the Warden of the Achaians; neither he of purpose, but his horse was
+fordone, which noble Alexandros, beauteous-haired Helel’s lord, had
+smitten with an arrow upon the top of the crest where the foremost hairs of
+horses grow upon the skull; and there is the most deadly spot. So the horse
+leapt up in anguish and the arrow sank into his brain, and he brought confusion
+on the steeds as he writhed upon the dart. While the old man leapt forth and
+with his sword began to hew the traces, came Hector’s fleet horses
+through the tumult, bearing a bold charioteer, even Hecktor. And now had the
+old man lost his life, but that Diomedes of the loud war-cry was swift to mark.
+Terribly shouted he, summoning Odysseus: “Heaven-born son of Laertes,
+Odysseus of many wiles, whither fleest thou with thy back turned, like a coward
+in the throng? Beware lest as thou fleest one plant a spear between thy
+shoulders. Nay, stand thy ground, till we thrust back from the old man his
+furious foe.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but much-enduring noble Odysseus heard him not, but hastened by to
+the hollow ships of the Achaians. Yet Tydeides, though but one, mingled amid
+the fighters in the forefront, and took his stand before the steeds of the old
+man, Neleus’ son, and spake to him winged words, and said: “Old
+man, of a truth young warriors beset thee hard; and thy force is abated, and
+old age is sore upon thee, and thy squire is but a weakling, and thy steeds are
+slow. Come then, mount upon my car, that thou mayest see of what sort are the
+steeds of Tros, well skilled for following or fleeing hither or thither very
+fleetly across the plain, even those that erst I took from Aineias inspirer of
+fear. Thine let our squires tend, and these let us guide straight against the
+horse-taming Trojans, that even Hector may know whether my spear also rageth in
+my hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and knightly Nestor of Gerenia disregarded not. Then the two
+squires tended Nestor’s horses, even Sthenelos the valiant and kindly
+Eurymedon: and the other twain both mounted upon Diomedes’ car. And
+Nestor took into his hands the shining reins, and lashed the horses; and soon
+they drew nigh Hector. Then Tydeus’ son hurled at him as he charged
+straight upon them: him missed he, but his squire that drave his chariot,
+Eniopeus, high-hearted Thebaios’ son, even him as he held the reins, he
+smote upon the breast beside the nipple. So he fell from out the car, and his
+fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there his soul and spirit were unstrung.
+Then sore grief encompassed Hector’s soul for sake of his charioteer. Yet
+left he him there lying, though he sorrowed for his comrade, and drave in quest
+of a bold charioteer; and his horses lacked not long a master, for anon he
+found Iphitos’ son, bold Archeptolemos, and him he made mount behind his
+fleet horses, and gave the reins into his hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then had destruction come and deeds beyond remedy been wrought, and so had they
+been penned in Ilios like lambs, had not the father of gods and men been swift
+to mark. So he thundered terribly and darted his white lightning and hurled it
+before Diomedes’ steeds to earth; and there arose a terrible flame of
+sulphur burning, and the two horses were affrighted and cowered beneath the
+car. And the shining reins dropped from Nestor’s hands, and he was afraid
+at heart and spake to Diomedes: “Come now Tydeides, turn back thy
+whole-hooved horses to flight: seest thou not that victory from Zeus attendeth
+not on thee? Now doth Kronos’ son vouchsafe glory to this Hector, for the
+day; hereafter shall he grant it us likewise, if he will. A man may not at all
+ward off the will of Zeus, not though one be very valiant; he verily is
+mightier far.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry answered him: “Yea verily, old man, all
+this thou sayest is according unto right. But this is the sore grief that
+entereth my heart and soul: Hector some day shall say as he maketh harangue
+amid the Trojans: ‘Tydeides betook him to the ships in flight before my
+face.’ So shall he boast—in that day let the wide earth yawn for
+me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and turned the whole-hooved horses to flight, back through the
+tumult; and the Trojans and Hector with wondrous uproar poured upon them their
+dolorous darts. And over him shouted loudly great Hector of the glancing helm:
+“Tydeides, the fleet-horsed Danaans were wont to honour thee with the
+highest place, and meats, and cups brimful, but now will they disdain thee;
+thou art after all no better than a woman. Begone, poor puppet; not for my
+flinching shalt thou climb on our towers, neither carry our wives away upon thy
+ships; ere that will I deal thee thy fate.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and Tydeides was of divided mind, whether to wheel his horses and
+fight him face to face. Thrice doubted he in heart and soul, and thrice from
+Ida’s mountains thundered Zeus the lord of counsel, and gave to the
+Trojans a sign, the turning of the course of battle. And Hector with loud shout
+called to the Trojans: “Trojans and Lykians and Dardanians that love
+close fight, be men, my friends, and bethink you of impetuous valour. I
+perceive that of good will Kronion vouchsafest me victory and great glory, and
+to the Danaans destruction. Fools, that devised these walls weak and of none
+account; they shall not withhold our fury, and lightly shall our steeds
+overleap the delved foss. But when I be once come amid the hollow ships, then
+be thought taken of consuming fire, that with fire I may burn the ships and
+slay the men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and shouted to his steeds, and said: “Xanthos, and thou
+Podargos, and Aithon and goodly Lampos, now pay me back your tending, even the
+abundance that Andromache, great-hearted Eetiol’s daughter, set before
+you of honey-hearted wheat, and mingled wine to drink at the heart’s
+bidding. Pursue ye now and haste, that we may seize Nestor’s shield, the
+fame whereof now reacheth unto heaven, how that it is of gold throughout,
+armrods and all; and may seize moreover from horse-taming Diomedes’
+shoulders his richly dight breastplate that Hephaistos wrought cunningly. Could
+we but take these, then might I hope this very night to make the Achaians to
+embark on their fleet ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And now had he burned the trim ships with blazing fire, but that queen Hera put
+it in Agamemnol’s heart himself to bestir him and swiftly arouse the
+Achaians. So he went his way along the huts and ships of the Achaians, holding
+a great cloak of purple in his stalwart hand, and stood by Odysseus’
+black ship of mighty burden, that was in the midst, so that a voice could be
+heard to either end. Then shouted he in a piercing voice, and called to the
+Danaans aloud: “Fie upon you, Argives, ye sorry things of shame, so brave
+in semblance! Whither are gone our boastings when we said that we were bravest,
+the boasts ye uttered vaingloriously when in Lemnos, as ye ate your fill of
+flesh of tall-horned oxen and drank goblets crowned with wine, and said that
+every man should stand in war to face fivescore yea tenscore Trojans? yet now
+can we not match one, even this Hector that anon will burn our ships with flame
+of fire. O Father Zeus, didst ever thou blind with such a blindness any mighty
+king, and rob him of great glory? Nay, Zeus, this hope fulfil thou me; suffer
+that we ourselves at least flee and escape, neither suffer that the Achaians be
+thus vanquished of the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and vouchsafed him that
+his folk should be saved and perish not. Forthwith sent he an eagle—surest sign
+among winged fowl—holding in his claws a fawn, the young of a fleet hind;
+beside the beautiful altar of Zeus he let fall the fawn, where the Achaians did
+sacrifice unto Zeus lord of all oracles. So when they saw that the bird was
+come from Zeus, they sprang the more upon the Trojans and bethought them of the
+joy of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now could no man of the Danaans, for all they were very many, boast that he
+before Tydeus’ son had guided his fleet horses forth, and driven them
+across the trench and fought man to man; first by far was Tydeides to slay a
+warrior of the Trojans in full array, even Agelaos son of Phradmon. Now he had
+turned his steeds to flee; but as he wheeled the other plunged the spear into
+his back between his shoulders, and drave it through his breast. So fell he
+from his chariot, and his armour clanged upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And after him came Atreus’ sons, even Agamemnon and Menelaos, and after
+them the Aiantes clothed upon with impetuous valour, and after them Idomeneus
+and Idomeneus’ brother in arms Meriones, peer of Enyalios slayer of men,
+and after them Eurypylos, Euaimol’s glorious son. And ninth came Teukros,
+stretching his back-bent bow, and took his stand beneath the shield of Aias son
+of Telamon. And so Aias would stealthily withdraw the shield, and Teukros would
+spy his chance; and when he had shot and smitten one in the throng, then fell
+such an one and gave up the ghost, and Teukros would return, and as a child
+beneath his mother, so gat he him to Aias; who hid him with the shining shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to behold him making havoc with his stalwart
+bow of the battalions of the Trojans, and he came and stood by his side and
+spake to him, saying: “Teukros, dear heart, thou son of Telamon, prince
+of the host, shoot on in this wise, if perchance thou mayest be found the
+salvation of the Danaans and glory of thy father Telamon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And noble Teukros made answer and said to him: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+why urgest thou me that myself am eager? Verily with such strength as is in me
+forbear I not, but ever since we drave them towards Ilios I watch with my bow
+to slay the foemen. Eight long-barbed arrows have I now sped, and all are
+buried in the flesh of young men swift in battle; only this mad dog can I not
+smite.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and shot another arrow from the string right against Hector; and his
+heart was fain to smite him. Yet missed he once again, for Apollo turned the
+dart away; but Archeptolemos, Hector’s bold charioteer, he smote on the
+breast beside the nipple as he hasted into battle: so he fell from his car and
+his fleet-footed horses swerved aside; and there his soul and spirit were
+unstrung. Then sore grief encompassed Hector’s soul for his
+charioteer’s sake; yet left he him, though he sorrowed for his comrade,
+and bade Kebriones his own brother, being hard by, take the chariot reins; and
+he heard and disregarded not. And himself he leapt to earth from the
+resplendent car, with a terrible shout; and in his hand he caught a stone, and
+made right at Teukros, and his heart bade him smite him. Now Teukros had
+plucked forth from his quiver a keen arrow, and laid it on the string; but even
+as he drew it back, Hector of the glancing helm smote him with the jagged
+stone, as he aimed eagerly against him, even beside his shoulder, where the
+collar-bone fenceth off neck and breast, and where is the most deadly spot; and
+he brake the bowstring, and his hand from the wrist grew numb, and he stayed
+fallen upon his knee, and his bow dropped from his hand. But Aias disregarded
+not his brother’s fall, but ran and strode across him and hid him with
+his shield. Then two trusty comrades bent down to him, even Mekisteus son of
+Echios and goodly Alastor, and bare him, groaning sorely, to the hollow ships.
+And once again the Olympian aroused the spirit of the Trojans. So they drove
+the Achaians straight toward the deep foss, and amid the foremost went Hector
+exulting in his strength. And even as when a hound behind wild boar or lion,
+with swift feet pursuing snatcheth at him, at flank or buttock, and watcheth
+for him as he wheeleth, so Hector pressed hard on the flowing-haired Achaians,
+slaying ever the hindmost, and they fled on. But when they were passed in
+flight through palisade and foss, and many were fallen beneath the
+Trojans’ hands, then halted they and tarried beside the ships, calling
+one upon another, and lifting up their hands to all the gods prayed each one
+instantly. But Hector wheeled round his beauteous-maned steeds this way and
+that, and his eyes were as the eyes of Gorgon or Ares bane of mortals.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now at the sight of them the white-armed goddess Hera had compassion, and anon
+spake winged words to Athene: “Out on it, thou child of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, shall not we twain any more take thought for the Danaans that perish, if
+only for this last time? Now will they fill up the measure of evil destiny and
+perish by one mal’s onslaught; seeing that he is furious now beyond
+endurance, this Hector son of Priam, and verily hath wrought many a deed of
+ill.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the bright-eyed goddess Athene made answer to her, “Yea in good
+sooth, may this fellow yield up strength and life, and perish at the
+Argives’ hands in his native land; only mine own sire is furious, with no
+good intent, headstrong, ever sinful, the foiler of my purposes. But now make
+thou ready our whole-hooved horses, while I enter into the palace of
+aegis-bearing Zeus and gird me in my armour for battle, that I may see if
+Priam’s son, Hector of the glancing helm, shall be glad at the appearing
+of us twain amid the highways of the battle. Surely shall many a Trojan
+likewise glut dogs and birds with fat and flesh, fallen dead at the ships of
+the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said she, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not. But when father
+Zeus beheld from Ida, he was sore wroth, and sped Iris golden-winged to bear a
+message: “Go thy way, fleet Iris, turn them back, neither suffer them to
+face me; for in no happy wise shall we join in combat. For thus will I declare,
+and even so shall the fulfilment be; I will maim their fleet horses in the
+chariot, and them will I hurl out from the car, and will break in pieces the
+chariot; neither within the courses of ten years shall they heal them of the
+wounds the thunderbolt shall tear; that the bright-eyed one may know the end
+when she striveth against her father. But with Hera have I not so great
+indignation nor wrath: seeing it ever is her wont to thwart me, whate’er
+I have decreed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and whirlwind-footed Iris arose to bear the message, and departed
+from the mountains of Ida unto high Olympus. And even at the entrance of the
+gates of Olympus many-folded she met them and stayed them, and told them the
+saying of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And father Zeus drave from Ida his fair-wheeled chariot and horses unto
+Olympus, and came unto the session of the gods. For him also the noble Shaker
+of Earth unyoked the steeds, and set the car upon the stand, and spread a cloth
+thereover; and far-seeing Zeus himself sate upon his golden throne, and beneath
+his feet great Olympus quaked. Only Athene and Hera sate apart from Zeus, and
+spake no word to him neither questioned him. But he was ware thereof in his
+heart, and said, “Why are ye thus vexed, Athene and Hera? Surely ye are
+not wearied of making havoc in glorious battle of the Trojans, for whom ye
+cherish bitter hate! Howsoever, seeing that my might is so great and my hands
+invincible, all the gods that are in Olympus could not turn me: and for you
+twain, trembling erst gat hold upon your bright limbs ere that ye beheld war
+and war’s fell deeds. For thus will I declare, and even so had the
+fulfilment been—never had ye, once smitten with the thunderbolt, fared on your
+chariots back unto Olympus where is the habitation of the immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Athene and Hera murmured, that were sitting by him and
+devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace, and said not
+anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold upon her; but
+Hera’s heart contained not her anger, and she spake: “Most dread
+son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast said? Well know we, even we, that
+thy might is no wise puny; yet still have we pity for the Danaan spearmen, that
+now shall perish and fill up the measure of grievous fate.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said: “At morn shalt thou behold
+most mighty Kronion, if thou wilt have it so, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, making yet
+more havoc of the vast army of Argive spearmen; for headlong Hector shall not
+refrain from battle till that Peleus’ son fleet of foot have arisen
+beside the ships, that day when these shall fight amid the sterns in most
+grievous stress, around Patroklos fallen. Such is the doom of heaven. And for
+thine anger reck I not, not even though thou go to the nethermost bounds of
+earth and sea, where sit Iapetos and Kronos and have no joy in the beams of
+Hyperion the Sun-god, neither in any breeze, but deep Tartaros is round about
+them. Though thou shouldest wander till thou come even thither, yet reck I not
+of thy vexation, seeing there is no thing more unabashed than thou.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, but white-armed Hera spake him no word. And the sul’s bright
+light dropped into Ocean, drawing black night across Earth the grain-giver.
+Against the Trojans’ will daylight departed, but welcome, thrice prayed
+for, to the Achaians came down the murky night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now glorious Hector made an assembly of the Trojans, taking them apart from the
+ships, beside the eddying river, in an open space where was found a spot clear
+of dead. And they came down from their chariots to the ground to hear the word
+that Hector, dear unto Zeus, proclaimed. He in his hand held his spear eleven
+cubits long; before his face gleamed the spearhead of bronze, and a ring of
+gold ran round about it. Thereon he leaned and spake to the Trojans, saying:
+“Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and allies. I thought but now to
+make havoc of the ships and all the Achaians and depart back again to windy
+Ilios; but dusk came too soon, and that in chief hath now saved the Argives and
+the ships beside the beach of the sea. So let us now yield to black night, and
+make our supper ready; unyoke ye from the chariots your fair-maned horses, and
+set fodder beside them. And from the city bring kine and goodly sheep with
+speed; and provide you with honey-hearted wine, and corn from your houses, and
+gather much wood withal, that all night long until early-springing dawn we may
+burn many fires, and the gleam may reach to heaven; lest perchance even by
+night the flowing-haired Achaians strive to take flight over the broad back of
+the sea. Verily must they not embark upon their ships unvexed, at ease: but see
+ye that many a one of them have a wound to nurse even at home, being stricken
+with arrow or keen-pointed spear as he leapeth upon his ship; that so many
+another man may dread to wage dolorous war on the horse-taming men of Troy. And
+let the heralds dear to Zeus proclaim throughout the city that young maidens
+and old men of hoary heads camp round the city on the battlements builded of
+the gods; and let the women folk burn a great fire each in her hall; and let
+there be a sure watch set, lest an ambush enter the city when the host is
+absent. Howbeit for the night will we guard our own selves, and at morn by
+daybreak, arrayed in our armour, let us awake keen battle at the hollow ships.
+I will know whether Tydeus’ son stalwart Diomedes shall thrust me from
+the ships back to the wall, or I shall lay him low with my spear and bear away
+his gory spoils. To-morrow shall he prove his valour, whether he can abide the
+onslaught of my spear. Would that I were immortal and ageless all my days and
+honoured like as Athene is honoured and Apollo, so surely as this day bringeth
+the Argives ill.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So Hector made harangue, and the Trojans clamoured applause. And they loosed
+their sweating steeds from the yoke, and tethered them with thongs, each man
+beside his chariot; and from the city they brought kine and goodly sheep with
+speed, and provided them with honey-hearted wine and corn from their houses,
+and gathered much wood withal. And from the plain the winds bare into heaven
+the sweet savour. But these with high hopes sate them all night along the
+highways of the battle, and their watchfires burned in multitude. Even as when
+in heaven the stars about the bright moon shine clear to see, when the air is
+windless, and all the peaks appear and the tall headlands and glades, and from
+heaven breaketh open the infinite air, and all stars are seen, and the
+shepherd’s heart is glad; even in like multitude between the ships and
+the streams of Xanthos appeared the watchfires that the Trojans kindled in
+front of Ilios. A thousand fires burned in the plain and by the side of each
+sate fifty in the gleam of blazing fire. And the horses champed white barley
+and spelt, and standing by their chariots waited for the throned Dawn.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap09"></a>BOOK IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Agamemnon sent an embassage to Achilles, beseeching him to be appeased; and
+how Achilles denied him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus kept the Trojans watch; but the Achaians were holden of heaven-sent panic,
+handmaid of palsying fear, and all their best were stricken to the heart with
+grief intolerable. Like as two winds stir up the main, the home of fishes, even
+the north wind and the west wind that blow from Thrace, coming suddenly; and
+the dark billow straightway lifteth up its crest and casteth much tangle out
+along the sea; even so was the Achaians’ spirit troubled in their breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreides was stricken to the heart with sore grief, and went about bidding
+the clear-voiced heralds summon every man by name to the assembly, but not to
+shout aloud; and himself he toiled amid the foremost. So they sat sorrowful in
+assembly, and Agamemnon stood up weeping like unto a fountain of dark water
+that from a beetling cliff poureth down its black stream; even so with deep
+groaning he spake amid the Argives and said: “My friends, leaders and
+captains of the Argives, Zeus son of Kronos hath bound me with might in
+grievous blindness of soul; hard of heart is he, for that erewhile he promised
+and gave his pledge that not till I had laid waste well-walled Ilios should I
+depart, but now hath planned a cruel wile, and biddeth me return in dishonour
+to Argos with the loss of many of my folk. Such meseemeth is the good pleasure
+of most mighty Zeus, that hath laid low the heads of many cities, yea and shall
+lay low; for his is highest power. So come, even as I shall bid let us all
+obey; let us flee with our ships to our dear native land, for now shall we
+never take wide-wayed Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they all held their peace and kept silence. Long time were the
+sons of the Achaians voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud
+war-cry spake amid them and said: “Atreides: with thee first in thy folly
+will I contend, where it is just, O king, even in the assembly; be not thou
+wroth therefor. My valour didst thou blame in chief amid the Danaans, and
+saidst that I was no man of war but a coward; and all this know the Argives
+both young and old. But the son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath endowed thee
+but by halves; he granted thee to have the honour of the sceptre above all men,
+but valour he gave thee not, wherein is highest power. Sir, deemest thou that
+the sons of the Achaians are thus indeed cowards and weaklings as thou sayest?
+If thine own heart be set on departing, go thy way; the way is before thee, and
+thy ships stand beside the sea, even the great multitude that followed thee
+from Mykene. But all the other flowing-haired Achaians will tarry here until we
+lay waste Troy. Nay, let them too flee on their ships to their dear native
+land; yet will we twain, even I and Sthenelos, fight till we attain the goal of
+Ilios; for in God’s name are we come.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and all the sons of the Achaians shouted aloud, applauding the
+saying of horse-taming Diomedes. Then knightly Nestor arose and said amid them:
+“Tydeides, in battle art thou passing mighty, and in council art thou
+best among thine equals in years; none of all the Achaians will make light of
+thy word nor gainsay it. Now let us yield to black night and make ready our
+meal; and let the sentinels bestow them severally along the deep-delved foss
+without the wall. This charge give I to the young men; and thou, Atreides, lead
+then the way, for thou art the most royal. Spread thou a feast for the
+councillors; that is thy place and seemly for thee. Thy huts are full of wine
+that the ships of the Achaians bring thee by day from Thrace across the wide
+sea; all entertainment is for thee, being king over many. In the gathering of
+many shalt thou listen to him that deviseth the most excellent counsel; sore
+need have all the Achaians of such as is good and prudent, because hard by the
+ships our foemen are burning their watch-fires in multitude; what man can
+rejoice thereat? This night shall either destroy or save the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they gladly hearkened to him and obeyed. Forth sallied the
+sentinels in their harness. Seven were the captains of the sentinels, and with
+each went fivescore young men bearing their long spears in their hands; and
+they took post midway betwixt foss and wall, and kindled a fire and made ready
+each man his meal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Atreides gathered the councillors of the Achaians, and led them to his
+hut, and spread before them an abundant feast. So they put forth their hands to
+the good cheer that lay before them. And when they had put away from them the
+desire of meat and drink, then the old man first began to weave his counsel,
+even Nestor, whose rede of old time was approved the best. He spake to them and
+said: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, in thy name will
+I end and with thy name begin, because thou art king over many hosts, and to
+thy hand Zeus hath entrusted sceptre and law, that thou mayest take counsel for
+thy folk. Thee therefore more than any it behoveth both to speak and hearken,
+and to accomplish what another than thou may say. No other man shall have a
+more excellent thought than this that I bear in mind from old time even until
+now, since the day when thou, O heaven-sprung king, didst go and take the
+damsel Briseis from angry Achilles’ hut by no consent of ours. Nay, I
+right heartily dissuaded thee; but thou yieldedst to thy proud spirit, and
+dishonouredst a man of valour whom even the immortals honoured; for thou didst
+take and keepest from him his meed of valour. Still let us even now take
+thought how we may appease him and persuade him with gifts of friendship and
+kindly words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Agamemnon king of men answered and said to him: “Old sir, in no false
+wise hast thou accused my folly. Fool was I, I myself deny it not. Worth many
+hosts is he whom Zeus loveth in his heart, even as now he honoureth this man
+and destroyeth the host of the Achaians. But seeing I was a fool in that I
+yielded to my sorry passion, I will make amends and give a recompense beyond
+telling. In the midst of you all I will name the excellent gifts; seven tripods
+untouched of fire, and ten talents of gold and twenty gleaming caldrons, and
+twelve stalwart horses, winners in the race, that have taken prizes by their
+speed. No lackwealth were that man whose substance were as great as the prizes
+my whole-hooved steeds have borne me off. And seven women will I give, skilled
+in excellent handiwork, Lesbians whom I chose me from the spoils the day that
+he himself took stablished Lesbos, surpassing womankind in beauty. These will I
+give him, and with them shall be she whom erst I took from him, even the
+daughter of Briseus. All these things shall be set straightway before him; and
+if hereafter the gods grant us to lay waste the great city of Priam, then let
+him enter in when we Achaians be dividing the spoil, and lade his ship full of
+gold and bronze, and himself choose twenty Trojan women, the fairest that there
+be after Helen of Argos. And if we win to the richest of lands, even Achaian
+Argos, he shall be my son and I will hold him in like honour with Orestes, my
+stripling boy that is nurtured in all abundance. Three daughters are mine in my
+well-builded hall, Chrysothemis and Laodike and Iphianassa; let him take of
+them which he will, without gifts of wooing, to Peleus’ house; and I will
+add a great dower such as no man ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven
+well-peopled cities will I give him, Kardamyle and Enope and grassy Hire and
+holy Pherai and Antheia deep in meads, and fair Aipeia and Pedasos land of
+vines. And all are nigh to the salt sea, on the uttermost border of sandy
+Pylos; therein dwell men abounding in flocks and kine, men that shall worship
+him like a god with gifts, and beneath his sway fulfil his prosperous
+ordinances. All this will I accomplish so he but cease from wrath. Let him
+yield; Hades I ween is not to be softened neither overcome, and therefore is he
+hatefullest of all gods to mortals. Yea, let him be ruled by me, inasmuch as I
+am more royal and avow me to be the elder in years.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered and said: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, now are these gifts not lightly to be esteemed
+that thou offerest king Achilles. Come therefore, let us speed forth picked men
+to go with all haste to the hut of Peleus’ son Achilles. Lo now,
+whomsoever I appoint let them consent. First let Phoinix dear to Zeus lead the
+way, and after him great Aias and noble Odysseus; and for heralds let Odios and
+Eurybates be their companions. And now bring water for our hands, and bid keep
+holy silence, that we may pray unto Zeus the son of Kronos, if perchance he
+will have mercy upon us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and spake words that were well-pleasing unto all. Forthwith the
+heralds poured water on their hands, and the young men crowned the bowls with
+drink and gave each man his portion after they had poured the libation in the
+cups. And when they had made libation and drunk as their heart desired, they
+issued forth from the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus. And knightly Nestor of
+Gerenia gave them full charge, with many a glance to each, and chiefest to
+Odysseus, how they should essay to prevail on Peleus’ noble son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the twain went along the shore of the loud-sounding sea, making instant
+prayer to the earth-embracer, the Shaker of the Earth, that they might with
+ease prevail on Aiakides’ great heart. So they came to the huts and ships
+of the Myrmidons, and found their king taking his pleasure of a loud lyre,
+fair, of curious work, with a silver cross-bar upon it. Therein he was
+delighting his soul, and singing the glories of heroes. And over against him
+sate Patroklos alone in silence, watching till Aiakides should cease from
+singing. So the twain came forward, and noble Odysseus led the way, and they
+stood before his face; and Achilles sprang up amazed with the lyre in his hand,
+and left the seat where he was sitting, and in like manner Patroklos when he
+beheld the men arose. Then Achilles fleet of foot greeted them and said:
+“Welcome; verily ye are friends that are come—sore indeed is the
+need—even ye that are dearest of the Achaians to me even in my wrath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake noble Achilles and led them forward, and made them sit on settles and
+carpets of purple; and anon he spake to Patroklos being near: “Bring
+forth a greater bowl, thou son of Menoitios; mingle stronger drink, and prepare
+each man a cup, for dearest of men are these that are under my roof.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then put they forth their hands to the good cheer lying before them. And when
+they had put from them the desire of meat and drink, Aias nodded to Phoinix.
+But noble Odysseus marked it, and filled a cup with wine and pledged Achilles:
+“Hail, O Achilles! The fair feast lack we not either in the hut of
+Agamemnon son of Atreus neither now in thine; for feasting is there abundance
+to our heart’s desire, but our thought is not for matters of the
+delicious feast; nay, we behold very sore destruction, thou fosterling of Zeus,
+and are afraid. Now is it in doubt whether we save the benched ships or behold
+them perish, if thou put not on thy might. Nigh unto ships and wall have the
+high-hearted Trojans and famed allies pitched their camp, and kindled many
+fires throughout their host, and ween that they shall no more be withheld but
+will fall on our black ships. And Zeus son of Kronos sheweth them signs upon
+the right by lightning, and Hector greatly exulteth in his might and rageth
+furiously, trusting in Zeus, and recketh not of god nor man, for mighty madness
+hath possessed him. He prayeth bright Dawn to shine forth with all speed, for
+he bath passed his word to smite off from the ships the ensigns’ tops,
+and to fire the hulls with devouring flame, and hard thereby to make havoc of
+the Achaians confounded by the smoke. Therefore am I sore afraid in my heart
+lest the gods fulfil his boastings, and it be fated for us to perish here in
+Troy-land, far from Argos pasture-land of horses. Up then! if thou art minded
+even at the last to save the failing sons of the Achaians from the war-din of
+the Trojans. Eschew thy grievous wrath; Agamemnon offereth thee worthy gifts,
+so thou wilt cease from anger. Lo now, hearken thou to me, and I will tell thee
+all the gifts that in his hut Agamemnon promised thee. But if Agamemnon be too
+hateful to thy heart, both he and his gifts, yet have thou pity on all the
+Achaians that faint throughout the host; these shall honour thee as a god, for
+verily thou wilt earn exceeding great glory at their hands. Yea now mightest
+thou slay Hector, for he would come very near thee in his deadly madness,
+because he deemeth that there is no man like unto him among the Danaans that
+the ships brought hither.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot answered and said unto him: “Heaven-sprung son
+of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, in openness must I now declare unto you my
+saying, even as I am minded and as the fulfilment thereof shall be, that ye may
+not sit before me and coax this way and that. For hateful to me even as the
+gates of hell is he that hideth one thing in his heart and uttereth another:
+but I will speak what meseemeth best. Not me, I ween, shall Agamemnon son of
+Atreus persuade, nor the other Danaans, seeing we were to have no thank for
+battling with the foemen ever without respite. He that abideth at home hath
+equal share with him that fighteth his best, and in like honour are held both
+the coward and the brave; death cometh alike to the untoiling and to him that
+hath toiled long. Neither have I any profit for that I endured tribulation of
+soul, ever staking my life in fight. Even as a hen bringeth her unfledged
+chickens each morsel as she winneth it, and with herself it goeth hard, even so
+I was wont to watch out many a sleepless night and pass through many bloody
+days of battle, warring with folk for their womel’s sake. Twelve cities
+of men have I laid waste from ship-board, and from land eleven, throughout
+deep-soiled Troy-land; out of all these took I many goodly treasures and would
+bring and give them all to Agamemnon son of Atreus, and he staying behind amid
+the fleet ships would take them and portion out some few but keep the most. Now
+some he gave to be meeds of honour to the princes and the kings, and theirs are
+left untouched; only from me of all the Achaians took he my darling lady and
+keepeth her. But why must the Argives make war on the Trojans? why hath
+Atreides gathered his host and led them hither? is it not for lovely-haired
+Helel’s sake? Do then the sons of Atreus alone of mortal men love their
+wives? surely whatsoever man is good and sound of mind loveth his own and
+cherisheth her, even as I too loved mine with all my heart, though but the
+captive of my spear. But now that he hath taken my meed of honour from mine
+arms and hath deceived me, let him not tempt me that know him full well; he
+shall not prevail. Nay, Odysseus, let him take counsel with thee and all the
+princes to ward from the ships the consuming fire. Verily without mine aid he
+hath wrought many things, and built a wall and dug a foss about it wide and
+deep, and set a palisade therein; yet even so can he not stay murderous
+Hector’s might. But so long as I was fighting amid the Achaians, Hector
+had no mind to array his battle far from the wall, but scarce came unto the
+Skaian gates and to the oak-tree; there once he awaited me alone and scarce
+escaped my onset. But now, seeing I have no mind to fight with noble Hector, I
+will to-morrow do sacrifice to Zeus and all the gods, and store well my ships
+when I have launched them on the salt sea—then shalt thou see, if thou wilt and
+hast any care therefor, my ships sailing at break of day over Hellespont, the
+fishes’ home, and my men right eager at the oar; and if the great Shaker
+of the Earth grant me good journey, on the third day should I reach deep-soiled
+Phthia. There are my great possessions that I left when I came hither to my
+hurt; and yet more gold and ruddy bronze shall I bring from hence, and
+fair-girdled women and grey iron, all at least that were mine by lot; only my
+meed of honour hath he that gave it me taken back in his despitefulness, even
+lord Agamemnon son of Atreus. To him declare ye everything even as I charge
+you, openly, that all the Achaians likewise may have indignation, if haply he
+hopeth to beguile yet some other Danaan, for that he is ever clothed in
+shamelessness. Verily not in my face would he dare to look, though he have the
+front of a dog. Neither will I devise counsel with him nor any enterprise, for
+utterly he hath deceived me and done wickedly; but never again shall he beguile
+me with fair speech—let this suffice him. Let him begone in peace; Zeus the
+lord of counsel hath taken away his wits. Hateful to me are his gifts, and I
+hold him at a straw’s worth. Not even if he gave me ten times, yea
+twenty, all that now is his, and all that may come to him otherwhence, even all
+the revenue of Orchomenos or Egyptian Thebes where the treasure-houses are
+stored fullest—Thebes of the hundred gates, whence sally forth two hundred
+warriors through each with horses and chariots—nay, nor gifts in number as sand
+or dust; not even so shall Agamemnon persuade my soul till he have paid me back
+all the bitter despite. And the daughter of Agamemnon son of Atreus will I not
+wed, not were she rival of golden Aphrodite for fairness and for handiwork
+matched bright-eyed Athene—not even then will I wed her; let him choose him of
+the Achaians another that is his peer and is more royal than I. For if the gods
+indeed preserve me and I come unto my home, then will Peleus himself seek me a
+wife. Many Achaian maidens are there throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters of
+princes that ward their cities; whomsoever of these I wish will I make my dear
+lady. Very often was my high soul moved to take me there a wedded wife, a help
+meet for me, and have joy of the possessions that the old man Peleus
+possesseth. For not of like worth with life hold I even all the wealth that men
+say was possessed of the well-peopled city of Ilios in days of peace gone by,
+before the sons of the Achaians came; neither all the treasure that the stone
+threshold of the archer Phoebus Apollo encompasseth in rocky Pytho. For kine
+and goodly flocks are to be had for the harrying, and tripods and chestnut
+horses for the purchasing; but to bring back mal’s life neither harrying
+nor earning availeth when once it hath passed the barrier of his lips. For thus
+my goddess mother telleth me, Thetis the silver-footed, that twain fates are
+bearing me to the issue of death. If I abide here and besiege the
+Trojans’ city, then my returning home is taken from me, but my fame shall
+be imperishable; but if I go home to my dear native land, my high fame is taken
+from me, but my life shall endure long while, neither shall the issue of death
+soon reach me. Moreover I would counsel you all to set sail homeward, seeing ye
+shall never reach your goal of steep Ilios; of a surety far-seeing Zeus holdeth
+his hand over her and her folk are of good courage. So go your way and tell my
+answer to the princes of the Achaians, even as is the office of elders, that
+they may devise in their hearts some other better counsel, such as shall save
+them their ships and the host of the Achaians amid the hollow ships: since this
+counsel availeth them naught that they have now devised, by reason of my fierce
+wrath. But let Phoinix now abide with us and lay him to rest, that he may
+follow with me on my ships to our dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for I
+will not take him perforce.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they all held their peace and were still, and marvelled at his
+saying; for he denied them very vehemently. But at the last spake to them the
+old knight Phoinix, bursting into tears, because he was sore afraid for the
+ships of the Achaians: “If indeed thou ponderest departure in thy heart,
+glorious Achilles, and hast no mind at all to save the fleet ships from
+consuming fire, because that wrath bath entered into thy heart; how can I be
+left of thee, dear son, alone thereafter? To thee did the old knight Peleus
+send me the day he sent thee to Agamemnon forth from Phthia, a stripling yet
+unskilled in equal war and in debate wherein men wax pre-eminent. Therefore
+sent he me to teach thee all these things, to be both a speaker of words and a
+doer of deeds. Yea, I reared thee to this greatness, thou godlike Achilles,
+with my heart’s love; for with none other wouldest thou go unto the
+feast, neither take meat in the hall, till that I had set thee upon my knees
+and stayed thee with the savoury morsel cut first for thee, and put the
+wine-cup to thy lips. Oft hast thou stained the doublet on my breast with
+sputtering of wine in thy sorry helplessness. Thus I suffered much with thee,
+and much I toiled, being mindful that the gods in nowise created any issue of
+my body; but I made thee my son, thou godlike Achilles, that thou mayest yet
+save me from grievous destruction. Therefore, Achilles, rule thy high spirit;
+neither beseemeth it thee to have a ruthless heart. Nay, even the very gods can
+bend, and theirs withal is loftier majesty and honour and might. Nay, come for
+the gifts; the Achaians shall honour thee even as a god. But if without gifts
+thou enter into battle the bane of men, thou wilt not be held in like honour,
+even though thou avert the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Phoinix my
+father, thou old man fosterling of Zeus, such honour need I in no wise; for I
+deem that I have been honoured by the judgment of Zeus, which shall abide upon
+me amid my beaked ships as long as breath tarrieth in my body and my limbs are
+strong. Moreover I will say this thing to thee and lay thou it to thine heart;
+trouble not my soul by weeping and lamentation, to do the pleasure of warrior
+Atreides; neither beseemeth it thee to cherish him, lest thou be hated of me
+that cherish thee. It were good that thou with me shouldest vex him that vexeth
+me. Be thou king even as I, and share my sway by halves, but these shall bear
+my message. So tarry thou here and lay thee to rest in a soft bed, and with
+break of day will we consider whether to depart unto our own, or to
+abide.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and nodded his brow in silence unto Patroklos to spread for Phoinix a
+thick couch, that the others might bethink them to depart from the hut with
+speed. Then spake to them Aias, Telamol’s godlike son, and said:
+“Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, let us go hence;
+for methinks the purpose of our charge will not by this journey be
+accomplished; and we must tell the news, though it be no wise good, with all
+speed unto the Danaans, that now sit awaiting. But Achilles hath wrought his
+proud soul to fury within him—stubborn man, that recketh naught of his
+comrades’ love, wherein we worshipped him beyond all men amid the
+ships—unmerciful! Yet doth a man accept recompense of his brother’s
+murderer or for his dead son; and so the man-slayer for a great price abideth
+in his own land, and the kinsmal’s heart is appeased, and his proud soul,
+when he hath taken the recompense. But for thee, the gods have put within thy
+breast a spirit implacable and evil, by reason of one single damsel. And now we
+offer thee seven damsels, far best of all, and many other gifts besides;
+entertain thou then a kindly spirit, and have respect unto thine home; because
+we are guests of thy roof, sent of the multitude of Danaans, and we would fain
+be nearest to thee and dearest beyond all other Achaians, as many as there
+be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to him: “Aias sprung of
+Zeus, thou son of Telamon, prince of the folk, thou seemest to speak all this
+almost after mine own mind; but my heart swelleth with wrath as oft as I
+bethink me of those things, how Atreides entreated me arrogantly among the
+Argives, as though I were some worthless sojourner. But go ye and declare my
+message; I will not take thought of bloody war until that wise Priam’s
+son, noble Hector, come to the Myrmidons’ huts and ships, slaying the
+Argives, and smirch the ships with fire. But about mine hut and black ship I
+ween that Hector, though he be very eager for battle, shall be
+refrained.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they took each man a two-handled cup, and made libation and
+went back along the line of ships; and Odysseus led the way. And Patroklos bade
+his fellows and handmaidens spread with all speed a thick couch for Phoinix;
+and they obeyed and spread a couch as he ordained, fleeces and rugs and fine
+flock of linen. Then the old man laid him down and tarried for bright Dawn.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when those were come unto Atreides’ huts, the sons of the Achaians
+stood up on this side and on that, and pledged them in cups of gold, and
+questioned them; and Agamemnon king of men asked them first: “Come now,
+tell me, Odysseus full of praise, thou great glory of the Achaians; will he
+save the ships from consuming fire, or said he nay, and hath wrath yet hold of
+his proud spirit?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And steadfast goodly Odysseus answered him: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, he yonder hath no mind to quench his wrath, but is yet
+more filled of fury, and spurneth thee and thy gifts. He biddeth thee take
+counsel for thyself amid the Argives, how to save the ships and folk of the
+Achaians. And for himself he threateneth that at break of day he will launch
+upon the sea his trim well-benched ships. Moreover he said that he would
+counsel all to sail for home, because ye now shall never reach your goal of
+steep Ilios; surely far-seeing Zeus holdeth his hand over her and her folk are
+of good courage. Even so said he, and here are also these to tell the tale that
+were my companions, Aias and the two heralds, both men discreet. But the old
+man Phoinix laid him there to rest, even as Achilles bade him, that he may
+follow with him on his ships to his dear native land to-morrow, if he will; for
+he will not take him perforce.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and they all held their peace and were still, marvelling at his
+saying, for he harangued very vehemently. Long were the sons of the Achaians
+voiceless for grief, but at the last Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake amid
+them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, would thou hadst
+never besought Peleus’ glorious son with offer of gifts innumerable;
+proud is he at any time, but now hast thou yet far more encouraged him in his
+haughtiness. Howbeit we will let him bide, whether he go or tarry; hereafter he
+shall fight, whenever his heart within him biddeth and god arouseth him. Come
+now, even as I shall say let us all obey. Go ye now to rest, full to your
+hearts’ desire of meat and wine, wherein courage is and strength; but
+when fair rosy-fingered Dawn appeareth, array thou with all speed before the
+ships thy folk and horsemen, and urge them on; and fight thyself amid the
+foremost.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So said he, and all the princes gave assent, applauding the saying of Diomedes
+tamer of horses. And then they made libation and went every man to his hut, and
+there laid them to rest and took the boon of sleep.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap10"></a>BOOK X.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Diomedes and Odysseus slew Dolon, a spy of the Trojans, and themselves
+spied on the Trojan camp, and took the horses of Rhesos, the Thracian king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now beside the ships the other leaders of the whole Achaian host were sleeping
+all night long, by soft Sleep overcome, but Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd
+of the host, sweet Sleep held not, so many things he debated in his mind. And
+even as when the lord of fair-tressed Hera lighteneth, fashioning either a
+mighty rain unspeakable, or hail, or snow, when the flakes sprinkle all the
+ploughed lands, or fashioning perchance the wide mouth of bitter war, even so
+oft in his breast groaned Agamemnon, from the very deep of his heart, and his
+spirits trembled within him. And whensoever he looked toward that Trojan plain,
+he marvelled at the many fires that blazed in front of Ilios, and at the sound
+of flutes and pipes, and the noise of men; but whensoever to the ships he
+glanced and the host of the Achaians, then rent he many a lock clean forth from
+his head, to Zeus that is above, and greatly groaned his noble heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And this in his soul seemed to him the best counsel, to go first of all to
+Nestor son of Neleus, if perchance he might contrive with him some right device
+that should be for the warding off of evil from all the Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then he rose, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his shining
+feet he bound on fair sandals, and thereafter clad him in the tawny skin of a
+lion fiery and great, a skin that reached to the feet, and he grasped his
+spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even in like wise did trembling fear take hold on Menelaos, (for neither on
+his eyelids did Sleep settle down,) lest somewhat should befall the Argives,
+who verily for his sake over wide waters were come to Troy-land, with fierce
+war in their thoughts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+With a dappled pard’s akin first he covered his broad shoulders, and he
+raised and set on his head a casque of bronze, and took a spear in his strong
+hand. Then went he on his way to rouse his brother, that mightily ruled over
+all the Argives, and as a god was honoured by the people. Him found he
+harnessing his goodly gear about his shoulders, by the stern of the ship, and
+glad to his brother was his coming. Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry first
+accosted him: “Wherefore thus, dear brother, art thou arming? Wilt thou
+speed forth any of thy comrades to spy on the Trojans? Nay, terribly I fear
+lest none should undertake for thee this deed, even to go and spy out the
+foeman alone through the ambrosial night; needs must he be a man right hardy of
+heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the lord Agamemnon answered him and spake: “Need of good counsel
+have I and thou, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, of counsel that will help and
+save the Argives and the ships, since the heart of Zeus hath turned again.
+Surely on the sacrifices of Hector hath he set his heart rather than on ours.
+For never did I see, nor heard any tell, that one man devised so many terrible
+deeds in one day, as Hector, dear to Zeus, hath wrought on the sons of the
+Achaians, unaided; though no dear son of a goddess is he, nor of a god. He hath
+done deeds that methinks will be a sorrow to the Argives, lasting and long,
+such evils hath he devised against the Achaians. But go now, run swiftly by the
+ships, and summon Aias and Idomeneus, but I will betake me to noble Nestor, and
+bid him arise, if perchance he will be fain to go to the sacred company of the
+sentinels and lay on them his command. For to him above others would they
+listen, for his own son is chief among the sentinels, he and the brother in
+arms of Idomeneus, even Meriones, for to them above all we entrusted this
+charge.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Menelaos of the loud war-cry answered him: “How meanest thou this
+word wherewith thou dost command and exhort me? Am I to abide there with them,
+waiting till thou comest, or run back again to thee when I have well delivered
+to them thy commandment?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “There do thou abide
+lest we miss each other as we go, for many are the paths through the camp. But
+call aloud, wheresoever thou goest, and bid men awake, naming each man by his
+lineage, and his father’s name, and giving all their dues of honour, nor
+be thou proud of heart. Nay rather let us ourselves be labouring, for even thus
+did Zeus from our very birth dispense to us the heaviness of toil.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and sent his brother away, having clearly laid on him his
+commandment. Then went he himself after Nestor, the shepherd of the host, whom
+he found by his hut and black ship, in his soft bed: beside him lay his arms, a
+shield, and two spears, and a shining helmet. Beside him lay his glittering
+girdle wherewith the old man was wont to gird himself when he harnessed him for
+war, the bane of men, and led on the host, for he yielded not to grievous old
+age. Then he raised him on his elbow, lifting his head, and spake to the son of
+Atreus, inquiring of him with this word: “Who art thou that farest alone
+by the ships, through the camp in the dark night, when other mortals are
+sleeping? Seekest thou one of thy mules, or of thy comrades? speak, and come
+not silently upon me. What need hast thou?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, thou shalt know Agamemnon, son of Atreus, whom
+above all men Zeus hath planted for ever among labours, while my breath abides
+within my breast, and my knees move. I wander thus, for that sweet sleep rests
+not on mine eyes, but war is my care, and the troubles of the Achaians. Yea,
+greatly I fear for the sake of the Danaans, nor is my heart firm, but I am
+tossed to and fro, and my heart is leaping from my breast, and my good knees
+tremble beneath me. But if thou wilt do aught, since neither on thee cometh
+sleep, let us go thither to the sentinels, that we may see them, lest they be
+fordone with toil, and so are slumbering, and have quite forgotten to keep
+watch. And hostile men camp hard by, nor know we at all but that they are keen
+to do battle in the night.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Verily will I follow after
+thee, but let us also rouse others again, both the son of Tydeus, spearman
+renowned, and Odysseus, and swift Aias, and the strong son of Phyleus. But well
+it would be if one were to go and call those also, the godlike Aias, and
+Idomeneus the prince; for their ships are furthest of all, and nowise close at
+hand. But Menelaos will I blame, dear as he is and worshipful, yea, even if
+thou be angry with me, nor will I hide my thought, for that he slumbereth, and
+to thee alone hath left the toil; now should he be toiling among all the chiefs
+and beseeching them, for need no longer tolerable is coming upon us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him again: “Old man, another day
+I even bid thee blame him, for often is he slack, and willeth not to labour,
+yielding neither to unreadiness nor heedlessness of heart, but looking toward
+me, and expecting mine instance. But now he awoke far before me, and came to
+me, and him I sent forward to call those concerning whom thou inquirest. But
+let us be gone, and them shall we find before the gates, among the sentinels,
+for there I bade them gather.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “So will none of the
+Argives be wroth with him or disobey him, when soever he doth urge any one, and
+give him his commands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and did on his doublet about his breast, and beneath his bright
+feet he bound goodly shoon, and all around him buckled a purple cloak, with
+double folds and wide, and thick down all over it.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And he took a strong spear, pointed with sharp bronze, and he went among the
+ships of the mail-clad Achaians. Then Odysseus first, the peer of Zeus in
+counsel, did knightly Gerenian Nestor arouse out of sleep, with his voice, and
+quickly the cry came all about his heart, and he came forth from the hut and
+spake to them saying: “Wherefore thus among the ships and through the
+camp do ye wander alone, in the ambrosial night; what so great need cometh upon
+you?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Laertes’ son, be not
+wroth, for great trouble besetteth the Achaians. Nay follow, that we may arouse
+others too, even all that it behoveth to take counsel, whether we should fly,
+or fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Odysseus of the many counsels came to the hut, and cast a
+shield about his shoulders, and went after them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And they went to seek Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and him they found outside his
+hut, with his arms, and around him his comrades were sleeping with their
+shields beneath their heads, but their spears were driven into the ground erect
+on the spikes of the butts, and afar shone the bronze, like the lightning of
+father Zeus. Now that hero was asleep, and under him was strewn the hide of an
+ox of the field, but beneath his head was stretched a shining carpet. Beside
+him went and stood knightly Nestor of Gerenia and stirred him with a touch of
+his foot, and aroused him, chiding him to his face, saying: “Wake, son of
+Tydeus, why all night long dost thou sleep? Knowest thou not that the Trojans
+on the high place of the plain are camped near the ships, and but a little
+space holdeth them apart?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Diomedes sprang swiftly up out of sleep, and spake to him
+winged words: “Hard art thou, old man, and from toil thou never ceasest.
+Now are there not other younger sons of the Achaians, who might rouse when
+there is need each of the kings, going all around the host? but thou, old man,
+art indomitable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered again, “Nay verily, my son,
+all this that thou sayest is according unto right. Noble sons have I, and there
+be many of the host, of whom each man might go and call the others. But a right
+great need hath assailed the Achaians. For now to all of us it standeth on a
+razor’s edge, either pitiful ruin for the Achaians, or life. But come
+now, if indeed thou dost pity me, rouse swift Aias, and the son of Phyleus, for
+thou art younger than I.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Diomedes cast round his shoulders the skin of a great fiery
+lion, that reached to his feet, and he grasped his spear, and started on his
+way, and roused the others from their place and led them on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had come among the assembled sentinels, they found not the
+leaders of the sentinels asleep, but they all sat wide awake with their arms.
+And even as hounds keep difficult guard round the sheep in a fold, having heard
+a hardy wild beast that cometh through the wood among the hills, and much
+clamour riseth round him of hounds and men, and sleep perisheth from them, even
+so sweet sleep did perish from their eyes, as they watched through the wicked
+night, for ever were they turning toward the plains, when they heard the
+Trojans moving.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And that old man was glad when he saw them, and heartened them with his saying,
+and calling out to them he spake winged words: “Even so now, dear
+children, do ye keep watch, nor let sleep take any man, lest we become a cause
+of rejoicing to them that hate us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So saying he sped through the moat, and they followed with him, the kings of
+the Argives, who had been called to the council. And with them went Meriones,
+and the glorious son of Nestor, for they called them to share their counsel. So
+they went clean out of the delved foss, and sat down in the open, where the
+mid-space was clear of dead men fallen, where fierce Hector had turned again
+from destroying the Argives, when night covered all. There sat they down, and
+declared their saying each to the other, and to them knightly Nestor of Gerenia
+began discourse: “O friends, is there then no man that would trust to his
+own daring spirit, to go among the great-hearted Trojans, if perchance he might
+take some straggler of the enemy, yea, or hear perchance some rumour among the
+Trojans, and what things they devise among themselves, whether they are fain to
+abide there by the ships, away from the city, or will retreat again to the
+city, now that they have conquered the Achaians? All this might such an one
+learn, and back to us come scathless: great would be his fame under heaven
+among all men, and a goodly gift will be given him. For all the best men that
+bear sway by the ships, each and all of them will give him a black ewe, with
+her lamb at her foot, and ever will he be present at feasts and
+clan-drinkings.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and thereon were they all silent, holding their peace, but to them
+spake Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Nestor, my heart and manful spirit
+urge me to enter the camp of the foemen hard by, even of the Trojans: and if
+some other man will follow with me, more comfort and more courage will there
+be. If two go together, one before another perceiveth a matter, how there may
+be gain therein; but if one alone perceive aught, even so his wit is shorter,
+and weak his device.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and many were they that wished to follow Diomedes. The two Aiantes
+were willing, men of Ares’ company, and Meriones was willing, and right
+willing the son of Nestor, and the son of Atreus, Menelaos, spearman renowned,
+yea and the hardy Odysseus was willing to steal into the throng of Trojans, for
+always daring was his heart within him. But among them spake the king of men,
+Agamemnon: “Diomedes son of Tydeus, joy of mine heart, thy comrade verily
+shalt thou choose, whomsoever thou wilt, the best of them that be here, for
+many are eager. But do not thou, out of reverent heart, leave the better man
+behind, and give thyself the worse companion, yielding to regard for any, and
+looking to their lineage, even if one be more kingly born.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but was in fear for the sake of fair-haired Menelaos. But to them
+again answered Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “If indeed ye bid me choose
+myself a comrade, how then could I be unmindful of godlike Odysseus, whose
+heart is passing eager, and his spirit so manful in all manner of toils; and
+Athene loveth him. But while he cometh with me, even out of burning fire might
+we both return, for he excelleth in understanding.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then him again answered the steadfast noble Odysseus: “Son of Tydeus,
+praise me not overmuch, neither blame me aught, for thou speakest thus among
+the Argives that themselves know all. But let us be going, for truly the night
+is waning, and near is the dawn, and the stars have gone onward, and the night
+has advanced more than two watches, but the third watch is yet left.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they, and harnessed them in their dread armour. To the son of Tydeus
+did Thrasymedes steadfast in war give a two-edged sword (for his own was left
+by his ship) and a shield, and about his head set a helm of bull’s hide,
+without cone or crest, that is called a skull-cap, and keeps the heads of
+stalwart youths. And Meriones gave Odysseus a bow and a quiver, and a sword,
+and on his head set a helm made of leather, and with many a thong was it
+stiffly wrought within, while without the white teeth of a boar of flashing
+tusks were arrayed thick set on either side, well and cunningly, and in the
+midst was fixed a cap of felt.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when these twain had harnessed them in their dread armour, they set forth to
+go, and left there all the best of the host. And to them did Pallas Athene send
+forth an omen on the right, a heron hard by the way, and they beheld it not
+with their eyes, through the dark night, but they heard its shrill cry. And
+Odysseus was glad in the omen of the bird, and prayed to Athene: “Listen
+to me, thou child of aegis-bearing Zeus, that ever in all toils dost stand by
+me, nor doth any motion of mine escape thee: but now again above all be thou
+friendly to me, Athene, and grant that we come back with renown to the ships,
+having wrought a great work, that shall be sorrow to the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Next again prayed Diomedes of the loud war-cry: “Listen now likewise to
+me, thou child of Zeus, unwearied maiden, and follow with me as when with my
+father thou didst follow, even noble Tydeus, into Thebes, when he went forth as
+a messenger from the Achaians. Even so now stand thou by me willingly, and
+protect me. And to thee will I sacrifice a yearling heifer, broad of brow,
+unbroken, that never yet hath man led below the yoke. Her will I sacrifice to
+thee, and gild her horns with gold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they in their prayer, and Pallas Athene heard them. And when they had
+prayed to the daughter of mighty Zeus, they went forth on their way, like two
+lions, through the dark night, amid the slaughter, amid the slain men, through
+the arms and the black blood.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nay, nor the stout-hearted Trojans did Hector suffer to sleep, but he called
+together all the best of them, all that were chiefs and leaders of the Trojans,
+them did he call together, and contrived a crafty counsel: “Who is there
+that would promise and perform for me this deed, for a great gift? yea his
+reward shall be sufficient. For I will give him a chariot, and two horses of
+arching neck, the best that be at the swift ships of the Achaians, to whosoever
+shall dare the deed, and for himself shall win glory. And the deed is this; to
+go near the swift-faring ships, and seek out whether the swift ships are
+guarded, as of old, or whether already, being subdued beneath our hands, the
+foes are devising of flight among themselves, and have no care to watch through
+the night, being fordone with dread weariness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they were all silent and held their peace. Now there was among
+the Trojans one Dolon, the son of Eumedes the godlike herald, and he was rich
+in gold, and rich in bronze: and verily he was ill favoured to look upon, but
+swift of foot. So he spake then a word to the Trojans and to Hector:
+“Hector, my heart and manful spirit urge me to go near the swift-faring
+ships, and spy out all. But come, I pray thee, hold up the staff, and swear to
+me, that verily thou wilt give me the horses and the chariots bedight with
+bronze that bear the noble son of Peleus. But to thee I will prove no vain spy,
+nor disappoint thy hope. For I will go straight to the camp, until I may come
+to the ship of Agamemnon, where surely the chiefs are like to hold council,
+whether to fight or flee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Hector took the staff in his hand, and sware to him:
+“Now let Zeus himself be witness, the loud-thundering lord of Hera, that
+no other man of the Trojans shall mount those horses, but thou, I declare,
+shalt rejoice in them for ever.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sware a bootless oath thereto, and aroused Dolon to go. And
+straightway he cast on his shoulders his crooked bow, and did on thereover the
+skin of a grey wolf, and on his head a helm of ferret-skin, and took a sharp
+javelin, and went on his way to the ships from the host. But he was not like to
+come back from the ships and bring word to Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when he had left the throng of men and horses, he went forth eagerly on the
+way, and Odysseus of the seed of Zeus was ware of him as he approached, and
+said unto Diomedes: “Lo, here is some man, Diomedes, coming from the
+camp, I know not whether as a spy to our ships, or to strip certain of the dead
+men fallen. But let us suffer him to pass by us a little way on the plain, and
+thereafter may we rush on him and take him speedily, and if it chance that he
+outrun us by speed of foot, ever do thou hem him in towards the ships and away
+from the camp, rushing on him with thy spear, lest in any wise he escape
+towards the city.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake, and turning out of the path they lay down among the bodies of
+the dead; and swiftly Dolon ran past them in his witlessness. But when he was
+as far off as is the length of the furrow made by mules, these twain ran after
+him, and he stood still when he heard the sound, supposing in his heart that
+they were friends come from among the Trojans to turn him back, at the
+countermand of Hector. But when they were about a spear-cast off, or even less,
+he knew them for foe-men, and stirred his swift limbs to fly, and speedily they
+started in pursuit.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when two sharp-toothed hounds, well skilled in the chase, press ever
+hard on a doe or a hare through a wooded land, and it runs screaming before
+them, even so Tydeus’ son and Odysseus the sacker of cities cut Dolon off
+from the host, and ever pursued hard after him. But when he was just about to
+come among the sentinels, in his flight towards the ships, then Athene poured
+strength into the son of Tydeus, that none of the mail-clad Achaians might
+boast himself the first to smite, and he come second. And strong Diomedes
+leaped upon him with the spear, and said: “Stand, or I shall overtake
+thee with the spear, and methinks that thou shalt not long avoid sheer
+destruction at my hand.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and threw his spear, but of his own will he missed the man, and
+passing over his right shoulder the point of the polished spear stuck fast in
+the ground: and Dolon stood still, in great dread and trembling, and the teeth
+chattered in his mouth, and he was green with fear. Then the twain came up with
+him, panting, and gripped his hands, and weeping he spake: “Take me
+alive, and I will ransom myself, for within our house there is bronze, and
+gold, and smithied iron, wherefrom my father would do you grace with ransom
+untold, if he should learn that I am alive among the ships of the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: “Take courage,
+let not death be in thy mind, but come speak and tell me truly all the tale,
+why thus from the host lost thou come all alone among the ships, through the
+black night, when other mortals are sleeping? Comest thou to strip certain of
+the dead men fallen, or did Hector send thee forth to spy out everything at the
+hollow ships, or did thine own spirit urge thee on?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dolon answered him, his limbs trembling beneath him: “With many a
+blind hope did Hector lead my wits astray, who vowed to give me the
+whole-hooved horses of the proud son of Peleus, and his car bedight with
+bronze: and he bade me fare through the swift black night, and draw nigh the
+foemen, and seek out whether the swift ships are guarded, as of old, or
+whether, already, being subdued beneath our hands, they are devising of flight
+among themselves, and have no care to watch through the night, being fordone
+with dread weariness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And smiling thereat did Odysseus of the many counsels make him answer:
+“Verily now thy soul was set on great rewards, even the horses of the
+wise son of Aiakos, but hard are they for mortal men to master, and hard to
+drive, for any but Achilles only, whom a deathless mother bare. But come, tell
+me all this truly, all the tale: where when thou camest hither didst thou leave
+Hector, shepherd of the host, and where lie his warlike gear, and where his
+horses? And how are disposed the watches, and the beds of the other Trojans?
+And what counsel take they among themselves; are they fain to abide there nigh
+the ships afar from the city, or will they return to the city again, seeing
+that they have subdued unto them the Achaiana?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Dolon son of Eumedes made him answer again: “Lo, now all these
+things will I recount to thee most truly. Hector with them that are counsellors
+holdeth council by the barrow of godlike Ilos, apart from the din, but as for
+the guards whereof thou askest, oh hero, no chosen watch nor guard keepeth the
+host. As for all the watch fires of the Trojans—on them is necessity, so that
+they watch and encourage each other to keep guard; but, for the allies called
+from many lands, they are sleeping and to the Trojans they leave it to keep
+watch, for no wise near dwell the children and wives of the allies.” Then
+Odysseus of the many counsels answered him and said: “How stands it now,
+do they sleep amidst the horse-taming Trojans, or apart? tell me clearly, that
+I may know.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Dolon son of Eumedes: “Verily all this likewise will I
+recount to thee truly. Towards the sea lie the Karians, and Paionians of the
+bended bow, and the Leleges and Kaukones, and noble Pelasgoi. And towards
+Thymbre the Lykians have their place, and the haughty Mysians, and the
+Phrygians that fight from chariots, and Maionians lords of chariots. But
+wherefore do ye inquire of me throughly concerning all these things? for if ye
+desire to steal into the throng of Trojans, lo, there be those Thracians, new
+comers, at the furthest point apart from the rest, and among them their king
+Rhesos, son of Eioneus. His be the fairest horses that ever I beheld, and the
+greatest, whiter than snow, and for speed like the winds. And his chariot is
+fashioned well with gold and silver, and golden is his armour that he brought
+with him, marvellous, a wonder to behold; such as it is in no wise fit for
+mortal men to bear, but for the deathless gods. But bring me now to the swift
+ships, or leave me here, when ye have bound me with a ruthless bond, that ye
+may go and make trial of me whether I have spoken to you truth, or lies.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then strong Diomedes, looking grimly on him, said: “Put no thought of
+escape, Dolon, in thy heart, for all the good tidings thou hast brought, since
+once thou halt come into our hands. For if now we release thee or let thee go,
+on some later day wilt thou come to the swift ships of the Achaians, either to
+play the spy, or to fight in open war, but if subdued beneath my hands thou
+lose thy life, never again wilt thou prove a bane to the Argives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and that other with strong hand was about to touch his chin, and
+implore his mercy, but Diomedes smote him on the midst of the neck, rushing on
+him with the sword, and cut through both the sinews, and the head of him still
+speaking was mingled with the dust. And they stripped him of the casque of
+ferret’s skin from off his head, and of his wolf-skin, and his bended
+bow, and his long spear, and these to Athene the Giver of Spoil did noble
+Odysseus hold aloft in his hand, and he prayed and spake a word:
+“Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for to thee first of all the immortals in
+Olympus will we call for aid; nay, but yet again send us on against the horses
+and the sleeping places of the Thracian men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he aloud, and lifted from him the spoils on high, and set them on a
+tamarisk bush, and raised thereon a mark right plain to see, gathering together
+reeds, and luxuriant shoots of tamarisk, lest they should miss the place as
+they returned again through the swift dark night.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So the twain went forward through the arms, and the black blood, and quickly
+they came to the company of Thracian men. Now they were slumbering, fordone
+with toil, but their goodly weapons lay by them on the ground, all orderly, in
+three rows, and by each man his pair of steeds. And Rhesos slept in the midst,
+and beside him his swift horses were bound with thongs to the topmost rim of
+the chariot. Him Odysseus spied from afar, and showed him unto Diomedes:
+“Lo, Diomedes, this is the man, and these are the horses whereof Dolon
+that we slew did give us tidings. But come now, put forth thy great strength;
+it doth not behove thee to stand idle with thy weapons: nay, loose the horses;
+or do thou slay the men, and of the horses will I take heed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and into that other bright-eyed Athene breathed might, and he
+began slaying on this side and on that, and hideously went up their groaning,
+as they were smitten with the sword, and the earth was reddened with blood. And
+like as a lion cometh on flocks without a herdsman, on goats or sheep, and
+leaps upon them with evil will, so set the son of Tydeus on the men of Thrace,
+till he had slain twelve. But whomsoever the son of Tydeus drew near and smote
+with the sword, him did Odysseus of the many counsels seize by the foot from
+behind, and drag him out of the way, with this design in his heart, that the
+fair-maned horses might lightly issue forth, and not tremble in spirit, when
+they trod over the dead; for they were not yet used to dead men. But when the
+son of Tydeus came upon the king, he was the thirteenth from whom he took sweet
+life away, as he was breathing hard, for an evil dream stood above his head
+that night through the device of Athens. Meanwhile the hardy Odysseus loosed
+the whole-hooved horses, and bound them together with thongs, and drave them
+out of the press, smiting them with his bow, since he had not taken thought to
+lift the shining whip with his hands from the chariot; then he whistled for a
+sign to noble Diomedes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Diomedes stood and pondered what most daring deed he might do, whether he
+should take the chariot, where lay the armour, and drag it out by the pole, or
+lift it upon high, and so bear it forth, or whether he should take the life
+away from yet more of the Thracians. And while he was pondering this in his
+heart, then Athene drew near, and stood, and spake to noble Diomedes:
+“Bethink thee of returning, O son of great-hearted Tydeus, to the hollow
+ships, lest perchance thou come thither in flight, and perchance another god
+rouse up the Trojans likewise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and he observed the voice of the utterance of the goddess, and
+swiftly he sprang upon the steeds, and Odysseus smote them with his bow, and
+they sped to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Nay, nor a vain watch kept Apollo of the silver bow, when he beheld Athene
+caring for the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he stole among the crowded
+press of Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the Thracians, Hippokoon, the
+noble kinsman of Rhesos. And he started out of sleep, when he beheld the place
+desolate where the swift horses had stood, and beheld the men gasping in the
+death struggle; then he groaned aloud, and called out by name to his comrade
+dear. And a clamour arose and din unspeakable of the Trojans hasting together,
+and they marvelled at the terrible deeds, even all that the heroes had wrought,
+and had gone thereafter to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when those others came to the place where they had slain the spy of Hector,
+there Odysseus, dear to Zeus, checked the swift horses, and Tydeus’ son,
+leaping to the ground, set the bloody spoil in the hands of Odysseus, and again
+mounted, and lashed the horses, and they sped onward nothing loth. But Nestor
+first heard the sound, and said: “O friends, leaders and counsellors of
+the Argives, shall I be wrong or speak sooth? for my heart bids me speak. The
+sound of swift-footed horses strikes upon mine ears. Would to god that Odysseus
+and that strong Diomedes may even instantly be driving the whole-hooved horses
+from among the Trojans; but terribly I fear in mine heart lest the bravest of
+the Argives suffer aught through the Trojans’ battle din.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Not yet was his whole word spoken, when they came themselves, and leaped down
+to earth, but gladly the others welcomed them with hand-clasping, and with
+honeyed words. And first did knightly Nestor of Gerenia make question:
+“Come, tell me now, renowned Odysseus, great glory of the Achaians, how
+ye twain took those horses? Was it by stealing into the press of Trojans? Or
+did some god meet you, and give you them? Wondrous like are they to rays of the
+sun. Ever with the Trojans do I mix in fight, nor methinks do I tarry by the
+ships, old warrior as I am. But never yet saw I such horses, nor deemed of
+such. Nay, methinks some god must have encountered you and given you these. For
+both of you doth Zeus the cloud-gatherer love, and the maiden of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, bright-eyed Athene.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him answered Odysseus of the many counsels: “O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, lightly could a god, if so he would, give even
+better steeds than these, for the gods are far stronger than we. But as for
+these new-come horses, whereof, old man, thou askest me, they are Thracian, but
+their lord did brave Diomedes slay, and beside him all the twelve best men of
+his company. The thirteenth man was a spy we took near the ships, one that
+Hector and the other haughty Trojans sent forth to pry upon our camp.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drave the whole-hooved horses through the foss, laughing; and
+the other Achaians went with him joyfully. But when they had come to the
+well-built hut of the son of Tydeus, they bound the horses with well-cut
+thongs, at the mangers where the swift horses of Diomedes stood eating
+honey-sweet barley.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Odysseus placed the bloody spoils of Dolon in the stern of the ship, that
+they might make ready a sacred offering to Athene. But for themselves, they
+went into the sea, and washed off the thick sweat from shins, and neck, and
+thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed the thick sweat from their
+skin, and their hearts revived again, they went into polished baths, and were
+cleansed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they had washed, and anointed them with olive oil, they sat down at
+supper, and from the full mixing bowl they drew off the honey-sweet wine, and
+poured it forth to Athene.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap11"></a>BOOK XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Despite the glorious deeds of Agamemnon, the Trojans press hard on the
+Achaians, and the beginning of evil comes on Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Dawn arose from her couch beside proud Tithonos, to bring light to the
+immortals and to mortal men. But Zeus sent forth fierce Discord unto the fleet
+ships of the Achaians, and in her hands she held the signal of war. And she
+stood upon the huge black ship of Odysseus, that was in the midst, to make her
+voice heard on either side, both to the huts of Aias, son of Telamon, and to
+the huts of Achilles, for these twain, trusting in their valour and the might
+of their hands, had drawn up their trim ships at the two ends of the line.
+There stood the goddess and cried shrilly in a great voice and terrible, and
+mighty strength she set in the heart of each of the Achaians, to war and fight
+unceasingly. And straightway to them war grew sweeter than to depart in the
+hollow ships to their dear native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then each man gave in charge his horses to his charioteer, to hold them in by
+the foss, well and orderly, and themselves as heavy men at arms were hasting
+about, being harnessed in their gear, and unquenchable the cry arose into the
+Dawn. And long before the charioteers were they arrayed at the foss, but after
+them a little way came up the drivers. And among them the son of Kronos aroused
+an evil din, and from above rained down dew danked with blood out of the upper
+air, for that he was about to send many strong men down to Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans on the other side, on the high ground of the plain, gathered
+them around great Hector, and noble Polydamus, and Aineias that as a god was
+honoured by the people of the Trojans, and the three sons of Antenor, Polybos,
+and noble Agenor, and young Akamas like unto the immortals. And Hector in the
+foremost rank bare the circle of his shield. And as from amid the clouds
+appeareth glittering a baneful star, and then again sinketh within the shadowy
+clouds, even so Hector would now appear among the foremost ranks, and again
+would be giving command in the rear, and all in bronze he shone, like the
+lightning of aegis-bearing father Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as when reapers over against each other drive their swaths through a
+rich mal’s field of wheat or barley, and thick fall the handfuls, even so
+the Trojans and Achaians leaped upon each other, destroying, and neither side
+took thought of ruinous flight; and equal heads had the battle, and they rushed
+on like wolves. And woful Discord was glad at the sight, for she alone of the
+gods was with them in the war; for the other gods were not beside them, but in
+peace they sat within their halls, where the goodly mansion of each was builded
+in the folds of Olympus. And they all were blaming the son of Kronos, lord of
+the storm-cloud, for that he willed to give glory to the Trojans. But of them
+took the father no heed, but aloof from the others he sat apart, glad in his
+glory, looking toward the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians,
+and the glitter of bronze, and the slayers and the slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So long as morning was, and the sacred day still waxed, so long did the shafts
+of both hosts strike, and the folk fell, but about the hour when a woodman
+maketh ready his meal, in the dells of a mountain, when he hath tired his hands
+with felling tall trees, and weariness cometh on his soul, and desire of sweet
+food taketh his heart, even then the Danaans by their valour brake the
+battalions, and called on their comrades through the lines. And in rushed
+Agamemnon first of all, where thickest clashed the battalions, there he set on,
+and with him all the well-greaved Achaians. Footmen kept slaying footmen as
+they were driven in flight, and horsemen slaying horsemen with the sword, and
+from beneath them rose up the dust from the plain, stirred by the thundering
+hooves of horses. And the lord Agamemnon, ever slaying, followed after, calling
+on the Argives. And as when ruinous fire falleth on dense woodland, and the
+whirling wind beareth it everywhere, and the thickets fall utterly before it,
+being smitten by the onset of the fire, even so beneath Agamemnon son of Atreus
+fell the heads of the Trojans as they fled; and many strong-necked horses
+rattled empty cars along the highways of the battle, lacking their noble
+charioteers; but they on the earth were lying, far more dear to the vultures
+than to their wives. But Hector did Zeus draw forth from the darts and the
+dust, from the man-slaying, and the blood, and the din, and the son of Atreus
+followed on, crying eagerly to the Danaans. And past the tomb of ancient Ilos,
+son of Dardanos, across the mid plain, past the place of the wild fig-tree they
+sped, making for the city, and ever the son of Atreus followed shouting, and
+his invincible hands were defiled with gore. But when they were come to the
+Skaian gates, and the oak-tree, there then they halted, and awaited each other.
+But some were still in full flight through the mid plain, like kine that a lion
+hath scattered, coming on them in the dead of night; all hath he scattered, but
+to one sheer death appeareth instantly, and he breaketh her neck first, seizing
+her with strong teeth, and thereafter swalloweth greedily the blood and all the
+guts; even so lord Agamemnon son of Atreus followed hard on the Trojans, ever
+slaying the hindmost man, and they were scattered in flight, and on face or
+back many of them fell from their chariots beneath the hands of Agamemnon, for
+mightily he raged with the spear. But when he was nowabout coming below the
+city, and the steep wall, then did the father of men and gods sit him down on
+the crests of many-fountained Ida, from heaven descending, with the thunderbolt
+in his hands.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then sent he forth Iris of the golden wings, to bear his word: “Up and
+go, swift Iris, and tell this word unto Hector: So long as he sees Agamemnon,
+shepherd of the host, raging among the foremost fighters, and ruining the ranks
+of men, so long let him hold back, but bid the rest of the host war with the
+foe in strong battle. But when, or smitten with the spear or wounded with arrow
+shot, Agamemnon leapeth into his chariot, then will I give Hector strength to
+slay till he come even to the well-timbered ships, and the sun go down, and
+sacred darkness draw on.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So swift-footed Iris spake to Hector the words of Zeus and departed, but Hector
+with his harness leaped from the chariot to the ground, and, shaking his sharp
+spears went through all the host, stirring up his men to fight, and he roused
+the dread din of battle. And they wheeled round, and stood and faced the
+Achaians, while the Argives on the other side strengthened their battalions.
+And battle was made ready, and they stood over against each other, and
+Agamemnon first rushed in, being eager to fight far in front of all.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that inhabit mansions in Olympus, who was he that first
+encountered Agamemnon, whether of the Trojans themselves, or of their allies
+renowned? It was Iphidamas, son of Antenor, great and mighty, who was nurtured
+in Thrace rich of soil, the mother of sheep; he it was that then encountered
+Agamemnon son of Atreus. And when they were come near in onset against each
+other, Atreus’ son missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Iphidamas
+smote him on the girdle, below the corslet, and himself pressed on, trusting to
+his heavy hand, but pierced not the gleaming girdle, for long ere that the
+point struck on the silver, and was bent like lead. Then wide-ruling Agamemnon
+caught the spear with his hand and drew it toward him furiously, like a lion,
+and snatched it out of the hand of Iphidamas, and smote his neck with the
+sword, and unstrung his limbs. So even there he fell, and slept a sleep of
+bronze most piteously. Then did Agamemnon son of Atreus strip him, and went
+bearing his goodly harness into the throng of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Koon beheld him, Koon Antenor’s eldest son, illustrious among
+men, strong sorrow came on him, covering his eyes, for his brother’s
+fall: and he stood on one side with his spear, and unmarked of noble Agamemnon
+smote him on the mid-arm, beneath the elbow, and clean through went the point
+of the shining spear. Then Agamemnon king of men shuddered, yet not even so did
+he cease from battle and war, but rushed against Koon, grasping his
+wind-nurtured spear. Verily then Koon seized right lustily by the foot
+Iphidamas, his brother, and his father’s son, and called to all the best
+of his men; but him, as he dragged the dead through the press, beneath his
+bossy shield Agamemnon wounded with a bronze-shod spear, and unstrung his
+limbs, and drew near and cut off his head over Iphidamas. There the sons of
+Antenor, at the hands of Agamemnon the king, filled up the measure of their
+fate, and went down within the house of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Agamemnon ranged among the ranks of men, with spear, and sword, and great
+stones for throwing, while yet the blood welled warm from his wound. But when
+the wound waxed dry, and the blood ceased to flow, then keen pangs came on the
+might of the son of Atreus. Then leaped he into his chariot, and bade his
+charioteer drive to the hollow ships, for he was sore vexed at heart. And he
+called in a piercing voice, and shouted to the Danaans: “O friends,
+leaders and counsellors of the Argives, do ye now ward from the seafaring ships
+the harsh din of battle, for Zeus the counsellor suffers me not all day to war
+with the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and his charioteer lashed the fair-maned steeds toward the hollow
+ships, and they flew onward nothing loth, and their breasts were covered with
+foam, and their bellies were stained with dust, as they bore the wounded king
+away from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector, when he beheld Agamemnon departed, cried to the Trojans and Lykians
+with a loud shout: “Ye Trojans and Lykians, and Dardanians that war in
+close fight, be men, my friends, and be mindful of your impetuous valour. The
+best man of them hath departed and to me hath Zeus, the son of Kronos, given
+great renown. But straightway drive ye the whole-hooved horses against the
+mighty Danaans, that ye may be the masters and bear away the higher
+glory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused the might and spirit of every man. Himself with high
+thoughts he fared among the foremost, and fell upon the fight; like a roaring
+blast, that leapeth down and stirreth the violet-coloured deep. There whom
+first, whom last did he slay, even Hector, son of Priam, when Zeus vouchsafed
+him renown?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Asaios first, and Autonoos, and Opites, and Dolops, son of Klytios, and
+Opheltios, and Agelaos, and Aisymnos, and Oros, and Hipponoos steadfast in the
+fight; these leaders of the Danaans he slew, and thereafter smote the
+multitude, even as when the West Wind driveth the clouds of the white South
+Wind, smiting with deep storm, and the wave swelleth huge, rolling onward, and
+the spray is scattered on high beneath the rush of the wandering wind; even so
+many heads of the host were smitten by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There had ruin begun, and deeds remedeless been wrought, and now would all the
+Achaians have fled and fallen among the ships, if Odysseus had not called to
+Diomedes, son of Tydeus: “Tydeus’ son, what ails us that we forget
+our impetuous valour? Nay, come hither, friend, and take thy stand by me, for
+verily it will be shame if Hector of the glancing helm take the ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him strong Diomedes spake in answer: “Verily will I abide and
+endure, but short will be all our profit, for Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, clearly
+desireth to give victory to the Trojans rather than to us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and drave Thymbraios from his chariot to the ground, smiting him with
+the spear in the left breast, and Odysseus smote Molion the godlike squire of
+that prince. These then they let be, when they had made them cease from war,
+and then the twain fared through the crowd with a din, as when two boars full
+of valour fall on the hunting hounds; so rushed they on again, and slew the
+Trojans, while gladly the Achaians took breath again in their flight from noble
+Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Hector quickly spied them among the ranks, and rushed upon them shouting,
+and with him followed the battalions of the Trojans. And beholding him,
+Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered, and straightway spake to Odysseus that
+was hard by: “Lo, on us this ruin, even mighty Hector, is rolling: let us
+stand, and await him, and ward off his onset.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and swayed and sent forth his far-shadowing spear, and smote him
+nor missed, for he aimed at the head, on the summit of the crest, and bronze by
+bronze was turned, nor reached his fair flesh, for it was stopped by the
+threefold helm with its socket, that Phoebus Apollo to Hector gave. But Hector
+sprang back a wondrous way, and mingled with the throng, and he rested, fallen
+on his knee, and leaned on the ground with his stout hand, and dark night
+veiled his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But while Tydeus’ son was following after his spear-cast, far through the
+foremost fighters, where he saw it sink into the earth, Hector gat breath
+again, and leaping back into his chariot drave out into the throng, and avoided
+black Fate. Then rushing on with his spear mighty Diomedes spake to him:
+“Dog, thou art now again escaped from death; yet came ill very nigh thee:
+but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to whom thou must surely pray when thou
+goest amid the clash of spears. Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee
+hereafter, if any god is helper of me too. Now will I make after the rest,
+whomsoever I may seize.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and stripped the son of Paeon, spearman renowned. But Alexandros,
+the lord of fair-tressed Helen, aimed with his arrows at Tydeides, shepherd of
+the host; leaning as he aimed against a pillar on the barrow, by men fashioned,
+of Ilos, son of Dardanos, an elder of the people in time gone by. Now Diomedes
+was stripping the shining corslet of strong Agastrophos from about his breast,
+and the shield from his shoulders, and his strong helmet, when Paris drew the
+centre of his bow; nor vainly did the shaft fly from his hand, for he smote the
+flat of the right foot of Diomedes, and the arrow went clean through, and stood
+fixed in the earth; and right sweetly laughing Paris leaped up from his lair,
+and boasted, and said: “Thou art smitten, nor vainly hath the dart flown
+forth; would that I had smitten thee in the nether belly, and taken thy life
+away. So should the Trojans have breathed again from their trouble, they that
+shudder at thee, as bleating goats at a lion.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But him answered strong Diomedes, no wise dismayed: “Bowman, reviler,
+proud in thy bow of horn, thou gaper after girls, verily if thou madest trial
+in full harness, man to man, thy bow and showers of shafts would nothing avail
+thee, but now thou boastest vainly, for that thou hast grazed the sole of my
+foot. I care not, more than if a woman had struck me or a senseless boy, for
+feeble is the dart of a craven man and a worthless. In other wise from my hand,
+yea, if it do but touch, the sharp shaft flieth, and straightway layeth low its
+man, and torn are the cheeks of his wife, and fatherless his children, and he,
+reddening the earth with his blood, doth rot away, more birds than women round
+him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Odysseus, spearman renowned, drew near, and stood in front of
+him, and Diomedes sat down behind him, and drew the sharp arrow from his foot,
+and a sore pang passed through his flesh. Then sprang he into his car, and bade
+his charioteer drive back to the hollow ships, for he was hurt at heart. Then
+Odysseus, spearman renowned, was left alone, nor did one of the Argives abide
+by him, for fear had fallen on them all. Then in heaviness he spoke to his own
+great-hearted spirit: “Ah me, what thing shall befall me! A great evil it
+is if I flee, in dread of the throng; yet worse is this, if I be taken all
+alone, for the other Danaans bath Kronion scattered in flight. But wherefore
+doth my heart thus converse with herself? for I know that they are cowards, who
+flee the fight, but whosoever is a hero in war, him it mainly behoves to stand
+stubbornly, whether he be smitten, or whether he smite another.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While he pondered thus in heart and spirit, the ranks came on of the Trojans
+under shield, and hemmed him in the midst, setting among them their own bane.
+And even as when hounds and young men in their bloom press round a boar, and he
+cometh forth from his deep lair, whetting his white tusk between crooked jaws,
+and round him they rush, and the sound of the gnashing of tusks ariseth, and
+straightway they await his assault, so dread as he is, even so then round
+Odysseus, dear to Zeus, rushed the Trojans. And first he wounded noble
+Deiopites, from above, in the shoulder, leaping on him with sharp spear, and
+next he slew Thoon and Ennomos, and next Chersidamas, being leapt down from his
+chariot, he smote with the spear on the navel beneath the bossy shield, and he
+fell in the dust and clutched the ground with the hollow of his hand. These
+left he, and wounded Charops, son of Hippasos, with the spear, the brother of
+high-born Sokos. And to help him came Sokos, a godlike man, and stood hard by
+him, and spake saying: “O renowned Odysseus, insatiable of craft and
+toil, to-day shalt thou either boast over two sons of Hippasos, as having slain
+two such men of might, and stripped their harness, or smitten by my spear shaft
+lose thy life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and smote him on the circle of his shield; through the shining
+shield passed the strong spear, and through the fair-dight corslet it was
+thrust, and tore clean off the flesh of the flanks, but Pallas Athens did not
+suffer it to mingle with the bowels of the hero, and Odysseus knew that the
+dart had in nowise lighted on a deadly spot, and drawing backward, he spake
+unto Sokos “Ah, wretched one, verily sheer destruction is come upon thee.
+Surely thou hast made me to cease from warring among the Trojans, but here to
+thee I declare that slaying and black Fate will be upon thee this day, and
+beneath my spear overthrown shalt thou give glory to me, and thy soul to Hades
+of the noble steeds.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the other turned, and started to flee, and in his back as he
+turned he fixed the spear, between the shoulders, and drave it through the
+breast. Then he fell with a crash, and noble Odysseus boasted over him:
+“Ah, Sokos, son of wise-hearted Hippasos the tamer of horses, the end of
+death hath come upon and caught thee, nor hast thou avoided. Ah, wretch, thy
+father and lady mother shall not close thine eyes in death, but birds that eat
+flesh raw shall tear thee, shrouding thee in the multitude of their wings. But
+to me, if I die, the noble Achaians will yet give due burial.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the mighty spear of wise-hearted Sokos forth from his
+flesh, and from his bossy shield, and his blood flowed forth when the spear was
+drawn away, and afflicted his spirit. And the great-hearted Trojans when they
+beheld the blood of Odysseus, with clamour through the throng came all together
+against him. But he gave ground, and shouted unto his comrades: thrice he
+shouted then, as loud as mal’s mouth might cry, and thrice did Menelaos
+dear to Zeus hear his call, and quickly he spake to Aias that was hard by him:
+“Aias, of the seed of Zeus, child of Telamon, lord of the hosts, the
+shout of Odysseus of the hardy heart rings round me, like as though the Trojans
+were oppressing him alone among them, and had cut him off in the strong battle.
+Nay, let us speed into the throng, for better it is to rescue him. I fear lest
+he suffer some evil, being alone among the Trojans, so brave as he is, and lest
+great sorrow for his loss come upon the Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led the way, and the other followed him, a godlike man. Then
+found they Odysseus dear to Zeus, and the Trojans beset him like tawny jackals
+from the hills round a wounded horned stag, that a man hath smitten with an
+arrow from the bow-string, and the stag hath fled from him by speed of foot, as
+long as the blood is warm and his limbs are strong, but when the swift arrow
+hath overcome him, then do the ravening jackals rend him in the hills, in a
+dark wood, and then god leadeth a murderous lion thither, and the jackals flee
+before him, but he rendeth them, so then, round wise-hearted Odysseus of the
+crafty counsels, did the Trojans gather, many and mighty, but that hero
+thrusting on with the spear held off the pitiless day. Then Aias drew near,
+bearing his shield like a tower, and stood thereby, and the Trojans fled from
+him, where each man might. Then warlike Menelaos led Odysseus out of the press,
+holding him by the hand, till the squire drave up the horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias leaped on the Trojans, and slew Doyrklos, bastard son of Priam, and
+thereafter wounded he Pandokos, and he wounded Lysandros, and Pyrasos, and
+Pylartes. And as when a brimming river cometh down upon the plain, in winter
+flood from the hills, swollen by the rain of Zeus, and many dry oaks and many
+pines it sucketh in, and much soil it casteth into the sea, even so renowned
+Aias charged them, pursuing through the plain, slaying horses and men. Nor wist
+Hector thereof at all, for he was fighting on the left of all the battle, by
+the banks of the river Skamandros, whereby chiefly fell the heads of men, and
+an unquenchable cry arose, around great Nestor and warlike Idomeneus. And
+Hector with them was warring, and terrible things did he, with the spear and in
+horsemanship, and he ravaged the battalions of the young men. Nor would the
+noble Achaians have yet given ground from the path, if Alexandros, the lord of
+fair-tressed Helen, had not stayed Machaon shepherd of the host in his valorous
+deeds, and smitten him on the right shoulder with a three-barbed arrow.
+Therefore were the Achaians, breathing valour, in great fear, lest men should
+seize Machaon in the turning of the fight.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus spake to noble Nestor: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great
+glory of the Achaians, arise, get thee up into thy chariot, and with thee let
+Machaon go, and swiftly drive to the ships the whole-hooved horses. For a leech
+is worth many other men, to cut out arrows, and spread soothing
+medicaments.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did knightly Nestor of Gerenia disobey him, but straightway
+gat up into his chariot, and with him went Machaon, son of Asklepios the good
+leech, and he lashed the horses, and willingly flew they forward to the hollow
+ships, where they desired to be.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Kebriones, the charioteer of Hector, beheld the Trojans driven in flight,
+and spake to him, and said: “Hector, here do we contend with the Danaans,
+at the limit of the wailful war, but, lo, the other Trojans are driven in
+flight confusedly, men and horses. And Aias son of Telamon is driving them;
+well I know him, for wide is the shield round his shoulders. Nay, let us too
+urge thither the horses and chariot, there where horsemen and footmen thickest
+in the forefront of evil strife are slaying each other, and the cry goes up
+unquenchable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and smote the fair-maned horses with the shrill-sounding whip, and
+they felt the lash, and fleetly bore the swift chariot among the Trojans and
+Achaians, treading on the dead, and the shields, and with blood was sprinkled
+all the axle-tree beneath, and the rims round the car with the drops from the
+hooves of the horses, and with drops from the tires about the wheels. And
+Hector was eager to enter the press of men, and to leap in and break through,
+and evil din of battle he brought among the Danaans, and brief space rested he
+from smiting with the spear. Nay, but he ranged among the ranks of other men,
+with spear, and sword, and with great stones, but he avoided the battle of Aias
+son of Telamon.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now father Zeus, throned in the highest, roused dread in Aias, and he stood in
+amaze, and cast behind him his sevenfold shield of bull’s hide, and gazed
+round in fear upon the throng, like a wild beast, turning this way and that,
+and slowly retreating step by step. And as when hounds and country folk drive a
+tawny lion from the mid-fold of the kine, and suffer him not to carry away the
+fattest of the herd; all night they watch, and he in great desire for the flesh
+maketh his onset, but takes nothing thereby, for thick the darts fly from
+strong hands against him, and the burning brands, and these he dreads for all
+his fury, and in the dawn he departeth with vexed heart; even so at that time
+departed Aias, vexed at heart, from among the Trojans, right unwillingly, for
+he feared sore for the ships of the Achaians. And as when a lazy ass going past
+a field hath the better of the boys with him, an ass that hath had many a
+cudgel broken about his sides, and he fareth into the deep crop, and wasteth
+it, while the boys smite him with cudgels, and feeble is the force of them, but
+yet with might and main they drive him forth, when he hath had his fill of
+fodder, even so did the high-hearted Trojans and allies, called from many
+lands, smite great Aias, son of Telamon, with darts on the centre of his
+shield, and ever followed after him. And Aias would now be mindful of his
+impetuous valour, and turn again, and hold at bay the battalions of the
+horse-taming Trojans, and once more he would turn him again to flee. Yet he
+hindered them all from making their way to the fleet ships, and himself stood
+and smote between the Trojans and the Achaians, and the spears from strong
+hands stuck some of them in his great shield, fain to win further, and many or
+ever they reached his white body stood fast halfway in the earth, right eager
+to sate themselves with his flesh.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like unto burning fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mares of Neleus all sweating bare Nestor out of the battle, and also
+carried they Machaon, shepherd of the host. Then the noble Achilles, swift of
+foot, beheld and was ware of him, for Achilles was standing by the stern of his
+great ship, watching the dire toil, and the woful rout of battle. And
+straightway he spake to his own comrade, Patroklos, calling to him from beside
+the ship, and he heard, and from the hut he came, like unto Ares; and this to
+him was the beginning of evil. Then the strong son of Menoitios spake first to
+Achilles: “Why dost thou call me, Achilles, what need hast thou of
+me?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then swift-footed Achilles answered him and spake: “Noble son of
+Menoitios, dear to my heart, now methinks that the Achaians will stand in
+prayer about my knees, for need no longer tolerable cometh upon them. But go
+now, Patroklos dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor who is this that he bringeth
+wounded from the war. Verily from behind he is most like Machaon, that child of
+Asklepios, but I beheld not the eyes of the man, for the horses sped past me,
+straining forward eagerly.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he and Patroklos obeyed his dear comrade, and started and ran past the
+ships, and the huts of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they came to the hut of the son of Neleus, they lighted down on the
+bounteous earth, and the squire, Eurymedon, loosed the horses of that old man
+from the car, and they dried the sweat from their doublets, standing before the
+breeze, by the shore of the sea, and thereafter came they to the hut, and sat
+them down on chairs. And fair-tressed Hekamede mixed for them a mess, Hekamede
+that the old man won from Tenedos, when Achilles sacked it, and she was the
+daughter of great-hearted Arsinoos, and her the Achaians chose out for him,
+because always in counsel he excelled them all. First she drew before them a
+fair table, polished well, with feet of cyanus, and thereon a vessel of bronze,
+with onion, for relish to the drink, and pale honey, and the grain of sacred
+barley, and beside it a right goodly cup, that the old man brought from home,
+embossed with studs of gold, and four handles there were to it, and round each
+two golden doves were feeding, and to the cup were two feet below. Another man
+could scarce have lifted the cup from the table, when it was full, but Nestor
+the Old raised it easily. In this cup the woman, like unto the goddesses, mixed
+a mess for them, with Pramnian wine, and therein grated cheese of goats’
+milk, with a grater of bronze, and scattered white barley thereover, and bade
+them drink, whenas she had made ready the mess.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the twain had drunk, and driven away parching thirst, they took their
+pleasure in discourse, speaking each to the other. Now Patroklos stood at the
+doors, a godlike man, and when the old man beheld him, he arose from his
+shining chair, and took him by the hand, and led him in, and bade him be
+seated. But Patroklos, from over against him, was for refusing, and spake and
+said: “No time to sit have I, old man, fosterling of Zeus, nor wilt thou
+persuade me. Revered and dreaded is he that sent me forth to ask thee who this
+man is that thou bringest home wounded. Nay, but I know myself, for I see
+Machaon, shepherd of the host. And now will I go back again, a messenger, to
+speak a word to Achilles. And well dost thou know, old man, fosterling of Zeus,
+how terrible a man he is; lightly would he blame even one that is
+blameless.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him again: “Wherefore is
+Achilles thus sorry for the sons of the Achaians, for as many as are wounded
+with darts? He knoweth not at all what grief hath arisen in the camp: for the
+best men lie in the ships, wounded by shaft or smitten by spear. Wounded with
+the shaft is strong Diomedes, son of Tydeus, and smitten is Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, and Agamemnon, and this other have I but newly carried out of battle,
+wounded with an arrow from the bowstring. But Achilles, for all his valiance,
+careth not for the Danaans, nor pities them at all. Doth he wait till the fleet
+ships hard by the shore shall burn in the consuming fire, and till we be slain
+one upon another? Nay, but even now speak thou thus and thus to wise-hearted
+Achilles, if perchance he will obey thee. Who knows but that, God helping, thou
+mightst stir his spirit with thy persuading? and good is the persuasion of a
+friend. But if in his heart he be shunning some oracle of God, and his lady
+mother hath told him somewhat from Zeus, natheless let him send forth thee, and
+let the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow with thee, if perchance any
+light shall arise from thee to the Danaans; and let him give thee his fair
+harness, to bear into the war, if perchance the Trojans may take thee for him,
+and withhold them from the strife, and the warlike sons of the Achaians might
+take breath, being wearied; for brief is the breathing time in battle. And
+lightly might ye, being unwearied, drive men wearied in the war unto the city,
+away from the ships and the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and roused his heart within his breast, and he started and ran by
+the ships to Achilles of the seed of Aiakos.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap12"></a>BOOK XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the Trojans and allies broke within the wall of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So in the huts the strong son of Menortios was tending the wounded Eurypylos,
+but still they fought confusedly, the Argives and Trojans. Nor were the fosse
+of the Danaans and their wide wall above long to protect them, the wall they
+had builded for defence of the ships, and the fosse they had drawn round about;
+for neither had they given goodly hecatombs to the gods, that it might guard
+with its bounds their swift ships and rich spoil. Nay, maugre the deathless
+gods was it builded, wherefore it abode steadfast for no long time. While
+Hector yet lived, and yet Achilles kept his wrath, and unsacked was the city of
+Priam the king, so long the great wall of the Achaians likewise abode
+steadfast. But when all the bravest of the Trojans died, and many of the
+Argives,—some were taken, and some were left,—and the city of Priam was sacked
+in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back in their ships to their own
+dear country, then verily did Poseidon and Apollo take counsel to wash away the
+wall, bringing in the might of the rivers, of all that flow from the hills of
+Ida to the sea. Rhesos there was, and Heptaporos, and Karesos, and Rhodios,
+Grenikos, and Aisepos, and goodly Skamandros, and Simoeis, whereby many shields
+and helms fell in the dust, and the generation of men half divine; the mouths
+of all these waters did Phoebus Apollo turn together, and for nine days he
+drave their stream against the wall; and still Zeus rained unceasingly, that
+the quicker he might mingle the wall with the salt sea. And the Shaker of the
+earth, with his trident in his hands, was himself the leader, and sent forth
+into the waves all the foundations of beams and stones that the Achaians had
+laid with toil, and made all smooth by the strong current of the Hellespont,
+and covered again the great beach with sand, when he had swept away the wall,
+and turned the rivers back to flow in their channel, where of old they poured
+down their fair flow of water.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So were Poseidon and Apollo to do in the aftertime; but then war and the din of
+war sounded about the well-builded wall, and the beams of the towers rang
+beneath the strokes; while the Argives, subdued by the scourge of Zeus, were
+penned and driven in by the hollow ships, in dread of Hector, the mighty maker
+of flight, but he, as aforetime, fought like a whirlwind. And as when, among
+hounds and hunting men, a boar or lion wheeleth him about, raging in his
+strength, and these array themselves in fashion like a tower, and stand up
+against him, casting many javelins from their hands; but never is his stout
+heart confused nor afraid, and his courage is his bane, and often he wheeleth
+him about, and maketh trial of the ranks of men, and wheresoever he maketh
+onset there the ranks of men give way, even so Hector went and besought his
+comrades through the press, and spurred them on to cross the dyke. But his
+swift-footed horses dared not, but loud they neighed, standing by the sheer
+edge, for the wide fosse affrighted them, neither easy to leap from hard by,
+nor to cross, for overhanging banks stood round about it all on either hand,
+and above it was furnished with sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaians had
+planted there, thick set and great, a bulwark against hostile men. Thereby not
+lightly might a horse enter, drawing a well-wheeled chariot; but the footmen
+were eager, if they might accomplish it. Then Polydamas drew near valiant
+Hector, and spake to him: “Hector and ye other leaders of the Trojans and
+allies, foolishly do we drive our fleet horses through the dyke; nay right hard
+it is to cross, for sharp stakes stand in it, and over against them the wall of
+the Achaians. Thereby none may go down and fight in chariots, for strait is the
+place wherein, methinks, we might come by a mischief. For if Zeus that thunders
+on high is utterly to destroy them in his evil will, and is minded to help the
+Trojans, verily then I too would desire that even instantly this might be, that
+the Achaians should perish here nameless far from Argos: but and if they turn
+again, and we flee back from among the ships, and rush into the delved ditch,
+then methinks that not even one from among us to bear the tidings will win back
+to the city before the force of the Achaians when they rally. But come as I
+declare, let us all obey. Let our squires hold the horses by the dyke, while we
+being harnessed in our gear as foot soldiers follow all together with Hector,
+and the Achaians will not withstand us, if indeed the bands of death be made
+fast upon them.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his wise word pleased Hector well, and straightway in
+his harness he leaped from his chariot to the ground. Nor were the other
+Trojans gathered upon the chariots, but they all leaped forth, when they beheld
+goodly Hector. There each gave it into the charge of his own charioteer, to
+keep the horses orderly there by the fosse. And they divided, and arrayed
+themselves, and ordered in five companies they followed with the leaders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now they that went with Hector and noble Polydamas, these were most, and
+bravest, and most were eager to break the wall, and fight by the hollow ships;
+and with them followed Kebriones for the third, for Hector had left another man
+with his chariot, a weaker warrior than Kebriones. The second company Paris
+led, and Alkathoos, and Agenor: and the third company Helenos led, and godlike
+Deiphobos,—two sons of Priam,—the third was the warrior Asios, Asios
+Hyrtakos’ son, whom his tall sorrel steeds brought out of Arisbe, from
+the river Selleeis. And of the fourth company was the brave son of Anchises
+leader, even Aineias; and with him were two sons of Antenor, Archelochos and
+Akamas, both well skilled in all warfare.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Sarpedon led the glorious allies, and to be with him he chose Glaukos and
+warlike Asteropaios, for they seamed to him to be manifestly the bravest of all
+after himself but he was excellent, yea, above all the host. And these when
+they had arrayed one another with well-fashioned shields of bulls’ hide,
+went straight and eager against the Danaans, nor deemed that they could longer
+resist them, but that themselves should fall on the black ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the rest of the Trojans and the far-famed allies obeyed the counsel of
+blameless Polydamas, but Asios, son of Hyrtakos, leader of men, willed not to
+leave his horses there, and his squire the charioteer, but with them he drew
+near the swift ships, fond man! for never was he, avoiding evil Fates, to
+return, rejoicing in his horses and chariot, back from the ships to windy
+Ilios. Nay, ere that the Fate of ill name over-shadowed him, by the spear of
+Idomeneus, the haughty son of Deukalion. For Asios went against the left flank
+of the ships, whereby the Achaians returned out of the plain with chariots and
+horses: there he drave through his horses and his car, nor found he the doors
+shut on the gates, and the long bar, but men were holding them open if
+perchance they might save any of their comrades fleeing out of the battle
+towards the ships. Straight thereby held he his horses with unswerving aim, and
+his men followed him, crying shrilly, for they deemed that the Achaians could
+no longer hold them off, but that themselves would fall on the black ships:
+fools, for in the gates they found two men of the bravest, the high-hearted
+sons of the warrior Lapithae, one the son of Peirithoos, strong Polypoites, and
+one Leonteus, peer of Ares the bane of men. These twain stood in front of the
+lofty gates, like high-crested oak trees in the hills, that for ever abide the
+wind and rain, firm fixed with roots great and long; even so these twain,
+trusting to the mightiness of their hands, abode the coming of great Asios, and
+fled not. But straight came the Trojans against the well-builded wall, holding
+their shields of dry bulls’ hide on high, with mighty clamour, round the
+prince Asios, and Iamenos, and Orestes, and Adamas, son of Asios, and Thoon,
+and Oinomaos. But the other twain for a while, being within the wall, urged the
+well-greaved Achaians to fight for the ships; but when they saw the Trojans
+assailing the wall, while the Danaans cried and turned in flight, then forth
+rushed the twain, and fought in front of the gates like wild boars that in the
+mountains abide the assailing crew of men and dogs, and charging on either
+flank they crush the wood around them, cutting it at the root, and the clatter
+of their tusks wages loud, till one smite them and take their life away: so
+clattered the bright bronze on the breasts of the twain, as they were smitten
+in close fight, for right hardily they fought, trusting to the host above them,
+and to their own strength.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+For the men above were casting with stones from the well-builded towers, in
+defence of themselves and of the huts, and of the swift-faring ships. And like
+snowflakes the stones fell earthward, flakes that a tempestuous wind, as it
+driveth the dark clouds, rains thickly down on the bounteous earth: so thick
+fell the missiles from the hands of Achaians and Trojans alike, and their helms
+rang harsh and their bossy shields, being smitten with mighty stones. Verily
+then Asios, son of Hyrtakos, groaned and smote both his thighs, and indignantly
+he spake: “Zeus, verily thou too dost greatly love a lie, for I deemed
+not that the Achaian heroes could withstand our might and our hands invincible.
+But they like wasps of nimble body, or bees that have made their dwellings in a
+rugged path, and leave not their hollow hold, but abide and keep the hunters at
+bay for the sake of their little ones, even so these men have no will to give
+ground from the gates, though they are but two, ere they slay or be
+slain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor with his speech did he persuade the mind of Zeus, for his will
+was to give renown to Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the others were fighting about the other gates, and hard it were for me
+like a god to tell all these things, for everywhere around the wall of stone
+rose the fire divine; the Argives, for all their sorrow, defending the ships of
+necessity; and all the gods were grieved at heart, as many as were defenders of
+the Danaans in battle. And together the Lapithae waged war and strife.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the son of Peirithoos, mighty Polypoites, smote Damasos with the spear,
+through the helmet with cheekpieces of bronze; nor did the bronze helm stay the
+spear, but the point of bronze brake clean through the bone, and all the brain
+within was scattered, and the spear overcame him in his eagerness. Thereafter
+he slew Pylon and Ormenos. And Leonteus of the stock of Ares smote Hippomachos,
+son of Antimachos, with the spear, striking him on the girdle. Then again he
+drew his sharp sword from the sheath, and smote Antiphates first in close
+fight, rushing on him through the throng, that he fell on his back on the
+ground; and thereafter he brought down Menon, and Iamenos, and Orestes one
+after the other, to the bounteous earth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While they were stripping from these the shining arms, the young men who
+followed with Polydamas and Hector, they that were most in number and bravest,
+and most were eager to break the wall and set the ships on fire, these still
+stood doubtful by the fosse, for as they were eager to pass over a bird had
+appeared to them, an eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host on the left hand.
+In its talons it bore a blood-red monstrous snake, alive, and struggling still;
+yea, not yet had it forgotten the joy of battle, but writhed backward and smote
+the bird that held it on the breast, beside the neck, and the bird cast it from
+him down to the earth, in sore pain, and dropped it in the midst of the throng;
+then with a cry sped away down the gusts of the wind. And the Trojans shuddered
+when they saw the gleaming snake lying in the midst of them; an omen of
+aegis-bearing Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily Polydamas stood by brave Hector, and spake: “Hector, ever
+dost thou rebuke me in the assemblies, though I counsel wisely; since it by no
+means beseemeth one of the people to speak contrary to thee, in council or in
+war, but always to increase thy power; but now again will I say all that
+seemeth to me to be best. Let us not advance and fight with the Danaans for the
+ships. For even thus, methinks, the end will be, if indeed this bird hath come
+for the Trojans when they were eager to cross the dyke, this eagle of lofty
+flight, skirting the host on the left hand, bearing in his talons a blood-red
+monstrous snake, yet living; then straightway left he hold of him, before he
+reached his own nest, nor brought him home in the end to give to his nestlings.
+Even so shall we, though we burst with mighty force the gates and wall of the
+Achaians, and the Achaians give ground, even so we shall return in disarray
+from the ships by the way we came; for many of the Trojans shall we leave
+behind, whom the Achaians will slay with the sword, in defence of the ships.
+Even so would a soothsayer interpret that in his heart had clear knowledge of
+omens, and whom the people obeyed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector of the glancing helm lowered on him and said: “Polydamas,
+that thou speakest is no longer pleasing to me; yea, thou knowest how to
+conceive another counsel better than this. But if thou verily speakest thus in
+earnest, then the gods themselves have utterly destroyed thy wits; thou that
+bidst us forget the counsels of loud-thundering Zeus, that himself promised me,
+and confirmed with a nod of his head! But thou bidst us be obedient to birds
+long of wing, whereto I give no heed, nor take any care thereof, whether they
+fare to the right, to the dawn and to the sun, or to the left, to mist and
+darkness. Nay, for us, let us trust to the counsel of mighty Zeus, who is king
+over all mortals and immortals. One omen is best, to fight for our own country.
+And wherefore dost thou fear war and battle? For if all the rest of us be slain
+by the ships of the Argives, yet needst thou not fear to perish, for thy heart
+is not warlike, nor enduring in battle. But if thou dost hold aloof from the
+fight, or winnest any other with thy words to turn him from war, straightway by
+my spear shalt thou be smitten, and lose thy life.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and led on, and they followed with a wondrous din; and Zeus that
+joyeth in the thunder roused from the hills of Ida, a blast of wind, which bare
+the dust straight against the ships; and he made weak the heart of the
+Achaians, but gave renown to the Trojans and to Hector. Trusting then in his
+omens, and their might, they strove to break the great wall of the Achaians.
+They dragged down the machicolations [projecting galleries] of the towers, and
+overthrew the battlements, and heaved up the projecting buttresses, that the
+Achaians set first in the earth, to be the props of the towers. These they
+overthrew, and hoped to break the wall of the Achaians. Nor even now did the
+Danaans give ground from the path, but closed up the battlements with shields
+of bulls’ hides, and cast from them at the foemen as they went below the
+walls.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the two Aiantes went everywhere on the towers, ever urging, and arousing
+the courage of the Achaians. One they would accost with honeyed words, another
+with hard words they would rebuke, whomsoever they saw utterly giving ground
+from the fight: “O friends, whosoever is eminent, or whosoever is of
+middle station among the Argives, ay, or lower yet, for in no wise are all men
+equal in war, now is there work for all, and this yourselves well know. Let
+none turn back to the ships, for that he hath heard one threatening aloud; nay,
+get ye forward, and cheer another on, if perchance Olympian Zeus, the lord of
+lightning, will grant us to drive back the assault, and push the foe to the
+city.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So these twain shouted in the front, and aroused the battle of the Achaians.
+But as flakes of snow fall thick on a winter day, when Zeus the Counsellor bath
+begun to snow, showing forth these arrows of his to men, and he hath lulled the
+winds, and he snoweth continually, till he hath covered the crests of the high
+hills, and the uttermost headlands, and the grassy plains, and rich tillage of
+men; and the snow is scattered over the havens and shores of the grey sea, and
+only the wave as it rolleth in keeps off the snow, but all other things are
+swathed over, when the shower of Zeus cometh heavily, so from both sides their
+stones flew thick, some towards the Trojans, and some from the Trojans against
+the Achaians, while both sides were smitten, and over all the wall the din
+arose.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet never would the Trojans, then, and renowned Hector have broken the gates of
+the wall, and the long bar, if Zeus the Counsellor had not roused his son
+Sarpedon against the Argives, like a lion against the kine of crooked horn.
