3 AUDIOBOOK COLLECTIONS

6 BOOK COLLECTIONS
The Iliad by Homer trans. by Samuel Butler is a publication of the Pennsylvania State
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The Iliad by Homer trans. by Samuel Butler, the Pennsylvania State University, Jim Ma-
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 The Iliad – Book I
quarrel? It was the son of Jove and Leto; for he was

The Iliad angry with the king and sent a pestilence upon the
host to plague the people, because the son of Atreus
had dishonoured Chryses his priest. Now Chryses
By
had come to the ships of the Achæans to free his
daughter, and had brought with him a great ran-
Homer som: moreover he bore in his hand the sceptre of
Apollo wreathed with a suppliant’s wreath and he
Translated by Samuel Butler besought the Achæans, but most of all the two sons
of Atreus, who were their chiefs.
“Sons of Atreus,” he cried, “and all other Achæans,
BOOK I
may the gods who dwell in Olympus grant you to
sack the city of Priam, and to reach your homes in
SING, O GODDESS, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus,
safety; but free my daughter, and accept a ransom
that brought countless ills upon the Achæans. Many
for her, in reverence to Apollo, son of Jove.”
a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades,
On this the rest of the Achæans with one voice
and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and
were for respecting the priest and taking the ran-
vultures, for so were the counsels of Jove fulfilled
som that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who
from the day on which the son of Atreus, king of
spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away.
men, and great Achilles, first fell out with one an-
“Old man,” said he, “let me not find you tarrying
other.
about our ships, nor yet coming hereafter. Your
And which of the gods was it that set them on to

3
 The Iliad – Book I
sceptre of the god and your wreath shall profit you down away from the ships with a face as dark as
nothing. I will not free her. She shall grow old in night, and his silver bow rang death as he shot his
my house at Argos far from her own home, busying arrow in the midst of them. First he smote their
herself with her loom and visiting my couch; so go, mules and their hounds, but presently he aimed his
and do not provoke me or it shall be the worse for shafts at the people themselves, and all day long
you.” the pyres of the dead were burning.
The old man feared him and obeyed. Not a word For nine whole days he shot his arrows among
he spoke, but went by the shore of the sounding the people, but upon the tenth day Achilles called
sea and prayed apart to King Apollo whom lovely them in assembly—moved thereto by Juno, who saw
Leto had borne. “Hear me,” he cried, “O god of the the Achæans in their death-throes and had com-
silver bow, that protectest Chryse and holy Cilla passion upon them. Then, when they were got to-
and rulest Tenedos with thy might, hear me oh thou gether, he rose and spoke among them.
of Sminthe. If I have ever decked your temple with “Son of Atreus,” said he, “I deem that we should
garlands, or burned your thigh-bones in fat of bulls now turn roving home if we would escape destruc-
or goats, grant my prayer, and let your arrows avenge tion, for we are being cut down by war and pesti-
these my tears upon the Danaans.” lence at once. Let us ask some priest or prophet, or
Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. some reader of dreams (for dreams, too, are of Jove)
He came down furious from the summits of who can tell us why Phoebus Apollo is so angry,
Olympus, with his bow and his quiver upon his and say whether it is for some vow that we have
shoulder, and the arrows rattled on his back with broken, or hecatomb that we have not offered, and
the rage that trembled within him. He sat himself whether he will accept the savour of lambs and goats

4
 The Iliad – Book I
without blemish, so as to take away the plague from Calchas, to whom you pray, and whose oracles you
us.” reveal to us, not a Danaan at our ships shall lay his
With these words he sat down, and Calchas son hand upon you, while I yet live to look upon the
of Thestor, wisest of augurs, who knew things past face of the earth—no, not though you name
present and to come, rose to speak. He it was who Agamemnon himself, who is by far the foremost of
had guided the Achæans with their fleet to Ilius, the Achæans.”
through the prophesyings with which Phoebus Thereon the seer spoke boldly. “The god,” he said,
Apollo had inspired him. With all sincerity and “is angry neither about vow nor hecatomb, but for
goodwill he addressed them thus— his priest’s sake, whom Agamemnon has
“Achilles, loved of heaven, you bid me tell you dishonoured, in that he would not free his daugh-
about the anger of King Apollo, I will therefore do ter nor take a ransom for her; therefore has he sent
so; but consider first and swear that you will stand these evils upon us, and will yet send others. He
by me heartily in word and deed, for I know that I will not deliver the Danaans from this pestilence
shall offend one who rules the Argives with might, till Agamemnon has restored the girl without fee or
to whom all the Achæans are in subjection. A plain ransom to her father, and has sent a holy hecatomb
man cannot stand against the anger of a king, who to Chryse. Thus we may perhaps appease him.”
if he swallow his displeasure now, will yet nurse re- With these words he sat down, and Agamemnon
venge till he has wreaked it. Consider, therefore, rose in anger. His heart was black with rage, and his
whether or no you will protect me.” eyes flashed fire as he scowled on Calchas and said,
And Achilles answered, “Fear not, but speak as it “Seer of evil, you never yet prophesied smooth
is borne in upon you from heaven, for by Apollo, things concerning me, but have ever loved to fore-

5
 The Iliad – Book I
tell that which was evil. You have brought me nei- us to sack the city of Troy we will requite you three
ther comfort nor performance; and now you come and fourfold.”
seeing among Danaans, and saying that Apollo has Then Agamemnon said, “Achilles, valiant though
plagued us because I would not take a ransom for you be, you shall not thus outwit me. You shall not
this girl, the daughter of Chryses. I have set my overreach and you shall not persuade me. Are you
heart on keeping her in my own house, for I love to keep your own prize, while I sit tamely under
her better even than my own wife Clytemnestra, my loss and give up the girl at your bidding? Let
whose peer she is alike in form and feature, in un- the Achæans find me a prize in fair exchange to my
derstanding and accomplishments. Still I will give liking, or I will come and take your own, or that of
her up if I must, for I would have the people live, Ajax or of Ulysses; and he to whomsoever I may
not die; but you must find me a prize instead, or I come shall rue my coming. But of this we will take
alone among the Argives shall be without one. This thought hereafter; for the present, let us draw a ship
is not well; for you behold, all of you, that my prize into the sea, and find a crew for her expressly; let us
is to go elsewhither.” put a hecatomb on board, and let us send Chryseis
And Achilles answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, also; further, let some chief man among us be in
covetous beyond all mankind, how shall the command, either Ajax, or Idomeneus, or yourself,
Achæans find you another prize? We have no com- son of Peleus, mighty warrior that you are, that we
mon store from which to take one. Those we took may offer sacrifice and appease the the anger of the
from the cities have been awarded; we cannot disal- god.”
low the awards that have been made already. Give Achilles scowled at him and answered, “You are
this girl, therefore, to the god, and if ever Jove grants steeped in insolence and lust of gain. With what

6
 The Iliad – Book I
heart can any of the Achæans do your bidding, ei- will not stay here dishonoured to gather gold and
ther on foray or in open fighting? I came not war- substance for you.”
ring here for any ill the Trojans had done me. I have And Agamemnon answered, “Fly if you will, I shall
no quarrel with them. They have not raided my make you no prayers to stay you. I have others here
cattle nor my horses, nor cut down my harvests on who will do me honour, and above all Jove, the lord
the rich plains of Phthia; for between me and them of counsel. There is no king here so hateful to me
there is a great space, both mountain and sounding as you are, for you are ever quarrelsome and ill af-
sea. We have followed you, Sir Insolence! for your fected. What though you be brave? Was it not
pleasure, not ours—to gain satisfaction from the heaven that made you so? Go home, then, with your
Trojans for your shameless self and for Menelaus. ships and comrades to lord it over the Myrmidons.
You forget this, and threaten to rob me of the prize I care neither for you nor for your anger; and thus
for which I have toiled, and which the sons of the will I do: since Phoebus Apollo is taking Chryseis
Achæans have given me. Never when the Achæans from me, I shall send her with my ship and my fol-
sack any rich city of the Trojans do I receive so good lowers, but I shall come to your tent and take your
a prize as you do, though it is my hands that do the own prize Briseis, that you may learn how much
better part of the fighting. When the sharing comes, stronger I am than you are, and that another may
your share is far the largest, and I, forsooth, must fear to set himself up as equal or comparable with
go back to my ships, take what I can get and be me.”
thankful, when my labour of fighting is done. Now, The son of Peleus was furious, and his heart within
therefore, I shall go back to Phthia; it will be much his shaggy breast was divided whether to draw his
better for me to return home with my ships, for I sword, push the others aside, and kill the son of

7
 The Iliad – Book I
Atreus, or to restrain himself and check his anger. “Goddess,” answered Achilles, “however angry a
While he was thus in two minds, and was drawing man may be, he must do as you two command him.
his mighty sword from its scabbard, Minerva came This will be best, for the gods ever hear the prayers
down from heaven (for Juno had sent her in the of him who has obeyed them.”
love she bore to them both), and seized the son of He stayed his hand on the silver hilt of his sword,
Peleus by his yellow hair, visible to him alone, for and thrust it back into the scabbard as Minerva
of the others no man could see her. Achilles turned bade him. Then she went back to Olympus among
in amaze, and by the fire that flashed from her eyes the other gods, and to the house of ægis-bearing
at once knew that she was Minerva. “Why are you Jove.
here,” said he, “daughter of ægis-bearing Jove? To But the son of Peleus again began railing at the
see the pride of Agamemnon, son of Atreus? Let son of Atreus, for he was still in a rage. “Wine-
me tell you—and it shall surely be—he shall pay bibber,” he cried, “with the face of a dog and the
for this insolence with his life.” heart of a hind, you never dare to go out with the
And Minerva said, “I come from heaven, if you host in fight, nor yet with our chosen men in am-
will hear me, to bid you stay your anger. Juno has buscade. You shun this as you do death itself. You
sent me, who cares for both of you alike. Cease, then, had rather go round and rob his prizes from any
this brawling, and do not draw your sword; rail at man who contradicts you. You devour your people,
him if you will, and your railing will not be vain, for for you are king over a feeble folk; otherwise, son
I tell you—and it shall surely be—that you shall here- of Atreus, henceforward you would insult no man.
after receive gifts three times as splendid by reason Therefore I say, and swear it with a great oath—
of this present insult. Hold, therefore, and obey.” nay, by this my sceptre which shalt sprout neither

8
 The Iliad – Book I
leaf nor shoot, nor bud anew from the day on which therefore, he addressed them thus—
it left its parent stem upon the mountains—for the “Of a truth,” he said, “a great sorrow has befallen
axe stripped it of leaf and bark, and now the sons the Achæan land. Surely Priam with his sons would
of the Achæans bear it as judges and guardians of rejoice, and the Trojans be glad at heart if they could
the decrees of heaven—so surely and solemnly do I hear this quarrel between you two, who are so ex-
swear that hereafter they shall look fondly for Achil- cellent in fight and counsel. I am older than either
les and shall not find him. In the day of your dis- of you; therefore be guided by me. Moreover I have
tress, when your men fall dying by the murderous been the familiar friend of men even greater than
hand of Hector, you shall not know how to help you are, and they did not disregard my counsels.
them, and shall rend your heart with rage for the Never again can I behold such men as Pirithous
hour when you offered insult to the bravest of the and Dryas shepherd of his people, or as Cæneus,
Achæans.” Exadius, godlike Polyphemus, and Theseus son of
With this the son of Peleus dashed his gold- Ægeus, peer of the immortals. These were the
bestudded sceptre on the ground and took his seat, mightiest men ever born upon this earth: mightiest
while the son of Atreus was beginning fiercely from were they, and when they fought the fiercest tribes
his place upon the other side. Then uprose smooth- of mountain savages they utterly overthrew them. I
tongued Nestor, the facile speaker of the Pylians, came from distant Pylos, and went about among
and the words fell from his lips sweeter than honey. them, for they would have me come, and I fought
Two generations of men born and bred in Pylos had as it was in me to do. Not a man now living could
passed away under his rule, and he was now reign- withstand them, but they heard my words, and were
ing over the third. With all sincerity and goodwill, persuaded by them. So be it also with yourselves,

9
 The Iliad – Book I
for this is the more excellent way. Therefore, Order other people about, not me, for I shall obey
Agamemnon, though you be strong, take not this no longer. Furthermore I say—and lay my saying to
girl away, for the sons of the Achæans have already your heart—I shall fight neither you nor any man
given her to Achilles; and you, Achilles, strive not about this girl, for those that take were those also
further with the king, for no man who by the grace that gave. But of all else that is at my ship you shall
of Jove wields a sceptre has like honour with carry away nothing by force. Try, that others may
Agamemnon. You are strong, and have a goddess see; if you do, my spear shall be reddened with your
for your mother; but Agamemnon is stronger than blood.”
you, for he has more people under him. Son of When they had quarrelled thus angrily, they rose,
Atreus, check your anger, I implore you; end this and broke up the assembly at the ships of the
quarrel with Achilles, who in the day of battle is a Achæans. The son of Peleus went back to his tents
tower of strength to the Achæans.” and ships with the son of Menoetius and his com-
And Agamemnon answered, “Sir, all that you have pany, while Agamemnon drew a vessel into the wa-
said is true, but this fellow must needs become our ter and chose a crew of twenty oarsmen. He escorted
lord and master: he must be lord of all, king of all, Chryseis on board and sent moreover a hecatomb
and captain of all, and this shall hardly be. Granted for the god. And Ulysses went as captain.
that the gods have made him a great warrior, have These, then, went on board and sailed their ways
they also given him the right to speak with rail- over the sea. But the son of Atreus bade the people
ing?” purify themselves; so they purified themselves and
Achilles interrupted him. “I should be a mean cow- cast their filth into the sea. Then they offered
ard,” he cried, “were I to give in to you in all things. hecatombs of bulls and goats without blemish on

