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Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2021 23:13:34 +0000
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+<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-->
diff --git a/live/14.htm b/live/14.htm
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+<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-->
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+<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-->
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+<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-->
diff --git a/live/17.htm b/live/17.htm
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+<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-->
diff --git a/live/18.htm b/live/18.htm
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+<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-->
diff --git a/live/19.htm b/live/19.htm
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+<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-->
diff --git a/live/20.htm b/live/20.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,489 @@
+<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-->
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+<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-->
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+<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-->
diff --git a/live/23.htm b/live/23.htm
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+<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-->
diff --git a/live/24.htm b/live/24.htm
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+<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-->