+Straightway he held forth his fair round shield, of hammered bronze, that the
+bronze-smith had hammered out, and within had stitched many bulls’ hides
+with rivets of gold, all round the circle, this held he forth, and shook two
+spears; and sped on his way, like a mountain-nurtured lion, that long lacketh
+meat, and his brave spirit urgeth him to make assail on the sheep, and come
+even against a well-builded homestead. Nay, even if he find herdsmen thereby,
+guarding the sheep with hounds and spears, yet hath he no mind to be driven
+without an effort from the steading, but he either leapeth on a sheep, and
+seizeth it, or himself is smitten in the foremost place with a dart from a
+strong hand. So did his heart then urge on the godlike Sarpedon to rush against
+the wall, and break through the battlements. And instantly he spake to Glaukos,
+son of Hippolochos: “Glaukos, wherefore have we twain the chiefest
+honour,—seats of honour, and messes, and full cups in Lykia, and all men look
+on us as gods? And wherefore hold we a great demesne by the banks of Xanthos, a
+fair demesne of orchard-land, and wheat-bearing tilth? Therefore now it
+behoveth us to take our stand in the first rank of the Lykians, and encounter
+fiery battle, that certain of the well-corsleted Lykians may say, ‘Verily
+our kings that rule Lykia be no inglorious men, they that eat fat sheep, and
+drink the choice wine honey-sweet: nay, but they are also of excellent might,
+for they war in the foremost ranks of the Lykians.’ Ah, friend, if once
+escaped from this battle we were for ever to be ageless and immortal, neither
+would I fight myself in the foremost ranks, nor would I send thee into the war
+that giveth men renown, but now—for assuredly ten thousand fates of death do
+every way beset us, and these no mortal may escape nor avoid—now let us go
+forward, whether we shall give glory to other men, or others to us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Glaukos turned not apart, nor disobeyed him, and they twain
+went straight forward, leading the great host of the Lykians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Menestheus son of Peteos shuddered when he beheld them, for against his
+tower they went, bringing with them ruin; and he looked along the tower of the
+Achaians if perchance he might see any of the leaders, that would ward off
+destruction from his comrades, and he beheld the two Aiantes, insatiate of war,
+standing there, and Teukros hard by, newly come from his hut; but he could not
+cry to be heard of them, so great was the din, and the noise went up unto
+heaven of smitten shields and helms with horse-hair crests, and of the gates,
+for they had all been shut, and the Trojans stood beside them, and strove by
+force to break them, and enter in. Swiftly then to Aias he sent the herald
+Thootes: “Go, noble Thootes, and run, and call Aias: or rather the twain,
+for that will be far the best of all, since quickly here will there be wrought
+utter ruin. For hereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old are fierce
+in strong battle. But if beside them too war and toil arise, yet at least let
+the strong Telamonian Aias come alone and let Teukros the skilled bowman follow
+with him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the herald listened and disobeyed him not, but started and ran
+by the wall of the mail-clad Achaians, and came, and stood by the Aiantes, and
+straightway spake: “Ye twain Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Achaians,
+the dear son of Peteos, fosterling of Zeus, biddeth you go thither, that, if it
+be but for a little while, ye may take your part in battle: both of you he more
+desireth, for that will be far the best of all, since quickly there will there
+be wrought utter ruin. For thereby press the leaders of the Lykians, who of old
+are fierce in strong battle. But if beside you too war and toil arise, yet at
+least let the strong Telamonian Aias come alone, and let Teukros the skilled
+bowman follow with him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the strong Telamonian Aias disobey, but instantly spake
+winged words to the son of Oileus: “Aias, do ye twain stand here, thyself
+and strong Lykomedes, and urge the Danaans to war with all their might; but I
+go thither, to take my part in battle, and quickly will I come again, when I
+have well aided them.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Telamonian Aias and departed, and Teukros went with him, his brother
+by the same father, and with them Pandion bare the bended bow of Teukros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they came to the tower of great-hearted Menestheus, passing within the
+wall,—and to men sore pressed they came,—the foe were climbing upon the
+battlements, like a dark whirlwind, even the strong leaders and counsellors of
+the Lykians; and they hurled together into the war and the battle-cry arose.
+Now first did Aias Telamol’s son slay a man, Epikles great of heart, the
+comrade of Sarpedon. With a jagged stone he smote him, a great stone that lay
+uppermost within the wall, by the battlements. Not lightly could a man hold it
+in both hands, however strong in his youth, of such mortals as now are, but
+Aias lifted it, and cast it from above, and shattered the helm of fourfold
+crest, and broke the bones of the head, and he fell like a diver from the lofty
+tower, and his life left his bones. And Teukros smote Glaukos, the strong son
+of Hippolochos, as he came on, with an arrow from the lofty wall; even where he
+saw his shoulder bare he smote him, and made him cease from delight in battle.
+Back from the wall he leapt secretly, lest any of the Achaians should see him
+smitten, and speak boastfully. But sorrow came on Sarpedon when Glaukos
+departed, so soon as he was aware thereof, but he forgot not the joy of battle.
+He aimed at Alkmaon, son of Thestor, with the spear, and smote him, and drew
+out the spear. And Alkmaon following the spear fell prone, and his bronze-dight
+arms rang round him. Then Sarpedon seized with strong hands the battlement, and
+dragged, and it all gave way together, while above the wall was stripped bare,
+and made a path for many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias and Teukros did encounter him: Teukros smote him with an arrow, on
+the bright baldric of his covering shield, about the breast, but Zeus warded
+off the Fates from his son, that he should not be overcome beside the
+ships’ sterns. Then Aias leaped on and smote his shield, nor did the
+spear pass clean through, yet shook he Sarpedon in his eagerness. He gave
+ground a little way from the battlement, yet retreated not wholly, since his
+heart hoped to win renown. Then he turned and cried to the godlike Lykians:
+“O Lykians, wherefore thus are ye slack in impetuous valour. Hard it is
+for me, stalwart as I am, alone to break through, and make a path to the ships,
+nay, follow hard after me, for the more men, the better work.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they, dreading the rebuke of their king, pressed on the harder
+around the counsellor and king. And the Argives on the other side made strong
+their battalions within the wall, and mighty toil began for them. For neither
+could the strong Lykians burst through the wall of the Danaans, and make a way
+to the ships, nor could the warlike Danaans drive back the Lykians from the
+wall, when once they had drawn near thereto. But as two men contend about the
+marches of their land, with measuring rods in their hands, in a common field,
+when in narrow space they strive for equal shares, even so the battlements
+divided them, and over those they smote the round shields of ox hide about the
+breasts of either side, and the fluttering bucklers. And many were wounded in
+the flesh with the ruthless bronze, whensoever the back of any of the warriors
+was laid bare as he turned, ay, and many clean through the very shield. Yea,
+everywhere the towers and battlements swam with the blood of men shed on either
+side, by Trojans and Achaians. But even so they could not put the Argives to
+rout, but they held their ground, as an honest woman that laboureth with her
+hands holds the balance, and raises the weight and the wool together, balancing
+them, that she may win scant wages for her children; so evenly was strained
+their war and battle, till the moment when Zeus gave the greater renown to
+Hector, son of Priam, who was the first to leap within the wall of the
+Achaians. In a piercing voice he cried aloud to the Trojans: “Rise, ye
+horse-taming Trojans, break the wall of the Argives, and cast among the ships
+fierce blazing fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, spurring them on, and they all heard him with their ears, and in
+one mass rushed straight against the wall, and with sharp spears in their hands
+climbed upon the machicolations of the towers. And Hector seized and carried a
+stone that lay in front of the gates, thick in the hinder part, but sharp at
+point: a stone that not the two best men of the people, such as mortals now
+are, could lightly lift from the ground on to a wain, but easily he wielded it
+alone, for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos made it light for him. And as
+when a shepherd lightly beareth the fleece of a ram, taking it in one hand, and
+little doth it burden him, so Hector lifted the stone, and bare it straight
+against the doors that closely guarded the stubborn-set portals, double gates
+and tall, and two cross bars held them within, and one bolt fastened them. And
+he came, and stood hard by, and firmly planted himself, and smote them in the
+midst, setting his legs well apart, that his cast might lack no strength. And
+he brake both the hinges, and the stone fell within by reason of its weight,
+and the gates rang loud around, and the bars held not, and the doors burst this
+way and that beneath the rush of the stone. Then glorious Hector leaped in,
+with face like the sudden night, shining in wondrous mail that was clad about
+his body, and with two spears in his hands. No man that met him could have held
+him back when once he leaped within the gates: none but the gods, and his eyes
+shone with fire. Turning towards the throng he cried to the Trojans to overleap
+the wall, and they obeyed his summons, and speedily some overleaped the wall,
+and some poured into the fair-wrought gateways, and the Danaans fled in fear
+among the hollow ships, and a ceaseless clamour arose.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap13"></a>BOOK XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships. The valour of Idomeneus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the ships, left
+them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere again he turned his
+shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the Thracian horsebreeders, and the
+Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand, and the proud Hippemolgoi that drink
+mare’s milk, and the Abioi, the most righteous of men. To Troy no more at
+all he turned his shining eyes, for he deemed in his heart that not one of the
+Immortals would draw near, to help either Trojans or Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mighty Earth-shaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled on the
+war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace, for thence all
+Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of Priam, and the ships of
+the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea and sate him down, and he had pity
+on the Achaians, that they were subdued to the Trojans, and strong was his
+anger against Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift steps, and
+the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the immortal footsteps of
+Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and with the fourth he reached his
+goal, even Aigae, and there was his famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his
+glistering golden mansions builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and
+let harness to the car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with
+their golden manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized the
+well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he drove across
+the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on all sides out of the
+deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with gladness the sea stood asunder,
+and swiftly they sped, and the axle of bronze was not wetted beneath, and the
+bounding steeds bare him on to the ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between Tenedos
+and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, stay his
+horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before them ambrosial food
+to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about their hooves, tethers
+neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the horses might continually await
+their lord’s return. And he went to the host of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array, with
+fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries they came, and
+thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay thereby all the bravest
+of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the world, the Shaker of the earth,
+was urging on the Argives, and forth he came from the deep salt sea, in form
+and untiring voice like unto Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that
+themselves were eager for battle: “Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the
+people of the Achaians, if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill
+fear. For verily I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the Trojans,
+that have climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the well-greaved
+Achaians will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I greatly dread lest
+some evil befall us, even here where that furious one is leading like a flame
+of fire, Hector, who boasts him to be son of mighty Zeus. Nay, but here may
+some god put it into the hearts of you twain, to stand sturdily yourselves, and
+urge others to do the like; thereby might ye drive him from the fleet-faring
+ships, despite his eagerness, yea, even if the Olympian himself is rousing him
+to war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the twain
+with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their limbs he made
+light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even as a swift-winged
+hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall sheer rock, and swoops to
+chase some other bird across the plain, even so Poseidon sped from them, the
+Shaker of the world. And of the twain Oileus’ son, the swift-footed Aias,
+was the first to know the god, and instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon:
+“Aias, since it is one of the gods who hold Olympus, that in the
+semblance of a seer commands us now to fight beside the ships-not Kalchas is
+he, the prophet and sooth-sayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and
+knees as he turned away, and the gods are easy to discern—lo, then mine own
+heart within my breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet
+beneath and my hands above are lusting for the fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: “Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within me, and
+both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even in single
+fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which the god
+put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up the Achaians that
+were in the rear and were renewing their strength beside the swift ships. Their
+limbs were loosened by their grievous toil, yea, and their souls filled with
+sorrow at the sight of the Trojans, that had climbed over the great wall in
+their multitude. And they looked on them, and shed tears beneath their brows,
+thinking that never would they escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth
+right easily came among them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors.
+Teukros first he came and summoned, and Leitos, and the hero Peneleos, and
+Thoas, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the war-cry, all
+these he spurred on with winged words: “Shame on you, Argives, shame, ye
+striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the salvation of our ships. But if
+you are to withdraw from grievous war, now indeed the day doth shine that shall
+see us conquered by the Trojans. Out on it, for verily a great marvel is this
+that mine eyes behold, a terrible thing that methought should never come to
+pass, the Trojans advancing against our ships! Of yore they were like fleeting
+hinds, that in the wild wood are the prey of jackals, and pards, and wolves,
+and wander helpless, strengthless, empty of the joy of battle. Even so the
+Trojans of old cared never to wait and face the wrath and the hands of the
+Achaians, not for a moment. But now they are fighting far from the town, by the
+hollow ships, all through the baseness of our leader and the remissness of the
+people, who, being at strife with the chief, have no heart to defend the
+swift-faring ships, nay, thereby they are slain. But if indeed and in truth the
+hero Agamemnon, the wide-ruling son of Atreus, is the very cause of all, for
+that he did dishonour the swift-footed son of Peleus, not even so may we
+refrain in any wise from war. Nay, let us right our fault with speed, for
+easily righted are the hearts of the brave. No longer do ye well to refrain
+from impetuous might, all ye that are the best men of the host. I myself would
+not quarrel with one that, being a weakling, abstained from war, but with you I
+am heartily wroth. Ah, friends, soon shall ye make the mischief more through
+this remissness,—but let each man conceive shame in his heart, and indignation,
+for verily great is the strife that hath arisen. Lo, the mighty Hector of the
+loud war-cry is fighting at the ships, and the gates and the long bar he hath
+burst in sunder.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians. And
+straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands that Ares
+himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that marshals the host.
+Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the Trojans and goodly Hector, and
+spear on spear made close-set fence, and shield on serried shield, buckler
+pressed on buckler, and helm on helm, and man on man. The horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other as they nodded, so close they stood
+each by other, and spears brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their
+hearts were steadfast and lusted for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them, pressing
+straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the winter-swollen
+water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken the foundations of the
+stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping aloft it flies, and the wood
+echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its course, till it reaches the level
+plain, and then it rolls no more for all its eagerness,—even so Hector for a
+while threatened lightly to win to the sea through the huts and the ships of
+the Achaians, slaying as he came, but when he encountered the serried
+battalions, he was stayed when he drew near against them. But they of the other
+part, the sons of the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed
+spears, and drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled backward.
+Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans: “Trojans,
+and Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground, for the Achaians
+will not long ward me off, nay, though they have arrayed themselves in fashion
+like a tower. Rather, methinks, they will flee back before the spear, if verily
+the chief of gods has set me on, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and Deiphobos, the
+son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and held in front of him
+the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped with his feet, advancing
+beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones aimed at him with a shining
+spear, and struck, and missed not, but smote the circle of the bulls-hide
+shield, yet no whit did he pierce it; nay, well ere that might be, the long
+spear-shaft snapped in the socket. Now Deiphobos was holding off from him the
+bulls-hide shield, and his heart feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that
+hero shrunk back among the throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for
+the loss of victory, and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set forth to
+go to the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long spear, that he
+had left in his hut.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an inextinguishable cry.
+First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the spearman Imbrios, the son of
+Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he dwelt, before the coming of the sons of
+the Achaians, and he had for wife a daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock,
+Medesikaste; but when the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned again
+to Ilios, and was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who
+honoured him like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the
+ear with his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an ash
+that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of bronze, and
+brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell, and round him rang
+his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed forth, most eager to strip
+his armour, and Hector cast at him as he came with his shining spear. But
+Teukros, steadily regarding him, avoided by a little the spear of bronze; so
+Hector struck Amphimachos, son of Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the
+spear, as he was returning to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour
+rang upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted Amphimachos the
+helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at Hector as he came, with
+a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his body, for he was all clad in dread
+armour of bronze; but he smote the boss of his shield, and drave him back by
+main force, and he gave place from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians
+drew them out of the battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the
+Athenians, conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but
+Imbrios the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and carry
+it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the ground in their
+jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and spoiled his arms. Then
+the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate neck, in wrath for the sake of
+Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a ball through the throng, and it dropped
+in the dust before the feet of Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his sol’s son fell in the
+terrible fray. [Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidol’s son.] So
+he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to spur on the
+Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the Trojans. Then Idomeneus,
+spearman renowned, met him on his way from his comrade that had but newly
+returned to him out of the battle, wounded on the knee with the sharp bronze.
+Him his comrades carried forth, and Idomeneus gave charge to the leeches, and
+so went on to his hut, for he still was eager to face the war. Then the mighty
+Shaker of the earth addressed him, in the voice of Thoas, son of Andraimon,
+that ruled over the Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous Kalydon, and was
+honoured like a god by the people: “Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the
+Cretans, say, whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the
+Achaians threatened the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “O Thaos, now
+is there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in war. Neither
+is there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any that gives place to
+cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even thus, methinks, must it have
+seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that the Achaians should perish nameless
+here, far away from Argos. But Thoas, seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and
+dost spur on some other man, wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground,
+therefore slacken not now, but call aloud to every warrior.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: “Idomeneus,
+never may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the sport of
+dogs, who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come, take thy weapons and
+away: herein we must play the man together, if any avail there may be, though
+we are no more than two. Ay, and very cowards get courage from company, but we
+twain know well how to battle even with the brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but Idomeneus, so
+soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair armour about his body,
+and grasped two spears, and set forth like the lightning that Kronion seizes in
+his hand and brandishes from radiant Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortal
+men, and far seen are the flames thereof. Even so shone the bronze about the
+breast of Idomeneus as he ran, and Meriones, his good squire, met him, while he
+was still near his hut,—he was going to bring his spear of bronze,—and mighty
+Idomeneus spake to him: “Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest of
+my company, wherefore hast thou come hither and left the war and strife? Art
+thou wounded at all, and vexed by a dart’s point, or dost thou come with
+a message for me concerning aught? Verily I myself have no desire to sit in the
+huts, but to fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: “I have come to fetch a
+spear, if perchance thou hast one left in the huts, for that which before I
+carried I have shivered in casting at the shield of proud Deiphobos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “Spears, if
+thou wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut, against
+the shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have spoiled their
+slain. Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with foemen from afar,
+wherefore I have spears, and bossy shields, and helms, and corslets of splendid
+sheen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: “Yea, and in mine own hut and my
+black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand. Nay, for
+methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand forth among the
+foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth the strife of battle. Any
+other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians should sooner forget my prowess, but
+thou art he that knoweth it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “I know what a
+man of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay, if now
+beside the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an ambush—wherein the
+valour of men is best discerned; there the coward, and the brave man most
+plainly declare themselves: for the colour of the coward changes often, and his
+spirit cannot abide firm within him, but now he kneels on one knee, now on the
+other, and rests on either foot, and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as
+he thinks of doom, and his teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave
+man does not change, nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters
+the ambush of heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woeful war. Were
+we being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any man reckon
+lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if thou wert stricken in
+battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the dart would not strike thee in
+the hinder part of the neck, nor in the back, but would encounter thy breast or
+belly, as thou dost press on, towards the gathering of the foremost fighters.
+But come, no more let us talk thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man
+be vehemently wroth, but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the spear of
+bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high thoughts of battle.
+And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into the war, and with him
+follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless, that terrifies even the hardy
+warrior; and these twain leave Thrace, and harness them for fight with the
+Ephyri, or the great-hearted Phlegyans, yet hearken not to both peoples, but
+give honour to one only; like these gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of
+men, set forth into the fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake
+first to Idomeneus saying: “Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager to
+enter into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the centre, or on
+the left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the flowing-haired Achaians so
+like to fail in fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “In the
+centre of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two Aiantes, and
+Teukros, the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good man in close fight;
+these will give Hector Priam’s son toil enough, howsoever keen he be for
+battle; yea, though he be exceeding stalwart. Hard will he find it, with all
+his lust for war, to overcome their strength and their hands invincible, and to
+fire the ships, unless Kronion himself send down on the swift ships a burning
+brand. But not to a man would he yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man
+that is mortal and eateth Demeter’s grain, and may be chosen with the
+sword of bronze, and with hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles
+the breaker of the ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but for
+speed of foot none may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide us twain, as
+thou sayest, to the left hand of the host, that speedily we may learn whether
+we are to win glory from others, or other men from us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till they came
+to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire with him,
+and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him through the press.
+Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships. And as the gusts speed on,
+when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust lies thickest on the roads, and the
+winds raise together a great cloud of dust, even so their battle clashed
+together, and all were fain of heart to slay each other in the press with the
+keen bronze. And the battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears,
+the piercing spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming
+helmets dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would he have
+been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were contriving
+sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for the Trojans and
+Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he did not wish the Achaian
+host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only to give renown to Thetis and her
+strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went among the Argives and stirred them to
+war, stealing secretly forth from the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that
+they were overcome by the Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus.
+Verily both were of the same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was
+the elder and the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness of a
+man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong strife and equal
+war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and Achaians, a knot that none
+might break nor undo, for the loosening of the knees of many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on the
+Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he slew
+Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had followed after the
+rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of the daughters of Priam,
+Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with promise of mighty deed, namely
+that he would drive perforce out of Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him
+the old man Priam had promised and appointed that he would give her, so he
+fought trusting in his promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright
+spear, and cast and smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet
+of bronze that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his
+belly. And he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and lifted up
+his voice, saying: “Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above all mortal
+men, if indeed thou shalt accomplish all that thou hast promised Priam, son of
+Dardanos, that promised thee again his own daughter. Yea, and we likewise would
+promise as much to thee, and fulfil it, and would give thee the fairest
+daughter of the son of Atreus, and bring her from Argos, and wed her to thee,
+if only thou wilt aid us to take the fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us
+that we may make a covenant of marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are no
+hard exacters of gifts of wooing.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce mellay.
+But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the charioteer guided
+so that still their breath touched the shoulders of Asios. And the desire of
+his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was beforehand with him, and smote him
+with the spear in the throat, below the chin, and drove the point straight
+through. And he fell as an oak falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that
+craftsmen have felled on the hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship’s
+timber; even so he lay stretched out before the horses and the chariot,
+groaning, and clutching the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and
+kept not his wits, as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of
+the hands of foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and pierced
+the middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the corslet of bronze he
+was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in the midst of his belly.
+Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought chariot, and Antilochos, the
+son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the horses out from the Trojans, among the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then Deiphobos, in sorrow for Asios, drew very nigh
+Idomeneus, and cast at him with his shining spear. But Idomeneus steadily
+watching him, avoided the spear of bronze, being hidden beneath the circle of
+his shield, the shield covered about with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that he
+allows bore, fitted with two arm-rods: under this he crouched together, and the
+spear of bronze flew over. And his shield rang sharply, as the spear grazed
+thereon. Yet it flew not vainly from the heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote
+Hypsenor, son of Hippasos, the shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the
+midriff, and instantly unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over him
+terribly, crying aloud: “Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay,
+methinks, that even on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he will
+rejoice at heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and stirred
+above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet, despite his sorrow, he
+was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and stood over him, and covered
+him with his buckler. Then two trusty companions, Mekisteus, son of Echios, and
+goodly Alastor, stooped down and lifted him, and with heavy groaning bare him
+to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving, either to
+cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to fall in warding
+off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of Aisyetes, fosterling of
+Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who was son-in-law of Anchises, and
+had married the eldest of his daughters, Hippodameia, whom her father and her
+lady mother dearly loved in the halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her
+age in beauty, and skill, and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy
+took her to wife. This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus, throwing a
+spell over his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs; so that he might
+neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but stood steady as a pillar, or
+a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when the hero Idomeneus smote him in the
+midst of the breast with the spear, and rent the coat of bronze about him, that
+aforetime warded death from his body, but now rang harsh as it was rent by the
+spear. And he fell with a crash, and the lance fixed in his heart, that, still
+beating, shook the butt-end of the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its
+fury there; but Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud: “Deiphobos,
+are we to deem it fair acquittal that we have slain three men for one, since
+thou boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also thyself against me, that
+thou mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am I that have come hither! For Zeus
+first begat Minos, the warden of Crete, and Minos got him a son, the noble
+Deukalion, and Deukalion begat me, a prince over many men in wide Crete, and
+now have the ships brought me hither, a bane to thee and thy father, and all
+the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether he should
+retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted Trojans, or should
+try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his mind it seemed the better, to
+go after Aineias, whom he found standing the last in the press, for Aineias was
+ever wroth against goodly Priam, for that Priam gave him no honour, despite his
+valour among men. So Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him:
+“Aineias, thou counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need
+that thou shouldst succour thy sister’s husband, if any care for kin doth
+touch thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister’s husband,
+who of old did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one, and
+now, lo, spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went to seek
+Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold upon Idomeneus, as
+though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at bay, like a boar on the
+hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides the great assailing throng of
+men in a lonely place, and he bristles up his back, and his eyes shine with
+fire, while he whets his tusks, and is right eager to keep at bay both men and
+hounds. Even so stood spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came
+to the rescue, and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, all
+masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake winged words:
+“Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and terribly I dread
+the onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is assailing me; for he is right
+strong to destroy men in battle, and he hath the flower of youth, the greatest
+avail that may be. Yea, if he and I were of like age, and in this spirit
+whereof now we are, speedily should he or I achieve high victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood hard by
+each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the other side,
+cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris, and noble Agenor, that
+with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then the hosts followed them, as
+sheep follow their leader to the water from the pasture, and the shepherd is
+glad at heart; even so the heart of Aineias was glad in his breast, when he saw
+the hosts of the people following to aid him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long spears, and
+round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed at each other in
+the press, while two men of war beyond the rest, Aineias and Idomeneus, the
+peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the flesh of the other with the
+pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at Idomeneus, who steadily watching him
+avoided the spear of bronze, and the point of Aineias went quivering in the
+earth, since vainly it had flown from his stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote
+Oinomaos in the midst of the belly, and brake the plate of his corslet, and the
+bronze let forth the bowels through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and
+clutched the earth in his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the far-shadowing
+spear from the dead, but could not avail to strip the rest of the fair armour
+from his shoulders, for the darts pressed hard on him. Nay, and his feet no
+longer served him firmly in a charge, nor could he rush after his own spear,
+nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in close fight he still held off the pitiless day
+of destiny, but in retreat: his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the
+battle. And as he was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed at him with his shining
+spear, for verily he ever cherished a steadfast hatred against Idomeneus. But
+this time, too, he missed him, and smote Askalapbos, the son of Enyalios, with
+his dart, and the strong spear passed through his shoulder, and he fell in the
+dust, and clutched the earth in his outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful
+Ares was not yet aware at all that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he
+was reclining on the peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held
+there by the design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods,
+restrained from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos tore from
+Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, leaped
+forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and from his hand the
+vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And Meriones sprang forth
+instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong spear from the shoulder of
+Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of his comrades. But the own brother
+of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his hands round his waist, and led him forth
+from the evil din of war, even till he came to the swift horses, that waited
+for him behind the battle and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight
+chariot. These bore him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and
+the blood ran down from his newly wounded arm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched. There
+Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his throat, that chanced
+to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his head dropped down and his
+shield and helm fell with him, and death that slays the spirit overwhelmed him.
+And Antilochos watched Thoon as he turned the other way, and leaped on him, and
+wounded him, severing all the vein that runs up the back till it reaches the
+neck; this he severed clean, and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching
+out both his hands to his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and
+stripped the armour from his shoulders, glancing around while the Trojans
+gathered from here and there, and smote his wide shining shield, yet did not
+avail to graze, behind the shield, the delicate flesh of Antilochos with the
+pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, did guard on
+every side the son of Nestor, even in the midst of the javelins. And never did
+Antilochos get free of the foe, but turned him about among them, nor ever was
+his spear at rest, but always brandished and shaken, and the aim of his heart
+was to smite a foeman from afar, or to set on him at close quarters. But as he
+was aiming through the crowd, he escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of Asios,
+who smote the midst of his shield with the sharp bronze, setting on nigh at
+hand; but Poseidon of the dark locks made his shaft of no avail, grudging him
+the life of Antilochos. And part of the spear abode there, like a burned stake,
+in the shield of Antilochos, and half lay on the earth, and back retreated
+Adamas to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate. But Meriones following
+after him as he departed, smote him with a spear between the privy parts and
+the navel, where a wound is most baneful to wretched mortals. Even there he
+fixed the spear in him and he fell, and writhed about the spear, even as a bull
+that herdsmen on the hills drag along perforce when they have bound him with
+withes, so he when he was smitten writhed for a moment, not for long, till the
+hero Meriones came near, and drew the spear out of his body. And darkness
+covered his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great Thracian
+sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged, fell on the
+ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up as it rolled between
+his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of Deipyros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry, and he
+went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the prince, shaking his sharp
+spear, while the other drew the centre-piece of his bow. And both at once were
+making ready to let fly, one with his sharp spear, the other with the arrow
+from the string. Then the son of Priam smote Menelaos on the breast with his
+arrow, on the plate of the corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from
+a broad shovel in a great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and
+pulse, before the whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower’s
+shovel, even so from the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far
+aside the bitter arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry,
+smote the hand of Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into the bow,
+clean through the hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back he withdrew to the
+ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand hanging down at his side,
+for the ashen spear dragged after him. And the great-hearted Agenor drew the
+spear from his hand, and himself bound up the hand with a band of twisted
+sheep’s-wool, a sling that a squire carried for him, the shepherd of the
+host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate was
+leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome in the dread
+strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in onset upon each other,
+the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Peisandros smote
+the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean
+through, for the wide shield caught it, and the spear brake in the socket, yet
+Peisandros rejoiced in his heart, and hoped for the victory. But the son of
+Atreus drew his silver-studded sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And
+Peisandros, under his shield, clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long
+and polished haft of olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then
+Peisandros smote the crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close below
+the very plume, but Menelaos struck the other, as he came forward, on the brow,
+above the base of the nose, and the bones cracked, and the eyes, all bloody,
+fell at his feet in the dust. Then he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set his foot
+on his breast, and stripped him of his arms, and triumphed, saying: “Even
+thus then surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+ye Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din of war. Yea, and ye shall
+not lack all other reproof and shame, wherewith ye made me ashamed, ye hounds
+of evil, having no fear in your hearts of the strong wrath of loud-thundering
+Zeus, the god of guest and host, who one day will destroy your steep citadel. O
+ye that wantonly carried away my wedded wife and many of my possessions, when
+ye were entertained by her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the
+seafaring ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet refrain
+you from battle, for as eager as ye be. O Zeus, verily they say that thou dost
+excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all these things are from
+thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of violence, even the Trojans,
+whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can they have their fill of the din of
+equal war. Of all things there is satiety, yea, even of love and sleep, and of
+sweet song, and dance delectable, whereof a man would sooner have his fill than
+of war, but the Trojans are insatiable of battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body, and gave
+them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again, and mingled in
+the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of king Pylaimenes, leaped
+out against him, Harpalion that followed his dear father to Troy, to the war,
+nor ever came again to his own country. He then smote the middle of the shield
+of Atreus’ son with his spear, in close fight, yet availed not to drive
+the bronze clean through, but fell back into the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate, glancing round every way, lest one should wound his flesh with the
+bronze. But Meriones shot at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod arrow, and
+smote him in the right buttock, and the arrow went right through the bladder
+and came out under the bone. And sitting down, even there, in the arms of his
+dear comrades, he breathed away his soul, lying stretched like a worm on the
+earth, and out flowed the black blood, and wetted the ground. And the
+Paphlagonians great of heart, tended him busily, and set him in a chariot, and
+drove him to sacred Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his father, shedding
+tears, and there was no atonement for his dead son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had been his
+host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his sake, he let fly
+a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor, the son of Polyidos the
+seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was in Corinth. And well he knew
+his own ruinous fate, when he went on ship-board, for often would the old man,
+the good Polyidos, tell him, that he must either perish of a sore disease in
+his halls, or go with the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the
+Trojans. Wherefore he avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and
+the hateful disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris
+smite beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit departed from
+his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus had not heard nor
+knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was being subdued by the
+Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won renown, so mighty was the Holder
+and Shaker of the earth that urged on the Argives; yea, and himself mightily
+defended them. But Hector kept where at first he had leaped within the walls
+and the gate, and broken the serried ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even
+where were the ships of Aias and Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the
+hoary sea, while above the wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the
+heroes and their horses were raging in battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught on the
+ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector, like a flame of
+fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians; among them Menestheus son
+of Peteos was the leader; and there followed with him Pheidas and Stichios, and
+brave Bias, while the Epeians were led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion
+and Drakios, and in front of the Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in
+war. Now the one, Medon, was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of
+Aias, and he dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain
+a man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the other,
+Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in their armour, in
+the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending the ships, and fighting
+among the Boiotians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the side of
+Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in fallow land two
+wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen plough, and round the
+roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat, and nought sunders them but
+the polished yoke, as they labour through the furrow, till the end of the
+furrow brings them up, so stood the two Aiantes close by each other. Now verily
+did many and noble hosts of his comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and
+bore his shield when labour and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians
+followed not with the high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not
+steadfast in close brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of bronze,
+shadowy with horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen spears, but
+trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep’s wool, they followed
+with him to Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick and fast, and brake
+the ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in front contended with the Trojans,
+and with Hector arrayed in bronze, while the others from behind kept shooting
+from their ambush, and the Trojans lost all memory of the joy of battle, for
+the arrows confounded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans have
+withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant Hector and said:
+“Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that would counsel thee;
+for that god has given thee excellence in the works of war, therefore in
+council also thou art fain to excel other men in knowledge. But in nowise wilt
+thou be able to take everything on thyself. For to one man has god given for
+his portion the works of war, [to another the dance, to another the lute and
+song,] but in the heart of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent
+understanding, whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and
+himself best knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me.
+Behold all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being scattered
+among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the best of the
+warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully, whether we should
+fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god willeth to give us victory, or
+after counsel held, should return unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear
+lest the Achaians repay their debt of yesterday, since by the ships there
+tarrieth a man insatiate of war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand
+aloof from battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who spake to him
+winged words and said: “Polydamas, do thou stay here all the best of the
+host, but I will go thither to face the war, and swiftly will return again,
+when I have straitly laid on them my commands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and shouting
+aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all sped to Polydamas,
+the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the voice of Hector. But he went
+seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and
+Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the warriors in the foremost line, if anywhere he
+might find them. But them he found not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but,
+lo, some among the sterns of the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by
+the hands of the Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or
+cast. But one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with words of
+shame: “Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest for women,
+thou seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and
+Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and where is Othryoneus? Now
+hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now, too, thou seest, is sheer
+destruction sure.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: “Hector, since thy
+mind is to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather withdraw
+me from the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a coward. For from the
+time that thou didst gather the battle of thy comrades about the ships, from
+that hour do we abide here, and war with the Danaans ceaselessly; and our
+comrades concerning whom thou inquirest are slain. Only Deiphobos and the
+strong prince Helenos have both withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the
+hand with long spears, for Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on,
+wheresoever thy heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee
+eagerly, nor methinks shall we lack for valour, as far as we have strength; but
+beyond his strength may no man fight, howsoever eager he be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother’s heart, and they went forth
+where the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble Polydamas, and
+Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and Palmys, and Askanios, and
+Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in their turn, out of deep-soiled
+Askanie, on the morn before, and now Zeus urged them to fight. And these set
+forth like the blast of violent winds, that rushes earthward beneath the
+thunder of Zeus, and with marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea, and
+therein are many swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and white
+with foam, some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed in van
+and rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of men. In
+front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and plates of beaten
+bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm. And everywhere he went in
+advance and made trial of the ranks, if perchance they would yield to him as he
+charged under cover of his shield. But he could not confound the heart within
+the breast of the Achaians. And Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged
+him first: “Sir, draw nigh, wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the
+Argives? We are in no wise ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus
+are we Achaians vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the
+ships, but we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your peopled
+city will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked. But for thee, I
+tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt pray in thy flight to Zeus,
+and the other immortal gods, that thy fair-maned steeds may be fleeter than
+falcons: thy steeds that are to bear thee to the city, as they storm in dust
+across the plain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of lofty
+flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged by the omen,
+but renowned Hector answered: “Aias, thou blundering boaster, what sayest
+thou! Would that indeed I were for ever as surely the son of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, and that my mother were lady Hera, and that I were held in such honour as
+Apollo and Athene, as verily this day is to bring utter evil on all the
+Argives! And thou among them shalt be slain, if thou hast the heart to await my
+long spear, which shall rend thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat
+and flesh the birds and dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and the whole
+host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side answered with a shout,
+and forgot not their valiance, but abode the onslaught of the bravest of the
+Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts went up through the higher air, to the
+splendour of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap14"></a>BOOK XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights of Ida, and Poseidon
+spurred on the Achaians to resist Hector, and how Hector was wounded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he spake
+winged words to the son of Asklepios: “Bethink thee, noble Machaon, what
+had best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong warriors by the ships.
+Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the bright wine, till Hekamede of the
+fair tresses shall heat warm water for the bath, and wash away the clotted
+blood, but I will speedily go forth and come to a place of outlook.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming Thrasymedes,
+which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze, for the son had the
+shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear, with a point of keen
+bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway beheld a deed of shame, the
+Achaians fleeing in rout, and the high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the
+wall of the Achaians was overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with
+a dumb wave, and dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still
+unmoved nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,—his mind divided this way and
+that,—whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the host. And thus as he
+pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to go to the son of Atreus.
+Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each other, and the stout bronze rang
+about their bodies as they were thrust with swords and double-pointed spears.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they went up
+from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze, Tydeus’ son,
+and Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart from the battle were
+their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey sea, for these were the first
+they had drawn up to the plain, but had builded the wall in front of the
+hindmost. For in no wise might the beach, wide as it was, hold all the ships,
+and the host was straitened. Wherefore they drew up the ships row within row,
+and filled up the wide mouth of all the shore that the headlands held between
+them. Therefore the kings were going together, leaning on their spears, to look
+on the war and fray, and the heart of each was sore within his breast. And the
+old man met them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to fail within the breasts
+of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast deserted
+the war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the word that dread
+Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened us, speaking in the
+assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would he return to Ilios from the
+ships, till he had burned the ships with fire, and slain the men. Even so he
+spake, and, lo, now all these things are being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the
+other well-greaved Achaians store wrath against me in their hearts, like
+Achilles, and have no desire to fight by the rearmost ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying “Verily these
+things are now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could Zeus
+himself contrive them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the wall is
+overthrown, wherein we trusted that it should be an unbroken bulwark of the
+ships and of our own bodies. But let us take counsel, how these things may best
+be done, if wit may do aught: but into the war I counsel not that we should go
+down, for in no wise may a wounded man do battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: “Nestor, for that they are
+warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath availed not, nor
+the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much labour, hoping in their hearts
+that it should be the unbroken bulwark of the ships, and of their own
+bodies—such it seemeth must be the will of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians
+should perish here nameless far from Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward
+to aid the Danaans, and now I know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like
+that of the blessed gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come,
+as I declare, let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up in
+the first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt sea
+divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night comes, if even
+at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then might we drag down all the
+ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from ruin, yea, even in the night.
+Better doth he fare who flees from trouble, than he that is overtaken.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels:
+“Atreus’ son, what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of
+mischief, sure thou shouldst lead some other inglorious army, not be king among
+us, to whom Zeus hath given it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of
+grievous wars, till every man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager to leave
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans, the city for which we endure with sorrow so
+many evils? Be silent, lest some other of the Achaians hear this word, that no
+man should so much as suffer to pass through his mouth, none that understandeth
+in his heart how to speak fit counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath
+hosts obeying him so many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I
+wholly scorn thy thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the
+midst of war and battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the
+sea, that even more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire, albeit they
+win the mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon us. For the Achaians
+will not make good the war, when the ships are drawn down to the salt sea, but
+will look round about to flee, and withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel
+work a mischief, O marshal of the host!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “Odysseus, right sharply
+hast thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid the sons
+of the Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered ships to the
+salt sea. Now perchance there may be one who will utter a wiser counsel than
+this of mine,—a young man or an old,—welcome would it be to me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: “The man is
+near,—not long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of me, and
+each of you be not resentful at all, because in years I am the youngest among
+you. Nay, but I too boast me to come by lineage of a noble sire, Tydeus, whom
+in Thebes the piled-up earth doth cover. For Portheus had three well-born
+children, and they dwelt in Pleuron, and steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas,
+and the third was Oineus the knight, the father of my father, and in valour he
+excelled the others. And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither
+he had wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And
+he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full of
+livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of trees
+apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he excelled all the
+Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak sooth. Therefore ye could
+not say that I am weak and a coward by lineage, and so dishonour my spoken
+counsel, that well I may speak. Let us go down to the battle, wounded as we
+are, since we needs must; and then might we hold ourselves aloof from the
+battle, beyond the range of darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the
+others will we spur on, even them that aforetime gave place to their passion,
+and stand apart, and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they set
+forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in the
+guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon,
+Atreus’ son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying:
+“Atreides, now methinks the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his
+breast, as he beholds the slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since he hath
+no wisdom, not a grain. Nay, even so may he perish likewise, and god mar him.
+But with thee the blessed gods are not utterly wroth, nay, even yet methinks
+the leaders and rulers of the Trojans will cover the wide plain with dust, and
+thyself shalt see them fleeing to the city from the ships and the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud as nine
+thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the strife of war,
+so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the earth sent forth from his
+breast, and great strength he put into the heart of each of the Achaians, to
+strive and war unceasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw with her
+eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord’s going to and
+fro through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her heart. And she beheld
+Zeus sitting on the topmost crest of many-fountained Ida, and to her heart he
+was hateful. Then she took thought, the ox-eyed lady Hera, how she might
+beguile the mind of aegis-bearing Zeus. And this seemed to her in her heart to
+be the best counsel, namely to fare to Ida, when she had well adorned herself,
+if perchance a sweet sleep and a kindly she could pour on his eye lids and his
+crafty wits. And she set forth to her bower, that her dear son Hephaistos had
+fashioned, and therein had made fast strong doors on the pillars, with a secret
+bolt, that no other god might open. There did she enter in and closed the
+shining doors. With ambrosia first did she cleanse every stain from her winsome
+body, and anointed her with olive oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a sweet savour;
+if it were but shaken, in the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus, the savour
+thereof went right forth to earth and heaven. Therewith she anointed her fair
+body, and combed her hair, and with her hands plaited her shining tresses, fair
+and ambrosial, flowing from her immortal head. Then she clad her in her
+fragrant robe that Athene wrought delicately for her, and therein set many
+things beautifully made, and fastened it over her breast with clasps of gold.
+And she girdled it with a girdle arrayed with a hundred tassels, and she set
+earrings in her pierced ears, earrings of three drops, and glistering,
+therefrom shone grace abundantly. And with a veil over all the peerless goddess
+veiled herself, a fair new veil, bright as the sun, and beneath her shining
+feet she bound goodly sandals. But when she had adorned her body with all her
+array, she went forth from her bower, and called Aphrodite apart from the other
+gods, and spake to her, saying: “Wilt thou obey me, dear child, in that
+which I shall tell thee? or wilt thou refuse, with a grudge in thy heart,
+because I succour the Danaans, and thou the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: “Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart bids me
+fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: “Give me now Love
+and Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal men. For
+I am going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of
+the gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and nourished me in their
+halls, having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing Zeus imprisoned Kronos
+beneath the earth and the unvintaged sea. Them am I going to visit, and their
+endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they hold apart from
+each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. If with words I might
+persuade their hearts, and bring them back to love, ever should I be called
+dear to them and worshipful.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: “It may not be, nor
+seemly were it, to deny that thou askest, for thou steepest in the arms of
+Zeus, the chief of gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle, fair-wrought,
+wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and desire, and loving
+converse, that steals the wits even of the wise. This girdle she laid in her
+hands, and spake, and said: “Lo now, take this girdle and lay it up in
+thy bosom, this fair-wrought girdle, wherein all things are fashioned; methinks
+thou wilt not return with that unaccomplished, which in thy heart thou
+desirest.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the zone
+within her breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera, rushing
+down, left the peak of Olympus, and sped’ over the snowy hills of the
+Thracian horsemen, even over the topmost crests, nor grazed the ground with her
+feet, and from Athos she fared across the foaming sea, and came to Lemnos, the
+city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the brother of Death, and clasped
+her hand in his, and spake and called him by name: “Sleep, lord of all
+gods and of all men, if ever thou didst hear my word, obey me again even now,
+and I will be grateful to thee always. Lull me, I pray thee, the shining eyes
+of Zeus beneath his brows. And gifts I will give to thee, even a fair throne,
+imperishable for ever, a golden throne, that Hephaistos the Lame, mine own
+child, shall fashion skilfully, and will set beneath it a footstool for the
+feet, for thee to set thy shining feet upon, when thou art at a festival. Nay
+come, and I will give thee one of the younger of the Graces, to wed and to be
+called thy wife.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said:—“Come now, swear
+to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands grasp the
+bounteous earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all may be witnesses
+to us, even all the gods below that are with Kronos, that verily thou wilt give
+me one of the younger of the Graces, even Pasithea, that myself do long for all
+my days.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she sware as he
+bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below Tartaros that are
+called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that oath, the twain left the
+citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on in mist, and swiftly they
+accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida they came, the mother of wild
+beasts, to Lekton, where first they left the sea, and they twain fared above
+the dry land, and the topmost forest waved beneath their feet. There Sleep
+halted, ere the eyes of Zeus beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the
+loftiest pine that then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air.
+But Hera swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the highest crest of Ida, and
+Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he saw her, so love came over his
+deep heart, and he stood before her, and spoke, and said: “Hera, with
+what desire comest thou thus hither from Olympus, and thy horses and chariot
+are not here, whereon thou mightst ascend?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: “I am going to visit the
+limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother
+Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them am I going to
+visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they
+hold apart from each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. But my
+horses are standing at the foot of many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall
+bear me over wet and dry. And now it is because of thee that I am thus come
+hither, down from Olympus, lest perchance thou mightest be wroth with me
+hereafter, if silently I were gone to the mansion of deep-flowing
+Okeanos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: “Hera,
+thither mayst thou go on a later day. For never once as thus did the love of
+goddess or woman so mightily overflow and conquer the heart within my
+breast.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and love
+overcome. But sweet Sleep started and ran to the ships of the Achaians, to tell
+his tidings to the god that holdeth and shaketh the earth. And he stood near
+him, and spake winged words: “Eagerly now, Poseidon, do thou aid the
+Danaans, and give them glory for a little space, while yet Zeus sleepeth, for
+over him have I shed soft slumber, and Hera hath beguiled him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the more did
+he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang far afront of the
+foremost, and called to them: “Argives, are we again to yield the victory
+to Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our ships and win renown? Nay, even
+so he saith and declareth that he will do, for that Achilles by the hollow
+ships abides angered at heart. But for him there will be no such extreme
+regret, if we spur us on to aid each the other. Nay come, as I command, let us
+all obey. Let us harness us in the best shields that are in the host, and the
+greatest, and cover our heads with shining helms, and take the longest spears
+in our hands, and so go forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that
+Hector, son of Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness. And
+whatsoever man is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on his
+shoulder, let him give it to a worse man, and harness him in a larger
+shield.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the kings
+themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus’ son, and Odysseus, and
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host, and made exchange of
+weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior harness him in, the worse he
+gave to the worse. But when they had done on the shining bronze about their
+bodies, they started on the march, and Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the
+earth, with a dread sword of fine edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning;
+wherewith it is not permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear
+holds men afar therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even dark-haired
+Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans, the other with the
+Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships of the Argives, and they
+gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so loudly bellows the wave of the sea
+against the land, stirred up from the deep by the harsh breath of the north
+wind, nor so loud is the roar of burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when
+it springs to burn up the forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high
+leafy tresses of the trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was
+the cry of the Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon
+each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him full, and
+did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched across his breast,
+the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded sword; these guarded his
+tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because his swift spear had flown vainly
+from his hand, and he retreated into the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a huge stone;
+for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled among the feet of the
+fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote Hector on the breast, over the
+shield-rim, near the neck, and made him spin like a top with the blow, that he
+reeled round and round. And even as when an oak falls uprooted beneath the
+stroke of father Zeus, and a dread savour of brimstone arises therefrom, and
+whoso stands near and beholds it has no more courage, for dread is the bolt of
+great Zeus, even so fell mighty Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear
+fell from his hand, but his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round
+him rang his arms adorned with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to drag him
+away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to wound or smite the
+shepherd of the host, before that might be the bravest gathered about him,
+Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor, and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians,
+and noble Glaukos, and of the rest not one was heedless of him, but they held
+their round shields in front of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms,
+and bare him out of the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were
+standing waiting for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the
+rear of the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying Xanthos,
+that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the chariot to the ground,
+and poured water over him, and he gat back his breath, and looked up with his
+eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling, he vomited black blood. Then again he
+sank back on the ground, and black night covered his eyes, the stroke still
+conquering his spirit.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap15"></a>BOOK XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore the fortunes of the
+Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of Protesilaos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and many were
+overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed, and abode beside
+the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and Zeus awoke, on the peaks
+of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then he leaped up, and stood, and
+beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in flight, and these driving them on
+from the rear, even the Argives, and among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector
+he saw lying on the plain, and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping
+with difficult breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it
+was not the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera, with
+fierce look: “O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy crafty wile
+that has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has terrified the host.
+Nay, but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be the first to reap the fruits
+of thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with stripes. Dost thou not remember,
+when thou wert hung from on high, and from thy feet I suspended two anvils, and
+round thy hands fastened a golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst
+hang in the clear air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus,
+but they could not come round and unloose thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him winged
+words, saying: “Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven above,
+and that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most terrible to the
+blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own bridal bed, whereby never
+would I forswear myself, that not by my will does earth-shaking Poseidon
+trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour them of the other part. Nay, it is
+his own soul that urgeth and commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians,
+when he beheld them hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him
+also to go even where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her he spake
+winged words: “If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera, wouldst
+hereafter abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods, thereon would
+Poseidon, howsoever much his wish be contrariwise, quickly turn his mind
+otherwhere, after thy heart and mine. But if indeed thou speakest the truth and
+soothly, go thou now among the tribes of the gods, and call Iris to come
+hither, and Apollo, the renowned archer, that Iris may go among the host of
+mail-clad Achaians and tell Poseidon the prince to cease from the war, and get
+him unto his own house. But let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and
+breathe strength into him again, and make him forget his anguish, that now
+wears down his heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he hath stirred
+in them craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the many-benched ships of
+Achilles son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his own comrade, Patroklos; and him
+shall renowned Hector slay with the spear, in front of Ilios, after that he has
+slain many other youths, and among them my son, noble Sarpedon. In wrath
+therefor shall goodly Achilles slay Hector. From that hour verily will I cause
+a new pursuit from the ships, that shall endure continually, even until the
+Achaians take steep Ilios, through the counsels of Athene. But before that hour
+neither do I cease in my wrath, nor will I suffer any other of the Immortals to
+help the Danaans there, before I accomplish that desire of the son of Peleus,
+as I promised him at the first, and confirmed the same with a nod of my head,
+on that day when the goddess Thetis clasped my knees, imploring me to honour
+Achilles, the sacker of cities.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she sped
+down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus, and went among the gathering of the
+immortal gods. And she called Apollo without the hall and Iris, that is the
+messenger of the immortal gods, and she spake winged words, and addressed them,
+saying: “Zeus bids you go to Ida as swiftly as may be, and when ye have
+gone, and looked on the face of Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and
+command.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And these twain came before the face of Zeus the cloud gatherer, and stood
+there, and he was nowise displeased at heart when he beheld them, for that
+speedily they had obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to Iris first he spake
+winged words: “Go, get thee, swift Iris, to the prince Poseidon, and tell
+him all these things, nor be a false messenger. Command him to cease from war
+and battle, and to go among the tribes of the gods, or into the bright sea. But
+if he will not obey my words, but will hold me in no regard, then let him
+consider in his heart and mind, lest he dare not for all his strength to abide
+me when I come against him, since I deem me to be far mightier than he, and
+elder born.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went down the
+hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail fleets from the
+clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the clear air, so fleetly
+she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew near the renowned Earth-shaker
+and spake to him the message of Zeus. And he left the host of the Achaians, and
+passed to the sea, and sank, and sorely they missed him, the heroes of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: “Go now,
+dear Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze. Let glorious Hector be thy care,
+and rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come in their flight to the
+ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment will I devise word and deed
+wherewithal the Achaians may take breath again from their toil.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went down
+the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is the swiftest
+of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted Priam, noble Hector,
+sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late got back his life, and knew
+the comrades around him, and his gasping and his sweat had ceased, from the
+moment when the will of aegis-bearing Zeus began to revive him. Then
+far-darting Apollo stood near him, and spake to him: “Hector, son of
+Priam, why dost thou sit fainting apart from the others? Is it perchance that
+some trouble cometh upon thee?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: “Nay,
+but who art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face? Dost thou
+not know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the Achaians, Aias of the
+loud war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone, as I was slaying his
+comrades, and made me cease from mine impetuous might? And verily I deemed that
+this very day I should pass to the dead, and the house of Hades, when I had
+gasped my life away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: “Take courage now,
+so great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to stand by thee
+and defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, me who of old defend
+thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now, bid thy many charioteers
+drive their swift steeds against the hollow ships, and I will go before and
+make smooth all the way for the chariots, and will put to flight the Achaian
+heroes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and even
+as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his tether and speedeth
+at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont to bathe in the
+fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and the mane floweth about his
+shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his knees bear him to the
+haunts and pasture of the mares, even so Hector lightly moved his feet and
+knees, urging on his horsemen, when he heard the voice of the god. But as when
+hounds and country folk pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock
+and shady wood save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their
+clamour a bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them
+all despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on always
+in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed spears, but when
+they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men, then were they afraid, and
+the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the Aitolians,
+skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and in council did few
+of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were striving in debate; he
+made harangue and spake among them: “Alas, and verily a great marvel is
+this I behold with mine eyes, how he hath again arisen, and hath avoided the
+Fates, even Hector. Surely each of us hoped in his heart, that he had died
+beneath the hand of Aias, son of Telamon. But some one of the gods again hath
+delivered and saved Hector, who verily hath loosened the knees of many of the
+Danaans, as methinks will befall even now, for not without the will of
+loud-thundering Zeus doth he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for battle.
+But come, as I declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng turn back to the
+ships, but let us as many as avow us to be the best in the host, take our
+stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold him off with outstretched
+spears, and he, methinks, for all his eagerness, will fear at heart to enter
+into the press of the Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were with
+Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Neriones, and Meges the peer of
+Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and sustained the fight with
+Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the multitude returned to the ships of
+the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides Hector led
+them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his shoulders wrapped in
+cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread, circled with a shaggy fringe,
+and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of
+men; with this in his hands did he lead the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on both
+sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears from
+stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men swift in
+fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white flesh, stuck in the
+ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now so long as Phoebus Apollo
+held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long the darts smote either side amain,
+and the folk fell. But when he looked face to face on the Danaans of the swift
+steeds, and shook the aegis, and himself shouted mightily, he quelled their
+heart in their breast, and they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two
+wild beasts drive in confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in
+the dark hour of black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman is not
+by, even so were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless, for Apollo sent
+a panic among them, but still gave renown to the Trojans and Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and called aloud on
+the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out, and level with his held
+the steeds that drew their chariots, with a marvellous din, and in front of
+them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his feet the banks of the deep
+ditch, and cast them into the midst thereof, making a bridgeway long and wide
+as is a spear-cast, when a man throws to make trial of his strength. Thereby
+the Trojans poured forward in their battalions, while in their van Apollo held
+the splendid aegis. And most easily did he cast down the wall of the Achaians,
+as when a boy scatters the sand beside the sea, first making sand buildings for
+sport in his childishness, and then again, in his sport, confounding them with
+his feet and hands; even so didst thou, archer Apollo, confound the long toil
+and labour of the Argives, and among them rouse a panic fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other; and
+lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently, and chiefly
+prayed Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians, stretching his hand towards the
+starry heaven: “O father Zeus, if ever any one of us in wheat-bearing
+Argos did burn to thee fat thighs of bull or sheep, and prayed that he might
+return, and thou didst promise and assent thereto, of these things be thou
+mindful, and avert, Olympian, the pitiless day, nor suffer the Trojans thus to
+overcome the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered loudly,
+hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus, rushed yet
+the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the joy of battle. And
+as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the bulwarks of a ship, the
+might of the wind constraining it, which chiefly swells the waves, even so did
+the Trojans with a great cry bound over the wall, and drave their horses on,
+and at the hindmost row of the ships were fighting hand to hand with
+double-pointed spears, the Trojans from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing
+up aloft, from the black ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships
+for battle at sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling the
+behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but softened the
+temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he spurred on the
+others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to Hector, the son of
+Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing fire, unwearied, upon the
+beaked ships, and so fulfil all the presumptuous prayer of Thetis; wherefore
+wise-counselling Zeus awaited, till his eyes should see the glare of a burning
+ship. For even from that hour was he to ordain the backward chase of the
+Trojans from the ships, and to give glory to the Danaans. With this design was
+he rousing Hector, Priam’s son, that himself was right eager, against the
+hollow ships. For short of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas Athene
+was urging against him the day of destiny, at the hand of the son of Peleus.
+And fain he was to break the ranks of men, trying them wheresoever he saw the
+thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet not even so might he break them
+for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood firm, and embattled like a steep rock
+and a great, hard by the hoary sea, a rock that abides the swift paths of the
+shrill winds, and the swelling waves that roar against it. Even so the Danaans
+steadfastly abode the Trojans and fled not away. But Hector shining with fire
+on all sides leaped on the throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the
+storm-clouds a fleet wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship, and she is
+all hidden with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars against the sail,
+and the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts, for by but a little way are
+they borne forth from death, even so the spirit was torn in the breasts of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that unwearied and
+unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they fought. And in their
+striving they were minded thus; the Achaians verily deemed that never would
+they flee from the danger, but perish there, but the heart of each Trojan hoped
+in his breast, that they should fire the ships, and slay the heroes of the
+Achaians. With these imaginations they stood to each other, and Hector seized
+the stern of a seafaring ship, a fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne
+Protesilaos to Troia, but brought him not back again to his own country. Now
+round his ship the Achaians and Trojans warred on each other hand to hand, nor
+far apart did they endure the flights of arrows, nor of darts, but standing
+hard each by other, with one heart, with sharp axes and hatchets they fought,
+and with great swords, and double-pointed spears. And many fair brands,
+dark-scabbarded and hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands, some from
+off the shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with blood. But
+Hector, after that once he had seized the ship’s stern, left not his
+hold, keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the Trojans:
+“Bring fire, and all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry; now hath
+Zeus given us the dearest day of all,—to take the ships that came hither
+against the will of the gods, and brought many woes upon us, by the cowardice
+of the elders, who withheld me when I was eager to fight at the sterns of the
+ships, and kept back the host. But if even then far-seeing Zeus did harm our
+wits, now he himself doth urge and command us onwards.” So spake he, and
+they set yet the fiercer on the Argives. And Aias no longer abode their onset,
+for he was driven back by the darts, but he withdrew a little,—thinking that
+now he should die,—on to the oarsmal’s bench of seven feet long, and he
+left the decks of the trim ship. There then he stood on the watch, and with his
+spear he ever drave the Trojans from the ships, whosoever brought unwearied
+fire, and ever he shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans: “O friends,
+Danaan heroes, men of Ares’ company, play the man, my friends, and be
+mindful of impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at our backs, or
+some wall stronger than this to ward off death from men? Verily there is not
+hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we might defend ourselves, having
+a host that could turn the balance of battle. Nay, but we are set down in the
+plain of the mailed men of Troy, with our backs against the sea, and far off
+from our own land. Therefore is safety in battle, and not in slackening from
+the fight.” So spake he, and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen
+spear. And whosoever of the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing
+fire, to pleasure Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting him with
+his long spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close quarters did he
+wound.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap16"></a>BOOK XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove the Trojans from the
+ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew near
+Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a fountain of
+dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream. And noble
+swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his sake, and accosted
+him, and spake winged words, saying: “Wherefore weepest thou, Patroklos,
+like a fond little maid, that runs by her mother’s side, and bids her
+mother take her up, snatching at her gown, and hinders her in her going, and
+tearfully looks at her, till the mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost
+thou let fall soft tears. Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me
+myself, or is it some tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost
+thou lament for the sake of the Argives,—how they perish by the hollow ships
+through their own transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy spirit,
+that we may both know all.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos: “O
+Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not wroth, seeing
+that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily all of them that
+aforetime were the best are lying among the ships, smitten and wounded. Smitten
+is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and wounded is Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is Eurypylos on the thigh with an arrow.
+And about them the leeches skilled in medicines are busy, healing their wounds,
+but thou art hard to reconcile, Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold
+of me as that thou nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men
+later born shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base ruin from
+the Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was not then thy father,
+nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee, and the sheer cliffs, so
+untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart thou art shunning some oracle, and
+thy lady mother hath told thee somewhat from Zeus, yet me do thou send forth
+quickly, and make the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow me, if yet any
+light may arise from me to the Danaans. And give me thy harness to buckle about
+my shoulders, if perchance the Trojans may take me for thee, and so abstain
+from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians may take breath, wearied as
+they be, for brief is the breathing in war. And lightly might we that are fresh
+drive men wearied with the battle back to the citadel, away from the ships and
+the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to be his
+own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great heaviness
+spake swift-footed Achilles: “Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus, what
+word hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle that I wot of, nor yet
+has my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus, but this dread sorrow comes upon
+my heart and spirit, from the hour that a man wishes to rob me who am his
+equal, and to take away my prize, for that he excels me in power. A dread
+sorrow to me is this, after all the toils that my heart hath endured. The
+maiden that the sons of the Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I
+won with my spear when I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon
+the son of Atreus taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some
+sojourner dishonourable. But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may be
+angry of heart for ever, yet verily I said that I would not cease from my
+wrath, until that time when to mine own ships should come the war-cry and the
+battle. But do thou on thy shoulders my famous harness, and lead the war-loving
+Myrmidons to the fight, to ward off destruction from the ships, lest they even
+burn the ships with blazing fire, and take away our desired return. But when
+thou hast driven them from the ships, return, and even if the loud-thundering
+lord of Hera grant thee to win glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight
+with the war-loving Trojans; thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do
+thou, exulting in war and strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on toward
+Ilios, lest one of the eternal gods from Olympus come against thee; right
+dearly doth Apollo the Far-darter love them. Nay, return back when thou halt
+brought safety to the ships, and suffer the rest to fight along the plain. For
+would, O father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, would that not one of all the
+Trojans might escape death, nor one of the Argives, but that we twain might
+avoid destruction, that alone we might undo the sacred coronal of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he was
+overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the shafts of
+the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept ringing terribly
+about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the fair-wrought
+cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as steadfastly he held up
+his glittering shield, nor yet could they make him give ground, as they pressed
+on with their darts around him. And ever he was worn out with difficult breath,
+and much sweat kept running from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw
+breath, so on all sides was evil heaped on evil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire fell on the
+ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen spear of Aias he smote
+with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind the point, and shore it clean
+away, and the son of Telamon brandished in his hand no more than a pointless
+spear, and far from him the head of bronze fell ringing on the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the gods, even
+how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from him avail in war, and
+desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave back out of the darts. But the
+Trojans cast on the swift ship unwearying fire, and instantly the
+inextinguishable flame streamed over her: so the fire begirt the stern, whereon
+Achilles smote his thighs, and spake to Patroklos: “Arise, Patroklos of
+the seed of Zeus, commander of the horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the
+rush of the consuming fire. Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no
+more retreat; do on thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His goodly
+greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his legs, and next did
+on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet of the swift-footed son of
+Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a sword of bronze, with studs of
+silver, and next took the great and mighty shield, and on his proud head set a
+well-wrought helm with a horse-hair crest, and terribly nodded the crest from
+above. Then seized he two strong lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not
+the spear of the noble son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none
+other of the Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke the
+horses speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after Achilles, the
+breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest in battle to abide his
+call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke the swift horses, Xanthos and
+Balios, that fly as swift as the winds, the horses that the harpy Podarge bare
+to the West Wind, as she grazed on the meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in
+the side-traces he put the goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he
+took the city of Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the
+immortal horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts with
+armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in their hearts
+unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles urging on the horses and
+the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and valour of each of them, and the
+ranks were yet the closer serried when they heard the prince. And as when a man
+builds the wall of a high house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of
+the winds, even so close were arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield
+pressed on shield, helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they
+stood by each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling by the
+wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting them in their
+nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil they make for many.
+With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons poured out now from the ships,
+and a cry arose unquenchable, and Patroklos called on his comrades, shouting
+aloud: “Myrmidons, ye comrades of Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my
+friends, and be mindful of your impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for
+the son of Peleus, that is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and
+whose close-fighting squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing honoured the
+best of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused each mal’s heart and courage, and all in a mass
+they fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously to the cry of
+the Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son of Menoitios, himself
+and his squire, shining in their armour, the heart was stirred in all of them,
+and the companies wavered, for they deemed that by the ships the swift-footed
+son of Peleus had cast away his wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man
+glanced round, to see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press, where
+most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of great-hearted
+Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his Paionian horsemen out of
+Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he smote on the right shoulder, and
+he fell on his back in the dust with a groan, and his comrades around him, the
+Paionians, were afraid, for Patroklos sent fear among them all, when he slew
+their leader that was ever the best in fight. Then he drove them out from the
+ships, and quenched the burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there,
+and the Trojans fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in among
+the hollow ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when from the high
+crest of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the lightning, hath stirred a dense
+cloud, and forth shine all the peaks, and sharp promontories, and glades, and
+from heaven the infinite air breaks open, even so the Danaans, having driven
+the blazing fire from the ships, for a little while took breath, but there was
+no pause in the battle. For not yet were the Trojans driven in utter rout by
+the Achaians, dear to Ares, from the black ships, but they still stood up
+against them, and only perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as robber
+wolves fall on the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the herds, when they are
+scattered on hills by the witlessness of the shepherd, and the wolves behold
+it, and speedily harry the younglings that have no heart of courage,—even so
+the Danaans fell on the Trojans, and they were mindful of ill-sounding flight,
+and forgot their impetuous valour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the helm of
+bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad shoulders with his
+shield of bulls’ hide, and watched the hurtling of the arrows, and the
+noise of spears. And verily well he knew the change in the mastery of war, but
+even so he abode, and was striving to rescue his trusty comrades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred air, when
+Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came the war-cry and
+the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch again. But his swift-footed
+horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and he left the host of Troy, whom the
+delved trench restrained against their will. And in the trench did many swift
+steeds that draw the car break the fore-part of the pole, and leave the
+chariots of their masters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full of evil
+will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight filled all the ways,
+for they were scattered, and on high the storm of dust was scattered below the
+clouds, and the whole-hooved horses strained back towards the city, away from
+the ships and the huts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did he
+guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone from their
+chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of shattering. But straight
+over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the swift horses. And the heart of
+Patroklos urged him against Hector, for he was eager to smite him, but his
+swift steeds bore Hector forth and away. And even as beneath a tempest the
+whole black earth is oppressed, on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain
+most vehemently, and all the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents
+tear away, and down to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring
+mightily, and minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the
+Trojan horses as they ran.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them backward
+again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city, despite their
+desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the lofty wall, he rushed on
+them, and slew them, and avenged many a comrade slain. There first he smote
+Pronoos with a shining spear, where the shield left bare the breast, and
+loosened his limbs, and he fell with a crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he
+next assailed, as he sat crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck
+distraught, and the reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with
+the lance on the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And Patroklos
+caught hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the car, as when a man
+sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish forth from the sea, with line
+and glittering hook of bronze; so on the bright spear dragged he Thestor gaping
+from the chariot, and cast him down on his face and life left him as he fell.
+Next, as Euryalos came on, he smote him on the midst of the head with a stone,
+and all his head was shattered within the strong helmet, and prone on the earth
+he fell, and death that slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas, and
+Amphoteros, and Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios and Pyris,
+and Ipheus and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all these in turn he
+brought low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon beheld his comrades with
+ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands of Patroklos son of Menoitios, he
+cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike Lykians: “Shame, ye Lykians, whither
+do ye flee? Now be ye strong, for I will encounter this man that I may know who
+he is that conquers here, and verily many evils hath he wrought the Trojans, in
+that he hath loosened the knees of many men and noble.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground. But
+Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his chariot. And
+they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks, that war with loud
+yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with cries against each other.
+And beholding then the son of Kronos of the crooked counsels took pity on them,
+and he spake to Hera, his sister and wife: “Ah woe is me for that it is
+fated that Sarpedon, the best-beloved of men to me, shall be subdued under
+Patroklos son of Menoitios. And in two ways my heart within my breast is
+divided, as I ponder whether I should catch him up alive out of the tearful
+war, and set him down in the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue
+him beneath the hands of the son of Menoitios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to fate dost thou
+desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work thy will, but all we
+other gods will in no wise praise thee. And another thing I will tell thee, and
+do thou lay it up in thy heart; if thou dost send Sarpedon living to his own
+house, consider lest thereon some other god likewise desire to send his own
+dear son away out of the strong battle. For round the great citadel of Priam
+war many sons of the Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible
+wrath. But if he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then
+suffer him to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of Patroklos
+son of Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that warrior, send Death and
+sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to the land of wide Lykia, there
+will his kindred and friends bury him, with a barrow and a pillar, for this is
+the due of the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he shed
+bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that Patroklos was about
+to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off from his own country. Now
+when they were come near each other in onset, there verily did Patroklos smite
+the renowned Thrasymelos, the good squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower
+part of the belly, and loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his
+shining javelin, as he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the
+right shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the other twain
+reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the reins were confused on
+them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust. But thereof did Automedon, the
+spearman renowned, find a remedy, and drawing his long-edged sword from his
+stout thigh, he leaped forth, and cut adrift the horse, with no delay, and the
+pair righted themselves, and strained in the reins, and they met again in
+life-devouring war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the spear
+flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but he in turn
+arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from his hand, but
+struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating heart. And he fell as
+falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine tree, that on the hills the
+shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be timber for ship-building; even so
+before the horses and chariot he lay at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at
+the bloody dust. And as when a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull,
+tawny and high of heart, among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes
+groaning beneath the claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader
+of the Lykian shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear comrade:
+“Dear Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it behove thee to
+be a spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war be dear to thee, if
+indeed thou art a man of might. First fare all about and urge on the heroes
+that be leaders of the Lykians, to fight for Sarpedon, and thereafter thyself
+do battle for me with the sword. For to thee even in time to come shall I be
+shame and disgrace for ever, all thy days, if the Achaians strip me of mine
+armour, fallen in the gathering of the ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur
+on all the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his nostrils,
+but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out of his flesh, and
+the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew forth together the spear
+point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the Myrmidons held there his panting
+steeds, eager to fly afar, since the chariot was reft of its lords.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon, and his
+heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with his hand he
+caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the wound of the arrow
+wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall, Teukros had smitten him,
+warding off destruction from his fellows. Then in prayer spake Glaukos to
+far-darting Apollo: “Hear, O Prince that art somewhere in the rich land
+of Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen everywhere to the man that is in
+need, as even now need cometh upon me. For I have this stark wound, and mine
+arm is thoroughly pierced with sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and
+by the wound is my shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go
+and fight against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the
+son of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that I may
+call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself may fight about
+the dead man fallen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Straightway he made
+his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black blood, and put
+courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him, and was glad, for that
+the great god speedily heard his prayer. First went he all about and urged on
+them that were leaders of the Lykians to fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter
+he went with long strides among the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and
+noble Agenor, and he went after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and
+standing by them spake winged words: “Hector, now surely art thou utterly
+forgetful of the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their
+own country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended Lykia
+by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued beneath the spear
+of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be angry in your hearts lest the
+Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and dishonour the dead, in wrath for the
+sake of the Danaans, even them that perished, whom we slew with spears by the
+swift ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and not to be
+borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a stranger as he was,
+for many people followed with him, and himself the best warrior of them all.
+Then they made straight for the Danaans eagerly, and Hector led them, being
+wroth for Sarpedol’s sake. But the fierce heart of Patrokloa son of
+Menoitios urged on the Achaians. And he spake first to the twain Aiantes that
+themselves were right eager: “Aiantes, now let defence be your desire,
+and be such as afore ye were among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low
+who first leaped on to the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us
+strive to take him, and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his
+shoulders, and many a one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue
+with the pitiless bronze.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence. So on both sides they
+strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons and Achaians, and
+they joined battle to fight around the dead man fallen; terribly they shouted,
+and loud rang the harness of men. And as the din ariseth of woodcutters in the
+glades of a mountain, and the sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din
+of them from the wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned
+bulls’ hides smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not
+even a clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with
+darts and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And ever men
+thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around the full
+milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the bowls, even so
+thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn from the strong fight his
+shining eyes, but ever looked down on them, and much in his heart he debated of
+the slaying of Patroklos, whether there and then above divine Sarpedon glorious
+Hector should slay him likewise in strong battle with the sword, and strip his
+harness from his shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer
+labour of war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that
+the gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus’ son, should straightway drive the
+Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and should rob many
+of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling heart, and leaping into
+his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on the rest of the Trojans to flee,
+for he knew the turning of the sacred scales of Zeus. Thereon neither did the
+strong Lykians abide, but fled all in fear, when they beheld their king
+stricken to the heart, lying in the company of the dead, for many had fallen
+above him, when Kronion made fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from
+the shoulders of Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son
+of Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus that
+gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: “Prithee, dear Phoebus, go take
+Sarpedon out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from him, and
+thereafter bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of the river, and
+anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments that wax not old, and send
+him to be wafted by fleet convoy, by the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+quickly will set him in the rich land of wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and
+clansmen give him burial, with barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the
+dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the hills
+of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly Sarpedon out of
+the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in the streams of the river,
+and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him in garments that wax not old, and
+sent him to be wafted by fleet convoy, the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+swiftly set him down in the rich land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his
+horses and Automedon, and after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was
+blindly forgetful, in his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of the son
+of Peleus, verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black death. But ever
+is the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now he roused the spirit of
+Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom last didst thou slay,
+Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward? Adrestos first, and Autonoos,
+and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas, and Epistor, and Melanippos, and
+thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and Pylartes; these he slew, but the others
+were each man of them fain of flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have
+taken high-gated Troy, by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he
+raged with the spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall,
+with baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo force
+him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands. But when for the
+fourth time he came on like a god, then cried far-darting Apollo terribly, and
+spake winged words: “Give back, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus! Not
+beneath thy spear is it fated that the city of the valiant Trojans shall fall,
+nay nor beneath Achilles, a man far better than thou.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining his
+whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into the din and
+fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall. While thus he was
+thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of a young man and a strong,
+Asios, who was the mother’s brother of horse-taming Hector, being own
+brother of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of
+Sangarios. In his guise spake Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: “Hector,
+wherefore dost thou cease from fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I
+were as much stronger than thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou
+stand aloof from war to thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy
+strong-hooved horses, if perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee
+glory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But renowned Hector
+bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the war. Then Apollo went
+and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic among the Argives, but to the
+Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And Hector let the other Argives be, and
+slew none of them, but against Patroklos he turned his strong-hooved horses,
+and Patroklos on the other side leaped from his chariot to the ground, with a
+spear in his left hand, and in his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone,
+that his hand covered. Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did he
+shrink from his foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck Kebriones the
+charioteer of Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam, on the brow with the
+sharp stone, as he held the reins of the horses. Both his brows the stone drave
+together, and his bone held not, but his eyes fell to the ground in the dust,
+there, in front of his feet. Then he, like a diver, fell from the well-wrought
+car, and his spirit left his bones. Then taunting him didst thou address him,
+knightly Patroklos: “Out on it, how nimble a man, how lightly he diveth!
+Yea, if perchance he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by
+seeking for oysters, leaping from the ship, even if it were stormy weather, so
+lightly now he diveth from the chariot into the plain. Verily among the Trojans
+too there be diving men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that while
+wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own valour is his
+bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou leap furiously. But
+Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground. And these
+twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on the mountain peaks fight, both
+hungering, both high of heart, for a slain hind. Even so for Kebriones’
+sake these two masters of the war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned
+Hector, were eager each to hew the other’s flesh with the ruthless
+bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while Patroklos on
+the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the others, Trojans and
+Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind and the South contend with
+one another in shaking a deep wood in the dells of a mountain, shaking beech,
+and ash, and smooth-barked cornel tree, that clash against each other their
+long boughs with marvellous din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans
+and Achaians were leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any
+thought of ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones,
+and winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote the
+shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust lay mighty
+and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote either
+side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of the loosing of
+oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the better. The hero
+Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the tumult of the Trojans, and
+stripped the harness from his shoulders, and with ill design against the
+Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three times then rushed he on, peer of
+swift Ares, shouting terribly, and thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth
+time he sped on like a god, thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life
+appear, for Phoebus met thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And
+Patroklos was not ware of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick
+mist did he meet him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad
+shoulders with a down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And from his
+head Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away with a din
+beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright socket, and the crests
+were defiled with blood and dust. And all the long-shadowed spear was shattered
+in the hands of Patroklos, the spear great and heavy and strong, and sharp,
+while from his shoulders the tasselled shield with the baldric fell to the
+ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness seized
+his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in amaze, and at
+close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the back, between the
+shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of Panthoos, who excelled
+them of his age in casting the spear, and in horsemanship, and in speed of
+foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down twenty men from their chariots,
+though then first had he come with his car to learn the lesson of war. He it
+was that first smote a dart into thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee,
+but ran back again and mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the
+flesh his ashen spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he
+was, in the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give ground, being
+smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through the ranks, and wounded
+him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the belly, and drave the bronze
+clean through. And he fell with a crash, and sorely grieved the host of
+Achaians. And as when a lion hath overcome in battle an untiring boar, they
+twain fighting with high heart on the crests of a hill, about a little well,
+and both are desirous to drink, and the lion hath by force overcome the boar
+that draweth difficult breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector son
+of Priam take the life away from the strong son of Menoitios, smiting him at
+close quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he spake winged words:
+“Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst sack my town, and from
+Trojan women take away the day of freedom, and bring them in ships to thine own
+dear country: fool! nay, in front of these were the swift horses of Hector
+straining their speed for the fight; and myself in wielding the spear excel
+among the war-loving Trojans, even I who ward from them the day of destiny: but
+thee shall vultures here devour. Ah, wretch, surely Achilles for all his
+valour, availed thee not, who straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding
+there, saying, ‘Come not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow
+ships, till thou hast torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about his
+breast;’ so, surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of thee in
+thy witlessness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: “Boast greatly,
+as now, Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given the
+victory, who lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my harness from
+my shoulders. But if twenty such as thou had encountered me, here had they all
+perished, subdued beneath my spear. But me have ruinous Fate and the son of
+Leto slain, and of men Euphorbos, but thou art the third in my slaying. But
+another thing will I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou
+thyself art not long to live, but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and
+strong Fate, that thou art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the
+seed of Aiakos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul, fleeting
+from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its own doom, leaving
+manhood and youth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: “Patroklos,
+wherefore to me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but that
+Achilles, the child of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten by my spear,
+and lose his life?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his foot on
+the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And straightway with the
+spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire of the swift-footed Aiakides,
+for he was eager to smite him; but his swift-footed immortal horses bare him
+out of the battle, horses that the gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap17"></a>BOOK XVII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying of
+Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front of the fight
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as above a first-born
+calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above Patroklos strode fair-haired
+Menelaos, and before him held his spear and the circle of his shield, eager to
+slay whoever should encounter him. Then was Panthoos’ son of the stout
+ashen spear not heedless of noble Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the
+circle of the shield of Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the
+point was bent back in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus’ son in
+his turn made at him with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and
+as he gave back pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight
+into the stroke, following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender neck
+went the point of the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his armour rang upon
+him. In blood was his hair drenched that was like unto the hair of the Graces,
+and his tresses closely knit with bands of silver and gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos’ son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused
+against him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a man, of
+Mentes chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged words:
+“Hector, now art thou hasting after things unattainable, even the horses
+of wise Aiakides; for hard are they to be tamed or driven by mortal man, save
+only Achilles whom an immortal mother bare. Meanwhile hath warlike Menelaos
+Atreus’ son stridden over Patroklos and slain the best of the Trojans
+there, even Panthoos’ son Euphorbos, and hath stayed him in his impetuous
+might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief darkened
+Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the lines, and
+straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble arms, and the
+other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the gaping wound. Then he
+went through the front of the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, crying a
+shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos’ flame unquenchable. Not deaf to his
+shrill cry was Atreus’ son, and sore troubled he spake to his great
+heart: “Ay me, if I shall leave behind me these goodly arms, and
+Patroklos who here lieth for my vengeance’ sake, I fear lest some Danaan
+beholding it be wroth against me. But if for honour’s sake I do battle
+alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear lest they come about me many against
+one; for all the Trojans is bright-helmed Hector leading hither. But if I might
+somewhere find Aias of the loud war-cry, then both together would we go and be
+mindful of battle even were it against the power of heaven, if haply we might
+save his dead for Achilles Peleus’ son: that were best among these
+ills.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan ranks
+came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave backward, and left
+the dead man, turning himself ever about like a deep-waned lion which men and
+dogs chase from a fold with spears and cries; and his strong heart within him
+groweth chill, and loth goeth he from the steading; so from Patroklos went
+fair-haired Menelaos, and turned and stood, when he came to the host of his
+comrades, searching for mighty Aias Telamol’s son. Him very speedily he
+espied on the left of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them
+to fight, for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him
+to run, and straightway stood by him and said: “This way, beloved Aias;
+let us bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at least we
+may carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of the glancing
+helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up through the
+front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now Hector, when he had
+stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was dragging him thence that he might
+cut off the head from the shoulders with the keen bronze and carry his body to
+give to the dogs of Troy. But Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was
+as a tower; then Hector gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang
+into his chariot; and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the
+city, to be great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over the son
+of Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when huntsmen in a
+forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his side stood
+Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in his breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; “Trojans and
+Lykians and Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and bethink
+you of impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of noble Achilles
+that I stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the strife of
+war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook his comrades, not
+yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides’ glorious arms. And
+standing apart from the dolorous battle he changed his armour; his own he gave
+the warlike Trojans to carry to sacred Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of
+Achilles, Peleus’ son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector arming him
+in the armour of Peleus’ godlike son, he shook his head and spake thus
+unto his soul: “Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart of death that
+yet draweth nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine armour of a peerless
+man before whom the rest have terror. His comrade, gentle and brave, thou hast
+slain, and unmeetly hast stripped the armour from his head and shoulders; yet
+now for a while at least I will give into thy hands great might, in recompense
+for this, even that nowise shalt thou come home out of the battle, for
+Andromache to receive from thee Peleides’ glorious arms.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread war-god
+entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour and strength.
+Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry, and in the flashing of
+his armour he seemed to all of them like unto Peleus’ great-hearted son.
+And he came to each and encouraged him with his words—Mesthles and Glaukos and
+Medon and Thersilochos and Asteropaios and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys
+and Chromios and the augur Ennomos—these encouraged he and spake to them winged
+words: “Listen, ye countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It
+was not for mere numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of you
+from your cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans’ wives
+and infant little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end am I wearying
+my people by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing thereby the courage
+of each of you. Now therefore let all turn straight against the foe and live or
+die, for such is the dalliance of war. And whoso shall drag Patroklos, dead
+though he be, among the horse-taming men of Troy, and make Aias yield, to him
+will I award half the spoils and keep half myself; so shall his glory be great
+as mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their weight,
+levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to drag the corpse
+from under Aias, Telamol’s son. Fond men! from full many reft he life
+over that corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of the loud war-cry:
+“Dear Menelaos, fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I that we two of
+ourselves shall return home out of the war. Nor have I so much dread for the
+corpse of Patroklos, that shall soon glut the dogs and birds of the men of
+Troy, as for thy head and mine lest some evil fall thereon, for all is shrouded
+by a storm-cloud of war, even by Hector, and sheer doom stareth in our face.
+But come, call thou to the best men of the Danaans, if haply any hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not, but
+shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: “O friends, ye leaders
+and counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of Atreus,
+Agamemnon and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all commanders of the
+host, on whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard is it for me to distinguish
+each chief amid the press—such blaze is there of the strife of war. But let
+each go forward of himself and be wroth at heart that Patroklos should become a
+sport among the dogs of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Oileus’ son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was
+first to run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and
+Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god.
+And who shall of his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of all that
+after these aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them. And as
+when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave roareth against the
+stream, and arouseth the high cliffs’ echo as the salt sea belloweth on
+the beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the Trojans came. But the Achaians
+stood firm around Menoitios’ son with one soul all, walled in with
+shields of bronze. And over their bright helmets the son of Kronos shed thick
+darkness, for in the former time was Menoitios’ son not unloved of him,
+while he was yet alive and squire of Aiakides. So was Zeus loth that he should
+become a prey of the dogs of his enemies at Troy, and stirred his comrades to
+do battle for him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who shrank before
+them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not any of them with spears,
+though they were fain, but set to hale the corpse. But little while would the
+Achaians hold back therefrom, for very swiftly Aias rallied them, Aias the
+first in presence and in deeds of all the Danaans after the noble son of
+Peleus. Right through the fighters in the forefront rushed he like a wild boar
+in his might that in the mountains when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly
+dogs and lusty young men through the glades. Thus did proud Telamol’s son
+the glorious Aias press on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them, as
+they had bestrode Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their city and
+win renown.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have been
+driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the Argives would have
+won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by their power and might. But
+Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on the semblance of Periphas the
+herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old with his old father in his heraldship,
+of friendly thought toward Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of
+Zeus: “Aineias, how could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the
+will of God? Other men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and
+valour, and in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead. But here,
+albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the Danaans, yet ye are
+dismayed exceedingly and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon his
+face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud “Hector and ye other leaders
+of the Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our weakness overcome we
+were driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares. Nay, thus saith a
+god, who standeth by my side: Zeus, highest Orderer, is our helper in this
+fight. Therefore let us go right onward against the Danaans. Not easily at
+least let them take the dead Patroklos to the ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front. And the
+Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove they as it had
+been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still sun or moon, for over
+all the battle where the chiefs stood around the slain son of Menoitios they
+were shrouded in darkness, while the other Trojans and well-greaved Achaians
+fought at ease in the clear air, and piercing sunlight was spread over them,
+and on all the earth and hills there was no cloud seen; and they ceased
+fighting now sad again, avoiding each other’s dolorous darts and standing
+far apart. But they who were in the midst endured affliction of the darkness
+and the battle, and all the best men of them were wearied by the pitiless
+weight of their bronze arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and unabatingly
+ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and feet of each man and
+arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle around the brave squire of
+fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the hide of a great bull to his folk
+to stretch, all soaked in fat, and they take and stretch it standing in a
+circle, and straightway the moisture thereof departeth and the fat entereth in
+under the haling of many hands, and it is all stretched throughout,—thus they
+on both sides haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their
+hearts were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild, nor might
+Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof, albeit their anger
+were exceeding great.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that Zeus on
+that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of Patroklos’
+death, for far away from the swift ships they were fighting beneath the wall of
+the men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his heart that he was dead, but
+that he should come back alive, after that he had touched the gates; for
+neither that other thought had he anywise, that Patroklos should sack the
+stronghold without his aid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears made onset
+relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one speak among the
+mail-clad Achaians: “Friends, it were verily not glorious for us to go
+back to the hollow ships; rather let the black earth yawn for us all beneath
+our feet. Far better were that straightway for us if we suffer the horse-taming
+Trojans to hale this man to their city and win renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+“Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside
+this man, let none yet give backward from the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on, and the
+iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen heaven. But the
+horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were weeping, since first
+they were aware that their charioteer was fallen in the dust beneath the hand
+of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon, Diores’ valiant son, plied them
+oft with blows of the swift lash, and oft with gentle words he spake to them
+and oft with chiding, yet would they neither go back to the ships at the broad
+Hellespont nor yet to the battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth
+firm that standeth on the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably
+with the beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot tears
+flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow for their
+charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped from beneath the
+yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when the son of Kronos beheld
+them mourning he had compassion on them, and shook his head and spake to his
+own heart: “Ah, hapless pair, why gave we you to king Peleus, a mortal
+man, while ye are deathless and ever young? Was it that ye should suffer
+sorrows among ill-fated men? For methinketh there is nothing more piteous than
+a man among all things that breathe and creep upon the earth. But verily Hector
+Priam’s son shall not drive you and your deftly-wrought car; that will I
+not suffer. Is it a small thing that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth himself
+vainly thereupon? Nay, I will put courage into your knees and heart that ye may
+bring Automedon also safe out of the war to the hollow ships. For yet further
+will I increase victory to the men of Troy, so that they slay until they come
+unto the well-timbered ships, and the sun set and divine night come
+down.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to earth
+the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid Trojans and
+Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief for his comrade,
+swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese; for lightly he would flee
+out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly charge, pursuing them through the
+thick mellay. Yet could he not slay any man as he halted to pursue them, for it
+was impossible that being alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them
+with the spear and hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade,
+even Alkimedon son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car and
+spake unto Automedon: “Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou art
+fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy comrade even
+now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his own shoulders the
+armour of Aiakides.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: “Alkimedon, what other
+Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds, save only
+Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but now have death and
+fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will get me
+down from my horses, that I may fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly took
+the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And noble Hector
+espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he stood near:
+“Aineias, counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the two horses of
+fleet Aiakides come forth to battle with feeble charioteers. Therefore might I
+hope to take them if thou in thy heart art willing, since they would not abide
+our onset and stand to do battle against us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And they
+twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides dried and tough,
+and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both Chromios and godlike Aretos,
+and their hearts were of high hope to slay the men and drive off the
+strong-necked horses—fond hope, for not without blood lost were they to get
+them back from Automedon. He praying to father Zeus was filled in his inmost
+heart with valour and strength. And straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his
+faithful comrade: “Alkimedon, hold the horses not far from me, but with
+their very breath upon my back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will
+not refrain him from his fury until he mount behind Achilles’ horses of
+goodly manes after slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or
+else himself fall among the foremost.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: “Aiantes, leaders
+of the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto whoso may best
+avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and come ye to ward the day
+of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in the dolorous war are Hector and
+Aineias, the best men of the Trojans, pressing hard. Yet verily these issues
+lie in the lap of the gods: I too will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus
+decide.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on the
+circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the spear, but
+right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his belly low down through
+his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp axe smiting behind the horns of
+an ox of the homestead cleaveth the sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward
+and falleth, so leapt Aretos forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his
+entrails very piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at
+Automedon with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze
+javelin as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered, and
+there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at each other
+with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted them in their fury,
+when they were come through the mellay at their comrades’ call. Before
+them Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios shrank backward and gave ground
+and left Aretos wounded to the death as he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift
+Ares, stripped off the armour of the dead, and spake exultingly: “Verily,
+I have a little eased my heart of grief for the death of Menoitios’ son,
+albeit a worse man than him have I slain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat him
+thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath devoured a bull.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the Trojans
+their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias son of Telamon:
+“Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool, know that father
+Zeus himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us ourselves devise some
+excellent means, that we may both hale the corpse away and ourselves return
+home to the joy of our friends, who grieve as they look hitherward and deem
+that no longer shall the fury of man-slaying Hector’s unapproachable hand
+refrain itself, but fall upon the black ships. And would there were some
+comrade to carry tidings with all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem
+that he hath not even heard the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is
+slain. But nowhere can I behold such an one among the Achaians, for themselves
+and their horses likewise are wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver thou
+the sons of the Achaians from the darkness, and make clear sky and vouchsafe
+sight unto our eyes. In the light be it that thou slayest us, since it is thy
+good pleasure that we die.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle which men
+say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though he be far aloft
+the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching beneath a leafy bush, but
+the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly seizeth her and taketh her life. Thus in
+that hour, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, ranged thy shining eyes everywhither
+through the multitude of the host of thy comrades, if haply they might behold
+Nestor’s son yet alive. Him quickly he perceived at the left of the whole
+battle, heartening his comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired
+Menelaos came and stood nigh and said unto him: “Antilochos, fosterling
+of Zeus, come hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings—would it had never
+been. Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that God rolleth
+mischief upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory. And slain is the
+best man of the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow is wrought for the
+Danaans. But run thou to the ships of the Achaians and quickly tell this to
+Achilles, if haply he may straightway rescue to his ship the naked corpse: but
+his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helmet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long time
+speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears, and his full
+voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the bidding of Menelaos, but
+set him to run, when he had given his armour to a noble comrade, Laodokos, who
+close anigh him was wheeling his whole-hooved horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of Peleus
+carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, chose not to
+stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom Antilochos departed, and great
+sorrow was among the Pylians. But to them Menelaos sent noble Thrasymedes, and
+himself went again to bestride the hero Patroklos. And he hasted and stood
+beside the Aiantes and straightway spake to them: “So have I sent that
+man to the swift ships to go to fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he
+will now come, for all his wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight
+unarmed against the men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some excellent
+means, both how we may hale the dead away, and how we ourselves may escape
+death and fate amid the Trojans’ battle-cry.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him great Aias Telamol’s son, saying: “All this hast
+thou said well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your
+shoulders beneath the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the fray,
+while we twain behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and noble Hector,
+one in heart as we are in name, for from of old time we are wont to await
+fierce battle side by side.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and lifted him
+mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud when they saw the
+Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds that spring in front of
+hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for a while run in haste to rend
+him, but when he wheeleth round among them, trusting in his might, then they
+give ground and shrink back here and there. Thus for a while the Trojans
+pressed on with all their power, striking with swords and double-headed spears,
+but when the Aiantes turned about and halted over against them, then they
+changed colour, and none dared farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap18"></a>BOOK XVIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for him new armour of
+Hephaistos; and of the making of the armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles came
+Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of his ships of
+upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even now were accomplished.
+And sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, wherefore again
+are the flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the ships and flying in rout over
+the plain? May the gods not have wrought against me the grievous fears at my
+heart, even as my mother revealed and told me that while I am yet alive the
+best man of the Myrmidons must by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of
+the sun. Surely now must Menoitios’ valiant son be dead—foolhardy! surely
+I bade him when he should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to
+the ships nor with Hector fight amain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto him noble
+Nestor’s son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous tidings:
+“Ay me, wise Peleus’ son, very bitter tidings must thou hear, such
+as I would had never been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are fighting around
+his body, naked, for his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with both
+hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled his comely
+face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And himself in the dust lay
+mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own hands tore and marred his hair.
+And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and Patroklos took captive, cried aloud in
+the grief of their hearts, and ran forth around valiant Achilles, and all beat
+on their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each of them were unstrung.
+And Antilochos on the other side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles’
+hands while he groaned in his noble heart, for he feared lest he should cleave
+his throat with the sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and his lady mother
+heard him as she sate in the depths of the sea beside her ancient sire. And
+thereon she uttered a cry, and the goddesses flocked around her, all the
+daughters of Nereus that were in the deep of the sea. With these the bright
+cave was filled, and they all beat together on their breasts, and Thetis led
+the lament: “Listen, sister Nereids, that ye all hear and know well what
+sorrows are in my heart. Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare to my sorrow the first
+of men! For after I had borne a son noble and strong, the chief of heroes, and
+he shot up like a young branch, then when I had reared him as a plant in a very
+fruitful field I sent him in beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of
+Troy; but never again shall I welcome him back to his home, to the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. But I will
+go, that I may look upon my dear child, and learn what sorrow hath come to him
+though he abide aloof from the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping, and
+around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came to
+deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where the ships of
+the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles. And as he groaned
+heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a shrill cry clasped the
+bead of her child, and spake unto him winged words of lamentation: “My
+child, why weepest thou? what sorrow hath come to thy heart? Tell it forth,
+hide it not. One thing at least hath been accomplished of Zeus according to the
+prayer thou madest, holding up to him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians
+should all be pent in at the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer
+hateful things.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “My mother,
+that prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But what delight have
+I therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos, whom I honoured above all
+my comrades as it were my very self! Him have I lost, and Hector that slew him
+hath stripped from him the armour great and fair, a wonder to behold, that the
+gods gave to Peleus a splendid gift, on the day when they laid thee in the bed
+of a mortal man. Would thou hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the
+sea, and Peleus had wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have
+sorrow a thousand fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou welcome
+him back home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor abide among
+men, if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield his life, and pay for
+his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Short-lived, I ween, must
+thou be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after Hector is
+death appointed unto thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “Straightway
+may I die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath fallen
+afar from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now therefore, since
+I go not back to my dear native land, neither have at all been succour to
+Patroklos nor to all my other comrades that have been slain by noble Hector,
+but I sit beside my ships a profitless burden of the earth, I that in war am
+such an one as is none else of the mail-clad Achaians, though in council are
+others better—may strife perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that
+stirreth even a wise man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling
+honey waxeth like smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now
+against Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+curbing the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that I may
+light on the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I accept my death
+whensoever Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other immortal gods. For not
+even the mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit most dear to Kronian Zeus the
+king, but Fate overcame him and Hera’s cruel wrath. So also shall I, if
+my fate hath been fashioned likewise, lie low when I am dead. But now let me
+win high renown, let me set some Trojan woman, some deep-bosomed daughter of
+Dardanos, staunching with both hands the tears upon her tender cheeks and
+wailing bitterly; yea, let them know that I am come back, though I tarried long
+from the war. Hold not me then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not
+prevail with me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: “Yea verily,
+my child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction from thy
+comrades in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of bronze is held
+among the Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth it on his shoulders in
+triumph, yet not for long, I ween, shall he glory therein, for death is hard
+anigh him. But thou, go not yet down into the mellay of war until thou see me
+with thine eyes come hither. In the morning will I return, at the coming up of
+the sun, bearing fair armour from the king Hephaistos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she spake among
+her sisters of the sea: “Ye now go down within the wide bosom of the
+deep, to visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father’s house, and
+tell him all. I am going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of noble skill, if haply
+he will give unto my son noble armour shining gloriously.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the sea. And
+the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she might bring noble
+armour to her son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries were
+fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and to the
+Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse of Patroklos
+Achilles’ squire out of the darts, for now again overtook him the host
+and the horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might as it were a flame of
+fire. Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from behind by the feet, resolved to
+drag him away, and mightily called upon the men of Troy. Thrice did the two
+Aiantes, clothed on with impetuous might, beat him off from the dead man, but
+he nathless, trusting in his might, anon would charge into the press, anon
+would stand and cry aloud, but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds
+in the field avail nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a
+carcase, so availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of Priam
+from the dead. And now would he have won the body and gained renown
+unspeakable, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from Olympus with a
+message to the son of Peleus to array him, unknown of Zeus and the other gods,
+for Hera sent her. And she stood anigh and spake to him winged words:
+“Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of all men most redoubtable! Succour
+Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle afoot before the ships. There slay
+they one another, these guarding the dead corpse, while the men of Troy are
+fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios, and chiefliest noble Hector is fain to
+drag him, and his heart biddeth him fix the head on the stakes of the wall when
+he hath sundered it from the tender neck. But arise, lie thus no longer! let
+awe enter thy heart to forbid that Patroklos become the sport of dogs of Troy.
+Thine were the shame if he go down mangled amid the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Goddess Iris, what god
+sent thee a messenger unto me?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: “It was Hera that sent me,
+the wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos nor any other
+of the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their dwelling-place.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: “And how may I go
+into the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me forbear to
+array me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she promised to bring
+fair armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none whose noble armour I might
+put on, save it were the shield of Aias Telamol’s son. But himself, I
+ween, is in the forefront of the press, dealing death with his spear around
+Patroklos dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: “Well are we also aware
+that thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the trench as thou
+art and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they will shrink back and
+refrain them from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians take
+breath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to Zeus arose,
+and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled aegis, and around his
+head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden cloud, and kindled therefrom a
+blazing flame. And as when a smoke issueth from a city and riseth up into the
+upper air, from an island afar off that foes beleaguer, while the others from
+their city fight all day in hateful war,—but with the going down of the sun
+blaze out the beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for
+dwellers round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to help in
+need—thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward the heavens. And
+he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench, yet mingled not among the
+Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of his mother. There stood he and
+shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas Athene uttered her voice, and spread terror
+unspeakable among the men of Troy. Clear as the voice of a clarion when it
+soundeth by reason of slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang
+forth the voice of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides,
+the souls of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes were
+fain to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in their hearts, And
+the charioteers were amazed when they saw the unwearying fire blaze fierce on
+the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, for the bright-eyed goddess Athene
+made it blaze. Thrice from over the trench shouted mightily noble Achilles, and
+thrice were the men of Troy confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and
+then perished twelve men of their best by their own chariot wheels and spears.
+But the Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and laid him on a
+litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him; and among them
+followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for his true comrade he saw
+lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze. Him sent he forth with chariot
+and horses unto the battle, but home again welcomed never more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone unwillingly
+unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble Achaians made pause
+from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And first of
+them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying upon the breast of
+his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very sore, even as a deep-bearded
+lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath snatched away out of a deep wood; and
+the lion coming afterward grieveth and through many glens he rangeth on the
+track of the footsteps of the man, if anywhere he might find him, for most
+bitter anger seizeth him;—thus Achilles moaning heavily spake among the
+Myrmidons: “Ay me, vain verily was the word I uttered on that day when I
+cheered the hero Menoitios in his halls and said that I would bring back to
+Opoeis his son in glory from the sack of Ilios with the share of spoil that
+should fall unto him. Not all the purposes of men doth Zeus accomplish for
+them. It is appointed that both of us redden the same earth with our blood here
+in Troy-land, for neither shall the old knight Peleus welcome me back home
+within his halls, nor my mother Thetis, but even here shall earth keep hold on
+me. Yet now, O Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I will not hold thy
+funeral till I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, thy
+high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut the throats of twelve noble
+sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou art slain. Till then beside the
+beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art, and around thee deep-bosomed women,
+Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn thee weeping night and day, even they whom we
+toiled to win by our strength and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities
+of mortal men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on the
+fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody gore. So
+they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured therein water and
+took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire wrapped the belly of the tripod,
+and the water grew hot. And when the water boiled in the bright bronze, then
+washed they him and anointed with olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh
+ointment, and laid him on a bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to
+foot, and thereover a white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot
+the Myrmidons made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: “Thou hast
+accomplished this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles fleet of
+foot. Verily of thine own children must the flowing-haired Achaians be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is to accomplish
+what he may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath not wisdom as we. How
+then was I who avow me the first of goddesses both by birth and for that I am
+called thy wife, and thou art king among all Immortals—how was I not in mine
+anger to devise evil against the men of Troy?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver feet
+came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far seen among the
+dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by the crook-footed god
+himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy about his bellows, for he was
+forging tripods twenty in all to stand around the wall of his stablished hall,
+and beneath the base of each he had set golden wheels, that of their own motion
+they might enter the assembly of the gods and again return unto his house, a
+marvel to look upon. Thus much were they finished that not yet were away from
+the fire, and gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver chest;
+and with a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck and shaggy
+breast, and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and went forth limping;
+but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to help their lord, the
+semblances of living maids. In them is understanding at their hearts, in them
+are voice and strength, and they have skill of the immortal gods. These moved
+beneath their lord, and he gat him haltingly near to where Thetis was, and set
+him on a bright seat, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called her by
+her name: “Wherefore, long-robed Thetis, comest thou to our house,
+honoured that thou art and dear? No frequent comer art thou hitherto. Speak
+what thou hast at heart; my soul is fain to accomplish it; if accomplish it I
+can, and if it be appointed for accomplishment.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Hephaistos, hath there
+verily been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many grievous
+sorrows at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid upon me above all
+others? He chose me from among the sisters of the sea to enthrall me to a man,
+even Peleus Aiakos’ son, and with a man I endured wedlock sore against my
+will. Now lieth he in his halls forspent with grievous age, but other griefs
+are mine. A son he gave me to bear and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he
+shot up like a young branch. Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him
+and sent him forth on beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy,
+but never again shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. The maiden
+whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his prize, her hath the lord
+Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In grief for her wasted he his heart,
+while the men of Troy were driving the Achaians on their ships, nor suffered
+them to come forth. And the elders of the Argives entreated him, and told over
+many noble gifts. Then albeit himself he refused to ward destruction from them,
+he put his armour on Patroklos and sent him to the war, and much people with
+him. All day they fought around the Skaian gates and that same day had sacked
+the town, but that when now Menoitios’ valiant son had wrought much harm,
+Apollo slew him in the forefront of the battle, and gave glory unto Hector.
+Therefore now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if haply thou be willing to
+give my short-lived son shield and helmet, and goodly greaves fitted with
+ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour that he had erst, his trusty comrade
+lost when he fell beneath the men of Troy; and my son lieth on the earth with
+anguish in his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: “Be of good
+courage, let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I avail to
+hide him far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon him, as surely
+shall goodly armour be at his need, such as all men afterward shall marvel at,
+whatsoever may behold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them upon
+the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew on the
+crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his labour and now
+anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on. And he threw bronze that
+weareth not into the fire, and tin and precious gold and silver, and next he
+set on an anvil-stand a great anvil, and took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and
+in the other he took the tongs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and set
+thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a silver baldric.
+Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein fashioned he much cunning
+work from his wise heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the unwearying
+sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every one wherewith the
+heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Oriol’s might, and the Bear
+that men call also the Wain, her that turneth in her place and watcheth Orion,
+and alone hath no part in the baths of Ocean.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one were
+espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches they were
+leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and loud arose the
+bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and among them flutes
+and viols sounded high; and women standing each at her door were marvelling.
+But the folk were gathered in the assembly place; for there a strife was
+arisen, two men striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one claimed
+to pay full atonement, expounding to the people, but the other denied him and
+would take naught. And the folk were cheering both, as they took part on either
+side. And heralds kept order among the folk, while the elders on polished
+stones were sitting in the sacred circle, and holding in their hands staves
+from the loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they rose up and gave
+judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given
+unto him who should plead among them most righteously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering arms. And
+two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town or to share all
+with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair city held within. But the
+besieged were not yet yielding, but arming for an ambushment. On the wall there
+stood to guard it their dear wives and infant children, and with these the old
+men; but the rest went forth, and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene,
+both wrought in gold, and golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great
+were they in their armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at their
+feet were smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to them to lay
+ambush, in a river bed where there was a common watering-place of herds, there
+they set them, clad in glittering bronze. And two scouts were posted by them
+afar off to spy the coming of flocks and of oxen with crooked horns. And
+presently came the cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing on pipes, that
+took no thought of the guile. Then the others when they beheld these ran upon
+them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and fair flocks of white sheep, and
+slew the shepherds withal. But the besiegers, as they sat before the
+speech-places [from which the orators spoke] and heard much din among the oxen,
+mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping horses, and came up with speed.
+Then they arrayed their battle and fought beside the river banks, and smote one
+another with bronze-shod spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and
+fell Death, grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment on her
+shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals they hurled
+together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the other’s slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich tilth and
+wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein drave their yokes to
+and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they came to the boundary of the
+field and turned, then would a man come to each and give into his hands a
+goblet of sweet wine, while others would be turning back along the furrows,
+fain to reach the boundary of the deep tilth. And the field grew black behind
+and seemed as it were a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great
+marvel of the work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were reaping
+with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the swathe were falling
+in rows to the earth, whilst others the sheaf-binders were binding in twisted
+bands of straw. Three sheaf-binders stood over them, while behind boys
+gathering corn and bearing it in their arms gave it constantly to the binders;
+and among them the king in silence was standing at the swathe with his staff,
+rejoicing in his heart. And henchmen apart beneath an oak were making ready a
+feast, and preparing a great ox they had sacrificed; while the women were
+strewing much white barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters, wrought fair
+in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung throughout on silver poles.
+And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and round that a fence of tin; and one
+single pathway led to it, whereby the vintagers might go when they should
+gather the vintage. And maidens and striplings in childish glee bare the sweet
+fruit in plaited baskets. And in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on
+a clear-toned viol, and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a lament for
+departing summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with feet falling
+together kept time with the music and song.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine were
+fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the byre to
+pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And herdsmen of gold
+were following with the kine, four of them, and nine dogs fleet of foot came
+after them. But two terrible lions among the foremost kine had seized a
+loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as they haled him, and the dogs and
+the young men sped after him. The lions rending the great bull’s hide
+were devouring his vitals and his black blood; while the herdsmen in vain
+tarred on their fleet dogs to set on, for they shrank from biting the lions but
+stood hard by and barked and swerved away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a great
+pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and folds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that which once
+in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely tresses. There were
+youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their hands upon one
+another’s wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the youths
+well-woven doublets faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths had the maidens,
+and the youths daggers of gold hanging from silver baldrics. And now would they
+run round with deft feet exceeding lightly, as when a potter sitting by his
+wheel that fitteth between his hands maketh trial of it whether it run: and now
+anon they would run in lines to meet each other. And a great company stood
+round the lovely dance in joy; and through the midst of them, leading the
+measure, two tumblers whirled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the uttermost
+rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he him a
+corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a massive helmet to
+fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a crest of gold, and he
+wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and laid it
+before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang down from snowy
+Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap19"></a>BOOK XIX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the assembly of the Achaians,
+and Achilles went forth with them to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring light to
+gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift from the god. Her
+dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and uttering loud lament; and round
+him many of his company made moan. And the bright goddess stood beside him in
+their midst, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called upon his name:
+“My child, him who lieth here we must let be, for all our pain, for by
+the will of gods from the beginning was he brought low. But thou take from
+Hephaistos arms of pride, arms passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders
+yet hath borne.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they rang
+all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor dared any to
+gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when Achilles looked thereon,
+then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes blazed terribly forth as it were
+a flame beneath their lids: glad was he as he held in his hands that splendid
+gift of a god. But when he had satisfied his soul in gazing on the glory of the
+arms, straightway to his mother spake he winged words: “My mother, the
+arms the god has given are such as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals
+should be, and that no mortal man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm
+me in them, but I have grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of
+Menoitios’ valiant son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile
+his corpse—for the life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall
+rot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: “Child, have no
+care for this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel tribes of
+flies which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he lie till a whole
+year’s course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound continually, or better
+even than now. But call thou the Achaian warriors to the place of assembly, and
+unsay thy wrath against Agamemnon shepherd of the host, and then arm swiftly
+for battle, and clothe thee with thy strength.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos she shed
+ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh might abide the
+same continually.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible cry, and
+roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to abide in the
+circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept the steerage of the
+ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food, even these came then to the
+place of assembly, because Achilles was come forth, after long ceasing from
+grievous war. Limping came two of Ares’ company, Tydeus’ son
+staunch in fight and noble Odysseus, each leaning on his spear, for their
+wounds were grievous still; and they went and sate them down in the forefront
+of the assembly. And last came Agamemnon king of men, with his wound upon him,
+for him too in the stress of battle Kooen Antenor’s son had wounded with
+his bronze-tipped spear. But when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose
+fleet-footed Achilles and spake in their midst: “Son of Atreus, was this
+in any wise the better way for both thee and me, what time with grief at our
+hearts we waxed fierce in soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would
+that Artemis had slain her with her arrow at the ships, on the day whereon I
+took her to me, when I had spoiled Lyrnessos; so should not then so many
+Achaians have bitten the wide earth beneath their enemies’ hands, by
+reason of my exceeding wrath. It hath been well for Hector and the Trojans, but
+the Achaians I think shall long remember the strife that was betwixt thee and
+me. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain, and curb under necessity the
+spirit within our breasts. I now will stay my anger: it beseems me not
+implacably for ever to be wroth; but come rouse speedily to the fight the
+flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go forth against the men of Troy and put
+them yet again to the proof, if they be fain to couch hard by the ships.
+Methinks that some among them shall be glad to rest their knees when they are
+fled out of the fierceness of the battle, and from before our spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted son of
+Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake Agamemnon king
+of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen to stand forth in
+their midst: “O Danaan friends and heroes, men of Ares’ company,
+seemly is it to listen to him who standeth up to speak, nor behoveth it to
+break in upon his words: even toward a skilled man that were hard. For amid the
+uproar of many men how should one listen, or yet speak? even the
+clearest-voiced speech is marred. To the son of Peleus I will declare myself,
+but ye other Argives give heed, and each mark well my word. Oft have the
+Achaians spoken thus to me, and upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause,
+but Zeus and Destiny and Erinys that walketh in the darkness, who put into my
+soul fierce madness on the day when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles
+of his meed. What could I do? it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest daughter
+of Zeus is Ate who blindeth all, a power of bane: delicate are her feet, for
+not upon the earth she goeth, but walketh over the heads of men, making men
+fall; and entangleth this one or that. Ye even Zeus was blinded upon a time, he
+who they say is greatest among gods and men; yet even him Hera with a female
+wile deceived, on the day when Alkmene in fair-crowned Thebes was to bring
+forth the strength of Herakles. For then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods:
+‘Here me ye all, both gods and goddesses, while I utter the council of my
+soul within my heart. This day shall Eileithuia, the help of travailing women,
+bring to the light a man who shall be lord over all that dwell round about,
+among the raise of men who are sprung of me by blood.’ And to him in
+subtlety queen Hera spake: ‘Though wilt play the cheat and not accomplish
+thy word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath that verily and indeed shall
+that man be lord over all that dwell round about, who this day shall fall
+between a womal’s feet, even he among all men who are of the lineage of
+thy blood.’ So spake she, and Zeus no wise perceived her subtlety but
+sware a mighty oath, and therewith was he sore blinded. For Hera darted from
+Olympus’ peak and came swiftly to Achaian Argus, were she knew was the
+stately wife of Sthenelos son of Perseus, who was also great with child, and
+her seventh month had come. Her son Hera brought to the light, though his tale
+of months was untold, but she stayed Alkmene’s bearing and kept the
+Eileithuiai from her aid. Then she brought the tidings herself and to
+Kronos’ son Zeus she spake: ‘Father Zeus of the bright lightning, a
+word will I speak to thee for my heed. Today is born a man of valor who shall
+rule among the Archives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of
+thy lineage; not unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.’ She said,
+but sharp pain smote him in the depths of his soul, and straightway he seized
+Ate by her bright-haired head in the anger of his soul, and sware a mighty oath
+that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, who blindeth
+all alike. He said, and whirling her in his hand flung her from the starry
+heaven, and quickly came she down among the works of men. Yet ever he groaned
+against her when he beheld his beloved son in cruel travail at
+Eurystheus’ hest. Thus also I, what time great Hector of the glancing
+helm was slaying Argives at the sterns of our ships, could not be unmindful of
+Ate, who blinded me at the first. But since thus blinded was I, and Zeus bereft
+me of my wit, fain am I to make amends, and recompense manifold for the wrong.