10
 The Iliad – Book I
the sea-shore, and the smoke with the savour of her and give her to them, but let them be witnesses
their sacrifice rose curling up towards heaven. by the blessed gods, by mortal men, and by the
Thus did they busy themselves throughout the fierceness of Agamemnon’s anger, that if ever again
host. But Agamemnon did not forget the threat that there be need of me to save the people from ruin,
he had made Achilles, and called his trusty messen- they shall seek and they shall not find. Agamemnon
gers and squires Talthybius and Eurybates. “Go,” is mad with rage and knows not how to look before
said he, “to the tent of Achilles, son of Peleus; take and after that the Achæans may fight by their ships
Briseis by the hand and bring her hither; if he will in safety.”
not give her I shall come with others and take her— Patroclus did as his dear comrade had bidden him.
which will press him harder.” He brought Briseis from the tent and gave her over
He charged them straightly further and dismissed to the heralds, who took her with them to the ships
them, whereon they went their way sorrowfully by of the Achæans—and the woman was loth to go.
the seaside, till they came to the tents and ships of Then Achilles went all alone by the side of the hoar
the Myrmidons. They found Achilles sitting by his sea, weeping and looking out upon the boundless
tent and his ships, and ill-pleased he was when he waste of waters. He raised his hands in prayer to
beheld them. They stood fearfully and reverently his immortal mother, “Mother,” he cried, “you bore
before him, and never a word did they speak, but me doomed to live but for a little season; surely
he knew them and said, “Welcome, heralds, mes- Jove, who thunders from Olympus, might have made
sengers of gods and men; draw near; my quarrel is that little glorious. It is not so. Agamemnon, son of
not with you but with Agamemnon who has sent Atreus, has done me dishonour, and has robbed me
you for the girl Briseis. Therefore, Patroclus, bring of my prize by force.”

11
 The Iliad – Book I
As he spoke he wept aloud, and his mother heard were for respecting the priest and taking the ran-
him where she was sitting in the depths of the sea som that he offered; but not so Agamemnon, who
hard by the old man her father. Forthwith she rose spoke fiercely to him and sent him roughly away.
as it were a grey mist out of the waves, sat down So he went back in anger, and Apollo, who loved
before him as he stood weeping, caressed him with him dearly, heard his prayer. Then the god sent a
her hand, and said, “My son, why are you weep- deadly dart upon the Argives, and the people died
ing? What is it that grieves you? Keep it not from thick on one another, for the arrows went
me, but tell me, that we may know it together.” everywhither among the wide host of the Achæans.
Achilles drew a deep sigh and said, “You know it; At last a seer in the fulness of his knowledge de-
why tell you what you know well already? We went clared to us the oracles of Apollo, and I was myself
to Thebe the strong city of Eetion, sacked it, and first to say that we should appease him. Whereon
brought hither the spoil. The sons of the Achæans the son of Atreus rose in anger, and threatened that
shared it duly among themselves, and chose lovely which he has since done. The Achæans are now tak-
Chryseis as the meed of Agamemnon; but Chryses, ing the girl in a ship to Chryse, and sending gifts of
priest of Apollo, came to the ships of the Achæans sacrifice to the god; but the heralds have just taken
to free his daughter, and brought with him a great from my tent the daughter of Briseus, whom the
ransom: moreover he bore in his hand the sceptre Achæans had awarded to myself.
of Apollo, wreathed with a suppliant’s wreath, and “Help your brave son, therefore, if you are able.
he besought the Achæans, but most of all the two Go to Olympus, and if you have ever done him ser-
sons of Atreus who were their chiefs. vice in word or deed, implore the aid of Jove.
“On this the rest of the Achæans with one voice Ofttimes in my father’s house have I heard you glory

12
 The Iliad – Book I
in that you alone of the immortals saved the son of row above your peers: woe, therefore, was the hour
Saturn from ruin, when the others, with Juno, Nep- in which I bore you; nevertheless I will go to the
tune, and Pallas Minerva would have put him in snowy heights of Olympus, and tell this tale to Jove,
bonds. It was you, goddess, who delivered him by if he will hear our prayer: meanwhile stay where
calling to Olympus the hundred-handed monster you are with your ships, nurse your anger against
whom gods call Briareus, but men Ægæon, for he is the Achæans, and hold aloof from fight. For Jove
stronger even than his father; when therefore he went yesterday to Oceanus, to a feast among the
took his seat all-glorious beside the son of Saturn, Ethiopians, and the other gods went with him. He
the other gods were afraid, and did not bind him. will return to Olympus twelve days hence; I will
Go, then, to him, remind him of all this, clasp his then go to his mansion paved with bronze and will
knees, and bid him give succour to the Trojans. Let beseech him; nor do I doubt that I shall be able to
the Achæans be hemmed in at the sterns of their persuade him.”
ships, and perish on the sea-shore, that they may On this she left him, still furious at the loss of her
reap what joy they may of their king, and that that had been taken from him. Meanwhile Ulysses
Agamemnon may rue his blindness in offering in- reached Chryse with the hecatomb. When they had
sult to the foremost of the Achæans.” come inside the harbour they furled the sails and
Thetis wept and answered, “My son, woe is me laid them in the ship’s hold; they slackened the
that I should have borne or suckled you. Would forestays, lowered the mast into its place, and rowed
indeed that you had lived your span free from all the ship to the place where they would have her lie;
sorrow at your ships, for it is all too brief; alas, that there they cast out their mooring-stones and made
you should be at once short of life and long of sor- fast the hawsers. They then got out upon the sea-

13
 The Iliad – Book I
shore and landed the hecatomb for Apollo; Chryseis When they had done praying and sprinkling the
also left the ship, and Ulysses led her to the altar to barley-meal, they drew back the heads of the vic-
deliver her into the hands of her father. “Chryses,” tims and killed and flayed them. They cut out the
said he, “King Agamemnon has sent me to bring thigh-bones, wrapped them round in two layers of
you back your child, and to offer sacrifice to Apollo fat, set some pieces of raw meat on the top of them,
on behalf of the Danaans, that we may propitiate and then Chryses laid them on the wood fire and
the god, who has now brought sorrow upon the poured wine over them, while the young men stood
Argives.” near him with five-pronged spits in their hands.
So saying he gave the girl over to her father, who When the thigh-bones were burned and they had
received her gladly, and they ranged the holy tasted the inward meats, they cut the rest up small,
hecatomb all orderly round the altar of the god. put the pieces upon the spits, roasted them till they
They washed their hands and took up the barley- were done, and drew them off: then, when they had
meal to sprinkle over the victims, while Chryses finished their work and the feast was ready, they
lifted up his hands and prayed aloud on their be- ate it, and every man had his full share, so that all
half. “Hear me,” he cried, “O god of the silver bow, were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to
that protectest Chryse and holy Cilla, and rulest eat and drink, pages filled the mixing-bowl with wine
Tenedos with thy might. Even as thou didst hear and water and handed it round, after giving every
me aforetime when I prayed, and didst press hardly man his drink-offering.
upon the Achæans, so hear me yet again, and stay Thus all day long the young men worshipped the
this fearful pestilence from the Danaans.” god with song, hymning him and chaunting the joy-
Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer. ous pæan, and the god took pleasure in their voices;

14
 The Iliad – Book I
but when the sun went down, and it came on dark, went through great heaven with early morning to
they laid themselves down to sleep by the stern Olympus, where she found the mighty son of Sat-
cables of the ship, and when the child of morning, urn sitting all alone upon its topmost ridges. She
rosy-fingered Dawn, appeared they again set sail sat herself down before him, and with her left hand
for the host of the Achæans. Apollo sent them a seized his knees, while with her right she caught
fair wind, so they raised their mast and hoisted their him under the chin, and besought him, saying—
white sails aloft. As the sail bellied with the wind “Father Jove, if I ever did you service in word or
the ship flew through the deep blue water, and the deed among the immortals, hear my prayer, and do
foam hissed against her bows as she sped onward. honour to my son, whose life is to be cut short so
When they reached the wide-stretching host of the early. King Agamemnon has dishonoured him by
Achæans, they drew the vessel ashore, high and dry taking his prize and keeping her. Honour him then
upon the sands, set her strong props beneath her, yourself, Olympian lord of counsel, and grant vic-
and went their ways to their own tents and ships. tory to the Trojans, till the Achæans give my son
But Achilles abode at his ships and nursed his his due and load him with riches in requital.”
anger. He went not to the honourable assembly, and Jove sat for a while silent, and without a word,
sallied not forth to fight, but gnawed at his own but Thetis still kept firm hold of his knees, and
heart, pining for battle and the war-cry. besought him a second time. “Incline your head,”
Now after twelve days the immortal gods came said she, “and promise me surely, or else deny me—
back in a body to Olympus, and Jove led the way. for you have nothing to fear—that I may learn how
Thetis was not unmindful of the charge her son had greatly you disdain me.”
laid upon her, so she rose from under the sea and At this Jove was much troubled and answered, “I

15
 The Iliad – Book I
shall have trouble if you set me quarrelling with old merman’s daughter, silver-footed Thetis, had
Juno, for she will provoke me with her taunting been hatching mischief, so she at once began to
speeches; even now she is always railing at me be- upbraid him. “Trickster,” she cried, “which of the
fore the other gods and accusing me of giving aid to gods have you been taking into your counsels now?
the Trojans. Go back now, lest she should find out. You are always settling matters in secret behind my
I will consider the matter, and will bring it about as back, and have never yet told me, if you could help
wish. See, I incline my head that you believe me. it, one word of your intentions.”
This is the most solemn that I can give to any god. “Juno,” replied the sire of gods and men, “you
I never recall my word, or deceive, or fail to do what must not expect to be informed of all my counsels.
I say, when I have nodded my head.” You are my wife, but you would find it hard to un-
As he spoke the son of Saturn bowed his dark derstand them. When it is proper for you to hear,
brows, and the ambrosial locks swayed on his im- there is no one, god or man, who will be told sooner,
mortal head, till vast Olympus reeled. but when I mean to keep a matter to myself, you
When the pair had thus laid their plans, they must not pry nor ask questions.”
parted—Jove to his house, while the goddess quit- “Dread son of Saturn,” answered Juno, “what are
ted the splendour of Olympus, and plunged into you talking about? I? Pry and ask questions? Never.
the depths of the sea. The gods rose from their seats, I let you have your own way in everything. Still, I
before the coming of their sire. Not one of them have a strong misgiving that the old merman’s
dared to remain sitting, but all stood up as he came daughter Thetis has been talking you over, for she
among them. There, then, he took his seat. was with you and had hold of your knees this self-
But Juno, when she saw him, knew that he and the same morning. I believe, therefore, that you have

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 The Iliad – Book I
been promising her to give glory to Achilles, and to lest he again scold her and disturb our feast. If the
kill much people at the ships of the Achæans.” Olympian Thunderer wants to hurl us all from our
“Wife,” said Jove, “I can do nothing but you sus- seats, he can do so, for he is far the strongest, so
pect me and find it out. You will take nothing by it, give him fair words, and he will then soon be in a
for I shall only dislike you the more, and it will go good humour with us.”
harder with you. Granted that it is as you say; I As he spoke, he took a double cup of nectar, and
mean to have it so; sit down and hold your tongue placed it in his mother’s hand. “Cheer up, my dear
as I bid you for if I once begin to lay my hands mother,” said he, “and make the best of it. I love
about you, though all heaven were on your side it you dearly, and should be very sorry to see you get
would profit you nothing.” a thrashing; however grieved I might be, I could
On this Juno was frightened, so she curbed her not help for there is no standing against Jove. Once
stubborn will and sat down in silence. But the heav- before when I was trying to help you, he caught me
enly beings were disquieted throughout the house by the foot and flung me from the heavenly thresh-
of Jove, till the cunning workman Vulcan began to old. All day long from morn till eve, was I falling,
try and pacify his mother Juno. “It will be intoler- till at sunset I came to ground in the island of
able,” said he, “if you two fall to wrangling and set- Lemnos, and there I lay, with very little life left in
ting heaven in an uproar about a pack of mortals. If me, till the Sintians came and tended me.”
such ill counsels are to prevail, we shall have no Juno smiled at this, and as she smiled she took
pleasure at our banquet. Let me then advise my the cup from her son’s hands. Then Vulcan drew
mother—and she must herself know that it will be sweet nectar from the mixing-bowl, and served it
better—to make friends with my dear father Jove, round among the gods, going from left to right; and