+Only arise thou to the battle and rouse the rest of the host. Gifts am I ready
+to offer, even all that noble Odysseus went yesterday to promise in thy hut.
+So, if thou wilt, stay awhile, though eager, from battle, and squires shall
+take the gifts from my ship and carry them to thee, that thou mayest see that
+what I give sufficeth thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if so thou
+wilt, or to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink us of battle
+with all speed; this is no time to dally here with subtleties, for a great work
+is yet undone. Once more must Achilles be seen in the forefront of the battle,
+laying waste with his brazen spear the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof
+let each of you think as he fighteth with his man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: “Nay yet, for all
+thy valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of Achaians
+fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell shall the battle be,
+when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall breathe valour into both. But
+bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships food and wine; for thence is vigour
+and might. For no man fasting from food shall be able to fight with the foe all
+day till the going down of the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle
+yet his limbs unaware grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his
+knees in his going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine
+fighteth thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer within him,
+nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle. So come, disperse
+the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the gifts let Agamemnon king
+of men bring forth into the midst of the assembly, that all Achaians may behold
+them with their eyes, and thou be glad at heart. And let him swear to thee an
+oath, standing in the midst of the Argives, that he hath never gone up into the
+damsel’s bed or lain with her, [O prince, as is the wont of man with
+woman]; and let thine own spirit be placable within thy breast. Then let him
+make thee a rich feast of reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing
+lacking of thy right. And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt be more
+righteous hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a king should make
+amends if he have been the first to deal violently.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: “Son of Laertes, I rejoice to
+listen to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the oath I am
+willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I forswear myself before
+God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for battle though he be, and all ye
+others abide together, until the gifts come forth from my hut, and we make
+faithful oath with sacrifice. But thee thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose
+thee young men, princes of the Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship,
+even all that we promised yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women.
+And let Talthybios speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide
+Achaian host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better ye should
+be busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war, and the spirit
+within my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie mangled on the
+field—even they whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus gave him glory—and ye
+call men to their food. Verily for my part I would bid the sons of the Achaians
+to fight now unfed and fasting, and with the setting sun make ready a mighty
+meal, when we shall have avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least
+nor food nor drink shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying
+mangled by the sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our
+comrades mourn, wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters, but of
+slaying, and blood, and grievous moans of men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: “O Achilles, Peleus’
+son, mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou than
+I with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since I was born
+first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure to listen to my
+speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that wherein the sword streweth
+most straw yet is the harvest scantiest, [i.e., in a pitched battle there is
+little plunder, the hope of which might help to sustain mel’s efforts in
+storming a town] when Zeus inclineth his balance, who is disposer of the wars
+of men. But it cannot be that the Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for
+exceeding many and thick fall such on every day; when then should there be rest
+from toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts, when
+once we have wept him for a day; but such as are left alive from hateful war
+must take thought of meat and drink, that yet more against our foes we may
+fight relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze. Then let none of the host
+hold back awaiting other summons; this is the summons, and ill shall it be for
+whoso is left behind at the Argive ships; but all together as one we will rouse
+against the horse-taming Trojans the fury of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of Phyleus,
+and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and Melanippos. And
+they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus’ son. Forthwith as
+the word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven tripods they bare from the hut,
+as he promised him, and twenty bright caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon
+they led forth women skilled in goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was
+fair-faced Briseis. Then Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all,
+led the way, and with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they
+set in the midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside
+that shepherd of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a god’s,
+and held a boar between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing with his hands
+his knife, which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of his sword, cut off the
+first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands he prayed to Zeus, and all
+the Argives sat silent in their places, duly hearkening to the king. And he
+prayed aloud, looking up to the wide heaven: “Be Zeus before all witness,
+highest and best of the gods, and Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth
+take vengeance upon men, whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid
+hand on the damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but she
+has abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be false, may the
+gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him who sinneth against
+them in his oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and cut the boar’s throat with the pitiless knife. And the body
+Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea, to be the
+food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst of the warrior
+Argives: “Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily to men. Never
+could the son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my breast, nor led off the
+damsel implacably against my will, had not Zeus willed that on many of the
+Achaians death should come. But now go forth to your meal, that we may join
+battle thereupon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up the
+gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid them in the
+huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the horses among their
+troop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld Patroklos
+mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill lament, and tore with
+her hands her breast and tender neck, and beautiful face. And she spake amid
+her weeping, that woman like unto goddesses: “Patroklos, dearest to my
+hapless heart, alive I left thee when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the
+people, I am come back to find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my
+lot. My husband, unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before
+our city mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother
+bore, my near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when swift
+Achilles slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes’ city, wouldest ever
+that I should not even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me godlike
+Achilles’ wedded wife, and that ye would take me in your ships to Phthia
+and make me a marriage feast among the Myrmidons. Therefore with all my soul I
+mourn thy death, for thou wert ever kind.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the elders of
+the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied them with a groan:
+“I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me, bid me not sate my
+heart with meat and drink, since terrible grief is come upon me. Till the sun
+go down I will abide, and endure continually until then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons of
+Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and Phoinox,
+ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he could no whit be
+soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war. And bethinking him he
+sighed very heavily and spake aloud: “Thou too, O hapless, dearest of my
+friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set forth in out hut with ready speed a
+savoury meal, what time the Achaians hasted to wage against the horse-taming
+Trojans dolorous war. But now thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of
+meat and drink, that stand within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this
+could I endure, not though I should hear of my father’s death, who now I
+ween in Phthia is shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that in
+an alien land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of Troy; nor
+though it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros (if still at least
+is godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my soul within me trusted that
+I alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos, here in the Trojan land,
+but that thou shouldest return to Phthia, so that thou mightest take me the
+child in thy swift black ship from Skyros and show him everything—my substance
+and servants, and high-roofed mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must be
+dead and gone, or else in feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of waiting
+ever for bitter news of me, till he hear that I am dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them what
+each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them sorrowing he
+pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged words: “My child,
+thou hast then left utterly the man of thy heart. Hath Achilles then no longer
+a place within thy thought? He before the steep-prowed ships sits mourning his
+dear comrade; the rest are gone to their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But
+go, distil into his breast nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of
+hunger come on him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a falcon
+wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven through the
+upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently throughout the camp, she
+in Achilles’ breast distilled nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that grievous
+hunger might not assail his knees, and then herself was gone to the firm house
+of her mighty father. Then the Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As
+when thick snowflakes flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas
+born in the upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And the
+sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in the flash
+of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the men, and in the midst
+of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth gnashed together, and his eyes
+blazed as it were the flame of a fire, for into his heart was intolerable
+anguish entered in. Thus wroth against the men of Troy he put on the gift of
+the god, which Hephaistos wrought him by his art. First on his legs he set the
+fair greaves fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass
+about his breast. Then round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword
+silver-studded; then lastly he took the great and strong shield, and its
+brightness shone afar off as the mool’s. Or as when over the sea there
+appeareth to sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it burneth on high
+among the mountains in some lonely steading—sailors whom storm-blasts bear
+unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar from them they love:— so from
+Achilles’ goodly well-dight shield the brightness thereof shot up toward
+heaven. And he lifted the stout helmet and set it on his head, and like a star
+it shone, the horse-hair crested helmet, and around it waved plumes of gold
+that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest. Then noble Achilles proved him
+in his armour to know whether it fitted unto him, and whether his glorious
+limbs ran free; and it became to him as it were wings, and buoyed up the
+shepherd of hosts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And forth from its stand he drew his father’s spear, heavy and great and
+strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but Achilles alone
+awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron gave to his father
+dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of warriors. And Automedon and
+Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and put on them fair breast-straps, and
+bits within their jaws, and stretched the reins behind to the firm-built
+chariot. Then Automedon took the bright lash, fitted to his hand, and sprang up
+behind the horses, and after him mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his
+armour like bright Hyperion. And terribly he called upon the horses of his
+sire: “Xanthos and Balios, famed children of Podarge, in other sort take
+heed to bring your charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when we have done
+with battle, and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie there dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from beneath the
+yoke;—and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell from the yoke-cushion
+beside the yoke and touched the ground;—for the white-armed goddess Hera gave
+him speech: “Yea verily for this hour, dread Achilles, we will still bear
+thee safe, yet is thy death day nigh at hand, neither shall we be cause
+thereof, but a mighty god, and forceful Fate. For not through sloth or
+heedlessness of ours did the men of Troy from Patrokios’ shoulders strip
+his arms, but the best of the gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in
+the forefront of the battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind
+of Zephyr, swiftest, they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee
+thyself it is appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore troubled did
+fleet-footed Achilles answer him: “Xanthos, why prophesiest thou my
+death? no wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of myself that it is appointed me
+to perish here, far from my father dear and mother; howbeit anywise I will not
+refrain till I give the Trojans surfeit of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved steeds.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap20"></a>BOOK XX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the Achaians
+armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high ground of the
+plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus’
+brow; and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus. There was no
+River came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all that haunt fair
+thickets and springs of rivers and grassy water-meadows. And they came to the
+house of Zeus who gathereth the clouds, and sat them down in the polished
+colonnades which Hephaistos in the cunning of his heart had wrought for father
+Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker heedless
+of the goddess’ call, but from the salt sea came up after the rest, and
+set him in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of Zeus:
+“Wherefore, O Lord of the bright lightning, hast thou called the gods
+again to council? Say, ponderest thou somewhat concerning the Trojans and
+Achaians? for lo, the war and the fighting of them are kindled very
+nigh.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: “Thou knowest, O
+Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you hither; even
+in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I will abide here,
+sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden my heart with gazing;
+but go all ye forth that ye come among the Trojans and Achaians and succour
+these or those, howsoever each of you hath a mind. For if Achilles alone shall
+fight against the Trojans, not even a little while shall they hold back the son
+of Peleus, the fleet of foot. Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they
+looked upon him; now therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible
+I fear me lest he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this side and on
+that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the ships went Hera, and
+Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent
+in subtle thoughts; and with these went Hephaistos in the greatness of his
+strength, halting, but his shrunk legs moved nimbly under him: but to the
+Trojans went Ares of the glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn
+hair, and archer Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the Achaians
+glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his long ceasing
+from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were smitten with sore
+trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in terror when they beheld the son
+of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in his arms, peer of man-slaying Ares. But
+when among the mellay of men the Olympians were come down, then leapt up in her
+might Strife, rouser of hosts, then sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by
+the hollowed trench without the wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted
+aloud. And a shout uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness of the
+storm, now from the height of the city to the Trojans calling clear, or again
+along Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst into
+fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from heaven
+above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and the steep
+mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained Ida, and all her
+crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians. And the
+Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in hell, and leapt from his
+throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest the world be cloven above him by
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and
+immortals—grim halls, and vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose
+of that battle of gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his
+winged arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer Artemis,
+sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper Hermes, and
+against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods call Xanthos and men
+Skamandros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all to meet
+Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood chiefliest his spirit
+bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But straightway Apollo, rouser of
+hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the son of Peleus, and filled him with brave
+spirit: and he made his own voice like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in
+his semblance spake Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, counsellor of Trojans,
+where now are thy threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over
+thy wine, saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles,
+Peleus’ son?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him Aineias answered and said: “Son of Priam, why biddest thou me
+thus face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain thereto? Not
+for the first time now shall I match me with Achilles, fleet of foot; once
+before drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he harried our kine and wasted
+Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered me out of his hand and put strength
+into my knees that they were swift. Else had I fallen beneath the hands of
+Achilles, and of Athene who went before and gave him light, and urged him to
+slay Leleges and Trojans with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible
+for man to face Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to
+ward off death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair field
+of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast him made of
+bronze throughout.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: “Yea, hero, pray thou too
+to the everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of Aphrodite daughter
+of Zeus, and Achilles’ mother is of less degree among the gods. For thy
+mother is child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient One of the Sea. Come, bear up
+thy unwearying spear against him, let him no wise turn thee back with revilings
+and bitter words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he went
+onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in flashing bronze. But
+white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises’ son as he went through
+the press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and gathering the gods about her
+she spake among them thus: “Consider ye twain, Poseidon and Athene,
+within your hearts, what shall come of these things that are done. Here is
+Aineias gone forth harnessed in flashing bronze, to meet the son of Peleus, and
+it is Phoebus Apollo that hath sent him. Come then, be it ours to turn him back
+straightway; or else let some one of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give
+him mighty power, so that he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who
+love him are the best of the Immortals, and that they who from of old ward war
+and fighting from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from Olympus are come
+down to mingle in this fight that he take no hurt among the Trojans on this
+day—afterward he shall suffer whatsoever things Fate span for him with her
+thread, at his beginning, when his mother bare him. If Achilles learn not this
+from voice divine, then shall he be afraid when some god shall come against him
+in the battle; for gods revealed are hard to look upon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Hera, be not
+fierce beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to match
+gods with gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place apart and seat us
+there to watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only if Ares or Phoebus Apollo
+fall to fighting, or put constraint upon Achilles and hinder him from fight,
+then straightway among us too shall go up the battle-cry of strife; right soon,
+methinks, shall they hie them from the issue of the fray back to Olympus to the
+company of the gods, overcome by the force of our hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and Pallas
+Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him, what time he
+should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There sate them down
+Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders with impenetrable
+cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the brows of Kallikolon around
+thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of cities. Thus they on either side sat
+devising counsels, but shrank all from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from
+his high seat commanded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze with
+bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed together in the
+fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in the midst between the
+hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises’ son, and noble Achilles.
+First came on Aineias threateningly, tossing his strong helm; his rapid shield
+he held before his breast, and brandished his bronze spear. And on the other
+side the son of Peleus rushed to meet him like a lion, a ravaging lion whom men
+desire to slay, a whole tribe assembled: and first he goeth his way unheeding,
+but when some warrior youth hath smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth
+himself open-mouthed, and foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout
+spirit groaneth in his heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either side his
+ribs and flanks and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring is borne straight
+on them by his passion, to try whether he shall slay some man of them, or
+whether himself shall perish in the forefront of the throng: thus was Achilles
+driven of his passion and valiant spirit to go forth to meet Aineias great of
+heart. And when they were come near against each other, then first to Aineias
+spake fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Aineias, wherefore hast thou so far
+come forward from the crowd to stand against me: doth thy heart bid thee fight
+with me in hope of holding Priam’s honour and lordship among the
+horse-taming Trojans? Nay, though thou slay me, not for that will Priam lay his
+kingdom in thy hands, for he hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken mind. Or
+have the Trojans allotted thee some lot of ground more choice than all the
+rest, fair land of tilth and orchard, that thou mayest dwell therein, if thou
+slay me? But methinks thou wilt find the slaying hard; for once before, I ween,
+have I made thee flee before my spear. Host thou forgotten the day when thou
+wert alone with the kine, and I made thee run swift-footed down Ida’s
+steeps in haste?—then didst thou not look behind thee in thy flight. Thence
+fleddest thou to Lernessos, but I wasted it, having fought against it with the
+help of Athene and of father Zeus, and carried away women captive, bereaving
+them of their day of freedom: only thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not
+this time, methinks, shall they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart:
+therefore I bid thee go back into the throng and come not forth against me,
+while as yet thou art unhurt—after the event even a fool is wise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: “Son of Peleus, think not with
+words to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how to speak
+taunts and unjust speech. We know each other’s race and lineage in that
+we have heard the fame proclaimed by mortal men, but never hast thou set eyes
+on my parents, or I on thine. Thou, they say, art son of nobie Peleus, and of
+Thetis of the fair tresses, the daughter of the sea: the sire I boast is
+Anchises great of heart, and my mother is Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or
+the other mourn their dear son today; for verily not with idle words shall we
+two satisfy our strife and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt, learn
+also this, that thou mayest well know our lineage, known to full many men:
+First Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he stablished Dardania, for
+not yet was holy Ilios built upon the plain to be a city of mortal men, but
+still they dwelt on slopes of many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a son,
+king Erichthonios, who became richest of mortal men. Three thousand mares had
+he that pastured along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their tender foals. Of
+them was Boreas enamoured as they grazed, and in semblance of a dark-maned
+horse he covered them: then they having conceived bare twelve fillies. These
+when they bounded over Earth the grain-giver would run upon the topmost ripened
+ears of corn and break them not; and when they bounded over the broad backs of
+the sea they would run upon the crests of the breakers of the hoary brine. Then
+Erichthonios begat Tros to be load over the Trojans, and to Tros three noble
+sons were born, Ilos and Assarakos and godlike Ganymedes, who became the most
+beautiful of mortal men. Him the gods caught up to be cupbearer to Zeus, for
+sake of his beauty, that he might dwell among immortals. Then Ilos again begat
+a son, noble Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and
+Klytios and Hiketaon, of the stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and
+Kapys Anchises, and Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for
+valour, Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will, for he
+is lord of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer like children,
+standing in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in plenty for both of us
+to utter—a hundred-thwarted ship would not suffice for the load of them. Glib
+is the tongue of man, and many words are therein of every kind, and wide is the
+range of his speech hither and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt
+thou hear in answer. But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling
+each against each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I
+desire, until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and against that other’s dread and mighty shield hurled his
+great spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the son of
+Peleus held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in fear, for he
+thought that the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of heart would lightly
+pierce it through—fond man, and knew not in his mind and heart that not lightly
+do the glorious gifts of gods yield to force of mortal men. So did not the
+great spear of wise Aineias pierce that shield, for the gold resisted it, even
+the gift of the god. Yet through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for
+five folds had the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one
+of gold; therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the
+circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim, where the bronze
+ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest thereon; and right through
+sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield cracked under it. And Aineias
+crouched and held up the shield away from him in dread; and the spear flew over
+his back and fixed itself in the earth, having divided asunder the two circles
+of the sheltering shield. And having escaped the long spear he stood still, and
+a vast anguish drowned his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him
+so nigh. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying
+his terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed) such
+as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with ease wielded
+it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the stone as he charged,
+either on helm or shield, which had warded from him bitter death, and then
+would the son of Peleus have closed and slain him with his sword, had not
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it with speed, and straightway spoken among
+the immortal gods: “Alas, woe is me for Aineias great of heart, who
+quickly will go down to Hades slain by the son of Peleus, for that he will obey
+the words of Apollo the far-darter, fond man, but nowise shall the god help him
+from grievous death. But wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence,
+causelessly for others’ wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings to
+the gods who inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out of
+death’s way, lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him; for
+it is appointed to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish not without
+seed or sign, even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved above all the children
+born to him from the daughters of men. For the race of Priam hath Zeus already
+hated. But thus shall the might of Aineias reign among the Trojans, and his
+childrel’s children, who shall be born in the aftertime.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Shaker of earth, thyself
+with thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or leave him
+[to be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus’ son]. For by many
+oaths among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even Pallas Athene and I,
+never to help the Trojans from their evil day, not even when all Troy shall
+burn in the burning of fierce fire, and they that burn her shall be the warlike
+sons of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the battle and
+the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned Achilles were. Then
+presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles, Peleus’ son, and drew
+the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aineias great of heart, and
+set it before Achilles’ feet, and lifted Aineias and swung him high from
+off the earth. Over many ranks of warriors, of horses many, sprang Aineias
+soaring in the hand of the god, and lighted at the farthest verge of the battle
+of many onsets, where the Kaukones were arraying them for the fight. Then hard
+beside him came Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged words:
+“Aineias, what god is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate against
+Peleus’ vehement son, who is both a better man than thou and dearer to
+Immortals? Rather withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in with him, lest even
+contrary to thy fate thou enter the house of Hades. But when Achilles shall
+have met his death and doom, then be thou of good courage to fight among the
+foremost, for there shall none other of the Achaians slay thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things. Then
+quickly from Achilles’ eyes he purged the magic mist; and he stared with
+wide eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: “Ha! verily a great
+marvel behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here upon the ground, nor
+can I anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with intent to slay him. Truly
+then is Aineias likewise dear to the immortal gods, howbeit I deemed that his
+boosting thereof was altogether vanity. Away with him! not again will he find
+heart to make trial of me, now that once more he has escaped death to his joy.
+But come, I will call on the warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some
+other Trojan face to face.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: “No longer
+stand afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let man match man and
+throw his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me, though I be strong, to assail
+so vast a folk and fight them all: not even Ares, though an immortal god, nor
+Athene, could plunge into the jaws of such a fray and toil therein. But to my
+utmost power with hands and feet and strength no whit, I say, will I be slack,
+nay, never so little, but right through their line will I go forward, nor deem
+I that any Trojan shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called aloud, and
+proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles: “High-hearted
+Trojans, fear not Peleus’ son. I too in words could fight even Immortals,
+but with the spear it were hard, for they are stronger far. Neither shall
+Achilles accomplish all his talk, but part thereof he is to accomplish, and
+part to break asunder in the midst. And against him will I go forth, though the
+hands of him be even as fire, yea though his hands be as fire and his
+fierceness as the flaming steel.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for battle; and
+their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry arose. Then Phoebus
+Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: “Hector, no longer challenge
+Achilles at all before the lines, but in the throng await him and from amid the
+roar of the battle, lest haply he spear thee or come near and smite thee with
+his sword.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he was
+amazed when he heard the sound of a god’s voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with strength,
+crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition, Otrynteus’ valiant
+son, a leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph to Otrynteus waster of
+cities, beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde’s rich domain. Him as he came right
+on did goodly Achilles smite with his hurled spear, down through the midst of
+his head, and it was rent asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly
+Achilles exulted over him; “here is thy death, thy birth was on the
+Gygaian lake, where is thy sire’s demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and
+eddying Hermos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition: him the
+chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the forefront of the
+battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples, through his
+bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle, Antenor’s son.
+No stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped the spear-head and clave
+the bone, and the brain within was all scattered: that stroke made ending of
+his zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he leapt from his chariot and fled before him,
+Achilles wounded in the back with his spear: and he breathed forth his spirit
+with a roar, as when a dragged bull roareth that the young men drag to the
+altar of the Lord of Helike; for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus
+roared Hippodamas as from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But Achilles
+with his spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam’s son. Him would
+his sire continually forbid to fight, for that among his children he was
+youngest born and best beloved, and overcame all in fleetness of foot. Just
+then in boyish folly, displaying the swiftness of his feet, he was rushing
+through the forefighters, until he lost his life. Him in the midst did
+fleet-footed noble Achilles smite with a javelin, in his back as he darted by,
+where his belt’s golden buckles clasped, and the breast and back plates
+overlapped: and right through beside the navel went the spear-head, and he fell
+on his knee with a cry, and dark cloud covered him round about, and he clasped
+his bowels to him with his hands as he sank.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his hands,
+and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer might he endure
+to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles brandishing his sharp
+spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when he saw him, sprang up, and
+spake exultingly: “Behold the man who hath deepest stricken into my soul,
+who slew my dear-prized friend; not long shall we now shrink from each other
+along the highways of the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: “Come thou near,
+that the sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: “Son of
+Peleus, think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too know myself
+how to speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou art a man of might,
+and a far better man than I. Yet doth this issue lie in the lap of the gods,
+whether I though weaker shall take thy life with my hurled spear, for mine too
+hath been found keen ere now.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath turned it
+back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it came back to goodly
+Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then Achilles set fiercely upon him,
+eager to slay him, crying his terrible cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very
+easily, as a god may, and hid him in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed
+noble Achilles make onset with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick
+mist. [But when the fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout
+he spake to him winged words: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from
+death; yet came ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of spears.
+Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is helper of
+me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may seize.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his spear, and he
+fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay, and hurled at Demuchos
+Philetor’s son, a good man and a tall, and stayed him with a stroke upon
+his knees; then smote him with his mighty sword and reft him of life. Then
+springing on Laogonos and Dardanos, sons of Bias, he thrust both from their
+chariot to the ground, one with a spear-cast smiting and the other in close
+battle with his sword. Then Tros, Alastor’s son—he came and clasped his
+knees to pray him to spare him, and let him live, and slay him not, having
+compassion on his like age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his
+prayers; for nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce
+mood—with his hands he touched Achilles’ knees, eager to entreat him, but
+he smote him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and
+black blood therefrom filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness covered
+his eyes. Then Achilles came near and struck Mulios in the ear, and right
+through the other ear went the bronze spear-head. Then he smote Agenor’s
+son Echeklos on the midst of the head with his hilted sword, and all the sword
+grew hot thereat with blood; and dark death seized his eyes, and forceful fate.
+Then next Deukalion, just where the sinews of the elbow join, there pierced he
+him through the forearm with his bronze spear-head; so abode he with his arm
+weighed down, beholding death before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with
+his sword swept far both head and helm, and the marrow rose out of the
+backbone, and the corpse lay stretched upon the earth. Then went he onward
+after Peires’ noble son, Rhigmos, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace:
+him in the midst he smote with his hurled javelin, and the point fixed in his
+lung, and he fell forth of his chariot. And Areithoos his squire, as he turned
+the horses round, he pierced in the back with his sharp spear, and thrust him
+from the car, and the horse ran wild with fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side, and the
+deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way the flame, so
+raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god, pressing hard on the
+men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood. For even as when one yoketh
+wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in a stablished threshing-floor, and
+quickly is it trodden out beneath the feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus
+beneath great-hearted Achilles his whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and
+shields together; and with blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the
+rims that ran around the car, for blood-drops from the horses’ hooves
+splashed them, and blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of
+Peleus pressed on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap21"></a>BOOK XXI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of Troy within their
+gates.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even eddying
+Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he chased the one part
+to the plain toward the city, even where the Achaians were flying in affright
+the day before, when glorious Hector was in his fury—thither poured some in
+flight, and Hera spread before them thick mist to hinder them:—but half were
+pent into the deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty
+noise, and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the eddies.
+And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a river, and the
+unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset, and they huddle in the
+water; so before Achilles was the stream of deep-eddying Xanthos filled with
+the roar and the throng of horses and men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant against
+tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his sword alone, and
+devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him every way about: and
+their groaning went up ghastly as they were stricken by the sword, and the
+water reddened with blood. As before a dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and
+fill the nooks of some fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain
+whichsoever of them he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream
+the Trojans crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were
+weary of slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an
+atonement for Patroklos, Menoitios’ son that was dead. These brought he
+forth amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with well-cut
+thongs, which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets, and gave them to
+his comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then again he made his onset,
+athirst for slaying.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river, Lykaon, whom
+once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his father’s orchard,
+in a night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze young shoots of a wild fig
+tree, to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to him an unlooked-for bane came
+goodly Achilles. And at that time he sold him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending
+him on ship board, and the son of Jason gave a price for him; and thence a
+guest friend freed him with a great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to
+goodly Arisbe; whence flying secretly he came to his father’s house.
+Eleven days he rejoiced among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on
+the twelfth once more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to
+send him to the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when fleet-footed
+noble Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he a spear, but had
+thrown all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as he tried to flee out of
+the river, and his knees were failing him for weariness: then in wrath spake
+Achilles to his great heart: “Ha! verily great marvel is this that I
+behold with my eyes. Surely then will the proud Trojans whom I have slain rise
+up again from beneath the murky gloom, since thus hath this man come back
+escaped from his pitiless fate, though sold into goodly Lemnos, neither hath
+the deep of the hoary sea stayed him, that holdeth many against their will. But
+come then, of our spear’s point shall he taste, that I may see and learn
+in my mind whether likewise he shall come back even from beneath, or whether
+the life-giving Earth shall hold him down, she that holdeth so even the
+strong.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to touch
+his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil death and black
+destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear with intent to smite
+him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught his knees; and the spear went
+over his back and stood in the ground, hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon
+besought him, with one hand holding his knees, while with the other he held the
+sharp spear and loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: “I cry thee
+mercy, Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I tasted meal
+of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in the well-ordered
+orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my friends unto goodly
+Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred oxen. And now have I been
+ransomed for thrice that, and this is my twelfth morn since I came to Ilios
+after much pain. Now once again hath ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands;
+surely I must be hated of father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto
+thee; and to short life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes’
+daughter—Altes who ruleth among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos
+on the Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her
+were we two born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of the
+foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou smotest him
+with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me here, for no hope have I
+to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered me thereunto. Yet one thing will
+I tell thee, and do thou lay it to heart: slay me not, since I am not of the
+same mother as Hector, who slew thy comrade the gentle and brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words, but he
+heard a voice implacable: “Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor these
+words. Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to my soul to
+spare the men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond the sea: but now
+there is none shall escape death, whomsoever before Ilios God shall deliver
+into my hands—yes, even among all Trojans, but chiefest among Priam’s
+sons. Ay, friend, thou too must die: why lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who
+was better far than thou. Seest thou not also what manner of man am I for might
+and goodliness? and a good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet
+over me too hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some
+noonday when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the other’s knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles’ spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew his
+sharp sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all the two-edged
+sword sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the earth, and blood
+flowed dark from him and soaked the earth. Him seized Achilles by the foot and
+sent him down the stream, and over him exulting spake winged words:
+“There lie thou among the fishes, which shall lick off thy wound’s
+blood heedlessly, nor shall thy mother lay thee on a bed and mourn for thee,
+but Skamandros shall bear thee on his eddies into the broad bosom of the sea.
+Leaping along the wave shall many a fish dart up to the dark ripple to eat of
+the white flesh of Lykaon. So perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred
+Ilios, ye flying and I behind destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing,
+silver-eddied, shall avail you, to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice many
+bulls, and among his eddies throw whole-hooved horses down alive. For all this
+yet shall ye die the death, until ye pay all for Patroklos’ slaying and
+the slaughter of Achaians whom at the swift ships ye slew while I tarried
+afar.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and sought in
+his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work, and ward destruction
+from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with his far-shadowing spear
+leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son of Pelegon, whom wide-flowing
+Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set
+Achilles, and Asteropaios stood against him from the river, holding two spears;
+for Xanthos put courage into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered
+youths whom Achilles was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them.
+Then when the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Who and whence art thou of men, that darest
+to come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them with my
+might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him, made answer Pelegol’s noble son: “High-hearted son of
+Peleus, why askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a land far
+off, leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now is the eleventh
+morn since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of wide-flowing Axios, who begat
+Pelegon famous with the spear, and he, men say, was my father. Now fight we,
+noble Achilles!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash: but the
+warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he could use both
+hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield, but pierced it not right
+through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a god; and with the other he
+grazed the elbow of Achilles’ right arm, and there leapt forth dark
+blood, but the point beyond him fixed itself in the earth, eager to batten on
+flesh. Then in his turn Achilles hurled on Asteropaios his straight-flying ash,
+fain to have slain him, but missed the man and struck the high bank, and
+quivering half its length in the bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of
+Peleus drew his sharp sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he
+availed not to draw with his stout hand Achilles’ ashen shaft from the
+steep bank. Thrice shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up
+the strain, but the fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen spear
+of the seed of Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft him of life
+with his sword. For in the belly he smote him beside the navel, and all his
+bowels gushed out to the earth, and darkness covered his eyes as he lay
+gasping. Then Achilles trampling on his breast stripped off his armour and
+spake exultingly: “Lie there! It is hard to strive against children of
+Kronos’ mighty son, even though one be sprung from a River-god. Thou
+truly declarest thyself the seed of a wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the
+linkage of great Zeus. My sire is a man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son
+of Aiakos, and Aiakos was begotten of Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than
+seaward-murmuring rivers, so is the seed of Zeus made mightier than the seed of
+a river. Nay, there is hard beside thee a great river, if he may anywise avail;
+but against Zeus the son of Kronos it is not possible to fight. For him not
+even king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great strength of deep-flowing Ocean,
+from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all springs and deep wells: yea,
+even he hath fear of the lightning of great Zeus and his dread thunder, when it
+pealeth out of heaven.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water flooded
+him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing the fat about his
+kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted Paiones who still along the
+eddying river huddled in fear, when they saw their best man in the stress of
+battle slain violently by the hands and the sword of the son of Peleus. There
+slew he Thersilochos and Mydon and Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios
+and Ophelestes; and more yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain,
+had not the deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man,
+and from an eddy’s depth sent forth a voice: “O Achilles, thy might
+and thy evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are ever
+helping thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all the Trojans
+to destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy grim deeds on the
+plain, for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed, nor can I pour my stream to
+the great sea, being choked with dead, and thou slayest ruthlessly. Come then,
+let be; I am astonished, O captain of hosts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: “So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not cease from
+slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have made trial with
+Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo spake the
+deep-eddying River: “Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child of Zeus,
+thou hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos’ son, who charged thee
+straitly to stand by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come with light
+late-setting, and darken the deep-soiled earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into his
+midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all his streams
+in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in him, slain by
+Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a bull, and saved the
+living under his fair streams, hiding them within eddies deep and wide. But
+terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous wave, and the stream smote
+violently against his shield, nor availed he to stand firm upon his feet. Then
+he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and it fell uprooted and tore away all the
+bank, and reached over the fair river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed
+the River himself, falling all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the
+eddy, made haste to fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid.
+But the great god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest,
+that he might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction from the
+men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear’s throw, with the
+swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at once and swiftest of
+winged birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast the bronze rang terribly as
+he fled from beneath the onset, and behind him the River rushed on with a
+mighty roar. As when a field-waterer from a dark spring leadeth water along a
+bed through crops and garden grounds, a mattock in his hands, casting forth
+hindrances from the ditch, and as it floweth all pebbles are swept down, and
+swiftly gliding it murmureth down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is
+its guide:—thus ever the river wave caught up Achilles for all his speed; for
+gods are mightier than men. For whensoever fleet-footed noble Achilles
+struggled to stand against it, and know whether all immortals be upon him who
+inhabit spacious heaven, then would a great wave of the heaven-sprung River
+beat upon his shoulders from above, and he sprang upward with his feet, sore
+vexed at heart; and the River was wearying his knees with violent rush beneath,
+devouring the earth from under his feet. Then the son of Peleus cried aloud,
+looking up to the broad heaven: “Zeus, Father, how doth none of the gods
+take it on him in pity to save me from the River! after that let come to me
+what may. None other of the inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but
+only my dear mother, who beguiled me with false words, saying that under the
+wall of the mail-clad men of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of Apollo.
+Would that Hector had slain me, the best of men bred here: then brave had been
+the slayer, and a brave man had he slain. But now by a sorry death am I doomed
+to die, pent in this mighty river, like a swineherd boy whom a torrent sweepeth
+down as he essayeth to cross it in a storm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood beside him,
+in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs pledged him in words.
+And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Son of
+Peleus, tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers of thee are we from the
+gods, approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and I, for to be vanquished of a
+river is not appointed thee, but he will soon give back, and thou wilt thyself
+perceive it: but we will give thee wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not
+thy hand from hazardous battle until within Ilios’ famous walls thou have
+pent the Trojan host, even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou
+hast taken the life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we give unto
+thee to win.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the plain—for
+the bidding of gods was strong upon him—went onward; and all the plain was
+filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and corpses of slain youths
+were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees as he rushed against the stream
+right on, nor stayed him the wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength
+in him. Neither did Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged
+against the son of Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream,
+lifting himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: “Dear
+brother, the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he
+will lay waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not in the
+battle. Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from thy springs,
+and urge on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave, and stir huge roaring
+of tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the fierce man who now is lording
+it, and deeming himself match for gods. For neither, I ween, will strength
+avail him nor comeliness anywise, nor that armour beautiful, which deep beneath
+the flood shall be o’erlaid with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my
+sands and pour round him countless shingle without stint, nor shall the
+Achaians know where to gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap
+over them. Where he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have need
+of any barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high, thundering with
+foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark wave of the
+heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son of Peleus. But Hera
+cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great deep-eddying River sweep him
+away, and straightway she called to Hephaistos, her dear son: “Rise, lame
+god, O my son; it was against thee we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched
+in fight. Help with all speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go
+to raise a strong storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south
+which shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the
+angry flame. Thou along Xanthos’ banks burn up his trees and wrap himself
+in fire, nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by threat, nor
+stay thy rage—only when I cry to thee with my voice, then hold the unwearying
+fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on the
+plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick, slain by
+Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water stayed. And as
+when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a new watered orchard, and
+he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole plain parched, and Hephaistos
+consumed the dead; then against the river he turned his gleaming flame. Elms
+burnt and willow trees and tamarisks, and lotos burnt and rush and galingale
+which round the fair streams of the river grew in multitude. And the eels and
+fishes beneath the eddies were afflicted, which through the fair streams
+tumbled this way and that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And
+the strong River burned, and spake and called to him by name:
+“Hephaistos, there is no god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee
+thus ablaze with fire. Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans
+forthwith out of their city; what have I to do with strife and succour?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And as a
+cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of some fatted
+hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie thereunder,—so burned
+his fair streams in the fire, and the water boiled. He had no mind to flow, but
+refrained him, for the breath of cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him.
+Then unto Hera, earnestly beseeching her,’ he spake winged words:
+“Hera, wherefore hath thy son assailed my stream to vex it above others?
+I am less chargeable than all the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo,
+I will give over, if thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further
+will swear even this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans,
+not even when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the warlike
+sons of Achaians are the burners thereof.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway she spake
+unto Hephaistos her dear son: “Hephaistos, hold, famed son; it befitteth
+not thus for mortals’ sake to do violence to an immortal god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the wave
+once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed them,
+though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter strife, and
+their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And they clashed together
+with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned, and the clarion of great Heaven
+rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon Olympus, and his heart within him
+laughed pleasantly when he beheld that strife of gods. Then no longer stood
+they asunder, for Ares piercer of shields began the battle and first made for
+Athene with his bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: “Wherefore, O
+dogfly, dost thou match gods with gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy
+great spirit moveth thee? Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes
+Tydeus’ son to wound me, and thyself didst take a visible spear and
+thrust it straight at me and pierce through my fair skin? Therefore deem I now
+that thou shalt pay me for all that thou hast done.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the lightning
+of Zeus can overcome—thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his long spear. But
+she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that lay upon the plain,
+black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to be the landmark of a field;
+this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares on the neck, and unstrung his limbs.
+Seven roods he covered in his fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his
+armour rang upon him. And Pallas Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words
+exultingly: “Fool, not even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou
+I claim to be, that thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou
+satisfy thy mother’s curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her
+wrath, for that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojal’s
+aid.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did Aphrodite
+daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning continually, for
+scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when the white-armed goddess
+Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake unto Athene winged words:
+“Out on it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, maiden invincible, lo there the
+dogfly is leading Ares destroyer of men out of the fray of battle down the
+throng—nay then, pursue her.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at her and
+smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her knees and heart
+were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous earth, and she spake winged
+words exultingly: “Such let all be who give the Trojans aid when they
+fight against the mailed Argives. Be they even so bold and brave as Aphrodite
+when she came to succour Ares and defied my might. Then should we long ago have
+ceased from war, having laid waste the stablished citadel of Ilios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo spake the
+earth-shaking lord: “Phoebus, why stand we apart? It befitteth not after
+the rest have begun: that were the more shameful if without fighting we should
+go to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus. Begin, for thou art
+younger; it were not meet for me, since I was born first and know more. Fond
+god, how foolish is thy heart! Thou rememberest not all the ills we twain alone
+of gods endured at Ilios, when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon
+and served him through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us his
+commands. I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and most fair, that
+the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst herd shambling
+crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded Ida. But when the joyous
+seasons were accomplishing the term of hire, then redoubtable Laomedon robbed
+us of all hire, and sent us off with threats. He threatened that he would bind
+together our feet and hands and sell us into far-off isles, and the ears of
+both of us he vowed to shear off with the sword. So we went home with angry
+hearts, wroth for the hire he promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou
+showest favour, nor essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low
+and perish miserably with their children and noble wives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: “Shaker of the earth, of
+no sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee for the
+sake of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in glowing life,
+consuming the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into death. Let us with
+all speed cease from combat, and let them do battle by themselves.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father’s brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild
+beasts, huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: “So then thou
+fleest, Far-darter, hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and given him
+glory for naught! Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual bow in vain? Let me
+not hear thee again in the halls of our sire boast as before among the immortal
+gods thou wouldst stand up to fight against Poseidon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily the noble
+spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting words:] “How now
+art thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me? Hard were it for thee to
+match my might, bow-bearer though thou art, since against women Zeus made thee
+a lion, and giveth thee to slay whomso of them thou wilt. Truly it is better on
+the mountains to slay wild beasts and deer than to fight amain with mightier
+than thou. But if thou wilt, try war, that thou mayest know well how far
+stronger am I, since thou matchest thy might with mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other’s hands by the
+wrist, and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and therewith,
+smiling, beat her on the ears as she turned this way and that; and the swift
+arrows fell out of her quiver. And weeping from before her the goddess fled
+like a dove that from before a falcon flieth to a hollow rock, a cleft—for she
+was not fated to be caught;—thus Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and
+arrows where they lay. Then to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus:
+“Leto, with thee will I no wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to
+blows with wives of cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart’s
+content among the immortal gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and
+main.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen hither and
+thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter’s bow she went
+back. And the maiden came to Olympus, to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus,
+and weeping set herself on her father’s knee, while round her her divine
+vesture quivered: and her father, Kronos’ son, took her to him and asked
+of her, laughing gently: “Who of the inhabitants of heaven, dear child,
+hath dealt with thee thus [hastily, as though thou hadst been doing some wrong
+thing openly]?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase:
+“It was thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from
+whom are strife and contention come upon the immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into sacred
+Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded city, lest the
+Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the other ever-living gods
+went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly triumphing, and sat down beside
+Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven, when a
+city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to all, and griefs
+to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the Trojans. And the old man
+Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware of dread Achilles, how before
+him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was any succour found of them. Then with
+a cry he went down from the tower, to rouse the gallant warders along the
+walls: “Hold open the gates in your hands until the folk come to the city
+in their rout, for closely is Achilles chasing them—now trow I there will be
+deadly deeds. And when they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath,
+then again shut back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that
+murderous man spring in within the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and the
+gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front that he
+might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the city and the
+high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and dust-grimed from the plain, and
+Achilles chased them vehemently with his spear, for strong frenzy possessed his
+heart continually, and he thirsted to win him renown. Then would the sons of
+the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly
+Agenor, Antenor’s son, a princely man and strong. In his heart he put
+good courage, and himself stood by his side that he might ward off the grievous
+visitations of death, leaning against the oak, and he was shrouded in thick
+mist. So when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of cities, he halted, and his
+heart much wavered as he stood; and in trouble he spake to his great heart:
+“Ay me, if I flee before mighty Achilles, there where the rest are driven
+terror-struck, nathless will he overtake me and slaughter me as a coward. Or
+what if I leave these to be driven before Achilles the son of Peleus, and flee
+upon my feet from the wall by another way to the Ileian plain, until I come to
+the spurs of Ida, and hide me in the underwood? So then at evening, having
+bathed in the river and refreshed me of sweat, I might return to Ilios. Nay,
+why doth my heart debate thus within me? Lest he might be aware of me as I get
+me from the city for the plain, and speeding after overtake me with swift feet;
+then will it no more be possible to avoid the visitation of death, for he is
+exceeding mighty above all mankind. What then if in front of the city I go
+forth to meet him? Surely his flesh too is penetrable by sharp bronze, and
+there is but one life within, and men say he is mortal, howbeit Zeus the son of
+Kronos giveth him renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his stout
+heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth from a deep
+thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor fleeth when she
+heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first smite her with thrust or
+throw, yet even pierced through with the spear she ceaseth not from her courage
+until she either grapple or be slain, so noble Antenor’s son, goodly
+Agenor, refused to flee till he should put Achilles to the proof, but held
+before him the circle of his shield, and aimed at him with his spear, and cried
+aloud: “Doubtless thou hopest in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day
+to sack the city of the proud men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful
+things yet be wrought before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who
+in front of our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou shalt
+here meet death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on the leg
+beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of new-wrought tin rang
+terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from him it smote, nor pierced
+him, for the god’s gift drave it back. Then the son of Peleus in his turn
+made at godlike Agenor, but Apollo suffered him not to win renown, but caught
+away Agenor, and shrouded him in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone
+out of the war. Then by wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in
+complete semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river Skamandros, as he
+ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo beguiled him that he kept
+ever hoping to overtake him in the race), meantime the other Trojans in common
+rout came gladly unto their fastness, and the city was filled with the throng
+of them. Neither had they heart to await one another outside the city and wall,
+and to know who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and knees
+might save.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap22"></a>BOOK XXII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought his body to the
+ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their sweat and
+drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair battlements, while the
+Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to shoulders. But Hector deadly
+fate bound to abide in his place, in front of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then
+to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus Apollo: “Wherefore, son of Peleus,
+pursuest thou me with swift feet, thyself being mortal and I a deathless god?
+Thou hast not even yet known me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently.
+Truly thou regardest not thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou
+affrightedst, who now are gathered into the city, while thou heat wandered
+hither. Me thou wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Thou hast
+baulked me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou hast
+turned me hither from the wall: else should full many yet have bitten the dust
+or ever within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou robbed me of great renown,
+and lightly hast saved them, because thou hadst no vengeance to fear
+thereafter. Verily I would avenge me on thee, had I but the power.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like some
+victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed over the
+plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the old man Priam
+first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the star that cometh forth
+at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine forth amid the host of stars in
+the darkness of night, the star whose name men call Oriol’s Dog.
+Brightest of all is he, yet for an evil sign is he set, and bringeth much fever
+upon hapless men. Even so on Achilles’ breast the bronze gleamed as he
+ran. And the old man cried aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising
+them on high, and with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he
+before the gates was standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old
+man spake piteously unto him, stretching forth his hands: “Hector,
+beloved son, I pray thee await not this man alone with none beside thee, lest
+thou quickly meet thy doom, slain by the son of Peleus, since he is mightier
+far, a merciless man. Would the gods loved him even as do I! then quickly would
+dogs and vultures devour him on the field—thereby would cruel pain go from my
+heart—the man who hath bereft me of many valiant sons, slaying them and selling
+them captive into far-off isles. Ay even now twain of my children, Lykaon and
+Polydoros, I cannot see among the Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons
+whom Laothoe bare me, a princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the
+enemy’s host, then will we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is
+store within, for much goods gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If
+they be dead, then even in the house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to my soul
+and to their mother, even to us who gave them birth, but to the rest of the
+folk a briefer sorrow, if but thou die not by Achilles’ hand. Nay, come
+within the wall, my child, that thou preserve the men and women of Troy,
+neither give great triumph to the son of Peleus, and be thyself bereft of sweet
+life. Have compassion also on me, the helpless one, who still can feel,
+ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos’ son, will bring to naught by a
+grievous doom in the path of old age, having seen full many ills, his sons
+perishing and his daughters carried away captive, and his chambers laid waste
+and infant children hurled to the ground in terrible war, and his sons’
+wives dragged away by the ruinous hands of the Achaians. Myself then last of
+all at the street door will ravening dogs tear, when some one by stroke or
+throw of the sharp bronze hath bereft my limbs of life—even the dogs I reared
+in my halls about my table and to guard my door, which then having drunk my
+blood, maddened at heart shall lie in the gateway. A young man all beseemeth,
+even to be slain in war, to be torn by the sharp bronze and lie on the field;
+though he be dead yet is all honourable to him, whate’er be seen: but
+when dogs defile the hoary head and hoary beard of an old man slain, this is
+the most piteous thing that cometh upon hapless men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from his
+head, but he persuaded not Hector’s soul. Then his mother in her turn
+wailed tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the other hand
+she showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him winged words:
+“Hector, my child, have regard unto this bosom and pity me, if ever I
+gave thee consolation of my breast. Think of it, dear child, and from this side
+the wall drive back the foe, nor stand in front to meet him. He is merciless;
+if he slay thee it will not be on a bed that I or thy wife shall bewail thee,
+my own dear child, but far away from us by the ships of the Argives will swift
+dogs devour thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore, yet they
+persuaded not Hector’s soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as he drew
+nigh in giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den awaiteth a man,
+having fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered into him, and terribly
+he glared as he coileth himself about his den, so Hector with courage
+unquenchable gave not back, leaning his shining shield against a jutting tower.
+Then sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I go within
+the gates and walls, Polydamas will be first to bring reproach against me,
+since he bade me lead the Trojans to the city during this ruinous night, when
+noble Achilles arose. But I regarded him not, yet surely it had been better
+far. And now that I have undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before
+the men of Troy and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some worse man
+than I shall say: ‘Hector by trusting his own might undid the
+host.’ So will they speak; then to me would it be better far to face
+Achilles and either slay him and go home, or myself die gloriously before the
+city. Or what if I lay down my bossy shield and my stout helm, and lean my
+spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet noble Achilles and promise him
+that Helen, and with her all possessions that Alexandros brought in hollow
+ships to Troy, the beginning of strife, we will give to the Sons of Atreus to
+take away, and therewithal to divide in half with the Achaians all else that
+this city holdeth: and if thereafter I obtain from the Trojans an oath of the
+Elders that they will hide nothing but divide all in twain [whatever wealth the
+pleasant city hold within]? But wherefore doth my heart debate thus? I might
+come unto him and he would not pity or regard me at all, but presently slay me
+unarmed as it were but a woman, if I put off my armour. No time is it now to
+dally with him from oaktree or from rock, like youth with maiden, as youth and
+maiden hold dalliance one with another. Better is it to join battle with all
+speed: let us know upon which of us twain the Olympian shall bestow
+renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of Enyalios
+warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right shoulder the Pelian ash,
+his terrible spear; and all around the bronze on him flashed like the gleam of
+blazing fire or of the Sun as he ariseth. And trembling seized Hector as he was
+aware of him, nor endured he to abide in his place, but left the gates behind
+him and fled in fear. And the son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his
+swift feet. As a falcon upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things, swoopeth
+fleetly after a trembling dove; and she before him fleeth, while he with shrill
+screams hard at hand still darteth at her, for his heart urgeth him to seize
+her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight for him, and Hector fled beneath
+the Trojans’ wall, and plied swift knees. They past the watch-place and
+wind-waved wild fig-tree sped ever, away from under the wall, along the
+waggon-track, and came to the two fair-flowing springs, where two fountains
+rise that feed deep-eddying Skamandros. The one floweth with warm water, and
+smoke goeth up therefrom around as it were from a blazing fire, while the other
+even in summer floweth forth like cold hail or snow or ice that water formeth.
+And there beside the springs are broad washing-troughs hard by, fair troughs of
+stone, where wives and fair daughters of the men of Troy were wont to wash
+bright raiment, in the old time of peace, before the sons of the Achaians came.
+Thereby they ran, he flying, he pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far
+mightier he who fleetly pursued him. For not for beast of sacrifice or for an
+oxhide were they striving, such as are prizes for mel’s speed of foot,
+but for the life of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as when victorious
+whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the turning-points, and some great prize
+lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a woman, in honour of a man that is dead, so
+thrice around Priam’s city circled those twain with flying feet, and all
+the gods were gazing on them. Then among them spake first the father of gods
+and men: “Ay me, a man beloved I see pursued around the wall. My heart is
+woe for Hector, who hath burnt for me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of
+many-folded Ida, and other times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles
+pursuing him with swift feet round Priam’s town. Come, give your counsel,
+gods, and devise whether we shall save him from death or now at last slay him,
+valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O Father, Lord of
+the bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A man
+that is a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back from
+ill-boding death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: “Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain be kind
+to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from the crests
+of Olympus she darted down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as when on the
+mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having started it from its
+covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch to baffle him under a bush,
+yet scenting it out the hound runneth constantly until he find it; so Hector
+baffled not Peleus’ fleet-footed son. Oft as he set himself to dart under
+the well-built walls over against the Dardanian gates, if haply from above they
+might succour him with darts, so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him
+toward the plain, while himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a
+dream one faileth in chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and
+the other in his chase—so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race, and
+Hector to escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation of death,
+had not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came nigh to him, who
+nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the host did noble Achilles
+sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl bitter darts against Hector, lest
+any smiting him should gain renown, and he himself come second. But when the
+fourth time they had reached the springs, then the Father hung his golden
+balances, and set therein two lots of dreary death, one of Achilles, one of
+horse-taming Hector, and held them by the midst and poised. Then Hector’s
+fated day sank down, and fell to the house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left
+him. But to Peleus’ son came the bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing
+near spake to him winged words: “Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to
+Zeus, I have hope that we twain shall carry off great glory to the ships for
+the Achaians, having slain Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No longer is
+it possible for him to escape us, not even though far-darting Apollo should
+travail sore, grovelling before the Father, aegis-bearing Zeus. But do thou now
+stand and take breath, and I will go and persuade this man to confront thee in
+fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood leaning on
+his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to noble Hector, like
+unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and standing near spake to him
+winged words: “Dear brother, verily fleet Achilles doth thee violence,
+chasing thee round Priam’s town with swift feet: but come let us make a
+stand and await him on our defence.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: “Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I shall honour
+thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when thou sawest me, to
+come forth of the wall, while the others tarry within.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “Dear brother, of
+a truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me much,
+entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all tremble before
+him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And now fight we with
+straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of spears, that we may know
+whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our bloody spoils to the hollow ships,
+or whether he might be vanquished by thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come nigh in
+onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of the glancing
+helm: “No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as before I thrice ran
+round the great town of Priam, and endured not to await thy onset. Now my heart
+biddeth me stand up against thee; I will either slay or be slain. But come
+hither and let us pledge us by our gods, for they shall be best witnesses and
+beholders of covenants: I will entreat thee in no outrageous sort, if Zeus
+grant me to outstay thee, and if I take thy life, but when I have despoiled
+thee of thy glorious armour, O Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the
+Achaians, and do thou the same.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Hector, talk
+not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is no
+pledge of faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but imagine evil
+continually against each other, so is it impossible for thee and me to be
+friends, neither shall be any pledge between us until one or other shall have
+fallen and glutted with blood Ares, the stubborn god of war. Bethink thee of
+all thy soldiership: now behoveth it thee to quit thee as a good spearman and
+valiant man of war. No longer is there way of escape for thee, but Pallas
+Athene will straightway subdue thee to my spear; and now in one hour shalt thou
+pay back for all my sorrows for my friends whom thou hast slain in the fury of
+thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble Hector
+watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on it he crouched,
+and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in the earth; but Pallas
+Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles, unknown of Hector shepherd of
+hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble son of Peleus: “Thou hast missed,
+so no wise yet, godlike Achilles, has thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom,
+though thou thoughtest it. Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech,
+that fearing thee I might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt
+thou plant thy spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I
+set on thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my spear of
+bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then would the war be
+lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for thou art their greatest
+bane.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote the midst
+of the shield of Peleus’ son, and missed him not: but far from the shield
+the spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his swift weapon had left his
+hand in vain, and he stood downcast, for he had no second ashen spear. And he
+called with a loud shout to Deiphobos of the white shield, and asked of him a
+long spear, but he was no wise nigh. Then Hector knew he truth in his heart,
+and spake and said: “Ay me, now verily the gods have summoned me to
+death. I deemed the warrior Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the
+wall, and it was Athene who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come
+very nigh me, not far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of
+old the pleasure of Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before
+were fain to succour me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me not die
+without a struggle or ingloriously, but in some great deed of arms whereof men
+yet to be born shall hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and strong,
+and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that darteth to the plain
+through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or crouching hare. So Hector
+swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And Achilles made at him, for his heart
+was filled with wild fierceness, and before his breast he made a covering with
+his fair graven shield, and tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it
+waved fair golden plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a
+star goeth among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all stars
+set in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear Achilles
+poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble Hector, eyeing his
+fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the rest of him his flesh was
+covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped from strong Patroklos when he
+slew him, but there was an opening where the collar bones coming from the
+shoulders clasp the neck, even at the gullet, where destruction of life cometh
+quickliest; there, as he came on, noble Achilles drave at him with his spear,
+and right through the tender neck went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen
+spear clave not the windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his
+foe. And he fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly:
+“Hector, thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that thou
+wouldst be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou fool. But away
+among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even I, was left behind,
+who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs and birds tear foully, but his
+funeral shall the Achaians make.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “I
+pray thee by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of the
+Achaians to devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and gold, gifts
+that my father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give them home my body
+back again, that the Trojans and Trojans’ wives give me my due of fire
+after my death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Entreat me
+not, dog, by knees or parents. Would that my heart’s desire could so bid
+me myself to carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast wrought me, as
+surely is there none that shall keep the dogs from thee, not even should they
+bring ten or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it out, and promise even more,
+not even were Priam Dardanos’ son to bid pay thy weight in gold, not even
+so shall thy lady mother lay thee on a bed to mourn her son, but dogs and birds
+shall devour thee utterly.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “Verily I know
+thee and behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee; truly
+thy heart is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon thee wrath of
+gods, in the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee, for all thy valour,
+at the Skaian gate.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew forth
+of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her fate, leaving her
+vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble Achilles: “Die: for my
+death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the other immortal gods are minded
+to accomplish it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it aside, and
+stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other sons of Achaians ran
+up around, who gazed upon the stature and marvellous goodliness of Hector. Nor
+did any stand by but wounded him, and thus would many a man say looking toward
+his neighbour: “Go to, of a truth far easier to handle is Hector now than
+when he burnt the ships with blazing fire.” Thus would many a man say,
+and wound him as he stood hard by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled
+him, he stood up among the Achaians and spake winged words: “Friends,
+chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to
+vanquish this man who hath done us more evil than all the rest together, come
+let us make trial in arms round about the city, that we may know somewhat of
+the Trojans’ purpose, whether since he hath fallen they will forsake the
+citadel, or whether they are minded to abide, albeit Hector is no more. But
+wherefore doth my heart debate thus? There lieth by the ships a dead man
+unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos; him will I not forget, while I abide among the
+living and my knees can stir. Nay if even in the house of Hades the dead forget
+their dead, yet will I even there be mindful of my dear comrade. But come, ye
+sons of the Achaians, let us now, singing our song of victory, go back to the
+hollow ships and take with us our foe. Great glory have we won; we have slain
+the noble Hector, unto whom the Trojans prayed throughout their city, as he had
+been a god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of both feet
+behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust therethrough thongs of
+ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving his head to trail. And when he
+had mounted the chariot and lifted therein the famous armour, he lashed his
+horses to speed, and they nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that
+was dragged, and his dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay
+all his once fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat
+foully in his own native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld her son,
+tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and cried aloud with an
+exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his father, and around them the folk
+fell to crying and moaning throughout the town. Most like it seemed as though
+all beetling Ilios were burning utterly in fire. Scarcely could the folk keep
+back the old man in his hot desire to get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For
+he besought them all, casting himself down in the mire, and calling on each man
+by his name: “Hold, friends, and though you love me leave me to get me
+forth of the city alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me pray this
+accursed horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame before his age-fellows
+and pity an old man. He also hath a father such as I am, Peleus, who begat and
+reared him to be a bane of Trojans—and most of all to me hath he brought woe.
+So many sons of mine hath he slain in their flower—yet for all my sorrow for
+the rest I mourn them all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief
+will bring me down to the house of Hades—even Hector. Would that he had died in
+my arms; then would we have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore him
+to her ill hap, and I myself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him. And
+among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: “My child, ah, woe
+is me! wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who night and day
+wert my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both men and women of Troy
+throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god, for verily an exceeding glory to
+them wert thou in thy life:—now death and fate have overtaken thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector’s wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates, but in
+an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double purple web, and
+broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to her goodly-haired
+handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on the fire, that Hector
+might have warm washing when he came home out of the battle fond heart, and was
+unaware how, far from all washings, bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the
+hand of Achilles. But she heard shrieks and groans from the battlements, and
+her limbs reeled, and the shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again
+among her goodly-haired maids she spake: “Come two of ye this way with me
+that I may see what deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband’s
+noble mother that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth
+and my knees are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand against
+the children of Priam. Would that such word might never reach my ear! yet
+terribly I dread lest noble Achilles have cut off bold Hector from the city by
+himself and chased him to the plain and ere this ended his perilous pride that
+possessed him, for never would he tarry among the throng of men but ran out
+before them far, yielding place to no man in his hardihood.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating heart, and
+with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the battlements and the
+throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and gazed, and beheld him dragged
+before the city:—swift horses dragged him recklessly toward the hollow ships of
+the Achaians. Then dark night came on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell
+backward and gasped forth her spirit. From off her head she shook the bright
+attiring thereof, frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that
+golden Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm led her
+forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold. And around her
+thronged her husband’s sisters and his brothers’ wives, who held
+her up among them, distraught even to death. But when at last she came to
+herself and her soul returned into her breast, then wailing with deep sobs she
+spake among the women of Troy: “O Hector, woe is me! to one fate then
+were we both born, thou in Troy in the house of Priam, and I in Thebe under
+woody Plakos, in the house of Eetion, who reared me from a little one—ill-fated
+sire of cruel-fated child. Ah, would he have begotten me not. Now thou to the
+house of Hades beneath the secret places of the earth departest, and me in
+bitter mourning thou leavest a widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant
+child—son of unhappy parents, thee and me—nor shalt thou profit him, Hector,
+since thou art dead, neither he thee. For even if he escape the Achaians’
+woful war, yet shall labour and sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men
+shall seize his lands. The day of orphanage sundereth a child from his fellows,
+and his head is bowed down ever, and his cheeks are wet with tears. And in his
+need the child seeketh his father’s friends, plucking this one by cloak
+and that by coat, and one of them that pity him holdeth his cup a little to his
+mouth, and moisteneth his lips, but his palate he moisteneth not. And some
+child unorphaned thrusteth him from the feast with blows and taunting words,
+‘Out with thee! no father of thine is at our board.’ Then weeping
+to his widowed mother shall he return, even Astyanax, who erst upon his
+father’s knee ate only marrow and fat flesh of sheep; and when sleep fell
+on him and he ceased from childish play, then in bed in his nurse’s arms
+he would slumber softly nested, having satisfied his heart with good things;
+but now that he hath lost his father he will suffer many ills, Astyanax—that
+name the Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the defence of their gates and
+their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far from thy parents, shall
+coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their fill, as thou liest
+naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate and fair, wrought by
+the hands of women. But verily all these will I consume with burning fire—to
+thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie therein, yet that his be honour to
+thee from the men and the women of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap23"></a>BOOK XXIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they were come
+to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his own ship: only
+the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but spake among his
+comrades whose delight was in war: “Fleet-horsed Myrmidons, my trusty
+comrades, let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved steeds from their cars, but
+with horses and chariots let us go near and mourn Patroklos, for such is the
+honour of the dead. Then when we have our fill of grievous wailing, we will
+unyoke the horses and all sup here.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led their
+mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned steeds,
+moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing. Bedewed were the
+sands with tears, bedewed the warriors’ arms; so great a lord of fear
+they sorrowed for. And Peleus’ son led their loud wail, laying his
+man-slaying hands on his comrade’s breast: “All hail, Patroklos,
+even in the house of Hades; for all that I promised thee before am I
+accomplishing, seeing I have dragged hither Hector to give raw unto dogs to
+devour, and twelve noble children of the Trojans to slaughter before thy pyre,
+because of mine anger at thy slaying.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him prone in
+the dust beside the bier of Menoitios’ son. And the rest put off each his
+glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing horses, and sate them
+down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed Aiakides, and he gave them
+ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were stretched out, their throats cut with
+steel, and many sheep and bleating goats, and many white-tusked boars well
+grown in fat were spitted to singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides
+round the corpse in cupfuls blood was flowing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble Agamemnon
+by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his heart was wroth
+for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnol’s hut, forthwith
+they bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the fire, if haply they
+might persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him the bloody gore. But he
+denied them steadfastly, and sware moreover an oath: “Nay, verily by
+Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, not lawful is it that water should come
+nigh my head or ever I shall have laid Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a
+barrow, and shaved my hair, since never again shall second grief thus reach my
+heart, while I remain among the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us
+to our mournful meal: but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the
+folk to bring wood and furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have when he
+goeth beneath the misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire may burn him
+quickly from sight, and the host betake them to their work.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly making
+ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of equal feast. But
+when they had put off from them the desire of meat and drink, the rest went
+down each man to his tent to take his rest, but the son of Peleus upon the
+beach of the sounding sea lay groaning heavily, amid the host of Myrmidons, in
+an open place, where waves were breaking on the shore. Now when sleep took hold
+on him, easing the cares of his heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for
+sore tired were his glorious knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios),
+then came there unto him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things like
+his living self, in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the raiment of his
+body was the same; and he stood above Achilles’ head and spake to him:
+“Thou sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in my life wast
+thou ever unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with all speed, that I pass
+the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits banish me, the phantoms of men outworn,
+nor suffer me to mingle with them beyond the River, but vainly I wander along
+the wide-gated dwelling of Hades. Now give me, I pray pitifully of thee, thy
+hand, for never more again shall I come back from Hades, when ye have given me
+my due of fire. Never among the living shall we sit apart from our dear
+comrades and take counsel together, but me hath the harsh fate swallowed up
+which was appointed me even from my birth. Yea and thou too thyself, Achilles
+peer of gods, beneath the wall of the noble Trojans art doomed to die. Yet one
+thing will I say, and charge thee, if haply thou wilt have regard thereto. Lay
+not my bones apart from thine, Achilles, but together, even as we were nurtured
+in your house, when Menoitios brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to your
+country by reason of a grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew
+Amphidamas’ son, not willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then
+took me the knight Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named me thy
+squire: so therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden coffer, two
+handled, thy lady mother’s gift].”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Wherefore, O my
+brother, hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I should do?
+Verily I will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy bidding. But stand more
+nigh me; for one moment let us throw our arms around each other, and take our
+fill of dolorous lament.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for like a
+vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint shriek. And Achilles
+sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands together, and spake a word of woe:
+“Ay me, there remaineth then even in the house of Hades a spirit and
+phantom of the dead, albeit the life be not anywise therein: for all night long
+hath the spirit of hapless Patroklos stood over me, wailing and making moan,
+and charged me everything that I should do, and wondrous like his living self
+it seemed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan around the
+piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from all the huts to
+fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even Meriones, squire of
+kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with wood-cutting axes in their hands and
+well-woven ropes, and before them went the mules, and uphill and downhill and
+sideways and across they went. But when they came to the spurs of
+many-fountained Ida, straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged
+oaks with the long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then
+splitting them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore
+up the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones, squire
+of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in line, where
+Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate them down
+all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the warlike Myrmidons
+gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his chariot; and they arose and
+put their armour on, and mounted their chariots, both fighting men and
+charioteers. In front were the men in chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed
+after, numberless; and in the midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they
+heaped all the corpse with their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and
+behind did goodly Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he
+speeding forth unto the realm of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they set down
+the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the pyre he shore off a
+golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to offer unto the River
+Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking forth over the wine-dark sea:
+“Spercheios, in other wise vowed my father Peleus unto thee that I
+returning thither to my native land should shear my hair for thee and offer a
+holy hecatomb, and fifty rams should sacrifice there above thy springs, where
+is the sacred close and altar burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou
+hast not accomplished him his desire. And now since I return not to my dear
+native land, unto the hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and stirred in
+all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light of the sun have
+gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said quickly to Agamemnon as
+he stood beside him: “Son of Atreus—for to thy words most will the host
+of the Achaians have regard—of lamentation they may sate them to the full. But
+now disperse them from the burning and bid them make ready their meal, and we
+to whom the dead is dearest will take pains for these things; yet let the
+chiefs tarry nigh unto us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the host
+among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there and piled the
+wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that, and on the pyre’s
+top set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And many lusty sheep and
+shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made ready before the pyre; and
+taking from all of them the fat, great hearted Achilles wrapped the corpse
+therein from head to foot, and heaped the flayed bodies round. And he set
+therein two-handled jars of honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and
+four strong-necked horses he threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine
+house-dogs had the dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them
+on the pyre. And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with the
+sword—for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the merciless might of
+the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and called on his dear comrade
+by his name: “All hail to thee, O Patroklos, even in the house of Hades,
+for all that I promised thee before am I now accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons
+of great-hearted Trojans, behold these all in company with thee the fire
+devoureth: but Hector son of Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon,
+but to dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day and
+night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed him with
+rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from heaven to earth and
+covered all that place whereon the dead man lay, lest meanwhile the sul’s
+strength shrivel his flesh round about upon his sinews and limbs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed to the two Winds
+of North and West, and promised them fair offerings, and pouring large
+libations from a golden cup besought them to come, that the corpses might blaze
+up speedily in the fire, and the wood make haste to be enkindled. Then Iris,
+when she heard his prayer, went swiftly with the message to the Winds. They
+within the house of the gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat,
+when Iris sped thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw
+her with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by him.
+But she refused to sit, and spake her word: “No seat for me; I must go
+back to the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians’ land where they
+sacrifice hecatombs to the immortal gods, that I too may feast at their rites.
+But Achilles is praying the North Wind and the loud West to come, and promising
+them fair offerings, that ye may make the pyre be kindled whereon lieth
+Patroklos, for whom all the Achaians are making moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound, rolling the
+clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the sea, and the wave
+rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to deep-soiled Troy, and fell
+upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty fire. So all night drave they the
+flame of the pyre together, blowing shrill; and all night fleet Achilles,
+holding a two-handled cup, drew wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth
+and drenched the earth, calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a
+father waileth when he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death
+is woe to his hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon the
+earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and spreadeth over the
+salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame died down. And the Winds
+went back again to betake them home over the Thracian main, and it roared with
+a violent swell. Then the son of Peleus turned away from the burning and lay
+down wearied, and sweet sleep leapt on him. But they who were with
+Atreus’ son gathered all together, and the noise and clash of their
+approach aroused him; and he sate upright and spake a word to them: “Son
+of Atreus and ye other chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine
+all the burning so far as the fire’s strength hath reached, and then let
+us gather up the bones of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son, singling them well,
+and easy are they to discern, for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the
+rest apart at the edge burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones let us
+put within a golden urn, and double-folded fat, until that I myself be hidden
+in Hades. But no huge barrow I bid you toil to raise—a seemly one, no more:
+then afterward do ye Achaians build it broad and high, whosoever of you after I
+am gone may be left in the benched ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus. First
+quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame went, and the
+ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered up the white bones of
+their gentle comrade into a golden urn and double-folded fat, and placed the
+urn in the hut and covered it with a linen veil. And they marked the circle of
+the barrow, and set the foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway
+heaped thereon a heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they
+were for going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes, caldrons and
+tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and fair-girdled women, and grey
+iron.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman skilled in
+fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared tripod that held
+two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and for the second he
+ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal in her womb; and for the
+third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched by fire, holding four measures,
+bright as when first made; and for the fourth he ordained two talents of gold;
+and for the fifth a two-handled urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved
+Achaians, for the chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists.
+If in some other’s honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it
+would be I who should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know
+how far my pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal and
+Poseidon gave them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But verily I will
+abide, I and my whole-hooved horses, so glorious a charioteer have they lost,
+and one so kind, who on their manes full often poured smooth oil, when he had
+washed them in clear water. For him they stand and mourn, and their manes are
+trailing on the ground, and there stand they with sorrow at their hearts. But
+ye others throughout the host get ye to your places, whosoever of the Achalans
+hath trust in his horses and firm-jointed car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were gathered. First
+of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos’ son, a skilful charioteer;
+and next to him arose Tydeus’ son, valiant Diomedes, and yoked his horses
+of the breed of Tros, which on a time he seized from Aineias, when Apollo saved
+their lord. And after him arose Atreus’ son, fair-haired heaven-sprung
+Menelaos, and yoked him a swift pair Aithe, Agamemnol’s mare, and his own
+horse Podargos. Her unto Agamemnon did Anchises’ son Echepolos give in
+fee, that he might escape from following him to windy Ilios and take his
+pleasure at home; for great wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon
+of spacious lawns:— so Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the
+race. And fourth, Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble
+son of Nestor, high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet horses
+bred at Pylos drew his car. And his father standing by his side spake
+counselling him to his profit, though himself was well advised:
+“Antilochos, verily albeit thou art young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved
+thee and taught thee all skill with horses; wherefore to teach thee is no great
+need, for thou well knowest how to wheel round the post; yet are thy horses
+very slow in the race: therefore methinks there will be sad work for thee. For
+the horses of the others are fleeter, yet the men know not more cunning than
+thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy mind with all manner of cunning, that
+the prize escape thee not. By cunning is a woodman far better than by force; by
+cunning doth a helmsman on the wine-dark deep steer his swift ship buffeted by
+winds; by cunning hath charioteer the better of charioteer. For whoso trusting
+in his horses and car alone wheeleth heedlessly and wide at either end, his
+horses swerve on the course, and he keepeth them not in hand. But whoso is of
+crafty mind, though he drive worse horses, he ever keeping his eye upon the
+post turneth closely by it, neither is unaware how far at first to force his
+horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth them safe in hand and watcheth the
+leader in the race. Now will I tell thee a certain sign, and it shall not
+escape thee. A fathom’s height above the ground standeth a withered
+stump, whether of oak or pine: it decayeth not in the rain, and two white
+stones on either side thereof are fixed at the joining of the track, and all
+round it is smooth driving ground. Whether it be a monument of some man dead
+long ago, or have been made their goal in the race by ancient men, this now is
+the mark fixed by fleet-footed Achilles. Wherefore do thou drive close and bear
+thy horses and chariot hard thereon, and lean thy body on the well-knit car
+slightly to their left, and call upon the off-horse with voice and lash, and
+give him rein from thy hand. But let the near horse hug the post so that the
+nave of the well-wrought wheel seem to graze it—yet beware of touching the
+stone, lest thou wound the horses and break the chariot; so would that be
+triumph to the rest and reproach unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise and on
+thy guard; for if at the turning-post thou drive past the rest, there is none
+shall overtake thee from behind or pass thee by, not though he drave the goodly
+Arion in pursuit, the fleet horse of Adrastos, of divine descent, or the horses
+of Laomedon, best of all bred in this land.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he had
+told his son the sum of every matter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then went
+they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles shook them, and
+forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor’s son, and the next lot had lord
+Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus, spear-famed Menelaos, and next to
+him drew Meriones his place; then lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew
+his lot for his chariot’s place. Then they stood side by side, and
+Achilles showed to them the turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and
+beside it he placed an umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father’s follower,
+that he might note the running and tell the truth thereof.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them with the
+reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they forthwith sped swiftly
+over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and beneath their breasts stood the
+rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind, and their manes waved on the blowing
+wind. And the chariots ran sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles
+would bound into the air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of
+every man beat in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses,
+that flew amid their dust across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course, back
+toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and the horses
+strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the fleet mares of
+Pheres’ grandson, and next to them Diomedes’ stallions of the breed
+of Tros, not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed ever as they would
+mount Eumelos’ car, and with their breath his back was warm and his broad
+shoulders, for they bent their heads upon him as they flew along. Thus would
+Tydeus’ son have either outstripped the other or made it a dead heat, had
+not Phoebus Apollo been wroth with him and smitten from his hand the shining
+lash. Then from his eyes ran tears of anger, for that he saw the mares still at
+speed, even swiftlier than before, while his own horses were thrown out, as
+running without spur. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo’s guile
+against Tydeides, and presently sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him
+back the lash, and put spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the son of
+Admetos was the goddess gone, and brake his steeds’ yoke, and the mares
+ran sideways off the course, and the pole was twisted to the ground. And
+Eumelos was hurled out of the car beside the wheel, and his elbows and mouth
+and nose were flayed, and his forehead bruised above his eyebrows; and his eyes
+filled with tears and his lusty voice was choked. Then Tydeides held his
+whole-hooved horses on one side, darting far out before the rest, for Athene
+put spirit into his steeds and shed glory on himself. Now next after him came
+golden-haired Menelaos Atreus’ son. But Antilochos called to his
+father’s horses: “Go ye too in, strain to your fleetest pace. Truly
+I nowise bid you strive with those, the horses of wise Tydeides, unto which
+Athene hath now given speed, and shed glory on their charioteer. But overtake
+Atreides’ horses with all haste, and be not outstripped by them, lest
+Aithe that is but a mare pour scorn on you. Why are ye outstripped, brave
+steeds? Thus will I tell you, and verily it shall be brought to pass—ye will
+find no tendance with Nestor shepherd of hosts, but straightway he will slay
+you with the edge of the sword if through heedlessness we win but the worse
+prize. Have after them at your utmost speed, and I for my part will devise a
+plan to pass them in the strait part of the course, and this shall fail me
+not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier some
+little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a strait place
+in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth, where torrent water
+gathered and brake part of the track away, and hollowed all the place; there
+drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of the wheels. But Antilochos turned his
+whole-hooved horses out of the track, and followed him a little at one side.
+And the son of Atreus took alarm and shouted to Antilochos: “Antilochos,
+thou art driving recklessly—hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon
+thou mayest pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us
+both.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying his
+lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk swung from
+the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of his force, even so
+far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus’ son gave back, for he ceased
+of himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved steeds should encounter on
+the track, and overset the well-knit cars, and the drivers fall in the dust in
+their zeal for victory. So upbraiding Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos:
+“Antilochos, no mortal man is more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way,
+since falsely have we Achaians called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not
+bear off the prize unchallenged to an oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: “Hold ye not back nor stand
+still with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before yours,
+for they both lack youth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on, and
+were quickly close upon the others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and they came
+flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of them was
+Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside the concourse in
+the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice of one that shouted,
+though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a horse showing plainly in the
+front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but in the forehead marked with a white
+star round like the moon. And he stood upright and spoke among the Argives:
+“Friends, chiefs, and counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see
+the horses, or do ye also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new
+charioteer appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither post,
+but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing everywhere along the
+Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer so that he could not drive
+aright round the post and failed in the turn? There, methinks, must he have
+been cast forth, and have broken his chariot, and the mares must have left the
+course, in the wildness of their heart. But stand up ye too and look, for
+myself I discern not certainly, but the first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian
+race, and he ruleth among Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart
+Diomedes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet Aias Oileus’ son rebuked him in unseemly sort:
+“Idomeneus, why art thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the
+high-stepping mares are coursing over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far
+the youngest among the Argives, nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from
+thy head, yet continually braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a
+braggart, for there are here better men. And the mares leading are they that
+led before, Eumelos’ mares, and he standeth and holdeth the reins within
+the car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: “Aias, master of
+railing, ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for thy
+mind is unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and make
+Agamemnon Atreus’ son our umpire, which mares are leading, that thou
+mayest pay and learn.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus’ son arose angrily to
+answer with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone further,
+had not Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: “No longer answer
+each other with harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for it beseemeth
+not. Surely ye are displeased with any other who should do thus. Sit ye in the
+concourse and keep your eyes upon the horses; soon they in zeal for victory
+will come hither, and then shall ye know each of you the Argives’ horses,
+which follow, and which lead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote now and
+again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as they sped swiftly
+on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the charioteer, and his
+chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his fleet-footed steeds, and
+small trace was there of the wheel-tires behind in the fine dust, as they flew
+speeding on. Then he drew up in the mid concourse, and much sweat poured from
+the horses’ heads and chests to the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth
+from the shining car, and leant his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart
+Sthenelos tarried not, but promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud
+comrades the woman to lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the
+horses from the yoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his swift
+steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which draweth his
+master, straining with the car over the plain—his hindmost tail-hairs touch the
+tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much space between, as he
+speedeth far over the plain—by so much was Menelaos behind high-born
+Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole disk-cast behind, but quickly he
+was catching Antilochos up, for the high mettle of Agamemnol’s mare,
+sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her. And if yet further both had had to run
+he would have passed his rival nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones,
+stout squire of Idomeneus, came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for
+tardiest of all were his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a
+chariot in the race. Last of them all came Admetos’ son, dragging his
+goodly car driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles
+beheld he pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the Argives:
+“Last driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them all. But come
+let us give him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the second place, but the
+first let the son of Tydeus take.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given him the
+mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of great-hearted
+Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf of his right: “O
+Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou accomplish this word, for
+thou art minded to take away my prize, because thou thinkest of how his chariot
+and fleet steeds miscarried, and himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it
+behoved him to pray to the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of
+all in the race. But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is
+much gold in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there and
+whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward even a
+richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud thee. But the
+mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay the battle at my
+hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with Antilochos,
+for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him winged words:
+“Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some other thing beside
+from out my house, that also will I do. I will give unto him a breast-plate
+that I took from Asteropaios, of bronze, whereon a casting of bright tin is
+overlaid, and of great worth will it be to him.” He said, and bade his
+dear comrade Automedon bring it from the hut, and he went and brought it. [Then
+he placed it in Eumelos’ hands, and he received it gladly.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly against
+Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and called for silence
+among the Argives; then spake among them that godlike man: “Antilochos,
+who once wert wise, what thing is this thou hast done? Thou hast shamed my
+skill and made my horses fail, thrusting thine own in front that are far worse.
+Come now, ye chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, give judgment between us
+both, and favour neither: lest some one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any
+time: ‘By constraining Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone
+off with the mare, for his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in
+rank and power.’ Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem
+that none other of the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall be just.
+Antilochos, fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is ordained stand up
+before thy horses and chariot and take in thy hand the pliant lash wherewith
+thou dravest erst, and touching thy horses swear by the Enfolder and Shaker of
+the earth that not wilfully didst thou hinder my chariot by guile.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: “Bear with me now, for far younger am
+I than thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better. Thou knowest
+how a young mal’s transgressions come about, for his mind is hastier and
+his counsel shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I will of myself give to
+thee the mare I have taken. Yea, if thou shouldst ask some other greater thing
+from my house, I were fain to give it thee straightway, rather than fall for
+ever from my place in thy heart, O fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner
+against the gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor’s son, and brought the mare and put her
+in the hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew cometh
+upon the ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are bristling. So
+gladdened was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And he spake unto
+Antilochos and uttered winged words: “Antilochos, now will I of myself
+put away mine anger against thee, since no wise formerly wert thou flighty or
+light-minded, howbeit now thy reason was overcome of youthfulness. Another time
+be loth to outwit better men. Not easily should another of the Achaians have
+persuaded me, but thou hast suffered and toiled greatly, and thy brave father
+and brother, for my sake: therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even
+give unto thee the mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that my
+heart was never overweening or implacable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos’ comrade to lead away,
+and then took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents of gold
+in the fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was left unclaimed,
+a two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this, bearing it to him through the
+concourse of Argives, and stood by him and said: “Lo now for thee too,
+old man, be this a treasure, a memorial of Patroklos’ burying; for no
+more shalt thou behold him among the Argives. Now give I thee this prize unwon,
+for not in boxing shalt thou strive, neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin
+match, nor race with thy feet; for grim old age already weigheth on
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly, and spake
+unto him winged words: “Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast meetly
+said; for no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor do my arms at
+all swing lightly from my shoulders either side. Would that my youth were such
+and my force so firm as when the Epeians were burying lord Amarynkes at
+Buprasion, and his sons held the king’s funeral games. Then was no man
+found like me, neither of the Epeians nor of the Pylians themselves or the
+great-hearted Aitolians. In boxing I overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in
+wrestling Ankaios of Pleuron, who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I
+outran Iphiklos, a right good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and
+Polydoros; only in the chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by crowding
+their horses in front of me, jealous for victory, because the chief prizes were
+left at home.] Now they were twins—one ever held the reins, the reins he ever
+held, the other called on the horses with the lash. Thus was I once, but now
+let younger men join in such feats; I must bend to grievous age, but then was I
+of mark among heroes. But come hold funeral for thy comrade too with with
+games. This gift do I accept with gladness, and my heart rejoiceth that thou
+rememberest ever my friendship to thee—(nor forget I thee)—and the honour
+wherewith it is meet that I be honoured among the Achaians. And may the gods
+for this grant thee due grace.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of Achaians, when
+he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus’ son. Then he ordained
+prizes of the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led forth and tethered
+amid the assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest of all to break; and for
+the loser set a two-handled cup. Then he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for these
+rewards we summon two men of the best to lift up their hands to box amain. He
+to whom Apollo shall grant endurance to the end, and all the Achaians
+acknowledge it, let him take the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut;
+and the loser shall take with him the two-handled-cup.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled in
+boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule and said
+aloud: “Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the mule I say
+none other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his fists, for I claim
+to be the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I fall short of you in battle?
+Not possible is it that in all arts a man be skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it
+shall be accomplished: I will utterly bruise mine adversary’s flesh and
+break his bones, so let his friends abide together here to bear him forth when
+vanquished by my hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against him
+Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos, Mekisteus,
+who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his burial, and there
+he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides famous with the spear made
+ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him with speech, and greatly desired for
+him victory. And first he cast about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut
+thongs of the hide of an ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went
+into the midst of the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to,
+and their hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on, and as
+the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor could he much more
+stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him. And as when beneath the
+North Wind’s ripple a fish leapeth on a tangle-covered beach, and then
+the black wave hideth it, so leapt up Euryalos at that blow. But great-hearted
+Epeios took him in his hands and set him upright, and his dear comrades stood
+around him, and led him through the ring with trailing feet, spitting out
+clotted blood, drooping his head awry, and they set him down in his swoon among
+them and themselves went forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest,
+offering them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the winner
+a great tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians among them at
+twelve oxens’ worth; and for the loser he brought a woman into the midst,
+skilled in manifold work, and they prized her at four oxen. And he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this
+match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus of many
+wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt went into the midst
+of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms with stalwart hands, like
+gable rafters of a lofty house which some famed craftsman joineth, that he may
+baffle the wind’s force. And their backs creaked, gripped firmly under
+the vigorous hands, and sweat ran down in streams, and frequent weals along
+their ribs and shoulders sprang up, red with blood, while ever they strove
+amain for victory, to win the wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias
+and bear him to the ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus’ strength withheld
+him. But when they began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to
+Odysseus great Aias, Telamol’s son: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes,
+Odysseus of many wiles, or lift thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be
+with Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his craft. He
+smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias’ knee, and loosed his limbs,
+and threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his chest, and the folk
+gazed and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring noble Odysseus tried to
+lift, and moved him a little from the ground, but lifted him not, so he crooked
+his knee within the other’s, and both fell on the ground nigh to each
+other, and were soiled with dust, And now starting up again a third time would
+they have wrestled, had not Achilles himself arisen and held them back:
+“No longer press each the other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is
+with both; take equal prizes and depart, that other Achaians may
+contend.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the dust from
+them and put their doublets on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness of
+foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in beauty it
+was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon wrought it
+cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the misty sea, and landed
+it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and Euneos son of Jason gave it to
+the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon Priam’s son. Now this cup did
+Achilles set forth as a prize in honour of his friend, for whoso should be
+fleetest in speed of foot. For the second he set an ox great and very fat, and
+for the last prize half a talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word
+among the Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus’ son, and Odysseus
+of many wiles, and after them Nestor’s son Antilochos, for he was best of
+all the youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles
+showed to them the goal. Right eager was the running from the start, but
+Oileus’ son forthwith shot to the front, and close behind him came noble
+Odysseus, as close as is a weaving-rod to a fair-girdled womal’s breast
+when she pulleth it deftly with her hands, drawing the spool along the warp,
+and holdeth the rod nigh her breast— so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod
+in his footsteps or ever the dust had settled there, and on his head fell the
+breath of noble Odysseus as he ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians
+applauded his struggle for the victory and called on him as he laboured hard.
+But when they were running the last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus
+prayed in his soul to bright-eyed Athene: “Hearken, goddess, come thou a
+good helper of my feet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs feel
+light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting on the prize,
+then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race, where filth was strewn
+from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that fleet Achilles slew in honour of
+Patroklos: and Aias’ mouth and nostrils were filled with that filth of
+oxen. So much-enduring noble Odysseus, as he came in first, took up the
+mixing-bowl, and famous Aias took the ox. And he stood holding in his hand the
+horn of the ox of the field, sputtering away the filth, and spake among the
+Argives: “Out on it, it was the goddess who marred my running, she who
+from of old like a mother standeth by Odysseus’ side and helpeth
+him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then Antilochos
+smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among the Argives:
+“Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even herein also
+the immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older than I, but Odysseus
+of an earlier generation and earlier race of men. A green old age is his, they
+say, and hard were it for any Achaian to rival him in speed, save only
+Achilles.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: “Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be
+given; a half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above.” He said,
+and set it in his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and a
+chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox’s worth, embossed with flowers;
+and men that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose Atreus’ son
+wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus’ brave squire. And
+swift-footed noble Achilles spake among them: “Son of Atreus, for that we
+know how far thou excellest all, and how far the first thou art in the might of
+thy throw, take thou this prize with thee to the hollow ships, and to the hero
+Meriones let us give the spear, if thou art willing in thy heart: thus I at
+least advise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to Meriones he
+gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the hero gave the
+goodliest prize.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap24"></a>BOOK XXIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to betake them
+each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of supper and sweet
+sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept, remembering his dear comrade, nor
+did sleep that conquereth all take hold on him, but he kept turning him to this
+side and to that, yearning for Patroklos’ manhood and excellent valour,
+and all the toils he achieved with him and the woes he bare, cleaving the
+battles of men and the grievous waves. As he thought thereon be shed big tears,
+now lying on his side, now on his back, now on his face; and then anon he would
+arise upon his feet and roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea. Nor would
+he be unaware of the Dawn when she arose over the sea and shores. But when he
+had yoked the swift steeds to his car he would bind Hector behind his chariot
+to drag him withal; and having thrice drawn him round the barrow of the dead
+son of Menoitios he rested again in his hut, and left Hector lying stretched on
+his face in the dust. But Apollo kept away all defacement from his flesh, for
+he had pity on him even in death, and covered him all with his golden aegis,
+that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the blessed
+gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the clear-sighted slayer of
+Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the others seemed it good, yet not to
+Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed Maiden, but they continued as when at the
+beginning sacred Ilios became hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by
+reason of the sin of Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they
+came to his steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But
+when the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the Immortals
+Phoebus Apollo: “Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath Hector
+never burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats? Now have ye not
+taken heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to look upon and his mother
+and his child and his father Priam and his people, who speedily would burn him
+in the fire and make his funeral. But fell Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to
+abet, whose mind is nowise just nor the purpose in his breast to be turned
+away, but he is cruelly minded as a lion that in great strength and at the
+bidding of his proud heart goeth forth against mel’s flocks to make his
+meal; even thus Achilles hath cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth
+both harm and profit men greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some
+dearer one than was this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance a son;
+yet bringeth he his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an enduring soul
+have the Fates given unto men. But Achilles after bereaving noble Hector of his
+life bindeth him behind his horses and draggeth him around the tomb of his dear
+comrade: not, verily, is that more honourable or better for him. Let him take
+heed lest we wax wroth with him, good man though he be, for in his fury he is
+entreating shamefully the senseless clay.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: “Even thus mightest thou
+speak, O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to Achilles and
+to Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a womal’s breast,
+but Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred up and reared and gave to
+a man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was dearest of all men to the
+Immortals’ heart. And all ye gods came to her bridal, and thou among them
+wert feasting with thy lyre, O lover of ill company, faithless ever.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: “Hera, be not
+wroth utterly with the gods: for these mel’s honour is not to be the
+same, yet Hector also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that are in Ilios.
+So was he to me at least, for nowise failed he in the gifts I loved. Never did
+my altar lack seemly feast, drink-offering and the steam of sacrifice, even the
+honour that falleth to our due. But verily we will say no more of stealing away
+brave Hector, for it cannot be hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth
+ever nigh to him night and day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would
+call Thetis to come near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that
+Achilles may take gifts from Priam and give Hector back.” Thus spake he,
+and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between Samothrace and
+rocky Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters closed above her with a
+noise. And she sped to the bottom like a weight of lead that mounted on horn of
+a field-ox goeth down bearing death to ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in
+a hollow cave; about her sat gathered other goddesses of the seas and she in
+their midst was wailing for the fate of her noble son who must perish in
+deep-soiled Troy, far from his native land. And standing near, fleet-footed
+Iris spake to her: “Rise, Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: “Wherefore
+biddeth me that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals, for I
+have countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in vain,
+whatsoever he saith.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no blacker
+raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and wind-footed swift
+Iris led the way before her, and around them the surge of the sea was sundered.
+And when they had come forth upon the shore they sped up to heaven, and found
+the far-seeing son of Kronos, and round him sat gathered all the other blessed
+gods that are for ever. Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave
+her place. And Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with
+words, and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: “Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in thy
+sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself. Nevertheless will
+I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days hath dispute arisen among
+the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector and Achilles waster of cities.
+Fain are they to send clear-sighted Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear
+what glory I accord herein to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come
+thy honour and good will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my
+bidding. Say to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the beaked
+ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and give Hector
+back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid him go to the ships of
+the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may
+gladden his heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient to his
+word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of Olympus. And she
+came to her sol’s hut; there found she him making grievous moan, and his
+dear comrades round were swiftly making ready and furnishing their early meal,
+and a sheep great and fleecy was being sacrificed in the hut. Then his
+lady-mother sate her down close beside him, and stroked him with her hand and
+spake to him by his name: “My child, how long with lamentation and woe
+wilt thou devour thine heart, taking thought of neither food nor rest? good
+were even a womal’s embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me;
+already death and forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith
+unto me, for I am the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are
+displeased at thee, and that himself above all Immortals is wroth, because with
+furious heart thou holdest Hector at the beaked ships and hast not given him
+back. But come restore him, and take ransom for the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: “So be it: whoso
+bringeth ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart’s intent
+the Olympian biddeth it himself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each other many
+winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to holy Ilios: “Go
+forth, fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear my message within Ilios
+to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom his
+dear son and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart; let him go
+alone, and no other man of the Trojans go with him. Only let some elder herald
+attend on him to guide the mules and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to
+the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought
+nor any fear; such guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who
+shall lead him until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he shall have
+led him within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay him nor suffer any
+other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but with all
+courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she came to
+the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His children sitting
+around their father within the court were bedewing their raiment with their
+tears, and the old man in their midst was close wrapped all over in his cloak;
+and on his head and neck was much mire that he had gathered in his hands as he
+grovelled upon the earth. And his daughters and his sons’ wives were
+wailing throughout the house, bethinking them of all those valiant men who had
+lost their lives at the hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the
+messenger of Zeus stood beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling
+came upon his limbs: “Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of
+Dardanos, and be not dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither to
+forebode to thee, but with good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to thee, who,
+though he be afar off, hath great care and pity for thee. The Olympian biddeth
+thee ransom noble Hector and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his
+heart: go thou alone, let none other of the Trojans go with thee. Only let some
+elder herald attend on thee to guide the mules and the smooth-wheeled waggon to
+carry back to the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be
+in thy thought, nor any fear; such guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of
+Argus, who shall lead thee until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when
+he shall have led thee into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay thee,
+nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked,
+but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons make
+ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage thereon. And
+himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar wood, high-roofed, that
+held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife he called and spake: “Lady,
+from Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come to me, that I go to the ships of the
+Achaians and ransom my dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden
+his heart. Come tell me how seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my
+desire and heart bid me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide
+camp of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: “Woe
+is me, whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous among
+stranger men and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go alone to the
+ships of the Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of
+thy brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart. For if he light on thee and behold
+thee with his eyes, a savage and ill-trusted man is this, and he will not pity
+thee, neither reverence thee at all. Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make
+lament afar off. Even thus did forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her
+thread at his beginning when I bare him, even I, that he should glut
+fleet-footed dogs, far from his parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose
+inmost vitals I were fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds against
+my son be paid again to him, for not playing the coward was he slain of him,
+but championing the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy, neither bethought he
+him of shelter or of flight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: “Stay me not, for I
+am fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls, for thou
+wilt not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of earth that bade me
+this, whether some seer or of the priests that divine from sacrifice, then
+would we declare it false and have no part therein; but now, since I have heard
+the voice of the goddess myself and looked upon her face, I will go forth, and
+her word shall not be void. And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the
+mail-clad Achaians, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed,
+when once I have taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with
+moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very goodly
+womel’s robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets a like
+number and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he weighed and
+brought forth talents of gold ten in all, and two shining tripods and four
+caldrons, and a goblet exceeding fair that men of Thrace had given him when he
+went thither on an embassy, a chattel of great price, yet not that even did the
+old man grudge from his halls, for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his
+dear son. Then he drave out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them
+with words of rebuke: “Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye
+no mourning of your own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a
+small thing that Zeus Kronos’ son hath given me this sorrow, to lose him
+that was the best man of my sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it, for easier far
+shall ye be to the Achaians to slay now he is dead. But for me, ere I behold
+with mine eyes the city sacked and wasted, let me go down into the house of
+Hades.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth before
+the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding Helenos and
+Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and Polites of the loud
+war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud Dios; nine were they whom the
+old man called and bade unto him: “Haste ye, ill sons, my shame; would
+that ye all in Hector’s stead had been slain at the swift ships! Woe is
+me all unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide Troy-land, but none of
+them is left for me to claim, neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his
+chariot of war, nor Hector who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the
+son of a mortal man but of a god:—all these hath Ares slain, and here are my
+shames all left to me, false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance,
+plunderers of your own people’s sheep and kids. Will ye not make me ready
+a wain with all speed, and lay all these thereon, that we get us forward on our
+way?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father’s voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof on the
+frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood yoke with knob
+well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth the yoke-band of nine
+cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on the polished pole on the rest
+at the end thereof, and slipped the ring over the upright pin, which with three
+turns of the band they lashed to the knob, and then belayed it close round the
+pole and turned the tongue thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and
+heaped on the polished wain the countless ransom of Hector’s head, and
+yoked strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam, a
+splendid gift. But to Priam’s car they yoked the horses that the old man
+kept for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their cars, with
+wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at heart, with
+honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that they might make
+libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses and spake a word to
+Priam by name: “Lo now make libation to father Zeus and pray that thou
+mayest come back home from among the enemy, since thy heart speedeth thee forth
+to the ships, though fain were I thou wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of
+the Storm-cloud, the gods of Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask
+of him a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to
+him and of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign
+with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto thee his
+messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the ships of the
+Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: “Lady, I will not
+disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus, if haply
+he will have pity.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure water
+on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer to wash
+withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from his wife: then
+he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured forth wine as he
+looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: “Father Zeus that bearest
+sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I find welcome and pity
+under Achilles’ roof, and send a bird of omen, even the swift messenger
+that is dearest of all birds to thee and of mightiest strength, to appear upon
+the right, that seeing this sign with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto
+the ships of the fleet-horsed Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him, and
+straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the dusky hunter
+called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well locking, fitted close, of
+some rich mal’s high-roofed hall, so wide were his wings either way; and
+he appeared to them speeding on the right hand above the city. And when they
+saw the eagle they rejoiced and all their hearts were glad within their
+breasts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from the
+doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the four-wheeled wain,
+and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses which the old man urged with
+the lash at speed along the city: and his friends all followed lamenting loud
+as though he were faring to his death. And when they were come down from the
+city and were now on the plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and
+marriage kin. But the two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of
+far-seeing Zeus. But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: “Hermes, since unto thee
+especially is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever thou wilt,
+go forth and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the Achaians that no man
+behold or be aware of him, among all the Danaans’ host, until he come to
+the son of Peleus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not disobedient unto
+his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his fair sandals, golden,
+divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the boundless land with the
+breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand wherewith he entranceth the
+eyes of such men as he will, and others he likewise waketh out of sleep: this
+did the strong slayer of Argus take in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he
+to Troy-land and the Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young
+man that is a prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men
+is the comeliest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios, halted
+the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was come down over the
+earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by, and marked him, and spake
+and said to Priam: “Consider, son of Dardanos; this is matter of prudent
+thought. I see a man, methinks we shall full soon be rent in pieces. Come, let
+us flee in our chariot, or else at least touch his knees and entreat him that
+he have mercy on us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed exceedingly,
+and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood still amazed. But the
+Helper came nigh of himself and took the old mal’s hand, and spake and
+questioned him: “Whither, father, dost thou thus guide these horses and
+mules through the divine night, when other mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no
+fear of the fierce-breathing Achaians, thy bitter foes that are hard anigh
+thee? If one of them should espy thee carrying such treasures through the swift
+black night, what then would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself,
+and thy companion here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that
+should assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep any
+other from thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: “Even so, kind
+son, are all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god stretched
+forth his hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer such as thou to
+meet me, a bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy form and semblance; and
+thou art wise of heart and of blessed parents art thou sprung.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “All this, old
+sire, hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me truly
+whether thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto alien men, where
+it may abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye are all forsaking holy
+Ilios in fear; so far the best man among you hath perished, even thy son; for
+of battle with the Achaians abated he never a jot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, “Who art thou,
+noble sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the fate of my
+hapless son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft seen
+with mine eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was slaying the
+Argives he drave thither, piercing them with the keen bronze, and we stood
+still and marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered us not to fight, being wroth
+against Atreus’ son. His squire am I, and came in the same well-wrought
+ship. From the Myrmidons I come, and my father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and
+an old man even as thou, and six other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With
+the others I cast lots, and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now
+am I come from the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed
+Achaians will set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to
+be sitting here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the
+fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If verily thou art
+a squire of Achilles Peleus’ son, come tell me all the truth, whether
+still my son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath riven him limb
+from limb and cast him to the dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Old sire, not
+yet have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by
+Achilles’ ship, even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn now
+hath risen upon him, nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither worms consume
+it, such as devour men slain in war. Truly Achilles draggeth him recklessly
+around the barrow of his dear comrade so oft as divine day dawneth, yet marreth
+he him not; thou wouldst marvel if thou couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh
+he lieth, and is washed clean of blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his
+wounds wherewith he was stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he
+be but a dead corpse, for they held him dear at heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: “My
+son, it is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the Immortals,
+for never did my child—if that child indeed I had—forget in our halls the gods
+who inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they remembered this for him, albeit his
+portion is death. But come now take from me this goodly goblet, and guard me
+myself and guide me, under Heaven, that I may come unto the hut of
+Peleus’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not prevail upon
+me, in that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without Achilles’
+privity. I were afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him, lest some evil come
+to pass on me hereafter. But as thy guide I would go even unto famous Argos,
+accompanying thee courteously in swift ship or on foot. Not from scorn of thy
+guide would any assail thee then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he swiftly
+took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit into horses and
+mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench of the ships, there
+were the sentinels just busying them about their supper. Then the Messenger,
+the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them all, and straightway opened the gates
+and thrust back the bars, and brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon
+his wain. And they came to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the
+Myrmidons made for their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and
+thatched it with downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and
+around it made for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and
+the door was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to drive
+home, and three drew back that mighty bar—three of the rest, but Achilles by
+himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes the door for the old
+man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus’ fleet-footed son, and
+descended from the chariot to the earth and spake aloud: “Old sire, I
+that have come to thee am an immortal god, even Hermes, for my father sent me
+to companion thee on thy way. But now will I depart from thee nor come within
+Achilles’ sight; it were cause of wrath that an immortal god should thus
+show favour openly unto mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of
+Peleus’ son and entreat him for his father’s sake and his
+mother’s of the lovely hair and for his child’s sake that thou
+mayest move his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from the car
+to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind the horses and
+mules; but the old man made straight for the house where Achilles dear to Zeus
+was wont to sit. And therein he found the man himself, and his comrades sate
+apart: two only, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were
+busy in attendance; and he was lately ceased from meat, even from eating and
+drinking: and still the table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great
+Priam as he came in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees
+of Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many of
+Priam’s sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in his
+own country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers, to the
+house of some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on him—so Achilles
+wondered when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest wondered likewise, and looked
+upon one another. Then Priam spake and entreated him, saying: “Bethink
+thee, O Achilles like to gods, of thy father that is of like years with me, on
+the grievous pathway of old age. Him haply are the dwellers round about
+entreating evilly, nor is there any to ward from him ruin and bane.
+Nevertheless while he heareth of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart,
+and hopeth withal day after day that he shall see his dear son returning from
+Troy-land. But I, I am utterly unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide
+Troy-land, but declare unto thee that none of them is left. Fifty I had, when
+the sons of the Achaians came; nineteen were born to me of one mother, and
+concubines bare the rest within my halls. Now of the more part had impetuous
+Ares unstrung the knees, and he who was yet left and guarded city and men, him
+slewest thou but now as he fought for his country, even Hector. For his sake
+come I unto the ships of the Achaians that I may win him back from thee, and I
+bring with me untold ransom. Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have
+compassion on me, even me, bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more
+piteous than he, and have braved what none other man on earth hath braved
+before, to stretch forth my hand toward the face of the slayer of my
+sons.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for his
+father. And he touched the old mal’s hand and gently moved him back. And
+as they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for man-slaying Hector wept
+sore as he was fallen before Achilles’ feet, and Achilles wept for his
+own father, and now again for Patroklos, and their moan went up throughout the
+house. But when noble Achilles had satisfied him with lament, and the desire
+thereof departed from his heart and limbs, straightway he sprang from his seat
+and raised the old man by his hand, pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and
+spake unto him winged words and said: “Ah hapless! many ill things verily
+thou hast endured in thy heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of the
+Achaians and to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of the brave
+sons? of iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee on a seat, and we
+will let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all our pain, for no avail
+cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods have spun for miserable men,
+that they should live in pain; yet themselves are sorrowless. For two urns
+stand upon the floor of Zeus filled with his evil gifts, and one with
+blessings. To whomsoever Zeus whose joy is in the lightning dealeth a mingled
+lot, that man chanceth now upon ill and now again on good, but to whom he
+giveth but of the bad kind him he bringeth to scorn, and evil famine chaseth
+him over the goodly earth, and he is a wanderer honoured of neither gods nor
+men. Even thus to Peleus gave the gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he
+excelled all men in good fortune and wealth, and was king of the Myrmidons, and
+mortal though he was the gods gave him a goddess to be his bride. Yet even on
+him God brought evil, seeing that there arose to him no offspring of princely
+sons in his halls, save that he begat one son to an untimely death. Neither may
+I tend him as he groweth old, since very far from my country I am dwelling in
+Troy-land, to vex thee and thy children. And of thee, old sire, we have heard
+how of old time thou wert happy, even how of all that Lesbos, seat of Makar,
+boundeth to the north thereof and Phrygia farther up and the vast Hellespont—of
+all these folk, men say, thou wert the richest in wealth and in sons, but after
+that the Powers of Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are battles and
+man-slayings around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not unabatingly in thy
+heart. For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for thy son, neither shalt thou
+bring him back to life or ever some new evil come upon thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: “Bid me not to a
+seat, O fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the huts,
+but straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine eyes; and accept
+thou the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou have pleasure thereof, and
+come unto thy native land, since thou hast spared me from the first.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: “No longer
+chafe me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee, for
+there came to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me, daughter of
+the Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my mind, nor am unaware
+that some god it is that hath guided thee to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+For no mortal man, even though in prime of youth, would dare to come among the
+host, for neither could he escape the watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of
+our doors. Therefore now stir my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave
+not even thee in peace, old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant,
+and lest I transgress the commandment of Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son of
+Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone, for with him
+went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they whom above all his
+comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that was dead. They then loosed
+from under the yoke the horses and mules, and led in the old mal’s
+crier-herald and set him on a chair, and from the wain of goodly felloes they
+took the countless ransom set on Hector’s head. But they left two robes
+and a well-spun doublet, that Achilles might wrap the dead therein when he gave
+him to be carried home. And he called forth handmaids and bade them wash and
+anoint him when they had borne him apart, so that Priam should not look upon
+his son, lest he should not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when he
+should look upon his son, and lest Achilles’ heart be vexed thereat and
+he slay him and transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the handmaids had
+washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had thrown over it a fair robe
+and a doublet, then Achilles himself lifted it and laid it on a bier, and his
+comrades with him lifted it on to the polished waggon. Then he groaned aloud
+and called on his dear comrade by his name: “Patroklos, be not vexed with
+me if thou hear even in the house of Hades that I have given back noble Hector
+unto his dear father, for not unworthy is the ransom he hath given me, whereof
+I will deal to thee again thy rightful share.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him down on the
+cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the opposite wall, and spake a
+word to Priam: “Thy son, old sire, is given back as thou wouldest and
+lieth on a bier, and with the break of day thou shalt see him thyself as thou
+carriest him. But now bethink we us of supper. For even fair-haired Niobe
+bethought her of meat, she whose twelve children perished in her halls, six
+daughters and six lusty sons. The sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew
+with arrows from his silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that
+Niobe matched herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare
+but twain but herself many children: so they though they were but twain
+destroyed the other all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was there any
+to bury them, for Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on the tenth day the
+gods of heaven buried them, and she then bethought her of meat, when she was
+wearied out with weeping tears. And somewhere now among the cliffs, on the
+lonely mountains, even on Sipylos, where they say are the couching-places of
+nymphs that dance around Acheloos, there she, albeit a stone, broodeth still
+over her troubles from the gods. But come let us too, noble father, take
+thought of meat, and afterward thou shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou
+carriest him to Ilios; and many tears shall be his due.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep, and his
+comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and divided it cunningly
+and pierced it with spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off. And
+Automedon took bread and served it on a table in fair baskets, while Achilles
+dealt out the flesh. And they stretched forth their hands to the good cheer
+lying ready before them. But when they had put off the desire of meat and
+drink, then Priam son of Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was
+and how goodly, for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at
+Priam son of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his words.
+But when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first spake the old
+man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: “Now presently give me whereon to lie,
+fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now take our fill at rest:
+for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath their lids since at thy hands my
+son lost his life, but I continually mourn and brood over countless griefs,
+grovelling in the courtyard-close amid the mire. Now at last have I tasted
+bread and poured bright wine down my throat, but till now I had tasted
+naught.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead beneath
+the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread coverlets above
+and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over all. And the maids went
+forth from the inner hail with torches in their hands, and quickly spread two
+beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning [in his reference to Agamemnon] said
+fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam: “Lie thou without, dear sire, lest
+there come hither one of the counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take
+counsel with me by my side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee
+through the swift black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon
+shepherd of the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead.