17
 The Iliad – Book II
the blessed gods laughed out a loud applause as he was thinking how to do honour to Achilles, and
they saw him ing bustling about the heavenly man- destroyed much people at the ships of the Achæans.
sion. In the end he deemed it would be best to send a
Thus through the livelong day to the going down lying dream to King Agamemnon; so he called one
of the sun they feasted, and every one had his full to him and said to it, “Lying Dream, go to the ships
share, so that all were satisfied. Apollo struck his of the Achæans, into the tent of Agamemnon, and
lyre, and the Muses lifted up their sweet voices, say to him word to word as I now bid you. Tell him
calling and answering one another. But when the to get the Achæans instantly under arms, for he
sun’s glorious light had faded, they went home to shall take Troy. There are no longer divided coun-
bed, each in his own abode, which lame Vulcan with sels among the gods; Juno has brought them to her
his consummate skill had fashioned for them. So own mind, and woe betides the Trojans.”
Jove, the Olympian Lord of Thunder, hied him to The dream went when it had heard its message,
the bed in which he always slept; and when he had and soon reached the ships of the Achæans. It
got on to it he went to sleep, with Juno of the golden sought Agamemnon son of Atreus and found him
throne by his side. in his tent, wrapped in a profound slumber. It hov-
ered over his head in the likeness of Nestor, son of
Neleus, whom Agamemnon honoured above all his
BOOK II councillors, and said—
“You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one who has the
NOW THE OTHER GODS and the armed warriors on welfare of his host and so much other care upon his
the plain slept soundly, but Jove was wakeful, for shoulders should dock his sleep. Hear me at once,

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 The Iliad – Book II

for I come as a messenger from Jove, who, though The goddess Dawn now wended her way to vast
he be not near, yet takes thought for you and pities Olympus that she might herald day to Jove and to
you. He bids you get the Achæans instantly under the other immortals, and Agamemnon sent the cri-
arms, for you shall take Troy. There are no longer ers round to call the people in assembly; so they
divided counsels among the gods; Juno has brought called them and the people gathered thereon. But
them over to her own mind, and woe betides the first he summoned a meeting of the elders at the
Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember this, and ship of Nestor king of Pylos, and when they were
when you wake see that it does not escape you.” assembled he laid a cunning counsel before them.
The dream then left him, and he thought of things “My friends,” said he, “I have had a dream from
that were, surely not to be accomplished. He heaven in the dead of night, and its face and figure
thought that on that same day he was to take the resembled none but Nestor’s. It hovered over my
city of Priam, but he little knew what was in the head and said, ‘You are sleeping, son of Atreus; one
mind of Jove, who had many another hard-fought who has the welfare of his host and so much other
fight in store alike for Danaans and Trojans. Then care upon his shoulders should dock his sleep. Hear
presently he woke, with the divine message still ring- me at once, for I am a messenger from Jove, who,
ing in his ears; so he sat upright, and put on his soft though he be not near, yet takes thought for you
shirt so fair and new, and over this his heavy cloak. and pities you. He bids you get the Achæans in-
He bound his sandals on to his comely feet, and stantly under arms, for you shall take Troy. There
slung his silver-studded sword about his shoulders; are no longer divided counsels among the gods; Juno
then he took the imperishable staff of his father, has brought them over to her own mind, and woe
and sallied forth to the ships of the Achæans. betides the Trojans at the hands of Jove. Remember

19
 The Iliad – Book II

this.’ The dream then vanished and I awoke. Let us knots and clusters; even so did the mighty multi-
now, therefore, arm the sons of the Achæans. But it tude pour from ships and tents to the assembly,
will be well that I should first sound them, and to and range themselves upon the wide-watered shore,
this end I will tell them to fly with their ships; but while among them ran Wildfire Rumour, messen-
do you others go about among the host and pre- ger of Jove, urging them ever to the fore. Thus they
vent their doing so.” gathered in a pell-mell of mad confusion, and the
He then sat down, and Nestor the prince of Pylos earth groaned under the tramp of men as the people
with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them thus: sought their places. Nine heralds went crying about
“My friends,” said he, “princes and councillors of among them to stay their tumult and bid them lis-
the Argives, if any other man of the Achæans had ten to the kings, till at last they were got into their
told us of this dream we should have declared it several places and ceased their clamour. Then King
false, and would have had nothing to do with it. Agamemnon rose, holding his sceptre. This was the
But he who has seen it is the foremost man among work of Vulcan, who gave it to Jove the son of Sat-
us; we must therefore set about getting the people urn. Jove gave it to Mercury, slayer of Argus, guide
under arms.” and guardian. King Mercury gave it to Pelops, the
With this he led the way from the assembly, and mighty charioteer, and Pelops to Atreus, shepherd
the other sceptred kings rose with him in obedi- of his people. Atreus, when he died, left it to
ence to the word of Agamemnon; but the people Thyestes, rich in flocks, and Thyestes in his turn
pressed forward to hear. They swarmed like bees left it to be borne by Agamemnon, that he might
that sally from some hollow cave and flit in count- be lord of all Argos and of the isles. Leaning, then,
less throng among the spring flowers, bunched in on his sceptre, he addressed the Argives.

20
 The Iliad – Book II

“My friends,” he said, “heroes, servants of Mars, that hinder me from being able to sack the rich city
the hand of heaven has been laid heavily upon me. of Ilius. Nine of Jove years are gone; the timbers of
Cruel Jove gave me his solemn promise that I should our ships have rotted; their tackling is sound no
sack the city of Priam before returning, but he has longer. Our wives and little ones at home look anx-
played me false, and is now bidding me go inglori- iously for our coming, but the work that we came
ously back to Argos with the loss of much people. hither to do has not been done. Now, therefore, let
Such is the will of Jove, who has laid many a proud us all do as I say: let us sail back to our own land,
city in the dust, as he will yet lay others, for his for we shall not take Troy.”
power is above all. It will be a sorry tale hereafter With these words he moved the hearts of the mul-
that an Achæan host, at once so great and valiant, titude, so many of them as knew not the cunning
battled in vain against men fewer in number than counsel of Agamemnon. They surged to and fro like
themselves; but as yet the end is not in sight. Think the waves of the Icarian Sea, when the east and
that the Achæans and Trojans have sworn to a sol- south winds break from heaven’s clouds to lash
emn covenant, and that they have each been num- them; or as when the west wind sweeps over a field
bered—the Trojans by the roll of their household- of corn and the ears bow beneath the blast, even so
ers, and we by companies of ten; think further that were they swayed as they flew with loud cries to-
each of our companies desired to have a Trojan wards the ships, and the dust from under their feet
householder to pour out their wine; we are so greatly rose heavenward. They cheered each other on to
more in number that full many a company would draw the ships into the sea; they cleared the chan-
have to go without its cup-bearer. But they have in nels in front of them; they began taking away the
the town allies from other places, and it is these stays from underneath them, and the welkin rang

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 The Iliad – Book II

with their glad cries, so eager were they to return. glory of still keeping Helen, for whose sake so many
Then surely the Argives would have returned af- of the Achæans have died at Troy, far from their
ter a fashion that was not fated. But Juno said to homes? Go about at once among the host, and speak
Minerva, “Alas, daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, fairly to them, man by man, that they draw not
unweariable, shall the Argives fly home to their own their ships into the sea.”
land over the broad sea, and leave Priam and the Ulysses knew the voice as that of the goddess: he
Trojans the glory of still keeping Helen, for whose flung his cloak from him and set off to run. His
sake so many of the Achæans have died at Troy, far servant Eurybates, a man of Ithaca, who waited on
from their homes? Go about at once among the host, him, took charge of the cloak, whereon Ulysses went
and speak fairly to them, man by man, that they straight up to Agamemnon and received from him
draw not their ships into the sea.” his ancestral, imperishable staff. With this he went
Minerva was not slack to do her bidding. Down about among the ships of the Achæans.
she darted from the topmost summits of Olympus, Whenever he met a king or chieftain, he stood by
and in a moment she was at the ships of the him and spoke him fairly. “Sir,” said he, “this flight
Achæans. There she found Ulysses, peer of Jove in is cowardly and unworthy. Stand to your post, and
counsel, standing alone. He had not as yet laid a bid your people also keep their places. You do not
hand upon his ship, for he was grieved and sorry; yet know the full mind of Agamemnon; he was
so she went close up to him and said, “Ulysses, noble sounding us, and ere long will visit the Achæans
son of Lærtes, are you going to fling yourselves into with his displeasure. We were not all of us at the
your ships and be off home to your own land in council to hear what he then said; see to it lest he
this way? Will you leave Priam and the Trojans the be angry and do us a mischief; for the pride of kings

22
 The Iliad – Book II

is great, and the hand of Jove is with them.” what he said, so that he might set the Achæans in a
But when he came across any common man who laugh. He was the ugliest man of all those that came
was making a noise, he struck him with his staff before Troy—bandy-legged, lame of one foot, with
and rebuked him, saying, “Sirrah, hold your peace, his two shoulders rounded and hunched over his
and listen to better men than yourself. You are a chest. His head ran up to a point, but there was
coward and no soldier; you are nobody either in little hair on the top of it. Achilles and Ulysses hated
fight or council; we cannot all be kings; it is not him worst of all, for it was with them that he was
well that there should be many masters; one man most wont to wrangle; now, however, with a shrill
must be supreme—one king to whom the son of squeaky voice he began heaping his abuse on
scheming Saturn has given the sceptre of sovereignty Agamemnon. The Achæans were angry and dis-
over you all.” gusted, yet none the less he kept on brawling and
Thus masterfully did he go about among the host, bawling at the son of Atreus.
and the people hurried back to the council from “Agamemnon,” he cried, “what ails you now, and
their tents and ships with a sound as the thunder what more do you want? Your tents are filled with
of surf when it comes crashing down upon the shore, bronze and with fair women, for whenever we take
and all the sea is in an uproar. a town we give you the pick of them. Would you
The rest now took their seats and kept to their have yet more gold, which some Trojan is to give
own several places, but Thersites still went on wag- you as a ransom for his son, when I or another
ging his unbridled tongue—a man of many words, Achæan has taken him prisoner? or is it some young
and those unseemly; a monger of sedition, a railer girl to hide and lie with? It is not well that you, the
against all who were in authority, who cared not ruler of the Achæans, should bring them into such

23
 The Iliad – Book II

misery. Weakling cowards, women rather than men, and it shall surely be—that if I again catch you talk-
let us sail home, and leave this fellow here at Troy ing such nonsense, I will either forfeit my own head
to stew in his own meeds of honour, and discover and be no more called father of Telemachus, or I
whether we were of any service to him or no. Achil- will take you, strip you stark naked, and whip you
les is a much better man than he is, and see how he out of the assembly till you go blubbering back to
has treated him—robbing him of his prize and keep- the ships.”
ing it himself. Achilles takes it meekly and shows On this he beat him with his staff about the back
no fight; if he did, son of Atreus, you would never and shoulders till he dropped and fell a-weeping.
again insult him.” The golden sceptre raised a bloody weal on his back,
Thus railed Thersites, but Ulysses at once went so he sat down frightened and in pain, looking fool-
up to him and rebuked him sternly. “Check your ish as he wiped the tears from his eyes. The people
glib tongue, Thersites,” said be, “and babble not a were sorry for him, yet they laughed heartily, and
word further. Chide not with princes when you have one would turn to his neighbour saying, “Ulysses
none to back you. There is no viler creature come has done many a good thing ere now in fight and
before Troy with the sons of Atreus. Drop this chat- council, but he never did the Argives a better turn
ter about kings, and neither revile them nor keep than when he stopped this fellow’s mouth from
harping about going home. We do not yet know prating further. He will give the kings no more of
how things are going to be, nor whether the Achæans his insolence.”
are to return with good success or evil. How dare Thus said the people. Then Ulysses rose, sceptre
you gibe at Agamemnon because the Danaans have in hand, and Minerva in the likeness of a herald
awarded him so many prizes? I tell you, therefore— bade the people be still, that those who were far off

24
 The Iliad – Book II

might hear him and consider his council. He there- the ships of the Achæans were detained in Aulis
fore with all sincerity and goodwill addressed them when we were on our way hither to make war on
thus— Priam and the Trojans. We were ranged round about
“King Agamemnon, the Achæans are for making a fountain offering hecatombs to the gods upon their
you a by-word among all mankind. They forget the holy altars, and there was a fine plane-tree from
promise they made you when they set out from beneath which there welled a stream of pure water.
Argos, that you should not return till you had sacked Then we saw a prodigy; for Jove sent a fearful ser-
the town of Troy, and, like children or widowed pent out of the ground, with blood-red stains upon
women, they murmur and would set off homeward. its back, and it darted from under the altar on to
True it is that they have had toil enough to be dis- the plane-tree. Now there was a brood of young
heartened. A man chafes at having to stay away sparrows, quite small, upon the topmost bough,
from his wife even for a single month, when he is peeping out from under the leaves, eight in all, and
on shipboard, at the mercy of wind and sea, but it their mother that hatched them made nine. The
is now nine long years that we have been kept here; serpent ate the poor cheeping things, while the old
I cannot, therefore, blame the Achæans if they turn bird flew about lamenting her little ones; but the
restive; still we shall be shamed if we go home empty serpent threw his coils about her and caught her by
after so long a stay—therefore, my friends, be pa- the wing as she was screaming. Then, when he had
tient yet a little longer that we may learn whether eaten both the sparrow and her young, the god who
the prophesyings of Calchas were false or true. had sent him made him become a sign; for the son
“All who have not since perished must remember of scheming Saturn turned him into stone, and we
as though it were yesterday or the day before, how stood there wondering at that which had come to