+But come say this to me and tell it true, how many days’ space thou art
+fain to make funeral for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself abide
+and may keep back the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If thou art verily
+willing that I accomplish noble Hector’s funeral, by doing as thou
+sayest, O Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we are pent
+within the city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch, and the Trojans
+are much in fear. Nine days will we make moan for him in our halls, and on the
+tenth we will hold funeral and the folk shall feast, and on the eleventh we
+will make, a barrow over him, and on the twelfth we will do battle if need
+be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: “All this, O
+ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the battle even
+so long a time as thou tellest me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he clasped the old mal’s right hand at the wrist, lest he
+should be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house laid
+them down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their hearts, but
+Achilles slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and beside him lay
+fair-cheeked Briseis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night, by soft
+sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take hold as he sought
+within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam from the ships unespied
+of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his head and spake a word to him:
+“Old sire, no thought then hast thou of any evil, seeing thou yet
+sleepest among men that are thine enemies, for that Achilles spared thee. Truly
+now hast thou won back thy dear son, and at great price. But for thy life will
+thy sons thou hast left behind be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon
+Atreus’ son be aware of thee, and aware be all the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And Hermes yoked
+the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them lightly through the camp,
+and none was aware of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high Olympus,
+and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And they with wail
+and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules drew the dead. Nor marked
+them any man or fair-girdled woman until Kassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite,
+having gone up upon Pergamos, was aware of her dear father as he stood in the
+car, and the herald that was crier to the town. Then beheld she him that lay
+upon the bier behind the mules, and thereat she wailed and cried aloud
+throughout all the town: “O men and women of Troy, come ye hither and
+look upon Hector, if ever while he was alive ye rejoiced when he came back from
+battle, since great joy was he to the city and all the folk.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all came
+unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home the dead.
+First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they cast them on the
+fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around them stood the throng and
+wept. So all day long unto the setting of the sun they had lamented Hector in
+tears without the gate, had not the old man spoken from the car among the folk:
+“Give me place for the mules to pass through; hereafter ye shall have
+your fill of wailing, when I have brought him unto his home.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And the
+others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a fretted
+bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who wailed a mournful
+lay, while the women made moan with them. And among the women white-armed
+Andromache led the lamentation, while in her hands she held the head of Hector
+slayer of men: “Husband, thou art gone young from life, and leavest me a
+widow in thy halls. And the child is yet but a little one, child of ill-fated
+parents, thee and me; nor methinks shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then
+shall this city be utterly destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst
+watch over it, who guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant
+little ones. These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too
+with them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place where thou
+shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of some harsh lord, or
+else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and hurl thee from the battlement,
+a grievous death, for that he is wroth because Hector slew his brother or
+father or son, since full many of the Achaians in Hector’s hands have
+bitten the firm earth. For no light hand had thy father in the grievous fray.
+Therefore the folk lament him throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and
+mourning hast thou left to thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall
+grievous pain abide. For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed
+in thy death, neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have
+thought on evermore as my tears fall night and day.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them Hekabe
+again led the loud lament: “Hector, of all my children far dearest to my
+heart, verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the gods, and even in thy
+doom of death have they had care for thee. For other sons of mine whom he took
+captive would fleet Achilles sell beyond the unvintaged sea unto Samos and
+Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but when with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee
+of thy life he was fain to drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even
+Patroklos whom thou slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all
+dewy and fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen led their
+sore lament: “Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest to my heart!
+Truly my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to Troy-land—would I had
+died ere then. For this is now the twentieth year since I went thence and am
+gone from my own native land, but never yet heard I evil or despiteful word
+from thee; nay, if any other haply upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether
+brother or sister of thine or brother’s fair-robed wife, or thy
+mother—but thy father is ever kind to me as he were my own—then wouldst thou
+soothe such with words and refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by
+thy gentle words. Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless
+self with thee, for no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and
+kind to me, but all men shudder at me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: “Bring wood,
+men of Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of a crafty
+ambush of the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when he sent me from
+the black ships, that they should do us no hurt until the twelfth morn
+arise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then they
+flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of wood. But
+when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they forth brave Hector,
+weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the dead man, and thereon cast
+fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector’s pyre. First quenched they with
+bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire’s strength went, and then
+his brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting, and big tears
+flowed down their cheeks. And the bones they took and laid in a golden urn,
+shrouding them in soft purple robes, and straightway laid the urn in a hollow
+grave and piled thereon great close-set stones, and heaped with speed a barrow,
+while watchers were set everywhere around, lest the well-greaved Achaians
+should make onset before the time. And when they had heaped the barrow they
+went back, and gathered them together and feasted right well in noble feast at
+the palace of Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
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+
diff --git a/3059-orig/iliad13to24.htm b/3059-orig/iliad13to24.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,6811 @@
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+"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" />
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer</title>
+
+<style type="text/css">
+
+body { margin-left: 20%;
+ margin-right: 20%;
+ text-align: justify }
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+
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+</head>
+
+<body>
+
+<h1>The Iliad</h1>
+
+<h2 class="no-break">by Homer</h2>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap13">BOOK XIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap14">BOOK XIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap15">BOOK XV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap16">BOOK XVI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap17">BOOK XVII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap18">BOOK XVIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap19">BOOK XIX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap20">BOOK XX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap21">BOOK XXI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap22">BOOK XXII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap23">BOOK XXIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap24">BOOK XXIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap13"></a>BOOK XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships. The valour of Idomeneus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the ships, left
+them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere again he turned his
+shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the Thracian horsebreeders, and the
+Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand, and the proud Hippemolgoi that drink
+mare’s milk, and the Abioi, the most righteous of men. To Troy no more at
+all he turned his shining eyes, for he deemed in his heart that not one of the
+Immortals would draw near, to help either Trojans or Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mighty Earth-shaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled on the
+war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace, for thence all
+Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of Priam, and the ships of
+the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea and sate him down, and he had pity
+on the Achaians, that they were subdued to the Trojans, and strong was his
+anger against Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift steps, and
+the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the immortal footsteps of
+Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and with the fourth he reached his
+goal, even Aigae, and there was his famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his
+glistering golden mansions builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and
+let harness to the car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with
+their golden manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized the
+well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he drove across
+the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on all sides out of the
+deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with gladness the sea stood asunder,
+and swiftly they sped, and the axle of bronze was not wetted beneath, and the
+bounding steeds bare him on to the ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between Tenedos
+and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, stay his
+horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before them ambrosial food
+to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about their hooves, tethers
+neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the horses might continually await
+their lord’s return. And he went to the host of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array, with
+fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries they came, and
+thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay thereby all the bravest
+of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the world, the Shaker of the earth,
+was urging on the Argives, and forth he came from the deep salt sea, in form
+and untiring voice like unto Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that
+themselves were eager for battle: “Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the
+people of the Achaians, if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill
+fear. For verily I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the Trojans,
+that have climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the well-greaved
+Achaians will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I greatly dread lest
+some evil befall us, even here where that furious one is leading like a flame
+of fire, Hector, who boasts him to be son of mighty Zeus. Nay, but here may
+some god put it into the hearts of you twain, to stand sturdily yourselves, and
+urge others to do the like; thereby might ye drive him from the fleet-faring
+ships, despite his eagerness, yea, even if the Olympian himself is rousing him
+to war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the twain
+with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their limbs he made
+light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even as a swift-winged
+hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall sheer rock, and swoops to
+chase some other bird across the plain, even so Poseidon sped from them, the
+Shaker of the world. And of the twain Oileus’ son, the swift-footed Aias,
+was the first to know the god, and instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon:
+“Aias, since it is one of the gods who hold Olympus, that in the
+semblance of a seer commands us now to fight beside the ships-not Kalchas is
+he, the prophet and sooth-sayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and
+knees as he turned away, and the gods are easy to discern—lo, then mine own
+heart within my breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet
+beneath and my hands above are lusting for the fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: “Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within me, and
+both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even in single
+fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which the god
+put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up the Achaians that
+were in the rear and were renewing their strength beside the swift ships. Their
+limbs were loosened by their grievous toil, yea, and their souls filled with
+sorrow at the sight of the Trojans, that had climbed over the great wall in
+their multitude. And they looked on them, and shed tears beneath their brows,
+thinking that never would they escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth
+right easily came among them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors.
+Teukros first he came and summoned, and Leitos, and the hero Peneleos, and
+Thoas, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the war-cry, all
+these he spurred on with winged words: “Shame on you, Argives, shame, ye
+striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the salvation of our ships. But if
+you are to withdraw from grievous war, now indeed the day doth shine that shall
+see us conquered by the Trojans. Out on it, for verily a great marvel is this
+that mine eyes behold, a terrible thing that methought should never come to
+pass, the Trojans advancing against our ships! Of yore they were like fleeting
+hinds, that in the wild wood are the prey of jackals, and pards, and wolves,
+and wander helpless, strengthless, empty of the joy of battle. Even so the
+Trojans of old cared never to wait and face the wrath and the hands of the
+Achaians, not for a moment. But now they are fighting far from the town, by the
+hollow ships, all through the baseness of our leader and the remissness of the
+people, who, being at strife with the chief, have no heart to defend the
+swift-faring ships, nay, thereby they are slain. But if indeed and in truth the
+hero Agamemnon, the wide-ruling son of Atreus, is the very cause of all, for
+that he did dishonour the swift-footed son of Peleus, not even so may we
+refrain in any wise from war. Nay, let us right our fault with speed, for
+easily righted are the hearts of the brave. No longer do ye well to refrain
+from impetuous might, all ye that are the best men of the host. I myself would
+not quarrel with one that, being a weakling, abstained from war, but with you I
+am heartily wroth. Ah, friends, soon shall ye make the mischief more through
+this remissness,—but let each man conceive shame in his heart, and indignation,
+for verily great is the strife that hath arisen. Lo, the mighty Hector of the
+loud war-cry is fighting at the ships, and the gates and the long bar he hath
+burst in sunder.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians. And
+straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands that Ares
+himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that marshals the host.
+Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the Trojans and goodly Hector, and
+spear on spear made close-set fence, and shield on serried shield, buckler
+pressed on buckler, and helm on helm, and man on man. The horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other as they nodded, so close they stood
+each by other, and spears brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their
+hearts were steadfast and lusted for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them, pressing
+straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the winter-swollen
+water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken the foundations of the
+stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping aloft it flies, and the wood
+echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its course, till it reaches the level
+plain, and then it rolls no more for all its eagerness,—even so Hector for a
+while threatened lightly to win to the sea through the huts and the ships of
+the Achaians, slaying as he came, but when he encountered the serried
+battalions, he was stayed when he drew near against them. But they of the other
+part, the sons of the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed
+spears, and drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled backward.
+Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans: “Trojans,
+and Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground, for the Achaians
+will not long ward me off, nay, though they have arrayed themselves in fashion
+like a tower. Rather, methinks, they will flee back before the spear, if verily
+the chief of gods has set me on, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and Deiphobos, the
+son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and held in front of him
+the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped with his feet, advancing
+beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones aimed at him with a shining
+spear, and struck, and missed not, but smote the circle of the bulls-hide
+shield, yet no whit did he pierce it; nay, well ere that might be, the long
+spear-shaft snapped in the socket. Now Deiphobos was holding off from him the
+bulls-hide shield, and his heart feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that
+hero shrunk back among the throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for
+the loss of victory, and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set forth to
+go to the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long spear, that he
+had left in his hut.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an inextinguishable cry.
+First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the spearman Imbrios, the son of
+Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he dwelt, before the coming of the sons of
+the Achaians, and he had for wife a daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock,
+Medesikaste; but when the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned again
+to Ilios, and was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who
+honoured him like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the
+ear with his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an ash
+that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of bronze, and
+brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell, and round him rang
+his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed forth, most eager to strip
+his armour, and Hector cast at him as he came with his shining spear. But
+Teukros, steadily regarding him, avoided by a little the spear of bronze; so
+Hector struck Amphimachos, son of Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the
+spear, as he was returning to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour
+rang upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted Amphimachos the
+helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at Hector as he came, with
+a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his body, for he was all clad in dread
+armour of bronze; but he smote the boss of his shield, and drave him back by
+main force, and he gave place from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians
+drew them out of the battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the
+Athenians, conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but
+Imbrios the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and carry
+it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the ground in their
+jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and spoiled his arms. Then
+the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate neck, in wrath for the sake of
+Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a ball through the throng, and it dropped
+in the dust before the feet of Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his sol’s son fell in the
+terrible fray. [Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidol’s son.] So
+he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to spur on the
+Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the Trojans. Then Idomeneus,
+spearman renowned, met him on his way from his comrade that had but newly
+returned to him out of the battle, wounded on the knee with the sharp bronze.
+Him his comrades carried forth, and Idomeneus gave charge to the leeches, and
+so went on to his hut, for he still was eager to face the war. Then the mighty
+Shaker of the earth addressed him, in the voice of Thoas, son of Andraimon,
+that ruled over the Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous Kalydon, and was
+honoured like a god by the people: “Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the
+Cretans, say, whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the
+Achaians threatened the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “O Thaos, now
+is there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in war. Neither
+is there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any that gives place to
+cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even thus, methinks, must it have
+seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that the Achaians should perish nameless
+here, far away from Argos. But Thoas, seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and
+dost spur on some other man, wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground,
+therefore slacken not now, but call aloud to every warrior.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: “Idomeneus,
+never may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the sport of
+dogs, who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come, take thy weapons and
+away: herein we must play the man together, if any avail there may be, though
+we are no more than two. Ay, and very cowards get courage from company, but we
+twain know well how to battle even with the brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but Idomeneus, so
+soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair armour about his body,
+and grasped two spears, and set forth like the lightning that Kronion seizes in
+his hand and brandishes from radiant Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortal
+men, and far seen are the flames thereof. Even so shone the bronze about the
+breast of Idomeneus as he ran, and Meriones, his good squire, met him, while he
+was still near his hut,—he was going to bring his spear of bronze,—and mighty
+Idomeneus spake to him: “Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest of
+my company, wherefore hast thou come hither and left the war and strife? Art
+thou wounded at all, and vexed by a dart’s point, or dost thou come with
+a message for me concerning aught? Verily I myself have no desire to sit in the
+huts, but to fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: “I have come to fetch a
+spear, if perchance thou hast one left in the huts, for that which before I
+carried I have shivered in casting at the shield of proud Deiphobos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “Spears, if
+thou wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut, against
+the shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have spoiled their
+slain. Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with foemen from afar,
+wherefore I have spears, and bossy shields, and helms, and corslets of splendid
+sheen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: “Yea, and in mine own hut and my
+black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand. Nay, for
+methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand forth among the
+foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth the strife of battle. Any
+other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians should sooner forget my prowess, but
+thou art he that knoweth it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “I know what a
+man of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay, if now
+beside the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an ambush—wherein the
+valour of men is best discerned; there the coward, and the brave man most
+plainly declare themselves: for the colour of the coward changes often, and his
+spirit cannot abide firm within him, but now he kneels on one knee, now on the
+other, and rests on either foot, and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as
+he thinks of doom, and his teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave
+man does not change, nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters
+the ambush of heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woeful war. Were
+we being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any man reckon
+lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if thou wert stricken in
+battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the dart would not strike thee in
+the hinder part of the neck, nor in the back, but would encounter thy breast or
+belly, as thou dost press on, towards the gathering of the foremost fighters.
+But come, no more let us talk thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man
+be vehemently wroth, but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the spear of
+bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high thoughts of battle.
+And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into the war, and with him
+follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless, that terrifies even the hardy
+warrior; and these twain leave Thrace, and harness them for fight with the
+Ephyri, or the great-hearted Phlegyans, yet hearken not to both peoples, but
+give honour to one only; like these gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of
+men, set forth into the fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake
+first to Idomeneus saying: “Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager to
+enter into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the centre, or on
+the left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the flowing-haired Achaians so
+like to fail in fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “In the
+centre of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two Aiantes, and
+Teukros, the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good man in close fight;
+these will give Hector Priam’s son toil enough, howsoever keen he be for
+battle; yea, though he be exceeding stalwart. Hard will he find it, with all
+his lust for war, to overcome their strength and their hands invincible, and to
+fire the ships, unless Kronion himself send down on the swift ships a burning
+brand. But not to a man would he yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man
+that is mortal and eateth Demeter’s grain, and may be chosen with the
+sword of bronze, and with hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles
+the breaker of the ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but for
+speed of foot none may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide us twain, as
+thou sayest, to the left hand of the host, that speedily we may learn whether
+we are to win glory from others, or other men from us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till they came
+to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire with him,
+and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him through the press.
+Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships. And as the gusts speed on,
+when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust lies thickest on the roads, and the
+winds raise together a great cloud of dust, even so their battle clashed
+together, and all were fain of heart to slay each other in the press with the
+keen bronze. And the battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears,
+the piercing spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming
+helmets dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would he have
+been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were contriving
+sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for the Trojans and
+Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he did not wish the Achaian
+host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only to give renown to Thetis and her
+strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went among the Argives and stirred them to
+war, stealing secretly forth from the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that
+they were overcome by the Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus.
+Verily both were of the same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was
+the elder and the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness of a
+man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong strife and equal
+war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and Achaians, a knot that none
+might break nor undo, for the loosening of the knees of many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on the
+Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he slew
+Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had followed after the
+rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of the daughters of Priam,
+Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with promise of mighty deed, namely
+that he would drive perforce out of Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him
+the old man Priam had promised and appointed that he would give her, so he
+fought trusting in his promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright
+spear, and cast and smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet
+of bronze that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his
+belly. And he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and lifted up
+his voice, saying: “Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above all mortal
+men, if indeed thou shalt accomplish all that thou hast promised Priam, son of
+Dardanos, that promised thee again his own daughter. Yea, and we likewise would
+promise as much to thee, and fulfil it, and would give thee the fairest
+daughter of the son of Atreus, and bring her from Argos, and wed her to thee,
+if only thou wilt aid us to take the fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us
+that we may make a covenant of marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are no
+hard exacters of gifts of wooing.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce mellay.
+But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the charioteer guided
+so that still their breath touched the shoulders of Asios. And the desire of
+his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was beforehand with him, and smote him
+with the spear in the throat, below the chin, and drove the point straight
+through. And he fell as an oak falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that
+craftsmen have felled on the hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship’s
+timber; even so he lay stretched out before the horses and the chariot,
+groaning, and clutching the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and
+kept not his wits, as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of
+the hands of foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and pierced
+the middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the corslet of bronze he
+was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in the midst of his belly.
+Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought chariot, and Antilochos, the
+son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the horses out from the Trojans, among the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then Deiphobos, in sorrow for Asios, drew very nigh
+Idomeneus, and cast at him with his shining spear. But Idomeneus steadily
+watching him, avoided the spear of bronze, being hidden beneath the circle of
+his shield, the shield covered about with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that he
+allows bore, fitted with two arm-rods: under this he crouched together, and the
+spear of bronze flew over. And his shield rang sharply, as the spear grazed
+thereon. Yet it flew not vainly from the heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote
+Hypsenor, son of Hippasos, the shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the
+midriff, and instantly unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over him
+terribly, crying aloud: “Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay,
+methinks, that even on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he will
+rejoice at heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and stirred
+above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet, despite his sorrow, he
+was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and stood over him, and covered
+him with his buckler. Then two trusty companions, Mekisteus, son of Echios, and
+goodly Alastor, stooped down and lifted him, and with heavy groaning bare him
+to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving, either to
+cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to fall in warding
+off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of Aisyetes, fosterling of
+Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who was son-in-law of Anchises, and
+had married the eldest of his daughters, Hippodameia, whom her father and her
+lady mother dearly loved in the halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her
+age in beauty, and skill, and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy
+took her to wife. This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus, throwing a
+spell over his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs; so that he might
+neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but stood steady as a pillar, or
+a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when the hero Idomeneus smote him in the
+midst of the breast with the spear, and rent the coat of bronze about him, that
+aforetime warded death from his body, but now rang harsh as it was rent by the
+spear. And he fell with a crash, and the lance fixed in his heart, that, still
+beating, shook the butt-end of the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its
+fury there; but Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud: “Deiphobos,
+are we to deem it fair acquittal that we have slain three men for one, since
+thou boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also thyself against me, that
+thou mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am I that have come hither! For Zeus
+first begat Minos, the warden of Crete, and Minos got him a son, the noble
+Deukalion, and Deukalion begat me, a prince over many men in wide Crete, and
+now have the ships brought me hither, a bane to thee and thy father, and all
+the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether he should
+retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted Trojans, or should
+try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his mind it seemed the better, to
+go after Aineias, whom he found standing the last in the press, for Aineias was
+ever wroth against goodly Priam, for that Priam gave him no honour, despite his
+valour among men. So Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him:
+“Aineias, thou counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need
+that thou shouldst succour thy sister’s husband, if any care for kin doth
+touch thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister’s husband,
+who of old did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one, and
+now, lo, spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went to seek
+Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold upon Idomeneus, as
+though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at bay, like a boar on the
+hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides the great assailing throng of
+men in a lonely place, and he bristles up his back, and his eyes shine with
+fire, while he whets his tusks, and is right eager to keep at bay both men and
+hounds. Even so stood spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came
+to the rescue, and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, all
+masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake winged words:
+“Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and terribly I dread
+the onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is assailing me; for he is right
+strong to destroy men in battle, and he hath the flower of youth, the greatest
+avail that may be. Yea, if he and I were of like age, and in this spirit
+whereof now we are, speedily should he or I achieve high victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood hard by
+each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the other side,
+cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris, and noble Agenor, that
+with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then the hosts followed them, as
+sheep follow their leader to the water from the pasture, and the shepherd is
+glad at heart; even so the heart of Aineias was glad in his breast, when he saw
+the hosts of the people following to aid him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long spears, and
+round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed at each other in
+the press, while two men of war beyond the rest, Aineias and Idomeneus, the
+peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the flesh of the other with the
+pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at Idomeneus, who steadily watching him
+avoided the spear of bronze, and the point of Aineias went quivering in the
+earth, since vainly it had flown from his stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote
+Oinomaos in the midst of the belly, and brake the plate of his corslet, and the
+bronze let forth the bowels through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and
+clutched the earth in his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the far-shadowing
+spear from the dead, but could not avail to strip the rest of the fair armour
+from his shoulders, for the darts pressed hard on him. Nay, and his feet no
+longer served him firmly in a charge, nor could he rush after his own spear,
+nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in close fight he still held off the pitiless day
+of destiny, but in retreat: his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the
+battle. And as he was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed at him with his shining
+spear, for verily he ever cherished a steadfast hatred against Idomeneus. But
+this time, too, he missed him, and smote Askalapbos, the son of Enyalios, with
+his dart, and the strong spear passed through his shoulder, and he fell in the
+dust, and clutched the earth in his outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful
+Ares was not yet aware at all that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he
+was reclining on the peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held
+there by the design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods,
+restrained from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos tore from
+Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, leaped
+forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and from his hand the
+vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And Meriones sprang forth
+instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong spear from the shoulder of
+Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of his comrades. But the own brother
+of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his hands round his waist, and led him forth
+from the evil din of war, even till he came to the swift horses, that waited
+for him behind the battle and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight
+chariot. These bore him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and
+the blood ran down from his newly wounded arm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched. There
+Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his throat, that chanced
+to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his head dropped down and his
+shield and helm fell with him, and death that slays the spirit overwhelmed him.
+And Antilochos watched Thoon as he turned the other way, and leaped on him, and
+wounded him, severing all the vein that runs up the back till it reaches the
+neck; this he severed clean, and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching
+out both his hands to his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and
+stripped the armour from his shoulders, glancing around while the Trojans
+gathered from here and there, and smote his wide shining shield, yet did not
+avail to graze, behind the shield, the delicate flesh of Antilochos with the
+pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, did guard on
+every side the son of Nestor, even in the midst of the javelins. And never did
+Antilochos get free of the foe, but turned him about among them, nor ever was
+his spear at rest, but always brandished and shaken, and the aim of his heart
+was to smite a foeman from afar, or to set on him at close quarters. But as he
+was aiming through the crowd, he escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of Asios,
+who smote the midst of his shield with the sharp bronze, setting on nigh at
+hand; but Poseidon of the dark locks made his shaft of no avail, grudging him
+the life of Antilochos. And part of the spear abode there, like a burned stake,
+in the shield of Antilochos, and half lay on the earth, and back retreated
+Adamas to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate. But Meriones following
+after him as he departed, smote him with a spear between the privy parts and
+the navel, where a wound is most baneful to wretched mortals. Even there he
+fixed the spear in him and he fell, and writhed about the spear, even as a bull
+that herdsmen on the hills drag along perforce when they have bound him with
+withes, so he when he was smitten writhed for a moment, not for long, till the
+hero Meriones came near, and drew the spear out of his body. And darkness
+covered his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great Thracian
+sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged, fell on the
+ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up as it rolled between
+his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of Deipyros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry, and he
+went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the prince, shaking his sharp
+spear, while the other drew the centre-piece of his bow. And both at once were
+making ready to let fly, one with his sharp spear, the other with the arrow
+from the string. Then the son of Priam smote Menelaos on the breast with his
+arrow, on the plate of the corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from
+a broad shovel in a great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and
+pulse, before the whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower’s
+shovel, even so from the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far
+aside the bitter arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry,
+smote the hand of Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into the bow,
+clean through the hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back he withdrew to the
+ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand hanging down at his side,
+for the ashen spear dragged after him. And the great-hearted Agenor drew the
+spear from his hand, and himself bound up the hand with a band of twisted
+sheep’s-wool, a sling that a squire carried for him, the shepherd of the
+host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate was
+leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome in the dread
+strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in onset upon each other,
+the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Peisandros smote
+the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean
+through, for the wide shield caught it, and the spear brake in the socket, yet
+Peisandros rejoiced in his heart, and hoped for the victory. But the son of
+Atreus drew his silver-studded sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And
+Peisandros, under his shield, clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long
+and polished haft of olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then
+Peisandros smote the crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close below
+the very plume, but Menelaos struck the other, as he came forward, on the brow,
+above the base of the nose, and the bones cracked, and the eyes, all bloody,
+fell at his feet in the dust. Then he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set his foot
+on his breast, and stripped him of his arms, and triumphed, saying: “Even
+thus then surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+ye Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din of war. Yea, and ye shall
+not lack all other reproof and shame, wherewith ye made me ashamed, ye hounds
+of evil, having no fear in your hearts of the strong wrath of loud-thundering
+Zeus, the god of guest and host, who one day will destroy your steep citadel. O
+ye that wantonly carried away my wedded wife and many of my possessions, when
+ye were entertained by her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the
+seafaring ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet refrain
+you from battle, for as eager as ye be. O Zeus, verily they say that thou dost
+excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all these things are from
+thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of violence, even the Trojans,
+whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can they have their fill of the din of
+equal war. Of all things there is satiety, yea, even of love and sleep, and of
+sweet song, and dance delectable, whereof a man would sooner have his fill than
+of war, but the Trojans are insatiable of battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body, and gave
+them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again, and mingled in
+the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of king Pylaimenes, leaped
+out against him, Harpalion that followed his dear father to Troy, to the war,
+nor ever came again to his own country. He then smote the middle of the shield
+of Atreus’ son with his spear, in close fight, yet availed not to drive
+the bronze clean through, but fell back into the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate, glancing round every way, lest one should wound his flesh with the
+bronze. But Meriones shot at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod arrow, and
+smote him in the right buttock, and the arrow went right through the bladder
+and came out under the bone. And sitting down, even there, in the arms of his
+dear comrades, he breathed away his soul, lying stretched like a worm on the
+earth, and out flowed the black blood, and wetted the ground. And the
+Paphlagonians great of heart, tended him busily, and set him in a chariot, and
+drove him to sacred Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his father, shedding
+tears, and there was no atonement for his dead son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had been his
+host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his sake, he let fly
+a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor, the son of Polyidos the
+seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was in Corinth. And well he knew
+his own ruinous fate, when he went on ship-board, for often would the old man,
+the good Polyidos, tell him, that he must either perish of a sore disease in
+his halls, or go with the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the
+Trojans. Wherefore he avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and
+the hateful disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris
+smite beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit departed from
+his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus had not heard nor
+knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was being subdued by the
+Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won renown, so mighty was the Holder
+and Shaker of the earth that urged on the Argives; yea, and himself mightily
+defended them. But Hector kept where at first he had leaped within the walls
+and the gate, and broken the serried ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even
+where were the ships of Aias and Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the
+hoary sea, while above the wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the
+heroes and their horses were raging in battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught on the
+ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector, like a flame of
+fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians; among them Menestheus son
+of Peteos was the leader; and there followed with him Pheidas and Stichios, and
+brave Bias, while the Epeians were led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion
+and Drakios, and in front of the Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in
+war. Now the one, Medon, was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of
+Aias, and he dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain
+a man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the other,
+Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in their armour, in
+the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending the ships, and fighting
+among the Boiotians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the side of
+Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in fallow land two
+wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen plough, and round the
+roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat, and nought sunders them but
+the polished yoke, as they labour through the furrow, till the end of the
+furrow brings them up, so stood the two Aiantes close by each other. Now verily
+did many and noble hosts of his comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and
+bore his shield when labour and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians
+followed not with the high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not
+steadfast in close brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of bronze,
+shadowy with horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen spears, but
+trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep’s wool, they followed
+with him to Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick and fast, and brake
+the ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in front contended with the Trojans,
+and with Hector arrayed in bronze, while the others from behind kept shooting
+from their ambush, and the Trojans lost all memory of the joy of battle, for
+the arrows confounded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans have
+withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant Hector and said:
+“Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that would counsel thee;
+for that god has given thee excellence in the works of war, therefore in
+council also thou art fain to excel other men in knowledge. But in nowise wilt
+thou be able to take everything on thyself. For to one man has god given for
+his portion the works of war, [to another the dance, to another the lute and
+song,] but in the heart of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent
+understanding, whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and
+himself best knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me.
+Behold all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being scattered
+among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the best of the
+warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully, whether we should
+fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god willeth to give us victory, or
+after counsel held, should return unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear
+lest the Achaians repay their debt of yesterday, since by the ships there
+tarrieth a man insatiate of war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand
+aloof from battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who spake to him
+winged words and said: “Polydamas, do thou stay here all the best of the
+host, but I will go thither to face the war, and swiftly will return again,
+when I have straitly laid on them my commands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and shouting
+aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all sped to Polydamas,
+the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the voice of Hector. But he went
+seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and
+Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the warriors in the foremost line, if anywhere he
+might find them. But them he found not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but,
+lo, some among the sterns of the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by
+the hands of the Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or
+cast. But one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with words of
+shame: “Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest for women,
+thou seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and
+Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and where is Othryoneus? Now
+hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now, too, thou seest, is sheer
+destruction sure.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: “Hector, since thy
+mind is to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather withdraw
+me from the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a coward. For from the
+time that thou didst gather the battle of thy comrades about the ships, from
+that hour do we abide here, and war with the Danaans ceaselessly; and our
+comrades concerning whom thou inquirest are slain. Only Deiphobos and the
+strong prince Helenos have both withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the
+hand with long spears, for Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on,
+wheresoever thy heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee
+eagerly, nor methinks shall we lack for valour, as far as we have strength; but
+beyond his strength may no man fight, howsoever eager he be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother’s heart, and they went forth
+where the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble Polydamas, and
+Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and Palmys, and Askanios, and
+Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in their turn, out of deep-soiled
+Askanie, on the morn before, and now Zeus urged them to fight. And these set
+forth like the blast of violent winds, that rushes earthward beneath the
+thunder of Zeus, and with marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea, and
+therein are many swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and white
+with foam, some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed in van
+and rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of men. In
+front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and plates of beaten
+bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm. And everywhere he went in
+advance and made trial of the ranks, if perchance they would yield to him as he
+charged under cover of his shield. But he could not confound the heart within
+the breast of the Achaians. And Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged
+him first: “Sir, draw nigh, wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the
+Argives? We are in no wise ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus
+are we Achaians vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the
+ships, but we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your peopled
+city will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked. But for thee, I
+tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt pray in thy flight to Zeus,
+and the other immortal gods, that thy fair-maned steeds may be fleeter than
+falcons: thy steeds that are to bear thee to the city, as they storm in dust
+across the plain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of lofty
+flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged by the omen,
+but renowned Hector answered: “Aias, thou blundering boaster, what sayest
+thou! Would that indeed I were for ever as surely the son of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, and that my mother were lady Hera, and that I were held in such honour as
+Apollo and Athene, as verily this day is to bring utter evil on all the
+Argives! And thou among them shalt be slain, if thou hast the heart to await my
+long spear, which shall rend thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat
+and flesh the birds and dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and the whole
+host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side answered with a shout,
+and forgot not their valiance, but abode the onslaught of the bravest of the
+Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts went up through the higher air, to the
+splendour of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap14"></a>BOOK XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights of Ida, and Poseidon
+spurred on the Achaians to resist Hector, and how Hector was wounded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he spake
+winged words to the son of Asklepios: “Bethink thee, noble Machaon, what
+had best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong warriors by the ships.
+Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the bright wine, till Hekamede of the
+fair tresses shall heat warm water for the bath, and wash away the clotted
+blood, but I will speedily go forth and come to a place of outlook.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming Thrasymedes,
+which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze, for the son had the
+shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear, with a point of keen
+bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway beheld a deed of shame, the
+Achaians fleeing in rout, and the high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the
+wall of the Achaians was overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with
+a dumb wave, and dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still
+unmoved nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,—his mind divided this way and
+that,—whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the host. And thus as he
+pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to go to the son of Atreus.
+Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each other, and the stout bronze rang
+about their bodies as they were thrust with swords and double-pointed spears.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they went up
+from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze, Tydeus’ son,
+and Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart from the battle were
+their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey sea, for these were the first
+they had drawn up to the plain, but had builded the wall in front of the
+hindmost. For in no wise might the beach, wide as it was, hold all the ships,
+and the host was straitened. Wherefore they drew up the ships row within row,
+and filled up the wide mouth of all the shore that the headlands held between
+them. Therefore the kings were going together, leaning on their spears, to look
+on the war and fray, and the heart of each was sore within his breast. And the
+old man met them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to fail within the breasts
+of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast deserted
+the war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the word that dread
+Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened us, speaking in the
+assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would he return to Ilios from the
+ships, till he had burned the ships with fire, and slain the men. Even so he
+spake, and, lo, now all these things are being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the
+other well-greaved Achaians store wrath against me in their hearts, like
+Achilles, and have no desire to fight by the rearmost ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying “Verily these
+things are now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could Zeus
+himself contrive them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the wall is
+overthrown, wherein we trusted that it should be an unbroken bulwark of the
+ships and of our own bodies. But let us take counsel, how these things may best
+be done, if wit may do aught: but into the war I counsel not that we should go
+down, for in no wise may a wounded man do battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: “Nestor, for that they are
+warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath availed not, nor
+the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much labour, hoping in their hearts
+that it should be the unbroken bulwark of the ships, and of their own
+bodies—such it seemeth must be the will of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians
+should perish here nameless far from Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward
+to aid the Danaans, and now I know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like
+that of the blessed gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come,
+as I declare, let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up in
+the first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt sea
+divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night comes, if even
+at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then might we drag down all the
+ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from ruin, yea, even in the night.
+Better doth he fare who flees from trouble, than he that is overtaken.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels:
+“Atreus’ son, what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of
+mischief, sure thou shouldst lead some other inglorious army, not be king among
+us, to whom Zeus hath given it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of
+grievous wars, till every man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager to leave
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans, the city for which we endure with sorrow so
+many evils? Be silent, lest some other of the Achaians hear this word, that no
+man should so much as suffer to pass through his mouth, none that understandeth
+in his heart how to speak fit counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath
+hosts obeying him so many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I
+wholly scorn thy thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the
+midst of war and battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the
+sea, that even more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire, albeit they
+win the mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon us. For the Achaians
+will not make good the war, when the ships are drawn down to the salt sea, but
+will look round about to flee, and withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel
+work a mischief, O marshal of the host!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “Odysseus, right sharply
+hast thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid the sons
+of the Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered ships to the
+salt sea. Now perchance there may be one who will utter a wiser counsel than
+this of mine,—a young man or an old,—welcome would it be to me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: “The man is
+near,—not long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of me, and
+each of you be not resentful at all, because in years I am the youngest among
+you. Nay, but I too boast me to come by lineage of a noble sire, Tydeus, whom
+in Thebes the piled-up earth doth cover. For Portheus had three well-born
+children, and they dwelt in Pleuron, and steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas,
+and the third was Oineus the knight, the father of my father, and in valour he
+excelled the others. And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither
+he had wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And
+he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full of
+livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of trees
+apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he excelled all the
+Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak sooth. Therefore ye could
+not say that I am weak and a coward by lineage, and so dishonour my spoken
+counsel, that well I may speak. Let us go down to the battle, wounded as we
+are, since we needs must; and then might we hold ourselves aloof from the
+battle, beyond the range of darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the
+others will we spur on, even them that aforetime gave place to their passion,
+and stand apart, and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they set
+forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in the
+guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon,
+Atreus’ son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying:
+“Atreides, now methinks the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his
+breast, as he beholds the slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since he hath
+no wisdom, not a grain. Nay, even so may he perish likewise, and god mar him.
+But with thee the blessed gods are not utterly wroth, nay, even yet methinks
+the leaders and rulers of the Trojans will cover the wide plain with dust, and
+thyself shalt see them fleeing to the city from the ships and the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud as nine
+thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the strife of war,
+so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the earth sent forth from his
+breast, and great strength he put into the heart of each of the Achaians, to
+strive and war unceasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw with her
+eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord’s going to and
+fro through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her heart. And she beheld
+Zeus sitting on the topmost crest of many-fountained Ida, and to her heart he
+was hateful. Then she took thought, the ox-eyed lady Hera, how she might
+beguile the mind of aegis-bearing Zeus. And this seemed to her in her heart to
+be the best counsel, namely to fare to Ida, when she had well adorned herself,
+if perchance a sweet sleep and a kindly she could pour on his eye lids and his
+crafty wits. And she set forth to her bower, that her dear son Hephaistos had
+fashioned, and therein had made fast strong doors on the pillars, with a secret
+bolt, that no other god might open. There did she enter in and closed the
+shining doors. With ambrosia first did she cleanse every stain from her winsome
+body, and anointed her with olive oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a sweet savour;
+if it were but shaken, in the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus, the savour
+thereof went right forth to earth and heaven. Therewith she anointed her fair
+body, and combed her hair, and with her hands plaited her shining tresses, fair
+and ambrosial, flowing from her immortal head. Then she clad her in her
+fragrant robe that Athene wrought delicately for her, and therein set many
+things beautifully made, and fastened it over her breast with clasps of gold.
+And she girdled it with a girdle arrayed with a hundred tassels, and she set
+earrings in her pierced ears, earrings of three drops, and glistering,
+therefrom shone grace abundantly. And with a veil over all the peerless goddess
+veiled herself, a fair new veil, bright as the sun, and beneath her shining
+feet she bound goodly sandals. But when she had adorned her body with all her
+array, she went forth from her bower, and called Aphrodite apart from the other
+gods, and spake to her, saying: “Wilt thou obey me, dear child, in that
+which I shall tell thee? or wilt thou refuse, with a grudge in thy heart,
+because I succour the Danaans, and thou the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: “Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart bids me
+fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: “Give me now Love
+and Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal men. For
+I am going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of
+the gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and nourished me in their
+halls, having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing Zeus imprisoned Kronos
+beneath the earth and the unvintaged sea. Them am I going to visit, and their
+endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they hold apart from
+each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. If with words I might
+persuade their hearts, and bring them back to love, ever should I be called
+dear to them and worshipful.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: “It may not be, nor
+seemly were it, to deny that thou askest, for thou steepest in the arms of
+Zeus, the chief of gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle, fair-wrought,
+wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and desire, and loving
+converse, that steals the wits even of the wise. This girdle she laid in her
+hands, and spake, and said: “Lo now, take this girdle and lay it up in
+thy bosom, this fair-wrought girdle, wherein all things are fashioned; methinks
+thou wilt not return with that unaccomplished, which in thy heart thou
+desirest.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the zone
+within her breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera, rushing
+down, left the peak of Olympus, and sped’ over the snowy hills of the
+Thracian horsemen, even over the topmost crests, nor grazed the ground with her
+feet, and from Athos she fared across the foaming sea, and came to Lemnos, the
+city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the brother of Death, and clasped
+her hand in his, and spake and called him by name: “Sleep, lord of all
+gods and of all men, if ever thou didst hear my word, obey me again even now,
+and I will be grateful to thee always. Lull me, I pray thee, the shining eyes
+of Zeus beneath his brows. And gifts I will give to thee, even a fair throne,
+imperishable for ever, a golden throne, that Hephaistos the Lame, mine own
+child, shall fashion skilfully, and will set beneath it a footstool for the
+feet, for thee to set thy shining feet upon, when thou art at a festival. Nay
+come, and I will give thee one of the younger of the Graces, to wed and to be
+called thy wife.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said:—“Come now, swear
+to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands grasp the
+bounteous earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all may be witnesses
+to us, even all the gods below that are with Kronos, that verily thou wilt give
+me one of the younger of the Graces, even Pasithea, that myself do long for all
+my days.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she sware as he
+bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below Tartaros that are
+called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that oath, the twain left the
+citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on in mist, and swiftly they
+accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida they came, the mother of wild
+beasts, to Lekton, where first they left the sea, and they twain fared above
+the dry land, and the topmost forest waved beneath their feet. There Sleep
+halted, ere the eyes of Zeus beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the
+loftiest pine that then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air.
+But Hera swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the highest crest of Ida, and
+Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he saw her, so love came over his
+deep heart, and he stood before her, and spoke, and said: “Hera, with
+what desire comest thou thus hither from Olympus, and thy horses and chariot
+are not here, whereon thou mightst ascend?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: “I am going to visit the
+limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother
+Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them am I going to
+visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they
+hold apart from each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. But my
+horses are standing at the foot of many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall
+bear me over wet and dry. And now it is because of thee that I am thus come
+hither, down from Olympus, lest perchance thou mightest be wroth with me
+hereafter, if silently I were gone to the mansion of deep-flowing
+Okeanos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: “Hera,
+thither mayst thou go on a later day. For never once as thus did the love of
+goddess or woman so mightily overflow and conquer the heart within my
+breast.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and love
+overcome. But sweet Sleep started and ran to the ships of the Achaians, to tell
+his tidings to the god that holdeth and shaketh the earth. And he stood near
+him, and spake winged words: “Eagerly now, Poseidon, do thou aid the
+Danaans, and give them glory for a little space, while yet Zeus sleepeth, for
+over him have I shed soft slumber, and Hera hath beguiled him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the more did
+he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang far afront of the
+foremost, and called to them: “Argives, are we again to yield the victory
+to Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our ships and win renown? Nay, even
+so he saith and declareth that he will do, for that Achilles by the hollow
+ships abides angered at heart. But for him there will be no such extreme
+regret, if we spur us on to aid each the other. Nay come, as I command, let us
+all obey. Let us harness us in the best shields that are in the host, and the
+greatest, and cover our heads with shining helms, and take the longest spears
+in our hands, and so go forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that
+Hector, son of Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness. And
+whatsoever man is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on his
+shoulder, let him give it to a worse man, and harness him in a larger
+shield.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the kings
+themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus’ son, and Odysseus, and
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host, and made exchange of
+weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior harness him in, the worse he
+gave to the worse. But when they had done on the shining bronze about their
+bodies, they started on the march, and Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the
+earth, with a dread sword of fine edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning;
+wherewith it is not permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear
+holds men afar therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even dark-haired
+Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans, the other with the
+Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships of the Argives, and they
+gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so loudly bellows the wave of the sea
+against the land, stirred up from the deep by the harsh breath of the north
+wind, nor so loud is the roar of burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when
+it springs to burn up the forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high
+leafy tresses of the trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was
+the cry of the Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon
+each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him full, and
+did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched across his breast,
+the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded sword; these guarded his
+tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because his swift spear had flown vainly
+from his hand, and he retreated into the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a huge stone;
+for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled among the feet of the
+fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote Hector on the breast, over the
+shield-rim, near the neck, and made him spin like a top with the blow, that he
+reeled round and round. And even as when an oak falls uprooted beneath the
+stroke of father Zeus, and a dread savour of brimstone arises therefrom, and
+whoso stands near and beholds it has no more courage, for dread is the bolt of
+great Zeus, even so fell mighty Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear
+fell from his hand, but his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round
+him rang his arms adorned with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to drag him
+away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to wound or smite the
+shepherd of the host, before that might be the bravest gathered about him,
+Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor, and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians,
+and noble Glaukos, and of the rest not one was heedless of him, but they held
+their round shields in front of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms,
+and bare him out of the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were
+standing waiting for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the
+rear of the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying Xanthos,
+that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the chariot to the ground,
+and poured water over him, and he gat back his breath, and looked up with his
+eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling, he vomited black blood. Then again he
+sank back on the ground, and black night covered his eyes, the stroke still
+conquering his spirit.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap15"></a>BOOK XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore the fortunes of the
+Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of Protesilaos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and many were
+overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed, and abode beside
+the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and Zeus awoke, on the peaks
+of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then he leaped up, and stood, and
+beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in flight, and these driving them on
+from the rear, even the Argives, and among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector
+he saw lying on the plain, and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping
+with difficult breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it
+was not the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera, with
+fierce look: “O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy crafty wile
+that has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has terrified the host.
+Nay, but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be the first to reap the fruits
+of thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with stripes. Dost thou not remember,
+when thou wert hung from on high, and from thy feet I suspended two anvils, and
+round thy hands fastened a golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst
+hang in the clear air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus,
+but they could not come round and unloose thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him winged
+words, saying: “Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven above,
+and that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most terrible to the
+blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own bridal bed, whereby never
+would I forswear myself, that not by my will does earth-shaking Poseidon
+trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour them of the other part. Nay, it is
+his own soul that urgeth and commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians,
+when he beheld them hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him
+also to go even where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her he spake
+winged words: “If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera, wouldst
+hereafter abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods, thereon would
+Poseidon, howsoever much his wish be contrariwise, quickly turn his mind
+otherwhere, after thy heart and mine. But if indeed thou speakest the truth and
+soothly, go thou now among the tribes of the gods, and call Iris to come
+hither, and Apollo, the renowned archer, that Iris may go among the host of
+mail-clad Achaians and tell Poseidon the prince to cease from the war, and get
+him unto his own house. But let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and
+breathe strength into him again, and make him forget his anguish, that now
+wears down his heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he hath stirred
+in them craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the many-benched ships of
+Achilles son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his own comrade, Patroklos; and him
+shall renowned Hector slay with the spear, in front of Ilios, after that he has
+slain many other youths, and among them my son, noble Sarpedon. In wrath
+therefor shall goodly Achilles slay Hector. From that hour verily will I cause
+a new pursuit from the ships, that shall endure continually, even until the
+Achaians take steep Ilios, through the counsels of Athene. But before that hour
+neither do I cease in my wrath, nor will I suffer any other of the Immortals to
+help the Danaans there, before I accomplish that desire of the son of Peleus,
+as I promised him at the first, and confirmed the same with a nod of my head,
+on that day when the goddess Thetis clasped my knees, imploring me to honour
+Achilles, the sacker of cities.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she sped
+down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus, and went among the gathering of the
+immortal gods. And she called Apollo without the hall and Iris, that is the
+messenger of the immortal gods, and she spake winged words, and addressed them,
+saying: “Zeus bids you go to Ida as swiftly as may be, and when ye have
+gone, and looked on the face of Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and
+command.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And these twain came before the face of Zeus the cloud gatherer, and stood
+there, and he was nowise displeased at heart when he beheld them, for that
+speedily they had obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to Iris first he spake
+winged words: “Go, get thee, swift Iris, to the prince Poseidon, and tell
+him all these things, nor be a false messenger. Command him to cease from war
+and battle, and to go among the tribes of the gods, or into the bright sea. But
+if he will not obey my words, but will hold me in no regard, then let him
+consider in his heart and mind, lest he dare not for all his strength to abide
+me when I come against him, since I deem me to be far mightier than he, and
+elder born.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went down the
+hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail fleets from the
+clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the clear air, so fleetly
+she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew near the renowned Earth-shaker
+and spake to him the message of Zeus. And he left the host of the Achaians, and
+passed to the sea, and sank, and sorely they missed him, the heroes of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: “Go now,
+dear Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze. Let glorious Hector be thy care,
+and rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come in their flight to the
+ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment will I devise word and deed
+wherewithal the Achaians may take breath again from their toil.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went down
+the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is the swiftest
+of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted Priam, noble Hector,
+sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late got back his life, and knew
+the comrades around him, and his gasping and his sweat had ceased, from the
+moment when the will of aegis-bearing Zeus began to revive him. Then
+far-darting Apollo stood near him, and spake to him: “Hector, son of
+Priam, why dost thou sit fainting apart from the others? Is it perchance that
+some trouble cometh upon thee?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: “Nay,
+but who art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face? Dost thou
+not know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the Achaians, Aias of the
+loud war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone, as I was slaying his
+comrades, and made me cease from mine impetuous might? And verily I deemed that
+this very day I should pass to the dead, and the house of Hades, when I had
+gasped my life away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: “Take courage now,
+so great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to stand by thee
+and defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, me who of old defend
+thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now, bid thy many charioteers
+drive their swift steeds against the hollow ships, and I will go before and
+make smooth all the way for the chariots, and will put to flight the Achaian
+heroes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and even
+as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his tether and speedeth
+at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont to bathe in the
+fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and the mane floweth about his
+shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his knees bear him to the
+haunts and pasture of the mares, even so Hector lightly moved his feet and
+knees, urging on his horsemen, when he heard the voice of the god. But as when
+hounds and country folk pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock
+and shady wood save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their
+clamour a bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them
+all despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on always
+in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed spears, but when
+they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men, then were they afraid, and
+the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the Aitolians,
+skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and in council did few
+of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were striving in debate; he
+made harangue and spake among them: “Alas, and verily a great marvel is
+this I behold with mine eyes, how he hath again arisen, and hath avoided the
+Fates, even Hector. Surely each of us hoped in his heart, that he had died
+beneath the hand of Aias, son of Telamon. But some one of the gods again hath
+delivered and saved Hector, who verily hath loosened the knees of many of the
+Danaans, as methinks will befall even now, for not without the will of
+loud-thundering Zeus doth he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for battle.
+But come, as I declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng turn back to the
+ships, but let us as many as avow us to be the best in the host, take our
+stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold him off with outstretched
+spears, and he, methinks, for all his eagerness, will fear at heart to enter
+into the press of the Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were with
+Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Neriones, and Meges the peer of
+Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and sustained the fight with
+Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the multitude returned to the ships of
+the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides Hector led
+them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his shoulders wrapped in
+cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread, circled with a shaggy fringe,
+and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of
+men; with this in his hands did he lead the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on both
+sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears from
+stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men swift in
+fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white flesh, stuck in the
+ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now so long as Phoebus Apollo
+held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long the darts smote either side amain,
+and the folk fell. But when he looked face to face on the Danaans of the swift
+steeds, and shook the aegis, and himself shouted mightily, he quelled their
+heart in their breast, and they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two
+wild beasts drive in confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in
+the dark hour of black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman is not
+by, even so were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless, for Apollo sent
+a panic among them, but still gave renown to the Trojans and Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and called aloud on
+the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out, and level with his held
+the steeds that drew their chariots, with a marvellous din, and in front of
+them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his feet the banks of the deep
+ditch, and cast them into the midst thereof, making a bridgeway long and wide
+as is a spear-cast, when a man throws to make trial of his strength. Thereby
+the Trojans poured forward in their battalions, while in their van Apollo held
+the splendid aegis. And most easily did he cast down the wall of the Achaians,
+as when a boy scatters the sand beside the sea, first making sand buildings for
+sport in his childishness, and then again, in his sport, confounding them with
+his feet and hands; even so didst thou, archer Apollo, confound the long toil
+and labour of the Argives, and among them rouse a panic fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other; and
+lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently, and chiefly
+prayed Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians, stretching his hand towards the
+starry heaven: “O father Zeus, if ever any one of us in wheat-bearing
+Argos did burn to thee fat thighs of bull or sheep, and prayed that he might
+return, and thou didst promise and assent thereto, of these things be thou
+mindful, and avert, Olympian, the pitiless day, nor suffer the Trojans thus to
+overcome the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered loudly,
+hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus, rushed yet
+the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the joy of battle. And
+as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the bulwarks of a ship, the
+might of the wind constraining it, which chiefly swells the waves, even so did
+the Trojans with a great cry bound over the wall, and drave their horses on,
+and at the hindmost row of the ships were fighting hand to hand with
+double-pointed spears, the Trojans from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing
+up aloft, from the black ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships
+for battle at sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling the
+behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but softened the
+temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he spurred on the
+others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to Hector, the son of
+Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing fire, unwearied, upon the
+beaked ships, and so fulfil all the presumptuous prayer of Thetis; wherefore
+wise-counselling Zeus awaited, till his eyes should see the glare of a burning
+ship. For even from that hour was he to ordain the backward chase of the
+Trojans from the ships, and to give glory to the Danaans. With this design was
+he rousing Hector, Priam’s son, that himself was right eager, against the
+hollow ships. For short of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas Athene
+was urging against him the day of destiny, at the hand of the son of Peleus.
+And fain he was to break the ranks of men, trying them wheresoever he saw the
+thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet not even so might he break them
+for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood firm, and embattled like a steep rock
+and a great, hard by the hoary sea, a rock that abides the swift paths of the
+shrill winds, and the swelling waves that roar against it. Even so the Danaans
+steadfastly abode the Trojans and fled not away. But Hector shining with fire
+on all sides leaped on the throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the
+storm-clouds a fleet wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship, and she is
+all hidden with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars against the sail,
+and the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts, for by but a little way are
+they borne forth from death, even so the spirit was torn in the breasts of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that unwearied and
+unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they fought. And in their
+striving they were minded thus; the Achaians verily deemed that never would
+they flee from the danger, but perish there, but the heart of each Trojan hoped
+in his breast, that they should fire the ships, and slay the heroes of the
+Achaians. With these imaginations they stood to each other, and Hector seized
+the stern of a seafaring ship, a fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne
+Protesilaos to Troia, but brought him not back again to his own country. Now
+round his ship the Achaians and Trojans warred on each other hand to hand, nor
+far apart did they endure the flights of arrows, nor of darts, but standing
+hard each by other, with one heart, with sharp axes and hatchets they fought,
+and with great swords, and double-pointed spears. And many fair brands,
+dark-scabbarded and hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands, some from
+off the shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with blood. But
+Hector, after that once he had seized the ship’s stern, left not his
+hold, keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the Trojans:
+“Bring fire, and all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry; now hath
+Zeus given us the dearest day of all,—to take the ships that came hither
+against the will of the gods, and brought many woes upon us, by the cowardice
+of the elders, who withheld me when I was eager to fight at the sterns of the
+ships, and kept back the host. But if even then far-seeing Zeus did harm our
+wits, now he himself doth urge and command us onwards.” So spake he, and
+they set yet the fiercer on the Argives. And Aias no longer abode their onset,
+for he was driven back by the darts, but he withdrew a little,—thinking that
+now he should die,—on to the oarsmal’s bench of seven feet long, and he
+left the decks of the trim ship. There then he stood on the watch, and with his
+spear he ever drave the Trojans from the ships, whosoever brought unwearied
+fire, and ever he shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans: “O friends,
+Danaan heroes, men of Ares’ company, play the man, my friends, and be
+mindful of impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at our backs, or
+some wall stronger than this to ward off death from men? Verily there is not
+hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we might defend ourselves, having
+a host that could turn the balance of battle. Nay, but we are set down in the
+plain of the mailed men of Troy, with our backs against the sea, and far off
+from our own land. Therefore is safety in battle, and not in slackening from
+the fight.” So spake he, and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen
+spear. And whosoever of the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing
+fire, to pleasure Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting him with
+his long spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close quarters did he
+wound.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap16"></a>BOOK XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove the Trojans from the
+ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew near
+Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a fountain of
+dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream. And noble
+swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his sake, and accosted
+him, and spake winged words, saying: “Wherefore weepest thou, Patroklos,
+like a fond little maid, that runs by her mother’s side, and bids her
+mother take her up, snatching at her gown, and hinders her in her going, and
+tearfully looks at her, till the mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost
+thou let fall soft tears. Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me
+myself, or is it some tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost
+thou lament for the sake of the Argives,—how they perish by the hollow ships
+through their own transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy spirit,
+that we may both know all.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos: “O
+Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not wroth, seeing
+that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily all of them that
+aforetime were the best are lying among the ships, smitten and wounded. Smitten
+is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and wounded is Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is Eurypylos on the thigh with an arrow.
+And about them the leeches skilled in medicines are busy, healing their wounds,
+but thou art hard to reconcile, Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold
+of me as that thou nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men
+later born shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base ruin from
+the Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was not then thy father,
+nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee, and the sheer cliffs, so
+untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart thou art shunning some oracle, and
+thy lady mother hath told thee somewhat from Zeus, yet me do thou send forth
+quickly, and make the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow me, if yet any
+light may arise from me to the Danaans. And give me thy harness to buckle about
+my shoulders, if perchance the Trojans may take me for thee, and so abstain
+from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians may take breath, wearied as
+they be, for brief is the breathing in war. And lightly might we that are fresh
+drive men wearied with the battle back to the citadel, away from the ships and
+the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to be his
+own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great heaviness
+spake swift-footed Achilles: “Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus, what
+word hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle that I wot of, nor yet
+has my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus, but this dread sorrow comes upon
+my heart and spirit, from the hour that a man wishes to rob me who am his
+equal, and to take away my prize, for that he excels me in power. A dread
+sorrow to me is this, after all the toils that my heart hath endured. The
+maiden that the sons of the Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I
+won with my spear when I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon
+the son of Atreus taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some
+sojourner dishonourable. But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may be
+angry of heart for ever, yet verily I said that I would not cease from my
+wrath, until that time when to mine own ships should come the war-cry and the
+battle. But do thou on thy shoulders my famous harness, and lead the war-loving
+Myrmidons to the fight, to ward off destruction from the ships, lest they even
+burn the ships with blazing fire, and take away our desired return. But when
+thou hast driven them from the ships, return, and even if the loud-thundering
+lord of Hera grant thee to win glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight
+with the war-loving Trojans; thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do
+thou, exulting in war and strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on toward
+Ilios, lest one of the eternal gods from Olympus come against thee; right
+dearly doth Apollo the Far-darter love them. Nay, return back when thou halt
+brought safety to the ships, and suffer the rest to fight along the plain. For
+would, O father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, would that not one of all the
+Trojans might escape death, nor one of the Argives, but that we twain might
+avoid destruction, that alone we might undo the sacred coronal of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he was
+overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the shafts of
+the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept ringing terribly
+about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the fair-wrought
+cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as steadfastly he held up
+his glittering shield, nor yet could they make him give ground, as they pressed
+on with their darts around him. And ever he was worn out with difficult breath,
+and much sweat kept running from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw
+breath, so on all sides was evil heaped on evil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire fell on the
+ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen spear of Aias he smote
+with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind the point, and shore it clean
+away, and the son of Telamon brandished in his hand no more than a pointless
+spear, and far from him the head of bronze fell ringing on the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the gods, even
+how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from him avail in war, and
+desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave back out of the darts. But the
+Trojans cast on the swift ship unwearying fire, and instantly the
+inextinguishable flame streamed over her: so the fire begirt the stern, whereon
+Achilles smote his thighs, and spake to Patroklos: “Arise, Patroklos of
+the seed of Zeus, commander of the horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the
+rush of the consuming fire. Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no
+more retreat; do on thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His goodly
+greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his legs, and next did
+on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet of the swift-footed son of
+Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a sword of bronze, with studs of
+silver, and next took the great and mighty shield, and on his proud head set a
+well-wrought helm with a horse-hair crest, and terribly nodded the crest from
+above. Then seized he two strong lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not
+the spear of the noble son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none
+other of the Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke the
+horses speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after Achilles, the
+breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest in battle to abide his
+call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke the swift horses, Xanthos and
+Balios, that fly as swift as the winds, the horses that the harpy Podarge bare
+to the West Wind, as she grazed on the meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in
+the side-traces he put the goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he
+took the city of Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the
+immortal horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts with
+armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in their hearts
+unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles urging on the horses and
+the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and valour of each of them, and the
+ranks were yet the closer serried when they heard the prince. And as when a man
+builds the wall of a high house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of
+the winds, even so close were arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield
+pressed on shield, helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they
+stood by each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling by the
+wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting them in their
+nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil they make for many.
+With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons poured out now from the ships,
+and a cry arose unquenchable, and Patroklos called on his comrades, shouting
+aloud: “Myrmidons, ye comrades of Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my
+friends, and be mindful of your impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for
+the son of Peleus, that is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and
+whose close-fighting squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing honoured the
+best of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused each mal’s heart and courage, and all in a mass
+they fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously to the cry of
+the Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son of Menoitios, himself
+and his squire, shining in their armour, the heart was stirred in all of them,
+and the companies wavered, for they deemed that by the ships the swift-footed
+son of Peleus had cast away his wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man
+glanced round, to see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press, where
+most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of great-hearted
+Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his Paionian horsemen out of
+Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he smote on the right shoulder, and
+he fell on his back in the dust with a groan, and his comrades around him, the
+Paionians, were afraid, for Patroklos sent fear among them all, when he slew
+their leader that was ever the best in fight. Then he drove them out from the
+ships, and quenched the burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there,
+and the Trojans fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in among
+the hollow ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when from the high
+crest of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the lightning, hath stirred a dense
+cloud, and forth shine all the peaks, and sharp promontories, and glades, and
+from heaven the infinite air breaks open, even so the Danaans, having driven
+the blazing fire from the ships, for a little while took breath, but there was
+no pause in the battle. For not yet were the Trojans driven in utter rout by
+the Achaians, dear to Ares, from the black ships, but they still stood up
+against them, and only perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as robber
+wolves fall on the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the herds, when they are
+scattered on hills by the witlessness of the shepherd, and the wolves behold
+it, and speedily harry the younglings that have no heart of courage,—even so
+the Danaans fell on the Trojans, and they were mindful of ill-sounding flight,
+and forgot their impetuous valour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the helm of
+bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad shoulders with his
+shield of bulls’ hide, and watched the hurtling of the arrows, and the
+noise of spears. And verily well he knew the change in the mastery of war, but
+even so he abode, and was striving to rescue his trusty comrades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred air, when
+Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came the war-cry and
+the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch again. But his swift-footed
+horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and he left the host of Troy, whom the
+delved trench restrained against their will. And in the trench did many swift
+steeds that draw the car break the fore-part of the pole, and leave the
+chariots of their masters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full of evil
+will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight filled all the ways,
+for they were scattered, and on high the storm of dust was scattered below the
+clouds, and the whole-hooved horses strained back towards the city, away from
+the ships and the huts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did he
+guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone from their
+chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of shattering. But straight
+over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the swift horses. And the heart of
+Patroklos urged him against Hector, for he was eager to smite him, but his
+swift steeds bore Hector forth and away. And even as beneath a tempest the
+whole black earth is oppressed, on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain
+most vehemently, and all the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents
+tear away, and down to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring
+mightily, and minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the
+Trojan horses as they ran.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them backward
+again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city, despite their
+desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the lofty wall, he rushed on
+them, and slew them, and avenged many a comrade slain. There first he smote
+Pronoos with a shining spear, where the shield left bare the breast, and
+loosened his limbs, and he fell with a crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he
+next assailed, as he sat crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck
+distraught, and the reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with
+the lance on the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And Patroklos
+caught hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the car, as when a man
+sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish forth from the sea, with line
+and glittering hook of bronze; so on the bright spear dragged he Thestor gaping
+from the chariot, and cast him down on his face and life left him as he fell.
+Next, as Euryalos came on, he smote him on the midst of the head with a stone,
+and all his head was shattered within the strong helmet, and prone on the earth
+he fell, and death that slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas, and
+Amphoteros, and Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios and Pyris,
+and Ipheus and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all these in turn he
+brought low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon beheld his comrades with
+ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands of Patroklos son of Menoitios, he
+cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike Lykians: “Shame, ye Lykians, whither
+do ye flee? Now be ye strong, for I will encounter this man that I may know who
+he is that conquers here, and verily many evils hath he wrought the Trojans, in
+that he hath loosened the knees of many men and noble.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground. But
+Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his chariot. And
+they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks, that war with loud
+yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with cries against each other.
+And beholding then the son of Kronos of the crooked counsels took pity on them,
+and he spake to Hera, his sister and wife: “Ah woe is me for that it is
+fated that Sarpedon, the best-beloved of men to me, shall be subdued under
+Patroklos son of Menoitios. And in two ways my heart within my breast is
+divided, as I ponder whether I should catch him up alive out of the tearful
+war, and set him down in the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue
+him beneath the hands of the son of Menoitios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to fate dost thou
+desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work thy will, but all we
+other gods will in no wise praise thee. And another thing I will tell thee, and
+do thou lay it up in thy heart; if thou dost send Sarpedon living to his own
+house, consider lest thereon some other god likewise desire to send his own
+dear son away out of the strong battle. For round the great citadel of Priam
+war many sons of the Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible
+wrath. But if he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then
+suffer him to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of Patroklos
+son of Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that warrior, send Death and
+sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to the land of wide Lykia, there
+will his kindred and friends bury him, with a barrow and a pillar, for this is
+the due of the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he shed
+bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that Patroklos was about
+to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off from his own country. Now
+when they were come near each other in onset, there verily did Patroklos smite
+the renowned Thrasymelos, the good squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower
+part of the belly, and loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his
+shining javelin, as he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the
+right shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the other twain
+reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the reins were confused on
+them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust. But thereof did Automedon, the
+spearman renowned, find a remedy, and drawing his long-edged sword from his
+stout thigh, he leaped forth, and cut adrift the horse, with no delay, and the
+pair righted themselves, and strained in the reins, and they met again in
+life-devouring war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the spear
+flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but he in turn
+arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from his hand, but
+struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating heart. And he fell as
+falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine tree, that on the hills the
+shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be timber for ship-building; even so
+before the horses and chariot he lay at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at
+the bloody dust. And as when a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull,
+tawny and high of heart, among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes
+groaning beneath the claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader
+of the Lykian shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear comrade:
+“Dear Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it behove thee to
+be a spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war be dear to thee, if
+indeed thou art a man of might. First fare all about and urge on the heroes
+that be leaders of the Lykians, to fight for Sarpedon, and thereafter thyself
+do battle for me with the sword. For to thee even in time to come shall I be
+shame and disgrace for ever, all thy days, if the Achaians strip me of mine
+armour, fallen in the gathering of the ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur
+on all the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his nostrils,
+but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out of his flesh, and
+the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew forth together the spear
+point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the Myrmidons held there his panting
+steeds, eager to fly afar, since the chariot was reft of its lords.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon, and his
+heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with his hand he
+caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the wound of the arrow
+wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall, Teukros had smitten him,
+warding off destruction from his fellows. Then in prayer spake Glaukos to
+far-darting Apollo: “Hear, O Prince that art somewhere in the rich land
+of Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen everywhere to the man that is in
+need, as even now need cometh upon me. For I have this stark wound, and mine
+arm is thoroughly pierced with sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and
+by the wound is my shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go
+and fight against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the
+son of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that I may
+call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself may fight about
+the dead man fallen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Straightway he made
+his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black blood, and put
+courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him, and was glad, for that
+the great god speedily heard his prayer. First went he all about and urged on
+them that were leaders of the Lykians to fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter
+he went with long strides among the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and
+noble Agenor, and he went after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and
+standing by them spake winged words: “Hector, now surely art thou utterly
+forgetful of the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their
+own country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended Lykia
+by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued beneath the spear
+of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be angry in your hearts lest the
+Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and dishonour the dead, in wrath for the
+sake of the Danaans, even them that perished, whom we slew with spears by the
+swift ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and not to be
+borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a stranger as he was,
+for many people followed with him, and himself the best warrior of them all.
+Then they made straight for the Danaans eagerly, and Hector led them, being
+wroth for Sarpedol’s sake. But the fierce heart of Patrokloa son of
+Menoitios urged on the Achaians. And he spake first to the twain Aiantes that
+themselves were right eager: “Aiantes, now let defence be your desire,
+and be such as afore ye were among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low
+who first leaped on to the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us
+strive to take him, and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his
+shoulders, and many a one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue
+with the pitiless bronze.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence. So on both sides they
+strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons and Achaians, and
+they joined battle to fight around the dead man fallen; terribly they shouted,
+and loud rang the harness of men. And as the din ariseth of woodcutters in the
+glades of a mountain, and the sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din
+of them from the wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned
+bulls’ hides smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not
+even a clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with
+darts and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And ever men
+thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around the full
+milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the bowls, even so
+thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn from the strong fight his
+shining eyes, but ever looked down on them, and much in his heart he debated of
+the slaying of Patroklos, whether there and then above divine Sarpedon glorious
+Hector should slay him likewise in strong battle with the sword, and strip his
+harness from his shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer
+labour of war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that
+the gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus’ son, should straightway drive the
+Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and should rob many
+of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling heart, and leaping into
+his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on the rest of the Trojans to flee,
+for he knew the turning of the sacred scales of Zeus. Thereon neither did the
+strong Lykians abide, but fled all in fear, when they beheld their king
+stricken to the heart, lying in the company of the dead, for many had fallen
+above him, when Kronion made fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from
+the shoulders of Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son
+of Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus that
+gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: “Prithee, dear Phoebus, go take
+Sarpedon out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from him, and
+thereafter bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of the river, and
+anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments that wax not old, and send
+him to be wafted by fleet convoy, by the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+quickly will set him in the rich land of wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and
+clansmen give him burial, with barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the
+dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the hills
+of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly Sarpedon out of
+the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in the streams of the river,
+and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him in garments that wax not old, and
+sent him to be wafted by fleet convoy, the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+swiftly set him down in the rich land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his
+horses and Automedon, and after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was
+blindly forgetful, in his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of the son
+of Peleus, verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black death. But ever
+is the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now he roused the spirit of
+Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom last didst thou slay,
+Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward? Adrestos first, and Autonoos,
+and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas, and Epistor, and Melanippos, and
+thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and Pylartes; these he slew, but the others
+were each man of them fain of flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have
+taken high-gated Troy, by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he
+raged with the spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall,
+with baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo force
+him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands. But when for the
+fourth time he came on like a god, then cried far-darting Apollo terribly, and
+spake winged words: “Give back, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus! Not
+beneath thy spear is it fated that the city of the valiant Trojans shall fall,
+nay nor beneath Achilles, a man far better than thou.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining his
+whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into the din and
+fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall. While thus he was
+thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of a young man and a strong,
+Asios, who was the mother’s brother of horse-taming Hector, being own
+brother of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of
+Sangarios. In his guise spake Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: “Hector,
+wherefore dost thou cease from fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I
+were as much stronger than thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou
+stand aloof from war to thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy
+strong-hooved horses, if perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee
+glory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But renowned Hector
+bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the war. Then Apollo went
+and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic among the Argives, but to the
+Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And Hector let the other Argives be, and
+slew none of them, but against Patroklos he turned his strong-hooved horses,
+and Patroklos on the other side leaped from his chariot to the ground, with a
+spear in his left hand, and in his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone,
+that his hand covered. Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did he
+shrink from his foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck Kebriones the
+charioteer of Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam, on the brow with the
+sharp stone, as he held the reins of the horses. Both his brows the stone drave
+together, and his bone held not, but his eyes fell to the ground in the dust,
+there, in front of his feet. Then he, like a diver, fell from the well-wrought
+car, and his spirit left his bones. Then taunting him didst thou address him,
+knightly Patroklos: “Out on it, how nimble a man, how lightly he diveth!
+Yea, if perchance he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by
+seeking for oysters, leaping from the ship, even if it were stormy weather, so
+lightly now he diveth from the chariot into the plain. Verily among the Trojans
+too there be diving men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that while
+wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own valour is his
+bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou leap furiously. But
+Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground. And these
+twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on the mountain peaks fight, both
+hungering, both high of heart, for a slain hind. Even so for Kebriones’
+sake these two masters of the war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned
+Hector, were eager each to hew the other’s flesh with the ruthless
+bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while Patroklos on
+the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the others, Trojans and
+Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind and the South contend with
+one another in shaking a deep wood in the dells of a mountain, shaking beech,
+and ash, and smooth-barked cornel tree, that clash against each other their
+long boughs with marvellous din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans
+and Achaians were leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any
+thought of ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones,
+and winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote the
+shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust lay mighty
+and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote either
+side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of the loosing of
+oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the better. The hero
+Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the tumult of the Trojans, and
+stripped the harness from his shoulders, and with ill design against the
+Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three times then rushed he on, peer of
+swift Ares, shouting terribly, and thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth
+time he sped on like a god, thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life
+appear, for Phoebus met thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And
+Patroklos was not ware of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick
+mist did he meet him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad
+shoulders with a down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And from his
+head Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away with a din
+beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright socket, and the crests
+were defiled with blood and dust. And all the long-shadowed spear was shattered
+in the hands of Patroklos, the spear great and heavy and strong, and sharp,
+while from his shoulders the tasselled shield with the baldric fell to the
+ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness seized
+his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in amaze, and at
+close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the back, between the
+shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of Panthoos, who excelled
+them of his age in casting the spear, and in horsemanship, and in speed of
+foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down twenty men from their chariots,
+though then first had he come with his car to learn the lesson of war. He it
+was that first smote a dart into thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee,
+but ran back again and mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the
+flesh his ashen spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he
+was, in the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give ground, being
+smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through the ranks, and wounded
+him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the belly, and drave the bronze
+clean through. And he fell with a crash, and sorely grieved the host of
+Achaians. And as when a lion hath overcome in battle an untiring boar, they
+twain fighting with high heart on the crests of a hill, about a little well,
+and both are desirous to drink, and the lion hath by force overcome the boar
+that draweth difficult breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector son
+of Priam take the life away from the strong son of Menoitios, smiting him at
+close quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he spake winged words:
+“Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst sack my town, and from
+Trojan women take away the day of freedom, and bring them in ships to thine own
+dear country: fool! nay, in front of these were the swift horses of Hector
+straining their speed for the fight; and myself in wielding the spear excel
+among the war-loving Trojans, even I who ward from them the day of destiny: but
+thee shall vultures here devour. Ah, wretch, surely Achilles for all his
+valour, availed thee not, who straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding
+there, saying, ‘Come not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow
+ships, till thou hast torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about his
+breast;’ so, surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of thee in
+thy witlessness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: “Boast greatly,
+as now, Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given the
+victory, who lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my harness from
+my shoulders. But if twenty such as thou had encountered me, here had they all
+perished, subdued beneath my spear. But me have ruinous Fate and the son of
+Leto slain, and of men Euphorbos, but thou art the third in my slaying. But
+another thing will I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou
+thyself art not long to live, but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and
+strong Fate, that thou art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the
+seed of Aiakos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul, fleeting
+from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its own doom, leaving
+manhood and youth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: “Patroklos,
+wherefore to me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but that
+Achilles, the child of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten by my spear,
+and lose his life?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his foot on
+the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And straightway with the
+spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire of the swift-footed Aiakides,
+for he was eager to smite him; but his swift-footed immortal horses bare him
+out of the battle, horses that the gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap17"></a>BOOK XVII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying of
+Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front of the fight
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as above a first-born
+calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above Patroklos strode fair-haired
+Menelaos, and before him held his spear and the circle of his shield, eager to
+slay whoever should encounter him. Then was Panthoos’ son of the stout
+ashen spear not heedless of noble Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the
+circle of the shield of Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the
+point was bent back in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus’ son in
+his turn made at him with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and
+as he gave back pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight
+into the stroke, following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender neck
+went the point of the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his armour rang upon
+him. In blood was his hair drenched that was like unto the hair of the Graces,
+and his tresses closely knit with bands of silver and gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos’ son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused
+against him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a man, of
+Mentes chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged words:
+“Hector, now art thou hasting after things unattainable, even the horses
+of wise Aiakides; for hard are they to be tamed or driven by mortal man, save
+only Achilles whom an immortal mother bare. Meanwhile hath warlike Menelaos
+Atreus’ son stridden over Patroklos and slain the best of the Trojans
+there, even Panthoos’ son Euphorbos, and hath stayed him in his impetuous
+might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief darkened
+Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the lines, and
+straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble arms, and the
+other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the gaping wound. Then he
+went through the front of the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, crying a
+shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos’ flame unquenchable. Not deaf to his
+shrill cry was Atreus’ son, and sore troubled he spake to his great
+heart: “Ay me, if I shall leave behind me these goodly arms, and
+Patroklos who here lieth for my vengeance’ sake, I fear lest some Danaan
+beholding it be wroth against me. But if for honour’s sake I do battle
+alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear lest they come about me many against
+one; for all the Trojans is bright-helmed Hector leading hither. But if I might
+somewhere find Aias of the loud war-cry, then both together would we go and be
+mindful of battle even were it against the power of heaven, if haply we might
+save his dead for Achilles Peleus’ son: that were best among these
+ills.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan ranks
+came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave backward, and left
+the dead man, turning himself ever about like a deep-waned lion which men and
+dogs chase from a fold with spears and cries; and his strong heart within him
+groweth chill, and loth goeth he from the steading; so from Patroklos went
+fair-haired Menelaos, and turned and stood, when he came to the host of his
+comrades, searching for mighty Aias Telamol’s son. Him very speedily he
+espied on the left of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them
+to fight, for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him
+to run, and straightway stood by him and said: “This way, beloved Aias;
+let us bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at least we
+may carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of the glancing
+helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up through the
+front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now Hector, when he had
+stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was dragging him thence that he might
+cut off the head from the shoulders with the keen bronze and carry his body to
+give to the dogs of Troy. But Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was
+as a tower; then Hector gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang
+into his chariot; and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the
+city, to be great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over the son
+of Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when huntsmen in a
+forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his side stood
+Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in his breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; “Trojans and
+Lykians and Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and bethink
+you of impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of noble Achilles
+that I stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the strife of
+war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook his comrades, not
+yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides’ glorious arms. And
+standing apart from the dolorous battle he changed his armour; his own he gave
+the warlike Trojans to carry to sacred Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of
+Achilles, Peleus’ son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector arming him
+in the armour of Peleus’ godlike son, he shook his head and spake thus
+unto his soul: “Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart of death that
+yet draweth nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine armour of a peerless
+man before whom the rest have terror. His comrade, gentle and brave, thou hast
+slain, and unmeetly hast stripped the armour from his head and shoulders; yet
+now for a while at least I will give into thy hands great might, in recompense
+for this, even that nowise shalt thou come home out of the battle, for
+Andromache to receive from thee Peleides’ glorious arms.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread war-god
+entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour and strength.
+Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry, and in the flashing of
+his armour he seemed to all of them like unto Peleus’ great-hearted son.
+And he came to each and encouraged him with his words—Mesthles and Glaukos and
+Medon and Thersilochos and Asteropaios and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys
+and Chromios and the augur Ennomos—these encouraged he and spake to them winged
+words: “Listen, ye countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It
+was not for mere numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of you
+from your cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans’ wives
+and infant little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end am I wearying
+my people by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing thereby the courage
+of each of you. Now therefore let all turn straight against the foe and live or
+die, for such is the dalliance of war. And whoso shall drag Patroklos, dead
+though he be, among the horse-taming men of Troy, and make Aias yield, to him
+will I award half the spoils and keep half myself; so shall his glory be great
+as mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their weight,
+levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to drag the corpse
+from under Aias, Telamol’s son. Fond men! from full many reft he life
+over that corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of the loud war-cry:
+“Dear Menelaos, fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I that we two of
+ourselves shall return home out of the war. Nor have I so much dread for the
+corpse of Patroklos, that shall soon glut the dogs and birds of the men of
+Troy, as for thy head and mine lest some evil fall thereon, for all is shrouded
+by a storm-cloud of war, even by Hector, and sheer doom stareth in our face.
+But come, call thou to the best men of the Danaans, if haply any hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not, but
+shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: “O friends, ye leaders
+and counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of Atreus,
+Agamemnon and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all commanders of the
+host, on whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard is it for me to distinguish
+each chief amid the press—such blaze is there of the strife of war. But let
+each go forward of himself and be wroth at heart that Patroklos should become a
+sport among the dogs of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Oileus’ son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was
+first to run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and
+Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god.
+And who shall of his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of all that
+after these aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them. And as
+when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave roareth against the
+stream, and arouseth the high cliffs’ echo as the salt sea belloweth on
+the beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the Trojans came. But the Achaians
+stood firm around Menoitios’ son with one soul all, walled in with
+shields of bronze. And over their bright helmets the son of Kronos shed thick
+darkness, for in the former time was Menoitios’ son not unloved of him,
+while he was yet alive and squire of Aiakides. So was Zeus loth that he should
+become a prey of the dogs of his enemies at Troy, and stirred his comrades to
+do battle for him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who shrank before
+them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not any of them with spears,
+though they were fain, but set to hale the corpse. But little while would the
+Achaians hold back therefrom, for very swiftly Aias rallied them, Aias the
+first in presence and in deeds of all the Danaans after the noble son of
+Peleus. Right through the fighters in the forefront rushed he like a wild boar
+in his might that in the mountains when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly
+dogs and lusty young men through the glades. Thus did proud Telamol’s son
+the glorious Aias press on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them, as
+they had bestrode Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their city and
+win renown.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have been
+driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the Argives would have
+won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by their power and might. But
+Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on the semblance of Periphas the
+herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old with his old father in his heraldship,
+of friendly thought toward Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of
+Zeus: “Aineias, how could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the
+will of God? Other men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and
+valour, and in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead. But here,
+albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the Danaans, yet ye are
+dismayed exceedingly and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon his
+face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud “Hector and ye other leaders
+of the Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our weakness overcome we
+were driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares. Nay, thus saith a
+god, who standeth by my side: Zeus, highest Orderer, is our helper in this
+fight. Therefore let us go right onward against the Danaans. Not easily at
+least let them take the dead Patroklos to the ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front. And the
+Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove they as it had
+been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still sun or moon, for over
+all the battle where the chiefs stood around the slain son of Menoitios they
+were shrouded in darkness, while the other Trojans and well-greaved Achaians
+fought at ease in the clear air, and piercing sunlight was spread over them,
+and on all the earth and hills there was no cloud seen; and they ceased
+fighting now sad again, avoiding each other’s dolorous darts and standing
+far apart. But they who were in the midst endured affliction of the darkness
+and the battle, and all the best men of them were wearied by the pitiless
+weight of their bronze arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and unabatingly
+ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and feet of each man and
+arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle around the brave squire of
+fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the hide of a great bull to his folk
+to stretch, all soaked in fat, and they take and stretch it standing in a
+circle, and straightway the moisture thereof departeth and the fat entereth in
+under the haling of many hands, and it is all stretched throughout,—thus they
+on both sides haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their
+hearts were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild, nor might
+Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof, albeit their anger
+were exceeding great.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that Zeus on
+that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of Patroklos’
+death, for far away from the swift ships they were fighting beneath the wall of
+the men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his heart that he was dead, but
+that he should come back alive, after that he had touched the gates; for
+neither that other thought had he anywise, that Patroklos should sack the
+stronghold without his aid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears made onset
+relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one speak among the
+mail-clad Achaians: “Friends, it were verily not glorious for us to go
+back to the hollow ships; rather let the black earth yawn for us all beneath
+our feet. Far better were that straightway for us if we suffer the horse-taming
+Trojans to hale this man to their city and win renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+“Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside
+this man, let none yet give backward from the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on, and the
+iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen heaven. But the
+horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were weeping, since first
+they were aware that their charioteer was fallen in the dust beneath the hand
+of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon, Diores’ valiant son, plied them
+oft with blows of the swift lash, and oft with gentle words he spake to them
+and oft with chiding, yet would they neither go back to the ships at the broad
+Hellespont nor yet to the battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth
+firm that standeth on the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably
+with the beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot tears
+flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow for their
+charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped from beneath the
+yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when the son of Kronos beheld
+them mourning he had compassion on them, and shook his head and spake to his
+own heart: “Ah, hapless pair, why gave we you to king Peleus, a mortal
+man, while ye are deathless and ever young? Was it that ye should suffer
+sorrows among ill-fated men? For methinketh there is nothing more piteous than
+a man among all things that breathe and creep upon the earth. But verily Hector
+Priam’s son shall not drive you and your deftly-wrought car; that will I
+not suffer. Is it a small thing that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth himself
+vainly thereupon? Nay, I will put courage into your knees and heart that ye may
+bring Automedon also safe out of the war to the hollow ships. For yet further
+will I increase victory to the men of Troy, so that they slay until they come
+unto the well-timbered ships, and the sun set and divine night come
+down.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to earth
+the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid Trojans and
+Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief for his comrade,
+swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese; for lightly he would flee
+out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly charge, pursuing them through the
+thick mellay. Yet could he not slay any man as he halted to pursue them, for it
+was impossible that being alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them
+with the spear and hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade,
+even Alkimedon son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car and
+spake unto Automedon: “Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou art
+fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy comrade even
+now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his own shoulders the
+armour of Aiakides.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: “Alkimedon, what other
+Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds, save only
+Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but now have death and
+fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will get me
+down from my horses, that I may fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly took
+the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And noble Hector
+espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he stood near:
+“Aineias, counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the two horses of
+fleet Aiakides come forth to battle with feeble charioteers. Therefore might I
+hope to take them if thou in thy heart art willing, since they would not abide
+our onset and stand to do battle against us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And they
+twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides dried and tough,
+and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both Chromios and godlike Aretos,
+and their hearts were of high hope to slay the men and drive off the
+strong-necked horses—fond hope, for not without blood lost were they to get
+them back from Automedon. He praying to father Zeus was filled in his inmost
+heart with valour and strength. And straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his
+faithful comrade: “Alkimedon, hold the horses not far from me, but with
+their very breath upon my back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will
+not refrain him from his fury until he mount behind Achilles’ horses of
+goodly manes after slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or
+else himself fall among the foremost.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: “Aiantes, leaders
+of the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto whoso may best
+avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and come ye to ward the day
+of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in the dolorous war are Hector and
+Aineias, the best men of the Trojans, pressing hard. Yet verily these issues
+lie in the lap of the gods: I too will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus
+decide.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on the
+circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the spear, but
+right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his belly low down through
+his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp axe smiting behind the horns of
+an ox of the homestead cleaveth the sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward
+and falleth, so leapt Aretos forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his
+entrails very piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at
+Automedon with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze
+javelin as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered, and
+there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at each other
+with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted them in their fury,
+when they were come through the mellay at their comrades’ call. Before
+them Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios shrank backward and gave ground
+and left Aretos wounded to the death as he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift
+Ares, stripped off the armour of the dead, and spake exultingly: “Verily,
+I have a little eased my heart of grief for the death of Menoitios’ son,
+albeit a worse man than him have I slain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat him
+thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath devoured a bull.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the Trojans
+their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias son of Telamon:
+“Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool, know that father
+Zeus himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us ourselves devise some
+excellent means, that we may both hale the corpse away and ourselves return
+home to the joy of our friends, who grieve as they look hitherward and deem
+that no longer shall the fury of man-slaying Hector’s unapproachable hand
+refrain itself, but fall upon the black ships. And would there were some
+comrade to carry tidings with all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem
+that he hath not even heard the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is
+slain. But nowhere can I behold such an one among the Achaians, for themselves
+and their horses likewise are wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver thou
+the sons of the Achaians from the darkness, and make clear sky and vouchsafe
+sight unto our eyes. In the light be it that thou slayest us, since it is thy
+good pleasure that we die.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle which men
+say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though he be far aloft
+the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching beneath a leafy bush, but
+the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly seizeth her and taketh her life. Thus in
+that hour, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, ranged thy shining eyes everywhither
+through the multitude of the host of thy comrades, if haply they might behold
+Nestor’s son yet alive. Him quickly he perceived at the left of the whole
+battle, heartening his comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired
+Menelaos came and stood nigh and said unto him: “Antilochos, fosterling
+of Zeus, come hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings—would it had never
+been. Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that God rolleth
+mischief upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory. And slain is the
+best man of the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow is wrought for the
+Danaans. But run thou to the ships of the Achaians and quickly tell this to
+Achilles, if haply he may straightway rescue to his ship the naked corpse: but
+his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helmet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long time
+speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears, and his full
+voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the bidding of Menelaos, but
+set him to run, when he had given his armour to a noble comrade, Laodokos, who
+close anigh him was wheeling his whole-hooved horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of Peleus
+carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, chose not to
+stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom Antilochos departed, and great
+sorrow was among the Pylians. But to them Menelaos sent noble Thrasymedes, and
+himself went again to bestride the hero Patroklos. And he hasted and stood
+beside the Aiantes and straightway spake to them: “So have I sent that
+man to the swift ships to go to fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he
+will now come, for all his wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight
+unarmed against the men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some excellent
+means, both how we may hale the dead away, and how we ourselves may escape
+death and fate amid the Trojans’ battle-cry.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him great Aias Telamol’s son, saying: “All this hast
+thou said well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your
+shoulders beneath the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the fray,
+while we twain behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and noble Hector,
+one in heart as we are in name, for from of old time we are wont to await
+fierce battle side by side.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and lifted him
+mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud when they saw the
+Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds that spring in front of
+hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for a while run in haste to rend
+him, but when he wheeleth round among them, trusting in his might, then they
+give ground and shrink back here and there. Thus for a while the Trojans
+pressed on with all their power, striking with swords and double-headed spears,
+but when the Aiantes turned about and halted over against them, then they
+changed colour, and none dared farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap18"></a>BOOK XVIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for him new armour of
+Hephaistos; and of the making of the armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles came
+Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of his ships of
+upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even now were accomplished.
+And sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, wherefore again
+are the flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the ships and flying in rout over
+the plain? May the gods not have wrought against me the grievous fears at my
+heart, even as my mother revealed and told me that while I am yet alive the
+best man of the Myrmidons must by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of
+the sun. Surely now must Menoitios’ valiant son be dead—foolhardy! surely
+I bade him when he should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to
+the ships nor with Hector fight amain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto him noble
+Nestor’s son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous tidings:
+“Ay me, wise Peleus’ son, very bitter tidings must thou hear, such
+as I would had never been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are fighting around
+his body, naked, for his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with both
+hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled his comely
+face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And himself in the dust lay
+mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own hands tore and marred his hair.
+And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and Patroklos took captive, cried aloud in
+the grief of their hearts, and ran forth around valiant Achilles, and all beat
+on their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each of them were unstrung.
+And Antilochos on the other side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles’
+hands while he groaned in his noble heart, for he feared lest he should cleave
+his throat with the sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and his lady mother
+heard him as she sate in the depths of the sea beside her ancient sire. And
+thereon she uttered a cry, and the goddesses flocked around her, all the
+daughters of Nereus that were in the deep of the sea. With these the bright
+cave was filled, and they all beat together on their breasts, and Thetis led
+the lament: “Listen, sister Nereids, that ye all hear and know well what
+sorrows are in my heart. Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare to my sorrow the first
+of men! For after I had borne a son noble and strong, the chief of heroes, and
+he shot up like a young branch, then when I had reared him as a plant in a very
+fruitful field I sent him in beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of
+Troy; but never again shall I welcome him back to his home, to the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. But I will
+go, that I may look upon my dear child, and learn what sorrow hath come to him
+though he abide aloof from the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping, and
+around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came to
+deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where the ships of
+the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles. And as he groaned
+heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a shrill cry clasped the
+bead of her child, and spake unto him winged words of lamentation: “My
+child, why weepest thou? what sorrow hath come to thy heart? Tell it forth,
+hide it not. One thing at least hath been accomplished of Zeus according to the
+prayer thou madest, holding up to him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians
+should all be pent in at the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer
+hateful things.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “My mother,
+that prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But what delight have
+I therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos, whom I honoured above all
+my comrades as it were my very self! Him have I lost, and Hector that slew him
+hath stripped from him the armour great and fair, a wonder to behold, that the
+gods gave to Peleus a splendid gift, on the day when they laid thee in the bed
+of a mortal man. Would thou hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the
+sea, and Peleus had wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have
+sorrow a thousand fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou welcome
+him back home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor abide among
+men, if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield his life, and pay for
+his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Short-lived, I ween, must
+thou be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after Hector is
+death appointed unto thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “Straightway
+may I die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath fallen
+afar from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now therefore, since
+I go not back to my dear native land, neither have at all been succour to
+Patroklos nor to all my other comrades that have been slain by noble Hector,
+but I sit beside my ships a profitless burden of the earth, I that in war am
+such an one as is none else of the mail-clad Achaians, though in council are
+others better—may strife perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that
+stirreth even a wise man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling
+honey waxeth like smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now
+against Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+curbing the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that I may
+light on the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I accept my death
+whensoever Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other immortal gods. For not
+even the mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit most dear to Kronian Zeus the
+king, but Fate overcame him and Hera’s cruel wrath. So also shall I, if
+my fate hath been fashioned likewise, lie low when I am dead. But now let me
+win high renown, let me set some Trojan woman, some deep-bosomed daughter of
+Dardanos, staunching with both hands the tears upon her tender cheeks and
+wailing bitterly; yea, let them know that I am come back, though I tarried long
+from the war. Hold not me then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not
+prevail with me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: “Yea verily,
+my child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction from thy
+comrades in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of bronze is held
+among the Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth it on his shoulders in
+triumph, yet not for long, I ween, shall he glory therein, for death is hard
+anigh him. But thou, go not yet down into the mellay of war until thou see me
+with thine eyes come hither. In the morning will I return, at the coming up of
+the sun, bearing fair armour from the king Hephaistos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she spake among
+her sisters of the sea: “Ye now go down within the wide bosom of the
+deep, to visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father’s house, and
+tell him all. I am going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of noble skill, if haply
+he will give unto my son noble armour shining gloriously.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the sea. And
+the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she might bring noble
+armour to her son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries were
+fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and to the
+Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse of Patroklos
+Achilles’ squire out of the darts, for now again overtook him the host
+and the horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might as it were a flame of
+fire. Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from behind by the feet, resolved to
+drag him away, and mightily called upon the men of Troy. Thrice did the two
+Aiantes, clothed on with impetuous might, beat him off from the dead man, but
+he nathless, trusting in his might, anon would charge into the press, anon
+would stand and cry aloud, but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds
+in the field avail nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a
+carcase, so availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of Priam
+from the dead. And now would he have won the body and gained renown
+unspeakable, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from Olympus with a
+message to the son of Peleus to array him, unknown of Zeus and the other gods,
+for Hera sent her. And she stood anigh and spake to him winged words:
+“Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of all men most redoubtable! Succour
+Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle afoot before the ships. There slay
+they one another, these guarding the dead corpse, while the men of Troy are
+fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios, and chiefliest noble Hector is fain to
+drag him, and his heart biddeth him fix the head on the stakes of the wall when
+he hath sundered it from the tender neck. But arise, lie thus no longer! let
+awe enter thy heart to forbid that Patroklos become the sport of dogs of Troy.
+Thine were the shame if he go down mangled amid the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Goddess Iris, what god
+sent thee a messenger unto me?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: “It was Hera that sent me,
+the wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos nor any other
+of the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their dwelling-place.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: “And how may I go
+into the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me forbear to
+array me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she promised to bring
+fair armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none whose noble armour I might
+put on, save it were the shield of Aias Telamol’s son. But himself, I
+ween, is in the forefront of the press, dealing death with his spear around
+Patroklos dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: “Well are we also aware
+that thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the trench as thou
+art and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they will shrink back and
+refrain them from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians take
+breath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to Zeus arose,
+and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled aegis, and around his
+head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden cloud, and kindled therefrom a
+blazing flame. And as when a smoke issueth from a city and riseth up into the
+upper air, from an island afar off that foes beleaguer, while the others from
+their city fight all day in hateful war,—but with the going down of the sun
+blaze out the beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for
+dwellers round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to help in
+need—thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward the heavens. And
+he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench, yet mingled not among the
+Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of his mother. There stood he and
+shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas Athene uttered her voice, and spread terror
+unspeakable among the men of Troy. Clear as the voice of a clarion when it
+soundeth by reason of slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang
+forth the voice of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides,
+the souls of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes were
+fain to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in their hearts, And
+the charioteers were amazed when they saw the unwearying fire blaze fierce on
+the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, for the bright-eyed goddess Athene
+made it blaze. Thrice from over the trench shouted mightily noble Achilles, and
+thrice were the men of Troy confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and
+then perished twelve men of their best by their own chariot wheels and spears.
+But the Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and laid him on a
+litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him; and among them
+followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for his true comrade he saw
+lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze. Him sent he forth with chariot
+and horses unto the battle, but home again welcomed never more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone unwillingly
+unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble Achaians made pause
+from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And first of
+them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying upon the breast of
+his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very sore, even as a deep-bearded
+lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath snatched away out of a deep wood; and
+the lion coming afterward grieveth and through many glens he rangeth on the
+track of the footsteps of the man, if anywhere he might find him, for most
+bitter anger seizeth him;—thus Achilles moaning heavily spake among the
+Myrmidons: “Ay me, vain verily was the word I uttered on that day when I
+cheered the hero Menoitios in his halls and said that I would bring back to
+Opoeis his son in glory from the sack of Ilios with the share of spoil that
+should fall unto him. Not all the purposes of men doth Zeus accomplish for
+them. It is appointed that both of us redden the same earth with our blood here
+in Troy-land, for neither shall the old knight Peleus welcome me back home
+within his halls, nor my mother Thetis, but even here shall earth keep hold on
+me. Yet now, O Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I will not hold thy
+funeral till I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, thy
+high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut the throats of twelve noble
+sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou art slain. Till then beside the
+beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art, and around thee deep-bosomed women,
+Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn thee weeping night and day, even they whom we
+toiled to win by our strength and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities
+of mortal men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on the
+fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody gore. So
+they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured therein water and
+took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire wrapped the belly of the tripod,
+and the water grew hot. And when the water boiled in the bright bronze, then
+washed they him and anointed with olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh
+ointment, and laid him on a bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to
+foot, and thereover a white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot
+the Myrmidons made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: “Thou hast
+accomplished this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles fleet of
+foot. Verily of thine own children must the flowing-haired Achaians be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is to accomplish
+what he may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath not wisdom as we. How
+then was I who avow me the first of goddesses both by birth and for that I am
+called thy wife, and thou art king among all Immortals—how was I not in mine
+anger to devise evil against the men of Troy?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver feet
+came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far seen among the
+dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by the crook-footed god
+himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy about his bellows, for he was
+forging tripods twenty in all to stand around the wall of his stablished hall,
+and beneath the base of each he had set golden wheels, that of their own motion
+they might enter the assembly of the gods and again return unto his house, a
+marvel to look upon. Thus much were they finished that not yet were away from
+the fire, and gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver chest;
+and with a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck and shaggy
+breast, and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and went forth limping;
+but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to help their lord, the
+semblances of living maids. In them is understanding at their hearts, in them
+are voice and strength, and they have skill of the immortal gods. These moved
+beneath their lord, and he gat him haltingly near to where Thetis was, and set
+him on a bright seat, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called her by
+her name: “Wherefore, long-robed Thetis, comest thou to our house,
+honoured that thou art and dear? No frequent comer art thou hitherto. Speak
+what thou hast at heart; my soul is fain to accomplish it; if accomplish it I
+can, and if it be appointed for accomplishment.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Hephaistos, hath there
+verily been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many grievous
+sorrows at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid upon me above all
+others? He chose me from among the sisters of the sea to enthrall me to a man,
+even Peleus Aiakos’ son, and with a man I endured wedlock sore against my
+will. Now lieth he in his halls forspent with grievous age, but other griefs
+are mine. A son he gave me to bear and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he
+shot up like a young branch. Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him
+and sent him forth on beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy,
+but never again shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. The maiden
+whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his prize, her hath the lord
+Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In grief for her wasted he his heart,
+while the men of Troy were driving the Achaians on their ships, nor suffered
+them to come forth. And the elders of the Argives entreated him, and told over
+many noble gifts. Then albeit himself he refused to ward destruction from them,
+he put his armour on Patroklos and sent him to the war, and much people with
+him. All day they fought around the Skaian gates and that same day had sacked
+the town, but that when now Menoitios’ valiant son had wrought much harm,
+Apollo slew him in the forefront of the battle, and gave glory unto Hector.
+Therefore now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if haply thou be willing to
+give my short-lived son shield and helmet, and goodly greaves fitted with
+ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour that he had erst, his trusty comrade
+lost when he fell beneath the men of Troy; and my son lieth on the earth with
+anguish in his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: “Be of good
+courage, let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I avail to
+hide him far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon him, as surely
+shall goodly armour be at his need, such as all men afterward shall marvel at,
+whatsoever may behold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them upon
+the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew on the
+crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his labour and now
+anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on. And he threw bronze that
+weareth not into the fire, and tin and precious gold and silver, and next he
+set on an anvil-stand a great anvil, and took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and
+in the other he took the tongs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and set
+thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a silver baldric.
+Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein fashioned he much cunning
+work from his wise heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the unwearying
+sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every one wherewith the
+heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Oriol’s might, and the Bear
+that men call also the Wain, her that turneth in her place and watcheth Orion,
+and alone hath no part in the baths of Ocean.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one were
+espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches they were
+leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and loud arose the
+bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and among them flutes
+and viols sounded high; and women standing each at her door were marvelling.
+But the folk were gathered in the assembly place; for there a strife was
+arisen, two men striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one claimed
+to pay full atonement, expounding to the people, but the other denied him and
+would take naught. And the folk were cheering both, as they took part on either
+side. And heralds kept order among the folk, while the elders on polished
+stones were sitting in the sacred circle, and holding in their hands staves
+from the loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they rose up and gave
+judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given
+unto him who should plead among them most righteously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering arms. And
+two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town or to share all
+with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair city held within. But the
+besieged were not yet yielding, but arming for an ambushment. On the wall there
+stood to guard it their dear wives and infant children, and with these the old
+men; but the rest went forth, and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene,
+both wrought in gold, and golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great
+were they in their armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at their
+feet were smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to them to lay
+ambush, in a river bed where there was a common watering-place of herds, there
+they set them, clad in glittering bronze. And two scouts were posted by them
+afar off to spy the coming of flocks and of oxen with crooked horns. And
+presently came the cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing on pipes, that
+took no thought of the guile. Then the others when they beheld these ran upon
+them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and fair flocks of white sheep, and
+slew the shepherds withal. But the besiegers, as they sat before the
+speech-places [from which the orators spoke] and heard much din among the oxen,
+mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping horses, and came up with speed.
+Then they arrayed their battle and fought beside the river banks, and smote one
+another with bronze-shod spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and
+fell Death, grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment on her
+shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals they hurled
+together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the other’s slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich tilth and
+wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein drave their yokes to
+and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they came to the boundary of the
+field and turned, then would a man come to each and give into his hands a
+goblet of sweet wine, while others would be turning back along the furrows,
+fain to reach the boundary of the deep tilth. And the field grew black behind
+and seemed as it were a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great
+marvel of the work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were reaping
+with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the swathe were falling
+in rows to the earth, whilst others the sheaf-binders were binding in twisted
+bands of straw. Three sheaf-binders stood over them, while behind boys
+gathering corn and bearing it in their arms gave it constantly to the binders;
+and among them the king in silence was standing at the swathe with his staff,
+rejoicing in his heart. And henchmen apart beneath an oak were making ready a
+feast, and preparing a great ox they had sacrificed; while the women were
+strewing much white barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters, wrought fair
+in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung throughout on silver poles.
+And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and round that a fence of tin; and one
+single pathway led to it, whereby the vintagers might go when they should
+gather the vintage. And maidens and striplings in childish glee bare the sweet
+fruit in plaited baskets. And in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on
+a clear-toned viol, and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a lament for
+departing summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with feet falling
+together kept time with the music and song.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine were
+fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the byre to
+pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And herdsmen of gold
+were following with the kine, four of them, and nine dogs fleet of foot came
+after them. But two terrible lions among the foremost kine had seized a
+loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as they haled him, and the dogs and
+the young men sped after him. The lions rending the great bull’s hide
+were devouring his vitals and his black blood; while the herdsmen in vain
+tarred on their fleet dogs to set on, for they shrank from biting the lions but
+stood hard by and barked and swerved away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a great
+pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and folds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that which once
+in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely tresses. There were
+youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their hands upon one
+another’s wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the youths
+well-woven doublets faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths had the maidens,
+and the youths daggers of gold hanging from silver baldrics. And now would they
+run round with deft feet exceeding lightly, as when a potter sitting by his
+wheel that fitteth between his hands maketh trial of it whether it run: and now
+anon they would run in lines to meet each other. And a great company stood
+round the lovely dance in joy; and through the midst of them, leading the
+measure, two tumblers whirled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the uttermost
+rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he him a
+corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a massive helmet to
+fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a crest of gold, and he
+wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and laid it
+before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang down from snowy
+Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap19"></a>BOOK XIX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the assembly of the Achaians,
+and Achilles went forth with them to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring light to
+gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift from the god. Her
+dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and uttering loud lament; and round
+him many of his company made moan. And the bright goddess stood beside him in
+their midst, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called upon his name:
+“My child, him who lieth here we must let be, for all our pain, for by
+the will of gods from the beginning was he brought low. But thou take from
+Hephaistos arms of pride, arms passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders
+yet hath borne.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they rang
+all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor dared any to
+gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when Achilles looked thereon,
+then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes blazed terribly forth as it were
+a flame beneath their lids: glad was he as he held in his hands that splendid
+gift of a god. But when he had satisfied his soul in gazing on the glory of the
+arms, straightway to his mother spake he winged words: “My mother, the
+arms the god has given are such as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals
+should be, and that no mortal man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm
+me in them, but I have grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of
+Menoitios’ valiant son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile
+his corpse—for the life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall
+rot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: “Child, have no
+care for this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel tribes of
+flies which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he lie till a whole
+year’s course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound continually, or better
+even than now. But call thou the Achaian warriors to the place of assembly, and
+unsay thy wrath against Agamemnon shepherd of the host, and then arm swiftly
+for battle, and clothe thee with thy strength.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos she shed
+ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh might abide the
+same continually.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible cry, and
+roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to abide in the
+circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept the steerage of the
+ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food, even these came then to the
+place of assembly, because Achilles was come forth, after long ceasing from
+grievous war. Limping came two of Ares’ company, Tydeus’ son
+staunch in fight and noble Odysseus, each leaning on his spear, for their
+wounds were grievous still; and they went and sate them down in the forefront
+of the assembly. And last came Agamemnon king of men, with his wound upon him,
+for him too in the stress of battle Kooen Antenor’s son had wounded with
+his bronze-tipped spear. But when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose
+fleet-footed Achilles and spake in their midst: “Son of Atreus, was this
+in any wise the better way for both thee and me, what time with grief at our
+hearts we waxed fierce in soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would
+that Artemis had slain her with her arrow at the ships, on the day whereon I
+took her to me, when I had spoiled Lyrnessos; so should not then so many
+Achaians have bitten the wide earth beneath their enemies’ hands, by
+reason of my exceeding wrath. It hath been well for Hector and the Trojans, but
+the Achaians I think shall long remember the strife that was betwixt thee and
+me. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain, and curb under necessity the
+spirit within our breasts. I now will stay my anger: it beseems me not
+implacably for ever to be wroth; but come rouse speedily to the fight the
+flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go forth against the men of Troy and put
+them yet again to the proof, if they be fain to couch hard by the ships.
+Methinks that some among them shall be glad to rest their knees when they are
+fled out of the fierceness of the battle, and from before our spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted son of
+Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake Agamemnon king
+of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen to stand forth in
+their midst: “O Danaan friends and heroes, men of Ares’ company,
+seemly is it to listen to him who standeth up to speak, nor behoveth it to
+break in upon his words: even toward a skilled man that were hard. For amid the
+uproar of many men how should one listen, or yet speak? even the
+clearest-voiced speech is marred. To the son of Peleus I will declare myself,
+but ye other Argives give heed, and each mark well my word. Oft have the
+Achaians spoken thus to me, and upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause,
+but Zeus and Destiny and Erinys that walketh in the darkness, who put into my
+soul fierce madness on the day when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles
+of his meed. What could I do? it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest daughter
+of Zeus is Ate who blindeth all, a power of bane: delicate are her feet, for
+not upon the earth she goeth, but walketh over the heads of men, making men
+fall; and entangleth this one or that. Ye even Zeus was blinded upon a time, he
+who they say is greatest among gods and men; yet even him Hera with a female
+wile deceived, on the day when Alkmene in fair-crowned Thebes was to bring
+forth the strength of Herakles. For then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods:
+‘Here me ye all, both gods and goddesses, while I utter the council of my
+soul within my heart. This day shall Eileithuia, the help of travailing women,
+bring to the light a man who shall be lord over all that dwell round about,
+among the raise of men who are sprung of me by blood.’ And to him in
+subtlety queen Hera spake: ‘Though wilt play the cheat and not accomplish
+thy word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath that verily and indeed shall
+that man be lord over all that dwell round about, who this day shall fall
+between a womal’s feet, even he among all men who are of the lineage of
+thy blood.’ So spake she, and Zeus no wise perceived her subtlety but
+sware a mighty oath, and therewith was he sore blinded. For Hera darted from
+Olympus’ peak and came swiftly to Achaian Argus, were she knew was the
+stately wife of Sthenelos son of Perseus, who was also great with child, and
+her seventh month had come. Her son Hera brought to the light, though his tale
+of months was untold, but she stayed Alkmene’s bearing and kept the
+Eileithuiai from her aid. Then she brought the tidings herself and to
+Kronos’ son Zeus she spake: ‘Father Zeus of the bright lightning, a
+word will I speak to thee for my heed. Today is born a man of valor who shall
+rule among the Archives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of
+thy lineage; not unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.’ She said,
+but sharp pain smote him in the depths of his soul, and straightway he seized
+Ate by her bright-haired head in the anger of his soul, and sware a mighty oath
+that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, who blindeth
+all alike. He said, and whirling her in his hand flung her from the starry
+heaven, and quickly came she down among the works of men. Yet ever he groaned
+against her when he beheld his beloved son in cruel travail at
+Eurystheus’ hest. Thus also I, what time great Hector of the glancing
+helm was slaying Argives at the sterns of our ships, could not be unmindful of
+Ate, who blinded me at the first. But since thus blinded was I, and Zeus bereft
+me of my wit, fain am I to make amends, and recompense manifold for the wrong.
+Only arise thou to the battle and rouse the rest of the host. Gifts am I ready
+to offer, even all that noble Odysseus went yesterday to promise in thy hut.
+So, if thou wilt, stay awhile, though eager, from battle, and squires shall
+take the gifts from my ship and carry them to thee, that thou mayest see that
+what I give sufficeth thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if so thou
+wilt, or to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink us of battle
+with all speed; this is no time to dally here with subtleties, for a great work
+is yet undone. Once more must Achilles be seen in the forefront of the battle,
+laying waste with his brazen spear the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof
+let each of you think as he fighteth with his man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: “Nay yet, for all
+thy valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of Achaians
+fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell shall the battle be,
+when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall breathe valour into both. But
+bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships food and wine; for thence is vigour
+and might. For no man fasting from food shall be able to fight with the foe all
+day till the going down of the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle
+yet his limbs unaware grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his
+knees in his going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine
+fighteth thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer within him,
+nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle. So come, disperse
+the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the gifts let Agamemnon king
+of men bring forth into the midst of the assembly, that all Achaians may behold
+them with their eyes, and thou be glad at heart. And let him swear to thee an
+oath, standing in the midst of the Argives, that he hath never gone up into the
+damsel’s bed or lain with her, [O prince, as is the wont of man with
+woman]; and let thine own spirit be placable within thy breast. Then let him
+make thee a rich feast of reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing
+lacking of thy right. And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt be more
+righteous hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a king should make
+amends if he have been the first to deal violently.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: “Son of Laertes, I rejoice to
+listen to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the oath I am
+willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I forswear myself before
+God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for battle though he be, and all ye
+others abide together, until the gifts come forth from my hut, and we make
+faithful oath with sacrifice. But thee thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose
+thee young men, princes of the Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship,
+even all that we promised yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women.
+And let Talthybios speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide
+Achaian host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better ye should
+be busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war, and the spirit
+within my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie mangled on the
+field—even they whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus gave him glory—and ye
+call men to their food. Verily for my part I would bid the sons of the Achaians
+to fight now unfed and fasting, and with the setting sun make ready a mighty
+meal, when we shall have avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least
+nor food nor drink shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying
+mangled by the sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our
+comrades mourn, wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters, but of
+slaying, and blood, and grievous moans of men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: “O Achilles, Peleus’
+son, mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou than
+I with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since I was born
+first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure to listen to my
+speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that wherein the sword streweth
+most straw yet is the harvest scantiest, [i.e., in a pitched battle there is
+little plunder, the hope of which might help to sustain mel’s efforts in
+storming a town] when Zeus inclineth his balance, who is disposer of the wars
+of men. But it cannot be that the Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for
+exceeding many and thick fall such on every day; when then should there be rest
+from toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts, when
+once we have wept him for a day; but such as are left alive from hateful war
+must take thought of meat and drink, that yet more against our foes we may
+fight relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze. Then let none of the host
+hold back awaiting other summons; this is the summons, and ill shall it be for
+whoso is left behind at the Argive ships; but all together as one we will rouse
+against the horse-taming Trojans the fury of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of Phyleus,
+and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and Melanippos. And
+they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus’ son. Forthwith as
+the word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven tripods they bare from the hut,
+as he promised him, and twenty bright caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon
+they led forth women skilled in goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was
+fair-faced Briseis. Then Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all,
+led the way, and with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they
+set in the midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside
+that shepherd of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a god’s,
+and held a boar between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing with his hands
+his knife, which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of his sword, cut off the
+first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands he prayed to Zeus, and all
+the Argives sat silent in their places, duly hearkening to the king. And he
+prayed aloud, looking up to the wide heaven: “Be Zeus before all witness,
+highest and best of the gods, and Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth
+take vengeance upon men, whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid
+hand on the damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but she
+has abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be false, may the
+gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him who sinneth against
+them in his oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and cut the boar’s throat with the pitiless knife. And the body
+Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea, to be the
+food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst of the warrior
+Argives: “Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily to men. Never
+could the son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my breast, nor led off the
+damsel implacably against my will, had not Zeus willed that on many of the
+Achaians death should come. But now go forth to your meal, that we may join
+battle thereupon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up the
+gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid them in the
+huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the horses among their
+troop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld Patroklos
+mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill lament, and tore with
+her hands her breast and tender neck, and beautiful face. And she spake amid
+her weeping, that woman like unto goddesses: “Patroklos, dearest to my
+hapless heart, alive I left thee when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the
+people, I am come back to find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my
+lot. My husband, unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before
+our city mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother
+bore, my near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when swift
+Achilles slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes’ city, wouldest ever
+that I should not even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me godlike
+Achilles’ wedded wife, and that ye would take me in your ships to Phthia
+and make me a marriage feast among the Myrmidons. Therefore with all my soul I
+mourn thy death, for thou wert ever kind.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the elders of
+the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied them with a groan:
+“I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me, bid me not sate my
+heart with meat and drink, since terrible grief is come upon me. Till the sun
+go down I will abide, and endure continually until then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons of
+Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and Phoinox,
+ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he could no whit be
+soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war. And bethinking him he
+sighed very heavily and spake aloud: “Thou too, O hapless, dearest of my
+friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set forth in out hut with ready speed a
+savoury meal, what time the Achaians hasted to wage against the horse-taming
+Trojans dolorous war. But now thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of
+meat and drink, that stand within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this
+could I endure, not though I should hear of my father’s death, who now I
+ween in Phthia is shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that in
+an alien land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of Troy; nor
+though it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros (if still at least
+is godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my soul within me trusted that
+I alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos, here in the Trojan land,
+but that thou shouldest return to Phthia, so that thou mightest take me the
+child in thy swift black ship from Skyros and show him everything—my substance
+and servants, and high-roofed mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must be
+dead and gone, or else in feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of waiting
+ever for bitter news of me, till he hear that I am dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them what
+each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them sorrowing he
+pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged words: “My child,
+thou hast then left utterly the man of thy heart. Hath Achilles then no longer
+a place within thy thought? He before the steep-prowed ships sits mourning his
+dear comrade; the rest are gone to their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But
+go, distil into his breast nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of
+hunger come on him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a falcon
+wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven through the
+upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently throughout the camp, she
+in Achilles’ breast distilled nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that grievous
+hunger might not assail his knees, and then herself was gone to the firm house
+of her mighty father. Then the Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As
+when thick snowflakes flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas
+born in the upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And the
+sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in the flash
+of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the men, and in the midst
+of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth gnashed together, and his eyes
+blazed as it were the flame of a fire, for into his heart was intolerable
+anguish entered in. Thus wroth against the men of Troy he put on the gift of
+the god, which Hephaistos wrought him by his art. First on his legs he set the
+fair greaves fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass
+about his breast. Then round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword
+silver-studded; then lastly he took the great and strong shield, and its
+brightness shone afar off as the mool’s. Or as when over the sea there
+appeareth to sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it burneth on high
+among the mountains in some lonely steading—sailors whom storm-blasts bear
+unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar from them they love:— so from
+Achilles’ goodly well-dight shield the brightness thereof shot up toward
+heaven. And he lifted the stout helmet and set it on his head, and like a star
+it shone, the horse-hair crested helmet, and around it waved plumes of gold
+that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest. Then noble Achilles proved him
+in his armour to know whether it fitted unto him, and whether his glorious
+limbs ran free; and it became to him as it were wings, and buoyed up the
+shepherd of hosts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And forth from its stand he drew his father’s spear, heavy and great and
+strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but Achilles alone
+awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron gave to his father
+dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of warriors. And Automedon and
+Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and put on them fair breast-straps, and
+bits within their jaws, and stretched the reins behind to the firm-built
+chariot. Then Automedon took the bright lash, fitted to his hand, and sprang up
+behind the horses, and after him mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his
+armour like bright Hyperion. And terribly he called upon the horses of his
+sire: “Xanthos and Balios, famed children of Podarge, in other sort take
+heed to bring your charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when we have done
+with battle, and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie there dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from beneath the
+yoke;—and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell from the yoke-cushion
+beside the yoke and touched the ground;—for the white-armed goddess Hera gave
+him speech: “Yea verily for this hour, dread Achilles, we will still bear
+thee safe, yet is thy death day nigh at hand, neither shall we be cause
+thereof, but a mighty god, and forceful Fate. For not through sloth or
+heedlessness of ours did the men of Troy from Patrokios’ shoulders strip
+his arms, but the best of the gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in
+the forefront of the battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind
+of Zephyr, swiftest, they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee
+thyself it is appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore troubled did
+fleet-footed Achilles answer him: “Xanthos, why prophesiest thou my
+death? no wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of myself that it is appointed me
+to perish here, far from my father dear and mother; howbeit anywise I will not
+refrain till I give the Trojans surfeit of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved steeds.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap20"></a>BOOK XX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the Achaians
+armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high ground of the
+plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus’
+brow; and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus. There was no
+River came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all that haunt fair
+thickets and springs of rivers and grassy water-meadows. And they came to the
+house of Zeus who gathereth the clouds, and sat them down in the polished
+colonnades which Hephaistos in the cunning of his heart had wrought for father
+Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker heedless
+of the goddess’ call, but from the salt sea came up after the rest, and
+set him in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of Zeus:
+“Wherefore, O Lord of the bright lightning, hast thou called the gods
+again to council? Say, ponderest thou somewhat concerning the Trojans and
+Achaians? for lo, the war and the fighting of them are kindled very
+nigh.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: “Thou knowest, O
+Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you hither; even
+in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I will abide here,
+sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden my heart with gazing;
+but go all ye forth that ye come among the Trojans and Achaians and succour
+these or those, howsoever each of you hath a mind. For if Achilles alone shall
+fight against the Trojans, not even a little while shall they hold back the son
+of Peleus, the fleet of foot. Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they
+looked upon him; now therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible
+I fear me lest he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this side and on
+that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the ships went Hera, and
+Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent
+in subtle thoughts; and with these went Hephaistos in the greatness of his
+strength, halting, but his shrunk legs moved nimbly under him: but to the
+Trojans went Ares of the glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn
+hair, and archer Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the Achaians
+glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his long ceasing
+from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were smitten with sore
+trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in terror when they beheld the son
+of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in his arms, peer of man-slaying Ares. But
+when among the mellay of men the Olympians were come down, then leapt up in her
+might Strife, rouser of hosts, then sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by
+the hollowed trench without the wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted
+aloud. And a shout uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness of the
+storm, now from the height of the city to the Trojans calling clear, or again
+along Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst into
+fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from heaven
+above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and the steep
+mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained Ida, and all her
+crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians. And the
+Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in hell, and leapt from his
+throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest the world be cloven above him by
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and
+immortals—grim halls, and vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose
+of that battle of gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his
+winged arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer Artemis,
+sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper Hermes, and
+against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods call Xanthos and men
+Skamandros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all to meet
+Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood chiefliest his spirit
+bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But straightway Apollo, rouser of
+hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the son of Peleus, and filled him with brave
+spirit: and he made his own voice like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in
+his semblance spake Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, counsellor of Trojans,
+where now are thy threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over
+thy wine, saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles,
+Peleus’ son?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him Aineias answered and said: “Son of Priam, why biddest thou me
+thus face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain thereto? Not
+for the first time now shall I match me with Achilles, fleet of foot; once
+before drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he harried our kine and wasted
+Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered me out of his hand and put strength
+into my knees that they were swift. Else had I fallen beneath the hands of
+Achilles, and of Athene who went before and gave him light, and urged him to
+slay Leleges and Trojans with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible
+for man to face Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to
+ward off death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair field
+of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast him made of
+bronze throughout.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: “Yea, hero, pray thou too
+to the everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of Aphrodite daughter
+of Zeus, and Achilles’ mother is of less degree among the gods. For thy
+mother is child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient One of the Sea. Come, bear up
+thy unwearying spear against him, let him no wise turn thee back with revilings
+and bitter words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he went
+onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in flashing bronze. But
+white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises’ son as he went through
+the press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and gathering the gods about her
+she spake among them thus: “Consider ye twain, Poseidon and Athene,
+within your hearts, what shall come of these things that are done. Here is
+Aineias gone forth harnessed in flashing bronze, to meet the son of Peleus, and
+it is Phoebus Apollo that hath sent him. Come then, be it ours to turn him back
+straightway; or else let some one of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give
+him mighty power, so that he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who
+love him are the best of the Immortals, and that they who from of old ward war
+and fighting from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from Olympus are come
+down to mingle in this fight that he take no hurt among the Trojans on this
+day—afterward he shall suffer whatsoever things Fate span for him with her
+thread, at his beginning, when his mother bare him. If Achilles learn not this
+from voice divine, then shall he be afraid when some god shall come against him
+in the battle; for gods revealed are hard to look upon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Hera, be not
+fierce beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to match
+gods with gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place apart and seat us
+there to watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only if Ares or Phoebus Apollo
+fall to fighting, or put constraint upon Achilles and hinder him from fight,
+then straightway among us too shall go up the battle-cry of strife; right soon,
+methinks, shall they hie them from the issue of the fray back to Olympus to the
+company of the gods, overcome by the force of our hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and Pallas
+Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him, what time he
+should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There sate them down
+Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders with impenetrable
+cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the brows of Kallikolon around
+thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of cities. Thus they on either side sat
+devising counsels, but shrank all from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from
+his high seat commanded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze with
+bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed together in the
+fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in the midst between the
+hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises’ son, and noble Achilles.
+First came on Aineias threateningly, tossing his strong helm; his rapid shield
+he held before his breast, and brandished his bronze spear. And on the other
+side the son of Peleus rushed to meet him like a lion, a ravaging lion whom men
+desire to slay, a whole tribe assembled: and first he goeth his way unheeding,
+but when some warrior youth hath smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth
+himself open-mouthed, and foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout
+spirit groaneth in his heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either side his
+ribs and flanks and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring is borne straight
+on them by his passion, to try whether he shall slay some man of them, or
+whether himself shall perish in the forefront of the throng: thus was Achilles
+driven of his passion and valiant spirit to go forth to meet Aineias great of
+heart. And when they were come near against each other, then first to Aineias
+spake fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Aineias, wherefore hast thou so far
+come forward from the crowd to stand against me: doth thy heart bid thee fight
+with me in hope of holding Priam’s honour and lordship among the
+horse-taming Trojans? Nay, though thou slay me, not for that will Priam lay his
+kingdom in thy hands, for he hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken mind. Or
+have the Trojans allotted thee some lot of ground more choice than all the
+rest, fair land of tilth and orchard, that thou mayest dwell therein, if thou
+slay me? But methinks thou wilt find the slaying hard; for once before, I ween,
+have I made thee flee before my spear. Host thou forgotten the day when thou
+wert alone with the kine, and I made thee run swift-footed down Ida’s
+steeps in haste?—then didst thou not look behind thee in thy flight. Thence
+fleddest thou to Lernessos, but I wasted it, having fought against it with the
+help of Athene and of father Zeus, and carried away women captive, bereaving
+them of their day of freedom: only thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not
+this time, methinks, shall they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart:
+therefore I bid thee go back into the throng and come not forth against me,
+while as yet thou art unhurt—after the event even a fool is wise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: “Son of Peleus, think not with
+words to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how to speak
+taunts and unjust speech. We know each other’s race and lineage in that
+we have heard the fame proclaimed by mortal men, but never hast thou set eyes
+on my parents, or I on thine. Thou, they say, art son of nobie Peleus, and of
+Thetis of the fair tresses, the daughter of the sea: the sire I boast is
+Anchises great of heart, and my mother is Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or
+the other mourn their dear son today; for verily not with idle words shall we
+two satisfy our strife and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt, learn
+also this, that thou mayest well know our lineage, known to full many men:
+First Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he stablished Dardania, for
+not yet was holy Ilios built upon the plain to be a city of mortal men, but
+still they dwelt on slopes of many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a son,
+king Erichthonios, who became richest of mortal men. Three thousand mares had
+he that pastured along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their tender foals. Of
+them was Boreas enamoured as they grazed, and in semblance of a dark-maned
+horse he covered them: then they having conceived bare twelve fillies. These
+when they bounded over Earth the grain-giver would run upon the topmost ripened
+ears of corn and break them not; and when they bounded over the broad backs of
+the sea they would run upon the crests of the breakers of the hoary brine. Then
+Erichthonios begat Tros to be load over the Trojans, and to Tros three noble
+sons were born, Ilos and Assarakos and godlike Ganymedes, who became the most
+beautiful of mortal men. Him the gods caught up to be cupbearer to Zeus, for
+sake of his beauty, that he might dwell among immortals. Then Ilos again begat
+a son, noble Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and
+Klytios and Hiketaon, of the stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and
+Kapys Anchises, and Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for
+valour, Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will, for he
+is lord of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer like children,
+standing in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in plenty for both of us
+to utter—a hundred-thwarted ship would not suffice for the load of them. Glib
+is the tongue of man, and many words are therein of every kind, and wide is the
+range of his speech hither and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt
+thou hear in answer. But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling
+each against each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I
+desire, until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and against that other’s dread and mighty shield hurled his
+great spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the son of
+Peleus held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in fear, for he
+thought that the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of heart would lightly
+pierce it through—fond man, and knew not in his mind and heart that not lightly
+do the glorious gifts of gods yield to force of mortal men. So did not the
+great spear of wise Aineias pierce that shield, for the gold resisted it, even
+the gift of the god. Yet through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for
+five folds had the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one
+of gold; therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the
+circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim, where the bronze
+ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest thereon; and right through
+sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield cracked under it. And Aineias
+crouched and held up the shield away from him in dread; and the spear flew over
+his back and fixed itself in the earth, having divided asunder the two circles
+of the sheltering shield. And having escaped the long spear he stood still, and
+a vast anguish drowned his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him
+so nigh. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying
+his terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed) such
+as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with ease wielded
+it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the stone as he charged,
+either on helm or shield, which had warded from him bitter death, and then
+would the son of Peleus have closed and slain him with his sword, had not
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it with speed, and straightway spoken among
+the immortal gods: “Alas, woe is me for Aineias great of heart, who
+quickly will go down to Hades slain by the son of Peleus, for that he will obey
+the words of Apollo the far-darter, fond man, but nowise shall the god help him
+from grievous death. But wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence,
+causelessly for others’ wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings to
+the gods who inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out of
+death’s way, lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him; for
+it is appointed to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish not without
+seed or sign, even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved above all the children
+born to him from the daughters of men. For the race of Priam hath Zeus already
+hated. But thus shall the might of Aineias reign among the Trojans, and his
+childrel’s children, who shall be born in the aftertime.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Shaker of earth, thyself
+with thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or leave him
+[to be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus’ son]. For by many
+oaths among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even Pallas Athene and I,
+never to help the Trojans from their evil day, not even when all Troy shall
+burn in the burning of fierce fire, and they that burn her shall be the warlike
+sons of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the battle and
+the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned Achilles were. Then
+presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles, Peleus’ son, and drew
+the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aineias great of heart, and
+set it before Achilles’ feet, and lifted Aineias and swung him high from
+off the earth. Over many ranks of warriors, of horses many, sprang Aineias
+soaring in the hand of the god, and lighted at the farthest verge of the battle
+of many onsets, where the Kaukones were arraying them for the fight. Then hard
+beside him came Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged words:
+“Aineias, what god is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate against
+Peleus’ vehement son, who is both a better man than thou and dearer to
+Immortals? Rather withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in with him, lest even
+contrary to thy fate thou enter the house of Hades. But when Achilles shall
+have met his death and doom, then be thou of good courage to fight among the
+foremost, for there shall none other of the Achaians slay thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things. Then
+quickly from Achilles’ eyes he purged the magic mist; and he stared with
+wide eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: “Ha! verily a great
+marvel behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here upon the ground, nor
+can I anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with intent to slay him. Truly
+then is Aineias likewise dear to the immortal gods, howbeit I deemed that his
+boosting thereof was altogether vanity. Away with him! not again will he find
+heart to make trial of me, now that once more he has escaped death to his joy.
+But come, I will call on the warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some
+other Trojan face to face.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: “No longer
+stand afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let man match man and
+throw his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me, though I be strong, to assail
+so vast a folk and fight them all: not even Ares, though an immortal god, nor
+Athene, could plunge into the jaws of such a fray and toil therein. But to my
+utmost power with hands and feet and strength no whit, I say, will I be slack,
+nay, never so little, but right through their line will I go forward, nor deem
+I that any Trojan shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called aloud, and
+proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles: “High-hearted
+Trojans, fear not Peleus’ son. I too in words could fight even Immortals,
+but with the spear it were hard, for they are stronger far. Neither shall
+Achilles accomplish all his talk, but part thereof he is to accomplish, and
+part to break asunder in the midst. And against him will I go forth, though the
+hands of him be even as fire, yea though his hands be as fire and his
+fierceness as the flaming steel.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for battle; and
+their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry arose. Then Phoebus
+Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: “Hector, no longer challenge
+Achilles at all before the lines, but in the throng await him and from amid the
+roar of the battle, lest haply he spear thee or come near and smite thee with
+his sword.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he was
+amazed when he heard the sound of a god’s voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with strength,
+crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition, Otrynteus’ valiant
+son, a leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph to Otrynteus waster of
+cities, beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde’s rich domain. Him as he came right
+on did goodly Achilles smite with his hurled spear, down through the midst of
+his head, and it was rent asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly
+Achilles exulted over him; “here is thy death, thy birth was on the
+Gygaian lake, where is thy sire’s demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and
+eddying Hermos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition: him the
+chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the forefront of the
+battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples, through his
+bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle, Antenor’s son.
+No stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped the spear-head and clave
+the bone, and the brain within was all scattered: that stroke made ending of
+his zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he leapt from his chariot and fled before him,
+Achilles wounded in the back with his spear: and he breathed forth his spirit
+with a roar, as when a dragged bull roareth that the young men drag to the
+altar of the Lord of Helike; for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus
+roared Hippodamas as from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But Achilles
+with his spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam’s son. Him would
+his sire continually forbid to fight, for that among his children he was
+youngest born and best beloved, and overcame all in fleetness of foot. Just
+then in boyish folly, displaying the swiftness of his feet, he was rushing
+through the forefighters, until he lost his life. Him in the midst did
+fleet-footed noble Achilles smite with a javelin, in his back as he darted by,
+where his belt’s golden buckles clasped, and the breast and back plates
+overlapped: and right through beside the navel went the spear-head, and he fell
+on his knee with a cry, and dark cloud covered him round about, and he clasped
+his bowels to him with his hands as he sank.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his hands,
+and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer might he endure
+to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles brandishing his sharp
+spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when he saw him, sprang up, and
+spake exultingly: “Behold the man who hath deepest stricken into my soul,
+who slew my dear-prized friend; not long shall we now shrink from each other
+along the highways of the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: “Come thou near,
+that the sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: “Son of
+Peleus, think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too know myself
+how to speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou art a man of might,
+and a far better man than I. Yet doth this issue lie in the lap of the gods,
+whether I though weaker shall take thy life with my hurled spear, for mine too
+hath been found keen ere now.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath turned it
+back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it came back to goodly
+Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then Achilles set fiercely upon him,
+eager to slay him, crying his terrible cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very
+easily, as a god may, and hid him in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed
+noble Achilles make onset with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick
+mist. [But when the fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout
+he spake to him winged words: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from
+death; yet came ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of spears.
+Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is helper of
+me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may seize.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his spear, and he
+fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay, and hurled at Demuchos
+Philetor’s son, a good man and a tall, and stayed him with a stroke upon
+his knees; then smote him with his mighty sword and reft him of life. Then
+springing on Laogonos and Dardanos, sons of Bias, he thrust both from their
+chariot to the ground, one with a spear-cast smiting and the other in close
+battle with his sword. Then Tros, Alastor’s son—he came and clasped his
+knees to pray him to spare him, and let him live, and slay him not, having
+compassion on his like age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his
+prayers; for nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce
+mood—with his hands he touched Achilles’ knees, eager to entreat him, but
+he smote him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and
+black blood therefrom filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness covered
+his eyes. Then Achilles came near and struck Mulios in the ear, and right
+through the other ear went the bronze spear-head. Then he smote Agenor’s
+son Echeklos on the midst of the head with his hilted sword, and all the sword
+grew hot thereat with blood; and dark death seized his eyes, and forceful fate.
+Then next Deukalion, just where the sinews of the elbow join, there pierced he
+him through the forearm with his bronze spear-head; so abode he with his arm
+weighed down, beholding death before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with
+his sword swept far both head and helm, and the marrow rose out of the
+backbone, and the corpse lay stretched upon the earth. Then went he onward
+after Peires’ noble son, Rhigmos, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace:
+him in the midst he smote with his hurled javelin, and the point fixed in his
+lung, and he fell forth of his chariot. And Areithoos his squire, as he turned
+the horses round, he pierced in the back with his sharp spear, and thrust him
+from the car, and the horse ran wild with fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side, and the
+deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way the flame, so
+raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god, pressing hard on the
+men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood. For even as when one yoketh
+wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in a stablished threshing-floor, and
+quickly is it trodden out beneath the feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus
+beneath great-hearted Achilles his whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and
+shields together; and with blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the
+rims that ran around the car, for blood-drops from the horses’ hooves
+splashed them, and blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of
+Peleus pressed on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap21"></a>BOOK XXI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of Troy within their
+gates.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even eddying
+Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he chased the one part
+to the plain toward the city, even where the Achaians were flying in affright
+the day before, when glorious Hector was in his fury—thither poured some in
+flight, and Hera spread before them thick mist to hinder them:—but half were
+pent into the deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty
+noise, and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the eddies.
+And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a river, and the
+unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset, and they huddle in the
+water; so before Achilles was the stream of deep-eddying Xanthos filled with
+the roar and the throng of horses and men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant against
+tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his sword alone, and
+devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him every way about: and
+their groaning went up ghastly as they were stricken by the sword, and the
+water reddened with blood. As before a dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and
+fill the nooks of some fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain
+whichsoever of them he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream
+the Trojans crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were
+weary of slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an
+atonement for Patroklos, Menoitios’ son that was dead. These brought he
+forth amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with well-cut
+thongs, which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets, and gave them to
+his comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then again he made his onset,
+athirst for slaying.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river, Lykaon, whom
+once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his father’s orchard,
+in a night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze young shoots of a wild fig
+tree, to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to him an unlooked-for bane came
+goodly Achilles. And at that time he sold him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending
+him on ship board, and the son of Jason gave a price for him; and thence a
+guest friend freed him with a great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to
+goodly Arisbe; whence flying secretly he came to his father’s house.
+Eleven days he rejoiced among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on
+the twelfth once more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to
+send him to the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when fleet-footed
+noble Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he a spear, but had
+thrown all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as he tried to flee out of
+the river, and his knees were failing him for weariness: then in wrath spake
+Achilles to his great heart: “Ha! verily great marvel is this that I
+behold with my eyes. Surely then will the proud Trojans whom I have slain rise
+up again from beneath the murky gloom, since thus hath this man come back
+escaped from his pitiless fate, though sold into goodly Lemnos, neither hath
+the deep of the hoary sea stayed him, that holdeth many against their will. But
+come then, of our spear’s point shall he taste, that I may see and learn
+in my mind whether likewise he shall come back even from beneath, or whether
+the life-giving Earth shall hold him down, she that holdeth so even the
+strong.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to touch
+his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil death and black
+destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear with intent to smite
+him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught his knees; and the spear went
+over his back and stood in the ground, hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon
+besought him, with one hand holding his knees, while with the other he held the
+sharp spear and loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: “I cry thee
+mercy, Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I tasted meal
+of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in the well-ordered
+orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my friends unto goodly
+Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred oxen. And now have I been
+ransomed for thrice that, and this is my twelfth morn since I came to Ilios
+after much pain. Now once again hath ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands;
+surely I must be hated of father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto
+thee; and to short life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes’
+daughter—Altes who ruleth among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos
+on the Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her
+were we two born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of the
+foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou smotest him
+with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me here, for no hope have I
+to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered me thereunto. Yet one thing will
+I tell thee, and do thou lay it to heart: slay me not, since I am not of the
+same mother as Hector, who slew thy comrade the gentle and brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words, but he
+heard a voice implacable: “Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor these
+words. Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to my soul to
+spare the men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond the sea: but now
+there is none shall escape death, whomsoever before Ilios God shall deliver
+into my hands—yes, even among all Trojans, but chiefest among Priam’s
+sons. Ay, friend, thou too must die: why lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who
+was better far than thou. Seest thou not also what manner of man am I for might
+and goodliness? and a good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet
+over me too hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some
+noonday when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the other’s knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles’ spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew his
+sharp sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all the two-edged
+sword sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the earth, and blood
+flowed dark from him and soaked the earth. Him seized Achilles by the foot and
+sent him down the stream, and over him exulting spake winged words:
+“There lie thou among the fishes, which shall lick off thy wound’s
+blood heedlessly, nor shall thy mother lay thee on a bed and mourn for thee,
+but Skamandros shall bear thee on his eddies into the broad bosom of the sea.
+Leaping along the wave shall many a fish dart up to the dark ripple to eat of
+the white flesh of Lykaon. So perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred
+Ilios, ye flying and I behind destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing,
+silver-eddied, shall avail you, to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice many
+bulls, and among his eddies throw whole-hooved horses down alive. For all this
+yet shall ye die the death, until ye pay all for Patroklos’ slaying and
+the slaughter of Achaians whom at the swift ships ye slew while I tarried
+afar.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and sought in
+his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work, and ward destruction
+from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with his far-shadowing spear
+leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son of Pelegon, whom wide-flowing
+Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set
+Achilles, and Asteropaios stood against him from the river, holding two spears;
+for Xanthos put courage into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered
+youths whom Achilles was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them.
+Then when the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Who and whence art thou of men, that darest
+to come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them with my
+might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him, made answer Pelegol’s noble son: “High-hearted son of
+Peleus, why askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a land far
+off, leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now is the eleventh
+morn since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of wide-flowing Axios, who begat
+Pelegon famous with the spear, and he, men say, was my father. Now fight we,
+noble Achilles!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash: but the
+warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he could use both
+hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield, but pierced it not right
+through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a god; and with the other he
+grazed the elbow of Achilles’ right arm, and there leapt forth dark
+blood, but the point beyond him fixed itself in the earth, eager to batten on
+flesh. Then in his turn Achilles hurled on Asteropaios his straight-flying ash,
+fain to have slain him, but missed the man and struck the high bank, and
+quivering half its length in the bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of
+Peleus drew his sharp sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he
+availed not to draw with his stout hand Achilles’ ashen shaft from the
+steep bank. Thrice shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up
+the strain, but the fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen spear
+of the seed of Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft him of life
+with his sword. For in the belly he smote him beside the navel, and all his
+bowels gushed out to the earth, and darkness covered his eyes as he lay
+gasping. Then Achilles trampling on his breast stripped off his armour and
+spake exultingly: “Lie there! It is hard to strive against children of
+Kronos’ mighty son, even though one be sprung from a River-god. Thou
+truly declarest thyself the seed of a wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the
+linkage of great Zeus. My sire is a man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son
+of Aiakos, and Aiakos was begotten of Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than
+seaward-murmuring rivers, so is the seed of Zeus made mightier than the seed of
+a river. Nay, there is hard beside thee a great river, if he may anywise avail;
+but against Zeus the son of Kronos it is not possible to fight. For him not
+even king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great strength of deep-flowing Ocean,
+from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all springs and deep wells: yea,
+even he hath fear of the lightning of great Zeus and his dread thunder, when it
+pealeth out of heaven.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water flooded
+him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing the fat about his
+kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted Paiones who still along the
+eddying river huddled in fear, when they saw their best man in the stress of
+battle slain violently by the hands and the sword of the son of Peleus. There
+slew he Thersilochos and Mydon and Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios
+and Ophelestes; and more yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain,
+had not the deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man,
+and from an eddy’s depth sent forth a voice: “O Achilles, thy might
+and thy evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are ever
+helping thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all the Trojans
+to destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy grim deeds on the
+plain, for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed, nor can I pour my stream to
+the great sea, being choked with dead, and thou slayest ruthlessly. Come then,
+let be; I am astonished, O captain of hosts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: “So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not cease from
+slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have made trial with
+Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo spake the
+deep-eddying River: “Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child of Zeus,
+thou hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos’ son, who charged thee
+straitly to stand by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come with light
+late-setting, and darken the deep-soiled earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into his
+midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all his streams
+in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in him, slain by
+Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a bull, and saved the
+living under his fair streams, hiding them within eddies deep and wide. But
+terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous wave, and the stream smote
+violently against his shield, nor availed he to stand firm upon his feet. Then
+he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and it fell uprooted and tore away all the
+bank, and reached over the fair river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed
+the River himself, falling all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the
+eddy, made haste to fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid.
+But the great god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest,
+that he might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction from the
+men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear’s throw, with the
+swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at once and swiftest of
+winged birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast the bronze rang terribly as
+he fled from beneath the onset, and behind him the River rushed on with a
+mighty roar. As when a field-waterer from a dark spring leadeth water along a
+bed through crops and garden grounds, a mattock in his hands, casting forth
+hindrances from the ditch, and as it floweth all pebbles are swept down, and
+swiftly gliding it murmureth down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is
+its guide:—thus ever the river wave caught up Achilles for all his speed; for
+gods are mightier than men. For whensoever fleet-footed noble Achilles
+struggled to stand against it, and know whether all immortals be upon him who
+inhabit spacious heaven, then would a great wave of the heaven-sprung River
+beat upon his shoulders from above, and he sprang upward with his feet, sore
+vexed at heart; and the River was wearying his knees with violent rush beneath,
+devouring the earth from under his feet. Then the son of Peleus cried aloud,
+looking up to the broad heaven: “Zeus, Father, how doth none of the gods
+take it on him in pity to save me from the River! after that let come to me
+what may. None other of the inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but
+only my dear mother, who beguiled me with false words, saying that under the
+wall of the mail-clad men of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of Apollo.
+Would that Hector had slain me, the best of men bred here: then brave had been
+the slayer, and a brave man had he slain. But now by a sorry death am I doomed
+to die, pent in this mighty river, like a swineherd boy whom a torrent sweepeth
+down as he essayeth to cross it in a storm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood beside him,
+in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs pledged him in words.
+And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Son of
+Peleus, tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers of thee are we from the
+gods, approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and I, for to be vanquished of a
+river is not appointed thee, but he will soon give back, and thou wilt thyself
+perceive it: but we will give thee wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not
+thy hand from hazardous battle until within Ilios’ famous walls thou have
+pent the Trojan host, even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou
+hast taken the life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we give unto
+thee to win.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the plain—for
+the bidding of gods was strong upon him—went onward; and all the plain was
+filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and corpses of slain youths
+were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees as he rushed against the stream
+right on, nor stayed him the wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength
+in him. Neither did Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged
+against the son of Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream,
+lifting himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: “Dear
+brother, the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he
+will lay waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not in the
+battle. Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from thy springs,
+and urge on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave, and stir huge roaring
+of tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the fierce man who now is lording
+it, and deeming himself match for gods. For neither, I ween, will strength
+avail him nor comeliness anywise, nor that armour beautiful, which deep beneath
+the flood shall be o’erlaid with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my
+sands and pour round him countless shingle without stint, nor shall the
+Achaians know where to gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap
+over them. Where he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have need
+of any barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high, thundering with
+foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark wave of the
+heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son of Peleus. But Hera
+cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great deep-eddying River sweep him
+away, and straightway she called to Hephaistos, her dear son: “Rise, lame
+god, O my son; it was against thee we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched
+in fight. Help with all speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go
+to raise a strong storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south
+which shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the
+angry flame. Thou along Xanthos’ banks burn up his trees and wrap himself
+in fire, nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by threat, nor
+stay thy rage—only when I cry to thee with my voice, then hold the unwearying
+fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on the
+plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick, slain by
+Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water stayed. And as
+when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a new watered orchard, and
+he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole plain parched, and Hephaistos
+consumed the dead; then against the river he turned his gleaming flame. Elms
+burnt and willow trees and tamarisks, and lotos burnt and rush and galingale
+which round the fair streams of the river grew in multitude. And the eels and
+fishes beneath the eddies were afflicted, which through the fair streams
+tumbled this way and that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And
+the strong River burned, and spake and called to him by name:
+“Hephaistos, there is no god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee
+thus ablaze with fire. Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans
+forthwith out of their city; what have I to do with strife and succour?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And as a
+cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of some fatted
+hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie thereunder,—so burned
+his fair streams in the fire, and the water boiled. He had no mind to flow, but
+refrained him, for the breath of cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him.
+Then unto Hera, earnestly beseeching her,’ he spake winged words:
+“Hera, wherefore hath thy son assailed my stream to vex it above others?
+I am less chargeable than all the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo,
+I will give over, if thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further
+will swear even this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans,
+not even when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the warlike
+sons of Achaians are the burners thereof.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway she spake
+unto Hephaistos her dear son: “Hephaistos, hold, famed son; it befitteth
+not thus for mortals’ sake to do violence to an immortal god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the wave
+once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed them,
+though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter strife, and
+their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And they clashed together
+with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned, and the clarion of great Heaven
+rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon Olympus, and his heart within him
+laughed pleasantly when he beheld that strife of gods. Then no longer stood
+they asunder, for Ares piercer of shields began the battle and first made for
+Athene with his bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: “Wherefore, O
+dogfly, dost thou match gods with gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy
+great spirit moveth thee? Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes
+Tydeus’ son to wound me, and thyself didst take a visible spear and
+thrust it straight at me and pierce through my fair skin? Therefore deem I now
+that thou shalt pay me for all that thou hast done.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the lightning
+of Zeus can overcome—thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his long spear. But
+she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that lay upon the plain,
+black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to be the landmark of a field;
+this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares on the neck, and unstrung his limbs.
+Seven roods he covered in his fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his
+armour rang upon him. And Pallas Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words
+exultingly: “Fool, not even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou
+I claim to be, that thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou
+satisfy thy mother’s curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her
+wrath, for that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojal’s
+aid.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did Aphrodite
+daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning continually, for
+scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when the white-armed goddess
+Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake unto Athene winged words:
+“Out on it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, maiden invincible, lo there the
+dogfly is leading Ares destroyer of men out of the fray of battle down the
+throng—nay then, pursue her.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at her and
+smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her knees and heart
+were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous earth, and she spake winged
+words exultingly: “Such let all be who give the Trojans aid when they
+fight against the mailed Argives. Be they even so bold and brave as Aphrodite
+when she came to succour Ares and defied my might. Then should we long ago have
+ceased from war, having laid waste the stablished citadel of Ilios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo spake the
+earth-shaking lord: “Phoebus, why stand we apart? It befitteth not after
+the rest have begun: that were the more shameful if without fighting we should
+go to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus. Begin, for thou art
+younger; it were not meet for me, since I was born first and know more. Fond
+god, how foolish is thy heart! Thou rememberest not all the ills we twain alone
+of gods endured at Ilios, when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon
+and served him through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us his
+commands. I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and most fair, that
+the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst herd shambling
+crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded Ida. But when the joyous
+seasons were accomplishing the term of hire, then redoubtable Laomedon robbed
+us of all hire, and sent us off with threats. He threatened that he would bind
+together our feet and hands and sell us into far-off isles, and the ears of
+both of us he vowed to shear off with the sword. So we went home with angry
+hearts, wroth for the hire he promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou
+showest favour, nor essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low
+and perish miserably with their children and noble wives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: “Shaker of the earth, of
+no sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee for the
+sake of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in glowing life,
+consuming the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into death. Let us with
+all speed cease from combat, and let them do battle by themselves.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father’s brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild
+beasts, huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: “So then thou
+fleest, Far-darter, hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and given him
+glory for naught! Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual bow in vain? Let me
+not hear thee again in the halls of our sire boast as before among the immortal
+gods thou wouldst stand up to fight against Poseidon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily the noble
+spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting words:] “How now
+art thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me? Hard were it for thee to
+match my might, bow-bearer though thou art, since against women Zeus made thee
+a lion, and giveth thee to slay whomso of them thou wilt. Truly it is better on
+the mountains to slay wild beasts and deer than to fight amain with mightier
+than thou. But if thou wilt, try war, that thou mayest know well how far
+stronger am I, since thou matchest thy might with mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other’s hands by the
+wrist, and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and therewith,
+smiling, beat her on the ears as she turned this way and that; and the swift
+arrows fell out of her quiver. And weeping from before her the goddess fled
+like a dove that from before a falcon flieth to a hollow rock, a cleft—for she
+was not fated to be caught;—thus Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and
+arrows where they lay. Then to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus:
+“Leto, with thee will I no wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to
+blows with wives of cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart’s
+content among the immortal gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and
+main.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen hither and
+thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter’s bow she went
+back. And the maiden came to Olympus, to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus,
+and weeping set herself on her father’s knee, while round her her divine
+vesture quivered: and her father, Kronos’ son, took her to him and asked
+of her, laughing gently: “Who of the inhabitants of heaven, dear child,
+hath dealt with thee thus [hastily, as though thou hadst been doing some wrong
+thing openly]?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase:
+“It was thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from
+whom are strife and contention come upon the immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into sacred
+Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded city, lest the
+Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the other ever-living gods
+went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly triumphing, and sat down beside
+Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven, when a
+city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to all, and griefs
+to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the Trojans. And the old man
+Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware of dread Achilles, how before
+him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was any succour found of them. Then with
+a cry he went down from the tower, to rouse the gallant warders along the
+walls: “Hold open the gates in your hands until the folk come to the city
+in their rout, for closely is Achilles chasing them—now trow I there will be
+deadly deeds. And when they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath,
+then again shut back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that
+murderous man spring in within the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and the
+gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front that he
+might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the city and the
+high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and dust-grimed from the plain, and
+Achilles chased them vehemently with his spear, for strong frenzy possessed his
+heart continually, and he thirsted to win him renown. Then would the sons of
+the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly
+Agenor, Antenor’s son, a princely man and strong. In his heart he put
+good courage, and himself stood by his side that he might ward off the grievous
+visitations of death, leaning against the oak, and he was shrouded in thick
+mist. So when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of cities, he halted, and his
+heart much wavered as he stood; and in trouble he spake to his great heart:
+“Ay me, if I flee before mighty Achilles, there where the rest are driven
+terror-struck, nathless will he overtake me and slaughter me as a coward. Or
+what if I leave these to be driven before Achilles the son of Peleus, and flee
+upon my feet from the wall by another way to the Ileian plain, until I come to
+the spurs of Ida, and hide me in the underwood? So then at evening, having
+bathed in the river and refreshed me of sweat, I might return to Ilios. Nay,
+why doth my heart debate thus within me? Lest he might be aware of me as I get
+me from the city for the plain, and speeding after overtake me with swift feet;
+then will it no more be possible to avoid the visitation of death, for he is
+exceeding mighty above all mankind. What then if in front of the city I go
+forth to meet him? Surely his flesh too is penetrable by sharp bronze, and
+there is but one life within, and men say he is mortal, howbeit Zeus the son of
+Kronos giveth him renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his stout
+heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth from a deep
+thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor fleeth when she
+heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first smite her with thrust or
+throw, yet even pierced through with the spear she ceaseth not from her courage
+until she either grapple or be slain, so noble Antenor’s son, goodly
+Agenor, refused to flee till he should put Achilles to the proof, but held
+before him the circle of his shield, and aimed at him with his spear, and cried
+aloud: “Doubtless thou hopest in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day
+to sack the city of the proud men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful
+things yet be wrought before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who
+in front of our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou shalt
+here meet death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on the leg
+beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of new-wrought tin rang
+terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from him it smote, nor pierced
+him, for the god’s gift drave it back. Then the son of Peleus in his turn
+made at godlike Agenor, but Apollo suffered him not to win renown, but caught
+away Agenor, and shrouded him in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone
+out of the war. Then by wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in
+complete semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river Skamandros, as he
+ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo beguiled him that he kept
+ever hoping to overtake him in the race), meantime the other Trojans in common
+rout came gladly unto their fastness, and the city was filled with the throng
+of them. Neither had they heart to await one another outside the city and wall,
+and to know who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and knees
+might save.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap22"></a>BOOK XXII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought his body to the
+ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their sweat and
+drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair battlements, while the
+Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to shoulders. But Hector deadly
+fate bound to abide in his place, in front of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then
+to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus Apollo: “Wherefore, son of Peleus,
+pursuest thou me with swift feet, thyself being mortal and I a deathless god?
+Thou hast not even yet known me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently.
+Truly thou regardest not thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou
+affrightedst, who now are gathered into the city, while thou heat wandered
+hither. Me thou wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Thou hast
+baulked me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou hast
+turned me hither from the wall: else should full many yet have bitten the dust
+or ever within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou robbed me of great renown,
+and lightly hast saved them, because thou hadst no vengeance to fear
+thereafter. Verily I would avenge me on thee, had I but the power.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like some
+victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed over the
+plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the old man Priam
+first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the star that cometh forth
+at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine forth amid the host of stars in
+the darkness of night, the star whose name men call Oriol’s Dog.
+Brightest of all is he, yet for an evil sign is he set, and bringeth much fever
+upon hapless men. Even so on Achilles’ breast the bronze gleamed as he
+ran. And the old man cried aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising
+them on high, and with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he
+before the gates was standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old
+man spake piteously unto him, stretching forth his hands: “Hector,
+beloved son, I pray thee await not this man alone with none beside thee, lest
+thou quickly meet thy doom, slain by the son of Peleus, since he is mightier
+far, a merciless man. Would the gods loved him even as do I! then quickly would
+dogs and vultures devour him on the field—thereby would cruel pain go from my
+heart—the man who hath bereft me of many valiant sons, slaying them and selling
+them captive into far-off isles. Ay even now twain of my children, Lykaon and
+Polydoros, I cannot see among the Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons
+whom Laothoe bare me, a princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the
+enemy’s host, then will we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is
+store within, for much goods gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If
+they be dead, then even in the house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to my soul
+and to their mother, even to us who gave them birth, but to the rest of the
+folk a briefer sorrow, if but thou die not by Achilles’ hand. Nay, come
+within the wall, my child, that thou preserve the men and women of Troy,
+neither give great triumph to the son of Peleus, and be thyself bereft of sweet
+life. Have compassion also on me, the helpless one, who still can feel,
+ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos’ son, will bring to naught by a
+grievous doom in the path of old age, having seen full many ills, his sons
+perishing and his daughters carried away captive, and his chambers laid waste
+and infant children hurled to the ground in terrible war, and his sons’
+wives dragged away by the ruinous hands of the Achaians. Myself then last of
+all at the street door will ravening dogs tear, when some one by stroke or
+throw of the sharp bronze hath bereft my limbs of life—even the dogs I reared
+in my halls about my table and to guard my door, which then having drunk my
+blood, maddened at heart shall lie in the gateway. A young man all beseemeth,
+even to be slain in war, to be torn by the sharp bronze and lie on the field;
+though he be dead yet is all honourable to him, whate’er be seen: but
+when dogs defile the hoary head and hoary beard of an old man slain, this is
+the most piteous thing that cometh upon hapless men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from his
+head, but he persuaded not Hector’s soul. Then his mother in her turn
+wailed tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the other hand
+she showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him winged words:
+“Hector, my child, have regard unto this bosom and pity me, if ever I
+gave thee consolation of my breast. Think of it, dear child, and from this side
+the wall drive back the foe, nor stand in front to meet him. He is merciless;
+if he slay thee it will not be on a bed that I or thy wife shall bewail thee,
+my own dear child, but far away from us by the ships of the Argives will swift
+dogs devour thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore, yet they
+persuaded not Hector’s soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as he drew
+nigh in giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den awaiteth a man,
+having fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered into him, and terribly
+he glared as he coileth himself about his den, so Hector with courage
+unquenchable gave not back, leaning his shining shield against a jutting tower.
+Then sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I go within
+the gates and walls, Polydamas will be first to bring reproach against me,
+since he bade me lead the Trojans to the city during this ruinous night, when
+noble Achilles arose. But I regarded him not, yet surely it had been better
+far. And now that I have undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before
+the men of Troy and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some worse man
+than I shall say: ‘Hector by trusting his own might undid the
+host.’ So will they speak; then to me would it be better far to face
+Achilles and either slay him and go home, or myself die gloriously before the
+city. Or what if I lay down my bossy shield and my stout helm, and lean my
+spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet noble Achilles and promise him
+that Helen, and with her all possessions that Alexandros brought in hollow
+ships to Troy, the beginning of strife, we will give to the Sons of Atreus to
+take away, and therewithal to divide in half with the Achaians all else that
+this city holdeth: and if thereafter I obtain from the Trojans an oath of the
+Elders that they will hide nothing but divide all in twain [whatever wealth the
+pleasant city hold within]? But wherefore doth my heart debate thus? I might
+come unto him and he would not pity or regard me at all, but presently slay me
+unarmed as it were but a woman, if I put off my armour. No time is it now to
+dally with him from oaktree or from rock, like youth with maiden, as youth and
+maiden hold dalliance one with another. Better is it to join battle with all
+speed: let us know upon which of us twain the Olympian shall bestow
+renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of Enyalios
+warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right shoulder the Pelian ash,
+his terrible spear; and all around the bronze on him flashed like the gleam of
+blazing fire or of the Sun as he ariseth. And trembling seized Hector as he was
+aware of him, nor endured he to abide in his place, but left the gates behind
+him and fled in fear. And the son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his
+swift feet. As a falcon upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things, swoopeth
+fleetly after a trembling dove; and she before him fleeth, while he with shrill
+screams hard at hand still darteth at her, for his heart urgeth him to seize
+her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight for him, and Hector fled beneath
+the Trojans’ wall, and plied swift knees. They past the watch-place and
+wind-waved wild fig-tree sped ever, away from under the wall, along the
+waggon-track, and came to the two fair-flowing springs, where two fountains
+rise that feed deep-eddying Skamandros. The one floweth with warm water, and
+smoke goeth up therefrom around as it were from a blazing fire, while the other
+even in summer floweth forth like cold hail or snow or ice that water formeth.
+And there beside the springs are broad washing-troughs hard by, fair troughs of
+stone, where wives and fair daughters of the men of Troy were wont to wash
+bright raiment, in the old time of peace, before the sons of the Achaians came.
+Thereby they ran, he flying, he pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far
+mightier he who fleetly pursued him. For not for beast of sacrifice or for an
+oxhide were they striving, such as are prizes for mel’s speed of foot,
+but for the life of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as when victorious
+whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the turning-points, and some great prize
+lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a woman, in honour of a man that is dead, so
+thrice around Priam’s city circled those twain with flying feet, and all
+the gods were gazing on them. Then among them spake first the father of gods
+and men: “Ay me, a man beloved I see pursued around the wall. My heart is
+woe for Hector, who hath burnt for me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of
+many-folded Ida, and other times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles
+pursuing him with swift feet round Priam’s town. Come, give your counsel,
+gods, and devise whether we shall save him from death or now at last slay him,
+valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O Father, Lord of
+the bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A man
+that is a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back from
+ill-boding death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: “Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain be kind
+to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from the crests
+of Olympus she darted down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as when on the
+mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having started it from its
+covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch to baffle him under a bush,
+yet scenting it out the hound runneth constantly until he find it; so Hector
+baffled not Peleus’ fleet-footed son. Oft as he set himself to dart under
+the well-built walls over against the Dardanian gates, if haply from above they
+might succour him with darts, so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him
+toward the plain, while himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a
+dream one faileth in chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and
+the other in his chase—so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race, and
+Hector to escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation of death,
+had not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came nigh to him, who
+nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the host did noble Achilles
+sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl bitter darts against Hector, lest
+any smiting him should gain renown, and he himself come second. But when the
+fourth time they had reached the springs, then the Father hung his golden
+balances, and set therein two lots of dreary death, one of Achilles, one of
+horse-taming Hector, and held them by the midst and poised. Then Hector’s
+fated day sank down, and fell to the house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left
+him. But to Peleus’ son came the bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing
+near spake to him winged words: “Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to
+Zeus, I have hope that we twain shall carry off great glory to the ships for
+the Achaians, having slain Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No longer is
+it possible for him to escape us, not even though far-darting Apollo should
+travail sore, grovelling before the Father, aegis-bearing Zeus. But do thou now
+stand and take breath, and I will go and persuade this man to confront thee in
+fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood leaning on
+his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to noble Hector, like
+unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and standing near spake to him
+winged words: “Dear brother, verily fleet Achilles doth thee violence,
+chasing thee round Priam’s town with swift feet: but come let us make a
+stand and await him on our defence.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: “Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I shall honour
+thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when thou sawest me, to
+come forth of the wall, while the others tarry within.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “Dear brother, of
+a truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me much,
+entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all tremble before
+him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And now fight we with
+straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of spears, that we may know
+whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our bloody spoils to the hollow ships,
+or whether he might be vanquished by thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come nigh in
+onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of the glancing
+helm: “No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as before I thrice ran
+round the great town of Priam, and endured not to await thy onset. Now my heart
+biddeth me stand up against thee; I will either slay or be slain. But come
+hither and let us pledge us by our gods, for they shall be best witnesses and
+beholders of covenants: I will entreat thee in no outrageous sort, if Zeus
+grant me to outstay thee, and if I take thy life, but when I have despoiled
+thee of thy glorious armour, O Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the
+Achaians, and do thou the same.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Hector, talk
+not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is no
+pledge of faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but imagine evil
+continually against each other, so is it impossible for thee and me to be
+friends, neither shall be any pledge between us until one or other shall have
+fallen and glutted with blood Ares, the stubborn god of war. Bethink thee of
+all thy soldiership: now behoveth it thee to quit thee as a good spearman and
+valiant man of war. No longer is there way of escape for thee, but Pallas
+Athene will straightway subdue thee to my spear; and now in one hour shalt thou
+pay back for all my sorrows for my friends whom thou hast slain in the fury of
+thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble Hector
+watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on it he crouched,
+and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in the earth; but Pallas
+Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles, unknown of Hector shepherd of
+hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble son of Peleus: “Thou hast missed,
+so no wise yet, godlike Achilles, has thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom,
+though thou thoughtest it. Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech,
+that fearing thee I might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt
+thou plant thy spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I
+set on thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my spear of
+bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then would the war be
+lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for thou art their greatest
+bane.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote the midst
+of the shield of Peleus’ son, and missed him not: but far from the shield
+the spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his swift weapon had left his
+hand in vain, and he stood downcast, for he had no second ashen spear. And he
+called with a loud shout to Deiphobos of the white shield, and asked of him a
+long spear, but he was no wise nigh. Then Hector knew he truth in his heart,
+and spake and said: “Ay me, now verily the gods have summoned me to
+death. I deemed the warrior Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the
+wall, and it was Athene who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come
+very nigh me, not far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of
+old the pleasure of Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before
+were fain to succour me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me not die
+without a struggle or ingloriously, but in some great deed of arms whereof men
+yet to be born shall hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and strong,
+and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that darteth to the plain
+through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or crouching hare. So Hector
+swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And Achilles made at him, for his heart
+was filled with wild fierceness, and before his breast he made a covering with
+his fair graven shield, and tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it
+waved fair golden plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a
+star goeth among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all stars
+set in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear Achilles
+poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble Hector, eyeing his
+fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the rest of him his flesh was
+covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped from strong Patroklos when he
+slew him, but there was an opening where the collar bones coming from the
+shoulders clasp the neck, even at the gullet, where destruction of life cometh
+quickliest; there, as he came on, noble Achilles drave at him with his spear,
+and right through the tender neck went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen
+spear clave not the windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his
+foe. And he fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly:
+“Hector, thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that thou
+wouldst be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou fool. But away
+among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even I, was left behind,
+who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs and birds tear foully, but his
+funeral shall the Achaians make.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “I
+pray thee by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of the
+Achaians to devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and gold, gifts
+that my father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give them home my body
+back again, that the Trojans and Trojans’ wives give me my due of fire
+after my death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Entreat me
+not, dog, by knees or parents. Would that my heart’s desire could so bid
+me myself to carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast wrought me, as
+surely is there none that shall keep the dogs from thee, not even should they
+bring ten or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it out, and promise even more,
+not even were Priam Dardanos’ son to bid pay thy weight in gold, not even
+so shall thy lady mother lay thee on a bed to mourn her son, but dogs and birds
+shall devour thee utterly.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “Verily I know
+thee and behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee; truly
+thy heart is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon thee wrath of
+gods, in the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee, for all thy valour,
+at the Skaian gate.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew forth
+of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her fate, leaving her
+vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble Achilles: “Die: for my
+death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the other immortal gods are minded
+to accomplish it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it aside, and
+stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other sons of Achaians ran
+up around, who gazed upon the stature and marvellous goodliness of Hector. Nor
+did any stand by but wounded him, and thus would many a man say looking toward
+his neighbour: “Go to, of a truth far easier to handle is Hector now than
+when he burnt the ships with blazing fire.” Thus would many a man say,
+and wound him as he stood hard by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled
+him, he stood up among the Achaians and spake winged words: “Friends,
+chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to
+vanquish this man who hath done us more evil than all the rest together, come
+let us make trial in arms round about the city, that we may know somewhat of
+the Trojans’ purpose, whether since he hath fallen they will forsake the
+citadel, or whether they are minded to abide, albeit Hector is no more. But
+wherefore doth my heart debate thus? There lieth by the ships a dead man
+unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos; him will I not forget, while I abide among the
+living and my knees can stir. Nay if even in the house of Hades the dead forget
+their dead, yet will I even there be mindful of my dear comrade. But come, ye
+sons of the Achaians, let us now, singing our song of victory, go back to the
+hollow ships and take with us our foe. Great glory have we won; we have slain
+the noble Hector, unto whom the Trojans prayed throughout their city, as he had
+been a god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of both feet
+behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust therethrough thongs of
+ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving his head to trail. And when he
+had mounted the chariot and lifted therein the famous armour, he lashed his
+horses to speed, and they nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that
+was dragged, and his dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay
+all his once fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat
+foully in his own native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld her son,
+tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and cried aloud with an
+exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his father, and around them the folk
+fell to crying and moaning throughout the town. Most like it seemed as though
+all beetling Ilios were burning utterly in fire. Scarcely could the folk keep
+back the old man in his hot desire to get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For
+he besought them all, casting himself down in the mire, and calling on each man
+by his name: “Hold, friends, and though you love me leave me to get me
+forth of the city alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me pray this
+accursed horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame before his age-fellows
+and pity an old man. He also hath a father such as I am, Peleus, who begat and
+reared him to be a bane of Trojans—and most of all to me hath he brought woe.
+So many sons of mine hath he slain in their flower—yet for all my sorrow for
+the rest I mourn them all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief
+will bring me down to the house of Hades—even Hector. Would that he had died in
+my arms; then would we have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore him
+to her ill hap, and I myself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him. And
+among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: “My child, ah, woe
+is me! wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who night and day
+wert my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both men and women of Troy
+throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god, for verily an exceeding glory to
+them wert thou in thy life:—now death and fate have overtaken thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector’s wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates, but in
+an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double purple web, and
+broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to her goodly-haired
+handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on the fire, that Hector
+might have warm washing when he came home out of the battle fond heart, and was
+unaware how, far from all washings, bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the
+hand of Achilles. But she heard shrieks and groans from the battlements, and
+her limbs reeled, and the shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again
+among her goodly-haired maids she spake: “Come two of ye this way with me
+that I may see what deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband’s
+noble mother that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth
+and my knees are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand against
+the children of Priam. Would that such word might never reach my ear! yet
+terribly I dread lest noble Achilles have cut off bold Hector from the city by
+himself and chased him to the plain and ere this ended his perilous pride that
+possessed him, for never would he tarry among the throng of men but ran out
+before them far, yielding place to no man in his hardihood.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating heart, and
+with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the battlements and the
+throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and gazed, and beheld him dragged
+before the city:—swift horses dragged him recklessly toward the hollow ships of
+the Achaians. Then dark night came on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell
+backward and gasped forth her spirit. From off her head she shook the bright
+attiring thereof, frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that
+golden Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm led her
+forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold. And around her
+thronged her husband’s sisters and his brothers’ wives, who held
+her up among them, distraught even to death. But when at last she came to
+herself and her soul returned into her breast, then wailing with deep sobs she
+spake among the women of Troy: “O Hector, woe is me! to one fate then
+were we both born, thou in Troy in the house of Priam, and I in Thebe under
+woody Plakos, in the house of Eetion, who reared me from a little one—ill-fated
+sire of cruel-fated child. Ah, would he have begotten me not. Now thou to the
+house of Hades beneath the secret places of the earth departest, and me in
+bitter mourning thou leavest a widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant
+child—son of unhappy parents, thee and me—nor shalt thou profit him, Hector,
+since thou art dead, neither he thee. For even if he escape the Achaians’
+woful war, yet shall labour and sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men
+shall seize his lands. The day of orphanage sundereth a child from his fellows,
+and his head is bowed down ever, and his cheeks are wet with tears. And in his
+need the child seeketh his father’s friends, plucking this one by cloak
+and that by coat, and one of them that pity him holdeth his cup a little to his
+mouth, and moisteneth his lips, but his palate he moisteneth not. And some
+child unorphaned thrusteth him from the feast with blows and taunting words,
+‘Out with thee! no father of thine is at our board.’ Then weeping
+to his widowed mother shall he return, even Astyanax, who erst upon his
+father’s knee ate only marrow and fat flesh of sheep; and when sleep fell
+on him and he ceased from childish play, then in bed in his nurse’s arms
+he would slumber softly nested, having satisfied his heart with good things;
+but now that he hath lost his father he will suffer many ills, Astyanax—that
+name the Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the defence of their gates and
+their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far from thy parents, shall
+coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their fill, as thou liest
+naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate and fair, wrought by
+the hands of women. But verily all these will I consume with burning fire—to
+thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie therein, yet that his be honour to
+thee from the men and the women of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap23"></a>BOOK XXIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they were come
+to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his own ship: only
+the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but spake among his
+comrades whose delight was in war: “Fleet-horsed Myrmidons, my trusty
+comrades, let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved steeds from their cars, but
+with horses and chariots let us go near and mourn Patroklos, for such is the
+honour of the dead. Then when we have our fill of grievous wailing, we will
+unyoke the horses and all sup here.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led their
+mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned steeds,
+moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing. Bedewed were the
+sands with tears, bedewed the warriors’ arms; so great a lord of fear
+they sorrowed for. And Peleus’ son led their loud wail, laying his
+man-slaying hands on his comrade’s breast: “All hail, Patroklos,
+even in the house of Hades; for all that I promised thee before am I
+accomplishing, seeing I have dragged hither Hector to give raw unto dogs to
+devour, and twelve noble children of the Trojans to slaughter before thy pyre,
+because of mine anger at thy slaying.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him prone in
+the dust beside the bier of Menoitios’ son. And the rest put off each his
+glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing horses, and sate them
+down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed Aiakides, and he gave them
+ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were stretched out, their throats cut with
+steel, and many sheep and bleating goats, and many white-tusked boars well
+grown in fat were spitted to singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides
+round the corpse in cupfuls blood was flowing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble Agamemnon
+by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his heart was wroth
+for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnol’s hut, forthwith
+they bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the fire, if haply they
+might persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him the bloody gore. But he
+denied them steadfastly, and sware moreover an oath: “Nay, verily by
+Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, not lawful is it that water should come
+nigh my head or ever I shall have laid Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a
+barrow, and shaved my hair, since never again shall second grief thus reach my
+heart, while I remain among the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us
+to our mournful meal: but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the
+folk to bring wood and furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have when he
+goeth beneath the misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire may burn him
+quickly from sight, and the host betake them to their work.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly making
+ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of equal feast. But
+when they had put off from them the desire of meat and drink, the rest went
+down each man to his tent to take his rest, but the son of Peleus upon the
+beach of the sounding sea lay groaning heavily, amid the host of Myrmidons, in
+an open place, where waves were breaking on the shore. Now when sleep took hold
+on him, easing the cares of his heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for
+sore tired were his glorious knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios),
+then came there unto him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things like
+his living self, in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the raiment of his
+body was the same; and he stood above Achilles’ head and spake to him:
+“Thou sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in my life wast
+thou ever unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with all speed, that I pass
+the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits banish me, the phantoms of men outworn,
+nor suffer me to mingle with them beyond the River, but vainly I wander along
+the wide-gated dwelling of Hades. Now give me, I pray pitifully of thee, thy
+hand, for never more again shall I come back from Hades, when ye have given me
+my due of fire. Never among the living shall we sit apart from our dear
+comrades and take counsel together, but me hath the harsh fate swallowed up
+which was appointed me even from my birth. Yea and thou too thyself, Achilles
+peer of gods, beneath the wall of the noble Trojans art doomed to die. Yet one
+thing will I say, and charge thee, if haply thou wilt have regard thereto. Lay
+not my bones apart from thine, Achilles, but together, even as we were nurtured
+in your house, when Menoitios brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to your
+country by reason of a grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew
+Amphidamas’ son, not willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then
+took me the knight Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named me thy
+squire: so therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden coffer, two
+handled, thy lady mother’s gift].”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Wherefore, O my
+brother, hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I should do?
+Verily I will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy bidding. But stand more
+nigh me; for one moment let us throw our arms around each other, and take our
+fill of dolorous lament.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for like a
+vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint shriek. And Achilles
+sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands together, and spake a word of woe:
+“Ay me, there remaineth then even in the house of Hades a spirit and
+phantom of the dead, albeit the life be not anywise therein: for all night long
+hath the spirit of hapless Patroklos stood over me, wailing and making moan,
+and charged me everything that I should do, and wondrous like his living self
+it seemed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan around the
+piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from all the huts to
+fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even Meriones, squire of
+kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with wood-cutting axes in their hands and
+well-woven ropes, and before them went the mules, and uphill and downhill and
+sideways and across they went. But when they came to the spurs of
+many-fountained Ida, straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged
+oaks with the long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then
+splitting them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore
+up the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones, squire
+of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in line, where
+Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate them down
+all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the warlike Myrmidons
+gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his chariot; and they arose and
+put their armour on, and mounted their chariots, both fighting men and
+charioteers. In front were the men in chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed
+after, numberless; and in the midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they
+heaped all the corpse with their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and
+behind did goodly Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he
+speeding forth unto the realm of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they set down
+the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the pyre he shore off a
+golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to offer unto the River
+Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking forth over the wine-dark sea:
+“Spercheios, in other wise vowed my father Peleus unto thee that I
+returning thither to my native land should shear my hair for thee and offer a
+holy hecatomb, and fifty rams should sacrifice there above thy springs, where
+is the sacred close and altar burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou
+hast not accomplished him his desire. And now since I return not to my dear
+native land, unto the hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and stirred in
+all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light of the sun have
+gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said quickly to Agamemnon as
+he stood beside him: “Son of Atreus—for to thy words most will the host
+of the Achaians have regard—of lamentation they may sate them to the full. But
+now disperse them from the burning and bid them make ready their meal, and we
+to whom the dead is dearest will take pains for these things; yet let the
+chiefs tarry nigh unto us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the host
+among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there and piled the
+wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that, and on the pyre’s
+top set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And many lusty sheep and
+shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made ready before the pyre; and
+taking from all of them the fat, great hearted Achilles wrapped the corpse
+therein from head to foot, and heaped the flayed bodies round. And he set
+therein two-handled jars of honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and
+four strong-necked horses he threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine
+house-dogs had the dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them
+on the pyre. And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with the
+sword—for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the merciless might of
+the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and called on his dear comrade
+by his name: “All hail to thee, O Patroklos, even in the house of Hades,
+for all that I promised thee before am I now accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons
+of great-hearted Trojans, behold these all in company with thee the fire
+devoureth: but Hector son of Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon,
+but to dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day and
+night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed him with
+rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from heaven to earth and
+covered all that place whereon the dead man lay, lest meanwhile the sul’s
+strength shrivel his flesh round about upon his sinews and limbs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed to the two Winds
+of North and West, and promised them fair offerings, and pouring large
+libations from a golden cup besought them to come, that the corpses might blaze
+up speedily in the fire, and the wood make haste to be enkindled. Then Iris,
+when she heard his prayer, went swiftly with the message to the Winds. They
+within the house of the gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat,
+when Iris sped thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw
+her with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by him.
+But she refused to sit, and spake her word: “No seat for me; I must go
+back to the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians’ land where they
+sacrifice hecatombs to the immortal gods, that I too may feast at their rites.
+But Achilles is praying the North Wind and the loud West to come, and promising
+them fair offerings, that ye may make the pyre be kindled whereon lieth
+Patroklos, for whom all the Achaians are making moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound, rolling the
+clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the sea, and the wave
+rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to deep-soiled Troy, and fell
+upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty fire. So all night drave they the
+flame of the pyre together, blowing shrill; and all night fleet Achilles,
+holding a two-handled cup, drew wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth
+and drenched the earth, calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a
+father waileth when he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death
+is woe to his hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon the
+earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and spreadeth over the
+salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame died down. And the Winds
+went back again to betake them home over the Thracian main, and it roared with
+a violent swell. Then the son of Peleus turned away from the burning and lay
+down wearied, and sweet sleep leapt on him. But they who were with
+Atreus’ son gathered all together, and the noise and clash of their
+approach aroused him; and he sate upright and spake a word to them: “Son
+of Atreus and ye other chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine
+all the burning so far as the fire’s strength hath reached, and then let
+us gather up the bones of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son, singling them well,
+and easy are they to discern, for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the
+rest apart at the edge burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones let us
+put within a golden urn, and double-folded fat, until that I myself be hidden
+in Hades. But no huge barrow I bid you toil to raise—a seemly one, no more:
+then afterward do ye Achaians build it broad and high, whosoever of you after I
+am gone may be left in the benched ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus. First
+quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame went, and the
+ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered up the white bones of
+their gentle comrade into a golden urn and double-folded fat, and placed the
+urn in the hut and covered it with a linen veil. And they marked the circle of
+the barrow, and set the foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway
+heaped thereon a heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they
+were for going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes, caldrons and
+tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and fair-girdled women, and grey
+iron.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman skilled in
+fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared tripod that held
+two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and for the second he
+ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal in her womb; and for the
+third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched by fire, holding four measures,
+bright as when first made; and for the fourth he ordained two talents of gold;
+and for the fifth a two-handled urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved
+Achaians, for the chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists.
+If in some other’s honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it
+would be I who should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know
+how far my pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal and
+Poseidon gave them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But verily I will
+abide, I and my whole-hooved horses, so glorious a charioteer have they lost,
+and one so kind, who on their manes full often poured smooth oil, when he had
+washed them in clear water. For him they stand and mourn, and their manes are
+trailing on the ground, and there stand they with sorrow at their hearts. But
+ye others throughout the host get ye to your places, whosoever of the Achalans
+hath trust in his horses and firm-jointed car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were gathered. First
+of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos’ son, a skilful charioteer;
+and next to him arose Tydeus’ son, valiant Diomedes, and yoked his horses
+of the breed of Tros, which on a time he seized from Aineias, when Apollo saved
+their lord. And after him arose Atreus’ son, fair-haired heaven-sprung
+Menelaos, and yoked him a swift pair Aithe, Agamemnol’s mare, and his own
+horse Podargos. Her unto Agamemnon did Anchises’ son Echepolos give in
+fee, that he might escape from following him to windy Ilios and take his
+pleasure at home; for great wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon
+of spacious lawns:— so Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the
+race. And fourth, Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble
+son of Nestor, high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet horses
+bred at Pylos drew his car. And his father standing by his side spake
+counselling him to his profit, though himself was well advised:
+“Antilochos, verily albeit thou art young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved
+thee and taught thee all skill with horses; wherefore to teach thee is no great
+need, for thou well knowest how to wheel round the post; yet are thy horses
+very slow in the race: therefore methinks there will be sad work for thee. For
+the horses of the others are fleeter, yet the men know not more cunning than
+thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy mind with all manner of cunning, that
+the prize escape thee not. By cunning is a woodman far better than by force; by
+cunning doth a helmsman on the wine-dark deep steer his swift ship buffeted by
+winds; by cunning hath charioteer the better of charioteer. For whoso trusting
+in his horses and car alone wheeleth heedlessly and wide at either end, his
+horses swerve on the course, and he keepeth them not in hand. But whoso is of
+crafty mind, though he drive worse horses, he ever keeping his eye upon the
+post turneth closely by it, neither is unaware how far at first to force his
+horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth them safe in hand and watcheth the
+leader in the race. Now will I tell thee a certain sign, and it shall not
+escape thee. A fathom’s height above the ground standeth a withered
+stump, whether of oak or pine: it decayeth not in the rain, and two white
+stones on either side thereof are fixed at the joining of the track, and all
+round it is smooth driving ground. Whether it be a monument of some man dead
+long ago, or have been made their goal in the race by ancient men, this now is
+the mark fixed by fleet-footed Achilles. Wherefore do thou drive close and bear
+thy horses and chariot hard thereon, and lean thy body on the well-knit car
+slightly to their left, and call upon the off-horse with voice and lash, and
+give him rein from thy hand. But let the near horse hug the post so that the
+nave of the well-wrought wheel seem to graze it—yet beware of touching the
+stone, lest thou wound the horses and break the chariot; so would that be
+triumph to the rest and reproach unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise and on
+thy guard; for if at the turning-post thou drive past the rest, there is none
+shall overtake thee from behind or pass thee by, not though he drave the goodly
+Arion in pursuit, the fleet horse of Adrastos, of divine descent, or the horses
+of Laomedon, best of all bred in this land.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he had
+told his son the sum of every matter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then went
+they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles shook them, and
+forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor’s son, and the next lot had lord
+Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus, spear-famed Menelaos, and next to
+him drew Meriones his place; then lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew
+his lot for his chariot’s place. Then they stood side by side, and
+Achilles showed to them the turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and
+beside it he placed an umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father’s follower,
+that he might note the running and tell the truth thereof.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them with the
+reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they forthwith sped swiftly
+over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and beneath their breasts stood the
+rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind, and their manes waved on the blowing
+wind. And the chariots ran sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles
+would bound into the air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of
+every man beat in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses,
+that flew amid their dust across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course, back
+toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and the horses
+strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the fleet mares of
+Pheres’ grandson, and next to them Diomedes’ stallions of the breed
+of Tros, not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed ever as they would
+mount Eumelos’ car, and with their breath his back was warm and his broad
+shoulders, for they bent their heads upon him as they flew along. Thus would
+Tydeus’ son have either outstripped the other or made it a dead heat, had
+not Phoebus Apollo been wroth with him and smitten from his hand the shining
+lash. Then from his eyes ran tears of anger, for that he saw the mares still at
+speed, even swiftlier than before, while his own horses were thrown out, as
+running without spur. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo’s guile
+against Tydeides, and presently sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him
+back the lash, and put spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the son of
+Admetos was the goddess gone, and brake his steeds’ yoke, and the mares
+ran sideways off the course, and the pole was twisted to the ground. And
+Eumelos was hurled out of the car beside the wheel, and his elbows and mouth
+and nose were flayed, and his forehead bruised above his eyebrows; and his eyes
+filled with tears and his lusty voice was choked. Then Tydeides held his
+whole-hooved horses on one side, darting far out before the rest, for Athene
+put spirit into his steeds and shed glory on himself. Now next after him came
+golden-haired Menelaos Atreus’ son. But Antilochos called to his
+father’s horses: “Go ye too in, strain to your fleetest pace. Truly
+I nowise bid you strive with those, the horses of wise Tydeides, unto which
+Athene hath now given speed, and shed glory on their charioteer. But overtake
+Atreides’ horses with all haste, and be not outstripped by them, lest
+Aithe that is but a mare pour scorn on you. Why are ye outstripped, brave
+steeds? Thus will I tell you, and verily it shall be brought to pass—ye will
+find no tendance with Nestor shepherd of hosts, but straightway he will slay
+you with the edge of the sword if through heedlessness we win but the worse
+prize. Have after them at your utmost speed, and I for my part will devise a
+plan to pass them in the strait part of the course, and this shall fail me
+not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier some
+little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a strait place
+in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth, where torrent water
+gathered and brake part of the track away, and hollowed all the place; there
+drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of the wheels. But Antilochos turned his
+whole-hooved horses out of the track, and followed him a little at one side.
+And the son of Atreus took alarm and shouted to Antilochos: “Antilochos,
+thou art driving recklessly—hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon
+thou mayest pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us
+both.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying his
+lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk swung from
+the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of his force, even so
+far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus’ son gave back, for he ceased
+of himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved steeds should encounter on
+the track, and overset the well-knit cars, and the drivers fall in the dust in
+their zeal for victory. So upbraiding Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos:
+“Antilochos, no mortal man is more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way,
+since falsely have we Achaians called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not
+bear off the prize unchallenged to an oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: “Hold ye not back nor stand
+still with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before yours,
+for they both lack youth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on, and
+were quickly close upon the others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and they came
+flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of them was
+Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside the concourse in
+the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice of one that shouted,
+though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a horse showing plainly in the
+front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but in the forehead marked with a white
+star round like the moon. And he stood upright and spoke among the Argives:
+“Friends, chiefs, and counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see
+the horses, or do ye also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new
+charioteer appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither post,
+but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing everywhere along the
+Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer so that he could not drive
+aright round the post and failed in the turn? There, methinks, must he have
+been cast forth, and have broken his chariot, and the mares must have left the
+course, in the wildness of their heart. But stand up ye too and look, for
+myself I discern not certainly, but the first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian
+race, and he ruleth among Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart
+Diomedes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet Aias Oileus’ son rebuked him in unseemly sort:
+“Idomeneus, why art thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the
+high-stepping mares are coursing over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far
+the youngest among the Argives, nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from
+thy head, yet continually braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a
+braggart, for there are here better men. And the mares leading are they that
+led before, Eumelos’ mares, and he standeth and holdeth the reins within
+the car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: “Aias, master of
+railing, ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for thy
+mind is unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and make
+Agamemnon Atreus’ son our umpire, which mares are leading, that thou
+mayest pay and learn.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus’ son arose angrily to
+answer with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone further,
+had not Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: “No longer answer
+each other with harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for it beseemeth
+not. Surely ye are displeased with any other who should do thus. Sit ye in the
+concourse and keep your eyes upon the horses; soon they in zeal for victory
+will come hither, and then shall ye know each of you the Argives’ horses,
+which follow, and which lead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote now and
+again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as they sped swiftly
+on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the charioteer, and his
+chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his fleet-footed steeds, and
+small trace was there of the wheel-tires behind in the fine dust, as they flew
+speeding on. Then he drew up in the mid concourse, and much sweat poured from
+the horses’ heads and chests to the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth
+from the shining car, and leant his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart
+Sthenelos tarried not, but promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud
+comrades the woman to lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the
+horses from the yoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his swift
+steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which draweth his
+master, straining with the car over the plain—his hindmost tail-hairs touch the
+tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much space between, as he
+speedeth far over the plain—by so much was Menelaos behind high-born
+Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole disk-cast behind, but quickly he
+was catching Antilochos up, for the high mettle of Agamemnol’s mare,
+sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her. And if yet further both had had to run
+he would have passed his rival nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones,
+stout squire of Idomeneus, came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for
+tardiest of all were his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a
+chariot in the race. Last of them all came Admetos’ son, dragging his
+goodly car driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles
+beheld he pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the Argives:
+“Last driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them all. But come
+let us give him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the second place, but the
+first let the son of Tydeus take.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given him the
+mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of great-hearted
+Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf of his right: “O
+Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou accomplish this word, for
+thou art minded to take away my prize, because thou thinkest of how his chariot
+and fleet steeds miscarried, and himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it
+behoved him to pray to the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of
+all in the race. But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is
+much gold in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there and
+whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward even a
+richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud thee. But the
+mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay the battle at my
+hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with Antilochos,
+for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him winged words:
+“Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some other thing beside
+from out my house, that also will I do. I will give unto him a breast-plate
+that I took from Asteropaios, of bronze, whereon a casting of bright tin is
+overlaid, and of great worth will it be to him.” He said, and bade his
+dear comrade Automedon bring it from the hut, and he went and brought it. [Then
+he placed it in Eumelos’ hands, and he received it gladly.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly against
+Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and called for silence
+among the Argives; then spake among them that godlike man: “Antilochos,
+who once wert wise, what thing is this thou hast done? Thou hast shamed my
+skill and made my horses fail, thrusting thine own in front that are far worse.
+Come now, ye chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, give judgment between us
+both, and favour neither: lest some one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any
+time: ‘By constraining Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone
+off with the mare, for his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in
+rank and power.’ Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem
+that none other of the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall be just.
+Antilochos, fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is ordained stand up
+before thy horses and chariot and take in thy hand the pliant lash wherewith
+thou dravest erst, and touching thy horses swear by the Enfolder and Shaker of
+the earth that not wilfully didst thou hinder my chariot by guile.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: “Bear with me now, for far younger am
+I than thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better. Thou knowest
+how a young mal’s transgressions come about, for his mind is hastier and
+his counsel shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I will of myself give to
+thee the mare I have taken. Yea, if thou shouldst ask some other greater thing
+from my house, I were fain to give it thee straightway, rather than fall for
+ever from my place in thy heart, O fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner
+against the gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor’s son, and brought the mare and put her
+in the hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew cometh
+upon the ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are bristling. So
+gladdened was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And he spake unto
+Antilochos and uttered winged words: “Antilochos, now will I of myself
+put away mine anger against thee, since no wise formerly wert thou flighty or
+light-minded, howbeit now thy reason was overcome of youthfulness. Another time
+be loth to outwit better men. Not easily should another of the Achaians have
+persuaded me, but thou hast suffered and toiled greatly, and thy brave father
+and brother, for my sake: therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even
+give unto thee the mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that my
+heart was never overweening or implacable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos’ comrade to lead away,
+and then took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents of gold
+in the fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was left unclaimed,
+a two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this, bearing it to him through the
+concourse of Argives, and stood by him and said: “Lo now for thee too,
+old man, be this a treasure, a memorial of Patroklos’ burying; for no
+more shalt thou behold him among the Argives. Now give I thee this prize unwon,
+for not in boxing shalt thou strive, neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin
+match, nor race with thy feet; for grim old age already weigheth on
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly, and spake
+unto him winged words: “Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast meetly
+said; for no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor do my arms at
+all swing lightly from my shoulders either side. Would that my youth were such
+and my force so firm as when the Epeians were burying lord Amarynkes at
+Buprasion, and his sons held the king’s funeral games. Then was no man
+found like me, neither of the Epeians nor of the Pylians themselves or the
+great-hearted Aitolians. In boxing I overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in
+wrestling Ankaios of Pleuron, who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I
+outran Iphiklos, a right good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and
+Polydoros; only in the chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by crowding
+their horses in front of me, jealous for victory, because the chief prizes were
+left at home.] Now they were twins—one ever held the reins, the reins he ever
+held, the other called on the horses with the lash. Thus was I once, but now
+let younger men join in such feats; I must bend to grievous age, but then was I
+of mark among heroes. But come hold funeral for thy comrade too with with
+games. This gift do I accept with gladness, and my heart rejoiceth that thou
+rememberest ever my friendship to thee—(nor forget I thee)—and the honour
+wherewith it is meet that I be honoured among the Achaians. And may the gods
+for this grant thee due grace.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of Achaians, when
+he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus’ son. Then he ordained
+prizes of the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led forth and tethered
+amid the assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest of all to break; and for
+the loser set a two-handled cup. Then he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for these
+rewards we summon two men of the best to lift up their hands to box amain. He
+to whom Apollo shall grant endurance to the end, and all the Achaians
+acknowledge it, let him take the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut;
+and the loser shall take with him the two-handled-cup.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled in
+boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule and said
+aloud: “Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the mule I say
+none other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his fists, for I claim
+to be the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I fall short of you in battle?
+Not possible is it that in all arts a man be skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it
+shall be accomplished: I will utterly bruise mine adversary’s flesh and
+break his bones, so let his friends abide together here to bear him forth when
+vanquished by my hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against him
+Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos, Mekisteus,
+who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his burial, and there
+he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides famous with the spear made
+ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him with speech, and greatly desired for
+him victory. And first he cast about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut
+thongs of the hide of an ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went
+into the midst of the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to,
+and their hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on, and as
+the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor could he much more
+stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him. And as when beneath the
+North Wind’s ripple a fish leapeth on a tangle-covered beach, and then
+the black wave hideth it, so leapt up Euryalos at that blow. But great-hearted
+Epeios took him in his hands and set him upright, and his dear comrades stood
+around him, and led him through the ring with trailing feet, spitting out
+clotted blood, drooping his head awry, and they set him down in his swoon among
+them and themselves went forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest,
+offering them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the winner
+a great tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians among them at
+twelve oxens’ worth; and for the loser he brought a woman into the midst,
+skilled in manifold work, and they prized her at four oxen. And he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this
+match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus of many
+wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt went into the midst
+of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms with stalwart hands, like
+gable rafters of a lofty house which some famed craftsman joineth, that he may
+baffle the wind’s force. And their backs creaked, gripped firmly under
+the vigorous hands, and sweat ran down in streams, and frequent weals along
+their ribs and shoulders sprang up, red with blood, while ever they strove
+amain for victory, to win the wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias
+and bear him to the ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus’ strength withheld
+him. But when they began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to
+Odysseus great Aias, Telamol’s son: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes,
+Odysseus of many wiles, or lift thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be
+with Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his craft. He
+smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias’ knee, and loosed his limbs,
+and threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his chest, and the folk
+gazed and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring noble Odysseus tried to
+lift, and moved him a little from the ground, but lifted him not, so he crooked
+his knee within the other’s, and both fell on the ground nigh to each
+other, and were soiled with dust, And now starting up again a third time would
+they have wrestled, had not Achilles himself arisen and held them back:
+“No longer press each the other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is
+with both; take equal prizes and depart, that other Achaians may
+contend.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the dust from
+them and put their doublets on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness of
+foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in beauty it
+was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon wrought it
+cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the misty sea, and landed
+it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and Euneos son of Jason gave it to
+the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon Priam’s son. Now this cup did
+Achilles set forth as a prize in honour of his friend, for whoso should be
+fleetest in speed of foot. For the second he set an ox great and very fat, and
+for the last prize half a talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word
+among the Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus’ son, and Odysseus
+of many wiles, and after them Nestor’s son Antilochos, for he was best of
+all the youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles
+showed to them the goal. Right eager was the running from the start, but
+Oileus’ son forthwith shot to the front, and close behind him came noble
+Odysseus, as close as is a weaving-rod to a fair-girdled womal’s breast
+when she pulleth it deftly with her hands, drawing the spool along the warp,
+and holdeth the rod nigh her breast— so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod
+in his footsteps or ever the dust had settled there, and on his head fell the
+breath of noble Odysseus as he ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians
+applauded his struggle for the victory and called on him as he laboured hard.
+But when they were running the last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus
+prayed in his soul to bright-eyed Athene: “Hearken, goddess, come thou a
+good helper of my feet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs feel
+light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting on the prize,
+then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race, where filth was strewn
+from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that fleet Achilles slew in honour of
+Patroklos: and Aias’ mouth and nostrils were filled with that filth of
+oxen. So much-enduring noble Odysseus, as he came in first, took up the
+mixing-bowl, and famous Aias took the ox. And he stood holding in his hand the
+horn of the ox of the field, sputtering away the filth, and spake among the
+Argives: “Out on it, it was the goddess who marred my running, she who
+from of old like a mother standeth by Odysseus’ side and helpeth
+him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then Antilochos
+smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among the Argives:
+“Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even herein also
+the immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older than I, but Odysseus
+of an earlier generation and earlier race of men. A green old age is his, they
+say, and hard were it for any Achaian to rival him in speed, save only
+Achilles.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: “Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be
+given; a half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above.” He said,
+and set it in his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and a
+chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox’s worth, embossed with flowers;
+and men that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose Atreus’ son
+wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus’ brave squire. And
+swift-footed noble Achilles spake among them: “Son of Atreus, for that we
+know how far thou excellest all, and how far the first thou art in the might of
+thy throw, take thou this prize with thee to the hollow ships, and to the hero
+Meriones let us give the spear, if thou art willing in thy heart: thus I at
+least advise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to Meriones he
+gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the hero gave the
+goodliest prize.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap24"></a>BOOK XXIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to betake them
+each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of supper and sweet
+sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept, remembering his dear comrade, nor
+did sleep that conquereth all take hold on him, but he kept turning him to this
+side and to that, yearning for Patroklos’ manhood and excellent valour,
+and all the toils he achieved with him and the woes he bare, cleaving the
+battles of men and the grievous waves. As he thought thereon be shed big tears,
+now lying on his side, now on his back, now on his face; and then anon he would
+arise upon his feet and roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea. Nor would
+he be unaware of the Dawn when she arose over the sea and shores. But when he
+had yoked the swift steeds to his car he would bind Hector behind his chariot
+to drag him withal; and having thrice drawn him round the barrow of the dead
+son of Menoitios he rested again in his hut, and left Hector lying stretched on
+his face in the dust. But Apollo kept away all defacement from his flesh, for
+he had pity on him even in death, and covered him all with his golden aegis,
+that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the blessed
+gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the clear-sighted slayer of
+Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the others seemed it good, yet not to
+Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed Maiden, but they continued as when at the
+beginning sacred Ilios became hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by
+reason of the sin of Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they
+came to his steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But
+when the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the Immortals
+Phoebus Apollo: “Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath Hector
+never burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats? Now have ye not
+taken heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to look upon and his mother
+and his child and his father Priam and his people, who speedily would burn him
+in the fire and make his funeral. But fell Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to
+abet, whose mind is nowise just nor the purpose in his breast to be turned
+away, but he is cruelly minded as a lion that in great strength and at the
+bidding of his proud heart goeth forth against mel’s flocks to make his
+meal; even thus Achilles hath cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth
+both harm and profit men greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some
+dearer one than was this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance a son;
+yet bringeth he his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an enduring soul
+have the Fates given unto men. But Achilles after bereaving noble Hector of his
+life bindeth him behind his horses and draggeth him around the tomb of his dear
+comrade: not, verily, is that more honourable or better for him. Let him take
+heed lest we wax wroth with him, good man though he be, for in his fury he is
+entreating shamefully the senseless clay.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: “Even thus mightest thou
+speak, O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to Achilles and
+to Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a womal’s breast,
+but Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred up and reared and gave to
+a man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was dearest of all men to the
+Immortals’ heart. And all ye gods came to her bridal, and thou among them
+wert feasting with thy lyre, O lover of ill company, faithless ever.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: “Hera, be not
+wroth utterly with the gods: for these mel’s honour is not to be the
+same, yet Hector also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that are in Ilios.
+So was he to me at least, for nowise failed he in the gifts I loved. Never did
+my altar lack seemly feast, drink-offering and the steam of sacrifice, even the
+honour that falleth to our due. But verily we will say no more of stealing away
+brave Hector, for it cannot be hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth
+ever nigh to him night and day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would
+call Thetis to come near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that
+Achilles may take gifts from Priam and give Hector back.” Thus spake he,
+and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between Samothrace and
+rocky Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters closed above her with a
+noise. And she sped to the bottom like a weight of lead that mounted on horn of
+a field-ox goeth down bearing death to ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in
+a hollow cave; about her sat gathered other goddesses of the seas and she in
+their midst was wailing for the fate of her noble son who must perish in
+deep-soiled Troy, far from his native land. And standing near, fleet-footed
+Iris spake to her: “Rise, Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: “Wherefore
+biddeth me that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals, for I
+have countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in vain,
+whatsoever he saith.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no blacker
+raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and wind-footed swift
+Iris led the way before her, and around them the surge of the sea was sundered.
+And when they had come forth upon the shore they sped up to heaven, and found
+the far-seeing son of Kronos, and round him sat gathered all the other blessed
+gods that are for ever. Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave
+her place. And Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with
+words, and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: “Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in thy
+sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself. Nevertheless will
+I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days hath dispute arisen among
+the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector and Achilles waster of cities.
+Fain are they to send clear-sighted Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear
+what glory I accord herein to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come
+thy honour and good will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my
+bidding. Say to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the beaked
+ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and give Hector
+back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid him go to the ships of
+the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may
+gladden his heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient to his
+word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of Olympus. And she
+came to her sol’s hut; there found she him making grievous moan, and his
+dear comrades round were swiftly making ready and furnishing their early meal,
+and a sheep great and fleecy was being sacrificed in the hut. Then his
+lady-mother sate her down close beside him, and stroked him with her hand and
+spake to him by his name: “My child, how long with lamentation and woe
+wilt thou devour thine heart, taking thought of neither food nor rest? good
+were even a womal’s embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me;
+already death and forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith
+unto me, for I am the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are
+displeased at thee, and that himself above all Immortals is wroth, because with
+furious heart thou holdest Hector at the beaked ships and hast not given him
+back. But come restore him, and take ransom for the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: “So be it: whoso
+bringeth ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart’s intent
+the Olympian biddeth it himself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each other many
+winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to holy Ilios: “Go
+forth, fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear my message within Ilios
+to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom his
+dear son and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart; let him go
+alone, and no other man of the Trojans go with him. Only let some elder herald
+attend on him to guide the mules and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to
+the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought
+nor any fear; such guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who
+shall lead him until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he shall have
+led him within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay him nor suffer any
+other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but with all
+courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she came to
+the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His children sitting
+around their father within the court were bedewing their raiment with their
+tears, and the old man in their midst was close wrapped all over in his cloak;
+and on his head and neck was much mire that he had gathered in his hands as he
+grovelled upon the earth. And his daughters and his sons’ wives were
+wailing throughout the house, bethinking them of all those valiant men who had
+lost their lives at the hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the
+messenger of Zeus stood beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling
+came upon his limbs: “Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of
+Dardanos, and be not dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither to
+forebode to thee, but with good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to thee, who,
+though he be afar off, hath great care and pity for thee. The Olympian biddeth
+thee ransom noble Hector and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his
+heart: go thou alone, let none other of the Trojans go with thee. Only let some
+elder herald attend on thee to guide the mules and the smooth-wheeled waggon to
+carry back to the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be
+in thy thought, nor any fear; such guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of
+Argus, who shall lead thee until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when
+he shall have led thee into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay thee,
+nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked,
+but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons make
+ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage thereon. And
+himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar wood, high-roofed, that
+held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife he called and spake: “Lady,
+from Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come to me, that I go to the ships of the
+Achaians and ransom my dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden
+his heart. Come tell me how seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my
+desire and heart bid me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide
+camp of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: “Woe
+is me, whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous among
+stranger men and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go alone to the
+ships of the Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of
+thy brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart. For if he light on thee and behold
+thee with his eyes, a savage and ill-trusted man is this, and he will not pity
+thee, neither reverence thee at all. Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make
+lament afar off. Even thus did forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her
+thread at his beginning when I bare him, even I, that he should glut
+fleet-footed dogs, far from his parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose
+inmost vitals I were fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds against
+my son be paid again to him, for not playing the coward was he slain of him,
+but championing the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy, neither bethought he
+him of shelter or of flight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: “Stay me not, for I
+am fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls, for thou
+wilt not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of earth that bade me
+this, whether some seer or of the priests that divine from sacrifice, then
+would we declare it false and have no part therein; but now, since I have heard
+the voice of the goddess myself and looked upon her face, I will go forth, and
+her word shall not be void. And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the
+mail-clad Achaians, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed,
+when once I have taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with
+moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very goodly
+womel’s robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets a like
+number and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he weighed and
+brought forth talents of gold ten in all, and two shining tripods and four
+caldrons, and a goblet exceeding fair that men of Thrace had given him when he
+went thither on an embassy, a chattel of great price, yet not that even did the
+old man grudge from his halls, for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his
+dear son. Then he drave out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them
+with words of rebuke: “Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye
+no mourning of your own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a
+small thing that Zeus Kronos’ son hath given me this sorrow, to lose him
+that was the best man of my sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it, for easier far
+shall ye be to the Achaians to slay now he is dead. But for me, ere I behold
+with mine eyes the city sacked and wasted, let me go down into the house of
+Hades.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth before
+the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding Helenos and
+Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and Polites of the loud
+war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud Dios; nine were they whom the
+old man called and bade unto him: “Haste ye, ill sons, my shame; would
+that ye all in Hector’s stead had been slain at the swift ships! Woe is
+me all unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide Troy-land, but none of
+them is left for me to claim, neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his
+chariot of war, nor Hector who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the
+son of a mortal man but of a god:—all these hath Ares slain, and here are my
+shames all left to me, false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance,
+plunderers of your own people’s sheep and kids. Will ye not make me ready
+a wain with all speed, and lay all these thereon, that we get us forward on our
+way?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father’s voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof on the
+frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood yoke with knob
+well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth the yoke-band of nine
+cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on the polished pole on the rest
+at the end thereof, and slipped the ring over the upright pin, which with three
+turns of the band they lashed to the knob, and then belayed it close round the
+pole and turned the tongue thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and
+heaped on the polished wain the countless ransom of Hector’s head, and
+yoked strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam, a
+splendid gift. But to Priam’s car they yoked the horses that the old man
+kept for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their cars, with
+wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at heart, with
+honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that they might make
+libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses and spake a word to
+Priam by name: “Lo now make libation to father Zeus and pray that thou
+mayest come back home from among the enemy, since thy heart speedeth thee forth
+to the ships, though fain were I thou wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of
+the Storm-cloud, the gods of Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask
+of him a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to
+him and of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign
+with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto thee his
+messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the ships of the
+Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: “Lady, I will not
+disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus, if haply
+he will have pity.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure water
+on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer to wash
+withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from his wife: then
+he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured forth wine as he
+looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: “Father Zeus that bearest
+sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I find welcome and pity
+under Achilles’ roof, and send a bird of omen, even the swift messenger
+that is dearest of all birds to thee and of mightiest strength, to appear upon
+the right, that seeing this sign with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto
+the ships of the fleet-horsed Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him, and
+straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the dusky hunter
+called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well locking, fitted close, of
+some rich mal’s high-roofed hall, so wide were his wings either way; and
+he appeared to them speeding on the right hand above the city. And when they
+saw the eagle they rejoiced and all their hearts were glad within their
+breasts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from the
+doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the four-wheeled wain,
+and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses which the old man urged with
+the lash at speed along the city: and his friends all followed lamenting loud
+as though he were faring to his death. And when they were come down from the
+city and were now on the plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and
+marriage kin. But the two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of
+far-seeing Zeus. But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: “Hermes, since unto thee
+especially is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever thou wilt,
+go forth and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the Achaians that no man
+behold or be aware of him, among all the Danaans’ host, until he come to
+the son of Peleus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not disobedient unto
+his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his fair sandals, golden,
+divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the boundless land with the
+breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand wherewith he entranceth the
+eyes of such men as he will, and others he likewise waketh out of sleep: this
+did the strong slayer of Argus take in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he
+to Troy-land and the Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young
+man that is a prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men
+is the comeliest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios, halted
+the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was come down over the
+earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by, and marked him, and spake
+and said to Priam: “Consider, son of Dardanos; this is matter of prudent
+thought. I see a man, methinks we shall full soon be rent in pieces. Come, let
+us flee in our chariot, or else at least touch his knees and entreat him that
+he have mercy on us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed exceedingly,
+and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood still amazed. But the
+Helper came nigh of himself and took the old mal’s hand, and spake and
+questioned him: “Whither, father, dost thou thus guide these horses and
+mules through the divine night, when other mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no
+fear of the fierce-breathing Achaians, thy bitter foes that are hard anigh
+thee? If one of them should espy thee carrying such treasures through the swift
+black night, what then would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself,
+and thy companion here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that
+should assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep any
+other from thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: “Even so, kind
+son, are all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god stretched
+forth his hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer such as thou to
+meet me, a bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy form and semblance; and
+thou art wise of heart and of blessed parents art thou sprung.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “All this, old
+sire, hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me truly
+whether thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto alien men, where
+it may abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye are all forsaking holy
+Ilios in fear; so far the best man among you hath perished, even thy son; for
+of battle with the Achaians abated he never a jot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, “Who art thou,
+noble sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the fate of my
+hapless son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft seen
+with mine eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was slaying the
+Argives he drave thither, piercing them with the keen bronze, and we stood
+still and marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered us not to fight, being wroth
+against Atreus’ son. His squire am I, and came in the same well-wrought
+ship. From the Myrmidons I come, and my father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and
+an old man even as thou, and six other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With
+the others I cast lots, and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now
+am I come from the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed
+Achaians will set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to
+be sitting here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the
+fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If verily thou art
+a squire of Achilles Peleus’ son, come tell me all the truth, whether
+still my son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath riven him limb
+from limb and cast him to the dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Old sire, not
+yet have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by
+Achilles’ ship, even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn now
+hath risen upon him, nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither worms consume
+it, such as devour men slain in war. Truly Achilles draggeth him recklessly
+around the barrow of his dear comrade so oft as divine day dawneth, yet marreth
+he him not; thou wouldst marvel if thou couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh
+he lieth, and is washed clean of blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his
+wounds wherewith he was stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he
+be but a dead corpse, for they held him dear at heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: “My
+son, it is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the Immortals,
+for never did my child—if that child indeed I had—forget in our halls the gods
+who inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they remembered this for him, albeit his
+portion is death. But come now take from me this goodly goblet, and guard me
+myself and guide me, under Heaven, that I may come unto the hut of
+Peleus’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not prevail upon
+me, in that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without Achilles’
+privity. I were afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him, lest some evil come
+to pass on me hereafter. But as thy guide I would go even unto famous Argos,
+accompanying thee courteously in swift ship or on foot. Not from scorn of thy
+guide would any assail thee then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he swiftly
+took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit into horses and
+mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench of the ships, there
+were the sentinels just busying them about their supper. Then the Messenger,
+the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them all, and straightway opened the gates
+and thrust back the bars, and brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon
+his wain. And they came to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the
+Myrmidons made for their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and
+thatched it with downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and
+around it made for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and
+the door was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to drive
+home, and three drew back that mighty bar—three of the rest, but Achilles by
+himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes the door for the old
+man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus’ fleet-footed son, and
+descended from the chariot to the earth and spake aloud: “Old sire, I
+that have come to thee am an immortal god, even Hermes, for my father sent me
+to companion thee on thy way. But now will I depart from thee nor come within
+Achilles’ sight; it were cause of wrath that an immortal god should thus
+show favour openly unto mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of
+Peleus’ son and entreat him for his father’s sake and his
+mother’s of the lovely hair and for his child’s sake that thou
+mayest move his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from the car
+to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind the horses and
+mules; but the old man made straight for the house where Achilles dear to Zeus
+was wont to sit. And therein he found the man himself, and his comrades sate
+apart: two only, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were
+busy in attendance; and he was lately ceased from meat, even from eating and
+drinking: and still the table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great
+Priam as he came in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees
+of Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many of
+Priam’s sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in his
+own country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers, to the
+house of some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on him—so Achilles
+wondered when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest wondered likewise, and looked
+upon one another. Then Priam spake and entreated him, saying: “Bethink
+thee, O Achilles like to gods, of thy father that is of like years with me, on
+the grievous pathway of old age. Him haply are the dwellers round about
+entreating evilly, nor is there any to ward from him ruin and bane.
+Nevertheless while he heareth of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart,
+and hopeth withal day after day that he shall see his dear son returning from
+Troy-land. But I, I am utterly unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide
+Troy-land, but declare unto thee that none of them is left. Fifty I had, when
+the sons of the Achaians came; nineteen were born to me of one mother, and
+concubines bare the rest within my halls. Now of the more part had impetuous
+Ares unstrung the knees, and he who was yet left and guarded city and men, him
+slewest thou but now as he fought for his country, even Hector. For his sake
+come I unto the ships of the Achaians that I may win him back from thee, and I
+bring with me untold ransom. Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have
+compassion on me, even me, bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more
+piteous than he, and have braved what none other man on earth hath braved
+before, to stretch forth my hand toward the face of the slayer of my
+sons.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for his
+father. And he touched the old mal’s hand and gently moved him back. And
+as they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for man-slaying Hector wept
+sore as he was fallen before Achilles’ feet, and Achilles wept for his
+own father, and now again for Patroklos, and their moan went up throughout the
+house. But when noble Achilles had satisfied him with lament, and the desire
+thereof departed from his heart and limbs, straightway he sprang from his seat
+and raised the old man by his hand, pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and
+spake unto him winged words and said: “Ah hapless! many ill things verily
+thou hast endured in thy heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of the
+Achaians and to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of the brave
+sons? of iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee on a seat, and we
+will let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all our pain, for no avail
+cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods have spun for miserable men,
+that they should live in pain; yet themselves are sorrowless. For two urns
+stand upon the floor of Zeus filled with his evil gifts, and one with
+blessings. To whomsoever Zeus whose joy is in the lightning dealeth a mingled
+lot, that man chanceth now upon ill and now again on good, but to whom he
+giveth but of the bad kind him he bringeth to scorn, and evil famine chaseth
+him over the goodly earth, and he is a wanderer honoured of neither gods nor
+men. Even thus to Peleus gave the gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he
+excelled all men in good fortune and wealth, and was king of the Myrmidons, and
+mortal though he was the gods gave him a goddess to be his bride. Yet even on
+him God brought evil, seeing that there arose to him no offspring of princely
+sons in his halls, save that he begat one son to an untimely death. Neither may
+I tend him as he groweth old, since very far from my country I am dwelling in
+Troy-land, to vex thee and thy children. And of thee, old sire, we have heard
+how of old time thou wert happy, even how of all that Lesbos, seat of Makar,
+boundeth to the north thereof and Phrygia farther up and the vast Hellespont—of
+all these folk, men say, thou wert the richest in wealth and in sons, but after
+that the Powers of Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are battles and
+man-slayings around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not unabatingly in thy
+heart. For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for thy son, neither shalt thou
+bring him back to life or ever some new evil come upon thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: “Bid me not to a
+seat, O fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the huts,
+but straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine eyes; and accept
+thou the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou have pleasure thereof, and
+come unto thy native land, since thou hast spared me from the first.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: “No longer
+chafe me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee, for
+there came to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me, daughter of
+the Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my mind, nor am unaware
+that some god it is that hath guided thee to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+For no mortal man, even though in prime of youth, would dare to come among the
+host, for neither could he escape the watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of
+our doors. Therefore now stir my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave
+not even thee in peace, old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant,
+and lest I transgress the commandment of Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son of
+Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone, for with him
+went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they whom above all his
+comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that was dead. They then loosed
+from under the yoke the horses and mules, and led in the old mal’s
+crier-herald and set him on a chair, and from the wain of goodly felloes they
+took the countless ransom set on Hector’s head. But they left two robes
+and a well-spun doublet, that Achilles might wrap the dead therein when he gave
+him to be carried home. And he called forth handmaids and bade them wash and
+anoint him when they had borne him apart, so that Priam should not look upon
+his son, lest he should not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when he
+should look upon his son, and lest Achilles’ heart be vexed thereat and
+he slay him and transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the handmaids had
+washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had thrown over it a fair robe
+and a doublet, then Achilles himself lifted it and laid it on a bier, and his
+comrades with him lifted it on to the polished waggon. Then he groaned aloud
+and called on his dear comrade by his name: “Patroklos, be not vexed with
+me if thou hear even in the house of Hades that I have given back noble Hector
+unto his dear father, for not unworthy is the ransom he hath given me, whereof
+I will deal to thee again thy rightful share.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him down on the
+cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the opposite wall, and spake a
+word to Priam: “Thy son, old sire, is given back as thou wouldest and
+lieth on a bier, and with the break of day thou shalt see him thyself as thou
+carriest him. But now bethink we us of supper. For even fair-haired Niobe
+bethought her of meat, she whose twelve children perished in her halls, six
+daughters and six lusty sons. The sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew
+with arrows from his silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that
+Niobe matched herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare
+but twain but herself many children: so they though they were but twain
+destroyed the other all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was there any
+to bury them, for Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on the tenth day the
+gods of heaven buried them, and she then bethought her of meat, when she was
+wearied out with weeping tears. And somewhere now among the cliffs, on the
+lonely mountains, even on Sipylos, where they say are the couching-places of
+nymphs that dance around Acheloos, there she, albeit a stone, broodeth still
+over her troubles from the gods. But come let us too, noble father, take
+thought of meat, and afterward thou shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou
+carriest him to Ilios; and many tears shall be his due.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep, and his
+comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and divided it cunningly
+and pierced it with spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off. And
+Automedon took bread and served it on a table in fair baskets, while Achilles
+dealt out the flesh. And they stretched forth their hands to the good cheer
+lying ready before them. But when they had put off the desire of meat and
+drink, then Priam son of Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was
+and how goodly, for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at
+Priam son of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his words.
+But when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first spake the old
+man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: “Now presently give me whereon to lie,
+fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now take our fill at rest:
+for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath their lids since at thy hands my
+son lost his life, but I continually mourn and brood over countless griefs,
+grovelling in the courtyard-close amid the mire. Now at last have I tasted
+bread and poured bright wine down my throat, but till now I had tasted
+naught.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead beneath
+the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread coverlets above
+and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over all. And the maids went
+forth from the inner hail with torches in their hands, and quickly spread two
+beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning [in his reference to Agamemnon] said
+fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam: “Lie thou without, dear sire, lest
+there come hither one of the counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take
+counsel with me by my side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee
+through the swift black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon
+shepherd of the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead.
+But come say this to me and tell it true, how many days’ space thou art
+fain to make funeral for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself abide
+and may keep back the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If thou art verily
+willing that I accomplish noble Hector’s funeral, by doing as thou
+sayest, O Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we are pent
+within the city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch, and the Trojans
+are much in fear. Nine days will we make moan for him in our halls, and on the
+tenth we will hold funeral and the folk shall feast, and on the eleventh we
+will make, a barrow over him, and on the twelfth we will do battle if need
+be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: “All this, O
+ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the battle even
+so long a time as thou tellest me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he clasped the old mal’s right hand at the wrist, lest he
+should be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house laid
+them down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their hearts, but
+Achilles slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and beside him lay
+fair-cheeked Briseis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night, by soft
+sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take hold as he sought
+within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam from the ships unespied
+of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his head and spake a word to him:
+“Old sire, no thought then hast thou of any evil, seeing thou yet
+sleepest among men that are thine enemies, for that Achilles spared thee. Truly
+now hast thou won back thy dear son, and at great price. But for thy life will
+thy sons thou hast left behind be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon
+Atreus’ son be aware of thee, and aware be all the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And Hermes yoked
+the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them lightly through the camp,
+and none was aware of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high Olympus,
+and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And they with wail
+and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules drew the dead. Nor marked
+them any man or fair-girdled woman until Kassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite,
+having gone up upon Pergamos, was aware of her dear father as he stood in the
+car, and the herald that was crier to the town. Then beheld she him that lay
+upon the bier behind the mules, and thereat she wailed and cried aloud
+throughout all the town: “O men and women of Troy, come ye hither and
+look upon Hector, if ever while he was alive ye rejoiced when he came back from
+battle, since great joy was he to the city and all the folk.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all came
+unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home the dead.
+First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they cast them on the
+fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around them stood the throng and
+wept. So all day long unto the setting of the sun they had lamented Hector in
+tears without the gate, had not the old man spoken from the car among the folk:
+“Give me place for the mules to pass through; hereafter ye shall have
+your fill of wailing, when I have brought him unto his home.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And the
+others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a fretted
+bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who wailed a mournful
+lay, while the women made moan with them. And among the women white-armed
+Andromache led the lamentation, while in her hands she held the head of Hector
+slayer of men: “Husband, thou art gone young from life, and leavest me a
+widow in thy halls. And the child is yet but a little one, child of ill-fated
+parents, thee and me; nor methinks shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then
+shall this city be utterly destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst
+watch over it, who guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant
+little ones. These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too
+with them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place where thou
+shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of some harsh lord, or
+else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and hurl thee from the battlement,
+a grievous death, for that he is wroth because Hector slew his brother or
+father or son, since full many of the Achaians in Hector’s hands have
+bitten the firm earth. For no light hand had thy father in the grievous fray.