25
 The Iliad – Book II

pass. Seeing, then, that such a fearful portent had all our talking here shall be no further forward.
broken in upon our hecatombs, Calchas forthwith Stand, therefore, son of Atreus, by your own stead-
declared to us the oracles of heaven. ‘ Why, fast purpose; lead the Argives on to battle, and leave
Achæans,’ said he, ‘are you thus speechless? Jove this handful of men to rot, who scheme, and scheme
has sent us this sign, long in coming, and long ere it in vain, to get back to Argos ere they have learned
be fulfilled, though its fame shall last for ever. As whether Jove be true or a liar. For the mighty son of
the serpent ate the eight fledglings and the sparrow Saturn surely promised that we should succeed,
that hatched them, which makes nine, so shall we when we Argives set sail to bring death and destruc-
fight nine years at Troy, but in the tenth shall take tion upon the Trojans. He showed us favourable
the town.’ This was what he said, and now it is all signs by flashing his lightning on our right hands;
coming true. Stay here, therefore, all of you, till we therefore let none make haste to go till he has first
take the city of Priam.” lain with the wife of some Trojan, and avenged the
On this the Argives raised a shout, till the ships toil and sorrow that he has suffered for the sake of
rang again with the uproar. Nestor, knight of Gerene, Helen. Nevertheless, if any man is in such haste to
then addressed them. “Shame on you,” he cried, be at home again, let him lay his hand to his ship
“to stay talking here like children, when you should that he may meet his doom in the sight of all. But,
fight like men. Where are our covenants now, and O king, consider and give ear to my counsel, for the
where the oaths that we have taken? Shall our coun- word that I say may not be neglected lightly. Di-
sels be flung into the fire, with our drink-offerings vide your men, Agamemnon, into their several tribes
and the right hands of fellowship wherein we have and clans, that clans and tribes may stand by and
put our trust? We waste our time in words, and for help one another. If you do this, and if the Achæans

26
 The Iliad – Book II

obey you, you will find out who, both chiefs and long day; for we shall have no rest, not for a mo-
peoples, are brave, and who are cowards; for they ment, till night falls to part us. The bands that bear
will vie against the other. Thus you shall also learn your shields shall be wet with the sweat upon your
whether it is through the counsel of heaven or the shoulders, your hands shall weary upon your spears,
cowardice of man that you shall fail to take the your horses shall steam in front of your chariots,
town.” and if I see any man shirking the fight, or trying to
And Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, you have keep out of it at the ships, there shall be no help for
again outdone the sons of the Achæans in counsel. him, but he shall be a prey to dogs and vultures.”
Would, by Father Jove, Minerva, and Apollo, that I Thus he spoke, and the Achæans roared applause.
had among them ten more such councillors, for the As when the waves run high before the blast of the
city of King Priam would then soon fall beneath south wind and break on some lofty headland, dash-
our hands, and we should sack it. But the son of ing against it and buffeting it without ceasing, as
Saturn afflicts me with bootless wranglings and the storms from every quarter drive them, even so
strife. Achilles and I are quarrelling about this girl, did the Achæans rise and hurry in all directions to
in which matter I was the first to offend; if we can their ships. There they lighted their fires at their
be of one mind again, the Trojans will not stave off tents and got dinner, offering sacrifice every man
destruction for a day. Now, therefore, get your morn- to one or other of the gods, and praying each one of
ing meal, that our hosts join in fight. Whet well them that he might live to come out of the fight.
your spears; see well to the ordering of your shields; Agamemnon, king of men, sacrificed a fat five-year-
give good feeds to your horses, and look your chari- old bull to the mighty son of Saturn, and invited
ots carefully over, that we may do battle the live- the princes and elders of his host. First he asked

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 The Iliad – Book II

Nestor and King Idomeneus, then the two Ajaxes pieces of raw meat on the top of them. These they
and the son of Tydeus, and sixthly Ulysses, peer of burned upon the split logs of firewood, but they
gods in counsel; but Menelaus came of his own ac- spitted the inward meats, and held them in the
cord, for he knew how busy his brother then was. flames to cook. When the thigh-bones were burned,
They stood round the bull with the barley-meal in and they had tasted the inward meats, they cut the
their hands, and Agamemnon prayed, saying, “Jove, rest up small, put the pieces upon spits, roasted
most glorious, supreme, that dwellest in heaven, and them till they were done, and drew them off; then,
ridest upon the storm-cloud, grant that the sun may when they had finished their work and the feast
not go down, nor the night fall, till the palace of was ready, they ate it, and every man had his full
Priam is laid low, and its gates are consumed with share, so that all were satisfied. As soon as they had
fire. Grant that my sword may pierce the shirt of had enough to eat and drink, Nestor, knight of
Hector about his heart, and that full many of his Gerene, began to speak. “King Agamemnon,” said
comrades may bite the dust as they fall dying round he, “let us not stay talking here, nor be slack in the
him.” work that heaven has put into our hands. Let the
Thus he prayed, but the son of Saturn would not heralds summon the people to gather at their sev-
fulfil his prayer. He accepted the sacrifice, yet none eral ships; we will then go about among the host,
the less increased their toil continually. When they that we may begin fighting at once.”
had done praying and sprinkling the barley-meal Thus did he speak, and Agamemnon heeded his
upon the victim, they drew back its head, killed it, words. He at once sent the criers round to call the
and then flayed it. They cut out the thigh-bones, people in assembly. So they called them, and the
wrapped them round in two layers of fat, and set people gathered thereon. The chiefs about the son

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 The Iliad – Book II

of Atreus chose their men and marshalled them, the feet of men and horses. They stood as thick
while Minerva went among them holding her price- upon the flower-bespangled field as leaves that
less ægis that knows neither age nor death. From it bloom in summer.
there waved a hundred tassels of pure gold, all deftly As countless swarms of flies buzz around a
woven, and each one of them worth a hundred oxen. herdsman’s homestead in the time of spring when
With this she darted furiously everywhere among the pails are drenched with milk, even so did the
the hosts of the Achæans, urging them forward, and Achæans swarm on to the plain to charge the Tro-
putting courage into the heart of each, so that he jans and destroy them.
might fight and do battle without ceasing. Thus war The chiefs disposed their men this way and that
became sweeter in their eyes even than returning before the fight began, drafting them out as easily
home in their ships. As when some great forest fire as goatherds draft their flocks when they have got
is raging upon a mountain top and its light is seen mixed while feeding; and among them went King
afar, even so as they marched the gleam of their Agamemnon, with a head and face like Jove the lord
armour flashed up into the firmament of heaven. of thunder, a waist like Mars, and a chest like that
They were like great flocks of geese, or cranes, or of Neptune. As some great bull that lords it over
swans on the plain about the waters of Cayster, that the herds upon the plain, even so did Jove make
wing their way hither and thither, glorying in the the son of Atreus stand peerless among the multi-
pride of flight, and crying as they settle till the fen tude of heroes.
is alive with their screaming. Even thus did their And now, O Muses, dwellers in the mansions of
tribes pour from ships and tents on to the plain of Olympus, tell me—for you are goddesses and are in
the Scamander, and the ground rang as brass under all places so that you see all things, while we know

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 The Iliad – Book II

nothing but by report—who were the chiefs and Midea, sacred Nisa, and Anthedon upon the sea.
princes of the Danaans? As for the common sol- From these there came fifty ships, and in each there
diers, they were so that I could not name every single were a hundred and twenty young men of the
one of them though I had ten tongues, and though Boeotians.
my voice failed not and my heart were of bronze Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of Mars, led the
within me, unless you, O Olympian Muses, daugh- people that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenus the
ters of ægis-bearing Jove, were to recount them to realm of Minyas. Astyoche a noble maiden bore
me. Nevertheless, I will tell the captains of the ships them in the house of Actor son of Azeus; for she
and all the fleet together. had gone with Mars secretly into an upper cham-
Peneleos, Leitus, Arcesilaus, Prothoenor, and ber, and he had lain with her. With these there came
Clonius were captains of the Boeotians. These were thirty ships.
they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis, and who The Phoceans were led by Schedius and
held Schoenus, Scolus, and the highlands of Epistrophus, sons of mighty Iphitus the son of
Eteonus, with Thespeia, Graia, and the fair city of Naubolus. These were they that held Cyparissus,
Mycalessus. They also held Harma, Eilesium, and rocky Pytho, holy Crisa, Daulis, and Panopeus; they
Erythræ; and they had Eleon, Hyle, and Peteon; also that dwelt in Anemorea and Hyampolis, and
Ocalea and the strong fortress of Medeon; Copæ, about the waters of the river Cephissus, and Lilæa
Eutresis, and Thisbe the haunt of doves; Coronea, by the springs of the Cephissus; with their chief-
and the pastures of Haliartus; Platæa and Glisas; tains came forty ships, and they marshalled the
the fortress of Thebes the less; holy Onchestus with forces of the Phoceans, which were stationed next
its famous grove of Neptune; Arne rich in vineyards; to the Boeotians, on their left.

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Ajax, the fleet son of Oileus, commanded the people of great Erechtheus, who was born of the soil
Locrians. He was not so great, nor nearly so great, as itself, but Jove’s daughter, Minerva, fostered him, and
Ajax the son of Telamon. He was a little man, and established him at Athens in her own rich sanctuary.
his breastplate was made of linen, but in use of the There, year by year, the Athenian youths worship him
spear he excelled all the Hellenes and the Achæans. with sacrifices of bulls and rams. These were com-
These dwelt in Cynus, Opous, Calliarus, Bessa, manded by Menestheus, son of Peteos. No man liv-
Scarphe, fair Augeæ, Tarphe, and Thronium about ing could equal him in the marshalling of chariots
the river Boagrius. With him there came forty ships and foot soldiers. Nestor could alone rival him, for he
of the Locrians who dwell beyond Euboea. was older. With him there came fifty ships.
The fierce Abantes held Euboea with its cities, Ajax brought twelve ships from Salamis, and sta-
Chalcis, Eretria, Histiæa rich in vines, Cerinthus upon tioned them alongside those of the Athenians.
the sea, and the rock-perched town of Dium; with The men of Argos, again, and those who held the
them were also the men of Carystus and Styra; walls of Tiryns, with Hermione, and Asine upon the
Elephenor of the race of Mars was in command of gulf; Troezene, Eionæ, and the vineyard lands of
these; he was son of Chalcodon, and chief over all Epidaurus; the Achæan youths, moreover, who came
the Abantes. With him they came, fleet of foot and from Ægina and Mases; these were led by Diomed
wearing their hair long behind, brave warriors, who of the loud battle-cry, and Sthenelus son of famed
would ever strive to tear open the corslets of their Capaneus. With them in command was Euryalus,
foes with their long ashen spears. Of these there came son of king Mecisteus, son of Talaus; but Diomed
fifty ships. was chief over them all. With these there came eighty
And they that held the strong city of Athens, the ships.