+Therefore the folk lament him throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and
+mourning hast thou left to thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall
+grievous pain abide. For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed
+in thy death, neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have
+thought on evermore as my tears fall night and day.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them Hekabe
+again led the loud lament: “Hector, of all my children far dearest to my
+heart, verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the gods, and even in thy
+doom of death have they had care for thee. For other sons of mine whom he took
+captive would fleet Achilles sell beyond the unvintaged sea unto Samos and
+Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but when with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee
+of thy life he was fain to drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even
+Patroklos whom thou slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all
+dewy and fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen led their
+sore lament: “Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest to my heart!
+Truly my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to Troy-land—would I had
+died ere then. For this is now the twentieth year since I went thence and am
+gone from my own native land, but never yet heard I evil or despiteful word
+from thee; nay, if any other haply upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether
+brother or sister of thine or brother’s fair-robed wife, or thy
+mother—but thy father is ever kind to me as he were my own—then wouldst thou
+soothe such with words and refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by
+thy gentle words. Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless
+self with thee, for no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and
+kind to me, but all men shudder at me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: “Bring wood,
+men of Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of a crafty
+ambush of the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when he sent me from
+the black ships, that they should do us no hurt until the twelfth morn
+arise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then they
+flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of wood. But
+when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they forth brave Hector,
+weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the dead man, and thereon cast
+fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector’s pyre. First quenched they with
+bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire’s strength went, and then
+his brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting, and big tears
+flowed down their cheeks. And the bones they took and laid in a golden urn,
+shrouding them in soft purple robes, and straightway laid the urn in a hollow
+grave and piled thereon great close-set stones, and heaped with speed a barrow,
+while watchers were set everywhere around, lest the well-greaved Achaians
+should make onset before the time. And when they had heaped the barrow they
+went back, and gathered them together and feasted right well in noble feast at
+the palace of Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+</body>
+
+</html>
+
+
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+# CORRECTION OF PG #3059: THE ILIAD, BY HOMER
+## translated by Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf, and Ernest Meyers
+
+The existing (as of 2021-12-29) eBook #3059 is a transcription of the ABRIDGED
+version of the above text. This is a project to add the missing words so that
+eBook #3059 becomes a digitization of the REVISED (and complete) version, while
+the abridged version will be saved under a new eBook number.
+
+The directory 3059-orig/ contains the original (abridged) texts.
+I am correcting books 13 to 24.
+
+Source of "correct" edition: https://archive.org/details/iliadofhomerdone00home/
diff --git a/iliad13to24-new.htm b/iliad13to24-new.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,6811 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" />
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Iliad, by Homer</title>
+
+<style type="text/css">
+
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+
+<body>
+
+<h1>The Iliad</h1>
+
+<h2 class="no-break">by Homer</h2>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<table summary="" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto">
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap13">BOOK XIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap14">BOOK XIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap15">BOOK XV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap16">BOOK XVI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap17">BOOK XVII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap18">BOOK XVIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap19">BOOK XIX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap20">BOOK XX.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap21">BOOK XXI.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap22">BOOK XXII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap23">BOOK XXIII.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td> <a href="#chap24">BOOK XXIV.</a></td>
+</tr>
+
+</table>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap13"></a>BOOK XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Poseidon stirreth up the Achaians to defend the ships. The valour of Idomeneus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Zeus, after that he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the ships, left
+them to their toil and endless labour there, but otherwhere again he turned his
+shining eyes, and looked upon the land of the Thracian horsebreeders, and the
+Mysians, fierce fighters hand to hand, and the proud Hippemolgoi that drink
+mare’s milk, and the Abioi, the most righteous of men. To Troy no more at
+all he turned his shining eyes, for he deemed in his heart that not one of the
+Immortals would draw near, to help either Trojans or Danaans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the mighty Earth-shaker held no blind watch, who sat and marvelled on the
+war and strife, high on the topmost crest of wooded Samothrace, for thence all
+Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of Priam, and the ships of
+the Achaians. Thither did he go from the sea and sate him down, and he had pity
+on the Achaians, that they were subdued to the Trojans, and strong was his
+anger against Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then forthwith he went down from the rugged hill, faring with swift steps, and
+the high hills trembled, and the woodland, beneath the immortal footsteps of
+Poseidon as he moved. Three strides he made, and with the fourth he reached his
+goal, even Aigae, and there was his famous palace in the deeps of the mere, his
+glistering golden mansions builded, imperishable for ever. Thither went he, and
+let harness to the car his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, clothed with
+their golden manes. He girt his own golden array about his body, and seized the
+well-wrought lash of gold, and mounted his chariot, and forth he drove across
+the waves. And the sea beasts frolicked beneath him, on all sides out of the
+deeps, for well they knew their lord, and with gladness the sea stood asunder,
+and swiftly they sped, and the axle of bronze was not wetted beneath, and the
+bounding steeds bare him on to the ships of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now there is a spacious cave in the depths of the deep mere, between Tenedos
+and rugged Imbros; there did Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, stay his
+horses, and loosed them out of the chariot, and cast before them ambrosial food
+to graze withal, and golden tethers he bound about their hooves, tethers
+neither to be broken nor loosed, that there the horses might continually await
+their lord’s return. And he went to the host of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans like flame or storm-wind were following in close array, with
+fierce intent, after Hector, son of Priam. With shouts and cries they came, and
+thought to take the ships of the Achaians, and to slay thereby all the bravest
+of the host. But Poseidon, that girdleth the world, the Shaker of the earth,
+was urging on the Argives, and forth he came from the deep salt sea, in form
+and untiring voice like unto Kalchas. First he spake to the two Aiantes, that
+themselves were eager for battle: “Ye Aiantes twain, ye shall save the
+people of the Achaians, if ye are mindful of your might, and reckless of chill
+fear. For verily I do not otherwhere dread the invincible hands of the Trojans,
+that have climbed the great wall in their multitude, nay, the well-greaved
+Achaians will hold them all at bay; but hereby verily do I greatly dread lest
+some evil befall us, even here where that furious one is leading like a flame
+of fire, Hector, who boasts him to be son of mighty Zeus. Nay, but here may
+some god put it into the hearts of you twain, to stand sturdily yourselves, and
+urge others to do the like; thereby might ye drive him from the fleet-faring
+ships, despite his eagerness, yea, even if the Olympian himself is rousing him
+to war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the Shaker of the world, the girdler of the earth, struck the twain
+with his staff, and filled them with strong courage, and their limbs he made
+light, and their feet, and their hands withal. Then, even as a swift-winged
+hawk speeds forth to fly, poised high above a tall sheer rock, and swoops to
+chase some other bird across the plain, even so Poseidon sped from them, the
+Shaker of the world. And of the twain Oileus’ son, the swift-footed Aias,
+was the first to know the god, and instantly he spake to Aias, son of Telamon:
+“Aias, since it is one of the gods who hold Olympus, that in the
+semblance of a seer commands us now to fight beside the ships-not Kalchas is
+he, the prophet and sooth-sayer, for easily I knew the tokens of his feet and
+knees as he turned away, and the gods are easy to discern—lo, then mine own
+heart within my breast is more eagerly set on war and battle, and my feet
+beneath and my hands above are lusting for the fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aias, son of Telamon, answered him saying: “Even so, too, my hands
+invincible now rage about the spear-shaft, and wrath has risen within me, and
+both my feet are swift beneath me; yea, I am keen to meet, even in single
+fight, the ceaseless rage of Hector son of Priam.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they spake to each other, rejoicing in the delight of battle, which the god
+put in their heart. Then the girdler of the earth stirred up the Achaians that
+were in the rear and were renewing their strength beside the swift ships. Their
+limbs were loosened by their grievous toil, yea, and their souls filled with
+sorrow at the sight of the Trojans, that had climbed over the great wall in
+their multitude. And they looked on them, and shed tears beneath their brows,
+thinking that never would they escape destruction. But the Shaker of the earth
+right easily came among them, and urged on the strong battalions of warriors.
+Teukros first he came and summoned, and Leitos, and the hero Peneleos, and
+Thoas, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, lords of the war-cry, all
+these he spurred on with winged words: “Shame on you, Argives, shame, ye
+striplings, in your battle had I trusted for the salvation of our ships. But if
+you are to withdraw from grievous war, now indeed the day doth shine that shall
+see us conquered by the Trojans. Out on it, for verily a great marvel is this
+that mine eyes behold, a terrible thing that methought should never come to
+pass, the Trojans advancing against our ships! Of yore they were like fleeting
+hinds, that in the wild wood are the prey of jackals, and pards, and wolves,
+and wander helpless, strengthless, empty of the joy of battle. Even so the
+Trojans of old cared never to wait and face the wrath and the hands of the
+Achaians, not for a moment. But now they are fighting far from the town, by the
+hollow ships, all through the baseness of our leader and the remissness of the
+people, who, being at strife with the chief, have no heart to defend the
+swift-faring ships, nay, thereby they are slain. But if indeed and in truth the
+hero Agamemnon, the wide-ruling son of Atreus, is the very cause of all, for
+that he did dishonour the swift-footed son of Peleus, not even so may we
+refrain in any wise from war. Nay, let us right our fault with speed, for
+easily righted are the hearts of the brave. No longer do ye well to refrain
+from impetuous might, all ye that are the best men of the host. I myself would
+not quarrel with one that, being a weakling, abstained from war, but with you I
+am heartily wroth. Ah, friends, soon shall ye make the mischief more through
+this remissness,—but let each man conceive shame in his heart, and indignation,
+for verily great is the strife that hath arisen. Lo, the mighty Hector of the
+loud war-cry is fighting at the ships, and the gates and the long bar he hath
+burst in sunder.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+On this wise did the Earth-enfolder call to and spur on the Achaians. And
+straightway they made a stand around the two Aiantes, strong bands that Ares
+himself could not enter and make light of, nor Athene that marshals the host.
+Yea, they were the chosen best that abode the Trojans and goodly Hector, and
+spear on spear made close-set fence, and shield on serried shield, buckler
+pressed on buckler, and helm on helm, and man on man. The horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other as they nodded, so close they stood
+each by other, and spears brandished in bold hands were interlaced; and their
+hearts were steadfast and lusted for battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the Trojans drave forward in close array, and Hector led them, pressing
+straight onwards, like a rolling rock from a cliff, that the winter-swollen
+water thrusteth from the crest of a hill, having broken the foundations of the
+stubborn rock with its wondrous flood; leaping aloft it flies, and the wood
+echoes under it, and unstayed it runs its course, till it reaches the level
+plain, and then it rolls no more for all its eagerness,—even so Hector for a
+while threatened lightly to win to the sea through the huts and the ships of
+the Achaians, slaying as he came, but when he encountered the serried
+battalions, he was stayed when he drew near against them. But they of the other
+part, the sons of the Achaians, thrust with their swords and double-pointed
+spears, and drave him forth from them, that he gave ground and reeled backward.
+Then he cried with a piercing voice, calling on the Trojans: “Trojans,
+and Lykians, and close-fighting Dardanians, hold your ground, for the Achaians
+will not long ward me off, nay, though they have arrayed themselves in fashion
+like a tower. Rather, methinks, they will flee back before the spear, if verily
+the chief of gods has set me on, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he spurred on the heart and spirit of each man; and Deiphobos, the
+son of Priam, strode among them with high thoughts, and held in front of him
+the circle of his shield, and lightly he stepped with his feet, advancing
+beneath the cover of his shield. Then Meriones aimed at him with a shining
+spear, and struck, and missed not, but smote the circle of the bulls-hide
+shield, yet no whit did he pierce it; nay, well ere that might be, the long
+spear-shaft snapped in the socket. Now Deiphobos was holding off from him the
+bulls-hide shield, and his heart feared the lance of wise Meriones, but that
+hero shrunk back among the throng of his comrades, greatly in wrath both for
+the loss of victory, and of his spear, that he had shivered. So he set forth to
+go to the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to bring a long spear, that he
+had left in his hut.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the others were fighting on, and there arose an inextinguishable cry.
+First Teukros, son of Telamon, slew a man, the spearman Imbrios, the son of
+Mentor rich in horses. In Pedaion he dwelt, before the coming of the sons of
+the Achaians, and he had for wife a daughter of Priam, born out of wedlock,
+Medesikaste; but when the curved ships of the Danaans came, he returned again
+to Ilios, and was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and dwelt with Priam, who
+honoured him like his own children. Him the son of Telemon pierced below the
+ear with his long lance, and plucked back the spear. Then he fell like an ash
+that on the crest of a far-seen hill is smitten with the axe of bronze, and
+brings its delicate foliage to the ground; even so he fell, and round him rang
+his armour bedight with bronze. Then Teukros rushed forth, most eager to strip
+his armour, and Hector cast at him as he came with his shining spear. But
+Teukros, steadily regarding him, avoided by a little the spear of bronze; so
+Hector struck Amphimachos, son of Kteatos, son of Aktor, in the breast with the
+spear, as he was returning to the battle. With a crash he fell, and his armour
+rang upon him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector sped forth to tear from the head of great-hearted Amphimachos the
+helmet closely fitted to his temples, but Aias aimed at Hector as he came, with
+a shining spear, yet in no wise touched his body, for he was all clad in dread
+armour of bronze; but he smote the boss of his shield, and drave him back by
+main force, and he gave place from behind the two dead men, and the Achaians
+drew them out of the battle. So Stichios and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the
+Athenians, conveyed Amphimachos back among the host of the Achaians, but
+Imbrios the two Aiantes carried, with hearts full of impetuous might. And as
+when two lions have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, and carry
+it through the deep thicket, holding the body on high above the ground in their
+jaws, so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrios aloft and spoiled his arms. Then
+the son of Oileus cut his head from his delicate neck, in wrath for the sake of
+Amphimachos, and sent it rolling like a ball through the throng, and it dropped
+in the dust before the feet of Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then verily was Poseidon wroth at heart, when his sol’s son fell in the
+terrible fray. [Kteatos, father of Amphimachos, was Poseidol’s son.] So
+he set forth to go by the huts and the ships of the Achaians, to spur on the
+Danaans, and sorrows he was contriving for the Trojans. Then Idomeneus,
+spearman renowned, met him on his way from his comrade that had but newly
+returned to him out of the battle, wounded on the knee with the sharp bronze.
+Him his comrades carried forth, and Idomeneus gave charge to the leeches, and
+so went on to his hut, for he still was eager to face the war. Then the mighty
+Shaker of the earth addressed him, in the voice of Thoas, son of Andraimon,
+that ruled over the Aitolians in all Pleuron, and mountainous Kalydon, and was
+honoured like a god by the people: “Idomeneus, thou counsellor of the
+Cretans, say, whither have thy threats fared, wherewith the sons of the
+Achaians threatened the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “O Thaos, now
+is there no man to blame, that I wot of, for we all are skilled in war. Neither
+is there any man that spiritless fear holds aloof, nor any that gives place to
+cowardice, and shuns the cruel war, nay, but even thus, methinks, must it have
+seemed good to almighty Kronion, even that the Achaians should perish nameless
+here, far away from Argos. But Thoas, seeing that of old thou wert staunch, and
+dost spur on some other man, wheresoever thou mayst see any give ground,
+therefore slacken not now, but call aloud to every warrior.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, answered him again: “Idomeneus,
+never may that man go forth out of Troy-land, but here may he be the sport of
+dogs, who this day wilfully is slack in battle. Nay, come, take thy weapons and
+away: herein we must play the man together, if any avail there may be, though
+we are no more than two. Ay, and very cowards get courage from company, but we
+twain know well how to battle even with the brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the god went back again into the strife of men, but Idomeneus, so
+soon as he came to his well-builded hut, did on his fair armour about his body,
+and grasped two spears, and set forth like the lightning that Kronion seizes in
+his hand and brandishes from radiant Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortal
+men, and far seen are the flames thereof. Even so shone the bronze about the
+breast of Idomeneus as he ran, and Meriones, his good squire, met him, while he
+was still near his hut,—he was going to bring his spear of bronze,—and mighty
+Idomeneus spake to him: “Meriones son of Molos, fleet of foot, dearest of
+my company, wherefore hast thou come hither and left the war and strife? Art
+thou wounded at all, and vexed by a dart’s point, or dost thou come with
+a message for me concerning aught? Verily I myself have no desire to sit in the
+huts, but to fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again, saying: “I have come to fetch a
+spear, if perchance thou hast one left in the huts, for that which before I
+carried I have shivered in casting at the shield of proud Deiphobos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “Spears, if
+thou wilt, thou shalt find, one, ay, and twenty, standing in the hut, against
+the shining side walls, spears of the Trojans whereof I have spoiled their
+slain. Yea, it is not my mood to stand and fight with foemen from afar,
+wherefore I have spears, and bossy shields, and helms, and corslets of splendid
+sheen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wise Meriones answered him again: “Yea, and in mine own hut and my
+black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but not ready to my hand. Nay, for
+methinks that neither am I forgetful of valour; but stand forth among the
+foremost to face the glorious war, whensoever ariseth the strife of battle. Any
+other, methinks, of the mail-clad Achaians should sooner forget my prowess, but
+thou art he that knoweth it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “I know what a
+man of valour thou art, wherefore shouldst thou tell me thereof? Nay, if now
+beside the ships all the best of us were being chosen for an ambush—wherein the
+valour of men is best discerned; there the coward, and the brave man most
+plainly declare themselves: for the colour of the coward changes often, and his
+spirit cannot abide firm within him, but now he kneels on one knee, now on the
+other, and rests on either foot, and his heart beats noisily in his breast, as
+he thinks of doom, and his teeth chatter loudly. But the colour of the brave
+man does not change, nor is he greatly afraid, from the moment that he enters
+the ambush of heroes, but his prayer is to mingle instantly in woeful war. Were
+we being chosen for such an ambush, I say, not even then would any man reckon
+lightly of thy courage and thy strength. Nay, and even if thou wert stricken in
+battle from afar, or smitten in close fight, the dart would not strike thee in
+the hinder part of the neck, nor in the back, but would encounter thy breast or
+belly, as thou dost press on, towards the gathering of the foremost fighters.
+But come, no more let us talk thus, like children, loitering here, lest any man
+be vehemently wroth, but go thou to the hut, and bring the strong spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, quickly bare the spear of
+bronze from the hut, and went after Idomeneus, with high thoughts of battle.
+And even as Ares, the bane of men, goes forth into the war, and with him
+follows his dear son Panic, stark and fearless, that terrifies even the hardy
+warrior; and these twain leave Thrace, and harness them for fight with the
+Ephyri, or the great-hearted Phlegyans, yet hearken not to both peoples, but
+give honour to one only; like these gods did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of
+men, set forth into the fight, harnessed in gleaming bronze. And Meriones spake
+first to Idomeneus saying: “Child of Deukalion, whither art thou eager to
+enter into the throng: on the right of all the host, or in the centre, or on
+the left? Ay, and no other where, methinks, are the flowing-haired Achaians so
+like to fail in fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretans, answered him again: “In the
+centre of the ships there are others to bear the brunt, the two Aiantes, and
+Teukros, the best bowman of the Achaians, ay, and a good man in close fight;
+these will give Hector Priam’s son toil enough, howsoever keen he be for
+battle; yea, though he be exceeding stalwart. Hard will he find it, with all
+his lust for war, to overcome their strength and their hands invincible, and to
+fire the ships, unless Kronion himself send down on the swift ships a burning
+brand. But not to a man would he yield, the great Telamonian Aias, to a man
+that is mortal and eateth Demeter’s grain, and may be chosen with the
+sword of bronze, and with hurling of great stones. Nay, not even to Achilles
+the breaker of the ranks of men would he give way, not in close fight; but for
+speed of foot none may in any wise strive with Achilles. But guide us twain, as
+thou sayest, to the left hand of the host, that speedily we may learn whether
+we are to win glory from others, or other men from us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way, till they came
+to the host, in that place whither he bade him go.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when the Trojans saw Idomeneus, strong as flame, and his squire with him,
+and their glorious armour, they all shouted and made for him through the press.
+Then their mellay began, by the sterns of the ships. And as the gusts speed on,
+when shrill winds blow, on a day when dust lies thickest on the roads, and the
+winds raise together a great cloud of dust, even so their battle clashed
+together, and all were fain of heart to slay each other in the press with the
+keen bronze. And the battle, the bane of men, bristled with the long spears,
+the piercing spears they grasped, and the glitter of bronze from gleaming
+helmets dazzled the eyes, and the sheen of new-burnished corslets, and shining
+shields, as the men thronged all together. Right hardy of heart would he have
+been that joyed and sorrowed not at the sight of this labour of battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus the two mighty sons of Kronos, with contending will, were contriving
+sorrow and anguish for the heroes. Zeus desired victory for the Trojans and
+Hector, giving glory to swift-footed Achilles; yet he did not wish the Achaian
+host to perish utterly before Ilios, but only to give renown to Thetis and her
+strong-hearted son. But Poseidon went among the Argives and stirred them to
+war, stealing secretly forth from the grey salt sea: for he was sore vexed that
+they were overcome by the Trojans, and was greatly in wrath against Zeus.
+Verily both were of the same lineage and the same place of birth, but Zeus was
+the elder and the wiser. Therefore also Poseidon avoided to give open aid, but
+secretly ever he spurred them on, throughout the host, in the likeness of a
+man. These twain had strained the ends of the cords of strong strife and equal
+war, and had stretched them over both Trojans and Achaians, a knot that none
+might break nor undo, for the loosening of the knees of many.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even then Idomeneus, though his hair was flecked with grey, called on the
+Danaans, and leaping among the Trojans, roused their terror. For he slew
+Othryoneus of Kabesos, a sojourner there, who but lately had followed after the
+rumour of war, and asked in marriage the fairest of the daughters of Priam,
+Kassandra, without gifts of wooing, but with promise of mighty deed, namely
+that he would drive perforce out of Troy-land the sons of the Achaians. To him
+the old man Priam had promised and appointed that he would give her, so he
+fought trusting in his promises. And Idomeneus aimed at him with a bright
+spear, and cast and smote him as he came proudly striding on, and the corslet
+of bronze that he wore availed not, but the lance struck in the midst of his
+belly. And he fell with a crash, and Idomeneus boasted over him, and lifted up
+his voice, saying: “Othryoneus, verily I praise thee above all mortal
+men, if indeed thou shalt accomplish all that thou hast promised Priam, son of
+Dardanos, that promised thee again his own daughter. Yea, and we likewise would
+promise as much to thee, and fulfil it, and would give thee the fairest
+daughter of the son of Atreus, and bring her from Argos, and wed her to thee,
+if only thou wilt aid us to take the fair-set citadel of Ilios. Nay, follow us
+that we may make a covenant of marriage by the seafaring ships, for we are no
+hard exacters of gifts of wooing.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith the hero Idomeneus dragged him by the foot across the fierce mellay.
+But Asios came to his aid, on foot before his horses that the charioteer guided
+so that still their breath touched the shoulders of Asios. And the desire of
+his heart was to cast at Idomeneus, who was beforehand with him, and smote him
+with the spear in the throat, below the chin, and drove the point straight
+through. And he fell as an oak falls, or a poplar, or tall pine tree, that
+craftsmen have felled on the hills with new whetted axes, to be a ship’s
+timber; even so he lay stretched out before the horses and the chariot,
+groaning, and clutching the bloody dust. And the charioteer was amazed, and
+kept not his wits, as of old, and dared not turn his horses and avoid out of
+the hands of foemen; and Antilochos the steadfast in war smote him, and pierced
+the middle of his body with a spear. Nothing availed the corslet of bronze he
+was wont to wear, but he planted the spear fast in the midst of his belly.
+Therewith he fell gasping from the well-wrought chariot, and Antilochos, the
+son of great-hearted Nestor, drave the horses out from the Trojans, among the
+well-greaved Achaians. Then Deiphobos, in sorrow for Asios, drew very nigh
+Idomeneus, and cast at him with his shining spear. But Idomeneus steadily
+watching him, avoided the spear of bronze, being hidden beneath the circle of
+his shield, the shield covered about with ox-hide and gleaming bronze, that he
+allows bore, fitted with two arm-rods: under this he crouched together, and the
+spear of bronze flew over. And his shield rang sharply, as the spear grazed
+thereon. Yet it flew not vainly from the heavy hand of Deiphobos, but smote
+Hypsenor, son of Hippasos, the shepherd of the hosts, in the liver, beneath the
+midriff, and instantly unstrung his knees. And Deiphobos boasted over him
+terribly, crying aloud: “Ah, verily, not unavenged lies Asios, nay,
+methinks, that even on his road to Hades, strong Warden of the gate, he will
+rejoice at heart, since, lo, I have sent him escort for the way!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but grief came on the Argives by reason of his boast, and stirred
+above all the soul of the wise-hearted Antilochos, yet, despite his sorrow, he
+was not heedless of his dear comrade, but ran and stood over him, and covered
+him with his buckler. Then two trusty companions, Mekisteus, son of Echios, and
+goodly Alastor, stooped down and lifted him, and with heavy groaning bare him
+to the hollow ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Idomeneus relaxed not his mighty force, but ever was striving, either to
+cover some one of the Trojans with black night, or himself to fall in warding
+off death from the Achaians. There the dear son of Aisyetes, fosterling of
+Zeus, even the hero Alkathoos, was slain, who was son-in-law of Anchises, and
+had married the eldest of his daughters, Hippodameia, whom her father and her
+lady mother dearly loved in the halls, for she excelled all the maidens of her
+age in beauty, and skill, and in wisdom, wherefore the best man in wide Troy
+took her to wife. This Alkathoos did Poseidon subdue to Idomeneus, throwing a
+spell over his shining eyes, and snaring his glorious limbs; so that he might
+neither flee backwards, nor avoid the stroke, but stood steady as a pillar, or
+a tree with lofty crown of leaves, when the hero Idomeneus smote him in the
+midst of the breast with the spear, and rent the coat of bronze about him, that
+aforetime warded death from his body, but now rang harsh as it was rent by the
+spear. And he fell with a crash, and the lance fixed in his heart, that, still
+beating, shook the butt-end of the spear. Then at length mighty Ares spent its
+fury there; but Idomeneus boasted terribly, and cried aloud: “Deiphobos,
+are we to deem it fair acquittal that we have slain three men for one, since
+thou boastest thus? Nay, sir, but stand thou up also thyself against me, that
+thou mayst know what manner of son of Zeus am I that have come hither! For Zeus
+first begat Minos, the warden of Crete, and Minos got him a son, the noble
+Deukalion, and Deukalion begat me, a prince over many men in wide Crete, and
+now have the ships brought me hither, a bane to thee and thy father, and all
+the Trojans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake, but the thoughts of Deiphobos were divided, whether he should
+retreat, and call to his aid some one of the great-hearted Trojans, or should
+try the adventure alone. And on this wise to his mind it seemed the better, to
+go after Aineias, whom he found standing the last in the press, for Aineias was
+ever wroth against goodly Priam, for that Priam gave him no honour, despite his
+valour among men. So Deiphobos stood by him, and spake winged words to him:
+“Aineias, thou counsellor of the Trojans, now verily there is great need
+that thou shouldst succour thy sister’s husband, if any care for kin doth
+touch thee. Nay follow, let us succour Alkathoos, thy sister’s husband,
+who of old did cherish thee in his hall, while thou wert but a little one, and
+now, lo, spear-famed Idomeneus hath stripped him of his arms!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and roused the spirit in the breast of Aineias, who went to seek
+Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. But fear took not hold upon Idomeneus, as
+though he had been some tender boy, but he stood at bay, like a boar on the
+hills that trusteth to his strength, and abides the great assailing throng of
+men in a lonely place, and he bristles up his back, and his eyes shine with
+fire, while he whets his tusks, and is right eager to keep at bay both men and
+hounds. Even so stood spear-famed Idomeneus at bay against Aineias, that came
+to the rescue, and gave ground no whit, but called on his comrades, glancing to
+Askalaphos, and Aphareus, and Deipyros, and Meriones, and Antilochos, all
+masters of the war-cry; them he spurred up to battle, and spake winged words:
+“Hither, friends, and rescue me, all alone as I am, and terribly I dread
+the onslaught of swift-footed Aineias, that is assailing me; for he is right
+strong to destroy men in battle, and he hath the flower of youth, the greatest
+avail that may be. Yea, if he and I were of like age, and in this spirit
+whereof now we are, speedily should he or I achieve high victory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all, being of one spirit in their hearts, stood hard by
+each other, with buckler laid on shoulder. But Aineias, on the other side,
+cried to his comrades, glancing to Deiphobos, and Paris, and noble Agenor, that
+with him were leaders of the Trojans; and then the hosts followed them, as
+sheep follow their leader to the water from the pasture, and the shepherd is
+glad at heart; even so the heart of Aineias was glad in his breast, when he saw
+the hosts of the people following to aid him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then they rushed in close fight around Alkathoos with their long spears, and
+round their breasts the bronze rang terribly, as they aimed at each other in
+the press, while two men of war beyond the rest, Aineias and Idomeneus, the
+peers of Ares, were each striving to hew the flesh of the other with the
+pitiless bronze. Now Aineias first cast at Idomeneus, who steadily watching him
+avoided the spear of bronze, and the point of Aineias went quivering in the
+earth, since vainly it had flown from his stalwart hand. But Idomeneus smote
+Oinomaos in the midst of the belly, and brake the plate of his corslet, and the
+bronze let forth the bowels through the corslet, and he fell in the dust and
+clutched the earth in his palms. And Idomeneus drew forth the far-shadowing
+spear from the dead, but could not avail to strip the rest of the fair armour
+from his shoulders, for the darts pressed hard on him. Nay, and his feet no
+longer served him firmly in a charge, nor could he rush after his own spear,
+nor avoid the foe. Wherefore in close fight he still held off the pitiless day
+of destiny, but in retreat: his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the
+battle. And as he was slowly departing, Deiphobos aimed at him with his shining
+spear, for verily he ever cherished a steadfast hatred against Idomeneus. But
+this time, too, he missed him, and smote Askalapbos, the son of Enyalios, with
+his dart, and the strong spear passed through his shoulder, and he fell in the
+dust, and clutched the earth in his outstretched hand. But loud-voiced awful
+Ares was not yet aware at all that his son had fallen in strong battle, but he
+was reclining on the peak of Olympus, beneath the golden clouds, being held
+there by the design of Zeus, where also were the other deathless gods,
+restrained from the war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the people rushed in close fight around Askalaphos, and Deiphobos tore from
+Askalaphos his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, leaped
+forward and smote the arm of Deiphobos with his spear, and from his hand the
+vizored casque fell clanging to the ground. And Meriones sprang forth
+instantly, like a vulture, and drew the strong spear from the shoulder of
+Deiphobos, and fell back among the throng of his comrades. But the own brother
+of Deiphobos, Polites, stretched his hands round his waist, and led him forth
+from the evil din of war, even till he came to the swift horses, that waited
+for him behind the battle and the fight, with their charioteer, and well-dight
+chariot. These bore him heavily groaning to the city, worn with his hurt, and
+the blood ran down from his newly wounded arm.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the rest still were fighting, and the war-cry rose unquenched. There
+Aineias rushed on Aphareus, son of Kaletor, and struck his throat, that chanced
+to be turned to him, with the keen spear, and his head dropped down and his
+shield and helm fell with him, and death that slays the spirit overwhelmed him.
+And Antilochos watched Thoon as he turned the other way, and leaped on him, and
+wounded him, severing all the vein that runs up the back till it reaches the
+neck; this he severed clean, and Thoon fell on his back in the dust, stretching
+out both his hands to his comrades dear. Then Antilochos rushed on, and
+stripped the armour from his shoulders, glancing around while the Trojans
+gathered from here and there, and smote his wide shining shield, yet did not
+avail to graze, behind the shield, the delicate flesh of Antilochos with the
+pitiless bronze. For verily Poseidon, the Shaker of the earth, did guard on
+every side the son of Nestor, even in the midst of the javelins. And never did
+Antilochos get free of the foe, but turned him about among them, nor ever was
+his spear at rest, but always brandished and shaken, and the aim of his heart
+was to smite a foeman from afar, or to set on him at close quarters. But as he
+was aiming through the crowd, he escaped not the ken of Adamas, son of Asios,
+who smote the midst of his shield with the sharp bronze, setting on nigh at
+hand; but Poseidon of the dark locks made his shaft of no avail, grudging him
+the life of Antilochos. And part of the spear abode there, like a burned stake,
+in the shield of Antilochos, and half lay on the earth, and back retreated
+Adamas to the ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate. But Meriones following
+after him as he departed, smote him with a spear between the privy parts and
+the navel, where a wound is most baneful to wretched mortals. Even there he
+fixed the spear in him and he fell, and writhed about the spear, even as a bull
+that herdsmen on the hills drag along perforce when they have bound him with
+withes, so he when he was smitten writhed for a moment, not for long, till the
+hero Meriones came near, and drew the spear out of his body. And darkness
+covered his eyes.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Helenos in close fight smote Deipyros on the temple, with a great Thracian
+sword, and tore away the helm, and the helm, being dislodged, fell on the
+ground, and one of the Achaians in the fight picked it up as it rolled between
+his feet. But dark night covered the eyes of Deipyros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then grief took hold of the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry, and he
+went with a threat against the warrior Helenos, the prince, shaking his sharp
+spear, while the other drew the centre-piece of his bow. And both at once were
+making ready to let fly, one with his sharp spear, the other with the arrow
+from the string. Then the son of Priam smote Menelaos on the breast with his
+arrow, on the plate of the corslet, and off flew the bitter arrow. Even as from
+a broad shovel in a great threshing floor, fly the black-skinned beans and
+pulse, before the whistling wind, and the stress of the winnower’s
+shovel, even so from the corslet of the renowned Menelaos flew glancing far
+aside the bitter arrow. But the son of Atreus, Menelaos of the loud war-cry,
+smote the hand of Helenos wherein he held the polished bow, and into the bow,
+clean through the hand, was driven the spear of bronze. Back he withdrew to the
+ranks of his comrades, avoiding Fate, with his hand hanging down at his side,
+for the ashen spear dragged after him. And the great-hearted Agenor drew the
+spear from his hand, and himself bound up the hand with a band of twisted
+sheep’s-wool, a sling that a squire carried for him, the shepherd of the
+host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peisandros made straight for renowned Menelaos, but an evil Fate was
+leading him to the end of Death; by thee, Menelaos, to be overcome in the dread
+strife of battle. Now when the twain had come nigh in onset upon each other,
+the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Peisandros smote
+the shield of renowned Menelaos, yet availed not to drive the bronze clean
+through, for the wide shield caught it, and the spear brake in the socket, yet
+Peisandros rejoiced in his heart, and hoped for the victory. But the son of
+Atreus drew his silver-studded sword, and leaped upon Peisandros. And
+Peisandros, under his shield, clutched his goodly axe of fine bronze, with long
+and polished haft of olive-wood, and the twain set upon each other. Then
+Peisandros smote the crest of the helmet shaded with horse hair, close below
+the very plume, but Menelaos struck the other, as he came forward, on the brow,
+above the base of the nose, and the bones cracked, and the eyes, all bloody,
+fell at his feet in the dust. Then he bowed and fell, and Menelaos set his foot
+on his breast, and stripped him of his arms, and triumphed, saying: “Even
+thus then surely, ye will leave the ships of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+ye Trojans overweening, insatiate of the dread din of war. Yea, and ye shall
+not lack all other reproof and shame, wherewith ye made me ashamed, ye hounds
+of evil, having no fear in your hearts of the strong wrath of loud-thundering
+Zeus, the god of guest and host, who one day will destroy your steep citadel. O
+ye that wantonly carried away my wedded wife and many of my possessions, when
+ye were entertained by her, now again ye are fain to throw ruinous fire on the
+seafaring ships, and to slay the Achaian heroes. Nay, but ye will yet refrain
+you from battle, for as eager as ye be. O Zeus, verily they say that thou dost
+excel in wisdom all others, both gods and men, and all these things are from
+thee. How wondrously art thou favouring men of violence, even the Trojans,
+whose might is ever iniquitous, nor can they have their fill of the din of
+equal war. Of all things there is satiety, yea, even of love and sleep, and of
+sweet song, and dance delectable, whereof a man would sooner have his fill than
+of war, but the Trojans are insatiable of battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus noble Menelaos spake, and stripped the bloody arms from the body, and gave
+them to his comrades, and instantly himself went forth again, and mingled in
+the forefront of the battle. Then Harpalion, the son of king Pylaimenes, leaped
+out against him, Harpalion that followed his dear father to Troy, to the war,
+nor ever came again to his own country. He then smote the middle of the shield
+of Atreus’ son with his spear, in close fight, yet availed not to drive
+the bronze clean through, but fell back into the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate, glancing round every way, lest one should wound his flesh with the
+bronze. But Meriones shot at him as he retreated with a bronze-shod arrow, and
+smote him in the right buttock, and the arrow went right through the bladder
+and came out under the bone. And sitting down, even there, in the arms of his
+dear comrades, he breathed away his soul, lying stretched like a worm on the
+earth, and out flowed the black blood, and wetted the ground. And the
+Paphlagonians great of heart, tended him busily, and set him in a chariot, and
+drove him to sacred Ilios sorrowing, and with them went his father, shedding
+tears, and there was no atonement for his dead son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Paris was very wroth at heart by reason of his slaying, for he had been his
+host among the many Paphlagonions, wherefore, in wrath for his sake, he let fly
+a bronze-shod arrow. Now there was a certain Euchenor, the son of Polyidos the
+seer, a rich man and a good, whose dwelling was in Corinth. And well he knew
+his own ruinous fate, when he went on ship-board, for often would the old man,
+the good Polyidos, tell him, that he must either perish of a sore disease in
+his halls, or go with the ships of the Achaians, and be overcome by the
+Trojans. Wherefore he avoided at once the heavy war-fine of the Achaians, and
+the hateful disease, that so he might not know any anguish. This man did Paris
+smite beneath the jaw and under the ear, and swiftly his spirit departed from
+his limbs, and, lo, dread darkness overshadowed him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they fought like flaming fire, but Hector, beloved of Zeus had not heard nor
+knew at all that, on the left of the ships, his host was being subdued by the
+Argives, and soon would the Achaians have won renown, so mighty was the Holder
+and Shaker of the earth that urged on the Argives; yea, and himself mightily
+defended them. But Hector kept where at first he had leaped within the walls
+and the gate, and broken the serried ranks of shield-bearing Danaans, even
+where were the ships of Aias and Protesilaos, drawn up on the beach of the
+hoary sea, while above the wall was builded lowest, and thereby chiefly the
+heroes and their horses were raging in battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There the Boiotians, and Ionians with trailing tunics, and Lokrians and
+Phthians and illustrious Epeians scarcely availed to stay his onslaught on the
+ships, nor yet could they drive back from them noble Hector, like a flame of
+fire. And there were the picked men of the Athenians; among them Menestheus son
+of Peteos was the leader; and there followed with him Pheidas and Stichios, and
+brave Bias, while the Epeians were led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Amphion
+and Drakios, and in front of the Phthians were Medon, and Podarkes resolute in
+war. Now the one, Medon, was the bastard son of noble Oileus, and brother of
+Aias, and he dwelt in Phylake, far from his own country, for that he had slain
+a man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, wife of Oileus. But the other,
+Podarkes, was the son of Iphiklos son of Phylakos, and they in their armour, in
+the van of the great-hearted Phthians, were defending the ships, and fighting
+among the Boiotians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now never at all did Aias, the swift son of Oileus, depart from the side of
+Aias, son of Telamon, nay, not for an instant, but even as in fallow land two
+wine-dark oxen with equal heart strain at the shapen plough, and round the
+roots of their horns springeth up abundant sweat, and nought sunders them but
+the polished yoke, as they labour through the furrow, till the end of the
+furrow brings them up, so stood the two Aiantes close by each other. Now verily
+did many and noble hosts of his comrades follow with the son of Telamon, and
+bore his shield when labour and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Lokrians
+followed not with the high-hearted son of Oileus, for their hearts were not
+steadfast in close brunt of battle, seeing that they had no helmets of bronze,
+shadowy with horse-hair plumes, nor round shields, nor ashen spears, but
+trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep’s wool, they followed
+with him to Ilios. Therewith, in the war, they shot thick and fast, and brake
+the ranks of the Trojans. So the one party in front contended with the Trojans,
+and with Hector arrayed in bronze, while the others from behind kept shooting
+from their ambush, and the Trojans lost all memory of the joy of battle, for
+the arrows confounded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There then right ruefully from the ships and the huts would the Trojans have
+withdrawn to windy Ilios, had not Polydamas come near valiant Hector and said:
+“Hector, thou art hard to be persuaded by them that would counsel thee;
+for that god has given thee excellence in the works of war, therefore in
+council also thou art fain to excel other men in knowledge. But in nowise wilt
+thou be able to take everything on thyself. For to one man has god given for
+his portion the works of war, [to another the dance, to another the lute and
+song,] but in the heart of yet another hath far-seeing Zeus placed an excellent
+understanding, whereof many men get gain, yea he saveth many an one, and
+himself best knoweth it. But, lo, I will speak even as it seemeth best to me.
+Behold all about thee the circle of war is blazing, but the great-hearted
+Trojans, now that they have got down the wall, are some with their arms
+standing aloof and some are fighting, few men against a host, being scattered
+among the ships. Nay, withdraw thee, and call hither all the best of the
+warriors. Thereafter shall we take all counsel carefully, whether we should
+fall on the ships of many benches, if indeed god willeth to give us victory, or
+after counsel held, should return unharmed from the ships. For verily I fear
+lest the Achaians repay their debt of yesterday, since by the ships there
+tarrieth a man insatiate of war, and never, methinks, will he wholly stand
+aloof from battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake Polydamas, and his safe counsel pleased Hector well, who spake to him
+winged words and said: “Polydamas, do thou stay here all the best of the
+host, but I will go thither to face the war, and swiftly will return again,
+when I have straitly laid on them my commands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, and shouting
+aloud he flew through the Trojans and allies. And they all sped to Polydamas,
+the kindly son of Panthoos, when they heard the voice of Hector. But he went
+seeking Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and Adamas son of Asios, and
+Asios son of Hyrtakos, among the warriors in the foremost line, if anywhere he
+might find them. But them he found not at all unharmed, nor free of bane, but,
+lo, some among the sterns of the ships of the Achaians lay lifeless, slain by
+the hands of the Argives, and some were within the wall wounded by thrust or
+cast. But one he readily found, on the left of the dolorous battle, goodly
+Alexandros, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and
+speeding them to war. And he drew near to him, and addressed him with words of
+shame: “Thou evil Paris, fairest of face, thou that lustest for women,
+thou seducer, where, prithee, are Deiphobos, and the strong prince Helenos, and
+Adamas son of Asios, and Asios son of Hyrtakos, and where is Othryoneus? Now
+hath all high Ilios perished utterly. Now, too, thou seest, is sheer
+destruction sure.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then godlike Alexandros answered him again saying: “Hector, since thy
+mind is to blame one that is blameless, some other day might I rather withdraw
+me from the war, since my mother bare not even me wholly a coward. For from the
+time that thou didst gather the battle of thy comrades about the ships, from
+that hour do we abide here, and war with the Danaans ceaselessly; and our
+comrades concerning whom thou inquirest are slain. Only Deiphobos and the
+strong prince Helenos have both withdrawn, both of them being wounded in the
+hand with long spears, for Kronion kept death away from them. But now lead on,
+wheresoever thy heart and spirit bid thee, and we will follow with thee
+eagerly, nor methinks shall we lack for valour, as far as we have strength; but
+beyond his strength may no man fight, howsoever eager he be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the hero, and persuaded his brother’s heart, and they went forth
+where the war and din were thickest, round Kebriones, and noble Polydamas, and
+Phalkes, and Orthaios, and godlike Polyphetes, and Palmys, and Askanios, and
+Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come in their turn, out of deep-soiled
+Askanie, on the morn before, and now Zeus urged them to fight. And these set
+forth like the blast of violent winds, that rushes earthward beneath the
+thunder of Zeus, and with marvellous din doth mingle with the salt sea, and
+therein are many swelling waves of the loud roaring sea, arched over and white
+with foam, some vanward, others in the rear; even so the Trojans arrayed in van
+and rear and shining with bronze, followed after their leaders.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector son of Priam was leading them, the peer of Ares, the bane of men. In
+front he held the circle of his shield, thick with hides, and plates of beaten
+bronze, and on his temples swayed his shining helm. And everywhere he went in
+advance and made trial of the ranks, if perchance they would yield to him as he
+charged under cover of his shield. But he could not confound the heart within
+the breast of the Achaians. And Aias, stalking with long strides, challenged
+him first: “Sir, draw nigh, wherefore dost thou vainly try to dismay the
+Argives? We are in no wise ignorant of war, but by the cruel scourge of Zeus
+are we Achaians vanquished. Surely now thy heart hopes utterly to spoil the
+ships, but we too have hands presently to hold our own. Verily your peopled
+city will long ere that beneath our hands be taken and sacked. But for thee, I
+tell thee that the time is at hand, when thou shalt pray in thy flight to Zeus,
+and the other immortal gods, that thy fair-maned steeds may be fleeter than
+falcons: thy steeds that are to bear thee to the city, as they storm in dust
+across the plain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And even as he spake, a bird flew forth on the right hand, an eagle of lofty
+flight, and the host of the Achaians shouted thereat, encouraged by the omen,
+but renowned Hector answered: “Aias, thou blundering boaster, what sayest
+thou! Would that indeed I were for ever as surely the son of aegis-bearing
+Zeus, and that my mother were lady Hera, and that I were held in such honour as
+Apollo and Athene, as verily this day is to bring utter evil on all the
+Argives! And thou among them shalt be slain, if thou hast the heart to await my
+long spear, which shall rend thy lily skin, and thou shalt glut with thy fat
+and flesh the birds and dogs of the Trojans, falling among the ships of the
+Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and led the way, and they followed with wondrous din, and the whole
+host shouted behind. And the Argives on the other side answered with a shout,
+and forgot not their valiance, but abode the onslaught of the bravest of the
+Trojans. And the cry of the two hosts went up through the higher air, to the
+splendour of Zeus.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap14"></a>BOOK XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Sleep and Hera beguiled Zeus to slumber on the heights of Ida, and Poseidon
+spurred on the Achaians to resist Hector, and how Hector was wounded.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Yet the cry of battle escaped not Nestor, albeit at his wine, but he spake
+winged words to the son of Asklepios: “Bethink thee, noble Machaon, what
+had best be done; lo, louder waxes the cry of the strong warriors by the ships.
+Nay, now sit where thou art, and drink the bright wine, till Hekamede of the
+fair tresses shall heat warm water for the bath, and wash away the clotted
+blood, but I will speedily go forth and come to a place of outlook.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith he took the well-wrought shield of his son, horse-taming Thrasymedes,
+which was lying in the hut, all glistering with bronze, for the son had the
+shield of his father. And he seized a strong spear, with a point of keen
+bronze, and stood outside the hut, and straightway beheld a deed of shame, the
+Achaians fleeing in rout, and the high-hearted Trojans driving them, and the
+wall of the Achaians was overthrown. And as when the great sea is troubled with
+a dumb wave, and dimly bodes the sudden paths of the shrill winds, but is still
+unmoved nor yet rolled forward or to either side, until some steady gale comes
+down from Zeus, even so the old man pondered,—his mind divided this way and
+that,—whether he should fare into the press of the Danaans of the swift steeds,
+or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the host. And thus as he
+pondered, it seemed to him the better counsel to go to the son of Atreus.
+Meanwhile they were warring and slaying each other, and the stout bronze rang
+about their bodies as they were thrust with swords and double-pointed spears.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the kings, the fosterlings of Zeus, encountered Nestor, as they went up
+from the ships, even they that were wounded with the bronze, Tydeus’ son,
+and Odysseus, and Agamemnon, son of Atreus. For far apart from the battle were
+their ships drawn up, on the shore of the grey sea, for these were the first
+they had drawn up to the plain, but had builded the wall in front of the
+hindmost. For in no wise might the beach, wide as it was, hold all the ships,
+and the host was straitened. Wherefore they drew up the ships row within row,
+and filled up the wide mouth of all the shore that the headlands held between
+them. Therefore the kings were going together, leaning on their spears, to look
+on the war and fray, and the heart of each was sore within his breast. And the
+old man met them, even Nestor, and caused the spirit to fail within the breasts
+of the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And mighty Agamemnon spake and accosted him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus,
+great glory of the Achaians, wherefore dost thou come hither and hast deserted
+the war, the bane of men? Lo, I fear the accomplishment of the word that dread
+Hector spake, and the threat wherewith he threatened us, speaking in the
+assembly of the Trojans, namely, that never would he return to Ilios from the
+ships, till he had burned the ships with fire, and slain the men. Even so he
+spake, and, lo, now all these things are being fulfilled. Alas, surely even the
+other well-greaved Achaians store wrath against me in their hearts, like
+Achilles, and have no desire to fight by the rearmost ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Nestor of Gerenia the knight answered him saying “Verily these
+things are now at hand, and being accomplished, nor otherwise could Zeus
+himself contrive them, he that thundereth on high. For, lo, the wall is
+overthrown, wherein we trusted that it should be an unbroken bulwark of the
+ships and of our own bodies. But let us take counsel, how these things may best
+be done, if wit may do aught: but into the war I counsel not that we should go
+down, for in no wise may a wounded man do battle.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Agamemnon king of men answered him again: “Nestor, for that they are
+warring by the rearmost ships, and the well-builded wall hath availed not, nor
+the trench, whereat the Achaians endured so much labour, hoping in their hearts
+that it should be the unbroken bulwark of the ships, and of their own
+bodies—such it seemeth must be the will of Zeus supreme, [that the Achaians
+should perish here nameless far from Argos]. For I knew it when he was forward
+to aid the Danaans, and now I know that he is giving to the Trojans glory like
+that of the blessed gods, and hath bound our hands and our strength. But come,
+as I declare, let us all obey. Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up in
+the first line near to the sea, and speed them all forth to the salt sea
+divine, and moor them far out with stones, till the divine night comes, if even
+at night the Trojans will refrain from war, and then might we drag down all the
+ships. For there is no shame in fleeing from ruin, yea, even in the night.
+Better doth he fare who flees from trouble, than he that is overtaken.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, looking on him sternly, spake Odysseus of many counsels:
+“Atreus’ son, what word hath passed the door of thy lips? Man of
+mischief, sure thou shouldst lead some other inglorious army, not be king among
+us, to whom Zeus hath given it, from youth even unto age, to wind the skein of
+grievous wars, till every man of us perish. Art thou indeed so eager to leave
+the wide-wayed city of the Trojans, the city for which we endure with sorrow so
+many evils? Be silent, lest some other of the Achaians hear this word, that no
+man should so much as suffer to pass through his mouth, none that understandeth
+in his heart how to speak fit counsel, none that is a sceptred king, and hath
+hosts obeying him so many as the Argives over whom thou reignest. And now I
+wholly scorn thy thoughts, such a word as thou hast uttered, thou that, in the
+midst of war and battle, dost bid us draw down the well-timbered ships to the
+sea, that even more than ever the Trojans may possess their desire, albeit they
+win the mastery even now, and sheer destruction fall upon us. For the Achaians
+will not make good the war, when the ships are drawn down to the salt sea, but
+will look round about to flee, and withdraw from battle. There will thy counsel
+work a mischief, O marshal of the host!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the king of men, Agamemnon, answered him: “Odysseus, right sharply
+hast thou touched my heart with thy stern reproof: nay, I do not bid the sons
+of the Achaians to drag, against their will, the well-timbered ships to the
+salt sea. Now perchance there may be one who will utter a wiser counsel than
+this of mine,—a young man or an old,—welcome would it be to me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry spake also among them: “The man is
+near,—not long shall we seek him, if ye be willing to be persuaded of me, and
+each of you be not resentful at all, because in years I am the youngest among
+you. Nay, but I too boast me to come by lineage of a noble sire, Tydeus, whom
+in Thebes the piled-up earth doth cover. For Portheus had three well-born
+children, and they dwelt in Pleuron, and steep Kalydon, even Agrios and Melas,
+and the third was Oineus the knight, the father of my father, and in valour he
+excelled the others. And there he abode, but my father dwelt at Argos, whither
+he had wandered, for so Zeus and the other gods willed that it should be. And
+he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastos, and dwelt in a house full of
+livelihood, and had wheat-bearing fields enow, and many orchards of trees
+apart, and many sheep were his, and in skill with the spear he excelled all the
+Achaians: these things ye must have heard, if I speak sooth. Therefore ye could
+not say that I am weak and a coward by lineage, and so dishonour my spoken
+counsel, that well I may speak. Let us go down to the battle, wounded as we
+are, since we needs must; and then might we hold ourselves aloof from the
+battle, beyond the range of darts, lest any take wound upon wound; but the
+others will we spur on, even them that aforetime gave place to their passion,
+and stand apart, and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and they all heard him readily, and obeyed him. And they set
+forth, led by Agamemnon the king of men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the renowned Earth-shaker held no vain watch, but went with them in the
+guise of an ancient man, and he seized the right hand of Agamemnon,
+Atreus’ son, and uttering winged words he spake to him, saying:
+“Atreides, now methinks the ruinous heart of Achilles rejoices in his
+breast, as he beholds the slaughter and flight of the Achaians, since he hath
+no wisdom, not a grain. Nay, even so may he perish likewise, and god mar him.
+But with thee the blessed gods are not utterly wroth, nay, even yet methinks
+the leaders and rulers of the Trojans will cover the wide plain with dust, and
+thyself shalt see them fleeing to the city from the ships and the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. And loud as nine
+thousand men, or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join the strife of war,
+so mighty was the cry that the strong Shaker of the earth sent forth from his
+breast, and great strength he put into the heart of each of the Achaians, to
+strive and war unceasingly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Hera of the golden throne stood on the peak of Olympus, and saw with her
+eyes, and anon knew him that was her brother and her lord’s going to and
+fro through the glorious fight, and she rejoiced in her heart. And she beheld
+Zeus sitting on the topmost crest of many-fountained Ida, and to her heart he
+was hateful. Then she took thought, the ox-eyed lady Hera, how she might
+beguile the mind of aegis-bearing Zeus. And this seemed to her in her heart to
+be the best counsel, namely to fare to Ida, when she had well adorned herself,
+if perchance a sweet sleep and a kindly she could pour on his eye lids and his
+crafty wits. And she set forth to her bower, that her dear son Hephaistos had
+fashioned, and therein had made fast strong doors on the pillars, with a secret
+bolt, that no other god might open. There did she enter in and closed the
+shining doors. With ambrosia first did she cleanse every stain from her winsome
+body, and anointed her with olive oil, ambrosial, soft, and of a sweet savour;
+if it were but shaken, in the bronze-floored mansion of Zeus, the savour
+thereof went right forth to earth and heaven. Therewith she anointed her fair
+body, and combed her hair, and with her hands plaited her shining tresses, fair
+and ambrosial, flowing from her immortal head. Then she clad her in her
+fragrant robe that Athene wrought delicately for her, and therein set many
+things beautifully made, and fastened it over her breast with clasps of gold.
+And she girdled it with a girdle arrayed with a hundred tassels, and she set
+earrings in her pierced ears, earrings of three drops, and glistering,
+therefrom shone grace abundantly. And with a veil over all the peerless goddess
+veiled herself, a fair new veil, bright as the sun, and beneath her shining
+feet she bound goodly sandals. But when she had adorned her body with all her
+array, she went forth from her bower, and called Aphrodite apart from the other
+gods, and spake to her, saying: “Wilt thou obey me, dear child, in that
+which I shall tell thee? or wilt thou refuse, with a grudge in thy heart,
+because I succour the Danaans, and thou the Trojans?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus answered her: “Hera, goddess queen,
+daughter of mighty Kronos, say the thing that is in thy mind, my heart bids me
+fulfil it, if fulfil it I may, and if it may be accomplished.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose the lady Hera answered her: “Give me now Love
+and Desire wherewith thou dost overcome all the Immortals, and mortal men. For
+I am going to visit the limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of
+the gods, and mother Tethys, who reared me well and nourished me in their
+halls, having taken me from Rhea, when far-seeing Zeus imprisoned Kronos
+beneath the earth and the unvintaged sea. Them am I going to visit, and their
+endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they hold apart from
+each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. If with words I might
+persuade their hearts, and bring them back to love, ever should I be called
+dear to them and worshipful.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered her again: “It may not be, nor
+seemly were it, to deny that thou askest, for thou steepest in the arms of
+Zeus, the chief of gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Therewith from her breast she loosed the broidered girdle, fair-wrought,
+wherein are all her enchantments; therein are love, and desire, and loving
+converse, that steals the wits even of the wise. This girdle she laid in her
+hands, and spake, and said: “Lo now, take this girdle and lay it up in
+thy bosom, this fair-wrought girdle, wherein all things are fashioned; methinks
+thou wilt not return with that unaccomplished, which in thy heart thou
+desirest.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the ox-eyed lady Hera smiled, and smiling laid up the zone
+within her breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, went to her house, and Hera, rushing
+down, left the peak of Olympus, and sped’ over the snowy hills of the
+Thracian horsemen, even over the topmost crests, nor grazed the ground with her
+feet, and from Athos she fared across the foaming sea, and came to Lemnos, the
+city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the brother of Death, and clasped
+her hand in his, and spake and called him by name: “Sleep, lord of all
+gods and of all men, if ever thou didst hear my word, obey me again even now,
+and I will be grateful to thee always. Lull me, I pray thee, the shining eyes
+of Zeus beneath his brows. And gifts I will give to thee, even a fair throne,
+imperishable for ever, a golden throne, that Hephaistos the Lame, mine own
+child, shall fashion skilfully, and will set beneath it a footstool for the
+feet, for thee to set thy shining feet upon, when thou art at a festival. Nay
+come, and I will give thee one of the younger of the Graces, to wed and to be
+called thy wife.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So she spake, and Sleep was glad, and answered and said:—“Come now, swear
+to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one of thy hands grasp the
+bounteous earth, and with the other the shining sea, that all may be witnesses
+to us, even all the gods below that are with Kronos, that verily thou wilt give
+me one of the younger of the Graces, even Pasithea, that myself do long for all
+my days.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did she disobey, the white-armed goddess Hera; she sware as he
+bade her, and called all the gods by name, even those below Tartaros that are
+called Titans. But when she had sworn and ended that oath, the twain left the
+citadel of Lemnos, and of Imbros, clothed on in mist, and swiftly they
+accomplished the way. To many-fountained Ida they came, the mother of wild
+beasts, to Lekton, where first they left the sea, and they twain fared above
+the dry land, and the topmost forest waved beneath their feet. There Sleep
+halted, ere the eyes of Zeus beheld him, and alighted on a tall pine tree, the
+loftiest pine that then in all Ida rose through the nether to the upper air.
+But Hera swiftly drew nigh to topmost Gargaros, the highest crest of Ida, and
+Zeus the cloud-gatherer beheld her. And as he saw her, so love came over his
+deep heart, and he stood before her, and spoke, and said: “Hera, with
+what desire comest thou thus hither from Olympus, and thy horses and chariot
+are not here, whereon thou mightst ascend?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with crafty purpose lady Hera answered him: “I am going to visit the
+limits of the bountiful Earth, and Okeanos, father of the gods, and mother
+Tethys, who reared me well and cherished me in their halls. Them am I going to
+visit, and their endless strife will I loose, for already this long time they
+hold apart from each other, since wrath hath settled in their hearts. But my
+horses are standing at the foot of many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall
+bear me over wet and dry. And now it is because of thee that I am thus come
+hither, down from Olympus, lest perchance thou mightest be wroth with me
+hereafter, if silently I were gone to the mansion of deep-flowing
+Okeanos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, answered her and said: “Hera,
+thither mayst thou go on a later day. For never once as thus did the love of
+goddess or woman so mightily overflow and conquer the heart within my
+breast.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus slept the Father in quiet on the crest of Gargaros, by Sleep and love
+overcome. But sweet Sleep started and ran to the ships of the Achaians, to tell
+his tidings to the god that holdeth and shaketh the earth. And he stood near
+him, and spake winged words: “Eagerly now, Poseidon, do thou aid the
+Danaans, and give them glory for a little space, while yet Zeus sleepeth, for
+over him have I shed soft slumber, and Hera hath beguiled him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and passed to the renowned tribes of men, and still the more did
+he set on Poseidon to aid the Danaans, who straightway sprang far afront of the
+foremost, and called to them: “Argives, are we again to yield the victory
+to Hector, son of Priam, that he may take our ships and win renown? Nay, even
+so he saith and declareth that he will do, for that Achilles by the hollow
+ships abides angered at heart. But for him there will be no such extreme
+regret, if we spur us on to aid each the other. Nay come, as I command, let us
+all obey. Let us harness us in the best shields that are in the host, and the
+greatest, and cover our heads with shining helms, and take the longest spears
+in our hands, and so go forth. Yea, and I will lead the way, and methinks that
+Hector, son of Priam, will not long await us, for all his eagerness. And
+whatsoever man is steadfast in battle, and hath a small buckler on his
+shoulder, let him give it to a worse man, and harness him in a larger
+shield.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly and obeyed him. And them the kings
+themselves arrayed, wounded as they were, Tydeus’ son, and Odysseus, and
+Agamemnon, son of Atreus. They went through all the host, and made exchange of
+weapons of war. The good arms did the good warrior harness him in, the worse he
+gave to the worse. But when they had done on the shining bronze about their
+bodies, they started on the march, and Poseidon led them, the Shaker of the
+earth, with a dread sword of fine edge in his strong hand, like unto lightning;
+wherewith it is not permitted that any should mingle in woful war, but fear
+holds men afar therefrom. But the Trojans on the other side was renowned Hector
+arraying. Then did they now strain the fiercest strife of war, even dark-haired
+Poseidon and glorious Hector, one succouring the Trojans, the other with the
+Argives. And the sea washed up to the huts and ships of the Argives, and they
+gathered together with a mighty cry. Not so loudly bellows the wave of the sea
+against the land, stirred up from the deep by the harsh breath of the north
+wind, nor so loud is the roar of burning fire in the glades of a mountain, when
+it springs to burn up the forest, nor calls the wind so loudly in the high
+leafy tresses of the trees, when it rages and roars its loudest, as then was
+the cry of the Trojans and Achaians, shouting dreadfully as they rushed upon
+each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First glorious Hector cast with his spear at Aias, who was facing him full, and
+did not miss, striking him where two belts were stretched across his breast,
+the belt of his shield, and of his silver-studded sword; these guarded his
+tender flesh. And Hector was enraged because his swift spear had flown vainly
+from his hand, and he retreated into the throng of his fellows, avoiding Fate.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then as he was departing the great Telamonian Aias smote him with a huge stone;
+for many stones, the props of swift ships, were rolled among the feet of the
+fighters; one of these he lifted, and smote Hector on the breast, over the
+shield-rim, near the neck, and made him spin like a top with the blow, that he
+reeled round and round. And even as when an oak falls uprooted beneath the
+stroke of father Zeus, and a dread savour of brimstone arises therefrom, and
+whoso stands near and beholds it has no more courage, for dread is the bolt of
+great Zeus, even so fell mighty Hector straightway in the dust. And the spear
+fell from his hand, but his shield and helm were made fast to him, and round
+him rang his arms adorned with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with a loud cry they ran up, the sons of the Achaians, hoping to drag him
+away, and they cast showers of darts. But not one availed to wound or smite the
+shepherd of the host, before that might be the bravest gathered about him,
+Polydamas, and Aineias, and goodly Agenor, and Sarpedon, leader of the Lykians,
+and noble Glaukos, and of the rest not one was heedless of him, but they held
+their round shields in front of him, and his comrades lifted him in their arms,
+and bare him out of the battle, till he reached his swift horses that were
+standing waiting for him, with the charioteer and the fair-dight chariot at the
+rear of the combat and the war. These toward the city bore him heavily moaning.
+Now when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, of eddying Xanthos,
+that immortal Zeus begat, there they lifted him from the chariot to the ground,
+and poured water over him, and he gat back his breath, and looked up with his
+eyes, and sitting on his heels kneeling, he vomited black blood. Then again he
+sank back on the ground, and black night covered his eyes, the stroke still
+conquering his spirit.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap15"></a>BOOK XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Zeus awakening, biddeth Apollo revive Hector, and restore the fortunes of the
+Trojans. Fire is thrown on the ship of Protesilaos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when they had sped in flight across the palisade and trench, and many were
+overcome at the hands of the Danaans, the rest were stayed, and abode beside
+the chariots in confusion, and pale with terror, and Zeus awoke, on the peaks
+of Ida, beside Hera of the golden throne. Then he leaped up, and stood, and
+beheld the Trojans and Achaians, those in flight, and these driving them on
+from the rear, even the Argives, and among them the prince Poseidon. And Hector
+he saw lying on the plain, and around him sat his comrades, and he was gasping
+with difficult breath, and his mind wandering, and was vomiting blood, for it
+was not the weakest of the Achaians that had smitten him. Beholding him, the
+father of men and gods had pity on him, and terribly he spoke to Hera, with
+fierce look: “O thou ill to deal with, Hera, verily it is thy crafty wile
+that has made noble Hector cease from the fight, and has terrified the host.
+Nay, but yet I know not whether thou mayst not be the first to reap the fruits
+of thy cruel treason, and I beat thee with stripes. Dost thou not remember,
+when thou wert hung from on high, and from thy feet I suspended two anvils, and
+round thy hands fastened a golden bond that might not be broken? And thou didst
+hang in the clear air and the clouds, and the gods were wroth in high Olympus,
+but they could not come round and unloose thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and the ox-eyed lady Hera shuddered, and spake unto him winged
+words, saying: “Let earth now be witness hereto, and wide heaven above,
+and that falling water of Styx, the greatest oath and the most terrible to the
+blessed gods, and thine own sacred head, and our own bridal bed, whereby never
+would I forswear myself, that not by my will does earth-shaking Poseidon
+trouble the Trojans and Hector, and succour them of the other part. Nay, it is
+his own soul that urgeth and commandeth him, and he had pity on the Achaians,
+when he beheld them hard pressed beside the ships. I would even counsel him
+also to go even where thou, lord of the storm-cloud, mayst lead him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and answering her he spake
+winged words: “If thou, of a truth, O ox-eyed lady Hera, wouldst
+hereafter abide of one mind with me among the immortal gods, thereon would
+Poseidon, howsoever much his wish be contrariwise, quickly turn his mind
+otherwhere, after thy heart and mine. But if indeed thou speakest the truth and
+soothly, go thou now among the tribes of the gods, and call Iris to come
+hither, and Apollo, the renowned archer, that Iris may go among the host of
+mail-clad Achaians and tell Poseidon the prince to cease from the war, and get
+him unto his own house. But let Phoebus Apollo spur Hector on to the war, and
+breathe strength into him again, and make him forget his anguish, that now
+wears down his heart, and drive the Achaians back again, when he hath stirred
+in them craven fear. Let them flee and fall among the many-benched ships of
+Achilles son of Peleus, and he shall rouse his own comrade, Patroklos; and him
+shall renowned Hector slay with the spear, in front of Ilios, after that he has
+slain many other youths, and among them my son, noble Sarpedon. In wrath
+therefor shall goodly Achilles slay Hector. From that hour verily will I cause
+a new pursuit from the ships, that shall endure continually, even until the
+Achaians take steep Ilios, through the counsels of Athene. But before that hour
+neither do I cease in my wrath, nor will I suffer any other of the Immortals to
+help the Danaans there, before I accomplish that desire of the son of Peleus,
+as I promised him at the first, and confirmed the same with a nod of my head,
+on that day when the goddess Thetis clasped my knees, imploring me to honour
+Achilles, the sacker of cities.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the white-armed goddess Hera disobey him, and she sped
+down from the hills of Ida to high Olympus, and went among the gathering of the
+immortal gods. And she called Apollo without the hall and Iris, that is the
+messenger of the immortal gods, and she spake winged words, and addressed them,
+saying: “Zeus bids you go to Ida as swiftly as may be, and when ye have
+gone, and looked on the face of Zeus, do ye whatsoever he shall order and
+command.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And these twain came before the face of Zeus the cloud gatherer, and stood
+there, and he was nowise displeased at heart when he beheld them, for that
+speedily they had obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to Iris first he spake
+winged words: “Go, get thee, swift Iris, to the prince Poseidon, and tell
+him all these things, nor be a false messenger. Command him to cease from war
+and battle, and to go among the tribes of the gods, or into the bright sea. But
+if he will not obey my words, but will hold me in no regard, then let him
+consider in his heart and mind, lest he dare not for all his strength to abide
+me when I come against him, since I deem me to be far mightier than he, and
+elder born.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor did the wind-footed fleet Iris disobey him, but went down the
+hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. And as when snow or chill hail fleets from the
+clouds beneath the stress of the North Wind born in the clear air, so fleetly
+she fled in her eagerness, swift Iris, and drew near the renowned Earth-shaker
+and spake to him the message of Zeus. And he left the host of the Achaians, and
+passed to the sea, and sank, and sorely they missed him, the heroes of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Zeus, the gatherer of the clouds, spake to Apollo, saying: “Go now,
+dear Phoebus, to Hector of the helm of bronze. Let glorious Hector be thy care,
+and rouse in him great wrath even till the Achaians come in their flight to the
+ships, and the Hellespont. And from that moment will I devise word and deed
+wherewithal the Achaians may take breath again from their toil.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo deaf to the word of the Father, but he went down
+the hills of Ida like a fleet falcon, the bane of doves, that is the swiftest
+of flying things. And he found the son of wise-hearted Priam, noble Hector,
+sitting up, no longer lying, for he had but late got back his life, and knew
+the comrades around him, and his gasping and his sweat had ceased, from the
+moment when the will of aegis-bearing Zeus began to revive him. Then
+far-darting Apollo stood near him, and spake to him: “Hector, son of
+Priam, why dost thou sit fainting apart from the others? Is it perchance that
+some trouble cometh upon thee?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then, with faint breath answered him Hector of the glancing helm: “Nay,
+but who art thou, best of the gods, who enquirest of me face to face? Dost thou
+not know that by the hindmost row of the ships of the Achaians, Aias of the
+loud war-cry smote me on the breast with a stone, as I was slaying his
+comrades, and made me cease from mine impetuous might? And verily I deemed that
+this very day I should pass to the dead, and the house of Hades, when I had
+gasped my life away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then prince Apollo the Far-darter answered him again: “Take courage now,
+so great an ally hath the son of Kronos sent thee out of Ida, to stand by thee
+and defend thee, even Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, me who of old defend
+thee, thyself and the steep citadel. But come now, bid thy many charioteers
+drive their swift steeds against the hollow ships, and I will go before and
+make smooth all the way for the chariots, and will put to flight the Achaian
+heroes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake, and breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and even
+as when a stalled horse, full fed at the manger, breaks his tether and speedeth
+at the gallop over the plain exultingly, being wont to bathe in the
+fair-flowing stream, and holds his head on high, and the mane floweth about his
+shoulders, and he trusteth in his glory, and nimbly his knees bear him to the
+haunts and pasture of the mares, even so Hector lightly moved his feet and
+knees, urging on his horsemen, when he heard the voice of the god. But as when
+hounds and country folk pursue a horned stag, or a wild goat, that steep rock
+and shady wood save from them, nor is it their lot to find him, but at their
+clamour a bearded lion hath shown himself on the way, and lightly turned them
+all despite their eagerness, even so the Danaans for a while followed on always
+in their companies, smiting with swords and double-pointed spears, but when
+they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men, then were they afraid, and
+the hearts of all fell to their feet.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to them spake Thoas, son of Andraimon, far the best of the Aitolians,
+skilled in throwing the dart, and good in close fight, and in council did few
+of the Achaians surpass him, when the young men were striving in debate; he
+made harangue and spake among them: “Alas, and verily a great marvel is
+this I behold with mine eyes, how he hath again arisen, and hath avoided the
+Fates, even Hector. Surely each of us hoped in his heart, that he had died
+beneath the hand of Aias, son of Telamon. But some one of the gods again hath
+delivered and saved Hector, who verily hath loosened the knees of many of the
+Danaans, as methinks will befall even now, for not without the will of
+loud-thundering Zeus doth he rise in the front ranks, thus eager for battle.
+But come, as I declare let us all obey. Let us bid the throng turn back to the
+ships, but let us as many as avow us to be the best in the host, take our
+stand, if perchance first we may meet him, and hold him off with outstretched
+spears, and he, methinks, for all his eagerness, will fear at heart to enter
+into the press of the Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they heard him eagerly, and obeyed him. They that were with
+Aias and the prince Idomeneus, and Teukros, and Neriones, and Meges the peer of
+Ares, called to all the best of the warriors and sustained the fight with
+Hector and the Trojans, but behind them the multitude returned to the ships of
+the Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans drave forward in close ranks, and with long strides Hector led
+them, while in front of him went Phoebus Apollo, his shoulders wrapped in
+cloud, and still he held the fell aegis, dread, circled with a shaggy fringe,
+and gleaming, that Hephaistos the smith gave to Zeus, to bear for the terror of
+men; with this in his hands did he lead the host.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives abode them in close ranks, and shrill the cry arose on both
+sides, and the arrows leaped from the bow-strings, and many spears from
+stalwart hands, whereof some stood fast in the flesh of young men swift in
+fight, but many halfway, ere ever they reached the white flesh, stuck in the
+ground, longing to glut themselves with flesh. Now so long as Phoebus Apollo
+held the aegis unmoved in his hands, so long the darts smote either side amain,
+and the folk fell. But when he looked face to face on the Danaans of the swift
+steeds, and shook the aegis, and himself shouted mightily, he quelled their
+heart in their breast, and they forgot their impetuous valour. And as when two
+wild beasts drive in confusion a herd of kine, or a great flock of sheep, in
+the dark hour of black night, coming swiftly on them when the herdsman is not
+by, even so were the Achaians terror-stricken and strengthless, for Apollo sent
+a panic among them, but still gave renown to the Trojans and Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Hector smote his horses on the shoulder with the lash, and called aloud on
+the Trojans along the ranks. And they all cried out, and level with his held
+the steeds that drew their chariots, with a marvellous din, and in front of
+them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his feet the banks of the deep
+ditch, and cast them into the midst thereof, making a bridgeway long and wide
+as is a spear-cast, when a man throws to make trial of his strength. Thereby
+the Trojans poured forward in their battalions, while in their van Apollo held
+the splendid aegis. And most easily did he cast down the wall of the Achaians,
+as when a boy scatters the sand beside the sea, first making sand buildings for
+sport in his childishness, and then again, in his sport, confounding them with
+his feet and hands; even so didst thou, archer Apollo, confound the long toil
+and labour of the Argives, and among them rouse a panic fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were halting, and abiding by the ships, calling each to other; and
+lifting their hands to all the gods did each man pray vehemently, and chiefly
+prayed Nestor, the Warden of the Achaians, stretching his hand towards the
+starry heaven: “O father Zeus, if ever any one of us in wheat-bearing
+Argos did burn to thee fat thighs of bull or sheep, and prayed that he might
+return, and thou didst promise and assent thereto, of these things be thou
+mindful, and avert, Olympian, the pitiless day, nor suffer the Trojans thus to
+overcome the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Zeus, the Lord of counsel, thundered loudly,
+hearing the prayers of the ancient son of Neleus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Trojans when they heard the thunder of aegis-bearing Zeus, rushed yet
+the more eagerly upon the Argives, and were mindful of the joy of battle. And
+as when a great wave of the wide sea sweeps over the bulwarks of a ship, the
+might of the wind constraining it, which chiefly swells the waves, even so did
+the Trojans with a great cry bound over the wall, and drave their horses on,
+and at the hindmost row of the ships were fighting hand to hand with
+double-pointed spears, the Trojans from the chariots, but the Achaians climbing
+up aloft, from the black ships with long pikes that they had lying in the ships
+for battle at sea, jointed pikes shod at the head with bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships, fulfilling the
+behests of Zeus, that ever was rousing their great wrath, but softened the
+temper of the Argives, and took away their glory, while he spurred on the
+others. For the heart of Zeus was set on giving glory to Hector, the son of
+Priam, that withal he might cast fierce-blazing fire, unwearied, upon the
+beaked ships, and so fulfil all the presumptuous prayer of Thetis; wherefore
+wise-counselling Zeus awaited, till his eyes should see the glare of a burning
+ship. For even from that hour was he to ordain the backward chase of the
+Trojans from the ships, and to give glory to the Danaans. With this design was
+he rousing Hector, Priam’s son, that himself was right eager, against the
+hollow ships. For short of life was he to be, yea, and already Pallas Athene
+was urging against him the day of destiny, at the hand of the son of Peleus.
+And fain he was to break the ranks of men, trying them wheresoever he saw the
+thickest press, and the goodliest harness. Yet not even so might he break them
+for all his eagerness. Nay, they stood firm, and embattled like a steep rock
+and a great, hard by the hoary sea, a rock that abides the swift paths of the
+shrill winds, and the swelling waves that roar against it. Even so the Danaans
+steadfastly abode the Trojans and fled not away. But Hector shining with fire
+on all sides leaped on the throng, and fell upon them, as when beneath the
+storm-clouds a fleet wave reared of the winds falls on a swift ship, and she is
+all hidden with foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars against the sail,
+and the sailors fear, and tremble in their hearts, for by but a little way are
+they borne forth from death, even so the spirit was torn in the breasts of the
+Achaians.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So again keen battle was set by the ships. Thou wouldst deem that unwearied and
+unworn they met each other in war, so eagerly they fought. And in their
+striving they were minded thus; the Achaians verily deemed that never would
+they flee from the danger, but perish there, but the heart of each Trojan hoped
+in his breast, that they should fire the ships, and slay the heroes of the
+Achaians. With these imaginations they stood to each other, and Hector seized
+the stern of a seafaring ship, a fair ship, swift on the brine, that had borne
+Protesilaos to Troia, but brought him not back again to his own country. Now
+round his ship the Achaians and Trojans warred on each other hand to hand, nor
+far apart did they endure the flights of arrows, nor of darts, but standing
+hard each by other, with one heart, with sharp axes and hatchets they fought,
+and with great swords, and double-pointed spears. And many fair brands,
+dark-scabbarded and hilted, fell to the ground, some from the hands, some from
+off the shoulders of warring men, and the black earth ran with blood. But
+Hector, after that once he had seized the ship’s stern, left not his
+hold, keeping the ensign in his hands, and he called to the Trojans:
+“Bring fire, and all with one voice do ye raise the war-cry; now hath
+Zeus given us the dearest day of all,—to take the ships that came hither
+against the will of the gods, and brought many woes upon us, by the cowardice
+of the elders, who withheld me when I was eager to fight at the sterns of the
+ships, and kept back the host. But if even then far-seeing Zeus did harm our
+wits, now he himself doth urge and command us onwards.” So spake he, and
+they set yet the fiercer on the Argives. And Aias no longer abode their onset,
+for he was driven back by the darts, but he withdrew a little,—thinking that
+now he should die,—on to the oarsmal’s bench of seven feet long, and he
+left the decks of the trim ship. There then he stood on the watch, and with his
+spear he ever drave the Trojans from the ships, whosoever brought unwearied
+fire, and ever he shouted terribly, calling to the Danaans: “O friends,
+Danaan heroes, men of Ares’ company, play the man, my friends, and be
+mindful of impetuous valour. Do we deem that there be allies at our backs, or
+some wall stronger than this to ward off death from men? Verily there is not
+hard by any city arrayed with towers, whereby we might defend ourselves, having
+a host that could turn the balance of battle. Nay, but we are set down in the
+plain of the mailed men of Troy, with our backs against the sea, and far off
+from our own land. Therefore is safety in battle, and not in slackening from
+the fight.” So spake he, and rushed on ravening for battle, with his keen
+spear. And whosoever of the Trojans was coming against the ship with blazing
+fire, to pleasure Hector at his urging, him would Aias wound, awaiting him with
+his long spear, and twelve men in front of the ships at close quarters did he
+wound.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap16"></a>BOOK XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Patroklos fought in the armour of Achilles, and drove the Trojans from the
+ships, but was slain at last by Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they were warring round the well-timbered ship, but Patroklos drew near
+Achilles, shepherd of the host, and he shed warm tears, even as a fountain of
+dark water that down a steep cliff pours its cloudy stream. And noble
+swift-footed Achilles when he beheld him was grieved for his sake, and accosted
+him, and spake winged words, saying: “Wherefore weepest thou, Patroklos,
+like a fond little maid, that runs by her mother’s side, and bids her
+mother take her up, snatching at her gown, and hinders her in her going, and
+tearfully looks at her, till the mother takes her up? like her, Patroklos, dost
+thou let fall soft tears. Hast thou aught to tell to the Myrmidons, or to me
+myself, or is it some tidings out of Phthia that thou alone hast beard? Or dost
+thou lament for the sake of the Argives,—how they perish by the hollow ships
+through their own transgression? Speak out, and hide it not within thy spirit,
+that we may both know all.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But with a heavy groan didst thou speak unto him, O knight Patroklos: “O
+Achilles, son of Peleus, far the bravest of the Achaians, be not wroth, seeing
+that so great calamity has beset the Achaians. For verily all of them that
+aforetime were the best are lying among the ships, smitten and wounded. Smitten
+is the son of Tydeus, strong Diomedes, and wounded is Odysseus, spearman
+renowned, and Agamemnon; and smitten is Eurypylos on the thigh with an arrow.
+And about them the leeches skilled in medicines are busy, healing their wounds,
+but thou art hard to reconcile, Achilles. Never then may such wrath take hold
+of me as that thou nursest; thou brave to the hurting of others. What other men
+later born shall have profit of thee, if thou dost not ward off base ruin from
+the Argives? Pitiless that thou art, the knight Peleus was not then thy father,
+nor Thetis thy mother, but the grey sea bare thee, and the sheer cliffs, so
+untoward is thy spirit. But if in thy heart thou art shunning some oracle, and
+thy lady mother hath told thee somewhat from Zeus, yet me do thou send forth
+quickly, and make the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow me, if yet any
+light may arise from me to the Danaans. And give me thy harness to buckle about
+my shoulders, if perchance the Trojans may take me for thee, and so abstain
+from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians may take breath, wearied as
+they be, for brief is the breathing in war. And lightly might we that are fresh
+drive men wearied with the battle back to the citadel, away from the ships and
+the huts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So he spake and besought him, in his unwittingness, for truly it was to be his
+own evil death and fate that he prayed for. Then to him in great heaviness
+spake swift-footed Achilles: “Ah me, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus, what
+word hast thou spoken? Neither take I heed of any oracle that I wot of, nor yet
+has my lady mother told me somewhat from Zeus, but this dread sorrow comes upon
+my heart and spirit, from the hour that a man wishes to rob me who am his
+equal, and to take away my prize, for that he excels me in power. A dread
+sorrow to me is this, after all the toils that my heart hath endured. The
+maiden that the sons of the Achaians chose out for me as my prize, and that I
+won with my spear when I sacked a well-walled city, her has mighty Agamemnon
+the son of Atreus taken back out of my hands, as though I were but some
+sojourner dishonourable. But we will let bygones be bygones. No man may be
+angry of heart for ever, yet verily I said that I would not cease from my
+wrath, until that time when to mine own ships should come the war-cry and the
+battle. But do thou on thy shoulders my famous harness, and lead the war-loving
+Myrmidons to the fight, to ward off destruction from the ships, lest they even
+burn the ships with blazing fire, and take away our desired return. But when
+thou hast driven them from the ships, return, and even if the loud-thundering
+lord of Hera grant thee to win glory, yet long not thou apart from me to fight
+with the war-loving Trojans; thereby wilt thou minish mine honour. Neither do
+thou, exulting in war and strife, and slaying the Trojans, lead on toward
+Ilios, lest one of the eternal gods from Olympus come against thee; right
+dearly doth Apollo the Far-darter love them. Nay, return back when thou halt
+brought safety to the ships, and suffer the rest to fight along the plain. For
+would, O father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, would that not one of all the
+Trojans might escape death, nor one of the Argives, but that we twain might
+avoid destruction, that alone we might undo the sacred coronal of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake they each to other, but Aias no longer abode the onset, for he was
+overpowered by darts; the counsel of Zeus was subduing him, and the shafts of
+the proud Trojans; and his bright helmet, being smitten, kept ringing terribly
+about his temples: for always it was smitten upon the fair-wrought
+cheek-pieces. Moreover his left shoulder was wearied, as steadfastly he held up
+his glittering shield, nor yet could they make him give ground, as they pressed
+on with their darts around him. And ever he was worn out with difficult breath,
+and much sweat kept running from all his limbs, nor had he a moment to draw
+breath, so on all sides was evil heaped on evil.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Tell me now, ye Muses that have mansions in Olympus, how first fire fell on the
+ships of the Achaians. Hector drew near, and the ashen spear of Aias he smote
+with his great sword, hard by the socket, behind the point, and shore it clean
+away, and the son of Telamon brandished in his hand no more than a pointless
+spear, and far from him the head of bronze fell ringing on the ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered at the deeds of the gods, even
+how Zeus that thundereth on high did utterly cut off from him avail in war, and
+desired victory for the Trojans. Then Aias gave back out of the darts. But the
+Trojans cast on the swift ship unwearying fire, and instantly the
+inextinguishable flame streamed over her: so the fire begirt the stern, whereon
+Achilles smote his thighs, and spake to Patroklos: “Arise, Patroklos of
+the seed of Zeus, commander of the horsemen, for truly I see by the ships the
+rush of the consuming fire. Up then, lest they take the ships, and there be no
+more retreat; do on thy harness speedily, and I will summon the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, while Patroklos was harnessing him in shining bronze. His goodly
+greaves, fitted with silver clasps, he first girt round his legs, and next did
+on around his breast the well-dight starry corslet of the swift-footed son of
+Aiakos. And round his shoulders he cast a sword of bronze, with studs of
+silver, and next took the great and mighty shield, and on his proud head set a
+well-wrought helm with a horse-hair crest, and terribly nodded the crest from
+above. Then seized he two strong lances that fitted his grasp, only he took not
+the spear of the noble son of Aiakos, heavy, and huge, and stalwart, that none
+other of the Achaians could wield. And Patroklos bade Automedon to yoke the
+horses speedily, even Automedon whom most he honoured after Achilles, the
+breaker of the ranks of men, and whom he held trustiest in battle to abide his
+call. And for him Automedon led beneath the yoke the swift horses, Xanthos and
+Balios, that fly as swift as the winds, the horses that the harpy Podarge bare
+to the West Wind, as she grazed on the meadow by the stream of Okeanos. And in
+the side-traces he put the goodly Pedasos, that Achilles carried away, when he
+took the city of Eetion; and being but a mortal steed, he followed with the
+immortal horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Achilles went and harnessed all the Myrmidons in the huts with
+armour, and they gathered like ravening wolves with strength in their hearts
+unspeakable. And among them all stood warlike Achilles urging on the horses and
+the targeteers. And he aroused the heart and valour of each of them, and the
+ranks were yet the closer serried when they heard the prince. And as when a man
+builds the wall of a high house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of
+the winds, even so close were arrayed the helmets and bossy shields, and shield
+pressed on shield, helm on helm, and man on man, and the horse-hair crests on
+the bright helmet-ridges touched each other when they nodded, so close they
+stood by each other.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And straightway they poured forth like wasps that have their dwelling by the
+wayside, and that boys are ever wont to vex, always tormenting them in their
+nests beside the way in childish sport, and a common evil they make for many.
+With heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons poured out now from the ships,
+and a cry arose unquenchable, and Patroklos called on his comrades, shouting
+aloud: “Myrmidons, ye comrades of Achilles son of Peleus, be men, my
+friends, and be mindful of your impetuous valour, that so we may win honour for
+the son of Peleus, that is far the bravest of the Argives by the ships, and
+whose close-fighting squires are the best. And let wide-ruling Agamemnon the
+son of Atreus learn his own blindness of heart, in that he nothing honoured the
+best of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and aroused each mal’s heart and courage, and all in a mass
+they fell on the Trojans, and the ships around echoed wondrously to the cry of
+the Achaians. But when the Trojans beheld the strong son of Menoitios, himself
+and his squire, shining in their armour, the heart was stirred in all of them,
+and the companies wavered, for they deemed that by the ships the swift-footed
+son of Peleus had cast away his wrath, and chosen reconcilement: then each man
+glanced round, to see where he might flee sheer destruction.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos first with a shining spear cast straight into the press, where
+most men were thronging, even by the stern of the ship of great-hearted
+Protesilaos, and he smote Pyraichmes, who led his Paionian horsemen out of
+Amydon, from the wide water of Axios; him he smote on the right shoulder, and
+he fell on his back in the dust with a groan, and his comrades around him, the
+Paionians, were afraid, for Patroklos sent fear among them all, when he slew
+their leader that was ever the best in fight. Then he drove them out from the
+ships, and quenched the burning fire. And the half-burnt ship was left there,
+and the Trojans fled, with a marvellous din, and the Danaans poured in among
+the hollow ships, and ceaseless was the shouting. And as when from the high
+crest of a great hill Zeus, the gatherer of the lightning, hath stirred a dense
+cloud, and forth shine all the peaks, and sharp promontories, and glades, and
+from heaven the infinite air breaks open, even so the Danaans, having driven
+the blazing fire from the ships, for a little while took breath, but there was
+no pause in the battle. For not yet were the Trojans driven in utter rout by
+the Achaians, dear to Ares, from the black ships, but they still stood up
+against them, and only perforce gave ground from the ships. But even as robber
+wolves fall on the lambs or kids, choosing them out of the herds, when they are
+scattered on hills by the witlessness of the shepherd, and the wolves behold
+it, and speedily harry the younglings that have no heart of courage,—even so
+the Danaans fell on the Trojans, and they were mindful of ill-sounding flight,
+and forgot their impetuous valour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But that great Aias ever was fain to cast his spear at Hector of the helm of
+bronze, but he, in his cunning of war, covered his broad shoulders with his
+shield of bulls’ hide, and watched the hurtling of the arrows, and the
+noise of spears. And verily well he knew the change in the mastery of war, but
+even so he abode, and was striving to rescue his trusty comrades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And as when from Olympus a cloud fares into heaven, from the sacred air, when
+Zeus spreadeth forth the tempest, even so from the ships came the war-cry and
+the rout, nor in order due did they cross the ditch again. But his swift-footed
+horses bare Hector forth with his arms, and he left the host of Troy, whom the
+delved trench restrained against their will. And in the trench did many swift
+steeds that draw the car break the fore-part of the pole, and leave the
+chariots of their masters.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Patroklos followed after, crying fiercely to the Danaans, and full of evil
+will against the Trojans, while they with cries and flight filled all the ways,
+for they were scattered, and on high the storm of dust was scattered below the
+clouds, and the whole-hooved horses strained back towards the city, away from
+the ships and the huts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But even where Patroklos saw the folk thickest in the rout, thither did he
+guide his horses with a cry, and under his axle-trees men fell prone from their
+chariots, and the cars were overturned with a din of shattering. But straight
+over the ditch, in forward flight, leaped the swift horses. And the heart of
+Patroklos urged him against Hector, for he was eager to smite him, but his
+swift steeds bore Hector forth and away. And even as beneath a tempest the
+whole black earth is oppressed, on an autumn day, when Zeus pours forth rain
+most vehemently, and all the rivers run full, and many a scaur the torrents
+tear away, and down to the dark sea they rush headlong from the hills, roaring
+mightily, and minished are the works of men, even so mighty was the roar of the
+Trojan horses as they ran.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Patroklos when he had cloven the nearest companies, drave them backward
+again to the ships, nor suffered them to approach the city, despite their
+desire, but between the ships, and the river, and the lofty wall, he rushed on
+them, and slew them, and avenged many a comrade slain. There first he smote
+Pronoos with a shining spear, where the shield left bare the breast, and
+loosened his limbs, and he fell with a crash. Then Thestor the son of Enops he
+next assailed, as he sat crouching in the polished chariot, for he was struck
+distraught, and the reins flew from his hands. Him he drew near, and smote with
+the lance on the right jaw, and clean pierced through his teeth. And Patroklos
+caught hold of the spear and dragged him over the rim of the car, as when a man
+sits on a jutting rock, and drags a sacred fish forth from the sea, with line
+and glittering hook of bronze; so on the bright spear dragged he Thestor gaping
+from the chariot, and cast him down on his face and life left him as he fell.
+Next, as Euryalos came on, he smote him on the midst of the head with a stone,
+and all his head was shattered within the strong helmet, and prone on the earth
+he fell, and death that slayeth the spirit overwhelmed him. Next Erymas, and
+Amphoteros, and Epaltes and Tlepolemos son of Damastor, and Echios and Pyris,
+and Ipheus and Euippos, and Polymelos son of Argeas, all these in turn he
+brought low to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon beheld his comrades with
+ungirdled doublets, subdued beneath the hands of Patroklos son of Menoitios, he
+cried aloud, upbraiding the godlike Lykians: “Shame, ye Lykians, whither
+do ye flee? Now be ye strong, for I will encounter this man that I may know who
+he is that conquers here, and verily many evils hath he wrought the Trojans, in
+that he hath loosened the knees of many men and noble.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and leaped with his arms from the chariot to the ground. But
+Patroklos, on the other side, when he beheld him leaped from his chariot. And
+they, like vultures of crooked talons and curved beaks, that war with loud
+yells on some high cliff, even so they rushed with cries against each other.
+And beholding then the son of Kronos of the crooked counsels took pity on them,
+and he spake to Hera, his sister and wife: “Ah woe is me for that it is
+fated that Sarpedon, the best-beloved of men to me, shall be subdued under
+Patroklos son of Menoitios. And in two ways my heart within my breast is
+divided, as I ponder whether I should catch him up alive out of the tearful
+war, and set him down in the rich land of Lykia, or whether I should now subdue
+him beneath the hands of the son of Menoitios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the ox-eyed lady Hera made answer to him: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what word is this thou hast spoken? A mortal man long doomed to fate dost thou
+desire to deliver again from death of evil name? Work thy will, but all we
+other gods will in no wise praise thee. And another thing I will tell thee, and
+do thou lay it up in thy heart; if thou dost send Sarpedon living to his own
+house, consider lest thereon some other god likewise desire to send his own
+dear son away out of the strong battle. For round the great citadel of Priam
+war many sons of the Immortals, and among the Immortals wilt thou send terrible
+wrath. But if he be dear to thee, and thy heart mourns for him, truly then
+suffer him to be subdued in the strong battle beneath the hands of Patroklos
+son of Menoitios, but when his soul and life leave that warrior, send Death and
+sweet Sleep to bear him, even till they come to the land of wide Lykia, there
+will his kindred and friends bury him, with a barrow and a pillar, for this is
+the due of the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake she, nor did the father of gods and men disregard her. But he shed
+bloody raindrops on the earth, honouring his dear son, that Patroklos was about
+to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troia, far off from his own country. Now
+when they were come near each other in onset, there verily did Patroklos smite
+the renowned Thrasymelos, the good squire of the prince Sarpedon, on the lower
+part of the belly, and loosened his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his
+shining javelin, as he in turn rushed on, but wounded the horse Pedasos on the
+right shoulder with the spear, and he shrieked as he breathed his life away,
+and fell crying in the dust, and his spirit fled from him. But the other twain
+reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and the reins were confused on
+them, when their trace-horse lay in the dust. But thereof did Automedon, the
+spearman renowned, find a remedy, and drawing his long-edged sword from his
+stout thigh, he leaped forth, and cut adrift the horse, with no delay, and the
+pair righted themselves, and strained in the reins, and they met again in
+life-devouring war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again Sarpedon missed with his shining dart, and the point of the spear
+flew over the left shoulder of Patroklos and smote him not, but he in turn
+arose with the bronze, and his javelin flew not vainly from his hand, but
+struck Sarpedon even where the midriff clasps the beating heart. And he fell as
+falls an oak, or a silver poplar, or a slim pine tree, that on the hills the
+shipwrights fell with whetted axes, to be timber for ship-building; even so
+before the horses and chariot he lay at length, moaning aloud, and clutching at
+the bloody dust. And as when a lion hath fallen on a herd, and slain a bull,
+tawny and high of heart, among the kine of trailing gait, and he perishes
+groaning beneath the claws of the lion, even so under Patroklos did the leader
+of the Lykian shieldmen rage, even in death, and he called to his dear comrade:
+“Dear Glaukos, warrior among warlike men, now most doth it behove thee to
+be a spearman, and a hardy fighter: now let baneful war be dear to thee, if
+indeed thou art a man of might. First fare all about and urge on the heroes
+that be leaders of the Lykians, to fight for Sarpedon, and thereafter thyself
+do battle for me with the sword. For to thee even in time to come shall I be
+shame and disgrace for ever, all thy days, if the Achaians strip me of mine
+armour, fallen in the gathering of the ships. Nay, hold out manfully, and spur
+on all the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as he spake thus, the end of death veiled over his eyes and his nostrils,
+but Patroklos, setting foot on his breast drew the spear out of his flesh, and
+the midriff followed with the spear, so that he drew forth together the spear
+point, and the soul of Sarpedon; and the Myrmidons held there his panting
+steeds, eager to fly afar, since the chariot was reft of its lords.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dread sorrow came on Glaukos, when he heard the voice of Sarpedon, and his
+heart was stirred, that he availed not to succour him. And with his hand he
+caught and held his arm, for the wound galled him, the wound of the arrow
+wherewith, as he pressed on towards the lofty wall, Teukros had smitten him,
+warding off destruction from his fellows. Then in prayer spake Glaukos to
+far-darting Apollo: “Hear, O Prince that art somewhere in the rich land
+of Lykia, or in Troia, for thou canst listen everywhere to the man that is in
+need, as even now need cometh upon me. For I have this stark wound, and mine
+arm is thoroughly pierced with sharp pains, nor can my blood be stanched, and
+by the wound is my shoulder burdened, and I cannot hold my spear firm, nor go
+and fight against the enemy. And the best of men has perished, Sarpedon, the
+son of Zeus, and he succours not even his own child. But do thou, O Prince,
+heal me this stark wound, and lull my pains, and give me strength, that I may
+call on my Lykian kinsmen, and spur them to the war, and myself may fight about
+the dead man fallen.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he in his prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Straightway he made
+his pains to cease, and in the grievous wound stanched the black blood, and put
+courage into his heart. And Glaukos knew it within him, and was glad, for that
+the great god speedily heard his prayer. First went he all about and urged on
+them that were leaders of the Lykians to fight around Sarpedon, and thereafter
+he went with long strides among the Trojans, to Polydamas son of Panthoos and
+noble Agenor, and he went after Aineias, and Hector of the helm of bronze, and
+standing by them spake winged words: “Hector, now surely art thou utterly
+forgetful of the allies, that for thy sake, far from their friends and their
+own country, breathe their lives away! but thou carest not to aid them!
+Sarpedon lies low, the leader of the Lykian shieldmen, he that defended Lykia
+by his dooms and his might, yea him hath mailed Ares subdued beneath the spear
+of Patroklos. But, friends, stand by him, and be angry in your hearts lest the
+Myrmidons strip him of his harness, and dishonour the dead, in wrath for the
+sake of the Danaans, even them that perished, whom we slew with spears by the
+swift ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and sorrow seized the Trojans utterly, ungovernable and not to be
+borne; for Sarpedon was ever the stay of their city, all a stranger as he was,
+for many people followed with him, and himself the best warrior of them all.
+Then they made straight for the Danaans eagerly, and Hector led them, being
+wroth for Sarpedol’s sake. But the fierce heart of Patrokloa son of
+Menoitios urged on the Achaians. And he spake first to the twain Aiantes that
+themselves were right eager: “Aiantes, now let defence be your desire,
+and be such as afore ye were among men, or even braver yet. That man lies low
+who first leaped on to the wall of the Achaians, even Sarpedon. Nay, let us
+strive to take him, and work his body shame, and strip the harness from his
+shoulders, and many a one of his comrades fighting for his sake let us subdue
+with the pitiless bronze.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and they themselves were eager in defence. So on both sides they
+strengthened the companies, Trojans and Lykians, Myrmidons and Achaians, and
+they joined battle to fight around the dead man fallen; terribly they shouted,
+and loud rang the harness of men. And as the din ariseth of woodcutters in the
+glades of a mountain, and the sound thereof is heard far away, so rose the din
+of them from the wide-wayed earth, the noise of bronze and of well-tanned
+bulls’ hides smitten with swords and double-pointed spears. And now not
+even a clear-sighted man could any longer have known noble Sarpedon, for with
+darts and blood and dust was he covered wholly from head to foot. And ever men
+thronged about the dead, as in a steading flies buzz around the full
+milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the bowls, even so
+thronged they about the dead. Nor ever did Zeus turn from the strong fight his
+shining eyes, but ever looked down on them, and much in his heart he debated of
+the slaying of Patroklos, whether there and then above divine Sarpedon glorious
+Hector should slay him likewise in strong battle with the sword, and strip his
+harness from his shoulders, or whether to more men yet he should deal sheer
+labour of war. And thus to him as he pondered it seemed the better way, that
+the gallant squire of Achilles, Peleus’ son, should straightway drive the
+Trojans and Hector of the helm of bronze towards the city, and should rob many
+of their life. And in Hector first he put a weakling heart, and leaping into
+his car Hector turned in flight, and cried on the rest of the Trojans to flee,
+for he knew the turning of the sacred scales of Zeus. Thereon neither did the
+strong Lykians abide, but fled all in fear, when they beheld their king
+stricken to the heart, lying in the company of the dead, for many had fallen
+above him, when Kronion made fierce the fight. Then the others stripped from
+the shoulders of Sarpedon his shining arms of bronze, and these the strong son
+of Menoitios gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. Then Zeus that
+gathereth the clouds spake to Apollo: “Prithee, dear Phoebus, go take
+Sarpedon out of range of darts, and cleanse the black blood from him, and
+thereafter bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of the river, and
+anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him in garments that wax not old, and send
+him to be wafted by fleet convoy, by the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+quickly will set him in the rich land of wide Lykia. There will his kinsmen and
+clansmen give him burial, with barrow and pillar, for such is the due of the
+dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father. He went down the hills
+of Ida to the dread battle din, and straight way bore goodly Sarpedon out of
+the darts, and carried him far away and bathed him in the streams of the river,
+and anointed him with ambrosia, and clad him in garments that wax not old, and
+sent him to be wafted by fleet convoy, the twin brethren Sleep and Death, that
+swiftly set him down in the rich land of wide Lykia. But Patroklos cried to his
+horses and Automedon, and after the Trojans and Lykians went he, and so was
+blindly forgetful, in his witlessness, for if he had kept the saying of the son
+of Peleus, verily he should have escaped the evil fate of black death. But ever
+is the wit of Zeus stronger than the wit of men, so now he roused the spirit of
+Patroklos in his breast. There whom first, whom last didst thou slay,
+Patroklos, when the gods called thee deathward? Adrestos first, and Autonoos,
+and Echeklos, and Perimos, son of Megas, and Epistor, and Melanippos, and
+thereafter Elasos, and Moulios, and Pylartes; these he slew, but the others
+were each man of them fain of flight. Then would the sons of the Achaians have
+taken high-gated Troy, by the hands of Patroklos, for around and before him he
+raged with the spear, but that Phoebus Apollo stood on the well-builded wall,
+with baneful thoughts towards Patroklos, and succouring the Trojans. Thrice
+clomb Patroklos on the corner of the lofty wall, and thrice did Apollo force
+him back and smote the shining shield with his immortal hands. But when for the
+fourth time he came on like a god, then cried far-darting Apollo terribly, and
+spake winged words: “Give back, Patroklos of the seed of Zeus! Not
+beneath thy spear is it fated that the city of the valiant Trojans shall fall,
+nay nor beneath Achilles, a man far better than thou.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and Patroklos retreated far back, avoiding the wrath of
+far-darting Apollo. But Hector within the Skaian gates was restraining his
+whole-hooved horses, pondering whether he should drive again into the din and
+fight, or should call unto the host to gather to the wall. While thus he was
+thinking, Phoebus Apollo stood by him in the guise of a young man and a strong,
+Asios, who was the mother’s brother of horse-taming Hector, being own
+brother of Hekabe, and son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia, on the streams of
+Sangarios. In his guise spake Apollo, son of Zeus, to Hector: “Hector,
+wherefore dost thou cease from fight? It doth not behove thee. Would that I
+were as much stronger than thou as I am weaker, thereon quickly shouldst thou
+stand aloof from war to thy hurt. But come, turn against Patroklos thy
+strong-hooved horses, if perchance thou mayst slay him, and Apollo give thee
+glory.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake the god, and went back again into the moil of men. But renowned Hector
+bade wise-hearted Kebriones to lash his horses into the war. Then Apollo went
+and passed into the press, and sent a dread panic among the Argives, but to the
+Trojans and Hector gave he renown. And Hector let the other Argives be, and
+slew none of them, but against Patroklos he turned his strong-hooved horses,
+and Patroklos on the other side leaped from his chariot to the ground, with a
+spear in his left hand, and in his other hand grasped a shining jagged stone,
+that his hand covered. Firmly he planted himself and hurled it, nor long did he
+shrink from his foe, nor was his cast in vain, but he struck Kebriones the
+charioteer of Hector, the bastard son of renowned Priam, on the brow with the
+sharp stone, as he held the reins of the horses. Both his brows the stone drave
+together, and his bone held not, but his eyes fell to the ground in the dust,
+there, in front of his feet. Then he, like a diver, fell from the well-wrought
+car, and his spirit left his bones. Then taunting him didst thou address him,
+knightly Patroklos: “Out on it, how nimble a man, how lightly he diveth!
+Yea, if perchance he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by
+seeking for oysters, leaping from the ship, even if it were stormy weather, so
+lightly now he diveth from the chariot into the plain. Verily among the Trojans
+too there be diving men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So speaking he set on the hero Kebriones with the rush of a lion, that while
+wasting the cattle-pens is smitten in the breast, and his own valour is his
+bane, even so against Kebriones, Patroklos, didst thou leap furiously. But
+Hector, on the other side, leaped from his chariot to the ground. And these
+twain strove for Kebriones like lions, that on the mountain peaks fight, both
+hungering, both high of heart, for a slain hind. Even so for Kebriones’
+sake these two masters of the war-cry, Patroklos son of Menoitios, and renowned
+Hector, were eager each to hew the other’s flesh with the ruthless
+bronze.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Hector then seized him by the head, and slackened not hold, while Patroklos on
+the other side grasped him by the foot, and thereon the others, Trojans and
+Danaans, joined strong battle. And as the East wind and the South contend with
+one another in shaking a deep wood in the dells of a mountain, shaking beech,
+and ash, and smooth-barked cornel tree, that clash against each other their
+long boughs with marvellous din, and a noise of branches broken, so the Trojans
+and Achaians were leaping on each other and slaying, nor had either side any
+thought of ruinous flight. And many sharp darts were fixed around Kebriones,
+and winged arrows leaping from the bow-string, and many mighty stones smote the
+shields of them that fought around him. But he in the whirl of dust lay mighty
+and mightily fallen, forgetful of his chivalry.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now while the sun was going about mid-heaven, so long the darts smote either
+side, and the host fell, but when the sun turned to the time of the loosing of
+oxen, lo, then beyond their doom the Achaians proved the better. The hero
+Kebriones drew they forth from the darts, out of the tumult of the Trojans, and
+stripped the harness from his shoulders, and with ill design against the
+Trojans, Patroklos rushed upon them. Three times then rushed he on, peer of
+swift Ares, shouting terribly, and thrice he slew nine men. But when the fourth
+time he sped on like a god, thereon to thee, Patroklos, did the end of life
+appear, for Phoebus met thee in the strong battle, in dreadful wise. And
+Patroklos was not ware of him coming through the press, for hidden in thick
+mist did he meet him, and stood behind him, and smote his back and broad
+shoulders with a down-stroke of his hand, and his eyes were dazed. And from his
+head Phoebus Apollo smote the helmet that rolled rattling away with a din
+beneath the hooves of the horses, the helm with upright socket, and the crests
+were defiled with blood and dust. And all the long-shadowed spear was shattered
+in the hands of Patroklos, the spear great and heavy and strong, and sharp,
+while from his shoulders the tasselled shield with the baldric fell to the
+ground.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the prince Apollo, son of Zeus, loosed his corslet, and blindness seized
+his heart and his shining limbs were unstrung, and he stood in amaze, and at
+close quarters from behind a Dardanian smote him on the back, between the
+shoulders, with a sharp spear, even Euphorbos, son of Panthoos, who excelled
+them of his age in casting the spear, and in horsemanship, and in speed of
+foot. Even thus, verily, had he cast down twenty men from their chariots,
+though then first had he come with his car to learn the lesson of war. He it
+was that first smote a dart into thee, knightly Patroklos, nor overcame thee,
+but ran back again and mingled with the throng, first drawing forth from the
+flesh his ashen spear, nor did he abide the onset of Patroklos, unarmed as he
+was, in the strife. But Patroklos, being overcome by the stroke of the god, and
+by the spear, gave ground, and retreated to the host of his comrades, avoiding
+Fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-hearted Patroklos give ground, being
+smitten with the keen bronze, came nigh unto him through the ranks, and wounded
+him with a spear, in the lowermost part of the belly, and drave the bronze
+clean through. And he fell with a crash, and sorely grieved the host of
+Achaians. And as when a lion hath overcome in battle an untiring boar, they
+twain fighting with high heart on the crests of a hill, about a little well,
+and both are desirous to drink, and the lion hath by force overcome the boar
+that draweth difficult breath; so after that he had slain many did Hector son
+of Priam take the life away from the strong son of Menoitios, smiting him at
+close quarters with the spear; and boasting over him he spake winged words:
+“Patroklos, surely thou saidst that thou wouldst sack my town, and from
+Trojan women take away the day of freedom, and bring them in ships to thine own
+dear country: fool! nay, in front of these were the swift horses of Hector
+straining their speed for the fight; and myself in wielding the spear excel
+among the war-loving Trojans, even I who ward from them the day of destiny: but
+thee shall vultures here devour. Ah, wretch, surely Achilles for all his
+valour, availed thee not, who straitly charged thee as thou camest, he abiding
+there, saying, ‘Come not to me, Patroklos lord of steeds, to the hollow
+ships, till thou hast torn the gory doublet of man-slaying Hector about his
+breast;’ so, surely, he spake to thee, and persuaded the wits of thee in
+thy witlessness.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then faintly didst thou answer him, knightly Patroklos: “Boast greatly,
+as now, Hector, for to thee have Zeus, son of Kronos, and Apollo given the
+victory, who lightly have subdued me; for themselves stripped my harness from
+my shoulders. But if twenty such as thou had encountered me, here had they all
+perished, subdued beneath my spear. But me have ruinous Fate and the son of
+Leto slain, and of men Euphorbos, but thou art the third in my slaying. But
+another thing will I tell thee, and do thou lay it up in thy heart: verily thou
+thyself art not long to live, but already doth Death stand hard by thee, and
+strong Fate, that thou art to be subdued by the hands of noble Achilles, of the
+seed of Aiakos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Even as so he spake the end of death overshadowed him. And his soul, fleeting
+from his limbs, went down to the house of Hades, wailing its own doom, leaving
+manhood and youth.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then renowned Hector spake to him even in his death: “Patroklos,
+wherefore to me dolt thou prophesy sheer destruction? who knows but that
+Achilles, the child of fair-tressed Thetis, will first be smitten by my spear,
+and lose his life?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, and drew the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his foot on
+the dead, and cast him off on his back from the spear. And straightway with the
+spear he went after Automedon, the godlike squire of the swift-footed Aiakides,
+for he was eager to smite him; but his swift-footed immortal horses bare him
+out of the battle, horses that the gods gave to Peleus, a splendid gift.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap17"></a>BOOK XVII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the battle around the body of Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, was not unaware of the slaying of
+Patroklos by the Trojans in the fray. He went up through the front of the fight
+harnessed in flashing bronze, and strode over the body as above a first-born
+calf standeth lowing its mother. Thus above Patroklos strode fair-haired
+Menelaos, and before him held his spear and the circle of his shield, eager to
+slay whoever should encounter him. Then was Panthoos’ son of the stout
+ashen spear not heedless of noble Patroklos as he lay, and he smote on the
+circle of the shield of Menelaos, but the bronze spear brake it not, but the
+point was bent back in the stubborn shield. And Menelaos Atreus’ son in
+his turn made at him with his bronze spear, having prayed unto father Zeus, and
+as he gave back pierced the nether part of his throat, and threw his weight
+into the stroke, following his heavy hand; and sheer through the tender neck
+went the point of the spear. And he fell with a crash, and his armour rang upon
+him. In blood was his hair drenched that was like unto the hair of the Graces,
+and his tresses closely knit with bands of silver and gold.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then easily would the son of Atreus have borne off the noble spoils of
+Panthoos’ son, had not Phoebus Apollo grudged it to him, and aroused
+against him Hector peer of swift Ares, putting on the semblance of a man, of
+Mentes chief of the Kikones. And he spake aloud to him winged words:
+“Hector, now art thou hasting after things unattainable, even the horses
+of wise Aiakides; for hard are they to be tamed or driven by mortal man, save
+only Achilles whom an immortal mother bare. Meanwhile hath warlike Menelaos
+Atreus’ son stridden over Patroklos and slain the best of the Trojans
+there, even Panthoos’ son Euphorbos, and hath stayed him in his impetuous
+might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying the god went back into the strife of men, but dire grief darkened
+Hectors inmost soul, and then he gazed searchingly along the lines, and
+straightway was aware of the one man stripping off the noble arms, and the
+other lying on the earth; and blood was flowing about the gaping wound. Then he
+went through the front of the fight harnessed in flashing bronze, crying a
+shrill cry, like unto Hephaistos’ flame unquenchable. Not deaf to his
+shrill cry was Atreus’ son, and sore troubled he spake to his great
+heart: “Ay me, if I shall leave behind me these goodly arms, and
+Patroklos who here lieth for my vengeance’ sake, I fear lest some Danaan
+beholding it be wroth against me. But if for honour’s sake I do battle
+alone with Hector and the Trojans, I fear lest they come about me many against
+one; for all the Trojans is bright-helmed Hector leading hither. But if I might
+somewhere find Aias of the loud war-cry, then both together would we go and be
+mindful of battle even were it against the power of heaven, if haply we might
+save his dead for Achilles Peleus’ son: that were best among these
+ills.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he communed with his mind and heart, therewithal the Trojan ranks
+came onward, and Hector at their head. Then Menelaos gave backward, and left
+the dead man, turning himself ever about like a deep-waned lion which men and
+dogs chase from a fold with spears and cries; and his strong heart within him
+groweth chill, and loth goeth he from the steading; so from Patroklos went
+fair-haired Menelaos, and turned and stood, when he came to the host of his
+comrades, searching for mighty Aias Telamol’s son. Him very speedily he
+espied on the left of the whole battle, cheering his comrades and rousing them
+to fight, for great terror had Phoebus Apollo sent on them; and he hasted him
+to run, and straightway stood by him and said: “This way, beloved Aias;
+let us bestir us for the dead Patroklos, if haply his naked corpse at least we
+may carry to Achilles, though his armour is held by Hector of the glancing
+helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and aroused the heart of wise Aias. And he went up through the
+front of the fight, and with him fair-haired Menelaos. Now Hector, when he had
+stripped from Patroklos his noble armour, was dragging him thence that he might
+cut off the head from the shoulders with the keen bronze and carry his body to
+give to the dogs of Troy. But Aias came anigh, and the shield that he bare was
+as a tower; then Hector gave back into the company of his comrades, and sprang
+into his chariot; and the goodly armour he gave to the Trojans to carry to the
+city, to be great glory unto him. But Aias spread his broad shield over the son
+of Menoitios and stood as it were a lion before his whelps when huntsmen in a
+forest encounter him as he leadeth his young. And by his side stood
+Atreus’ son, Menelaos dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in his breast.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hector called on the Trojans with a mighty shout; “Trojans and
+Lykians and Dardanians that fight hand to hand, be men, my friends, and bethink
+you of impetuous valour, until I do on me the goodly arms of noble Achilles
+that I stripped from brave Patroklos when I slew him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken went Hector of the glancing helm forth out of the strife of
+war, and ran and speedily with fleet feet following overtook his comrades, not
+yet far off, who were bearing to the city Peleides’ glorious arms. And
+standing apart from the dolorous battle he changed his armour; his own he gave
+the warlike Trojans to carry to sacred Ilios, and he put on the divine arms of
+Achilles, Peleus’ son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when Zeus that gathereth the clouds beheld from afar off Hector arming him
+in the armour of Peleus’ godlike son, he shook his head and spake thus
+unto his soul: “Ah, hapless man, no thought is in thy heart of death that
+yet draweth nigh unto thee; thou doest on thee the divine armour of a peerless
+man before whom the rest have terror. His comrade, gentle and brave, thou hast
+slain, and unmeetly hast stripped the armour from his head and shoulders; yet
+now for a while at least I will give into thy hands great might, in recompense
+for this, even that nowise shalt thou come home out of the battle, for
+Andromache to receive from thee Peleides’ glorious arms.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and bowed his dark brows therewithal.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the armour fitted itself unto Hectors body, and Ares the dread war-god
+entered into him, and his limbs were filled within with valour and strength.
+Then he sped among the noble allies with a mighty cry, and in the flashing of
+his armour he seemed to all of them like unto Peleus’ great-hearted son.
+And he came to each and encouraged him with his words—Mesthles and Glaukos and
+Medon and Thersilochos and Asteropaios and Deisenor and Hippothoos and Phorkys
+and Chromios and the augur Ennomos—these encouraged he and spake to them winged
+words: “Listen, ye countless tribes of allies that dwell round about. It
+was not for mere numbers that I sought or longed when I gathered each of you
+from your cities, but that ye might zealously guard the Trojans’ wives
+and infant little ones from the war-loving Achaians. For this end am I wearying
+my people by taking gifts and food from them, and nursing thereby the courage
+of each of you. Now therefore let all turn straight against the foe and live or
+die, for such is the dalliance of war. And whoso shall drag Patroklos, dead
+though he be, among the horse-taming men of Troy, and make Aias yield, to him
+will I award half the spoils and keep half myself; so shall his glory be great
+as mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they against the Danaans charged with all their weight,
+levelling their spears, and their hearts were high of hope to drag the corpse
+from under Aias, Telamol’s son. Fond men! from full many reft he life
+over that corpse. And then spake Aias to Menelaos of the loud war-cry:
+“Dear Menelaos, fosterling of Zeus, no longer count I that we two of
+ourselves shall return home out of the war. Nor have I so much dread for the
+corpse of Patroklos, that shall soon glut the dogs and birds of the men of
+Troy, as for thy head and mine lest some evil fall thereon, for all is shrouded
+by a storm-cloud of war, even by Hector, and sheer doom stareth in our face.
+But come, call thou to the best men of the Danaans, if haply any hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Menelaos of the loud war-cry disregarded him not, but
+shouted unto the Danaans, crying a far-heard cry: “O friends, ye leaders
+and counsellors of the Argives, who by the side of the sons of Atreus,
+Agamemnon and Menelaos, drink at the common cost and are all commanders of the
+host, on whom wait glory and honour from Zeus, hard is it for me to distinguish
+each chief amid the press—such blaze is there of the strife of war. But let
+each go forward of himself and be wroth at heart that Patroklos should become a
+sport among the dogs of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Oileus’ son fleet Aias heard him clearly, and was
+first to run along the mellay to meet him, and after him Idomeneus, and
+Idomeneus’ brother-in-arms, Meriones, peer of the man-slaying war-god.
+And who shall of his own thought tell the names of the rest, even of all that
+after these aroused the battle of the Achaians?
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Trojans charged forward in close array, and Hector led them. And as
+when at the mouth of some heaven-born river a mighty wave roareth against the
+stream, and arouseth the high cliffs’ echo as the salt sea belloweth on
+the beach, so loud was the cry wherewith the Trojans came. But the Achaians
+stood firm around Menoitios’ son with one soul all, walled in with
+shields of bronze. And over their bright helmets the son of Kronos shed thick
+darkness, for in the former time was Menoitios’ son not unloved of him,
+while he was yet alive and squire of Aiakides. So was Zeus loth that he should
+become a prey of the dogs of his enemies at Troy, and stirred his comrades to
+do battle for him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now first the Trojans thrust back the glancing-eyed Achaians, who shrank before
+them and left the dead, yet the proud Trojans slew not any of them with spears,
+though they were fain, but set to hale the corpse. But little while would the
+Achaians hold back therefrom, for very swiftly Aias rallied them, Aias the
+first in presence and in deeds of all the Danaans after the noble son of
+Peleus. Right through the fighters in the forefront rushed he like a wild boar
+in his might that in the mountains when he turneth at bay scattereth lightly
+dogs and lusty young men through the glades. Thus did proud Telamol’s son
+the glorious Aias press on the Trojan battalions and lightly scatter them, as
+they had bestrode Patroklos and were full fain to drag him to their city and
+win renown.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then would the Trojans in their turn in their weakness overcome have been
+driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares, and the Argives would have
+won glory even against the appointment of Zeus by their power and might. But
+Apollo himself aroused Aineias, putting on the semblance of Periphas the
+herald, the son of Epytos, who grew old with his old father in his heraldship,
+of friendly thought toward Aineias. In his similitude spake Apollo, son of
+Zeus: “Aineias, how could ye ever guard high Ilios if it were against the
+will of God? Other men have I seen that trust in their own might and power and
+valour, and in their host, even though they have scant folk to lead. But here,
+albeit Zeus is fainer far to give victory to us than to the Danaans, yet ye are
+dismayed exceedingly and fight not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Aineias knew far-darting Apollo when he looked upon his
+face, and spake unto Hector, shouting loud “Hector and ye other leaders
+of the Trojans and their allies, shame were this if in our weakness overcome we
+were driven back into Ilios by the Achaians dear to Ares. Nay, thus saith a
+god, who standeth by my side: Zeus, highest Orderer, is our helper in this
+fight. Therefore let us go right onward against the Danaans. Not easily at
+least let them take the dead Patroklos to the ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and leapt forth far before the fighters in the front. And the
+Trojans rallied and stood up against the Achaians. Thus strove they as it had
+been fire, nor wouldst thou have thought there was still sun or moon, for over
+all the battle where the chiefs stood around the slain son of Menoitios they
+were shrouded in darkness, while the other Trojans and well-greaved Achaians
+fought at ease in the clear air, and piercing sunlight was spread over them,
+and on all the earth and hills there was no cloud seen; and they ceased
+fighting now sad again, avoiding each other’s dolorous darts and standing
+far apart. But they who were in the midst endured affliction of the darkness
+and the battle, and all the best men of them were wearied by the pitiless
+weight of their bronze arms.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus all day long waxed the mighty fray of their sore strife; and unabatingly
+ever with the sweat of toil were the knees and legs and feet of each man and
+arms anal eyes bedewed as the two hosts did battle around the brave squire of
+fleet Aiakides. And as when a man giveth the hide of a great bull to his folk
+to stretch, all soaked in fat, and they take and stretch it standing in a
+circle, and straightway the moisture thereof departeth and the fat entereth in
+under the haling of many hands, and it is all stretched throughout,—thus they
+on both sides haled the dead man this way and that in narrow space, for their
+hearts were high of hope, the Trojans that they should drag him to Ilios and
+the Achaians to the hollow ships; and around him the fray waxed wild, nor might
+Ares rouser of hosts nor Athene despise the sight thereof, albeit their anger
+were exceeding great.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Such was the grievous travail of men and horses over Patroklos that Zeus on
+that day wrought. But not as yet knew noble Achilles aught of Patroklos’
+death, for far away from the swift ships they were fighting beneath the wall of
+the men of Troy. Therefore never deemed he in his heart that he was dead, but
+that he should come back alive, after that he had touched the gates; for
+neither that other thought had he anywise, that Patroklos should sack the
+stronghold without his aid.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the rest continually around the dead man with their keen spears made onset
+relentlessly and slew each the other. And thus would one speak among the
+mail-clad Achaians: “Friends, it were verily not glorious for us to go
+back to the hollow ships; rather let the black earth yawn for us all beneath
+our feet. Far better were that straightway for us if we suffer the horse-taming
+Trojans to hale this man to their city and win renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And thus on the other side would one of the great-hearted Trojans say:
+“Friends, though it were our fate that all together we be slain beside
+this man, let none yet give backward from the fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus would one speak, and rouse the spirit of each. So they fought on, and the
+iron din went up through the high desert air unto the brazen heaven. But the
+horses of Aiakides that were apart from the battle were weeping, since first
+they were aware that their charioteer was fallen in the dust beneath the hand
+of man-slaying Hector. Verily Automedon, Diores’ valiant son, plied them
+oft with blows of the swift lash, and oft with gentle words he spake to them
+and oft with chiding, yet would they neither go back to the ships at the broad
+Hellespont nor yet to the battle after the Achaians, but as a pillar abideth
+firm that standeth on the tomb of a man or woman dead, so abode they immovably
+with the beautiful chariot, abasing their heads unto the earth. And hot tears
+flowed from their eyes to the ground as they mourned in sorrow for their
+charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled as they drooped from beneath the
+yoke-cushion on both sides beside the yoke. And when the son of Kronos beheld
+them mourning he had compassion on them, and shook his head and spake to his
+own heart: “Ah, hapless pair, why gave we you to king Peleus, a mortal
+man, while ye are deathless and ever young? Was it that ye should suffer
+sorrows among ill-fated men? For methinketh there is nothing more piteous than
+a man among all things that breathe and creep upon the earth. But verily Hector
+Priam’s son shall not drive you and your deftly-wrought car; that will I
+not suffer. Is it a small thing that he holdeth the armour and vaunteth himself
+vainly thereupon? Nay, I will put courage into your knees and heart that ye may
+bring Automedon also safe out of the war to the hollow ships. For yet further
+will I increase victory to the men of Troy, so that they slay until they come
+unto the well-timbered ships, and the sun set and divine night come
+down.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he breathed good courage into the horses. And they shook to earth
+the dust from their manes, and lightly bare the swift car amid Trojans and
+Achaians. And behind them fought Automedon, albeit in grief for his comrade,
+swooping with his chariot as a vulture on wild geese; for lightly he would flee
+out of the onset of the Trojans and lightly charge, pursuing them through the
+thick mellay. Yet could he not slay any man as he halted to pursue them, for it
+was impossible that being alone in his sacred car he should at once assail them
+with the spear and hold his fleet horses. Then at last espied him a comrade,
+even Alkimedon son of Laerkes, son of Haimon, and he halted behind the car and
+spake unto Automedon: “Automedon, what god hath put into thy breast
+unprofitable counsel and taken from thee wisdom, that thus alone thou art
+fighting against the Trojans in the forefront of the press? Thy comrade even
+now was slain, and Hector goeth proudly, wearing on his own shoulders the
+armour of Aiakides.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Automedon son of Diores answered him, saying: “Alkimedon, what other
+Achaian hath like skill to guide the spirit of immortal steeds, save only
+Patroklos, peer of gods in counsel, while he yet lived? but now have death and
+fate overtaken him. But take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will get me
+down from my horses, that I may fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Alkimedon leapt on the fleet war-chariot and swiftly took
+the lash and reins in his hands, and Automedon leapt down. And noble Hector
+espied them, and straightway spake unto Aineias as he stood near:
+“Aineias, counsellor of mail-clad Trojans, I espy here the two horses of
+fleet Aiakides come forth to battle with feeble charioteers. Therefore might I
+hope to take them if thou in thy heart art willing, since they would not abide
+our onset and stand to do battle against us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the brave son of Anchises disregarded him not. And they
+twain went right onward, their shoulders shielded by ox-hides dried and tough,
+and bronze thick overlaid. And with them went both Chromios and godlike Aretos,
+and their hearts were of high hope to slay the men and drive off the
+strong-necked horses—fond hope, for not without blood lost were they to get
+them back from Automedon. He praying to father Zeus was filled in his inmost
+heart with valour and strength. And straightway he spake to Alkimedon, his
+faithful comrade: “Alkimedon, hold the horses not far from me, but with
+their very breath upon my back; for I deem that Hector the son of Priam will
+not refrain him from his fury until he mount behind Achilles’ horses of
+goodly manes after slaying us twain, and dismay the ranks of Argive men, or
+else himself fall among the foremost.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and called upon the Aiantes and Menelaos: “Aiantes, leaders
+of the Argives, and Menelaos, lo now, commit ye the corpse unto whoso may best
+avail to bestride it and resist the ranks of men, and come ye to ward the day
+of doom from us who are yet alive, for here in the dolorous war are Hector and
+Aineias, the best men of the Trojans, pressing hard. Yet verily these issues
+lie in the lap of the gods: I too will cast my spear, and the rest shall Zeus
+decide.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and smote on the
+circle of the shield of Aretos, and the shield sustained not the spear, but
+right through went the bronze, and he forced it into his belly low down through
+his belt. And as when a strong man with a sharp axe smiting behind the horns of
+an ox of the homestead cleaveth the sinew asunder, and the ox leapeth forward
+and falleth, so leapt Aretos forward and fell on his back; and the spear in his
+entrails very piercingly quivering unstrung his limbs. And Hector hurled at
+Automedon with his bright spear, but he looked steadfastly on the bronze
+javelin as it came at him and avoided it, for he stooped forward, and the long
+spear fixed itself in the ground behind, and the javelin-butt quivered, and
+there dread Ares took away its force. And then had they lashed at each other
+with their swords hand to hand, had not the Aiantes parted them in their fury,
+when they were come through the mellay at their comrades’ call. Before
+them Hector and Aineias and godlike Chromios shrank backward and gave ground
+and left Aretos wounded to the death as he lay. And Automedon, peer of swift
+Ares, stripped off the armour of the dead, and spake exultingly: “Verily,
+I have a little eased my heart of grief for the death of Menoitios’ son,
+albeit a worse man than him have I slain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he took up the gory spoils and set them in his car, and gat him
+thereon, with feet and hands all bloody, as a lion that hath devoured a bull.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now great-hearted Aias and Menelaos were aware of Zeus how he gave the Trojans
+their turn to victory. First of these to speak was great Aias son of Telamon:
+“Ay me, now may any man, even though he be a very fool, know that father
+Zeus himself is helping the Trojans. Come, let us ourselves devise some
+excellent means, that we may both hale the corpse away and ourselves return
+home to the joy of our friends, who grieve as they look hitherward and deem
+that no longer shall the fury of man-slaying Hector’s unapproachable hand
+refrain itself, but fall upon the black ships. And would there were some
+comrade to carry tidings with all speed unto the son of Peleus, since I deem
+that he hath not even heard the grievous tidings, how his dear comrade is
+slain. But nowhere can I behold such an one among the Achaians, for themselves
+and their horses likewise are wrapped in darkness. O father Zeus, deliver thou
+the sons of the Achaians from the darkness, and make clear sky and vouchsafe
+sight unto our eyes. In the light be it that thou slayest us, since it is thy
+good pleasure that we die.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fair-haired Menelaos departed glancing everywhither, as an eagle which men
+say hath keenest sight of all birds under heaven, and though he be far aloft
+the fleet-footed hare eludeth him not by crouching beneath a leafy bush, but
+the eagle swoopeth thereon and swiftly seizeth her and taketh her life. Thus in
+that hour, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, ranged thy shining eyes everywhither
+through the multitude of the host of thy comrades, if haply they might behold
+Nestor’s son yet alive. Him quickly he perceived at the left of the whole
+battle, heartening his comrades and rousing them to fight. And fair-haired
+Menelaos came and stood nigh and said unto him: “Antilochos, fosterling
+of Zeus, come hither that thou mayest learn woful tidings—would it had never
+been. Ere now, I ween, thou too hast known by thy beholding that God rolleth
+mischief upon the Danaans, and with the Trojans is victory. And slain is the
+best man of the Achaians, Patroklos, and great sorrow is wrought for the
+Danaans. But run thou to the ships of the Achaians and quickly tell this to
+Achilles, if haply he may straightway rescue to his ship the naked corpse: but
+his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helmet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Antilochos had horror of the word he heard. And long time
+speechlessness possessed him, and his eyes were filled with tears, and his full
+voice choked. Yet for all this disregarded he not the bidding of Menelaos, but
+set him to run, when he had given his armour to a noble comrade, Laodokos, who
+close anigh him was wheeling his whole-hooved horses.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So him his feet bare out of the battle weeping, to Achilles son of Peleus
+carrying an evil tale. But thy heart, Menelaos fosterling of Zeus, chose not to
+stay to aid the wearied comrades from whom Antilochos departed, and great
+sorrow was among the Pylians. But to them Menelaos sent noble Thrasymedes, and
+himself went again to bestride the hero Patroklos. And he hasted and stood
+beside the Aiantes and straightway spake to them: “So have I sent that
+man to the swift ships to go to fleet-footed Achilles. Yet deem I not that he
+will now come, for all his wrath against noble Hector, for he could not fight
+unarmed against the men of Troy. But let us ourselves devise some excellent
+means, both how we may hale the dead away, and how we ourselves may escape
+death and fate amid the Trojans’ battle-cry.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him great Aias Telamol’s son, saying: “All this hast
+thou said well, most noble Menelaos. But do thou and Meriones put your
+shoulders beneath the dead and lift him and bear him swiftly out of the fray,
+while we twain behind you shall do battle with the Trojans and noble Hector,
+one in heart as we are in name, for from of old time we are wont to await
+fierce battle side by side.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the others took the dead man in their arms and lifted him
+mightily on high. But the Trojan host behind cried aloud when they saw the
+Achaians lifting the corpse, and charged like hounds that spring in front of
+hunter-youths upon a wounded wild boar, and for a while run in haste to rend
+him, but when he wheeleth round among them, trusting in his might, then they
+give ground and shrink back here and there. Thus for a while the Trojans
+pressed on with all their power, striking with swords and double-headed spears,
+but when the Aiantes turned about and halted over against them, then they
+changed colour, and none dared farther onset to do battle around the dead.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap18"></a>BOOK XVIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles grieved for Patroklos, and how Thetis asked for him new armour of
+Hephaistos; and of the making of the armour.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus fought the rest in the likeness of blazing fire, while to Achilles came
+Antilochos, a messenger fleet of foot. Him found he in front of his ships of
+upright horns, boding in his soul the things which even now were accomplished.
+And sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, wherefore again
+are the flowing-haired Achaians flocking to the ships and flying in rout over
+the plain? May the gods not have wrought against me the grievous fears at my
+heart, even as my mother revealed and told me that while I am yet alive the
+best man of the Myrmidons must by deed of the men of Troy forsake the light of
+the sun. Surely now must Menoitios’ valiant son be dead—foolhardy! surely
+I bade him when he should have beaten off the fire of the foe to come back to
+the ships nor with Hector fight amain.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+While thus he held debate in his heart and soul, there drew nigh unto him noble
+Nestor’s son, shedding hot tears, and spake his grievous tidings:
+“Ay me, wise Peleus’ son, very bitter tidings must thou hear, such
+as I would had never been. Fallen is Patroklos, and they are fighting around
+his body, naked, for his armour is held by Hector of the glancing helm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Achilles, and with both
+hands he took dark dust and poured it over his head and defiled his comely
+face, and on his fragrant doublet black ashes fell. And himself in the dust lay
+mighty and mightily fallen, and with his own hands tore and marred his hair.
+And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and Patroklos took captive, cried aloud in
+the grief of their hearts, and ran forth around valiant Achilles, and all beat
+on their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each of them were unstrung.
+And Antilochos on the other side wailed and shed tears, holding Achilles’
+hands while he groaned in his noble heart, for he feared lest he should cleave
+his throat with the sword. Then terribly moaned Achilles; and his lady mother
+heard him as she sate in the depths of the sea beside her ancient sire. And
+thereon she uttered a cry, and the goddesses flocked around her, all the
+daughters of Nereus that were in the deep of the sea. With these the bright
+cave was filled, and they all beat together on their breasts, and Thetis led
+the lament: “Listen, sister Nereids, that ye all hear and know well what
+sorrows are in my heart. Ay me unhappy, ay me that bare to my sorrow the first
+of men! For after I had borne a son noble and strong, the chief of heroes, and
+he shot up like a young branch, then when I had reared him as a plant in a very
+fruitful field I sent him in beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of
+Troy; but never again shall I welcome him back to his home, to the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. But I will
+go, that I may look upon my dear child, and learn what sorrow hath come to him
+though he abide aloof from the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and left the cave; and the nymphs went with her weeping, and
+around them the surge of the sea was sundered. And when they came to
+deep-soiled Troy-land they went up upon the shore in order, where the ships of
+the Myrmidons were drawn up thickly around fleet Achilles. And as he groaned
+heavily his lady mother stood beside him, and with a shrill cry clasped the
+bead of her child, and spake unto him winged words of lamentation: “My
+child, why weepest thou? what sorrow hath come to thy heart? Tell it forth,
+hide it not. One thing at least hath been accomplished of Zeus according to the
+prayer thou madest, holding up to him thy hands, that the sons of the Achaians
+should all be pent in at the ships, through lack of thee, and should suffer
+hateful things.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then groaning heavily spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “My mother,
+that prayer truly hath the Olympian accomplished for me. But what delight have
+I therein, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroklos, whom I honoured above all
+my comrades as it were my very self! Him have I lost, and Hector that slew him
+hath stripped from him the armour great and fair, a wonder to behold, that the
+gods gave to Peleus a splendid gift, on the day when they laid thee in the bed
+of a mortal man. Would thou hadst abode among the deathless daughters of the
+sea, and Peleus had wedded a mortal bride! But now, that thou mayest have
+sorrow a thousand fold in thy heart for a dead son, never shalt thou welcome
+him back home, since my soul biddeth me also live no longer nor abide among
+men, if Hector be not first smitten by my spear and yield his life, and pay for
+his slaughter of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Short-lived, I ween, must
+thou be then, my child, by what thou sayest, for straightway after Hector is
+death appointed unto thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto her Achilles fleet of foot: “Straightway
+may I die, since I might not succour my comrade at his slaying. He hath fallen
+afar from his country and lacked my help in his sore need. Now therefore, since
+I go not back to my dear native land, neither have at all been succour to
+Patroklos nor to all my other comrades that have been slain by noble Hector,
+but I sit beside my ships a profitless burden of the earth, I that in war am
+such an one as is none else of the mail-clad Achaians, though in council are
+others better—may strife perish utterly among gods and men, and wrath that
+stirreth even a wise man to be vexed, wrath that far sweeter than trickling
+honey waxeth like smoke in the breasts of men, even as I was wroth even now
+against Agamemnon king of men. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain,
+curbing the heart in our breasts under necessity. Now go I forth, that I may
+light on the destroyer of him I loved, on Hector: then will I accept my death
+whensoever Zeus willeth to accomplish it and the other immortal gods. For not
+even the mighty Herakles escaped death, albeit most dear to Kronian Zeus the
+king, but Fate overcame him and Hera’s cruel wrath. So also shall I, if
+my fate hath been fashioned likewise, lie low when I am dead. But now let me
+win high renown, let me set some Trojan woman, some deep-bosomed daughter of
+Dardanos, staunching with both hands the tears upon her tender cheeks and
+wailing bitterly; yea, let them know that I am come back, though I tarried long
+from the war. Hold not me then from the battle in thy love, for thou shalt not
+prevail with me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Thetis the silver-footed goddess answered him, saying: “Yea verily,
+my child, no blame is in this, that thou ward sheer destruction from thy
+comrades in their distress. But thy fair glittering armour of bronze is held
+among the Trojans. Hector of the glancing helm beareth it on his shoulders in
+triumph, yet not for long, I ween, shall he glory therein, for death is hard
+anigh him. But thou, go not yet down into the mellay of war until thou see me
+with thine eyes come hither. In the morning will I return, at the coming up of
+the sun, bearing fair armour from the king Hephaistos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she and turned to go from her son, and as she turned she spake among
+her sisters of the sea: “Ye now go down within the wide bosom of the
+deep, to visit the Ancient One of the Sea and our father’s house, and
+tell him all. I am going to high Olympus to Hephaistos of noble skill, if haply
+he will give unto my son noble armour shining gloriously.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and they forthwith went down beneath the surge of the sea. And
+the silver-footed goddess Thetis went on to Olympus that she might bring noble
+armour to her son.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So her unto Olympus her feet bore. But the Achaians with terrible cries were
+fleeing before man-slaying Hector till they came to the ships and to the
+Hellespont. Nor might the well-greaved Achaians drag the corpse of Patroklos
+Achilles’ squire out of the darts, for now again overtook him the host
+and the horses of Troy, and Hector son of Priam, in might as it were a flame of
+fire. Thrice did glorious Hector seize him from behind by the feet, resolved to
+drag him away, and mightily called upon the men of Troy. Thrice did the two
+Aiantes, clothed on with impetuous might, beat him off from the dead man, but
+he nathless, trusting in his might, anon would charge into the press, anon
+would stand and cry aloud, but he gave ground never a whit. As when shepherds
+in the field avail nowise to chase a fiery lion in fierce hunger away from a
+carcase, so availed not the two warrior Aiantes to scare Hector son of Priam
+from the dead. And now would he have won the body and gained renown
+unspeakable, had not fleet wind-footed Iris come speeding from Olympus with a
+message to the son of Peleus to array him, unknown of Zeus and the other gods,
+for Hera sent her. And she stood anigh and spake to him winged words:
+“Rouse thee, son of Peleus, of all men most redoubtable! Succour
+Patroklos, for whose body is terrible battle afoot before the ships. There slay
+they one another, these guarding the dead corpse, while the men of Troy are
+fierce to hale him unto windy Ilios, and chiefliest noble Hector is fain to
+drag him, and his heart biddeth him fix the head on the stakes of the wall when
+he hath sundered it from the tender neck. But arise, lie thus no longer! let
+awe enter thy heart to forbid that Patroklos become the sport of dogs of Troy.
+Thine were the shame if he go down mangled amid the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Goddess Iris, what god
+sent thee a messenger unto me?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake wind-footed fleet Iris: “It was Hera that sent me,
+the wise wife of Zeus, nor knoweth the high-throned son of Kronos nor any other
+of the Immortals that on snowy Olympus have their dwelling-place.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Achilles fleet of foot made answer to her and said: “And how may I go
+into the fray? The Trojans hold my arms; and my dear mother bade me forbear to
+array me until I behold her with my eyes returned, for she promised to bring
+fair armour from Hephaistos. Other man know I none whose noble armour I might
+put on, save it were the shield of Aias Telamol’s son. But himself, I
+ween, is in the forefront of the press, dealing death with his spear around
+Patroklos dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake unto him wind-footed fleet Iris: “Well are we also aware
+that thy noble armour is held from thee. But go forth unto the trench as thou
+art and show thyself to the men of Troy, if haply they will shrink back and
+refrain them from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaians take
+breath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet-footed Iris and went her way. But Achilles dear to Zeus arose,
+and around his strong shoulders Athene cast her tasselled aegis, and around his
+head the bright goddess set a crown of a golden cloud, and kindled therefrom a
+blazing flame. And as when a smoke issueth from a city and riseth up into the
+upper air, from an island afar off that foes beleaguer, while the others from
+their city fight all day in hateful war,—but with the going down of the sun
+blaze out the beacon-fires in line, and high aloft rusheth up the glare for
+dwellers round about to behold, if haply they may come with ships to help in
+need—thus from the head of Achilles soared that blaze toward the heavens. And
+he went and stood beyond the wall beside the trench, yet mingled not among the
+Achaians, for he minded the wise bidding of his mother. There stood he and
+shouted aloud, and afar off Pallas Athene uttered her voice, and spread terror
+unspeakable among the men of Troy. Clear as the voice of a clarion when it
+soundeth by reason of slaughterous foemen that beleaguer a city, so clear rang
+forth the voice of Aiakides. And when they heard the brazen voice of Aiakides,
+the souls of all of them were dismayed, and the horses of goodly manes were
+fain to turn the chariots backward, for they boded anguish in their hearts, And
+the charioteers were amazed when they saw the unwearying fire blaze fierce on
+the head of the great-hearted son of Peleus, for the bright-eyed goddess Athene
+made it blaze. Thrice from over the trench shouted mightily noble Achilles, and
+thrice were the men of Troy confounded and their proud allies. Yea there and
+then perished twelve men of their best by their own chariot wheels and spears.
+But the Achaians with joy drew Patroklos forth of the darts and laid him on a
+litter, and his dear comrades stood around lamenting him; and among them
+followed fleet-footed Achilles, shedding hot tears, for his true comrade he saw
+lying on the bier, mangled by the keen bronze. Him sent he forth with chariot
+and horses unto the battle, but home again welcomed never more.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Hera the ox-eyed queen sent down the unwearying Sun to be gone unwillingly
+unto the streams of Ocean. So the Sun set, and the noble Achaians made pause
+from the stress of battle and the hazardous war.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the Achaians all night made moan in lamentation for Patroklos. And first of
+them in the loud lamentation was the son of Peleus, laying upon the breast of
+his comrade his man-slaying hands and moaning very sore, even as a deep-bearded
+lion whose whelps some stag-hunter hath snatched away out of a deep wood; and
+the lion coming afterward grieveth and through many glens he rangeth on the
+track of the footsteps of the man, if anywhere he might find him, for most
+bitter anger seizeth him;—thus Achilles moaning heavily spake among the
+Myrmidons: “Ay me, vain verily was the word I uttered on that day when I
+cheered the hero Menoitios in his halls and said that I would bring back to
+Opoeis his son in glory from the sack of Ilios with the share of spoil that
+should fall unto him. Not all the purposes of men doth Zeus accomplish for
+them. It is appointed that both of us redden the same earth with our blood here
+in Troy-land, for neither shall the old knight Peleus welcome me back home
+within his halls, nor my mother Thetis, but even here shall earth keep hold on
+me. Yet now, O Patroklos, since I follow thee under earth, I will not hold thy
+funeral till I have brought hither the armour and the head of Hector, thy
+high-hearted slayer, and before thy pyre I will cut the throats of twelve noble
+sons of the men of Troy, for mine anger thou art slain. Till then beside the
+beaked ships shalt thou lie as thou art, and around thee deep-bosomed women,
+Trojan and Dardanian, shall mourn thee weeping night and day, even they whom we
+toiled to win by our strength and, our long spears when we sacked rich cities
+of mortal men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and bade his comrades set a great tripod on the
+fire, that with all speed they might wash from Patroklos the bloody gore. So
+they set a tripod of ablution on the burning fire, and poured therein water and
+took wood and kindled it beneath; and the fire wrapped the belly of the tripod,
+and the water grew hot. And when the water boiled in the bright bronze, then
+washed they him and anointed with olive oil, and filled his wounds with fresh
+ointment, and laid him on a bier and covered him with soft cloth from head to
+foot, and thereover a white robe. Then all night around Achilles fleet of foot
+the Myrmidons made lament and moan for Patroklos.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile Zeus spake unto Hera his sister and wife: “Thou hast
+accomplished this, O Hera, ox-eyed queen, thou hast aroused Achilles fleet of
+foot. Verily of thine own children must the flowing-haired Achaians be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Most dread son of Kronos,
+what is this word thou hast said? Truly even a man, I ween, is to accomplish
+what he may for another man, albeit he is mortal and hath not wisdom as we. How
+then was I who avow me the first of goddesses both by birth and for that I am
+called thy wife, and thou art king among all Immortals—how was I not in mine
+anger to devise evil against the men of Troy?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So debated they on this wise with one another. But Thetis of the silver feet
+came unto the house of Hephaistos, imperishable, starlike, far seen among the
+dwellings of Immortals, a house of bronze, wrought by the crook-footed god
+himself. Him found she sweating in toil and busy about his bellows, for he was
+forging tripods twenty in all to stand around the wall of his stablished hall,
+and beneath the base of each he had set golden wheels, that of their own motion
+they might enter the assembly of the gods and again return unto his house, a
+marvel to look upon. Thus much were they finished that not yet were away from
+the fire, and gathered all his gear wherewith he worked into a silver chest;
+and with a sponge he wiped his face and hands and sturdy neck and shaggy
+breast, and did on his doublet, and took a stout staff and went forth limping;
+but there were handmaidens of gold that moved to help their lord, the
+semblances of living maids. In them is understanding at their hearts, in them
+are voice and strength, and they have skill of the immortal gods. These moved
+beneath their lord, and he gat him haltingly near to where Thetis was, and set
+him on a bright seat, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called her by
+her name: “Wherefore, long-robed Thetis, comest thou to our house,
+honoured that thou art and dear? No frequent comer art thou hitherto. Speak
+what thou hast at heart; my soul is fain to accomplish it; if accomplish it I
+can, and if it be appointed for accomplishment.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered unto him Thetis shedding tears: “Hephaistos, hath there
+verily been any of all goddesses in Olympus that hath endured so many grievous
+sorrows at heart as are the woes that Kronian Zeus hath laid upon me above all
+others? He chose me from among the sisters of the sea to enthrall me to a man,
+even Peleus Aiakos’ son, and with a man I endured wedlock sore against my
+will. Now lieth he in his halls forspent with grievous age, but other griefs
+are mine. A son he gave me to bear and nourish, the chief of heroes, and he
+shot up like a young branch. Like a plant in a very fruitful field I reared him
+and sent him forth on beaked ships to Ilios to fight against the men of Troy,
+but never again shall I welcome him back to his home within the house of
+Peleus. And while he yet liveth in my sight and beholdeth the light of the sun,
+he sorroweth, neither can I help him any whit though I go unto him. The maiden
+whom the sons of the Achaians chose out to be his prize, her hath the lord
+Agamemnon taken back out of his hands. In grief for her wasted he his heart,
+while the men of Troy were driving the Achaians on their ships, nor suffered
+them to come forth. And the elders of the Argives entreated him, and told over
+many noble gifts. Then albeit himself he refused to ward destruction from them,
+he put his armour on Patroklos and sent him to the war, and much people with
+him. All day they fought around the Skaian gates and that same day had sacked
+the town, but that when now Menoitios’ valiant son had wrought much harm,
+Apollo slew him in the forefront of the battle, and gave glory unto Hector.
+Therefore now come I a suppliant unto thy knees, if haply thou be willing to
+give my short-lived son shield and helmet, and goodly greaves fitted with
+ankle-pieces, and cuirass. For the armour that he had erst, his trusty comrade
+lost when he fell beneath the men of Troy; and my son lieth on the earth with
+anguish in his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto her the lame god of great renown: “Be of good
+courage, let not these things trouble thy heart. Would that so might I avail to
+hide him far from dolorous death, when dread fate cometh upon him, as surely
+shall goodly armour be at his need, such as all men afterward shall marvel at,
+whatsoever may behold.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he left her there and went unto his bellows and turned them upon
+the fire and bade them work. And the bellows, twenty in all, blew on the
+crucibles, sending deft blasts on every side, now to aid his labour and now
+anon howsoever Hephaistos willed and the work went on. And he threw bronze that
+weareth not into the fire, and tin and precious gold and silver, and next he
+set on an anvil-stand a great anvil, and took in his hand a sturdy hammer, and
+in the other he took the tongs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First fashioned he a shield great and strong, adorning it all over, and set
+thereto a shining rim, triple, bright-glancing, and therefrom a silver baldric.
+Five were the folds of the shield itself; and therein fashioned he much cunning
+work from his wise heart.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There wrought he the earth, and the heavens, and the sea, and the unwearying
+sun, and the moon waxing to the full, and the signs every one wherewith the
+heavens are crowned, Pleiads and Hyads and Oriol’s might, and the Bear
+that men call also the Wain, her that turneth in her place and watcheth Orion,
+and alone hath no part in the baths of Ocean.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he fashioned therein two fair cities of mortal men. In the one were
+espousals and marriage feasts, and beneath the blaze of torches they were
+leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and loud arose the
+bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and among them flutes
+and viols sounded high; and women standing each at her door were marvelling.
+But the folk were gathered in the assembly place; for there a strife was
+arisen, two men striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one claimed
+to pay full atonement, expounding to the people, but the other denied him and
+would take naught. And the folk were cheering both, as they took part on either
+side. And heralds kept order among the folk, while the elders on polished
+stones were sitting in the sacred circle, and holding in their hands staves
+from the loud-voiced heralds. Then before the people they rose up and gave
+judgment each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given
+unto him who should plead among them most righteously.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But around the other city were two armies in siege with glittering arms. And
+two counsels found favour among them, either to sack the town or to share all
+with the townsfolk even whatsoever substance the fair city held within. But the
+besieged were not yet yielding, but arming for an ambushment. On the wall there
+stood to guard it their dear wives and infant children, and with these the old
+men; but the rest went forth, and their leaders were Ares and Pallas Athene,
+both wrought in gold, and golden was the vesture they had on. Goodly and great
+were they in their armour, even as gods, far seen around, and the folk at their
+feet were smaller. And when they came where it seemed good to them to lay
+ambush, in a river bed where there was a common watering-place of herds, there
+they set them, clad in glittering bronze. And two scouts were posted by them
+afar off to spy the coming of flocks and of oxen with crooked horns. And
+presently came the cattle, and with them two herdsmen playing on pipes, that
+took no thought of the guile. Then the others when they beheld these ran upon
+them and quickly cut off the herds of oxen and fair flocks of white sheep, and
+slew the shepherds withal. But the besiegers, as they sat before the
+speech-places [from which the orators spoke] and heard much din among the oxen,
+mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping horses, and came up with speed.
+Then they arrayed their battle and fought beside the river banks, and smote one
+another with bronze-shod spears. And among them mingled Strife and Tumult, and
+fell Death, grasping one man alive fresh-wounded, another without wound, and
+dragging another dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment on her
+shoulders was red with the blood of men. Like living mortals they hurled
+together and fought, and haled the corpses each of the other’s slain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set in the shield a soft fresh-ploughed field, rich tilth and
+wide, the third time ploughed; and many ploughers therein drave their yokes to
+and fro as they wheeled about. Whensoever they came to the boundary of the
+field and turned, then would a man come to each and give into his hands a
+goblet of sweet wine, while others would be turning back along the furrows,
+fain to reach the boundary of the deep tilth. And the field grew black behind
+and seemed as it were a-ploughing, albeit of gold, for this was the great
+marvel of the work.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Furthermore he set therein the demesne-land of a king, where hinds were reaping
+with sharp sickles in their hands. Some armfuls along the swathe were falling
+in rows to the earth, whilst others the sheaf-binders were binding in twisted
+bands of straw. Three sheaf-binders stood over them, while behind boys
+gathering corn and bearing it in their arms gave it constantly to the binders;
+and among them the king in silence was standing at the swathe with his staff,
+rejoicing in his heart. And henchmen apart beneath an oak were making ready a
+feast, and preparing a great ox they had sacrificed; while the women were
+strewing much white barley to be a supper for the hinds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein a vineyard teeming plenteously with clusters, wrought fair
+in gold; black were the grapes, but the vines hung throughout on silver poles.
+And around it he ran a ditch of cyanus, and round that a fence of tin; and one
+single pathway led to it, whereby the vintagers might go when they should
+gather the vintage. And maidens and striplings in childish glee bare the sweet
+fruit in plaited baskets. And in the midst of them a boy made pleasant music on
+a clear-toned viol, and sang thereto a sweet Linos-song [probably a lament for
+departing summer] with delicate voice; while the rest with feet falling
+together kept time with the music and song.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he wrought therein a herd of kine with upright horns, and the kine were
+fashioned of gold and tin, and with lowing they hurried from the byre to
+pasture beside a murmuring river, beside the waving reed. And herdsmen of gold
+were following with the kine, four of them, and nine dogs fleet of foot came
+after them. But two terrible lions among the foremost kine had seized a
+loud-roaring bull that bellowed mightily as they haled him, and the dogs and
+the young men sped after him. The lions rending the great bull’s hide
+were devouring his vitals and his black blood; while the herdsmen in vain
+tarred on their fleet dogs to set on, for they shrank from biting the lions but
+stood hard by and barked and swerved away.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also the glorious lame god wrought therein a pasture in a fair glen, a great
+pasture of white sheep, and a steading, and roofed huts, and folds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also did the glorious lame god devise a dancing-place like unto that which once
+in wide Knosos Daidalos wrought for Ariadne of the lovely tresses. There were
+youths dancing and maidens of costly wooing, their hands upon one
+another’s wrists. Fine linen the maidens had on, and the youths
+well-woven doublets faintly glistening with oil. Fair wreaths had the maidens,
+and the youths daggers of gold hanging from silver baldrics. And now would they
+run round with deft feet exceeding lightly, as when a potter sitting by his
+wheel that fitteth between his hands maketh trial of it whether it run: and now
+anon they would run in lines to meet each other. And a great company stood
+round the lovely dance in joy; and through the midst of them, leading the
+measure, two tumblers whirled.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Also he set therein the great might of the River of Ocean around the uttermost
+rim of the cunningly-fashioned shield.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had wrought the shield great and strong, then wrought he him a
+corslet brighter than a flame of fire, and he wrought him a massive helmet to
+fit his brows, goodly and graven, and set thereon a crest of gold, and he
+wrought him greaves of pliant tin.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the renowned lame god had finished all the armour, he took and laid it
+before the mother of Achilles. Then she like a falcon sprang down from snowy
+Olympus, bearing from Hephaistos the glittering arms.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap19"></a>BOOK XIX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles and Agamemnon were reconciled before the assembly of the Achaians,
+and Achilles went forth with them to battle.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Morning saffron-robed arose from the streams of Ocean to bring light to
+gods and men, and Thetis came to the ships, bearing his gift from the god. Her
+dear son she found fallen about Patroklos and uttering loud lament; and round
+him many of his company made moan. And the bright goddess stood beside him in
+their midst, and clasped her hand in his and spake and called upon his name:
+“My child, him who lieth here we must let be, for all our pain, for by
+the will of gods from the beginning was he brought low. But thou take from
+Hephaistos arms of pride, arms passing goodly, such as no man on his shoulders
+yet hath borne.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the goddess and in front of Aehifies laid the arms, and they rang
+all again in their glory. And awe fell on all the Myrmidons, nor dared any to
+gaze thereon, for they were awe-stricken. But when Achilles looked thereon,
+then came fury upon him the more, and his eyes blazed terribly forth as it were
+a flame beneath their lids: glad was he as he held in his hands that splendid
+gift of a god. But when he had satisfied his soul in gazing on the glory of the
+arms, straightway to his mother spake he winged words: “My mother, the
+arms the god has given are such as it beseemeth that the work of Immortals
+should be, and that no mortal man should have wrought. Now therefore will I arm
+me in them, but I have grievous fear lest meantime on the gashed wounds of
+Menoitios’ valiant son flies light and breed worms therein, and defile
+his corpse—for the life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall
+rot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Thetis, goddess of the silver feet: “Child, have no
+care for this within thy mind. I will see to ward from him the cruel tribes of
+flies which prey on men slain in fight: for even though he lie till a whole
+year’s course be run, yet his flesh shall be sound continually, or better
+even than now. But call thou the Achaian warriors to the place of assembly, and
+unsay thy wrath against Agamemnon shepherd of the host, and then arm swiftly
+for battle, and clothe thee with thy strength.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she filled him with adventurous might, while on Patroklos she shed
+ambrosia and red nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh might abide the
+same continually.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But noble Achilles went down the beach of the sea, crying his terrible cry, and
+roused the Achaian warriors. And they who before were wont to abide in the
+circle of the ships, and they who were helmsmen and kept the steerage of the
+ships, or were stewards there and dealt out food, even these came then to the
+place of assembly, because Achilles was come forth, after long ceasing from
+grievous war. Limping came two of Ares’ company, Tydeus’ son
+staunch in fight and noble Odysseus, each leaning on his spear, for their
+wounds were grievous still; and they went and sate them down in the forefront
+of the assembly. And last came Agamemnon king of men, with his wound upon him,
+for him too in the stress of battle Kooen Antenor’s son had wounded with
+his bronze-tipped spear. But when all the Achaians were gathered, then uprose
+fleet-footed Achilles and spake in their midst: “Son of Atreus, was this
+in any wise the better way for both thee and me, what time with grief at our
+hearts we waxed fierce in soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would
+that Artemis had slain her with her arrow at the ships, on the day whereon I
+took her to me, when I had spoiled Lyrnessos; so should not then so many
+Achaians have bitten the wide earth beneath their enemies’ hands, by
+reason of my exceeding wrath. It hath been well for Hector and the Trojans, but
+the Achaians I think shall long remember the strife that was betwixt thee and
+me. But bygones will we let be, for all our pain, and curb under necessity the
+spirit within our breasts. I now will stay my anger: it beseems me not
+implacably for ever to be wroth; but come rouse speedily to the fight the
+flowing-haired Achaians, that I may go forth against the men of Troy and put
+them yet again to the proof, if they be fain to couch hard by the ships.
+Methinks that some among them shall be glad to rest their knees when they are
+fled out of the fierceness of the battle, and from before our spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and the well-greaved Achaians rejoiced that the great-hearted son of
+Peleus had made renouncement of his wrath. Then among them spake Agamemnon king
+of men, speaking from the place where he sat, not arisen to stand forth in
+their midst: “O Danaan friends and heroes, men of Ares’ company,
+seemly is it to listen to him who standeth up to speak, nor behoveth it to
+break in upon his words: even toward a skilled man that were hard. For amid the
+uproar of many men how should one listen, or yet speak? even the
+clearest-voiced speech is marred. To the son of Peleus I will declare myself,
+but ye other Argives give heed, and each mark well my word. Oft have the
+Achaians spoken thus to me, and upbraided me; but it is not I who am the cause,
+but Zeus and Destiny and Erinys that walketh in the darkness, who put into my
+soul fierce madness on the day when in the assembly I, even I, bereft Achilles
+of his meed. What could I do? it is God who accomplisheth all. Eldest daughter
+of Zeus is Ate who blindeth all, a power of bane: delicate are her feet, for
+not upon the earth she goeth, but walketh over the heads of men, making men
+fall; and entangleth this one or that. Ye even Zeus was blinded upon a time, he
+who they say is greatest among gods and men; yet even him Hera with a female
+wile deceived, on the day when Alkmene in fair-crowned Thebes was to bring
+forth the strength of Herakles. For then proclaimed he solemnly among the gods:
+‘Here me ye all, both gods and goddesses, while I utter the council of my
+soul within my heart. This day shall Eileithuia, the help of travailing women,
+bring to the light a man who shall be lord over all that dwell round about,
+among the raise of men who are sprung of me by blood.’ And to him in
+subtlety queen Hera spake: ‘Though wilt play the cheat and not accomplish
+thy word. Come now, Olympian, swear me a firm oath that verily and indeed shall
+that man be lord over all that dwell round about, who this day shall fall
+between a womal’s feet, even he among all men who are of the lineage of
+thy blood.’ So spake she, and Zeus no wise perceived her subtlety but
+sware a mighty oath, and therewith was he sore blinded. For Hera darted from
+Olympus’ peak and came swiftly to Achaian Argus, were she knew was the
+stately wife of Sthenelos son of Perseus, who was also great with child, and
+her seventh month had come. Her son Hera brought to the light, though his tale
+of months was untold, but she stayed Alkmene’s bearing and kept the
+Eileithuiai from her aid. Then she brought the tidings herself and to
+Kronos’ son Zeus she spake: ‘Father Zeus of the bright lightning, a
+word will I speak to thee for my heed. Today is born a man of valor who shall
+rule among the Archives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelos the son of Perseus, of
+thy lineage; not unmeet is it that he be lord among Argives.’ She said,
+but sharp pain smote him in the depths of his soul, and straightway he seized
+Ate by her bright-haired head in the anger of his soul, and sware a mighty oath
+that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, who blindeth
+all alike. He said, and whirling her in his hand flung her from the starry
+heaven, and quickly came she down among the works of men. Yet ever he groaned
+against her when he beheld his beloved son in cruel travail at
+Eurystheus’ hest. Thus also I, what time great Hector of the glancing
+helm was slaying Argives at the sterns of our ships, could not be unmindful of
+Ate, who blinded me at the first. But since thus blinded was I, and Zeus bereft
+me of my wit, fain am I to make amends, and recompense manifold for the wrong.
+Only arise thou to the battle and rouse the rest of the host. Gifts am I ready
+to offer, even all that noble Odysseus went yesterday to promise in thy hut.
+So, if thou wilt, stay awhile, though eager, from battle, and squires shall
+take the gifts from my ship and carry them to thee, that thou mayest see that
+what I give sufficeth thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Achilles swift of foot: “Most noble son of Atreus,
+Agamemnon king of men, for the gifts, to give them as it beseemeth, if so thou
+wilt, or to withhold, is in thy choice. But now let us bethink us of battle
+with all speed; this is no time to dally here with subtleties, for a great work
+is yet undone. Once more must Achilles be seen in the forefront of the battle,
+laying waste with his brazen spear the battalions of the men of Troy. Thereof
+let each of you think as he fighteth with his man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Odysseus of many counsels answered him and said: “Nay yet, for all
+thy valour, godlike Achilles, not against Ilios lead thou the sons of Achaians
+fasting to fight the men of Troy, since not of short spell shall the battle be,
+when once the ranks of men are met, and God shall breathe valour into both. But
+bid the Achaians taste at the swift ships food and wine; for thence is vigour
+and might. For no man fasting from food shall be able to fight with the foe all
+day till the going down of the sun; for though his spirit be eager for battle
+yet his limbs unaware grow weary, and thirst besetteth him, and hunger, and his
+knees in his going fail. But the man who having his fill of food and wine
+fighteth thus all day against the enemy, his heart is of good cheer within him,
+nor anywise tire his limbs, ere all give back from battle. So come, disperse
+the host and bid them make ready their meal. And the gifts let Agamemnon king
+of men bring forth into the midst of the assembly, that all Achaians may behold
+them with their eyes, and thou be glad at heart. And let him swear to thee an
+oath, standing in the midst of the Argives, that he hath never gone up into the
+damsel’s bed or lain with her, [O prince, as is the wont of man with
+woman]; and let thine own spirit be placable within thy breast. Then let him
+make thee a rich feast of reconcilement in his hut, that thou have nothing
+lacking of thy right. And thou, son of Atreus, toward others also shalt be more
+righteous hereafter; for no shame it is that a man that is a king should make
+amends if he have been the first to deal violently.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him spake Agamemnon king of men: “Son of Laertes, I rejoice to
+listen to thy speech; for rightfully hast thou told over all. And the oath I am
+willing to swear, yea my heart biddeth it, nor will I forswear myself before
+God. Let Achilles abide for a space, eager for battle though he be, and all ye
+others abide together, until the gifts come forth from my hut, and we make
+faithful oath with sacrifice. But thee thyself I thus charge and bid. Choose
+thee young men, princes of the Achaian folk, and bear my gifts from my ship,
+even all that we promised yesterday to Achilles, and take with thee the women.
+And let Talthybios speedily make me ready a boar-swine in the midst of the wide
+Achaian host, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer swift-footed Achilles spake: “Most noble son of
+Atreus, Agamemnon king of men, at some other time were it even better ye should
+be busied thus, when haply there shall be some pause of war, and the spirit
+within my breast shall be less fierce. But now they lie mangled on the
+field—even they whom Hector son of Priam slew, when Zeus gave him glory—and ye
+call men to their food. Verily for my part I would bid the sons of the Achaians
+to fight now unfed and fasting, and with the setting sun make ready a mighty
+meal, when we shall have avenged the shame. Till then down my throat at least
+nor food nor drink shall go, since my comrade is dead, who in my hut is lying
+mangled by the sharp spear, with his feet toward the door, and round him our
+comrades mourn, wherefore in my heart to no thought of those matters, but of
+slaying, and blood, and grievous moans of men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him Odysseus of many counsels: “O Achilles, Peleus’
+son, mightiest of Achaians far, better and mightier not a little art thou than
+I with the spear, but in counsel I may surpass thee greatly, since I was born
+first and know more things: wherefore let thy heart endure to listen to my
+speech. Quickly have men surfeit of battle, of that wherein the sword streweth
+most straw yet is the harvest scantiest, [i.e., in a pitched battle there is
+little plunder, the hope of which might help to sustain mel’s efforts in
+storming a town] when Zeus inclineth his balance, who is disposer of the wars
+of men. But it cannot be that the Achaians fast to mourn a corpse; for
+exceeding many and thick fall such on every day; when then should there be rest
+from toil? Nay, it behoveth to bury him who is dead, steeling our hearts, when
+once we have wept him for a day; but such as are left alive from hateful war
+must take thought of meat and drink, that yet more against our foes we may
+fight relentlessly ever, clad in unyielding bronze. Then let none of the host
+hold back awaiting other summons; this is the summons, and ill shall it be for
+whoso is left behind at the Argive ships; but all together as one we will rouse
+against the horse-taming Trojans the fury of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and took with him the sons of noble Nestor, and Meges son of Phyleus,
+and Thoas, and Meriones, and Lykomedes son of Kreiontes, and Melanippos. And
+they went on their way to the hut of Agamemnon, Atreus’ son. Forthwith as
+the word was spoken so was the deed done. Seven tripods they bare from the hut,
+as he promised him, and twenty bright caldrons, and twelve horses, and anon
+they led forth women skilled in goodly arts, seven, and the eighth was
+fair-faced Briseis. Then Odysseus, having weighed ten talents of gold in all,
+led the way, and with him young men of the Achaians bare the gifts. These they
+set in the midst of the place of assembly, and Agamemnon rose up, and beside
+that shepherd of the host stood Talthybios, whose voice was like a god’s,
+and held a boar between his hands. And the son of Atreus drawing with his hands
+his knife, which ever hung beside the mighty scabbard of his sword, cut off the
+first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands he prayed to Zeus, and all
+the Argives sat silent in their places, duly hearkening to the king. And he
+prayed aloud, looking up to the wide heaven: “Be Zeus before all witness,
+highest and best of the gods, and Earth, and Sun, and Erinyes, who under earth
+take vengeance upon men, whosoever for-sweareth himself, that never have I laid
+hand on the damsel Briseis, neither to lie with her nor anywise else, but she
+has abode untouched within my huts. And if aught that I swear be false, may the
+gods give me all sorrows manifold, that they send on him who sinneth against
+them in his oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and cut the boar’s throat with the pitiless knife. And the body
+Taithybios whirled and threw into the great wash of the hoary sea, to be the
+food of fishes; but Achilles arose up and spake in the midst of the warrior
+Argives: “Father Zeus, sore madness dealest thou verily to men. Never
+could the son of Atreus have stirred the soul within my breast, nor led off the
+damsel implacably against my will, had not Zeus willed that on many of the
+Achaians death should come. But now go forth to your meal, that we may join
+battle thereupon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus he spake and dispersed the assembly with all speed. The rest were
+scattered each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons took up the
+gifts, and bare them to the ship of godlike Achilles. And they laid them in the
+huts and set the women there, and gallant squires drave the horses among their
+troop.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Briseis that was like unto golden Aphrodite, when she beheld Patroklos
+mangled by the keen spear, fell about him and made shrill lament, and tore with
+her hands her breast and tender neck, and beautiful face. And she spake amid
+her weeping, that woman like unto goddesses: “Patroklos, dearest to my
+hapless heart, alive I left thee when I left this hut, but now, O prince of the
+people, I am come back to find thee dead; thus evil ever followeth evil in my
+lot. My husband, unto whom my father and lady mother gave me, I beheld before
+our city mangled with the keen spear, and my three brothers whom my own mother
+bore, my near and dear, who all met their day of doom. But thou, when swift
+Achilles slew my husband and wasted godlike Mynes’ city, wouldest ever
+that I should not even weep, and saidest that thou wouldst make me godlike
+Achilles’ wedded wife, and that ye would take me in your ships to Phthia
+and make me a marriage feast among the Myrmidons. Therefore with all my soul I
+mourn thy death, for thou wert ever kind.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she weeping, and thereon the women wailed, in semblance for
+Patroklos, but each for her own woe. But round Achilles gathered the elders of
+the Achaians, praying him that he would eat; but he denied them with a groan:
+“I pray you, if any kind comrade will hearken to me, bid me not sate my
+heart with meat and drink, since terrible grief is come upon me. Till the sun
+go down I will abide, and endure continually until then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and his speech made the other chiefs depart, but the two sons of
+Atreus stayed, and noble Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and Phoinox,
+ancient knight, soothing him in his exceeding sorrow, but he could no whit be
+soothed until he had entered the mouth of bloody war. And bethinking him he
+sighed very heavily and spake aloud: “Thou too, O hapless, dearest of my
+friends, thyself wouldst verily of yore set forth in out hut with ready speed a
+savoury meal, what time the Achaians hasted to wage against the horse-taming
+Trojans dolorous war. But now thou liest mangled, and my heart will none of
+meat and drink, that stand within, for desire of thee. Nought worse than this
+could I endure, not though I should hear of my father’s death, who now I
+ween in Phthia is shedding big tears for lack of a son so dear, even me that in
+an alien land for sake of baleful Helen do battle with the men of Troy; nor
+though it were my beloved son who is reared for me in Skyros (if still at least
+is godlike Neoptolemos alive). For hitherto had my soul within me trusted that
+I alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos, here in the Trojan land,
+but that thou shouldest return to Phthia, so that thou mightest take me the
+child in thy swift black ship from Skyros and show him everything—my substance
+and servants, and high-roofed mighty hall. For Peleus I ween already must be
+dead and gone, or else in feeble life he hath sorrow of age, and of waiting
+ever for bitter news of me, till he hear that I am dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he weeping, and the elders mourned with him, bethinking them what
+each had left at home. And when the son of Kronos beheld them sorrowing he
+pitied them, and forthwith to Athene spake he winged words: “My child,
+thou hast then left utterly the man of thy heart. Hath Achilles then no longer
+a place within thy thought? He before the steep-prowed ships sits mourning his
+dear comrade; the rest are gone to their meal, but he is fasting and unfed. But
+go, distil into his breast nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that no pains of
+hunger come on him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he sped forward Athene who before was fain. And she, like a falcon
+wide-winged and shrill-voiced, hurled herself forth from heaven through the
+upper air. So while the Achaians were arming presently throughout the camp, she
+in Achilles’ breast distilled nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that grievous
+hunger might not assail his knees, and then herself was gone to the firm house
+of her mighty father. Then the Achaians poured forth from the swift ships. As
+when thick snowflakes flutter down from Zeus, chill beneath the blast of Boreas
+born in the upper air, so thick from the ships streamed forth bright glittering
+helms and bossy shields, strong-plaited cuirasses and ashen spears. And the
+sheen thereof went up to heaven and all the earth around laughed in the flash
+of bronze, and there went a sound beneath the feet of the men, and in the midst
+of them noble Achilles harnessed him. His teeth gnashed together, and his eyes
+blazed as it were the flame of a fire, for into his heart was intolerable
+anguish entered in. Thus wroth against the men of Troy he put on the gift of
+the god, which Hephaistos wrought him by his art. First on his legs he set the
+fair greaves fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he donned the cuirass
+about his breast. Then round his shoulders he slung the bronze sword
+silver-studded; then lastly he took the great and strong shield, and its
+brightness shone afar off as the mool’s. Or as when over the sea there
+appeareth to sailors the brightness of a burning fire, and it burneth on high
+among the mountains in some lonely steading—sailors whom storm-blasts bear
+unwilling over the sea, the home of fishes, afar from them they love:— so from
+Achilles’ goodly well-dight shield the brightness thereof shot up toward
+heaven. And he lifted the stout helmet and set it on his head, and like a star
+it shone, the horse-hair crested helmet, and around it waved plumes of gold
+that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest. Then noble Achilles proved him
+in his armour to know whether it fitted unto him, and whether his glorious
+limbs ran free; and it became to him as it were wings, and buoyed up the
+shepherd of hosts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And forth from its stand he drew his father’s spear, heavy and great and
+strong: that spear could none other of the Achaians wield, but Achilles alone
+awaited to wield it, the Pelian ashen spear that Cheiron gave to his father
+dear, from a peak of Pelion, to be the death of warriors. And Automedon and
+Alkimos went about to yoke the horses, and put on them fair breast-straps, and
+bits within their jaws, and stretched the reins behind to the firm-built
+chariot. Then Automedon took the bright lash, fitted to his hand, and sprang up
+behind the horses, and after him mounted Achilles armed, effulgent in his
+armour like bright Hyperion. And terribly he called upon the horses of his
+sire: “Xanthos and Balios, famed children of Podarge, in other sort take
+heed to bring your charioteer safe back to the Danaan host, when we have done
+with battle, and leave him not as ye left Patroklos to lie there dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the horse Xanthos of glancing feet made answer unto him from beneath the
+yoke;—and he bowed with his head, and all his mane fell from the yoke-cushion
+beside the yoke and touched the ground;—for the white-armed goddess Hera gave
+him speech: “Yea verily for this hour, dread Achilles, we will still bear
+thee safe, yet is thy death day nigh at hand, neither shall we be cause
+thereof, but a mighty god, and forceful Fate. For not through sloth or
+heedlessness of ours did the men of Troy from Patrokios’ shoulders strip
+his arms, but the best of the gods, whom bright-haired Leto bore, slew him in
+the forefront of the battle, and to Hector gave renown. We even with the wind
+of Zephyr, swiftest, they say, of all winds, well might run; nathless to thee
+thyself it is appointed to be slain in fight by a god and by a man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when he had thus spoken the Erinyes stayed his voice. And sore troubled did
+fleet-footed Achilles answer him: “Xanthos, why prophesiest thou my
+death? no wise behoveth it thee. Well know I of myself that it is appointed me
+to perish here, far from my father dear and mother; howbeit anywise I will not
+refrain till I give the Trojans surfeit of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with a cry among the foremost held on his whole-hooved steeds.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap20"></a>BOOK XX.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles made havoc among the men of Troy.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So by the beaked ships around thee, son of Peleus, hungry for war, the Achaians
+armed; and over against them the men of Troy, upon the high ground of the
+plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Zeus bade Themis call the gods to council from many-folded Olympus’
+brow; and she ranged all about and bade them to the house of Zeus. There was no
+River came not up, save only Ocean, nor any nymph, of all that haunt fair
+thickets and springs of rivers and grassy water-meadows. And they came to the
+house of Zeus who gathereth the clouds, and sat them down in the polished
+colonnades which Hephaistos in the cunning of his heart had wrought for father
+Zeus.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gathered they within the doors of Zeus; nor was the Earthshaker heedless
+of the goddess’ call, but from the salt sea came up after the rest, and
+set him in the midst, and inquired concerning the purpose of Zeus:
+“Wherefore, O Lord of the bright lightning, hast thou called the gods
+again to council? Say, ponderest thou somewhat concerning the Trojans and
+Achaians? for lo, the war and the fighting of them are kindled very
+nigh.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Zeus, who gathered the clouds, answered him, saying: “Thou knowest, O
+Earthshaker, the purpose within my breast, wherefor I gathered you hither; even
+in their perishing have I regard unto them. But for me I will abide here,
+sitting within a fold of Olympus, where I will gladden my heart with gazing;
+but go all ye forth that ye come among the Trojans and Achaians and succour
+these or those, howsoever each of you hath a mind. For if Achilles alone shall
+fight against the Trojans, not even a little while shall they hold back the son
+of Peleus, the fleet of foot. Nay, but even aforetime they trembled when they
+looked upon him; now therefore that his wrath for his friend is waxen terrible
+I fear me lest he overleap the bound of fate, and storm the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Kronos, and roused unabating war. For on this side and on
+that the gods went forth to war: to the company of the ships went Hera, and
+Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, Earth-enfolder, and the Helper Hermes, pro-eminent
+in subtle thoughts; and with these went Hephaistos in the greatness of his
+strength, halting, but his shrunk legs moved nimbly under him: but to the
+Trojans went Ares of the glancing helm, and with him Phoebus of the unshorn
+hair, and archer Artemis, and Leto and Xanthos and laughter-loving Aphrodite.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now for so long as gods were afar from mortal men, so long waxed the Achaians
+glorious, for that Achilles was come forth among them, and his long ceasing
+from grim battle was at an end. And the Trojans were smitten with sore
+trembling in the limbs of every one of them, in terror when they beheld the son
+of Peleus, fleet of foot, blazing in his arms, peer of man-slaying Ares. But
+when among the mellay of men the Olympians were come down, then leapt up in her
+might Strife, rouser of hosts, then sent forth Athene a cry, now standing by
+the hollowed trench without the wall, and now on the echoing shores she shouted
+aloud. And a shout uttered Ares against her, terrible as the blackness of the
+storm, now from the height of the city to the Trojans calling clear, or again
+along Simois shore over Kallikolon he sped.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So urged the blessed gods both hosts to battle, then themselves burst into
+fierce war. And terribly thundered the father of gods and men from heaven
+above; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth shake and the steep
+mountain tops. Then trembled all the spurs of many-fountained Ida, and all her
+crests, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaians. And the
+Lord of the Underworld, Aiedoneus, had terror in hell, and leapt from his
+throne in that terror and cried aloud, lest the world be cloven above him by
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and his dwelling-place be laid bare to mortals and
+immortals—grim halls, and vast, and lothly to the gods. So loud the roar rose
+of that battle of gods. For against King Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his
+winged arrows, and against Enyalios stood Athene, bright-eyed goddess, and
+against Hera she of the golden shafts and echoing chase, even archer Artemis,
+sister of the Far-darter; and against Leto the strong Helper Hermes, and
+against Hephaistos the great deep-eddying River, whom gods call Xanthos and men
+Skamandros.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus gods with gods were matched. Meanwhile Achilles yearned above all to meet
+Hector, son of Priam, in the fray; for with that blood chiefliest his spirit
+bade him sate Ares, stubborn lord of war. But straightway Apollo, rouser of
+hosts, moved Aineias to go to meet the son of Peleus, and filled him with brave
+spirit: and he made his own voice like the voice of Lykaon the son of Priam; in
+his semblance spake Apollo, son of Zeus: “Aineias, counsellor of Trojans,
+where now are thy threats wherewith thou didst boast to the Trojan lords over
+thy wine, saying thou wouldest stand up in battle against Achilles,
+Peleus’ son?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him Aineias answered and said: “Son of Priam, why biddest thou me
+thus face the fierce son of Peleus in battle, though I be not fain thereto? Not
+for the first time now shall I match me with Achilles, fleet of foot; once
+before drave he me with his spear from Ida, when he harried our kine and wasted
+Lyrnessos and Pedasos; but Zeus delivered me out of his hand and put strength
+into my knees that they were swift. Else had I fallen beneath the hands of
+Achilles, and of Athene who went before and gave him light, and urged him to
+slay Leleges and Trojans with his spear of bronze. Therefore it is impossible
+for man to face Achilles in fight, for that ever some god is at his side to
+ward off death. Ay, and at any time his spear flieth straight, neither ceaseth
+till it have pierced through flesh of man. But if God once give us fair field
+of battle, not lightly shall he overcome me, not though he boast him made of
+bronze throughout.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake Apollo son of Zeus: “Yea, hero, pray thou too
+to the everliving gods; for thou too, men say, wast born of Aphrodite daughter
+of Zeus, and Achilles’ mother is of less degree among the gods. For thy
+mother is child of Zeus, his but of the Ancient One of the Sea. Come, bear up
+thy unwearying spear against him, let him no wise turn thee back with revilings
+and bitter words.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and breathed high spirit into the shepherd of the host, and he went
+onward through the forefront of the fighting, harnessed in flashing bronze. But
+white-armed Hera failed not to discern Anchises’ son as he went through
+the press of men to meet the son of Peleus, and gathering the gods about her
+she spake among them thus: “Consider ye twain, Poseidon and Athene,
+within your hearts, what shall come of these things that are done. Here is
+Aineias gone forth harnessed in flashing bronze, to meet the son of Peleus, and
+it is Phoebus Apollo that hath sent him. Come then, be it ours to turn him back
+straightway; or else let some one of us stand likewise beside Achilles and give
+him mighty power, so that he fail not in his spirit, but know that they who
+love him are the best of the Immortals, and that they who from of old ward war
+and fighting from the Trojans are vain as wind. All we from Olympus are come
+down to mingle in this fight that he take no hurt among the Trojans on this
+day—afterward he shall suffer whatsoever things Fate span for him with her
+thread, at his beginning, when his mother bare him. If Achilles learn not this
+from voice divine, then shall he be afraid when some god shall come against him
+in the battle; for gods revealed are hard to look upon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her made answer Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Hera, be not
+fierce beyond wisdom; it behoveth thee not. Not fain am I at least to match
+gods with gods in strife. Let us go now into some high place apart and seat us
+there to watch, and battle shall be left to men. Only if Ares or Phoebus Apollo
+fall to fighting, or put constraint upon Achilles and hinder him from fight,
+then straightway among us too shall go up the battle-cry of strife; right soon,
+methinks, shall they hie them from the issue of the fray back to Olympus to the
+company of the gods, overcome by the force of our hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the blue-haired god, and led the way to the mounded wall of
+heaven-sprung Herakles, that lofty wall built him by the Trojans and Pallas
+Athene, that he might escape the monster and be safe from him, what time he
+should make his onset from the beach to the plain. There sate them down
+Poseidon and the other gods, and clothed their shoulders with impenetrable
+cloud. And they of the other part sat down on the brows of Kallikolon around
+thee, Archer Phoebus, and Ares waster of cities. Thus they on either side sat
+devising counsels, but shrank all from falling to grievous war, and Zeus from
+his high seat commanded them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Meanwhile the whole plain was filled with men and horses and ablaze with
+bronze; and the earth rang with the feet of them as they rushed together in the
+fray. Two men far better than the rest were meeting in the midst between the
+hosts, eager for battle, Aineias, Anchises’ son, and noble Achilles.
+First came on Aineias threateningly, tossing his strong helm; his rapid shield
+he held before his breast, and brandished his bronze spear. And on the other
+side the son of Peleus rushed to meet him like a lion, a ravaging lion whom men
+desire to slay, a whole tribe assembled: and first he goeth his way unheeding,
+but when some warrior youth hath smitten him with a spear, the he gathereth
+himself open-mouthed, and foam cometh forth about his teeth, and his stout
+spirit groaneth in his heart, and with his tail he scourgeth either side his
+ribs and flanks and goadeth himself on to fight, and glaring is borne straight
+on them by his passion, to try whether he shall slay some man of them, or
+whether himself shall perish in the forefront of the throng: thus was Achilles
+driven of his passion and valiant spirit to go forth to meet Aineias great of
+heart. And when they were come near against each other, then first to Aineias
+spake fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Aineias, wherefore hast thou so far
+come forward from the crowd to stand against me: doth thy heart bid thee fight
+with me in hope of holding Priam’s honour and lordship among the
+horse-taming Trojans? Nay, though thou slay me, not for that will Priam lay his
+kingdom in thy hands, for he hath sons, and is sound and of unshaken mind. Or
+have the Trojans allotted thee some lot of ground more choice than all the
+rest, fair land of tilth and orchard, that thou mayest dwell therein, if thou
+slay me? But methinks thou wilt find the slaying hard; for once before, I ween,
+have I made thee flee before my spear. Host thou forgotten the day when thou
+wert alone with the kine, and I made thee run swift-footed down Ida’s
+steeps in haste?—then didst thou not look behind thee in thy flight. Thence
+fleddest thou to Lernessos, but I wasted it, having fought against it with the
+help of Athene and of father Zeus, and carried away women captive, bereaving
+them of their day of freedom: only thee Zeus shielded, and other gods. But not
+this time, methinks, shall they shield thee, as thou imaginest in thy heart:
+therefore I bid thee go back into the throng and come not forth against me,
+while as yet thou art unhurt—after the event even a fool is wise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him in answer again Aineias spake: “Son of Peleus, think not with
+words to affright me as a child, since I too well know myself how to speak
+taunts and unjust speech. We know each other’s race and lineage in that
+we have heard the fame proclaimed by mortal men, but never hast thou set eyes
+on my parents, or I on thine. Thou, they say, art son of nobie Peleus, and of
+Thetis of the fair tresses, the daughter of the sea: the sire I boast is
+Anchises great of heart, and my mother is Aphrodite. Of these shall one pair or
+the other mourn their dear son today; for verily not with idle words shall we
+two satisfy our strife and depart out of the battle. But, if thou wilt, learn
+also this, that thou mayest well know our lineage, known to full many men:
+First Zeus the cloud-gatherer begat Dardanos, and he stablished Dardania, for
+not yet was holy Ilios built upon the plain to be a city of mortal men, but
+still they dwelt on slopes of many-fountained Ida. Then Dardanos begat a son,
+king Erichthonios, who became richest of mortal men. Three thousand mares had
+he that pastured along the marsh meadow, rejoicing in their tender foals. Of
+them was Boreas enamoured as they grazed, and in semblance of a dark-maned
+horse he covered them: then they having conceived bare twelve fillies. These
+when they bounded over Earth the grain-giver would run upon the topmost ripened
+ears of corn and break them not; and when they bounded over the broad backs of
+the sea they would run upon the crests of the breakers of the hoary brine. Then
+Erichthonios begat Tros to be load over the Trojans, and to Tros three noble
+sons were born, Ilos and Assarakos and godlike Ganymedes, who became the most
+beautiful of mortal men. Him the gods caught up to be cupbearer to Zeus, for
+sake of his beauty, that he might dwell among immortals. Then Ilos again begat
+a son, noble Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonos and Priam and Lamppos and
+Klytios and Hiketaon, of the stock of Ares. And Assarakos begat Kapys, and
+Kapys Anchises, and Anchises me; but Priam begat the goodly Hector.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+“Lo then of this blood and lineage declare I myself unto thee. But for
+valour, Zeus increaseth it in men or minisheth it according as he will, for he
+is lord of all. But come, let us talk thus together no longer like children,
+standing in mid onset of war. For there are revilings in plenty for both of us
+to utter—a hundred-thwarted ship would not suffice for the load of them. Glib
+is the tongue of man, and many words are therein of every kind, and wide is the
+range of his speech hither and thither. Whatsoever word thou speak, such wilt
+thou hear in answer. But what need that we should bandy strife and wrangling
+each against each. Not by speech shalt thou turn me from the battle that I
+desire, until we have fought together, point to point: come then, and
+straightway we will each try the other with bronze-headed spears.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and against that other’s dread and mighty shield hurled his
+great spear, and the shield rang loud beneath the spear-point. And the son of
+Peleus held away the shield from him with his stout hand, in fear, for he
+thought that the far-shadowing spear of Aineias great of heart would lightly
+pierce it through—fond man, and knew not in his mind and heart that not lightly
+do the glorious gifts of gods yield to force of mortal men. So did not the
+great spear of wise Aineias pierce that shield, for the gold resisted it, even
+the gift of the god. Yet through two folds he drave it, but three remained, for
+five folds had the lame god welded, two bronze, and two inside of tin, and one
+of gold; therein was stayed the ashen spear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon the
+circle of the shield of Aineias, beneath the edge of the rim, where the bronze
+ran thinnest round, and the bull-hide was thinnest thereon; and right through
+sped the Pelian ashen spear, and the shield cracked under it. And Aineias
+crouched and held up the shield away from him in dread; and the spear flew over
+his back and fixed itself in the earth, having divided asunder the two circles
+of the sheltering shield. And having escaped the long spear he stood still, and
+a vast anguish drowned his eyes, affrighted that the spear was planted by him
+so nigh. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and furiously made at him, crying
+his terrible cry: then Aineias grasped in his hand a stone (a mighty deed) such
+as two men, as men now are, would not avail to lift, but he with ease wielded
+it all alone. Then would Aineias have smitten him with the stone as he charged,
+either on helm or shield, which had warded from him bitter death, and then
+would the son of Peleus have closed and slain him with his sword, had not
+Poseidon, Shaker of earth, marked it with speed, and straightway spoken among
+the immortal gods: “Alas, woe is me for Aineias great of heart, who
+quickly will go down to Hades slain by the son of Peleus, for that he will obey
+the words of Apollo the far-darter, fond man, but nowise shall the god help him
+from grievous death. But wherefore now is he to suffer ill in his innocence,
+causelessly for others’ wickedness, yet welcome ever are his offerings to
+the gods who inhabit the spacious heaven? Come, let us guide him out of
+death’s way, lest the son of Kronos be wroth, if Achilles slay him; for
+it is appointed to him to escape, that the race of Dardanos perish not without
+seed or sign, even Dardanos whom the son of Kronos loved above all the children
+born to him from the daughters of men. For the race of Priam hath Zeus already
+hated. But thus shall the might of Aineias reign among the Trojans, and his
+childrel’s children, who shall be born in the aftertime.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And him then answered Hera the ox-eyed queen: “Shaker of earth, thyself
+with thine own mind take counsel, whether thou wilt save Aineias, or leave him
+[to be slain, brave though he be, by Achilles, Peleus’ son]. For by many
+oaths among all the Immortals have we two sworn, even Pallas Athene and I,
+never to help the Trojans from their evil day, not even when all Troy shall
+burn in the burning of fierce fire, and they that burn her shall be the warlike
+sons of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now when Poseidon Shaker of earth heard that, he went up amid the battle and
+the clash of spears, and came where Aineias and renowned Achilles were. Then
+presently he shed mist over the eyes of Achilles, Peleus’ son, and drew
+the bronze-headed ashen spear from the shield of Aineias great of heart, and
+set it before Achilles’ feet, and lifted Aineias and swung him high from
+off the earth. Over many ranks of warriors, of horses many, sprang Aineias
+soaring in the hand of the god, and lighted at the farthest verge of the battle
+of many onsets, where the Kaukones were arraying them for the fight. Then hard
+beside him came Poseidon, Shaker of earth, and spake aloud to him winged words:
+“Aineias, what god is it that biddeth thee fight infatuate against
+Peleus’ vehement son, who is both a better man than thou and dearer to
+Immortals? Rather withdraw thee whensoever thou fallest in with him, lest even
+contrary to thy fate thou enter the house of Hades. But when Achilles shall
+have met his death and doom, then be thou of good courage to fight among the
+foremost, for there shall none other of the Achaians slay thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spoke, and left him there, when he had shown him all these things. Then
+quickly from Achilles’ eyes he purged the magic mist; and he stared with
+wide eyes, and in trouble spake unto his proud soul: “Ha! verily a great
+marvel behold I here with mine eyes. My spear lieth here upon the ground, nor
+can I anywise see the man at whom I hurled it with intent to slay him. Truly
+then is Aineias likewise dear to the immortal gods, howbeit I deemed that his
+boosting thereof was altogether vanity. Away with him! not again will he find
+heart to make trial of me, now that once more he has escaped death to his joy.
+But come, I will call on the warlike Danaans and go forth to make trial of some
+other Trojan face to face.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and leapt along the lines, and called upon each man: “No longer
+stand afar from the men of Troy, noble Achaians, but come let man match man and
+throw his soul into the fight. Hard is it for me, though I be strong, to assail
+so vast a folk and fight them all: not even Ares, though an immortal god, nor
+Athene, could plunge into the jaws of such a fray and toil therein. But to my
+utmost power with hands and feet and strength no whit, I say, will I be slack,
+nay, never so little, but right through their line will I go forward, nor deem
+I that any Trojan shall be glad who shall come nigh my spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them. But to the Trojans glorious Hector called aloud, and
+proclaimed that he would go forth against Achilles: “High-hearted
+Trojans, fear not Peleus’ son. I too in words could fight even Immortals,
+but with the spear it were hard, for they are stronger far. Neither shall
+Achilles accomplish all his talk, but part thereof he is to accomplish, and
+part to break asunder in the midst. And against him will I go forth, though the
+hands of him be even as fire, yea though his hands be as fire and his
+fierceness as the flaming steel.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he urging them, and the Trojans raised their spears for battle; and
+their fierceness was mingled confusedly, and the battle-cry arose. Then Phoebus
+Apollo stood by Hector and spake to him: “Hector, no longer challenge
+Achilles at all before the lines, but in the throng await him and from amid the
+roar of the battle, lest haply he spear thee or come near and smite thee with
+his sword.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Hector again fell back into the crowd of men, for he was
+amazed when he heard the sound of a god’s voice.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Achilles sprang in among the Trojans, his heart clothed with strength,
+crying his terrible cry, and first he took Iphition, Otrynteus’ valiant
+son, a leader of much people, born of a Naiad nymph to Otrynteus waster of
+cities, beneath snowy Tmolos, in Hyde’s rich domain. Him as he came right
+on did goodly Achilles smite with his hurled spear, down through the midst of
+his head, and it was rent asunder utterly. And he fell with a crash, and goodly
+Achilles exulted over him; “here is thy death, thy birth was on the
+Gygaian lake, where is thy sire’s demesne, by Hyllos rich in fish and
+eddying Hermos.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he exultant, but darkness fell upon the eyes of Iphition: him the
+chariots of the Achaians clave with their tires asunder in the forefront of the
+battle, and over him Achilles pierced in the temples, through his
+bronze-cheeked helmet, Demoleon, brave stemmer of battle, Antenor’s son.
+No stop made the bronze helmet, but therethrough sped the spear-head and clave
+the bone, and the brain within was all scattered: that stroke made ending of
+his zeal. Then Hippodamas, as he leapt from his chariot and fled before him,
+Achilles wounded in the back with his spear: and he breathed forth his spirit
+with a roar, as when a dragged bull roareth that the young men drag to the
+altar of the Lord of Helike; for in such hath the Earthshaker his delight: thus
+roared Hippodamas as from his bones fled forth his haughty spirit. But Achilles
+with his spear went on after godlike Polydoros, Priam’s son. Him would
+his sire continually forbid to fight, for that among his children he was
+youngest born and best beloved, and overcame all in fleetness of foot. Just
+then in boyish folly, displaying the swiftness of his feet, he was rushing
+through the forefighters, until he lost his life. Him in the midst did
+fleet-footed noble Achilles smite with a javelin, in his back as he darted by,
+where his belt’s golden buckles clasped, and the breast and back plates
+overlapped: and right through beside the navel went the spear-head, and he fell
+on his knee with a cry, and dark cloud covered him round about, and he clasped
+his bowels to him with his hands as he sank.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Hector saw his brother Polydoros clasping his bowels with his hands,
+and sinking to the earth, a mist fell over his eyes, nor longer might he endure
+to range so far apart, but he came up against Achilles brandishing his sharp
+spear, and like flame of fire. And Achilles when he saw him, sprang up, and
+spake exultingly: “Behold the man who hath deepest stricken into my soul,
+who slew my dear-prized friend; not long shall we now shrink from each other
+along the highways of the war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and looking grimly spake unto goodly Hector: “Come thou near,
+that the sooner thou mayest arrive at the goal of death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him, unterrified, said Hector of the glancing helm: “Son of
+Peleus, think not with words to affright me as a child, since I too know myself
+how to speak taunts and unjust speech. And I know that thou art a man of might,
+and a far better man than I. Yet doth this issue lie in the lap of the gods,
+whether I though weaker shall take thy life with my hurled spear, for mine too
+hath been found keen ere now.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his spear and hurled it, and Athene with a breath turned it
+back from glorious Achilles, breathing very lightly; and it came back to goodly
+Hector, and fell there before his feet. Then Achilles set fiercely upon him,
+eager to slay him, crying his terrible cry. But Apollo caught Hector up, very
+easily, as a god may, and hid him in thick mist. Thrice then did fleet-footed
+noble Achilles make onset with his spear of bronze, and thrice smote the thick
+mist. [But when the fourth time he had come godlike on,] then with dread shout
+he spake to him winged words: “Dog, thou art now again escaped from
+death; yet came ill very nigh thee; but now hath Phoebus Apollo saved thee, to
+whom thou must surely pray when thou goest forth amid the clash of spears.
+Verily I will slay thee yet when I meet thee hereafter, if any god is helper of
+me too. Now will I make after the rest, whomsoever I may seize.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he pierced Dryops in the midst of his neck with his spear, and he
+fell down before his feet. But he left him where he lay, and hurled at Demuchos
+Philetor’s son, a good man and a tall, and stayed him with a stroke upon
+his knees; then smote him with his mighty sword and reft him of life. Then
+springing on Laogonos and Dardanos, sons of Bias, he thrust both from their
+chariot to the ground, one with a spear-cast smiting and the other in close
+battle with his sword. Then Tros, Alastor’s son—he came and clasped his
+knees to pray him to spare him, and let him live, and slay him not, having
+compassion on his like age, fond fool, and knew not that he might not gain his
+prayers; for nowise soft of heart or tender was that man, but of fierce
+mood—with his hands he touched Achilles’ knees, eager to entreat him, but
+he smote him in the liver with his sword, and his liver fell from him, and
+black blood therefrom filled his bosom, and he swooned, and darkness covered
+his eyes. Then Achilles came near and struck Mulios in the ear, and right
+through the other ear went the bronze spear-head. Then he smote Agenor’s
+son Echeklos on the midst of the head with his hilted sword, and all the sword
+grew hot thereat with blood; and dark death seized his eyes, and forceful fate.
+Then next Deukalion, just where the sinews of the elbow join, there pierced he
+him through the forearm with his bronze spear-head; so abode he with his arm
+weighed down, beholding death before him; and Achilles smiting the neck with
+his sword swept far both head and helm, and the marrow rose out of the
+backbone, and the corpse lay stretched upon the earth. Then went he onward
+after Peires’ noble son, Rhigmos, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace:
+him in the midst he smote with his hurled javelin, and the point fixed in his
+lung, and he fell forth of his chariot. And Areithoos his squire, as he turned
+the horses round, he pierced in the back with his sharp spear, and thrust him
+from the car, and the horse ran wild with fear.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+As through deep glens rageth fierce fire on some parched mountain-side, and the
+deep forest burneth, and the wind driving it whirleth every way the flame, so
+raged he every way with his spear, as it had been a god, pressing hard on the
+men he slew; and the black earth ran with blood. For even as when one yoketh
+wide-browed bulls to tread white barley in a stablished threshing-floor, and
+quickly is it trodden out beneath the feet of the loud-lowing bulls, thus
+beneath great-hearted Achilles his whole-hooved horses trampled corpses and
+shields together; and with blood all the axletree below was sprinkled and the
+rims that ran around the car, for blood-drops from the horses’ hooves
+splashed them, and blood-drops from the tires of the wheels. But the son of
+Peleus pressed on to win him glory, flecking with gore his irresistible hands.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap21"></a>BOOK XXI.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with the River, and chased the men of Troy within their
+gates.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when now they came unto the ford of the fair-flowing river, even eddying
+Xanthos, whom immortal Zeus begat, there sundering them he chased the one part
+to the plain toward the city, even where the Achaians were flying in affright
+the day before, when glorious Hector was in his fury—thither poured some in
+flight, and Hera spread before them thick mist to hinder them:—but half were
+pent into the deep-flowing silver eddied river, and fell therein with a mighty
+noise, and the steep channel sounded, and the banks around rang loudly; for
+with shouting they swam therein hither and thither whirled round the eddies.
+And as when at the rush of fire locusts take wing to fly unto a river, and the
+unwearying fire flameth forth on them with sudden onset, and they huddle in the
+water; so before Achilles was the stream of deep-eddying Xanthos filled with
+the roar and the throng of horses and men.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the seed of Zeus left behind him his spear upon the bank, leant against
+tamarisk bushes, and leapt in, as it were a god, keeping his sword alone, and
+devised grim work at heart, and smote as he turned him every way about: and
+their groaning went up ghastly as they were stricken by the sword, and the
+water reddened with blood. As before a dolphin of huge maw fly other fish and
+fill the nooks of some fair-havened bay, in terror, for he devoureth amain
+whichsoever of them he may catch; so along the channels of that dread stream
+the Trojans crouched beneath the precipitous sides. And when his hands were
+weary of slaughter he chose twelve young men alive out of the river, an
+atonement for Patroklos, Menoitios’ son that was dead. These brought he
+forth amazed like fawns, and bound behind them their hands with well-cut
+thongs, which they themselves wore on their pliant doublets, and gave them to
+his comrades to lead down to the hollow ships. Then again he made his onset,
+athirst for slaying.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+There met he a son of Dardanid Priam, in flight out of the river, Lykaon, whom
+once himself he took and brought unwilling out of his father’s orchard,
+in a night assault; he was cutting with keen bronze young shoots of a wild fig
+tree, to be hand-rails of a chariot; but to him an unlooked-for bane came
+goodly Achilles. And at that time he sold him into well-peopled Lemnos, sending
+him on ship board, and the son of Jason gave a price for him; and thence a
+guest friend freed him with a great ransom, Eetion of Imbros, and sent him to
+goodly Arisbe; whence flying secretly he came to his father’s house.
+Eleven days he rejoiced among his friends after he was come from Lemnos, but on
+the twelfth once more God brought him into the hands of Achilles, who was to
+send him to the house of Hades though nowise fain to go. Him when fleet-footed
+noble Achilles saw bare of helm and shield, neither had he a spear, but had
+thrown all to the ground; for he sweated grievously as he tried to flee out of
+the river, and his knees were failing him for weariness: then in wrath spake
+Achilles to his great heart: “Ha! verily great marvel is this that I
+behold with my eyes. Surely then will the proud Trojans whom I have slain rise
+up again from beneath the murky gloom, since thus hath this man come back
+escaped from his pitiless fate, though sold into goodly Lemnos, neither hath
+the deep of the hoary sea stayed him, that holdeth many against their will. But
+come then, of our spear’s point shall he taste, that I may see and learn
+in my mind whether likewise he shall come back even from beneath, or whether
+the life-giving Earth shall hold him down, she that holdeth so even the
+strong.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he in his place; but the other came near amazed, fain to touch
+his knees, for his soul longed exceedingly to flee from evil death and black
+destruction. Then goodly Achilles lifted his long spear with intent to smite
+him, but he stooped and ran under it and caught his knees; and the spear went
+over his back and stood in the ground, hungering for flesh of men. Then Lykaon
+besought him, with one hand holding his knees, while with the other he held the
+sharp spear and loosed it not, and spake to him winged words: “I cry thee
+mercy, Achilles; have thou regard and pity for me: to thee, O fosterling of
+Zeus, am I in the bonds of suppliantship. For at thy table first I tasted meal
+of Demeter on the day when thou didst take me captive in the well-ordered
+orchard, and didst sell me away from my father and my friends unto goodly
+Lemnos, and I fetched thee the price of a hundred oxen. And now have I been
+ransomed for thrice that, and this is my twelfth morn since I came to Ilios
+after much pain. Now once again hath ruinous fate delivered me unto thy hands;
+surely I must be hated of father Zeus, that he hath given me a second time unto
+thee; and to short life my mother bare me, Laothoe, old Altes’
+daughter—Altes who ruleth among the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasos
+on the Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had to wife, with many others, and of her
+were we two born, and thou wilt butcher both. Him among the foremost of the
+foot-soldiers didst thou lay low, even godlike Polydoros, when thou smotest him
+with they sharp spear: and now will it go hard with me here, for no hope have I
+to escape thy hands, since God hath delivered me thereunto. Yet one thing will
+I tell thee, and do thou lay it to heart: slay me not, since I am not of the
+same mother as Hector, who slew thy comrade the gentle and brave.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake to him the noble son of Priam, beseeching him with words, but he
+heard a voice implacable: “Fond fool, proffer me no ransom, nor these
+words. Until Patroklos met his fated day, then was it welcomer to my soul to
+spare the men of Troy, and many I took alive and sold beyond the sea: but now
+there is none shall escape death, whomsoever before Ilios God shall deliver
+into my hands—yes, even among all Trojans, but chiefest among Priam’s
+sons. Ay, friend, thou too must die: why lamentest thou? Patroklos is dead, who
+was better far than thou. Seest thou not also what manner of man am I for might
+and goodliness? and a good man was my father, and a goddess mother bare me. Yet
+over me too hang death and forceful fate. There cometh morn or eve or some
+noonday when my life too some man shall take in battle, whether with spear he
+smite or arrow from the string.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the other’s knees and heart were unstrung. He let go
+Achilles’ spear, and sat with both hands outspread. But Achilles drew his
+sharp sword and smote on the collar-bone beside the neck, and all the two-edged
+sword sank into him, and he lay stretched prone upon the earth, and blood
+flowed dark from him and soaked the earth. Him seized Achilles by the foot and
+sent him down the stream, and over him exulting spake winged words:
+“There lie thou among the fishes, which shall lick off thy wound’s
+blood heedlessly, nor shall thy mother lay thee on a bed and mourn for thee,
+but Skamandros shall bear thee on his eddies into the broad bosom of the sea.
+Leaping along the wave shall many a fish dart up to the dark ripple to eat of
+the white flesh of Lykaon. So perish all, until we reach the citadel of sacred
+Ilios, ye flying and I behind destroying. Nor even the River, fair-flowing,
+silver-eddied, shall avail you, to whom long time forsooth ye sacrifice many
+bulls, and among his eddies throw whole-hooved horses down alive. For all this
+yet shall ye die the death, until ye pay all for Patroklos’ slaying and
+the slaughter of Achaians whom at the swift ships ye slew while I tarried
+afar.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but the River waxed ever more wroth in his heart, and sought in
+his soul how he should stay goodly Achilles from his work, and ward destruction
+from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus with his far-shadowing spear
+leapt, fain to slay him, upon Asteropaios son of Pelegon, whom wide-flowing
+Axios begat of Periboia eldest of the daughters of Akessamenos. Upon him set
+Achilles, and Asteropaios stood against him from the river, holding two spears;
+for Xanthos put courage into his heart, being angered for the slaughtered
+youths whom Achilles was slaughtering along the stream and had no pity on them.
+Then when the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, unto him first spake
+fleet-footed noble Achilles: “Who and whence art thou of men, that darest
+to come against me? Ill-fated are they whose children match them with my
+might.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him, made answer Pelegol’s noble son: “High-hearted son of
+Peleus, why askest thou my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paionia, a land far
+off, leading Paionian men with their long spears, and this now is the eleventh
+morn since I am come to Ilios. My lineage is of wide-flowing Axios, who begat
+Pelegon famous with the spear, and he, men say, was my father. Now fight we,
+noble Achilles!”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he in defiance, and goodly Achilles lifted the Pelian ash: but the
+warrior Asteropaios hurled with both spears together, for he could use both
+hands alike, and with the one spear smote the shield, but pierced it not right
+through, for the gold stayed it, the gift of a god; and with the other he
+grazed the elbow of Achilles’ right arm, and there leapt forth dark
+blood, but the point beyond him fixed itself in the earth, eager to batten on
+flesh. Then in his turn Achilles hurled on Asteropaios his straight-flying ash,
+fain to have slain him, but missed the man and struck the high bank, and
+quivering half its length in the bank he left the ashen spear. Then the son of
+Peleus drew his sharp sword from his thigh and leapt fiercely at him, and he
+availed not to draw with his stout hand Achilles’ ashen shaft from the
+steep bank. Thrice shook he it striving to draw it forth, and thrice gave up
+the strain, but the fourth time he was fain to bend and break the ashen spear
+of the seed of Aiakos, but ere that Achilles closing on him reft him of life
+with his sword. For in the belly he smote him beside the navel, and all his
+bowels gushed out to the earth, and darkness covered his eyes as he lay
+gasping. Then Achilles trampling on his breast stripped off his armour and
+spake exultingly: “Lie there! It is hard to strive against children of
+Kronos’ mighty son, even though one be sprung from a River-god. Thou
+truly declarest thyself the seed of a wide-flowing River, but I avow me of the
+linkage of great Zeus. My sire is a man ruling many Myrmidons, Peleus the son
+of Aiakos, and Aiakos was begotten of Zeus. As Zeus is mightier than
+seaward-murmuring rivers, so is the seed of Zeus made mightier than the seed of
+a river. Nay, there is hard beside thee a great river, if he may anywise avail;
+but against Zeus the son of Kronos it is not possible to fight. For him not
+even king Acheloios is match, nor yet the great strength of deep-flowing Ocean,
+from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all springs and deep wells: yea,
+even he hath fear of the lightning of great Zeus and his dread thunder, when it
+pealeth out of heaven.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the steep bank drew his bronze spear, and left there
+Asteropaios whom he had slain, lying in the sands, and the dark water flooded
+him. Around him eels and fishes swarmed, tearing and gnawing the fat about his
+kidneys. But Achilles went on after the charioted Paiones who still along the
+eddying river huddled in fear, when they saw their best man in the stress of
+battle slain violently by the hands and the sword of the son of Peleus. There
+slew he Thersilochos and Mydon and Astypylos and Mnesos and Thrasios and Ainios
+and Ophelestes; and more yet of the Paiones would swift Achilles have slain,
+had not the deep-eddying River called unto him in wrath, in semblance of a man,
+and from an eddy’s depth sent forth a voice: “O Achilles, thy might
+and thy evil work are beyond the measure of men; for gods themselves are ever
+helping thee. If indeed the son of Kronos hath delivered thee all the Trojans
+to destroy, at least drive them forth from me and do thy grim deeds on the
+plain, for filled with dead men is my pleasant bed, nor can I pour my stream to
+the great sea, being choked with dead, and thou slayest ruthlessly. Come then,
+let be; I am astonished, O captain of hosts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him answered Achilles fleet of foot: “So be it, heaven-sprung
+Skamandros, even as thou biddest. But the proud Trojans I will not cease from
+slaying until I have driven them into their city, and have made trial with
+Hector face to face whether he is to vanquish me or I him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he set upon the Trojans, like a god. Then unto Apollo spake the
+deep-eddying River: “Out on it, lord of the silver bow, child of Zeus,
+thou hast not kept the ordinance of Kronos’ son, who charged thee
+straitly to stand by the Trojans and to help them, until eve come with light
+late-setting, and darken the deep-soiled earth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and spear-famed Achilles sprang from the bank and leapt into his
+midst; but he rushed on him in a furious wave, and stirred up all his streams
+in tumult, and swept down the many dead who lay thick in him, slain by
+Achilles; these out to land he cast with bellowing like a bull, and saved the
+living under his fair streams, hiding them within eddies deep and wide. But
+terribly around Achilles arose his tumultuous wave, and the stream smote
+violently against his shield, nor availed he to stand firm upon his feet. Then
+he grasped a tall fair-grown elm, and it fell uprooted and tore away all the
+bank, and reached over the fair river bed with its thick shoots, and stemmed
+the River himself, falling all within him: and Achilles, struggling out of the
+eddy, made haste to fly over the plain with his swift feet, for he was afraid.
+But the great god ceased not, but arose upon him with darkness on his crest,
+that he might stay noble Achilles from slaughter, and ward destruction from the
+men of Troy. And the son of Peleus rushed away a spear’s throw, with the
+swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, strongest at once and swiftest of
+winged birds. Like him he sped, and on his breast the bronze rang terribly as
+he fled from beneath the onset, and behind him the River rushed on with a
+mighty roar. As when a field-waterer from a dark spring leadeth water along a
+bed through crops and garden grounds, a mattock in his hands, casting forth
+hindrances from the ditch, and as it floweth all pebbles are swept down, and
+swiftly gliding it murmureth down a sloping place, and outrunneth him that is
+its guide:—thus ever the river wave caught up Achilles for all his speed; for
+gods are mightier than men. For whensoever fleet-footed noble Achilles
+struggled to stand against it, and know whether all immortals be upon him who
+inhabit spacious heaven, then would a great wave of the heaven-sprung River
+beat upon his shoulders from above, and he sprang upward with his feet, sore
+vexed at heart; and the River was wearying his knees with violent rush beneath,
+devouring the earth from under his feet. Then the son of Peleus cried aloud,
+looking up to the broad heaven: “Zeus, Father, how doth none of the gods
+take it on him in pity to save me from the River! after that let come to me
+what may. None other of the inhabitants of Heaven is chargeable so much, but
+only my dear mother, who beguiled me with false words, saying that under the
+wall of the mail-clad men of Troy I must die by the swift arrows of Apollo.
+Would that Hector had slain me, the best of men bred here: then brave had been
+the slayer, and a brave man had he slain. But now by a sorry death am I doomed
+to die, pent in this mighty river, like a swineherd boy whom a torrent sweepeth
+down as he essayeth to cross it in a storm.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and quickly Poseidon and Athene came near and stood beside him,
+in the likeness of men, and taking his hands in theirs pledged him in words.
+And the first that spake was Poseidon, Shaker of the earth: “Son of
+Peleus, tremble not, neither be afraid; such helpers of thee are we from the
+gods, approved of Zeus, even Pallas Athene and I, for to be vanquished of a
+river is not appointed thee, but he will soon give back, and thou wilt thyself
+perceive it: but we will give thee wise counsel, if thou wilt obey it; hold not
+thy hand from hazardous battle until within Ilios’ famous walls thou have
+pent the Trojan host, even all that flee before thee. But do thou, when thou
+hast taken the life of Hector, go back unto the ships; this glory we give unto
+thee to win.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+They having thus spoken departed to the immortals, but he toward the plain—for
+the bidding of gods was strong upon him—went onward; and all the plain was
+filled with water-flood, and many beautiful arms and corpses of slain youths
+were drifting there. So upward sprang his knees as he rushed against the stream
+right on, nor stayed him the wide-flowing River, for Athene put great strength
+in him. Neither did Skamandros slacken his fierceness, but yet more raged
+against the son of Peleus, and he curled crestwise the billow of his stream,
+lifting himself on high, and on Simoeis he called with a shout: “Dear
+brother, the strength of this man let us both join to stay, since quickly he
+will lay waste the great city of king Priam, and the Trojans abide not in the
+battle. Help me with speed, and fill thy streams with water from thy springs,
+and urge on all thy torrents, and raise up a great wave, and stir huge roaring
+of tree-stumps and stones, that we may stay the fierce man who now is lording
+it, and deeming himself match for gods. For neither, I ween, will strength
+avail him nor comeliness anywise, nor that armour beautiful, which deep beneath
+the flood shall be o’erlaid with slime, and himself I will wrap him in my
+sands and pour round him countless shingle without stint, nor shall the
+Achaians know where to gather his bones, so vast a shroud of silt will I heap
+over them. Where he dieth there shall be his tomb, neither shall he have need
+of any barrow to be raised, when the Achaians make his funeral.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and rushed in tumult on Achilles, raging from on high, thundering with
+foam and blood and bodies of dead men. Then did a dark wave of the
+heaven-sprung River stand towering up and overwhelm the son of Peleus. But Hera
+cried aloud in terror of Achilles, lest the great deep-eddying River sweep him
+away, and straightway she called to Hephaistos, her dear son: “Rise, lame
+god, O my son; it was against thee we thought that eddying Xanthos was matched
+in fight. Help with all speed, put forth large blast of flame. Then will I go
+to raise a strong storm out of the sea of the west wind and the white south
+which shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their armour, blowing the
+angry flame. Thou along Xanthos’ banks burn up his trees and wrap himself
+in fire, nor let him anywise turn thee back by soft words or by threat, nor
+stay thy rage—only when I cry to thee with my voice, then hold the unwearying
+fire.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, and Hephaistos made ready fierce-blazing fire. First on the
+plain fire blazed, and burnt the many dead who lay there thick, slain by
+Achilles; and all the plain was parched and the bright water stayed. And as
+when in late summer the north wind swiftly parcheth a new watered orchard, and
+he that tilleth it is glad, thus was the whole plain parched, and Hephaistos
+consumed the dead; then against the river he turned his gleaming flame. Elms
+burnt and willow trees and tamarisks, and lotos burnt and rush and galingale
+which round the fair streams of the river grew in multitude. And the eels and
+fishes beneath the eddies were afflicted, which through the fair streams
+tumbled this way and that, in anguish at the blast of crafty Hephaistos. And
+the strong River burned, and spake and called to him by name:
+“Hephaistos, there is no god can match with thee, nor will I fight thee
+thus ablaze with fire. Cease strife, yea, let noble Achilles drive the Trojans
+forthwith out of their city; what have I to do with strife and succour?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, burnt with fire, for his fair streams were bubbling. And as a
+cauldron boileth within, beset with much fire, melting the lard of some fatted
+hog spurting up on all sides, and logs of firewood lie thereunder,—so burned
+his fair streams in the fire, and the water boiled. He had no mind to flow, but
+refrained him, for the breath of cunning Hephaistos violently afflicted him.
+Then unto Hera, earnestly beseeching her,’ he spake winged words:
+“Hera, wherefore hath thy son assailed my stream to vex it above others?
+I am less chargeable than all the rest that are helpers of the Trojans. But lo,
+I will give over, if thou wilt, and let thy son give over too. And I further
+will swear even this, that never will I ward the day of evil from the Trojans,
+not even when all Troy is burning in the blaze of hungry fire, and the warlike
+sons of Achaians are the burners thereof.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when the white-armed goddess Hera heard his speech, straightway she spake
+unto Hephaistos her dear son: “Hephaistos, hold, famed son; it befitteth
+not thus for mortals’ sake to do violence to an immortal god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said she and Hephaistos quenched the fierce-blazing fire, and the wave
+once more rolled down the fair river-bed.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So when the rage of Xanthos was overcome, both ceased, for Hera stayed them,
+though in wrath. But among the other gods fell grievous bitter strife, and
+their hearts were carried diverse in their breasts. And they clashed together
+with a great noise, and the wide earth groaned, and the clarion of great Heaven
+rang around. Zeus heard as he sate upon Olympus, and his heart within him
+laughed pleasantly when he beheld that strife of gods. Then no longer stood
+they asunder, for Ares piercer of shields began the battle and first made for
+Athene with his bronze spear, and spake a taunting word: “Wherefore, O
+dogfly, dost thou match gods with gods in strife, with stormy daring, as thy
+great spirit moveth thee? Rememberest thou not how thou movedst Diomedes
+Tydeus’ son to wound me, and thyself didst take a visible spear and
+thrust it straight at me and pierce through my fair skin? Therefore deem I now
+that thou shalt pay me for all that thou hast done.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he smote on the dread tasselled aegis that not even the lightning
+of Zeus can overcome—thereon smote bloodstained Ares with his long spear. But
+she, giving back, grasped with stout hand a stone that lay upon the plain,
+black, rugged, huge, which men of old time set to be the landmark of a field;
+this hurled she, and smote impetuous Ares on the neck, and unstrung his limbs.