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 The Iliad – Book II

Those who held the strong city of Mycenæ, rich The men of Pylos and Arene, and Thryum where
Corinth and Cleonæ; Orneæ, Aræthyrea, and is the ford of the river Alpheus; strong Aipy,
Licyon, where Adrastus reigned of old; Hyperesia, Cyparisseis, and Amphigenea; Pteleum, Helos, and
high Gonoessa, and Pellene; Ægium and all the Dorium, where the Muses met Thamyris, and stilled
coast-land round about Helice; these sent a hun- his minstrelsy for ever. He was returning from
dred ships under the command of King Oechalia, where Eurytus lived and reigned, and
Agamemnon, son of Atreus. His force was far both boasted that he would surpass even the Muses,
finest and most numerous, and in their midst was daughters of ægis-bearing Jove, if they should sing
the king himself, all glorious in his armour of gleam- against him; whereon they were angry, and maimed
ing bronze—foremost among the heroes, for he was him. They robbed him of his divine power of song,
the greatest king, and had most men under him. and thenceforth he could strike the lyre no more.
And those that dwelt in Lacedæmon, lying low These were commanded by Nestor, knight of
among the hills, Pharis, Sparta, with Messe the Gerene, and with him there came ninety ships.
haunt of doves; Bryseæ, Augeæ, Amyclæ, and Helos And those that held Arcadia, under the high
upon the sea; Laas, moreover, and Oetylus; these mountain of Cyllene, near the tomb of Æpytus,
were led by Menelaus of the loud battle-cry, brother where the people fight hand to hand; the men of
to Agamemnon, and of them there were sixty ships, Pheneus also, and Orchomenus rich in flocks; of
drawn up apart from the others. Among them went Rhipæ, Stratie, and bleak Enispe; of Tegea and fair
Menelaus himself, strong in zeal, urging his men to Mantinea; of Stymphelus and Parrhasia; of these
fight; for he longed to avenge the toil and sorrow King Agapenor son of Ancæus was commander, and
that he had suffered for the sake of Helen. they had sixty ships. Many Arcadians, good soldiers,

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 The Iliad – Book II

came in each one of them, but Agamemnon found Ithaca, Neritum with its forests, Crocylea, rugged
them the ships in which to cross the sea, for they Ægilips, Samos and Zacynthus, with the mainland
were not a people that occupied their business upon also that was over against the islands. These were
the waters. led by Ulysses, peer of Jove in counsel, and with
The men, moreover, of Buprasium and of Elis, so him there came twelve ships.
much of it as is enclosed between Hyrmine, Thoas, son of Andræmon, commanded the
Myrsinus upon the sea-shore, the rock Olene and Ætolians, who dwelt in Pleuron, Olenus, Pylene,
Alesium. These had four leaders, and each of them Chalcis by the sea, and rocky Calydon, for the great
had ten ships, with many Epeans on board. Their king Oeneus had now no sons living, and was him-
captains were Amphimachus and Thalpius—the self dead, as was also golden-haired Meleager, who
one, son of Cteatus, and the other, of Eurytus— had been set over the Ætolians to be their king.
both of the race of Actor. The two others were And with Thoas there came forty ships.
Diores, son of Amarynces, and Polyxenus, son of The famous spearsman Idomeneus led the
King Agasthenes, son of Augeas. Cretans, who held Cnossus, and the well-walled city
And those of Dulichium with the sacred Echinean of Gortys; Lyctus also, Miletus and Lycastus that
islands, who dwelt beyond the sea off Elis; these lies upon the chalk; the populous towns of Phæstus
were led by Meges, peer of Mars, and the son of and Rhytium, with the other peoples that dwelt in
valiant Phyleus, dear to Jove, who quarrelled with the hundred cities of Crete. All these were led by
his father, and went to settle in Dulichium. With Idomeneus, and by Meriones, peer of murderous
him there came forty ships. Mars. And with these there came eighty ships.
Ulysses led the brave Cephallenians, who held Tlepolemus, son of Hercules, a man both brave

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 The Iliad – Book II
and large of stature, brought nine ships of lordly up under Ilius of all the Danaans after the son of
warriors from Rhodes. These dwelt in Rhodes which Peleus—but he was a man of no substance, and had
is divided among the three cities of Lindus, Ielysus, but a small following.
and Cameirus, that lies upon the chalk. These were And those that held Nisyrus, Crapathus, and Ca-
commanded by Tlepolemus, son of Hercules by sus, with Cos, the city of Eurypylus, and the
Astyochea, whom he had carried off from Ephyra, Calydnian islands, these were commanded by
on the river Selleis, after sacking many cities of val- Pheidippus and Antiphus, two sons of King
iant warriors. When Tlepolemus grew up, he killed Thessalus the son of Hercules. And with them there
his father’s uncle Licymnius, who had been a fa- came thirty ships.
mous warrior in his time, but was then grown old. Those again who held Pelasgic Argos, Alos, Alope,
On this he built himself a fleet, gathered a great and Trachis; and those of Phthia and Hellas the
following, and fled beyond the sea, for he was men- land of fair women, who were called Myrmidons,
aced by the other sons and grandsons of Hercules. Hellenes, and Achæans; these had fifty ships, over
After a voyage. during which he suffered great hard- which Achilles was in command. But they now took
ship, he came to Rhodes, where the people divided no part in the war, inasmuch as there was no one to
into three communities, according to their tribes, marshal them; for Achilles stayed by his ships, furi-
and were dearly loved by Jove, the lord, of gods and ous about the loss of the girl Briseis, whom he had
men; wherefore the son of Saturn showered down taken from Lyrnessus at his own great peril, when
great riches upon them. he had sacked Lyrnessus and Thebe, and had over-
And Nireus brought three ships from Syme— thrown Mynes and Epistrophus, sons of king Evenor,
Nireus, who was the handsomest man that came son of Selepus. For her sake Achilles was still griev-

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 The Iliad – Book II
ing, but ere long he was again to join them. with Boebe, Glaphyræ, and the populous city of
And those that held Phylace and the flowery Iolcus, these with their eleven ships were led by
meadows of Pyrasus, sanctuary of Ceres; Iton, the Eumelus, son of Admetus, whom Alcestis bore to
mother of sheep; Antrum upon the sea, and Pteleum him, loveliest of the daughters of Pelias.
that lies upon the grass lands. Of these brave And those that held Methone and Thaumacia, with
Protesilaus had been captain while he was yet alive, Meliboea and rugged Olizon, these were led by the
but he was now lying under the earth. He had left a skilful archer Philoctetes, and they had seven ships,
wife behind him in Phylace to tear her cheeks in each with fifty oarsmen all of them good archers;
sorrow, and his house was only half finished, for he but Philoctetes was lying in great pain in the Island
was slain by a Dardanian warrior while leaping fore- of Lemnos, where the sons of the Achæans left him,
most of the Achæans upon the soil of Troy. Still, for he had been bitten by a poisonous water snake.
though his people mourned their chieftain, they There he lay sick and sorry, and full soon did the
were not without a leader, for Podarces, of the race Argives come to miss him. But his people, though
of Mars, marshalled them; he was son of Iphiclus, they felt his loss were not leaderless, for Medon, the
rich in sheep, who was the son of Phylacus, and he bastard son of Oileus by Rhene, set them in array.
was own brother to Protesilaus, only younger, Those, again, of Tricca and the stony region of
Protesilaus being at once the elder and the more Ithome, and they that held Oechalia, the city of
valiant. So the people were not without a leader, Oechalian Eurytus, these were commanded by the
though they mourned him whom they had lost. two sons of Æsculapius, skilled in the art of healing,
With him there came forty ships. Podalirius and Machaon. And with them there came
And those that held Pheræ by the Boebean lake, thirty ships.

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 The Iliad – Book II

The men, moreover, of Ormenius, and by the foun- flow on the top of them like oil; for the Titaresius is
tain of Hypereia, with those that held Asterius, and a branch of dread Orcus and of the river Styx.
the white crests of Titanus, these were led by Of the Magnetes, Prothous son of Tenthredon was
Eurypylus, the son of Euæmon, and with them there commander. They were they that dwelt about the
came forty ships. river Peneus and Mt. Pelion. Prothous, fleet of foot,
Those that held Argissa and Gyrtone, Orthe, Elone, was their leader, and with him there came forty ships.
and the white city of Oloosson, of these brave Such were the chiefs and princes of the Danaans.
Polypoetes was leader. He was son of Pirithous, who Who, then, O Muse, was the foremost, whether man
was son of Jove himself, for Hippodameia bore him or horse, among those that followed after the sons
to Pirithous on the day when he took his revenge on of Atreus?
the shaggy mountain savages and drove them from Of the horses, those of the son of Pheres were by
Mt. Pelion to the Aithices. But Polypoetes was far the finest. They were driven by Eumelus, and
not sole in command, for with him was Leonteus, of were as fleet as birds. They were of the same age
the race of Mars, who was son of Coronus, the son and colour, and perfectly matched in height. Apollo,
of Cæneus. And with these there came forty ships. of the silver bow, had bred them in Perea—both of
Guneus brought two and twenty ships from them mares, and terrible as Mars in battle. Of the
Cyphus, and he was followed by the Enienes and men, Ajax, son of Telamon, was much the foremost
the valiant Peræbi, who dwelt about wintry Dodona, so long as Achilles’ anger lasted, for Achilles ex-
and held the lands round the lovely river Titaresius, celled him greatly and he had also better horses;
which sends its waters into the Peneus. They do but Achilles was now holding aloof at his ships by
not mingle with the silver eddies of the Peneus, but reason of his quarrel with Agamemnon, and his

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 The Iliad – Book II
people passed their time upon the sea shore, throw- saying, “Old man, you talk idly, as in time of peace,
ing discs or aiming with spears at a mark, and in while war is at hand. I have been in many a battle,
archery. Their horses stood each by his own chariot, but never yet saw such a host as is now advancing.
champing lotus and wild celery. The chariots were They are crossing the plain to attack the city as
housed under cover, but their owners, for lack of thick as leaves or as the sands of the sea. Hector, I
leadership, wandered hither and thither about the charge you above all others, do as I say. There are
host and went not forth to fight. many allies dispersed about the city of Priam from
Thus marched the host like a consuming fire, and distant places and speaking divers tongues. There-
the earth groaned beneath them when the lord of fore, let each chief give orders to his own people,
thunder is angry and lashes the land about Typhoeus setting them severally in array and leading them
among the Arimi, where they say Typhoeus lies. forth to battle.”
Even so did the earth groan beneath them as they Thus she spoke, but Hector knew that it was the
sped over the plain. goddess, and at once broke up the assembly. The
And now Iris, fleet as the wind, was sent by Jove men flew to arms; all the gates were opened, and
to tell the bad news among the Trojans. They were the people thronged through them, horse and foot,
gathered in assembly, old and young, at Priam’s with the tramp as of a great multitude.
gates, and Iris came close up to Priam, speaking Now there is a high mound before the city, rising
with the voice of Priam’s son Polites, who, being by itself upon the plain. Men call it Batieia, but the
fleet of foot, was stationed as watchman for the gods know that it is the tomb of lithe Myrine. Here
Trojans on the tomb of old Æsyetes, to look out for the Trojans and their allies divided their forces.
any sally of the Achæans. In his likeness Iris spoke, Priam’s son, great Hector of the gleaming helmet,

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 The Iliad – Book II
commanded the Trojans, and with him were arrayed They that dwelt about Percote and Practius, with
by far the greater number and most valiant of those Sestos, Abydos, and Arisbe—these were led by Asius,
who were longing for the fray. son of Hyrtacus, a brave commander—Asius, the
The Dardanians were led by brave Æneas, whom son of Hyrtacus, whom his powerful dark bay steeds,
Venus bore to Anchises, when she, goddess though of the breed that comes from the river Selleis, had
she was, had lain with him upon the mountain slopes brought from Arisbe.
of Ida. He was not alone, for with him were the two Hippothous led the tribes of Pelasgian spearsmen,
sons of Antenor, Archilochus and Acamas, both who dwelt in fertile Larissa—Hippothous, and
skilled in all the arts of war. Pylæus of the race of Mars, two sons of the Pelasgian
They that dwelt in Telea under the lowest spurs of Lethus, son of Teutamus.
Mt. Ida, men of substance, who drink the limpid Acamas and the warrior Peirous commanded the
waters of the Æsepus, and are of Trojan blood—these Thracians and those that came from beyond the
were led by Pandarus son of Lycaon, whom Apollo mighty stream of the Hellespont.
had taught to use the bow. Euphemus, son of Troezenus, the son of Ceos,
They that held Adresteia and the land of Apæsus, was captain of the Ciconian spearsmen.
with Pityeia, and the high mountain of Tereia—these Pyræchmes led the Pæonian archers from distant
were led by Adrestus and Amphius, whose breast- Amydon, by the broad waters of the river Axius,
plate was of linen. These were the sons of Merops of the fairest that flow upon the earth.
Percote, who excelled in all kinds of divination. He The Paphlagonians were commanded by stout-
told them not to take part in the war, but they gave hearted Pylæmanes from Enetæ, where the mules
him no heed, for fate lured them to destruction. run wild in herds. These were they that held Cytorus

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 The Iliad – Book III

and the country round Sesamus, with the cities by the lofty crests of Mt. Mycale. These were com-
the river Parthenius, Cromna, Ægialus, and lofty manded by Nastes and Amphimachus, the brave
Erithini. sons of Nomion. He came into the fight with gold
Odius and Epistrophus were captains over the about him, like a girl; fool that he was, his gold was
Halizoni from distant Alybe, where there are mines of no avail to save him, for he fell in the river by the
of silver. hand of the fleet descendant of Æacus, and Achil-
Chromis, and Ennomus the augur, led the les bore away his gold.
Mysians, but his skill in augury availed not to save Sarpedon and Glaucus led the Lycians from their
him from destruction, for he fell by the hand of the distant land, by the eddying waters of the Xanthus.
fleet descendant of Æacus in the river, where he
slew others also of the Trojans. BOOK III
Phorcys, again, and noble Ascanius led the
Phrygians from the far country of Ascania, and both WHEN THE COMPANIES were thus arrayed, each un-
were eager for the fray. der its own captain, the Trojans advanced as a flight
Mesthles and Antiphus commanded the of wild fowl or cranes that scream overhead when
Meonians, sons of Talæmenes, born to him of the rain and winter drive them over the flowing waters
Gygæan lake. These led the Meonians, who dwelt of Oceanus to bring death and destruction on the
under Mt. Tmolus. Pygmies, and they wrangle in the air as they fly;
Nastes led the Carians, men of a strange speech. but the Achæans marched silently, in high heart,
These held Miletus and the wooded mountain of and minded to stand by one another.
Phthires, with the water of the river Mæander and As when the south wind spreads a curtain of mist