+Seven roods he covered in his fall, and soiled his hair with dust, and his
+armour rang upon him. And Pallas Athene laughed, and spake to him winged words
+exultingly: “Fool, not even yet hast thou learnt how far better than thou
+I claim to be, that thus thou matchest thy might with mine. Thus shalt thou
+satisfy thy mother’s curses, who deviseth mischief against thee in her
+wrath, for that thou hast left the Achaians and givest the proud Trojal’s
+aid.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said she turned from him her shining eyes. Him did Aphrodite
+daughter of Zeus take by the hand and lead away, groaning continually, for
+scarce gathered he his spirit back to him. But when the white-armed goddess
+Hera was aware of them, straightway she spake unto Athene winged words:
+“Out on it, child of aegis-bearing Zeus, maiden invincible, lo there the
+dogfly is leading Ares destroyer of men out of the fray of battle down the
+throng—nay then, pursue her.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and Athene sped after her with heart exultant, and made at her and
+smote her with stout hand upon the breast, and straightway her knees and heart
+were unstrung. So they twain lay on the bounteous earth, and she spake winged
+words exultingly: “Such let all be who give the Trojans aid when they
+fight against the mailed Argives. Be they even so bold and brave as Aphrodite
+when she came to succour Ares and defied my might. Then should we long ago have
+ceased from war, having laid waste the stablished citadel of Ilios.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+[She said, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled.] Then to Apollo spake the
+earth-shaking lord: “Phoebus, why stand we apart? It befitteth not after
+the rest have begun: that were the more shameful if without fighting we should
+go to Olympus to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus. Begin, for thou art
+younger; it were not meet for me, since I was born first and know more. Fond
+god, how foolish is thy heart! Thou rememberest not all the ills we twain alone
+of gods endured at Ilios, when by ordinance of Zeus we came to proud Laomedon
+and served him through a year for promised recompense, and he laid on us his
+commands. I round their city built the Trojans a wall, wide and most fair, that
+the city might be unstormed, and thou Phoebus, didst herd shambling
+crook-horned kine among the spurs of woody many-folded Ida. But when the joyous
+seasons were accomplishing the term of hire, then redoubtable Laomedon robbed
+us of all hire, and sent us off with threats. He threatened that he would bind
+together our feet and hands and sell us into far-off isles, and the ears of
+both of us he vowed to shear off with the sword. So we went home with angry
+hearts, wroth for the hire he promised and gave us not. To his folk not thou
+showest favour, nor essayest with us how the proud Trojans may be brought low
+and perish miserably with their children and noble wives.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered King Apollo the Far-darter: “Shaker of the earth, of
+no sound mind wouldst thou repute me if I should fight against thee for the
+sake of pitiful mortals, who like unto leaves now live in glowing life,
+consuming the fruit of the earth, and now again pine into death. Let us with
+all speed cease from combat, and let them do battle by themselves.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he turned away, for he felt shame to deal in blows with his
+father’s brother. But his sister upbraided him sore, the queen of wild
+beasts, huntress Artemis, and spake a taunting word: “So then thou
+fleest, Far-darter, hast quite yielded to Poseidon the victory, and given him
+glory for naught! Fond god, why bearest thou an ineffectual bow in vain? Let me
+not hear thee again in the halls of our sire boast as before among the immortal
+gods thou wouldst stand up to fight against Poseidon.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, but far-darting Apollo answered her not. But angrily the noble
+spouse of Zeus [upbraided the Archer Queen with taunting words:] “How now
+art thou fain, bold vixen, to set thyself against me? Hard were it for thee to
+match my might, bow-bearer though thou art, since against women Zeus made thee
+a lion, and giveth thee to slay whomso of them thou wilt. Truly it is better on
+the mountains to slay wild beasts and deer than to fight amain with mightier
+than thou. But if thou wilt, try war, that thou mayest know well how far
+stronger am I, since thou matchest thy might with mine.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She said, and with her left hand caught both the other’s hands by the
+wrist, and with her right took the bow from off her shoulders, and therewith,
+smiling, beat her on the ears as she turned this way and that; and the swift
+arrows fell out of her quiver. And weeping from before her the goddess fled
+like a dove that from before a falcon flieth to a hollow rock, a cleft—for she
+was not fated to be caught;—thus Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and
+arrows where they lay. Then to Leto spake the Guide, the slayer of Argus:
+“Leto, with thee will I no wise fight; a grievous thing it is to come to
+blows with wives of cloud-gathering Zeus; but boast to thy heart’s
+content among the immortal gods that thou didst vanquish me by might and
+main.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and arrows fallen hither and
+thither amid the whirl of dust: so taking her daughter’s bow she went
+back. And the maiden came to Olympus, to the bronze-thresholded house of Zeus,
+and weeping set herself on her father’s knee, while round her her divine
+vesture quivered: and her father, Kronos’ son, took her to him and asked
+of her, laughing gently: “Who of the inhabitants of heaven, dear child,
+hath dealt with thee thus [hastily, as though thou hadst been doing some wrong
+thing openly]?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the fair-crowned queen of the echoing chase:
+“It was thy wife that buffeted me, father, the white-armed Hera, from
+whom are strife and contention come upon the immortals.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus talked they unto one another. Then Phoebus Apollo entered into sacred
+Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-builded city, lest the
+Danaans waste it before its hour upon that day. But the other ever-living gods
+went to Olympus, some angry and some greatly triumphing, and sat down beside
+Zeus who hideth himself in dark clouds.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now Achilles was still slaying the Trojans, both themselves and their
+whole-hooved horses. And as when a smoke goeth up to the broad heaven, when a
+city burneth, kindled by the wrath of gods, and causeth toil to all, and griefs
+to many, thus caused Achilles toil and griefs to the Trojans. And the old man
+Priam stood on the sacred tower, and was aware of dread Achilles, how before
+him the Trojans thronged in rout, nor was any succour found of them. Then with
+a cry he went down from the tower, to rouse the gallant warders along the
+walls: “Hold open the gates in your hands until the folk come to the city
+in their rout, for closely is Achilles chasing them—now trow I there will be
+deadly deeds. And when they are gathered within the wall and are taking breath,
+then again shut back the gate-wings firmly builded; for I fear lest that
+murderous man spring in within the wall.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they opened the gates and thrust back the bolts; and the
+gates flung back gave safety. Then Apollo leapt forth to the front that he
+might ward destruction from the Trojans. They straight for the city and the
+high wall were fleeing, parched with thirst and dust-grimed from the plain, and
+Achilles chased them vehemently with his spear, for strong frenzy possessed his
+heart continually, and he thirsted to win him renown. Then would the sons of
+the Achaians have taken high-gated Troy, had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly
+Agenor, Antenor’s son, a princely man and strong. In his heart he put
+good courage, and himself stood by his side that he might ward off the grievous
+visitations of death, leaning against the oak, and he was shrouded in thick
+mist. So when Agenor was aware of Achilles waster of cities, he halted, and his
+heart much wavered as he stood; and in trouble he spake to his great heart:
+“Ay me, if I flee before mighty Achilles, there where the rest are driven
+terror-struck, nathless will he overtake me and slaughter me as a coward. Or
+what if I leave these to be driven before Achilles the son of Peleus, and flee
+upon my feet from the wall by another way to the Ileian plain, until I come to
+the spurs of Ida, and hide me in the underwood? So then at evening, having
+bathed in the river and refreshed me of sweat, I might return to Ilios. Nay,
+why doth my heart debate thus within me? Lest he might be aware of me as I get
+me from the city for the plain, and speeding after overtake me with swift feet;
+then will it no more be possible to avoid the visitation of death, for he is
+exceeding mighty above all mankind. What then if in front of the city I go
+forth to meet him? Surely his flesh too is penetrable by sharp bronze, and
+there is but one life within, and men say he is mortal, howbeit Zeus the son of
+Kronos giveth him renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying, he gathered himself to await Achilles, and within him his stout
+heart was set to strive and fight. As a leopardess goeth forth from a deep
+thicket to affront a huntsman, nor is afraid at heart, nor fleeth when she
+heareth the bay of hounds; for albeit the man first smite her with thrust or
+throw, yet even pierced through with the spear she ceaseth not from her courage
+until she either grapple or be slain, so noble Antenor’s son, goodly
+Agenor, refused to flee till he should put Achilles to the proof, but held
+before him the circle of his shield, and aimed at him with his spear, and cried
+aloud: “Doubtless thou hopest in thy heart, noble Achilles, on this day
+to sack the city of the proud men of Troy. Fond man, there shall many woful
+things yet be wrought before it, for within it we are many men and staunch, who
+in front of our parents dear and wives and sons keep Ilios safe; but thou shalt
+here meet death, albeit so redoubtable and bold a man of war.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and hurled his sharp spear with weighty hand, and smote him on the leg
+beneath the knee, nor missed his mark, and the greave of new-wrought tin rang
+terribly on him; but the bronze bounded back from him it smote, nor pierced
+him, for the god’s gift drave it back. Then the son of Peleus in his turn
+made at godlike Agenor, but Apollo suffered him not to win renown, but caught
+away Agenor, and shrouded him in thick mist, and sent him in peace to be gone
+out of the war. Then by wile kept the son of Peleus away from the folk, for in
+complete semblance of Agenor himself he stood before the feet of Achilles, who
+hasted to run upon him and chase him. And while he chased him over the
+wheat-bearing plain, edging him toward the deep-eddying river Skamandros, as he
+ran but a little in front of him (for by wile Apollo beguiled him that he kept
+ever hoping to overtake him in the race), meantime the other Trojans in common
+rout came gladly unto their fastness, and the city was filled with the throng
+of them. Neither had they heart to await one another outside the city and wall,
+and to know who might have escaped and who had perished in the fight, but
+impetuously they poured into the city, whomsoever of them his feet and knees
+might save.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap22"></a>BOOK XXII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How Achilles fought with Hector, and slew him, and brought his body to the
+ships.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city, scared like fawns, were cooling their sweat and
+drinking and slaking their thirst, leaning on the fair battlements, while the
+Achaians drew near the wall, setting shields to shoulders. But Hector deadly
+fate bound to abide in his place, in front of Ilios and the Skaian gates. Then
+to the son of Peleus spake Phoebus Apollo: “Wherefore, son of Peleus,
+pursuest thou me with swift feet, thyself being mortal and I a deathless god?
+Thou hast not even yet known me, that I am a god, but strivest vehemently.
+Truly thou regardest not thy task among the affliction of the Trojans whom thou
+affrightedst, who now are gathered into the city, while thou heat wandered
+hither. Me thou wilt never slay, for I am not subject unto death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then mightily moved spake unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Thou hast
+baulked me, Far-darter, most mischievous of all the gods, in that thou hast
+turned me hither from the wall: else should full many yet have bitten the dust
+or ever within Ilios had they come. Now hast thou robbed me of great renown,
+and lightly hast saved them, because thou hadst no vengeance to fear
+thereafter. Verily I would avenge me on thee, had I but the power.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying toward the city he was gone in pride of heart, rushing like some
+victorious horse in a chariot, that runneth lightly at full speed over the
+plain; so swiftly plied Achilles his feet and knees. Him the old man Priam
+first beheld as he sped across the plain, blazing as the star that cometh forth
+at harvest-time, and plain seen his rays shine forth amid the host of stars in
+the darkness of night, the star whose name men call Oriol’s Dog.
+Brightest of all is he, yet for an evil sign is he set, and bringeth much fever
+upon hapless men. Even so on Achilles’ breast the bronze gleamed as he
+ran. And the old man cried aloud and beat upon his head with his hands, raising
+them on high, and with a cry called aloud beseeching his dear son; for he
+before the gates was standing, all hot for battle with Achilles. And the old
+man spake piteously unto him, stretching forth his hands: “Hector,
+beloved son, I pray thee await not this man alone with none beside thee, lest
+thou quickly meet thy doom, slain by the son of Peleus, since he is mightier
+far, a merciless man. Would the gods loved him even as do I! then quickly would
+dogs and vultures devour him on the field—thereby would cruel pain go from my
+heart—the man who hath bereft me of many valiant sons, slaying them and selling
+them captive into far-off isles. Ay even now twain of my children, Lykaon and
+Polydoros, I cannot see among the Trojans that throng into the fastness, sons
+whom Laothoe bare me, a princess among women. If they be yet alive amid the
+enemy’s host, then will we ransom them with bronze and gold, for there is
+store within, for much goods gave the old man famous Altes to his child. If
+they be dead, then even in the house of Hades shall they be a sorrow to my soul
+and to their mother, even to us who gave them birth, but to the rest of the
+folk a briefer sorrow, if but thou die not by Achilles’ hand. Nay, come
+within the wall, my child, that thou preserve the men and women of Troy,
+neither give great triumph to the son of Peleus, and be thyself bereft of sweet
+life. Have compassion also on me, the helpless one, who still can feel,
+ill-fated; whom the father, Kronos’ son, will bring to naught by a
+grievous doom in the path of old age, having seen full many ills, his sons
+perishing and his daughters carried away captive, and his chambers laid waste
+and infant children hurled to the ground in terrible war, and his sons’
+wives dragged away by the ruinous hands of the Achaians. Myself then last of
+all at the street door will ravening dogs tear, when some one by stroke or
+throw of the sharp bronze hath bereft my limbs of life—even the dogs I reared
+in my halls about my table and to guard my door, which then having drunk my
+blood, maddened at heart shall lie in the gateway. A young man all beseemeth,
+even to be slain in war, to be torn by the sharp bronze and lie on the field;
+though he be dead yet is all honourable to him, whate’er be seen: but
+when dogs defile the hoary head and hoary beard of an old man slain, this is
+the most piteous thing that cometh upon hapless men.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and grasped his hoary hairs, plucking them from his
+head, but he persuaded not Hector’s soul. Then his mother in her turn
+wailed tearfully, loosening the folds of her robe, while with the other hand
+she showed her breast; and through her tears spake to him winged words:
+“Hector, my child, have regard unto this bosom and pity me, if ever I
+gave thee consolation of my breast. Think of it, dear child, and from this side
+the wall drive back the foe, nor stand in front to meet him. He is merciless;
+if he slay thee it will not be on a bed that I or thy wife shall bewail thee,
+my own dear child, but far away from us by the ships of the Argives will swift
+dogs devour thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they with wailing spake to their dear son, beseeching him sore, yet they
+persuaded not Hector’s soul, but he stood awaiting Achilles as he drew
+nigh in giant might. As a serpent of the mountains upon his den awaiteth a man,
+having fed on evil poisons, and fell wrath hath entered into him, and terribly
+he glared as he coileth himself about his den, so Hector with courage
+unquenchable gave not back, leaning his shining shield against a jutting tower.
+Then sore troubled he spake to his great heart: “Ay me, if I go within
+the gates and walls, Polydamas will be first to bring reproach against me,
+since he bade me lead the Trojans to the city during this ruinous night, when
+noble Achilles arose. But I regarded him not, yet surely it had been better
+far. And now that I have undone the host by my wantonness, I am ashamed before
+the men of Troy and women of trailing robes, lest at any time some worse man
+than I shall say: ‘Hector by trusting his own might undid the
+host.’ So will they speak; then to me would it be better far to face
+Achilles and either slay him and go home, or myself die gloriously before the
+city. Or what if I lay down my bossy shield and my stout helm, and lean my
+spear against the wall, and go of myself to meet noble Achilles and promise him
+that Helen, and with her all possessions that Alexandros brought in hollow
+ships to Troy, the beginning of strife, we will give to the Sons of Atreus to
+take away, and therewithal to divide in half with the Achaians all else that
+this city holdeth: and if thereafter I obtain from the Trojans an oath of the
+Elders that they will hide nothing but divide all in twain [whatever wealth the
+pleasant city hold within]? But wherefore doth my heart debate thus? I might
+come unto him and he would not pity or regard me at all, but presently slay me
+unarmed as it were but a woman, if I put off my armour. No time is it now to
+dally with him from oaktree or from rock, like youth with maiden, as youth and
+maiden hold dalliance one with another. Better is it to join battle with all
+speed: let us know upon which of us twain the Olympian shall bestow
+renown.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus pondered he as he stood, but nigh on him came Achilles, peer of Enyalios
+warrior of the waving helm, brandishing from his right shoulder the Pelian ash,
+his terrible spear; and all around the bronze on him flashed like the gleam of
+blazing fire or of the Sun as he ariseth. And trembling seized Hector as he was
+aware of him, nor endured he to abide in his place, but left the gates behind
+him and fled in fear. And the son of Peleus darted after him, trusting in his
+swift feet. As a falcon upon the mountains, swiftest of winged things, swoopeth
+fleetly after a trembling dove; and she before him fleeth, while he with shrill
+screams hard at hand still darteth at her, for his heart urgeth him to seize
+her; so Achilles in hot haste flew straight for him, and Hector fled beneath
+the Trojans’ wall, and plied swift knees. They past the watch-place and
+wind-waved wild fig-tree sped ever, away from under the wall, along the
+waggon-track, and came to the two fair-flowing springs, where two fountains
+rise that feed deep-eddying Skamandros. The one floweth with warm water, and
+smoke goeth up therefrom around as it were from a blazing fire, while the other
+even in summer floweth forth like cold hail or snow or ice that water formeth.
+And there beside the springs are broad washing-troughs hard by, fair troughs of
+stone, where wives and fair daughters of the men of Troy were wont to wash
+bright raiment, in the old time of peace, before the sons of the Achaians came.
+Thereby they ran, he flying, he pursuing. Valiant was the flier but far
+mightier he who fleetly pursued him. For not for beast of sacrifice or for an
+oxhide were they striving, such as are prizes for mel’s speed of foot,
+but for the life of horse-taming Hector was their race. And as when victorious
+whole-hooved horses run rapidly round the turning-points, and some great prize
+lieth in sight, be it a tripod or a woman, in honour of a man that is dead, so
+thrice around Priam’s city circled those twain with flying feet, and all
+the gods were gazing on them. Then among them spake first the father of gods
+and men: “Ay me, a man beloved I see pursued around the wall. My heart is
+woe for Hector, who hath burnt for me many thighs of oxen amid the crests of
+many-folded Ida, and other times on the city-height; but now is goodly Achilles
+pursuing him with swift feet round Priam’s town. Come, give your counsel,
+gods, and devise whether we shall save him from death or now at last slay him,
+valiant though he be, by the hand of Achilles Peleus’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him answered the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “O Father, Lord of
+the bright lightning and the dark cloud, what is this thou hast said? A man
+that is a mortal, doomed long ago by fate, wouldst thou redeem back from
+ill-boding death? Do it, but not all we other gods approve.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And unto her in answer spake cloud-gathering Zeus: “Be of good cheer,
+Trito-born, dear child: not in full earnest speak I, and I would fain be kind
+to thee. Do as seemeth good to thy mind, and draw not back.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he roused Athene, that already was set thereon, and from the crests
+of Olympus she darted down.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But after Hector sped fleet Achilles chasing him vehemently. And as when on the
+mountains a hound hunteth the fawn of a deer, having started it from its
+covert, through glens and glades, and if it crouch to baffle him under a bush,
+yet scenting it out the hound runneth constantly until he find it; so Hector
+baffled not Peleus’ fleet-footed son. Oft as he set himself to dart under
+the well-built walls over against the Dardanian gates, if haply from above they
+might succour him with darts, so oft would Achilles gain on him and turn him
+toward the plain, while himself he sped ever on the city-side. And as in a
+dream one faileth in chase of a flying man, the one faileth in his flight and
+the other in his chase—so failed Achilles to overtake him in the race, and
+Hector to escape. And thus would Hector have avoided the visitation of death,
+had not this time been utterly the last wherein Apollo came nigh to him, who
+nerved his strength and his swift knees. For to the host did noble Achilles
+sign with his head, and forbade them to hurl bitter darts against Hector, lest
+any smiting him should gain renown, and he himself come second. But when the
+fourth time they had reached the springs, then the Father hung his golden
+balances, and set therein two lots of dreary death, one of Achilles, one of
+horse-taming Hector, and held them by the midst and poised. Then Hector’s
+fated day sank down, and fell to the house of Hades, and Phoebus Apollo left
+him. But to Peleus’ son came the bright-eyed goddess Athene, and standing
+near spake to him winged words: “Now verily, glorious Achilles dear to
+Zeus, I have hope that we twain shall carry off great glory to the ships for
+the Achaians, having slain Hector, for all his thirst for fight. No longer is
+it possible for him to escape us, not even though far-darting Apollo should
+travail sore, grovelling before the Father, aegis-bearing Zeus. But do thou now
+stand and take breath, and I will go and persuade this man to confront thee in
+fight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Athene, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart, and stood leaning on
+his bronze-pointed ashen-spear. And she left him and came to noble Hector, like
+unto Deiphobos in shape and in strong voice, and standing near spake to him
+winged words: “Dear brother, verily fleet Achilles doth thee violence,
+chasing thee round Priam’s town with swift feet: but come let us make a
+stand and await him on our defence.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered her great Hector of the glancing helm: “Deiphobos, verily
+aforetime wert thou far dearest of my brothers, but now methinks I shall honour
+thee even more, in that thou hast dared for my sake, when thou sawest me, to
+come forth of the wall, while the others tarry within.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the bright-eyed goddess Athene: “Dear brother, of
+a truth my father and lady mother and my comrades around besought me much,
+entreating me in turn, to tarry there, so greatly do they all tremble before
+him; but my heart within was sore with dismal grief. And now fight we with
+straight-set resolve and let there be no sparing of spears, that we may know
+whether Achilles is to slay us and carry our bloody spoils to the hollow ships,
+or whether he might be vanquished by thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying Athene in her subtlety led him on. And when they were come nigh in
+onset on one another, to Achilles first spake great Hector of the glancing
+helm: “No longer, son of Peleus, will I fly thee, as before I thrice ran
+round the great town of Priam, and endured not to await thy onset. Now my heart
+biddeth me stand up against thee; I will either slay or be slain. But come
+hither and let us pledge us by our gods, for they shall be best witnesses and
+beholders of covenants: I will entreat thee in no outrageous sort, if Zeus
+grant me to outstay thee, and if I take thy life, but when I have despoiled
+thee of thy glorious armour, O Achilles, I will give back thy dead body to the
+Achaians, and do thou the same.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Hector, talk
+not to me, thou madman, of covenants. As between men and lions there is no
+pledge of faith, nor wolves and sheep can be of one mind, but imagine evil
+continually against each other, so is it impossible for thee and me to be
+friends, neither shall be any pledge between us until one or other shall have
+fallen and glutted with blood Ares, the stubborn god of war. Bethink thee of
+all thy soldiership: now behoveth it thee to quit thee as a good spearman and
+valiant man of war. No longer is there way of escape for thee, but Pallas
+Athene will straightway subdue thee to my spear; and now in one hour shalt thou
+pay back for all my sorrows for my friends whom thou hast slain in the fury of
+thy spear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled. And noble Hector
+watched the coming thereof and avoided it; for with his eye on it he crouched,
+and the bronze spear flew over him, and fixed itself in the earth; but Pallas
+Athene caught it up and gave it back to Achilles, unknown of Hector shepherd of
+hosts. Then Hector spake unto the noble son of Peleus: “Thou hast missed,
+so no wise yet, godlike Achilles, has thou known from Zeus the hour of my doom,
+though thou thoughtest it. Cunning of tongue art thou and a deceiver in speech,
+that fearing thee I might forget my valour and strength. Not as I flee shalt
+thou plant thy spear in my reins, but drive it straight through my breast as I
+set on thee, if God hath given thee to do it. Now in thy turn avoid my spear of
+bronze. O that thou mightst take it all into thy flesh! Then would the war be
+lighter to the Trojans, if but thou wert dead, for thou art their greatest
+bane.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and poised his long-shadowed spear and hurled it, and smote the midst
+of the shield of Peleus’ son, and missed him not: but far from the shield
+the spear leapt back. And Hector was wroth that his swift weapon had left his
+hand in vain, and he stood downcast, for he had no second ashen spear. And he
+called with a loud shout to Deiphobos of the white shield, and asked of him a
+long spear, but he was no wise nigh. Then Hector knew he truth in his heart,
+and spake and said: “Ay me, now verily the gods have summoned me to
+death. I deemed the warrior Deiphobos was by my side, but he is within the
+wall, and it was Athene who played me false. Now therefore is evil death come
+very nigh me, not far off, nor is there way of escape. This then was from of
+old the pleasure of Zeus and of the far-darting son of Zeus, who yet before
+were fain to succour me: but now my fate hath found me. At least let me not die
+without a struggle or ingloriously, but in some great deed of arms whereof men
+yet to be born shall hear.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he drew his sharp sword that by his flank hung great and strong,
+and gathered himself and swooped like a soaring eagle that darteth to the plain
+through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or crouching hare. So Hector
+swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And Achilles made at him, for his heart
+was filled with wild fierceness, and before his breast he made a covering with
+his fair graven shield, and tossed his bright four-plated helm; and round it
+waved fair golden plumes [that Hephaistos had set thick about the crest.]. As a
+star goeth among stars in the darkness of night, Hesperos, fairest of all stars
+set in heaven, so flashed there forth a light from the keen spear Achilles
+poised in his right hand, devising mischief against noble Hector, eyeing his
+fair flesh to find the fittest place. Now for the rest of him his flesh was
+covered by the fair bronze armour he stripped from strong Patroklos when he
+slew him, but there was an opening where the collar bones coming from the
+shoulders clasp the neck, even at the gullet, where destruction of life cometh
+quickliest; there, as he came on, noble Achilles drave at him with his spear,
+and right through the tender neck went the point. Yet the bronze-weighted ashen
+spear clave not the windpipe, so that he might yet speak words of answer to his
+foe. And he fell down in the dust, and noble Achilles spake exultingly:
+“Hector, thou thoughtest, whilst thou wert spoiling Patroklos, that thou
+wouldst be safe, and didst reck nothing of me who was afar, thou fool. But away
+among the hollow ships his comrade, a mightier far, even I, was left behind,
+who now have unstrung thy knees. Thee shall dogs and birds tear foully, but his
+funeral shall the Achaians make.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then with faint breath spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “I
+pray thee by thy life and knees and parents leave me not for dogs of the
+Achaians to devour by the ships, but take good store of bronze and gold, gifts
+that my father and lady mother shall give to thee, and give them home my body
+back again, that the Trojans and Trojans’ wives give me my due of fire
+after my death.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But unto him with grim gaze spake Achilles fleet of foot: “Entreat me
+not, dog, by knees or parents. Would that my heart’s desire could so bid
+me myself to carve and eat raw thy flesh, for the evil thou hast wrought me, as
+surely is there none that shall keep the dogs from thee, not even should they
+bring ten or twenty fold ransom and here weigh it out, and promise even more,
+not even were Priam Dardanos’ son to bid pay thy weight in gold, not even
+so shall thy lady mother lay thee on a bed to mourn her son, but dogs and birds
+shall devour thee utterly.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then dying spake unto him Hector of the glancing helm: “Verily I know
+thee and behold thee as thou art, nor was I destined to persuade thee; truly
+thy heart is iron in thy breast. Take heed now lest I draw upon thee wrath of
+gods, in the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo slay thee, for all thy valour,
+at the Skaian gate.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He ended, and the shadow of death came down upon him, and his soul flew forth
+of his limbs and was gone to the house of Hades, wailing her fate, leaving her
+vigour and youth. Then to the dead man spake noble Achilles: “Die: for my
+death, I will accept it whensoever Zeus and the other immortal gods are minded
+to accomplish it.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and from the corpse drew forth his bronze spear, and set it aside, and
+stripped the bloody armour from the shoulders. And other sons of Achaians ran
+up around, who gazed upon the stature and marvellous goodliness of Hector. Nor
+did any stand by but wounded him, and thus would many a man say looking toward
+his neighbour: “Go to, of a truth far easier to handle is Hector now than
+when he burnt the ships with blazing fire.” Thus would many a man say,
+and wound him as he stood hard by. And when fleet noble Achilles had despoiled
+him, he stood up among the Achaians and spake winged words: “Friends,
+chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, since the gods have vouchsafed us to
+vanquish this man who hath done us more evil than all the rest together, come
+let us make trial in arms round about the city, that we may know somewhat of
+the Trojans’ purpose, whether since he hath fallen they will forsake the
+citadel, or whether they are minded to abide, albeit Hector is no more. But
+wherefore doth my heart debate thus? There lieth by the ships a dead man
+unbewailed, unburied, Patroklos; him will I not forget, while I abide among the
+living and my knees can stir. Nay if even in the house of Hades the dead forget
+their dead, yet will I even there be mindful of my dear comrade. But come, ye
+sons of the Achaians, let us now, singing our song of victory, go back to the
+hollow ships and take with us our foe. Great glory have we won; we have slain
+the noble Hector, unto whom the Trojans prayed throughout their city, as he had
+been a god.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector. The tendons of both feet
+behind he slit from heel to ankle-joint, and thrust therethrough thongs of
+ox-hide, and bound him to his chariot, leaving his head to trail. And when he
+had mounted the chariot and lifted therein the famous armour, he lashed his
+horses to speed, and they nothing loth flew on. And dust rose around him that
+was dragged, and his dark hair flowed loose on either side, and in the dust lay
+all his once fair head, for now had Zeus given him over to his foes to entreat
+foully in his own native land.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus was his head all grimed with dust. But his mother when she beheld her son,
+tore her hair and cast far from her her shining veil, and cried aloud with an
+exceeding bitter cry. And piteously moaned his father, and around them the folk
+fell to crying and moaning throughout the town. Most like it seemed as though
+all beetling Ilios were burning utterly in fire. Scarcely could the folk keep
+back the old man in his hot desire to get him forth of the Dardanian gates. For
+he besought them all, casting himself down in the mire, and calling on each man
+by his name: “Hold, friends, and though you love me leave me to get me
+forth of the city alone and go unto the ships of the Achaians. Let me pray this
+accursed horror-working man, if haply he may feel shame before his age-fellows
+and pity an old man. He also hath a father such as I am, Peleus, who begat and
+reared him to be a bane of Trojans—and most of all to me hath he brought woe.
+So many sons of mine hath he slain in their flower—yet for all my sorrow for
+the rest I mourn them all less than this one alone, for whom my sharp grief
+will bring me down to the house of Hades—even Hector. Would that he had died in
+my arms; then would we have wept and wailed our fill, his mother who bore him
+to her ill hap, and I myself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he wailing, and all the men of the city made moan with him. And
+among the women of Troy, Hekabe led the wild lament: “My child, ah, woe
+is me! wherefore should I live in my pain, now thou art dead, who night and day
+wert my boast through the city, and blessing to all, both men and women of Troy
+throughout the town, who hailed thee as a god, for verily an exceeding glory to
+them wert thou in thy life:—now death and fate have overtaken thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing. But Hector’s wife knew not as yet, for no true
+messenger had come to tell her how her husband abode without the gates, but in
+an inner chamber of the lofty house she was weaving a double purple web, and
+broidering therein manifold flowers. Then she called to her goodly-haired
+handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on the fire, that Hector
+might have warm washing when he came home out of the battle fond heart, and was
+unaware how, far from all washings, bright-eyed Athene had slain him by the
+hand of Achilles. But she heard shrieks and groans from the battlements, and
+her limbs reeled, and the shuttle fell from her hands to earth. Then again
+among her goodly-haired maids she spake: “Come two of ye this way with me
+that I may see what deeds are done. It was the voice of my husband’s
+noble mother that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leapeth to my mouth
+and my knees are numbed beneath me: surely some evil thing is at hand against
+the children of Priam. Would that such word might never reach my ear! yet
+terribly I dread lest noble Achilles have cut off bold Hector from the city by
+himself and chased him to the plain and ere this ended his perilous pride that
+possessed him, for never would he tarry among the throng of men but ran out
+before them far, yielding place to no man in his hardihood.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying she sped through the chamber like one mad, with beating heart, and
+with her went her handmaidens. But when she came to the battlements and the
+throng of men, she stood still upon the wall and gazed, and beheld him dragged
+before the city:—swift horses dragged him recklessly toward the hollow ships of
+the Achaians. Then dark night came on her eyes and shrouded her, and she fell
+backward and gasped forth her spirit. From off her head she shook the bright
+attiring thereof, frontlet and net and woven band, and veil, the veil that
+golden Aphrodite gave her on the day when Hector of the glancing helm led her
+forth of the house of Eetion, having given bride-gifts untold. And around her
+thronged her husband’s sisters and his brothers’ wives, who held
+her up among them, distraught even to death. But when at last she came to
+herself and her soul returned into her breast, then wailing with deep sobs she
+spake among the women of Troy: “O Hector, woe is me! to one fate then
+were we both born, thou in Troy in the house of Priam, and I in Thebe under
+woody Plakos, in the house of Eetion, who reared me from a little one—ill-fated
+sire of cruel-fated child. Ah, would he have begotten me not. Now thou to the
+house of Hades beneath the secret places of the earth departest, and me in
+bitter mourning thou leavest a widow in thy halls: and thy son is but an infant
+child—son of unhappy parents, thee and me—nor shalt thou profit him, Hector,
+since thou art dead, neither he thee. For even if he escape the Achaians’
+woful war, yet shall labour and sorrow cleave unto him hereafter, for other men
+shall seize his lands. The day of orphanage sundereth a child from his fellows,
+and his head is bowed down ever, and his cheeks are wet with tears. And in his
+need the child seeketh his father’s friends, plucking this one by cloak
+and that by coat, and one of them that pity him holdeth his cup a little to his
+mouth, and moisteneth his lips, but his palate he moisteneth not. And some
+child unorphaned thrusteth him from the feast with blows and taunting words,
+‘Out with thee! no father of thine is at our board.’ Then weeping
+to his widowed mother shall he return, even Astyanax, who erst upon his
+father’s knee ate only marrow and fat flesh of sheep; and when sleep fell
+on him and he ceased from childish play, then in bed in his nurse’s arms
+he would slumber softly nested, having satisfied his heart with good things;
+but now that he hath lost his father he will suffer many ills, Astyanax—that
+name the Trojans gave him, because thou only wet the defence of their gates and
+their long walls. But now by the beaked ships, far from thy parents, shall
+coiling worms devour thee when the dogs have had their fill, as thou liest
+naked; yet in these halls lieth raiment of thine, delicate and fair, wrought by
+the hands of women. But verily all these will I consume with burning fire—to
+thee no profit, since thou wilt never lie therein, yet that his be honour to
+thee from the men and the women of Troy.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap23"></a>BOOK XXIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+Of the funeral of Patroklos, and the funeral games.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus they throughout the city made moan: but the Achaians when they were come
+to the ships and to the Hellespont were scattered each to his own ship: only
+the Myrmidons Achilles suffered not to be scattered, but spake among his
+comrades whose delight was in war: “Fleet-horsed Myrmidons, my trusty
+comrades, let us not yet unyoke our whole-hooved steeds from their cars, but
+with horses and chariots let us go near and mourn Patroklos, for such is the
+honour of the dead. Then when we have our fill of grievous wailing, we will
+unyoke the horses and all sup here.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and they with one accord made lamentation, and Achilles led their
+mourning. So thrice around the dead they drave their well-maned steeds,
+moaning; and Thetis stirred among them desire of wailing. Bedewed were the
+sands with tears, bedewed the warriors’ arms; so great a lord of fear
+they sorrowed for. And Peleus’ son led their loud wail, laying his
+man-slaying hands on his comrade’s breast: “All hail, Patroklos,
+even in the house of Hades; for all that I promised thee before am I
+accomplishing, seeing I have dragged hither Hector to give raw unto dogs to
+devour, and twelve noble children of the Trojans to slaughter before thy pyre,
+because of mine anger at thy slaying.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and devised foul entreatment of noble Hector, stretching him prone in
+the dust beside the bier of Menoitios’ son. And the rest put off each his
+glittering bronze arms, and unyoked their high-neighing horses, and sate them
+down numberless beside the ship of fleet-footed Aiakides, and he gave them
+ample funeral feast. Many sleek oxen were stretched out, their throats cut with
+steel, and many sheep and bleating goats, and many white-tusked boars well
+grown in fat were spitted to singe in the flame of Hephaistos; so on all sides
+round the corpse in cupfuls blood was flowing.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the fleet-footed prince, the son of Peleus, was brought to noble Agamemnon
+by the Achaian chiefs, hardly persuading him thereto, for his heart was wroth
+for his comrade. And when they were come to Agamemnol’s hut, forthwith
+they bade clear-voiced heralds set a great tripod on the fire, if haply they
+might persuade the son of Peleus to wash from him the bloody gore. But he
+denied them steadfastly, and sware moreover an oath: “Nay, verily by
+Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, not lawful is it that water should come
+nigh my head or ever I shall have laid Patroklos on the fire, and heaped a
+barrow, and shaved my hair, since never again shall second grief thus reach my
+heart, while I remain among the living. Yet now for the present let us yield us
+to our mournful meal: but with the morning, O king of men Agamemnon, rouse the
+folk to bring wood and furnish all that it beseemeth a dead man to have when he
+goeth beneath the misty gloom, to the end that untiring fire may burn him
+quickly from sight, and the host betake them to their work.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they listened readily to him and obeyed, and eagerly making
+ready each his meal they supped, and no lack had their soul of equal feast. But
+when they had put off from them the desire of meat and drink, the rest went
+down each man to his tent to take his rest, but the son of Peleus upon the
+beach of the sounding sea lay groaning heavily, amid the host of Myrmidons, in
+an open place, where waves were breaking on the shore. Now when sleep took hold
+on him, easing the cares of his heart, deep sleep that fell about him, (for
+sore tired were his glorious knees with onset upon Hector toward windy Ilios),
+then came there unto him the spirit of hapless Patroklos, in all things like
+his living self, in stature, and fair eyes, and voice, and the raiment of his
+body was the same; and he stood above Achilles’ head and spake to him:
+“Thou sleepest, and hast forgotten me, O Achilles. Not in my life wast
+thou ever unmindful of me, but in my death. Bury me with all speed, that I pass
+the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits banish me, the phantoms of men outworn,
+nor suffer me to mingle with them beyond the River, but vainly I wander along
+the wide-gated dwelling of Hades. Now give me, I pray pitifully of thee, thy
+hand, for never more again shall I come back from Hades, when ye have given me
+my due of fire. Never among the living shall we sit apart from our dear
+comrades and take counsel together, but me hath the harsh fate swallowed up
+which was appointed me even from my birth. Yea and thou too thyself, Achilles
+peer of gods, beneath the wall of the noble Trojans art doomed to die. Yet one
+thing will I say, and charge thee, if haply thou wilt have regard thereto. Lay
+not my bones apart from thine, Achilles, but together, even as we were nurtured
+in your house, when Menoitios brought me yet a little one from Opoeis to your
+country by reason of a grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew
+Amphidamas’ son, not willing it, in childish wrath over the dice. Then
+took me the knight Peleus into his house and reared me kindly and named me thy
+squire: so therefore let one coffer hide our bones [a golden coffer, two
+handled, thy lady mother’s gift].”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him Achilles fleet of foot: “Wherefore, O my
+brother, hast thou come hither, and chargest me everything that I should do?
+Verily I will accomplish all, and have regard unto thy bidding. But stand more
+nigh me; for one moment let us throw our arms around each other, and take our
+fill of dolorous lament.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and reached forth with his hands, but clasped him not; for like a
+vapour the spirit was gone beneath the earth with a faint shriek. And Achilles
+sprang up marvelling, and smote his hands together, and spake a word of woe:
+“Ay me, there remaineth then even in the house of Hades a spirit and
+phantom of the dead, albeit the life be not anywise therein: for all night long
+hath the spirit of hapless Patroklos stood over me, wailing and making moan,
+and charged me everything that I should do, and wondrous like his living self
+it seemed.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and stirred in all of them yearning to make lament; and
+rosy-fingered Morn shone forth on them while they still made moan around the
+piteous corpse. Then lord Agamemnon sped mules and men from all the huts to
+fetch wood; and a man of valour watched thereover, even Meriones, squire of
+kindly Idomeneus. And they went forth with wood-cutting axes in their hands and
+well-woven ropes, and before them went the mules, and uphill and downhill and
+sideways and across they went. But when they came to the spurs of
+many-fountained Ida, straightway they set them lustily to hew high-foliaged
+oaks with the long-edged bronze, and with loud noise fell the trees. Then
+splitting them asunder the Achaians bound them behind the mules, and they tore
+up the earth with their feet as they made for the plain through the thick
+underwood. And all the wood-cutters bare logs; for thus bade Meriones, squire
+of kindly Idomeneus. And on the Shore they threw them down in line, where
+Achilles purposed a mighty tomb for Patroklos and for himself.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when they had laid down all about great piles of wood, they sate them down
+all together and abode. Then straightway Achilles bade the warlike Myrmidons
+gird on their arms and each yoke the horses to his chariot; and they arose and
+put their armour on, and mounted their chariots, both fighting men and
+charioteers. In front were the men in chariots, and a cloud of footmen followed
+after, numberless; and in the midst his comrades bare Patroklos. And they
+heaped all the corpse with their hair that they cut off and threw thereon; and
+behind did goodly Achilles bear the head, sorrowing; for a noble comrade was he
+speeding forth unto the realm of Hades.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And when they came to the place where Achilles had bidden them, they set down
+the dead, and piled for him abundant wood. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+bethought him of one thing more: standing apart from the pyre he shore off a
+golden lock, the lock whose growth he nursed to offer unto the River
+Spercheios, and sore troubled spake be, looking forth over the wine-dark sea:
+“Spercheios, in other wise vowed my father Peleus unto thee that I
+returning thither to my native land should shear my hair for thee and offer a
+holy hecatomb, and fifty rams should sacrifice there above thy springs, where
+is the sacred close and altar burning spice. So vowed the old man, but thou
+hast not accomplished him his desire. And now since I return not to my dear
+native land, unto the hero Patroklos I may give this hair to take away.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he set the hair in the hands of his dear comrade, and stirred in
+all of them yearning to make lament. And so would the light of the sun have
+gone down on their lamentation, had not Achilles said quickly to Agamemnon as
+he stood beside him: “Son of Atreus—for to thy words most will the host
+of the Achaians have regard—of lamentation they may sate them to the full. But
+now disperse them from the burning and bid them make ready their meal, and we
+to whom the dead is dearest will take pains for these things; yet let the
+chiefs tarry nigh unto us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then when Agamemnon king of men heard that, he forthwith dispersed the host
+among the trim ships, but the nearest to the dead tarried there and piled the
+wood, and made a pyre a hundred feet this way and that, and on the pyre’s
+top set the corpse, with anguish at their hearts. And many lusty sheep and
+shambling crook-horned oxen they flayed and made ready before the pyre; and
+taking from all of them the fat, great hearted Achilles wrapped the corpse
+therein from head to foot, and heaped the flayed bodies round. And he set
+therein two-handled jars of honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and
+four strong-necked horses he threw swiftly on the pyre, and groaned aloud. Nine
+house-dogs had the dead chief: of them did Achilles slay twain and throw them
+on the pyre. And twelve valiant sons of great-hearted Trojans he slew with the
+sword—for he devised mischief in his heart and he set to the merciless might of
+the fire, to feed thereon. Then moaned he aloud, and called on his dear comrade
+by his name: “All hail to thee, O Patroklos, even in the house of Hades,
+for all that I promised thee before am I now accomplishing. Twelve valiant sons
+of great-hearted Trojans, behold these all in company with thee the fire
+devoureth: but Hector son of Priam will I nowise give to the fire to feed upon,
+but to dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he threatening, but no dogs might deal with Hector, for day and
+night Aphrodite daughter of Zeus kept off the dogs, and anointed him with
+rose-sweet oil ambrosial that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+And over him Phoebus Apollo brought a dark cloud from heaven to earth and
+covered all that place whereon the dead man lay, lest meanwhile the sul’s
+strength shrivel his flesh round about upon his sinews and limbs.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But the pyre of dead Patroklos kindled not. Then fleet-footed noble Achilles
+had a further thought: standing aside from the pyre he prayed to the two Winds
+of North and West, and promised them fair offerings, and pouring large
+libations from a golden cup besought them to come, that the corpses might blaze
+up speedily in the fire, and the wood make haste to be enkindled. Then Iris,
+when she heard his prayer, went swiftly with the message to the Winds. They
+within the house of the gusty West Wind were feasting all together at meat,
+when Iris sped thither, and halted on the threshold of stone. And when they saw
+her with their eyes, they sprang up and called to her every one to sit by him.
+But she refused to sit, and spake her word: “No seat for me; I must go
+back to the streams of Ocean, to the Ethiopians’ land where they
+sacrifice hecatombs to the immortal gods, that I too may feast at their rites.
+But Achilles is praying the North Wind and the loud West to come, and promising
+them fair offerings, that ye may make the pyre be kindled whereon lieth
+Patroklos, for whom all the Achaians are making moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+She having thus said departed, and they arose with a mighty sound, rolling the
+clouds before them. And swiftly they came blowing over the sea, and the wave
+rose beneath their shrill blast; and they came to deep-soiled Troy, and fell
+upon the pile, and loudly roared the mighty fire. So all night drave they the
+flame of the pyre together, blowing shrill; and all night fleet Achilles,
+holding a two-handled cup, drew wine from a golden bowl, and poured it forth
+and drenched the earth, calling upon the spirit of hapless Patroklos. As a
+father waileth when he burneth the bones of his son, new-married, whose death
+is woe to his hapless parents, so wailed Achilles as he burnt the bones of his
+comrade, going heavily round the burning pile, with many moans.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But at the hour when the Morning star goeth forth to herald light upon the
+earth, the star that saffron-mantled Dawn cometh after, and spreadeth over the
+salt sea, then grew the burning faint, and the flame died down. And the Winds
+went back again to betake them home over the Thracian main, and it roared with
+a violent swell. Then the son of Peleus turned away from the burning and lay
+down wearied, and sweet sleep leapt on him. But they who were with
+Atreus’ son gathered all together, and the noise and clash of their
+approach aroused him; and he sate upright and spake a word to them: “Son
+of Atreus and ye other chiefs of the Achaians, first quench with gleaming wine
+all the burning so far as the fire’s strength hath reached, and then let
+us gather up the bones of Patroklos, Menoitios’ son, singling them well,
+and easy are they to discern, for he lay in the middle of the pyre, while the
+rest apart at the edge burnt-confusedly, horses and men. And his bones let us
+put within a golden urn, and double-folded fat, until that I myself be hidden
+in Hades. But no huge barrow I bid you toil to raise—a seemly one, no more:
+then afterward do ye Achaians build it broad and high, whosoever of you after I
+am gone may be left in the benched ships.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they hearkened to the fleet-footed son of Peleus. First
+quenched they with gleaming wine the burning so far as the flame went, and the
+ash had settled deep: then with lamentation they gathered up the white bones of
+their gentle comrade into a golden urn and double-folded fat, and placed the
+urn in the hut and covered it with a linen veil. And they marked the circle of
+the barrow, and set the foundations thereof around the pyre, and straightway
+heaped thereon a heap of earth. Then when they had heaped up the barrow they
+were for going back. But Achilles stayed the folk in that place, and made them
+sit in wide assembly, and from his ships he brought forth prizes, caldrons and
+tripods, and horses and mules and strong oxen, and fair-girdled women, and grey
+iron.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+First for fleet chariot-racers he ordained a noble prize, a woman skilled in
+fair handiwork for the winner to lead home, and an eared tripod that held
+two-and-twenty measures; these for the first man; and for the second he
+ordained a six-year-old mare unbroke with a mule foal in her womb; and for the
+third he gave a goodly caldron yet untouched by fire, holding four measures,
+bright as when first made; and for the fourth he ordained two talents of gold;
+and for the fifth a two-handled urn untouched of fire, Then he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved
+Achaians, for the chariot-racers these prizes lie awaiting them in the lists.
+If in some other’s honour we Achaians were now holding our games, it
+would be I who should win the first prize and bear it to my hut; for ye know
+how far my pair of horses are first in excellence, for they are immortal and
+Poseidon gave them to my father Peleus, and he again to me. But verily I will
+abide, I and my whole-hooved horses, so glorious a charioteer have they lost,
+and one so kind, who on their manes full often poured smooth oil, when he had
+washed them in clear water. For him they stand and mourn, and their manes are
+trailing on the ground, and there stand they with sorrow at their hearts. But
+ye others throughout the host get ye to your places, whosoever of the Achalans
+hath trust in his horses and firm-jointed car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the son of Peleus, and the fleet chariot-racers were gathered. First
+of all arose up Eumelos king of men, Admetos’ son, a skilful charioteer;
+and next to him arose Tydeus’ son, valiant Diomedes, and yoked his horses
+of the breed of Tros, which on a time he seized from Aineias, when Apollo saved
+their lord. And after him arose Atreus’ son, fair-haired heaven-sprung
+Menelaos, and yoked him a swift pair Aithe, Agamemnol’s mare, and his own
+horse Podargos. Her unto Agamemnon did Anchises’ son Echepolos give in
+fee, that he might escape from following him to windy Ilios and take his
+pleasure at home; for great wealth had Zeus given him, and he dwelt in Sikyon
+of spacious lawns:— so Menelaos yoked her, and she longed exceedingly for the
+race. And fourth, Antilochos made ready his fair-maned horses, even the noble
+son of Nestor, high-hearted king, who was the son of Neleus; and fleet horses
+bred at Pylos drew his car. And his father standing by his side spake
+counselling him to his profit, though himself was well advised:
+“Antilochos, verily albeit thou art young, Zeus and Poseidon have loved
+thee and taught thee all skill with horses; wherefore to teach thee is no great
+need, for thou well knowest how to wheel round the post; yet are thy horses
+very slow in the race: therefore methinks there will be sad work for thee. For
+the horses of the others are fleeter, yet the men know not more cunning than
+thou hast. So come, dear son, store thy mind with all manner of cunning, that
+the prize escape thee not. By cunning is a woodman far better than by force; by
+cunning doth a helmsman on the wine-dark deep steer his swift ship buffeted by
+winds; by cunning hath charioteer the better of charioteer. For whoso trusting
+in his horses and car alone wheeleth heedlessly and wide at either end, his
+horses swerve on the course, and he keepeth them not in hand. But whoso is of
+crafty mind, though he drive worse horses, he ever keeping his eye upon the
+post turneth closely by it, neither is unaware how far at first to force his
+horses by the ox-hide reins, but holdeth them safe in hand and watcheth the
+leader in the race. Now will I tell thee a certain sign, and it shall not
+escape thee. A fathom’s height above the ground standeth a withered
+stump, whether of oak or pine: it decayeth not in the rain, and two white
+stones on either side thereof are fixed at the joining of the track, and all
+round it is smooth driving ground. Whether it be a monument of some man dead
+long ago, or have been made their goal in the race by ancient men, this now is
+the mark fixed by fleet-footed Achilles. Wherefore do thou drive close and bear
+thy horses and chariot hard thereon, and lean thy body on the well-knit car
+slightly to their left, and call upon the off-horse with voice and lash, and
+give him rein from thy hand. But let the near horse hug the post so that the
+nave of the well-wrought wheel seem to graze it—yet beware of touching the
+stone, lest thou wound the horses and break the chariot; so would that be
+triumph to the rest and reproach unto thyself. But, dear son, be wise and on
+thy guard; for if at the turning-post thou drive past the rest, there is none
+shall overtake thee from behind or pass thee by, not though he drave the goodly
+Arion in pursuit, the fleet horse of Adrastos, of divine descent, or the horses
+of Laomedon, best of all bred in this land.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake Neleian Nestor and sate him down again in his place, when he had
+told his son the sum of every matter.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And Meriones was the fifth to make ready his sleek-coated steeds. Then went
+they up into their chariots, and cast in the lots: and Achilles shook them, and
+forth leapt the lot of Antilochos Nestor’s son, and the next lot had lord
+Eumelos, and next to him the son of Atreus, spear-famed Menelaos, and next to
+him drew Meriones his place; then lastly Tydeides, far the best of all, drew
+his lot for his chariot’s place. Then they stood side by side, and
+Achilles showed to them the turning post, far off in the smooth plain; and
+beside it he placed an umpire, godlike Phoinix, his father’s follower,
+that he might note the running and tell the truth thereof.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then all together lifted the lash above their steeds, and smote them with the
+reins, and called on them eagerly with words: and they forthwith sped swiftly
+over the plain, leaving the ships behind; and beneath their breasts stood the
+rising dust like a cloud or whirlwind, and their manes waved on the blowing
+wind. And the chariots ran sometimes on the bounteous earth, and other whiles
+would bound into the air. And the drivers stood in the cars, and the heart of
+every man beat in desire of victory, and they called every man to his horses,
+that flew amid their dust across the plain.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the fleet horses were now running the last part of the course, back
+toward the grey sea, then was manifest the prowess of each, and the horses
+strained in the race; and presently to the front rushed the fleet mares of
+Pheres’ grandson, and next to them Diomedes’ stallions of the breed
+of Tros, not far apart, but hard anigh, for they seemed ever as they would
+mount Eumelos’ car, and with their breath his back was warm and his broad
+shoulders, for they bent their heads upon him as they flew along. Thus would
+Tydeus’ son have either outstripped the other or made it a dead heat, had
+not Phoebus Apollo been wroth with him and smitten from his hand the shining
+lash. Then from his eyes ran tears of anger, for that he saw the mares still at
+speed, even swiftlier than before, while his own horses were thrown out, as
+running without spur. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo’s guile
+against Tydeides, and presently sped after the shepherd of hosts, and gave him
+back the lash, and put spirit into his steeds. Then in wrath after the son of
+Admetos was the goddess gone, and brake his steeds’ yoke, and the mares
+ran sideways off the course, and the pole was twisted to the ground. And
+Eumelos was hurled out of the car beside the wheel, and his elbows and mouth
+and nose were flayed, and his forehead bruised above his eyebrows; and his eyes
+filled with tears and his lusty voice was choked. Then Tydeides held his
+whole-hooved horses on one side, darting far out before the rest, for Athene
+put spirit into his steeds and shed glory on himself. Now next after him came
+golden-haired Menelaos Atreus’ son. But Antilochos called to his
+father’s horses: “Go ye too in, strain to your fleetest pace. Truly
+I nowise bid you strive with those, the horses of wise Tydeides, unto which
+Athene hath now given speed, and shed glory on their charioteer. But overtake
+Atreides’ horses with all haste, and be not outstripped by them, lest
+Aithe that is but a mare pour scorn on you. Why are ye outstripped, brave
+steeds? Thus will I tell you, and verily it shall be brought to pass—ye will
+find no tendance with Nestor shepherd of hosts, but straightway he will slay
+you with the edge of the sword if through heedlessness we win but the worse
+prize. Have after them at your utmost speed, and I for my part will devise a
+plan to pass them in the strait part of the course, and this shall fail me
+not.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince ran swiftlier some
+little while; and presently did the good warrior Antilochos espy a strait place
+in a sunk part of the way. There was a rift in the earth, where torrent water
+gathered and brake part of the track away, and hollowed all the place; there
+drave Menelaos, shunning the encounter of the wheels. But Antilochos turned his
+whole-hooved horses out of the track, and followed him a little at one side.
+And the son of Atreus took alarm and shouted to Antilochos: “Antilochos,
+thou art driving recklessly—hold in thy horses! The road is straitened, soon
+thou mayest pass me in a wider place, lest thou foul my chariot and undo us
+both.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but Antilochos drave even fiercelier than before, plying his
+lash, as though he heard him not. As far as is the range of a disk swung from
+the shoulder when a young man hurleth it, making trial of his force, even so
+far ran they on; then the mares of Atreus’ son gave back, for he ceased
+of himself to urge them on, lest the whole-hooved steeds should encounter on
+the track, and overset the well-knit cars, and the drivers fall in the dust in
+their zeal for victory. So upbraiding Antilochos spake golden-haired Menelaos:
+“Antilochos, no mortal man is more malicious than thou. Go thy mad way,
+since falsely have we Achaians called thee wise. Yet even so thou shalt not
+bear off the prize unchallenged to an oath.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he called aloud to his horses: “Hold ye not back nor stand
+still with sorrow at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary before yours,
+for they both lack youth.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing the voice of the prince sped faster on, and
+were quickly close upon the others.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the Argives sitting in concourse were gazing at the horses, and they came
+flying amid their dust over the plain. And the first aware of them was
+Idomeneus, chief of the Cretans, for he was sitting outside the concourse in
+the highest place of view, and when he heard the voice of one that shouted,
+though afar off, he knew it; and he was aware of a horse showing plainly in the
+front, a chestnut all the rest of him, but in the forehead marked with a white
+star round like the moon. And he stood upright and spoke among the Argives:
+“Friends, chiefs, and counsellors of the Argives, is it I alone who see
+the horses, or do ye also? A new pair seem to me now to be in front, and a new
+charioteer appeareth; the mares which led in the outward course must have been
+thrown out there in the plain. For I saw them turning first the hither post,
+but now can see them nowhere, though my eyes are gazing everywhere along the
+Trojan plain. Did the reins escape the charioteer so that he could not drive
+aright round the post and failed in the turn? There, methinks, must he have
+been cast forth, and have broken his chariot, and the mares must have left the
+course, in the wildness of their heart. But stand up ye too and look, for
+myself I discern not certainly, but the first man seemeth to me one of Aitolian
+race, and he ruleth among Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, stalwart
+Diomedes.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet Aias Oileus’ son rebuked him in unseemly sort:
+“Idomeneus, why art thou a braggart of old? As yet far off the
+high-stepping mares are coursing over the wide plain. Neither art thou so far
+the youngest among the Argives, nor do thy eyes look so far the keenliest from
+thy head, yet continually braggest thou. It beseemeth thee not to be a
+braggart, for there are here better men. And the mares leading are they that
+led before, Eumelos’ mares, and he standeth and holdeth the reins within
+the car.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then wrathfully in answer spake the chief of Cretans: “Aias, master of
+railing, ill-counselled, in all else art thou behind other Argives, for thy
+mind is unfriendly. Come then let us wager a tripod or caldron, and make
+Agamemnon Atreus’ son our umpire, which mares are leading, that thou
+mayest pay and learn.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and straightway fleet Aias Oileus’ son arose angrily to
+answer with harsh words: and strife between the twain would have gone further,
+had not Achilles himself stood up and spake a word: “No longer answer
+each other with harsh words, Aias and Idomeneus, ill words, for it beseemeth
+not. Surely ye are displeased with any other who should do thus. Sit ye in the
+concourse and keep your eyes upon the horses; soon they in zeal for victory
+will come hither, and then shall ye know each of you the Argives’ horses,
+which follow, and which lead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and the son of Tydeus came driving up, and with his lash smote now and
+again from the shoulder, and his horses were stepping high as they sped swiftly
+on their way. And sprinklings of dust smote ever the charioteer, and his
+chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran behind his fleet-footed steeds, and
+small trace was there of the wheel-tires behind in the fine dust, as they flew
+speeding on. Then he drew up in the mid concourse, and much sweat poured from
+the horses’ heads and chests to the ground. And Diomedes leapt to earth
+from the shining car, and leant his lash against the yoke. Then stalwart
+Sthenelos tarried not, but promptly took the prize, and gave to his proud
+comrades the woman to lead and the eared tripod to bear away, and he loosed the
+horses from the yoke.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And next after him drave Neleian Antilochos his horses, by craft, not
+swiftness, having passed by Menelaos; yet even now Menelaos held his swift
+steeds hard anigh. As far as a horse is from the wheel, which draweth his
+master, straining with the car over the plain—his hindmost tail-hairs touch the
+tire, for the wheel runneth hard anigh nor is much space between, as he
+speedeth far over the plain—by so much was Menelaos behind high-born
+Antilochos, howbeit at first he was a whole disk-cast behind, but quickly he
+was catching Antilochos up, for the high mettle of Agamemnol’s mare,
+sleek-coated Aithe, was rising in her. And if yet further both had had to run
+he would have passed his rival nor left it even a dead heat. But Meriones,
+stout squire of Idomeneus, came in a spear-throw behind famous Menelaos, for
+tardiest of all were his sleek-coated horses, and slowest he himself to drive a
+chariot in the race. Last of them all came Admetos’ son, dragging his
+goodly car driving his steeds in front. Him when fleet-footed noble Achilles
+beheld he pitied him, and he stood up and spake winged words among the Argives:
+“Last driveth his whole-hooved horses the best man of them all. But come
+let us give him a prize, as is seemly, prize for the second place, but the
+first let the son of Tydeus take.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and all applauded that he bade. And he would have given him the
+mare, for the Achaians applauded, had not Antilochos, son of great-hearted
+Nestor; risen up and answered Peleian Achilles on behalf of his right: “O
+Achilles, I shall be sore angered with thee if thou accomplish this word, for
+thou art minded to take away my prize, because thou thinkest of how his chariot
+and fleet steeds miscarried, and himself withal, good man though he be. Nay, it
+behoved him to pray to the Immortals, then would he not have come in last of
+all in the race. But if thou pitiest him and he be dear to thy heart, there is
+much gold in thy hut, bronze is there and sheep, hand-maids are there and
+whole-hooved horses. Thereof take thou and give unto him afterward even a
+richer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaians may applaud thee. But the
+mare I will not yield; for her let what man will essay the battle at my
+hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and fleet-footed noble Achilles smiled, pleased with Antilochos,
+for he was his dear comrade; and spake in answer to him winged words:
+“Antilochos, if thou wouldst have me give Eumelos some other thing beside
+from out my house, that also will I do. I will give unto him a breast-plate
+that I took from Asteropaios, of bronze, whereon a casting of bright tin is
+overlaid, and of great worth will it be to him.” He said, and bade his
+dear comrade Automedon bring it from the hut, and he went and brought it. [Then
+he placed it in Eumelos’ hands, and he received it gladly.]
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But Menelaos also arose among them, sore at heart, angered exceedingly against
+Antilochos; and the herald set the staff in his hand, and called for silence
+among the Argives; then spake among them that godlike man: “Antilochos,
+who once wert wise, what thing is this thou hast done? Thou hast shamed my
+skill and made my horses fail, thrusting thine own in front that are far worse.
+Come now, ye chiefs and counsellors of the Argives, give judgment between us
+both, and favour neither: lest some one of the mail-clad Achalans say at any
+time: ‘By constraining Antilochos through false words hath Menelaos gone
+off with the mare, for his horses were far worse, howbeit he hath advantage in
+rank and power.’ Nay, I myself will bring the issue about, and I deem
+that none other of the Danaans shall reproach me, for the trial shall be just.
+Antilochos, fosterling of Zeus, come thou hither and as it is ordained stand up
+before thy horses and chariot and take in thy hand the pliant lash wherewith
+thou dravest erst, and touching thy horses swear by the Enfolder and Shaker of
+the earth that not wilfully didst thou hinder my chariot by guile.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered him wise Antilochos: “Bear with me now, for far younger am
+I than thou, king Menelaos, and thou art before me and my better. Thou knowest
+how a young mal’s transgressions come about, for his mind is hastier and
+his counsel shallow. So let thy heart suffer me, and I will of myself give to
+thee the mare I have taken. Yea, if thou shouldst ask some other greater thing
+from my house, I were fain to give it thee straightway, rather than fall for
+ever from my place in thy heart, O fosterling of Zeus, and become a sinner
+against the gods.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake great-hearted Nestor’s son, and brought the mare and put her
+in the hand of Menelaos. And his heart was gladdened as when the dew cometh
+upon the ears of ripening harvest-corn, what time the fields are bristling. So
+gladdened was thy soul, Menelaos, within thy heart. And he spake unto
+Antilochos and uttered winged words: “Antilochos, now will I of myself
+put away mine anger against thee, since no wise formerly wert thou flighty or
+light-minded, howbeit now thy reason was overcome of youthfulness. Another time
+be loth to outwit better men. Not easily should another of the Achaians have
+persuaded me, but thou hast suffered and toiled greatly, and thy brave father
+and brother, for my sake: therefore will I hearken to thy prayer, and will even
+give unto thee the mare, though she is mine, that these also may know that my
+heart was never overweening or implacable.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and gave the mare to Noemon Antilochos’ comrade to lead away,
+and then took the shining caldron. And Meriones took up the two talents of gold
+in the fourth place, as he had come in. So the fifth prize was left unclaimed,
+a two-handled cup; to Nester gave Achilles this, bearing it to him through the
+concourse of Argives, and stood by him and said: “Lo now for thee too,
+old man, be this a treasure, a memorial of Patroklos’ burying; for no
+more shalt thou behold him among the Argives. Now give I thee this prize unwon,
+for not in boxing shalt thou strive, neither wrestle, nor enter on the javelin
+match, nor race with thy feet; for grim old age already weigheth on
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus saying he placed it in his hand, and Nestor received it gladly, and spake
+unto him winged words: “Ay, truly all this, my son, thou hast meetly
+said; for no longer are my limbs, friend, firm, nor my feet, nor do my arms at
+all swing lightly from my shoulders either side. Would that my youth were such
+and my force so firm as when the Epeians were burying lord Amarynkes at
+Buprasion, and his sons held the king’s funeral games. Then was no man
+found like me, neither of the Epeians nor of the Pylians themselves or the
+great-hearted Aitolians. In boxing I overcame Klytomedes, son of Enops, and in
+wrestling Ankaios of Pleuron, who stood up against me, and in the foot-race I
+outran Iphiklos, a right good man, and with the spear outthrew Phyleus and
+Polydoros; only in the chariot-race the two sons of Aktor beat me [by crowding
+their horses in front of me, jealous for victory, because the chief prizes were
+left at home.] Now they were twins—one ever held the reins, the reins he ever
+held, the other called on the horses with the lash. Thus was I once, but now
+let younger men join in such feats; I must bend to grievous age, but then was I
+of mark among heroes. But come hold funeral for thy comrade too with with
+games. This gift do I accept with gladness, and my heart rejoiceth that thou
+rememberest ever my friendship to thee—(nor forget I thee)—and the honour
+wherewith it is meet that I be honoured among the Achaians. And may the gods
+for this grant thee due grace.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Peleides was gone down the full concourse of Achaians, when
+he had hearkened to all the thanks of Neleus’ son. Then he ordained
+prizes of the violent boxing match; a sturdy mule he led forth and tethered
+amid the assembly, a six-year mule unbroken, hardest of all to break; and for
+the loser set a two-handled cup. Then he stood up and spake a word among the
+Argives: “Son of Atreus and ye other well-greaved Achaians, for these
+rewards we summon two men of the best to lift up their hands to box amain. He
+to whom Apollo shall grant endurance to the end, and all the Achaians
+acknowledge it, let him take the sturdy mule and return with her to his hut;
+and the loser shall take with him the two-handled-cup.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and forthwith arose a man great and valiant and skilled in
+boxing, Epeios son of Panopeus, and laid his hand on the sturdy mule and said
+aloud: “Let one come nigh to bear off the two-handled cup; the mule I say
+none other of the Achaians shall take for victory with his fists, for I claim
+to be the best man here. Sufficeth it not that I fall short of you in battle?
+Not possible is it that in all arts a man be skilled. Thus proclaim I, and it
+shall be accomplished: I will utterly bruise mine adversary’s flesh and
+break his bones, so let his friends abide together here to bear him forth when
+vanquished by my hands.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they all kept deep silence. And alone arose against him
+Euryalos, a godlike man, son of king Mekisteus the son of Talaos, Mekisteus,
+who came on a time to Thebes when Oedipus had fallen, to his burial, and there
+he overcame all the sons of Kadmos. Thus Tydeides famous with the spear made
+ready Euryalos for the fight, cheering him with speech, and greatly desired for
+him victory. And first he cast about him a girdle, and next gave him well-cut
+thongs of the hide of an ox of the field. And the two boxers being girt went
+into the midst of the ring, and both lifting up their stalwart hands fell to,
+and their hands joined battle grievously. Then was there terrible grinding of
+teeth, and sweat flowed from all their limbs. And noble Epeios came on, and as
+the other spied for an opening, smote him on the cheek, nor could he much more
+stand, for his limbs failed straightway under him. And as when beneath the
+North Wind’s ripple a fish leapeth on a tangle-covered beach, and then
+the black wave hideth it, so leapt up Euryalos at that blow. But great-hearted
+Epeios took him in his hands and set him upright, and his dear comrades stood
+around him, and led him through the ring with trailing feet, spitting out
+clotted blood, drooping his head awry, and they set him down in his swoon among
+them and themselves went forth and fetched the two-handled cup.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son ordained straightway the prizes for a third contest,
+offering them to the Danaans, for the grievous wrestling match: for the winner
+a great tripod for standing on the fire, prized by the Achaians among them at
+twelve oxens’ worth; and for the loser he brought a woman into the midst,
+skilled in manifold work, and they prized her at four oxen. And he stood up and
+spake a word among the Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this
+match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus said he, and there arose great Aias son of Telamon, and Odysseus of many
+wiles stood up, the crafty-minded. And the twain being girt went into the midst
+of the ring, and clasped each the other in his arms with stalwart hands, like
+gable rafters of a lofty house which some famed craftsman joineth, that he may
+baffle the wind’s force. And their backs creaked, gripped firmly under
+the vigorous hands, and sweat ran down in streams, and frequent weals along
+their ribs and shoulders sprang up, red with blood, while ever they strove
+amain for victory, to win the wrought tripod. Neither could Odysseus trip Aias
+and bear him to the ground, nor Aias him, for Odysseus’ strength withheld
+him. But when they began to irk the well-greaved Achaians, then said to
+Odysseus great Aias, Telamol’s son: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes,
+Odysseus of many wiles, or lift thou me, or I will thee, and the issue shall be
+with Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Having thus said he lifted him, but Odysseus was not unmindful of his craft. He
+smote deftly from behind the hollow of Aias’ knee, and loosed his limbs,
+and threw him down backward, and Odysseus fell upon his chest, and the folk
+gazed and marvelled. Then in his turn much-enduring noble Odysseus tried to
+lift, and moved him a little from the ground, but lifted him not, so he crooked
+his knee within the other’s, and both fell on the ground nigh to each
+other, and were soiled with dust, And now starting up again a third time would
+they have wrestled, had not Achilles himself arisen and held them back:
+“No longer press each the other, nor wear you out with pain. Victory is
+with both; take equal prizes and depart, that other Achaians may
+contend.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they were fain to hear and to obey, and wiped the dust from
+them and put their doublets on.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then straightway the son of Peleus set forth other prizes for fleetness of
+foot; a mixing-bowl of silver, chased; six measures it held, and in beauty it
+was far the best in all the earth, for artificers of Sidon wrought it
+cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the misty sea, and landed
+it in harbour, and gave it a gift to Thoas; and Euneos son of Jason gave it to
+the hero Patroklos a ransom for Lykaon Priam’s son. Now this cup did
+Achilles set forth as a prize in honour of his friend, for whoso should be
+fleetest in speed of foot. For the second he set an ox great and very fat, and
+for the last prize half a talent of gold. And he stood up and spake a word
+among the Argives: “Rise, ye who will essay this match.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and straightway arose fleet Aias Oileus’ son, and Odysseus
+of many wiles, and after them Nestor’s son Antilochos, for he was best of
+all the youth in the foot-race. Then they stood side by side, and Achilles
+showed to them the goal. Right eager was the running from the start, but
+Oileus’ son forthwith shot to the front, and close behind him came noble
+Odysseus, as close as is a weaving-rod to a fair-girdled womal’s breast
+when she pulleth it deftly with her hands, drawing the spool along the warp,
+and holdeth the rod nigh her breast— so close ran Odysseus behind Aias and trod
+in his footsteps or ever the dust had settled there, and on his head fell the
+breath of noble Odysseus as he ran ever lightly on, and all the Achaians
+applauded his struggle for the victory and called on him as he laboured hard.
+But when they were running the last part of the course, forthwith Odysseus
+prayed in his soul to bright-eyed Athene: “Hearken, goddess, come thou a
+good helper of my feet.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus prayed he, and Pallas Athene hearkened to him, and made his limbs feel
+light, both feet and hands. But when they, were now nigh darting on the prize,
+then Aias slipped as he ran, for Athene marred his race, where filth was strewn
+from the slaughter of loud-bellowing oxen that fleet Achilles slew in honour of
+Patroklos: and Aias’ mouth and nostrils were filled with that filth of
+oxen. So much-enduring noble Odysseus, as he came in first, took up the
+mixing-bowl, and famous Aias took the ox. And he stood holding in his hand the
+horn of the ox of the field, sputtering away the filth, and spake among the
+Argives: “Out on it, it was the goddess who marred my running, she who
+from of old like a mother standeth by Odysseus’ side and helpeth
+him.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So spake he, but they all laughed pleasantly to behold him. Then Antilochos
+smiling bore off the last prize, and spake his word among the Argives:
+“Friends, ye will all bear me witness when I say that even herein also
+the immortals favour elder men. For Aias is a little older than I, but Odysseus
+of an earlier generation and earlier race of men. A green old age is his, they
+say, and hard were it for any Achaian to rival him in speed, save only
+Achilles.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and gave honour to the fleet son of Peleus. And Achilles
+answered him and said: “Antilochos, not unheeded shall thy praise be
+given; a half-talent of gold I will give thee over and above.” He said,
+and set it in his hands, and Antilochos received it gladly.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then Peleus’ son brought and set in the ring a far-shadowing spear and a
+chaldron that knew not the fire, an ox’s worth, embossed with flowers;
+and men that were casters of the javelin arose up. There rose Atreus’ son
+wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, Idomeneus’ brave squire. And
+swift-footed noble Achilles spake among them: “Son of Atreus, for that we
+know how far thou excellest all, and how far the first thou art in the might of
+thy throw, take thou this prize with thee to the hollow ships, and to the hero
+Meriones let us give the spear, if thou art willing in thy heart: thus I at
+least advise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, nor disregarded him Agamemnon king of men. So to Meriones he
+gave the spear of bronze, but to the herald Talthybios the hero gave the
+goodliest prize.
+</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2><a name="chap24"></a>BOOK XXIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="letter">
+How the body of Hector was ransomed, and of his funeral.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the assembly was broken up, and the tribes were scattered to betake them
+each to their own swift ships. The rest bethought them of supper and sweet
+sleep to have joy thereof; but Achilles wept, remembering his dear comrade, nor
+did sleep that conquereth all take hold on him, but he kept turning him to this
+side and to that, yearning for Patroklos’ manhood and excellent valour,
+and all the toils he achieved with him and the woes he bare, cleaving the
+battles of men and the grievous waves. As he thought thereon be shed big tears,
+now lying on his side, now on his back, now on his face; and then anon he would
+arise upon his feet and roam wildly beside the beach of the salt sea. Nor would
+he be unaware of the Dawn when she arose over the sea and shores. But when he
+had yoked the swift steeds to his car he would bind Hector behind his chariot
+to drag him withal; and having thrice drawn him round the barrow of the dead
+son of Menoitios he rested again in his hut, and left Hector lying stretched on
+his face in the dust. But Apollo kept away all defacement from his flesh, for
+he had pity on him even in death, and covered him all with his golden aegis,
+that Achilles might not tear him when he dragged him.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Achilles in his anger entreated noble Hector shamefully; but the blessed
+gods when they beheld him pitied him, and urged the clear-sighted slayer of
+Argus to steal the corpse away. So to all the others seemed it good, yet not to
+Hera or Poseidon or the bright-eyed Maiden, but they continued as when at the
+beginning sacred Ilios became hateful to them, and Priam and his people, by
+reason of the sin of Alexandros in that he contemned those goddesses when they
+came to his steading, and preferred her who brought him deadly lustfulness. But
+when the twelfth morn from that day arose, then spake among the Immortals
+Phoebus Apollo: “Hard of heart are ye, O gods, and cruel Hath Hector
+never burnt for you thigh-bones of unblemished bulls and goats? Now have ye not
+taken heart to rescue even his corpse for his wife to look upon and his mother
+and his child and his father Priam and his people, who speedily would burn him
+in the fire and make his funeral. But fell Achilles, O gods, ye are fain to
+abet, whose mind is nowise just nor the purpose in his breast to be turned
+away, but he is cruelly minded as a lion that in great strength and at the
+bidding of his proud heart goeth forth against mel’s flocks to make his
+meal; even thus Achilles hath cast out pity, neither hath he shame, that doth
+both harm and profit men greatly. It must be that many a man lose even some
+dearer one than was this, a brother of the same womb born or perchance a son;
+yet bringeth he his wailing and lamentation to an end, for an enduring soul
+have the Fates given unto men. But Achilles after bereaving noble Hector of his
+life bindeth him behind his horses and draggeth him around the tomb of his dear
+comrade: not, verily, is that more honourable or better for him. Let him take
+heed lest we wax wroth with him, good man though he be, for in his fury he is
+entreating shamefully the senseless clay.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then in anger spake unto him white-armed Hera: “Even thus mightest thou
+speak, O Lord of the silver bow, if ye are to give equal honour to Achilles and
+to Hector. Hector is but a mortal and was suckled at a womal’s breast,
+but Achilles is child of a goddess whom I myself bred up and reared and gave to
+a man to be his wife, even to Peleus who was dearest of all men to the
+Immortals’ heart. And all ye gods came to her bridal, and thou among them
+wert feasting with thy lyre, O lover of ill company, faithless ever.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake Zeus who gathereth the clouds: “Hera, be not
+wroth utterly with the gods: for these mel’s honour is not to be the
+same, yet Hector also was dearest to the gods of all mortals that are in Ilios.
+So was he to me at least, for nowise failed he in the gifts I loved. Never did
+my altar lack seemly feast, drink-offering and the steam of sacrifice, even the
+honour that falleth to our due. But verily we will say no more of stealing away
+brave Hector, for it cannot be hidden from Achilles, for his mother abideth
+ever nigh to him night and day. But I were fain that some one of the gods would
+call Thetis to come near to me, that I may speak unto her a wise word, so that
+Achilles may take gifts from Priam and give Hector back.” Thus spake he,
+and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand and between Samothrace and
+rocky Imbros leapt into the black sea, and the waters closed above her with a
+noise. And she sped to the bottom like a weight of lead that mounted on horn of
+a field-ox goeth down bearing death to ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in
+a hollow cave; about her sat gathered other goddesses of the seas and she in
+their midst was wailing for the fate of her noble son who must perish in
+deep-soiled Troy, far from his native land. And standing near, fleet-footed
+Iris spake to her: “Rise, Thetis; Zeus of immortal counsels calleth
+thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to her made answer Thetis the silver-footed goddess: “Wherefore
+biddeth me that mighty god? I shrink from mingling among the Immortals, for I
+have countless woes at heart. Yet go I, nor shall his word be in vain,
+whatsoever he saith.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having said the noble goddess took to her a dark-hued robe, no blacker
+raiment was there found than that. Then she went forth, and wind-footed swift
+Iris led the way before her, and around them the surge of the sea was sundered.
+And when they had come forth upon the shore they sped up to heaven, and found
+the far-seeing son of Kronos, and round him sat gathered all the other blessed
+gods that are for ever. Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave
+her place. And Hera set a fair golden cup in her hand and cheered her with
+words, and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then began speech to them the
+father of gods and men: “Thou art come to Olympus, divine Thetis, in thy
+sorrow, with violent grief at thy heart; I know it of myself. Nevertheless will
+I tell thee wherefore I called thee hither. Nine days hath dispute arisen among
+the Immortals concerning the corpse of Hector and Achilles waster of cities.
+Fain are they to send clear-sighted Hermes to steal the body away, but now hear
+what glory I accord herein to Achilles, that I may keep through times to come
+thy honour and good will. Go with all speed to the host and bear to thy son my
+bidding. Say to him that the gods are displeased at him, and that I above all
+Immortals am wroth, because with furious heart be holdeth Hector at the beaked
+ships and hath not given him back, if haply he may fear me and give Hector
+back. But I will send Iris to great-hearted Priam to bid him go to the ships of
+the Achaians to ransom his dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may
+gladden his heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and Thetis the silver-footed goddess was not disobedient to his
+word, and sped darting upon her way down from the peaks of Olympus. And she
+came to her sol’s hut; there found she him making grievous moan, and his
+dear comrades round were swiftly making ready and furnishing their early meal,
+and a sheep great and fleecy was being sacrificed in the hut. Then his
+lady-mother sate her down close beside him, and stroked him with her hand and
+spake to him by his name: “My child, how long with lamentation and woe
+wilt thou devour thine heart, taking thought of neither food nor rest? good
+were even a womal’s embrace, for not long shalt thou be left alive to me;
+already death and forceful fate are standing nigh thee. But hearken forthwith
+unto me, for I am the messenger of Zeus to thee. He saith that the gods are
+displeased at thee, and that himself above all Immortals is wroth, because with
+furious heart thou holdest Hector at the beaked ships and hast not given him
+back. But come restore him, and take ransom for the dead.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to her in answer spake fleet-footed Achilles: “So be it: whoso
+bringeth ransom let him take back the dead, if verily with heart’s intent
+the Olympian biddeth it himself.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+So they in the assembly of the ships, mother and son, spake to each other many
+winged words. But the son of Kronos thus bade Iris go to holy Ilios: “Go
+forth, fleet Iris, leave the abode of Olympus and bear my message within Ilios
+to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships of the Achaians and ransom his
+dear son and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his heart; let him go
+alone, and no other man of the Trojans go with him. Only let some elder herald
+attend on him to guide the mules and smooth-wheeled waggon and carry back to
+the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be in his thought
+nor any fear; such guide will we give unto him, even the slyer of Argus who
+shall lead him until his leading bring him to Achilles. And when he shall have
+led him within the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay him nor suffer any
+other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked, but with all
+courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and airy-footed Iris sped forth upon the errand. And she came to
+the house of Priam, and found therein crying and moan. His children sitting
+around their father within the court were bedewing their raiment with their
+tears, and the old man in their midst was close wrapped all over in his cloak;
+and on his head and neck was much mire that he had gathered in his hands as he
+grovelled upon the earth. And his daughters and his sons’ wives were
+wailing throughout the house, bethinking them of all those valiant men who had
+lost their lives at the hands of the Argives and were lying low. And the
+messenger of Zeus stood beside Priam and spake softly unto him, and trembling
+came upon his limbs: “Be of good cheer in thy heart, O Priam son of
+Dardanos, and be not dismayed for anything, for no evil come I hither to
+forebode to thee, but with good will. I am the messenger of Zeus to thee, who,
+though he be afar off, hath great care and pity for thee. The Olympian biddeth
+thee ransom noble Hector and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden his
+heart: go thou alone, let none other of the Trojans go with thee. Only let some
+elder herald attend on thee to guide the mules and the smooth-wheeled waggon to
+carry back to the city the dead man whom noble Achilles slew. Let not death be
+in thy thought, nor any fear; such guide shall go with thee, even the slayer of
+Argus, who shall lead thee until his leading bring thee to Achilles. And when
+he shall have led thee into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay thee,
+nor suffer any other herein, for not senseless is he or unforeseeing or wicked,
+but with all courtesy he will spare a suppliant man.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus having spoken fleet Iris departed from him; and he bade his sons make
+ready the smooth-wheeled mule waggon, and bind the wicker carriage thereon. And
+himself he went down to his fragrant chamber, of cedar wood, high-roofed, that
+held full many jewels: and to Hekabe his wife he called and spake: “Lady,
+from Zeus hath an Olympian messenger come to me, that I go to the ships of the
+Achaians and ransom my dear son, and carry gifts to Achilles that may gladden
+his heart. Come tell me how seemeth it to thy mind, for of myself at least my
+desire and heart bid me mightily to go thither to the ships and enter the wide
+camp of the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, but his wife lamented aloud and made answer to him: “Woe
+is me, whither is gone thy mind whereby aforetime thou wert famous among
+stranger men and among them thou rulest? How art thou fain to go alone to the
+ships of the Achaians, to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of
+thy brave sons? of iron verily is thy heart. For if he light on thee and behold
+thee with his eyes, a savage and ill-trusted man is this, and he will not pity
+thee, neither reverence thee at all. Nay, now let us sit in the hall and make
+lament afar off. Even thus did forceful Fate erst spin for Hector with her
+thread at his beginning when I bare him, even I, that he should glut
+fleet-footed dogs, far from his parents, in the dwelling of a violent man whose
+inmost vitals I were fain to fasten and feed upon; then would his deeds against
+my son be paid again to him, for not playing the coward was he slain of him,
+but championing the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy, neither bethought he
+him of shelter or of flight.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+The to her in answer spake the old man godlike Priam: “Stay me not, for I
+am fain to go, neither be thyself a bird of ill boding in my halls, for thou
+wilt not change my mind. Were it some other and a child of earth that bade me
+this, whether some seer or of the priests that divine from sacrifice, then
+would we declare it false and have no part therein; but now, since I have heard
+the voice of the goddess myself and looked upon her face, I will go forth, and
+her word shall not be void. And if it be my fate to die by the ships of the
+mail-clad Achaians, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me with all speed,
+when once I have taken in my arms my son, and have satisfied my desire with
+moan.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He spake, and opened fair lids of chests wherefrom he chose twelve very goodly
+womel’s robes and twelve cloaks of single fold and of coverlets a like
+number and of fair sheets, and of doublets thereupon. And he weighed and
+brought forth talents of gold ten in all, and two shining tripods and four
+caldrons, and a goblet exceeding fair that men of Thrace had given him when he
+went thither on an embassy, a chattel of great price, yet not that even did the
+old man grudge from his halls, for he was exceeding fain at heart to ransom his
+dear son. Then he drave out all the Trojans from the colonnade, chiding them
+with words of rebuke: “Begone, ye that dishonour and do me shame! Have ye
+no mourning of your own at home that ye come to vex me here? Think ye it a
+small thing that Zeus Kronos’ son hath given me this sorrow, to lose him
+that was the best man of my sons? Nay, but ye too shall feel it, for easier far
+shall ye be to the Achaians to slay now he is dead. But for me, ere I behold
+with mine eyes the city sacked and wasted, let me go down into the house of
+Hades.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and with his staff chased forth the men, and they went forth before
+the old man in his haste. Then he called unto his sons, chiding Helenos and
+Paris and noble Agathon and Pammon and Antiphonos, and Polites of the loud
+war-cry, and Deiphobos and Hippothoos and proud Dios; nine were they whom the
+old man called and bade unto him: “Haste ye, ill sons, my shame; would
+that ye all in Hector’s stead had been slain at the swift ships! Woe is
+me all unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide Troy-land, but none of
+them is left for me to claim, neither godlike Mestor, nor Troilos with his
+chariot of war, nor Hector who was a god among men, neither seemed he as the
+son of a mortal man but of a god:—all these hath Ares slain, and here are my
+shames all left to me, false-tongued, light-heeled, the heroes of dance,
+plunderers of your own people’s sheep and kids. Will ye not make me ready
+a wain with all speed, and lay all these thereon, that we get us forward on our
+way?”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they fearing their father’s voice brought forth the
+smooth-running mule chariot, fair and new, and bound the body thereof on the
+frame; and from its peg they took down the mule yoke, a boxwood yoke with knob
+well fitted with guiding-rings; and they brought forth the yoke-band of nine
+cubits with the yoke. The yoke they set firmly on the polished pole on the rest
+at the end thereof, and slipped the ring over the upright pin, which with three
+turns of the band they lashed to the knob, and then belayed it close round the
+pole and turned the tongue thereunder. Then they brought from the chamber and
+heaped on the polished wain the countless ransom of Hector’s head, and
+yoked strong-hooved harness mules, which on a time the Mysians gave to Priam, a
+splendid gift. But to Priam’s car they yoked the horses that the old man
+kept for his use and reared at the polished crib.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus in the high palace were Priam and the herald letting yoke their cars, with
+wise thoughts at their hearts, when nigh came Hekabe sore at heart, with
+honey-sweet wine in her right hand in a golden cup that they might make
+libation ere they went. And she stood before the horses and spake a word to
+Priam by name: “Lo now make libation to father Zeus and pray that thou
+mayest come back home from among the enemy, since thy heart speedeth thee forth
+to the ships, though fain were I thou wentest not. And next pray to Kronion of
+the Storm-cloud, the gods of Ida, that beholdeth all Troy-land beneath, and ask
+of him a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that is dearest of all birds to
+him and of mightiest strength, to appear upon thy right, that seeing the sign
+with thine own eyes thou mayest go in trust thereto unto the ships of the
+fleet-horsed Danaans. But if far-seeing Zeus shall not grant unto thee his
+messenger, I at least shall not bid thee on to go among the ships of the
+Achaians how fain soever thou mayest be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then answered and spake unto her godlike Priam: “Lady, I will not
+disregard this hest of thine, for good it is to lift up hands to Zeus, if haply
+he will have pity.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the old man, and bade a house-dame that served him pour pure water
+on his hands; and she came near to serve him with water in a ewer to wash
+withal. And when he had washed his hands he took a goblet from his wife: then
+he stood in the midst of the court and prayed and poured forth wine as he
+looked up to heaven, and spake a word aloud: “Father Zeus that bearest
+sway from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I find welcome and pity
+under Achilles’ roof, and send a bird of omen, even the swift messenger
+that is dearest of all birds to thee and of mightiest strength, to appear upon
+the right, that seeing this sign with mine eyes I may go trusting therein unto
+the ships of the fleet-horsed Danaans.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he praying, and Zeus of wise counsels hearkened unto him, and
+straightway sent forth an eagle, surest omen of winged birds, the dusky hunter
+called of men the Black Eagle. Wide as the door, well locking, fitted close, of
+some rich mal’s high-roofed hall, so wide were his wings either way; and
+he appeared to them speeding on the right hand above the city. And when they
+saw the eagle they rejoiced and all their hearts were glad within their
+breasts.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then the old man made haste to go up into his car, and drave forth from the
+doorway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the four-wheeled wain,
+and wise Idaios drave them; behind came the horses which the old man urged with
+the lash at speed along the city: and his friends all followed lamenting loud
+as though he were faring to his death. And when they were come down from the
+city and were now on the plain, then went back again to Ilios his sons and
+marriage kin. But the two coming forth upon the plain were not unbeheld of
+far-seeing Zeus. But he looked upon the old man and had compassion on him, and
+straightway spake unto Hermes his dear son: “Hermes, since unto thee
+especially is it dear to companion men, and thou hearest whomsoever thou wilt,
+go forth and so guide Priam to the hollow ships of the Achaians that no man
+behold or be aware of him, among all the Danaans’ host, until he come to
+the son of Peleus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the Messenger, the slayer of Argus, was not disobedient unto
+his word. Straightway beneath his feet he bound on his fair sandals, golden,
+divine, that bare him over wet sea and over the boundless land with the
+breathings of the wind. And he took up his wand wherewith he entranceth the
+eyes of such men as he will, and others he likewise waketh out of sleep: this
+did the strong slayer of Argus take in his hand, and flew. And quickly came he
+to Troy-land and the Hellespont, and went on his way in semblance as a young
+man that is a prince, with the new down on his chin, as when the youth of men
+is the comeliest.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now the others, when they had driven beyond the great barrow of Ilios, halted
+the mules and horses at the river to drink; for darkness was come down over the
+earth. Then the herald beheld Hermes from hard by, and marked him, and spake
+and said to Priam: “Consider, son of Dardanos; this is matter of prudent
+thought. I see a man, methinks we shall full soon be rent in pieces. Come, let
+us flee in our chariot, or else at least touch his knees and entreat him that
+he have mercy on us.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man was confounded, and he was dismayed exceedingly,
+and the hair on his pliant limbs stood up, and he stood still amazed. But the
+Helper came nigh of himself and took the old mal’s hand, and spake and
+questioned him: “Whither, father, dost thou thus guide these horses and
+mules through the divine night, when other mortals are asleep? Hadst thou no
+fear of the fierce-breathing Achaians, thy bitter foes that are hard anigh
+thee? If one of them should espy thee carrying such treasures through the swift
+black night, what then would be thy thought? Neither art thou young thyself,
+and thy companion here is old, that ye should make defence against a man that
+should assail thee first. But I will no wise harm thee, yea I will keep any
+other from thy hurt: for the similitude of my dear father I see in thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam: “Even so, kind
+son, are all these things as thou sayest. Nevertheless hath some god stretched
+forth his hand even over me in that he hath sent a wayfarer such as thou to
+meet me, a bearer of good luck, by the nobleness of thy form and semblance; and
+thou art wise of heart and of blessed parents art thou sprung.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “All this, old
+sire, hast thou verily spoken aright. But come say this and tell me truly
+whether thou art taking forth a great and goodly treasure unto alien men, where
+it may abide for thee in safety, or whether by this ye are all forsaking holy
+Ilios in fear; so far the best man among you hath perished, even thy son; for
+of battle with the Achaians abated he never a jot.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him in answer spake the old man, godlike Priam, “Who art thou,
+noble sir, and of whom art born? For meetly hast thou spoken of the fate of my
+hapless son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And to him again spake the Messenger, the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, in asking me of noble Hector. Him have I full oft seen
+with mine eyes in glorious battle, and when at the ships he was slaying the
+Argives he drave thither, piercing them with the keen bronze, and we stood
+still and marvelled thereat, for Achilles suffered us not to fight, being wroth
+against Atreus’ son. His squire am I, and came in the same well-wrought
+ship. From the Myrmidons I come, and my father is Polyktor. Wealthy is he, and
+an old man even as thou, and six other sons hath he, and I am his seventh. With
+the others I cast lots, and it fell to me to fare hither with the host. And now
+am I come from the ships to the plain, for at day-break the glancing-eyed
+Achaians will set the battle in array around the town. For it chafeth them to
+be sitting here, nor can the Achaian lords hold in their fury for the
+fray.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If verily thou art
+a squire of Achilles Peleus’ son, come tell me all the truth, whether
+still my son is by the ships, or whether ere now Achilles hath riven him limb
+from limb and cast him to the dogs.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then to him again spake the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Old sire, not
+yet have dogs or birds devoured him, but there lieth he still by
+Achilles’ ship, even as he fell, among the huts, and the twelfth morn now
+hath risen upon him, nor doth his flesh corrupt at all, neither worms consume
+it, such as devour men slain in war. Truly Achilles draggeth him recklessly
+around the barrow of his dear comrade so oft as divine day dawneth, yet marreth
+he him not; thou wouldst marvel if thou couldst go see thyself how dewy fresh
+he lieth, and is washed clean of blood, nor anywhere defiled; and all his
+wounds wherewith he was stricken are closed; howbeit many of thy son, though he
+be but a dead corpse, for they held him dear at heart.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man rejoiced, and answered him, saying: “My
+son, it is verily a good thing to give due offerings withal to the Immortals,
+for never did my child—if that child indeed I had—forget in our halls the gods
+who inhabit Olympus. Therefore have they remembered this for him, albeit his
+portion is death. But come now take from me this goodly goblet, and guard me
+myself and guide me, under Heaven, that I may come unto the hut of
+Peleus’ son.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then spake unto him again the Messenger the slayer of Argus: “Thou art
+proving me, old sire, who am younger than thou, but thou wilt not prevail upon
+me, in that thou biddest me take gifts from thee without Achilles’
+privity. I were afraid and shamed at heart to defraud him, lest some evil come
+to pass on me hereafter. But as thy guide I would go even unto famous Argos,
+accompanying thee courteously in swift ship or on foot. Not from scorn of thy
+guide would any assail thee then.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake the Helper, and leaping on the chariot behind the horses he swiftly
+took lash and reins into his hand, and breathed brave spirit into horses and
+mules. But when they were come to the towers and trench of the ships, there
+were the sentinels just busying them about their supper. Then the Messenger,
+the slayer of Argus, shed sleep upon them all, and straightway opened the gates
+and thrust back the bars, and brought within Priam and the splendid gifts upon
+his wain. And they came to the lofty hut of the son of Peleus, which the
+Myrmidons made for their king and hewed therefor timber of the pine, and
+thatched it with downy thatching-rush that they mowed in the meadows, and
+around it made for him their lord a great court with close-set palisades; and
+the door was barred by a single bolt of pine that three Achaians wont to drive
+home, and three drew back that mighty bar—three of the rest, but Achilles by
+himself would drive it home. Then opened the Helper Hermes the door for the old
+man, and brought in the splendid gifts for Peleus’ fleet-footed son, and
+descended from the chariot to the earth and spake aloud: “Old sire, I
+that have come to thee am an immortal god, even Hermes, for my father sent me
+to companion thee on thy way. But now will I depart from thee nor come within
+Achilles’ sight; it were cause of wrath that an immortal god should thus
+show favour openly unto mortals. But thou go in and clasp the knees of
+Peleus’ son and entreat him for his father’s sake and his
+mother’s of the lovely hair and for his child’s sake that thou
+mayest move his soul.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus Hermes spake, and departed unto high Olympus. But Priam leapt from the car
+to the earth, and left Idaios in his place; he stayed to mind the horses and
+mules; but the old man made straight for the house where Achilles dear to Zeus
+was wont to sit. And therein he found the man himself, and his comrades sate
+apart: two only, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, of the stock of Ares, were
+busy in attendance; and he was lately ceased from meat, even from eating and
+drinking: and still the table stood beside him. But they were unaware of great
+Priam as he came in, and so stood he anigh and clasped in his hands the knees
+of Achilles, and kissed his hands, terrible, man-slaying, that slew many of
+Priam’s sons. And as when a grievous curse cometh upon a man who in his
+own country hath slain another and escapeth to a land of strangers, to the
+house of some rich man, and wonder possesseth them that look on him—so Achilles
+wondered when he saw godlike Priam, and the rest wondered likewise, and looked
+upon one another. Then Priam spake and entreated him, saying: “Bethink
+thee, O Achilles like to gods, of thy father that is of like years with me, on
+the grievous pathway of old age. Him haply are the dwellers round about
+entreating evilly, nor is there any to ward from him ruin and bane.
+Nevertheless while he heareth of thee as yet alive he rejoiceth in his heart,
+and hopeth withal day after day that he shall see his dear son returning from
+Troy-land. But I, I am utterly unblest, since I begat sons the best men in wide
+Troy-land, but declare unto thee that none of them is left. Fifty I had, when
+the sons of the Achaians came; nineteen were born to me of one mother, and
+concubines bare the rest within my halls. Now of the more part had impetuous
+Ares unstrung the knees, and he who was yet left and guarded city and men, him
+slewest thou but now as he fought for his country, even Hector. For his sake
+come I unto the ships of the Achaians that I may win him back from thee, and I
+bring with me untold ransom. Yea, fear thou the gods, Achilles, and have
+compassion on me, even me, bethinking thee of thy father. Lo, I am yet more
+piteous than he, and have braved what none other man on earth hath braved
+before, to stretch forth my hand toward the face of the slayer of my
+sons.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and stirred within Achilles desire to make lament for his
+father. And he touched the old mal’s hand and gently moved him back. And
+as they both bethought them of their dead, so Priam for man-slaying Hector wept
+sore as he was fallen before Achilles’ feet, and Achilles wept for his
+own father, and now again for Patroklos, and their moan went up throughout the
+house. But when noble Achilles had satisfied him with lament, and the desire
+thereof departed from his heart and limbs, straightway he sprang from his seat
+and raised the old man by his hand, pitying his hoary head and hoary beard, and
+spake unto him winged words and said: “Ah hapless! many ill things verily
+thou hast endured in thy heart. How durst thou come alone to the ships of the
+Achaians and to meet the eyes of the man who hath slain full many of the brave
+sons? of iron verily is thy heart. But come then set thee on a seat, and we
+will let our sorrows lie quiet in our hearts for all our pain, for no avail
+cometh of chill lament. This is the lot the gods have spun for miserable men,
+that they should live in pain; yet themselves are sorrowless. For two urns
+stand upon the floor of Zeus filled with his evil gifts, and one with
+blessings. To whomsoever Zeus whose joy is in the lightning dealeth a mingled
+lot, that man chanceth now upon ill and now again on good, but to whom he
+giveth but of the bad kind him he bringeth to scorn, and evil famine chaseth
+him over the goodly earth, and he is a wanderer honoured of neither gods nor
+men. Even thus to Peleus gave the gods splendid gifts from his birth, for he
+excelled all men in good fortune and wealth, and was king of the Myrmidons, and
+mortal though he was the gods gave him a goddess to be his bride. Yet even on
+him God brought evil, seeing that there arose to him no offspring of princely
+sons in his halls, save that he begat one son to an untimely death. Neither may
+I tend him as he groweth old, since very far from my country I am dwelling in
+Troy-land, to vex thee and thy children. And of thee, old sire, we have heard
+how of old time thou wert happy, even how of all that Lesbos, seat of Makar,
+boundeth to the north thereof and Phrygia farther up and the vast Hellespont—of
+all these folk, men say, thou wert the richest in wealth and in sons, but after
+that the Powers of Heaven brought this bane on thee, ever are battles and
+man-slayings around thy city. Keep courage, and lament not unabatingly in thy
+heart. For nothing wilt thou avail by grieving for thy son, neither shalt thou
+bring him back to life or ever some new evil come upon thee.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then made answer unto him the old man, godlike Priam: “Bid me not to a
+seat, O fosterling of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared for at the huts,
+but straightway give him back that I may behold him with mine eyes; and accept
+thou the great ransom that we bring. So mayest thou have pleasure thereof, and
+come unto thy native land, since thou hast spared me from the first.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then fleet-footed Achilles looked sternly upon him and said: “No longer
+chafe me, old sire; of myself am I minded to give Hector back to thee, for
+there came to me a messenger from Zeus, even my mother who bare me, daughter of
+the Ancient One of the Sea. And I know, O Priam, in my mind, nor am unaware
+that some god it is that hath guided thee to the swift ships of the Achaians.
+For no mortal man, even though in prime of youth, would dare to come among the
+host, for neither could he escape the watch, nor easily thrust back the bolt of
+our doors. Therefore now stir my heart no more amid my troubles, lest I leave
+not even thee in peace, old sire, within my hut, albeit thou art my suppliant,
+and lest I transgress the commandment of Zeus.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and obeyed his word. And the son of
+Peleus leapt like a lion through the door of the house, not alone, for with him
+went two squires, the hero Automedon and Alkimos, they whom above all his
+comrades Achilles honoured, save only Patroklos that was dead. They then loosed
+from under the yoke the horses and mules, and led in the old mal’s
+crier-herald and set him on a chair, and from the wain of goodly felloes they
+took the countless ransom set on Hector’s head. But they left two robes
+and a well-spun doublet, that Achilles might wrap the dead therein when he gave
+him to be carried home. And he called forth handmaids and bade them wash and
+anoint him when they had borne him apart, so that Priam should not look upon
+his son, lest he should not refrain the wrath at his sorrowing heart when he
+should look upon his son, and lest Achilles’ heart be vexed thereat and
+he slay him and transgress the commandment of Zeus. So when the handmaids had
+washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had thrown over it a fair robe
+and a doublet, then Achilles himself lifted it and laid it on a bier, and his
+comrades with him lifted it on to the polished waggon. Then he groaned aloud
+and called on his dear comrade by his name: “Patroklos, be not vexed with
+me if thou hear even in the house of Hades that I have given back noble Hector
+unto his dear father, for not unworthy is the ransom he hath given me, whereof
+I will deal to thee again thy rightful share.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake noble Achilles, and went back into the hut, and sate him down on the
+cunningly-wrought couch whence he had arisen by the opposite wall, and spake a
+word to Priam: “Thy son, old sire, is given back as thou wouldest and
+lieth on a bier, and with the break of day thou shalt see him thyself as thou
+carriest him. But now bethink we us of supper. For even fair-haired Niobe
+bethought her of meat, she whose twelve children perished in her halls, six
+daughters and six lusty sons. The sons Apollo, in his anger against Niobe, slew
+with arrows from his silver bow, and the daughters archer Artemis, for that
+Niobe matched herself against fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess bare
+but twain but herself many children: so they though they were but twain
+destroyed the other all. Nine days they lay in their blood, nor was there any
+to bury them, for Kronion turned the folk to stones. Yet on the tenth day the
+gods of heaven buried them, and she then bethought her of meat, when she was
+wearied out with weeping tears. And somewhere now among the cliffs, on the
+lonely mountains, even on Sipylos, where they say are the couching-places of
+nymphs that dance around Acheloos, there she, albeit a stone, broodeth still
+over her troubles from the gods. But come let us too, noble father, take
+thought of meat, and afterward thou shalt mourn over thy dear son as thou
+carriest him to Ilios; and many tears shall be his due.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake fleet Achilles, and sprang up, and slew a pure white sheep, and his
+comrades skinned and made it ready in seemly fashion, and divided it cunningly
+and pierced it with spits, and roasted it carefully and drew all off. And
+Automedon took bread and served it on a table in fair baskets, while Achilles
+dealt out the flesh. And they stretched forth their hands to the good cheer
+lying ready before them. But when they had put off the desire of meat and
+drink, then Priam son of Dardanos marvelled at Achilles to see how great he was
+and how goodly, for he was like a god to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at
+Priam son of Dardanos, beholding his noble aspect and hearkening to his words.
+But when they had gazed their fill upon one another, then first spake the old
+man, godlike Priam, to Achilles: “Now presently give me whereon to lie,
+fosterling of Zeus, that of sweet sleep also we may now take our fill at rest:
+for never yet have mine eyes closed beneath their lids since at thy hands my
+son lost his life, but I continually mourn and brood over countless griefs,
+grovelling in the courtyard-close amid the mire. Now at last have I tasted
+bread and poured bright wine down my throat, but till now I had tasted
+naught.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+He said, and Achilles bade his comrades and handmaids to set a bedstead beneath
+the portico, and to cast thereon fair shining rugs and spread coverlets above
+and thereon to lay thick mantles to be a clothing over all. And the maids went
+forth from the inner hail with torches in their hands, and quickly spread two
+beds in haste. Then with bitter meaning [in his reference to Agamemnon] said
+fleet-footed Achilles unto Priam: “Lie thou without, dear sire, lest
+there come hither one of the counsellors of the Achaians, such as ever take
+counsel with me by my side, as custom is. If any of such should behold thee
+through the swift black night, forthwith he might haply tell it to Agamemnon
+shepherd of the host, and thus would there be delay in giving back the dead.
+But come say this to me and tell it true, how many days’ space thou art
+fain to make funeral for noble Hector, so that for so long I may myself abide
+and may keep back the host.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: “If thou art verily
+willing that I accomplish noble Hector’s funeral, by doing as thou
+sayest, O Achilles, thou wilt do me grace. For thou knowest how we are pent
+within the city, and wood from the mountain is far to fetch, and the Trojans
+are much in fear. Nine days will we make moan for him in our halls, and on the
+tenth we will hold funeral and the folk shall feast, and on the eleventh we
+will make, a barrow over him, and on the twelfth we will do battle if need
+be.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Then again spake the fleet noble Achilles unto him, saying: “All this, O
+ancient Priam, shall be as thou biddest; for I will hold back the battle even
+so long a time as thou tellest me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus speaking he clasped the old mal’s right hand at the wrist, lest he
+should be anywise afraid at heart. So they in the forepart of the house laid
+them down, Priam and the herald, with wise thoughts at their hearts, but
+Achilles slept in a recess of the firm-wrought hut, and beside him lay
+fair-cheeked Briseis.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Now all other gods and warriors lords of chariots slumbered all night, by soft
+sleep overcome. But not on the Helper Hermes did sleep take hold as he sought
+within his heart how he should guide forth king Priam from the ships unespied
+of the trusty sentinels. And he stood above his head and spake a word to him:
+“Old sire, no thought then hast thou of any evil, seeing thou yet
+sleepest among men that are thine enemies, for that Achilles spared thee. Truly
+now hast thou won back thy dear son, and at great price. But for thy life will
+thy sons thou hast left behind be offering threefold ransom, if but Agamemnon
+Atreus’ son be aware of thee, and aware be all the Achaians.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and the old man feared, and roused the herald. And Hermes yoked
+the horses and mules for them, and himself drave them lightly through the camp,
+and none was aware of them.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when they came to the ford of the fair-flowing river, [even eddying
+Xanthos, begotten of immortal Zeus,] then Hermes departed up to high Olympus,
+and Morning of the saffron robe spread over all the earth. And they with wail
+and moan drave the horses to the city, and the mules drew the dead. Nor marked
+them any man or fair-girdled woman until Kassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite,
+having gone up upon Pergamos, was aware of her dear father as he stood in the
+car, and the herald that was crier to the town. Then beheld she him that lay
+upon the bier behind the mules, and thereat she wailed and cried aloud
+throughout all the town: “O men and women of Troy, come ye hither and
+look upon Hector, if ever while he was alive ye rejoiced when he came back from
+battle, since great joy was he to the city and all the folk.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she, nor was man or woman left within the city, for upon all came
+unendurable grief. And near the gates they met Priam bringing home the dead.
+First bewailed him his dear wife and lady mother, as they cast them on the
+fair-wheeled wain and touched his head; and around them stood the throng and
+wept. So all day long unto the setting of the sun they had lamented Hector in
+tears without the gate, had not the old man spoken from the car among the folk:
+“Give me place for the mules to pass through; hereafter ye shall have
+your fill of wailing, when I have brought him unto his home.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they parted asunder and gave place to the wain. And the
+others when they had brought him to the famous house, laid him on a fretted
+bed, and set beside him minstrel leaders of the dirge, who wailed a mournful
+lay, while the women made moan with them. And among the women white-armed
+Andromache led the lamentation, while in her hands she held the head of Hector
+slayer of men: “Husband, thou art gone young from life, and leavest me a
+widow in thy halls. And the child is yet but a little one, child of ill-fated
+parents, thee and me; nor methinks shall he grow up to manhood, for ere then
+shall this city be utterly destroyed. For thou art verily perished who didst
+watch over it, who guardedst it and keptest safe its noble wives and infant
+little ones. These soon shall be voyaging in the hollow ships, yea and I too
+with them, and thou, my child, shalt either go with me unto a place where thou
+shalt toil at unseemly tasks, labouring before the face of some harsh lord, or
+else some Achaian will take thee by the arm and hurl thee from the battlement,
+a grievous death, for that he is wroth because Hector slew his brother or
+father or son, since full many of the Achaians in Hector’s hands have
+bitten the firm earth. For no light hand had thy father in the grievous fray.
+Therefore the folk lament him throughout the city, and woe unspeakable and
+mourning hast thou left to thy parents, Hector, but with me chiefliest shall
+grievous pain abide. For neither didst thou stretch thy hands to me from a bed
+in thy death, neither didst speak to me some memorable word that I might have
+thought on evermore as my tears fall night and day.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and the women joined their moan. And among them Hekabe
+again led the loud lament: “Hector, of all my children far dearest to my
+heart, verily while thou wert alive dear wert thou to the gods, and even in thy
+doom of death have they had care for thee. For other sons of mine whom he took
+captive would fleet Achilles sell beyond the unvintaged sea unto Samos and
+Imbros and smoking Lemnos, but when with keen-edged bronze he had bereft thee
+of thy life he was fain to drag thee oft around the tomb of his comrade, even
+Patroklos whom thou slewest, yet might he not raise him up thereby. But now all
+dewy and fresh thou liest in our halls, like one on whom Apollo, lord of the
+silver bow, hath descended and slain him with his gentle darts.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and stirred unending moan. Then thirdly Helen led their
+sore lament: “Hector, of all my brethren of Troy far dearest to my heart!
+Truly my lord is godlike Alexandros who brought me to Troy-land—would I had
+died ere then. For this is now the twentieth year since I went thence and am
+gone from my own native land, but never yet heard I evil or despiteful word
+from thee; nay, if any other haply upbraided me in the palace-halls, whether
+brother or sister of thine or brother’s fair-robed wife, or thy
+mother—but thy father is ever kind to me as he were my own—then wouldst thou
+soothe such with words and refrain them, by the gentleness of thy spirit and by
+thy gentle words. Therefore bewail I thee with pain at heart, and my hapless
+self with thee, for no more is any left in wide Troy-land to be my friend and
+kind to me, but all men shudder at me.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake she wailing, and therewith the great multitude of the people
+groaned. But the old man Priam spake a word among the folk: “Bring wood,
+men of Troy, unto the city, and be not anywise afraid at heart of a crafty
+ambush of the Achaians; for this message Achilles gave me when he sent me from
+the black ships, that they should do us no hurt until the twelfth morn
+arise.”
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus spake he, and they yoked oxen and mules to wains, and quickly then they
+flocked before the city. So nine days they gathered great store of wood. But
+when the tenth morn rose with light for men, then bare they forth brave Hector,
+weeping tears, and on a lofty pyre they laid the dead man, and thereon cast
+fire.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+But when the daughter of Dawn, rosy-fingered Morning, shone forth, then
+gathered the folk around glorious Hector’s pyre. First quenched they with
+bright wine all the burning, so far as the fire’s strength went, and then
+his brethren and comrades gathered his white bones lamenting, and big tears
+flowed down their cheeks. And the bones they took and laid in a golden urn,
+shrouding them in soft purple robes, and straightway laid the urn in a hollow
+grave and piled thereon great close-set stones, and heaped with speed a barrow,
+while watchers were set everywhere around, lest the well-greaved Achaians
+should make onset before the time. And when they had heaped the barrow they
+went back, and gathered them together and feasted right well in noble feast at
+the palace of Priam, Zeus-fostered king.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+Thus held they funeral for Hector tamer of horses.</p>
+
+</div><!--end chapter-->
+
+</body>
+
+</html>
+
+
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