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 The Iliad – Book III
upon the mountain tops, bad for shepherds but his men. As one who starts back affrighted, trem-
better than night for thieves, and a man can see no bling and pale, when he comes suddenly upon a
further than he can throw a stone, even so rose the serpent in some mountain glade, even so did
dust from under their feet as they made all speed Alexandrus plunge into the throng of Trojan war-
over the plain. riors, terror-stricken at the sight of the son Atreus.
When they were close up with one another, Then Hector upbraided him. “Paris,” said he, “evil-
Alexandrus came forward as champion on the Tro- hearted Paris, fair to see, but woman-mad, and false
jan side. On his shoulders he bore the skin of a of tongue, would that you had never been born, or
panther, his bow, and his sword, and he brandished that you had died unwed. Better so, than live to be
two spears shod with bronze as a challenge to the disgraced and looked askance at. Will not the
bravest of the Achæans to meet him in single fight. Achæans mock at us and say that we have sent one
Menelaus saw him thus stride out before the ranks, to champion us who is fair to see but who has nei-
and was glad as a hungry lion that lights on the ther wit nor courage? Did you not, such as you are,
carcase of some goat or horned stag, and devours it get your following together and sail beyond the seas?
there and then, though dogs and youths set upon Did you not from your a far country carry off a
him. Even thus was Menelaus glad when his eyes lovely woman wedded among a people of warriors—
caught sight of Alexandrus, for he deemed that now to bring sorrow upon your father, your city, and
he should be revenged. He sprang, therefore, from your whole country, but joy to your enemies, and
his chariot, clad in his suit of armour. hang-dog shamefacedness to yourself? And now can
Alexandrus quailed as he saw Menelaus come for- you not dare face Menelaus and learn what man-
ward, and shrank in fear of his life under cover of ner of man he is whose wife you have stolen? Where

40
 The Iliad – Book III
indeed would be your lyre and your love-tricks, your the others go home to Argos and the land of the
comely locks and your fair favour, when you were Achæans.”
lying in the dust before him? The Trojans are a weak- When Hector heard this he was glad, and went
kneed people, or ere this you would have had a shirt about among the Trojan ranks holding his spear by
of stones for the wrongs you have done them.” the middle to keep them back, and they all sat down
And Alexandrus answered, “Hector, your rebuke at his bidding: but the Achæans still aimed at him
is just. You are hard as the axe which a shipwright with stones and arrows, till Agamemnon shouted
wields at his work, and cleaves the timber to his to them saying, “Hold, Argives, shoot not, sons of
liking. As the axe in his hand, so keen is the edge of the Achæans; Hector desires to speak.”
your scorn. Still, taunt me not with the gifts that They ceased taking aim and were still, whereon
golden Venus has given me; they are precious; let Hector spoke. “Hear from my mouth,” said he,
not a man disdain them, for the gods give them “Trojans and Achæans, the saying of Alexandrus,
where they are minded, and none can have them through whom this quarrel has come about. He bids
for the asking. If you would have me do battle with the Trojans and Achæans lay their armour upon
Menelaus, bid the Trojans and Achæans take their the ground, while he and Menelaus fight in the
seats, while he and I fight in their midst for Helen midst of you for Helen and all her wealth. Let him
and all her wealth. Let him who shall be victorious who shall be victorious and prove to be the better
and prove to be the better man take the woman man take the woman and all she has, to bear them
and all she has, to bear them to his home, but let to his own home, but let the rest swear to a solemn
the rest swear to a solemn covenant of peace covenant of peace.”
whereby you Trojans shall stay here in Troy, while Thus he spoke, and they all held their peace, till

41
 The Iliad – Book III
Menelaus of the loud battle-cry addressed them. near to one another with a little space between them.
“And now,” he said, “hear me too, for it is I who am Hector sent two messengers to the city to bring the
the most aggrieved. I deem that the parting of lambs and to bid Priam come, while Agamemnon
Achæans and Trojans is at hand, as well it may be, told Talthybius to fetch the other lamb from the
seeing how much have suffered for my quarrel with ships, and he did as Agamemnon had said.
Alexandrus and the wrong he did me. Let him who Meanwhile Iris went to Helen in the form of her
shall die, die, and let the others fight no more. Bring, sister-in-law, wife of the son of Antenor, for Helicaon,
then, two lambs, a white ram and a black ewe, for son of Antenor, had married Laodice, the fairest of
Earth and Sun, and we will bring a third for Jove. Priam’s daughters. She found her in her own room,
Moreover, you shall bid Priam come, that he may working at a great web of purple linen, on which
swear to the covenant himself; for his sons are high- she was embroidering the battles between Trojans
handed and ill to trust, and the oaths of Jove must and Achæans, that Mars had made them fight for
not be transgressed or taken in vain. Young men’s her sake. Iris then came close up to her and said,
minds are light as air, but when an old man comes “Come hither, child, and see the strange doings of
he looks before and after, deeming that which shall the Trojans and Achæans till now they have been
be fairest upon both sides.” warring upon the plain, mad with lust of battle,
The Trojans and Achæans were glad when they but now they have left off fighting, and are leaning
heard this, for they thought that they should now upon their shields, sitting still with their spears
have rest. They backed their chariots toward the planted beside them. Alexandrus and Menelaus are
ranks, got out of them, and put off their armour, going to fight about yourself, and you are to the
laying it down upon the ground; and the hosts were the wife of him who is the victor.”

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 The Iliad – Book III
Thus spoke the goddess, and Helen’s heart But Priam bade her draw nigh. “My child,” said
yearned after her former husband, her city, and her he, “take your seat in front of me that you may see
parents. She threw a white mantle over her head, your former husband, your kinsmen and your
and hurried from her room, weeping as she went, friends. I lay no blame upon you, it is the gods, not
not alone, but attended by two of her handmaids, you who are to blame. It is they that have brought
Æthræ, daughter of Pittheus, and Clymene. And about this terrible war with the Achæans. Tell me,
straightway they were at the Scæan gates. then, who is yonder huge hero so great and goodly?
The two sages, Ucalegon and Antenor, elders of I have seen men taller by a head, but none so comely
the people, were seated by the Scæan gates, with and so royal. Surely he must be a king.”
Priam, Panthous, Thymoetes, Lampus, Clytius, and “Sir,” answered Helen, “father of my husband,
Hiketaon of the race of Mars. These were too old dear and reverend in my eyes, would that I had
to fight, but they were fluent orators, and sat on chosen death rather than to have come here with
the tower like cicales that chirrup delicately from your son, far from my bridal chamber, my friends,
the boughs of some high tree in a wood. When they my darling daughter, and all the companions of my
saw Helen coming towards the tower, they said softly girlhood. But it was not to be, and my lot is one of
to one another, “Small wonder that Trojans and tears and sorrow. As for your question, the hero of
Achæans should endure so much and so long, for whom you ask is Agamemnon, son of Atreus, a good
the sake of a woman so marvellously and divinely king and a brave soldier, brother-in-law as surely as
lovely. Still, fair though she be, let them take her that he lives, to my abhorred and miserable self.”
and go, or she will breed sorrow for us and for our The old man marvelled at him and said, “Happy
children after us.” son of Atreus, child of good fortune. I see that the

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 The Iliad – Book III
Achæans are subject to you in great multitudes. sight and conversation. When they stood up in pres-
When I was in Phrygia I saw much horsemen, the ence of the assembled Trojans, Menelaus was the
people of Otreus and of Mygdon, who were camp- broader shouldered, but when both were seated
ing upon the banks of the river Sangarius; I was Ulysses had the more royal presence. After a time
their ally, and with them when the Amazons, peers they delivered their message, and the speech of
of men, came up against them, but even they were Menelaus ran trippingly on the tongue; he did not
not so many as the Achæans.” say much, for he was a man of few words, but he
The old man next looked upon Ulysses; “Tell me,” spoke very clearly and to the point, though he was
he said, “who is that other, shorter by a head than the younger man of the two; Ulysses, on the other
Agamemnon, but broader across the chest and shoul- hand, when he rose to speak, was at first silent and
ders? His armour is laid upon the ground, and he kept his eyes fixed upon the ground. There was no
stalks in front of the ranks as it were some great play nor graceful movement of his sceptre; he kept
woolly ram ordering his ewes.” it straight and stiff like a man unpractised in ora-
And Helen answered, “He is Ulysses, a man of tory—one might have taken him for a mere churl
great craft, son of Lærtes. He was born in rugged or simpleton; but when he raised his voice, and the
Ithaca, and excels in all manner of stratagems and words came driving from his deep chest like winter
subtle cunning.” snow before the wind, then there was none to touch
On this Antenor said, “Madam, you have spoken him, and no man thought further of what he looked
truly. Ulysses once came here as envoy about your- like.”
self, and Menelaus with him. I received them in my Priam then caught sight of Ajax and asked, “Who
own house, and therefore know both of them by is that great and goodly warrior whose head and

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 The Iliad – Book III
broad shoulders tower above the rest of the Argives?” goatskin of wine, the gift of earth; and Idæus
“That,” answered Helen, “is huge Ajax, bulwark brought the mixing bowl and the cups of gold. He
of the Achæans, and on the other side of him, among went up to Priam and said, “Son of Laomedon, the
the Cretans, stands Idomeneus looking like a god, princes of the Trojans and Achæans bid you come
and with the captains of the Cretans round him. down on to the plain and swear to a solemn cov-
Often did Menelaus receive him as a guest in our enant. Alexandrus and Menelaus are to fight for
house when he came visiting us from Crete. I see, Helen in single combat, that she and all her wealth
moreover, many other Achæans whose names I may go with him who is the victor. We are to swear
could tell you, but there are two whom I can no- to a solemn covenant of peace whereby we others
where find, Castor, breaker of horses, and Pollux shall dwell here in Troy, while the Achæans return
the mighty boxer; they are children of my mother, to Argos and the land of the Achæans.”
and own brothers to myself. Either they have not The old man trembled as he heard, but bade his
left Lacedæmon, or else, though they have brought followers yoke the horses, and they made all haste
their ships, they will not show themselves in battle to do so. He mounted the chariot, gathered the reins
for the shame and disgrace that I have brought upon in his hand, and Antenor took his seat beside him;
them.” they then drove through the Scæan gates on to the
She knew not that both these heroes were already plain. When they reached the ranks of the Trojans
lying under the earth in their own land of and Achæans they left the chariot, and with mea-
Lacedæmon. sured pace advanced into the space between the
Meanwhile the heralds were bringing the holy hosts.
oath-offerings through the city—two lambs and a Agamemnon and Ulysses both rose to meet them.

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 The Iliad – Book III
The attendants brought on the oath-offerings and on till I have got satisfaction.”
mixed the wine in the mixing-bowls; they poured As he spoke he drew his knife across the throats
water over the hands of the chieftains, and the son of the victims, and laid them down gasping and
of Atreus drew the dagger that hung by his sword, dying upon the ground, for the knife had reft them
and cut wool from the lambs’ heads; this the men- of their strength. Then they poured wine from the
servants gave about among the Trojan and Achæan mixing-bowl into the cups, and prayed to the ever-
princes, and the son of Atreus lifted up his hands in lasting gods, saying, Trojans and Achæans among
prayer. “Father Jove,” he cried, “that rulest in Ida, one another, “Jove, most great and glorious, and ye
most glorious in power, and thou oh Sun, that seest other everlasting gods, grant that the brains of them
and givest ear to all things, Earth and Rivers, and who shall first sin against their oaths—of them and
ye who in the realms below chastise the soul of him their children—may be shed upon the ground even
that has broken his oath, witness these rites and as this wine, and let their wives become the slaves
guard them, that they be not vain. If Alexandrus of strangers.”
kills Menelaus, let him keep Helen and all her Thus they prayed, but not as yet would Jove grant
wealth, while we sail home with our ships; but if them their prayer. Then Priam, descendant of
Menelaus kills Alexandrus, let the Trojans give back Dardanus, spoke, saying, “Hear me, Trojans and
Helen and all that she has; let them moreover pay Achæans, I will now go back to the wind-beaten
such fine to the Achæans as shall be agreed upon, city of Ilius: I dare not with my own eyes witness
in testimony among those that shall be born here- this fight between my son and Menelaus, for Jove
after. Aid if Priam and his sons refuse such fine when and the other immortals alone know which shall
Alexandrus has fallen, then will I stay here and fight fall.”

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 The Iliad – Book III
On this he laid the two lambs on his chariot and and then his mighty shield. On his comely head he
took his seat. He gathered the reins in his hand, set his helmet, well-wrought, with a crest of horse-
and Antenor sat beside him; the two then went back hair that nodded menacingly above it, and he
to Ilius. Hector and Ulysses measured the ground, grasped a redoubtable spear that suited his hands.
and cast lots from a helmet of bronze to see which In like fashion Menelaus also put on his armour.
should take aim first. Meanwhile the two hosts lifted When they had thus armed, each amid his own
up their hands and prayed saying, “Father Jove, that people, they strode fierce of aspect into the open
rulest from Ida, most glorious in power, grant that space, and both Trojans and Achæans were struck
he who first brought about this war between us may with awe as they beheld them. They stood near one
die, and enter the house of Hades, while we others another on the measured ground, brandishing their
remain at peace and abide by our oaths.” spears, and each furious against the other.
Great Hector now turned his head aside while he Alexandrus aimed first, and struck the round shield
shook the helmet, and the lot of Paris flew out first. of the son of Atreus, but the spear did not pierce it,
The others took their several stations, each by his for the shield turned its point. Menelaus next took
horses and the place where his arms were lying, while aim, praying to Father Jove as he did so. “King Jove,”
Alexandrus, husband of lovely Helen, put on his he said, “grant me revenge on Alexandrus who has
goodly armour. First he greaved his legs with greaves wronged me; subdue him under my hand that in
of good make and fitted with ancle-clasps of silver; ages yet to come a man may shrink from doing ill
after this he donned the cuirass of his brother deeds in the house of his host.”
Lycaon, and fitted it to his own body; he hung his He poised his spear as he spoke, and hurled it at
silver-studded sword of bronze about his shoulders, the shield of Alexandrus. Through shield and cui-

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 The Iliad – Book III
rass it went, and tore the shirt by his flank, but in a moment (as a god can do), hid him under a
Alexandrus swerved aside, and thus saved his life. cloud of darkness, and conveyed him to his own
Then the son of Atreus drew his sword, and drove bedchamber.
at the projecting part of his helmet, but the sword Then she went to call Helen, and found her on a
fell shivered in three or four pieces from his hand, high tower with the Trojan women crowding round
and he cried, looking towards Heaven, “Father Jove, her. She took the form of an old woman who used
of all gods thou art the most despiteful; I made sure to dress wool for her when she was still in
of my revenge, but the sword has broken in my hand, Lacedæmon, and of whom she was very fond. Thus
my spear has been hurled in vain, and I have not disguised she plucked her by perfumed robe and
killed him.” said, “Come hither; Alexandrus says you are to go
With this he flew at Alexandrus, caught him by to the house; he is on his bed in his own room,
the horsehair plume of his helmet, and began drag- radiant with beauty and dressed in gorgeous ap-
ging him towards the Achæans. The strap of the parel. No one would think he had just come from
helmet that went under his chin was choking him, fighting, but rather that he was going to a dance, or
and Menelaus would have dragged him off to his had done dancing and was sitting down.”
own great glory had not Jove’s daughter Venus been With these words she moved the heart of Helen
quick to mark and to break the strap of oxhide, so to anger. When she marked the beautiful neck of
that the empty helmet came away in his hand. This the goddess, her lovely bosom, and sparkling eyes,
he flung to his comrades among the Achæans, and she marvelled at her and said, “Goddess, why do
was again springing upon Alexandrus to run him you thus beguile me? Are you going to send me
through with a spear, but Venus snatched him up afield still further to some man whom you have

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 The Iliad – Book III
taken up in Phrygia or fair Meonia? Menelaus has dess took a seat and set it for her facing Alexandrus.
just vanquished Alexandrus, and is to take my hate- On this Helen, daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, sat
ful self back with him. You are come here to betray down, and with eyes askance began to upbraid her
me. Go sit with Alexandrus yourself; henceforth be husband.
goddess no longer; never let your feet carry you back “So you are come from the fight,” said she; “would
to Olympus; worry about him and look after him that you had fallen rather by the hand of that brave
till he make you his wife, or, for the matter of that, man who was my husband. You used to brag that
his slave—but me? I shall not go; I can garnish his you were a better man with hands and spear than
bed no longer; I should be a by-word among all the Menelaus. go, but I then, an challenge him again—
women of Troy. Besides, I have trouble on my mind.” but I should advise you not to do so, for if you are
Venus was very angry, and said, “Bold hussy, do foolish enough to meet him in single combat, you
not provoke me; if you do, I shall leave you to your will soon all by his spear.”
fate and hate you as much as I have loved you. I And Paris answered, “Wife, do not vex me with
will stir up fierce hatred between Trojans and your reproaches. This time, with the help of
Achæans, and you shall come to a bad end.” Minerva, Menelaus has vanquished me; another
At this Helen was frightened. She wrapped her time I may myself be victor, for I too have gods that
mantle about her and went in silence, following the will stand by me. Come, let us lie down together
goddess and unnoticed by the Trojan women. and make friends. Never yet was I so passionately
When they came to the house of Alexandrus the enamoured of you as at this moment—not even
maid-servants set about their work, but Helen went when I first carried you off from Lacedæmon and
into her own room, and the laughter-loving god- sailed away with you—not even when I had con-

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 The Iliad – Book IV
verse with you upon the couch of love in the island BOOK IV
of Cranæ was I so enthralled by desire of you as
now.” On this he led her towards the bed, and his NOW THE GODS were sitting with Jove in council upon
wife went with him. the golden floor while Hebe went round pouring
Thus they laid themselves on the bed together; out nectar for them to drink, and as they pledged
but the son of Atreus strode among the throng, look- one another in their cups of gold they looked down
ing everywhere for Alexandrus, and no man, nei- upon the town of Troy. The son of Saturn then be-
ther of the Trojans nor of the allies, could find him. gan to tease Juno, talking at her so as to provoke
If they had seen him they were in no mind to hide her. “Menelaus,” said he, “has two good friends
him, for they all of them hated him as they did among the goddesses, Juno of Argos, and Minerva
death itself. Then Agamemnon, king of men, spoke, of Alalcomene, but they only sit still and look on,
saying, “Hear me, Trojans, Dardanians, and allies. while Venus keeps ever by Alexandrus’ side to de-
The victory has been with Menelaus; therefore give fend him in any danger; indeed she has just rescued
back Helen with all her wealth, and pay such fine him when he made sure that it was all over with
as shall be agreed upon, in testimony among them him—for the victory really did lie with Menelaus.
that shall be born hereafter.” We must consider what we shall do about all this;
Thus spoke the son of Atreus, and the Achæans shall we set them fighting anew or make peace be-
shouted in applause. tween them? If you will agree to this last Menelaus
can take back Helen and the city of Priam may re-
main still inhabited.”
Minerva and Juno muttered their discontent as

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 The Iliad – Book IV

they sat side by side hatching mischief for the Tro- giving in to you sorely against my will. Of all inhab-
jans. Minerva scowled at her father, for she was in a ited cities under the sun and stars of heaven, there
furious passion with him, and said nothing, but Juno was none that I so much respected as Ilius with Priam
could not contain herself. “Dread son of Saturn,” and his whole people. Equitable feasts were never
said she, “what, pray, is the meaning of all this? Is wanting about my altar, nor the savour of burning
my trouble, then, to go for nothing, and the sweat fat, which is honour due to ourselves.”
that I have sweated, to say nothing of my horses, “My own three favourite cities,” answered Juno,
while getting the people together against Priam and “are Argos, Sparta, and Mycenæ. Sack them when-
his children? Do as you will, but we other gods shall ever you may be displeased with them. I shall not
not all of us approve your counsel.” defend them and I shall not care. Even if I did, and
Jove was angry and answered, “My dear, what tried to stay you, I should take nothing by it, for you
harm have Priam and his sons done you that you are much stronger than I am, but I will not have my
are so hotly bent on sacking the city of Ilius? Will own work wasted. I too am a god and of the same
nothing do for you but you must within their walls race with yourself. I am Saturn’s eldest daughter, and
and eat Priam raw, with his sons and all the other am honourable not on this ground only, but also
Trojans to boot? Have it your own way then; for I because I am your wife, and you are king over the
would not have this matter become a bone of con- gods. Let it be a case, then, of give-and-take between
tention between us. I say further, and lay my say- us, and the rest of the gods will follow our lead. Tell
ing to your heart, if ever I want to sack a city be- Minerva to go and take part in the fight at once, and
longing to friends of yours, you must not try to let her contrive that the Trojans shall be the first to
stop me; you will have to let me do it, for I am break their oaths and set upon the Achæans.”

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 The Iliad – Book IV

The sire of gods and men heeded her words, and from the banks of the Æsopus, so she went close up
said to Minerva, “Go at once into the Trojan and to him and said, “Brave son of Lycaon, will you do
Achæan hosts, and contrive that the Trojans shall as I tell you? If you dare send an arrow at Menelaus
be the first to break their oaths and set upon the you will win honour and thanks from all the Tro-
Achæans.” jans, and especially from prince Alexandrus—he
This was what Minerva was already eager to do, would be the first to requite you very handsomely
so down she darted from the topmost summits of if he could see Menelaus mount his funeral pyre,
Olympus. She shot through the sky as some bril- slain by an arrow from your hand. Take your home
liant meteor which the son of scheming Saturn has aim then, and pray to Lycian Apollo, the famous
sent as a sign to mariners or to some great army, archer; vow that when you get home to your strong
and a fiery train of light follows in its wake. The city of Zelea you will offer a hecatomb of firstling
Trojans and Achæans were struck with awe as they lambs in his honour.”
beheld, and one would turn to his neighbour, say- His fool’s heart was persuaded, and he took his
ing, “Either we shall again have war and din of com- bow from its case. This bow was made from the
bat, or Jove the lord of battle will now make peace horns of a wild ibex which he had killed as it was
between us.” bounding from a rock; he had stalked it, and it had
Thus did they converse. Then Minerva took the fallen as the arrow struck it to the heart. Its horns
form of Laodocus, son of Antenor, and went through were sixteen palms long, and a worker in horn had
the ranks of the Trojans to find Pandarus, the re- made them into a bow, smoothing them well down,
doubtable son of Lycaon. She found him standing and giving them tips of gold. When Pandarus had
among the stalwart heroes who had followed him strung his bow he laid it carefully on the ground,

52
 The Iliad – Book IV

and his brave followers held their shields before him the golden buckles of the belt that passed over his
lest the Achæans should set upon him before he double cuirass were fastened, so the arrow struck
had shot Menelaus. Then he opened the lid of his the belt that went tightly round him. It went right
quiver and took out a winged arrow that had yet through this and through the cuirass of cunning
been shot, fraught with the pangs of death. He laid workmanship; it also pierced the belt beneath it,
the arrow on the string and prayed to Lycian Apollo, which he wore next his skin to keep out darts or
the famous archer, vowing that when he got home arrows; it was this that served him in the best stead,
to his strong city of Zelea he would offer a hecatomb nevertheless the arrow went through it and grazed
of firstling lambs in his honour. He laid the notch the top of the skin, so that blood began flowing
of the arrow on the oxhide bowstring, and drew both from the wound.
notch and string to his breast till the arrow-head As when some woman of Meonia or Caria strains
was near the bow; then when the bow was arched purple dye on to a piece of ivory that is to be the
into a half-circle he let fly, and the bow twanged, cheek-piece of a horse, and is to be laid up in a
and the string sang as the arrow flew gladly on over treasure house—many a knight is fain to bear it,
the heads of the throng. but the king keeps it as an ornament of which both
But the blessed gods did not forget thee, O horse and driver may be proud—even so, O
Menelaus, and Jove’s daughter, driver of the spoil, Menelaus, were your shapely thighs and your legs
was the first to stand before thee and ward off the down to your fair ancles stained with blood.
piercing arrow. She turned it from his skin as a When King Agamemnon saw the blood flowing
mother whisks a fly from off her child when it is from the wound he was afraid, and so was brave
sleeping sweetly; she guided it to the part where Menelaus himself till he saw that the barbs of the

53
 The Iliad – Book IV

arrow and the thread that bound the arrow-head to by-word, for the Achæans will at once go home. We
the shaft were still outside the wound. Then he took shall leave Priam and the Trojans the glory of still
heart, but Agamemnon heaved a deep sigh as he keeping Helen, and the earth will rot your bones as
held Menelaus’s hand in his own, and his comrades you lie here at Troy with your purpose not fulfilled.
made moan in concert. “Dear brother, “he cried, “I Then shall some braggart Trojan leap upon your
have been the death of you in pledging this cov- tomb and say, ‘Ever thus may Agamemnon wreak
enant and letting you come forward as our cham- his vengeance; he brought his army in vain; he is
pion. The Trojans have trampled on their oaths and gone home to his own land with empty ships, and
have wounded you; nevertheless the oath, the blood has left Menelaus behind him.’ Thus will one of
of lambs, the drink-offerings and the right hands of them say, and may the earth then swallow me.”
fellowship in which have put our trust shall not be But Menelaus reassured him and said, “Take heart,
vain. If he that rules Olympus fulfil it not here and and do not alarm the people; the arrow has not
now, he. will yet fulfil it hereafter, and they shall struck me in a mortal part, for my outer belt of
pay dearly with their lives and with their wives and burnished metal first stayed it, and under this my
children. The day will surely come when mighty cuirass and the belt of mail which the bronze-smiths
Ilius shall be laid low, with Priam and Priam’s made me.”
people, when the son of Saturn from his high throne And Agamemnon answered, “I trust, dear
shall overshadow them with his awful ægis in pun- Menelaus, that it may be even so, but the surgeon
ishment of their present treachery. This shall surely shall examine your wound and lay herbs upon it to
be; but how, Menelaus, shall I mourn you, if it be relieve your pain.”
your lot now to die? I should return to Argos as a He then said to Talthybius, “Talthybius, tell

54
 The Iliad – Book IV

Machaon, son to the great physician, Æsculapius, cuirass and the belt of mail which the bronze-smiths
to come and see Menelaus immediately. Some Tro- had made; then, when he had seen the wound, he
jan or Lycian archer has wounded him with an ar- wiped away the blood and applied some soothing
row to our dismay, and to his own great glory.” drugs which Chiron had given to Æsculapius out of
Talthybius did as he was told, and went about the good will he bore him.
the host trying to find Machaon. Presently he found While they were thus busy about Menelaus, the
standing amid the brave warriors who had followed Trojans came forward against them, for they had
him from Tricca; thereon he went up to him and put on their armour, and now renewed the fight.
said, “Son of Æsculapius, King Agamemnon says You would not have then found Agamemnon
you are to come and see Menelaus immediately. asleep nor cowardly and unwilling to fight, but ea-
Some Trojan or Lycian archer has wounded him with ger rather for the fray. He left his chariot rich with
an arrow to our dismay and to his own great glory.” bronze and his panting steeds in charge of
Thus did he speak, and Machaon was moved to Eurymedon, son of Ptolemæus the son of Peiræus,
go. They passed through the spreading host of the and bade him hold them in readiness against the
Achæans and went on till they came to the place time his limbs should weary of going about and
where Menelaus had been wounded and was lying giving orders to so many, for he went among the
with the chieftains gathered in a circle round him. ranks on foot. When he saw men hasting to the
Machaon passed into the middle of the ring and at front he stood by them and cheered them on.
once drew the arrow from the belt, bending its barbs “Argives,” said he, “slacken not one whit in your
back through the force with which he pulled it out. onset; father Jove will be no helper of liars; the Tro-
He undid the burnished belt, and beneath this the jans have been the first to break their oaths and to

55
 The Iliad – Book IV

attack us; therefore they shall be devoured of vul- Achæans, whether in war or in other things, or at
tures; we shall take their city and carry off their table. When the princes are mixing my choicest
wives and children in our ships.” wines in the mixing-bowls, they have each of them
But he angrily rebuked those whom he saw shirk- a fixed allowance, but your cup is kept always full
ing and disinclined to fight. “Argives,” he cried, “cow- like my own, that you may drink whenever you are
ardly miserable creatures, have you no shame to minded. Go, therefore, into battle, and show your-
stand here like frightened fawns who, when they self the man you have been always proud to be.”
can no longer scud over the plain, huddle together, Idomeneus answered, “I will be a trusty comrade,
but show no fight? You are as dazed and spiritless as I promised you from the first I would be. Urge
as deer. Would you wait till the Trojans reach the on the other Achæans, that we may join battle at
sterns of our ships as they lie on the shore, to see, once, for the Trojans have trampled upon their cov-
whether the son of Saturn will hold his hand over enants. Death and destruction shall be theirs, see-
you to protect you?” ing they have been the first to break their oaths
Thus did he go about giving his orders among the and to attack us.”
ranks. Passing through the crowd, he came presently The son of Atreus went on, glad at heart, till he
on the Cretans, arming round Idomeneus, who was came upon the two Ajaxes arming themselves amid
at their head, fierce as a wild boar, while Meriones a host of foot-soldiers. As when a goat-herd from
was bringing up the battalions that were in the rear. some high post watches a storm drive over the deep
Agamemnon was glad when he saw him, and spoke before the west wind—black as pitch is the offing
him fairly. “Idomeneus,” said he, “I treat you with and a mighty whirlwind draws towards him, so that
greater distinction than I do any others of the he is afraid and drives his flock into a cave—even

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 The Iliad – Book IV

thus did the ranks of stalwart youths move in a avoid confusion. “Let no man,” he said, “relying on
dark mass to battle under the Ajaxes, horrid with his strength or horsemanship, get before the others
shield and spear. Glad was King Agamemnon when and engage singly with the Trojans, nor yet let him
he saw them. “No need,” he cried, “to give orders lag behind or you will weaken your attack; but let
to such leaders of the Argives as you are, for of your each when he meets an enemy’s chariot throw his
own selves you spur your men on to fight with might spear from his own; this be much the best; this is
and main. Would, by father Jove, Minerva, and how the men of old took towns and strongholds; in
Apollo that all were so minded as you are, for the this wise were they minded.”
city of Priam would then soon fall beneath our Thus did the old man charge them, for he had
hands, and we should sack it.” been in many a fight, and King Agamemnon was
With this he left them and went onward to Nestor, glad. “I wish,” he said to him, that your limbs were
the facile speaker of the Pylians, who was marshal- as supple and your strength as sure as your judg-
ling his men and urging them on, in company with ment is; but age, the common enemy of mankind,
Pelagon, Alastor, Chromius, Hæmon, and Bias shep- has laid his hand upon you; would that it had fallen
herd of his people. He placed his knights with their upon some other, and that you were still young.”
chariots and horses in the front rank, while the foot- And Nestor, knight of Gerene, answered, “Son of
soldiers, brave men and many, whom he could trust, Atreus, I too would gladly be the man I was when I
were in the rear. The cowards he drove into the slew mighty Ereuthalion; but the gods will not give
middle, that they might fight whether they would us everything at one and the same time. I was then
or no. He gave his orders to the knights first, bid- young, and now I am old; still I can go with my
ding them hold their horses well in hand, so as to knights and give them that counsel which old men

57
 The Iliad – Book IV

have a right to give. The wielding of the spear I drink wine as long as you please, whereas now you
leave to those who are younger and stronger than would not care though you saw ten columns of
myself.” Achæans engage the enemy in front of you.”
Agamemnon went his way rejoicing, and presently Ulysses glared at him and answered, “Son of
found Menestheus, son of Peteos, tarrying in his Atreus, what are you talking about? How can you
place, and with him were the Athenians loud of say that we are slack? When the Achæans are in
tongue in battle. Near him also tarried cunning full fight with the Trojans, you shall see, if you care
Ulysses, with his sturdy Cephallenians round him; to do so, that the father of Telemachus will join
they had not yet heard the battle-cry, for the ranks battle with the foremost of them. You are talking
of Trojans and Achæans had only just begun to idly.”
move, so they were standing still, waiting for some When Agamemnon saw that Ulysses was angry,
other columns of the Achæans to attack the Tro- he smiled pleasantly at him and withdrew his words.
jans and begin the fighting. When he saw this “Ulysses,” said he, “noble son of Lærtes, excellent
Agamemnon rebuked them and said, “Son of Peteos, in all good counsel, I have neither fault to find nor
and you other, steeped in cunning, heart of guile, orders to give you, for I know your heart is right,
why stand you here cowering and waiting on oth- and that you and I are of a mind. Enough; I will
ers? You two should be of all men foremost when make you amends for what I have said, and if any
there is hard fighting to be done, for you are ever ill has now been spoken may the gods bring it to
foremost to accept my invitation when we council- nothing.”
lors of the Achæans are holding feast. You are glad He then left them and went on to others. Pres-
enough then to take your fill of roast meats and to ently he saw the son of Tydeus, noble Diomed,

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 The Iliad – Book IV

standing by his chariot and horses, with Sthenelus he knew no fear on finding himself single-handed
the son of Capaneus beside him; whereon he began among so many, but challenged them to contests of
to upbraid him. “Son of Tydeus,” he said, “why all kinds, and in each one of them was at once vic-
stand you cowering here upon the brink of battle? torious, so mightily did Minerva help him. The
Tydeus did not shrink thus, but was ever ahead of Cadmeans were incensed at his success, and set a
his men when leading them on against the foe—so, force of fifty youths with two captains—the god-
at least, say they that saw him in battle, for I never like hero Mæon, son of Hæmon, and Polyphontes,
set eyes upon him myself. They say that there was son of Autophonus—at their head, to lie in wait for
no man like him. He came once to Mycenæ, not as him on his return journey; but Tydeus slew every
an enemy but as a guest, in company with Polynices man of them, save only Mæon, whom he let go in
to recruit his forces, for they were levying war against obedience to heaven’s omens. Such was Tydeus of
the strong city of Thebes, and prayed our people Ætolia. His son can talk more glibly, but he cannot
for a body of picked men to help them. The men of fight as his father did.”
Mycenæ were willing to let them have one, but Jove Diomed made no answer, for he was shamed by
dissuaded them by showing them unfavourable the rebuke of Agamemnon; but the son of Capaneus
omens. Tydeus, therefore, and Polynices went their took up his words and said, “Son of Atreus, tell no
way. When they had got as far the deep-meadowed lies, for you can speak truth if you will. We boast
and rush-grown banks of the Æsopus, the Achæans ourselves as even better men than our fathers; we
sent Tydeus as their envoy, and he found the took seven-gated Thebes, though the wall was stron-
Cadmeans gathered in great numbers to a banquet ger and our men were fewer in number, for we
in the house of Eteocles. Stranger though he was, trusted in the omens of the gods and in the help of

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Jove, whereas they perished through their own the host was, it seemed as though there was not a
sheer folly; hold not, then, our fathers in like tongue among them, so silent were they in their
honour with us.” obedience; and as they marched the armour about
Diomed looked sternly at him and said, “Hold their bodies glistened in the sun. But the clamour
your peace, my friend, as I bid you. It is not amiss of the Trojan ranks was as that of many thousand
that Agamemnon should urge the Achæans forward, ewes that stand waiting to be milked in the yards
for the glory will be his if we take the city, and his of some rich flockmaster, and bleat incessantly in
the shame if we are vanquished. Therefore let us answer to the bleating of their lambs; for they had
acquit ourselves with valour.” not one speech nor language, but their tongues were
As he spoke he sprang from his chariot, and his diverse, and they came from many different places.
armour rang so fiercely about his body that even a These were inspired of Mars, but the others by
brave man might well have been scared to hear it. Minerva—and with them came Panic, Rout, and
As when some mighty wave that thunders on the Strife whose fury never tires, sister and friend of
beach when the west wind has lashed it into fury— murderous Mars, who, from being at first but low
it has reared its head afar and now comes crashing in stature, grows till she uprears her head to heaven,
down on the shore; it bows its arching crest high though her feet are still on earth. She it was that
over the jagged rocks and spews its salt foam in all went about among them and flung down discord to
directions—even so did the serried phalanxes of the the waxing of sorrow with even hand between them.
Danaans march steadfastly to battle. The chiefs gave When they were got together in one place shield
orders each to his own people, but the men said clashed with shield and spear with spear in the rage
never a word; no man would think it, for huge as of battle. The bossed shields beat one upon another,

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and there was a tramp as of a great multitude— stooped his side was left unprotected by his shield—
death-cry and shout of triumph of slain and slay- and thus he perished. Then the fight between Tro-
ers, and the earth ran red with blood. As torrents jans and Achæans grew furious over his body, and
swollen with rain course madly down their deep they flew upon each other like wolves, man and
channels till the angry floods meet in some gorge, man crushing one upon the other.
and the shepherd the hillside hears their roaring Forthwith Ajax, son of Telamon, slew the fair
from afar—even such was the toil and uproar of the youth Simoeisius, son of Anthemion, whom his
hosts as they joined in battle. mother bore by the banks of the Simois, as she was
First Antilochus slew an armed warrior of the Tro- coming down from Mt. Ida, where she had been
jans, Echepolus, son of Thalysius, fighting in the with her parents to see their flocks. Therefore he
foremost ranks. He struck at the projecting part of was named Simoeisius, but he did not live to pay
his helmet and drove the spear into his brow; the his parents for his rearing, for he was cut off un-
point of bronze pierced the bone, and darkness timely by the spear of mighty Ajax, who struck him
veiled his eyes; headlong as a tower he fell amid the in the breast by the right nipple as he was coming
press of the fight, and as he dropped King Elephenor, on among the foremost fighters; the spear went right
son of Chalcodon and captain of the proud Abantes through his shoulder, and he fell as a poplar that
began dragging him out of reach of the darts that has grown straight and tall in a meadow by some
were falling around him, in haste to strip him of his mere, and its top is thick with branches. Then the
armour. But his purpose was not for long; Agenor wheelwright lays his axe to its roots that he may
saw him haling the body away, and smote him in fashion a felloe for the wheel of some goodly chariot,
the side with his bronze-shod spear—for as he and it lies seasoning by the waterside. In such wise

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did Ajax fell to earth Simoeisius, son of Anthemion. and drew off the dead, pressing further forward as
Thereon Antiphus of the gleaming corslet, son of they did so. But Apollo looked down from Pergamus
Priam, hurled a spear at Ajax from amid the crowd and called aloud to the Trojans, for he was dis-
and missed him, but he hit Leucus, the brave com- pleased. “Trojans,” he cried, “rush on the foe, and
rade of Ulysses, in the groin, as he was dragging the do not let yourselves be thus beaten by the Argives.
body of Simoeisius over to the other side; so he fell Their skins are not stone nor iron that when hit
upon the body and loosed his hold upon it. Ulysses them you do them no harm. Moreover, Achilles,
was furious when he saw Leucus slain, and strode the son of lovely Thetis, is not fighting, but is nurs-
in full armour through the front ranks till he was ing his anger at the ships.”
quite close; then he glared round about him and Thus spoke the mighty god, crying to them from
took aim, and the Trojans fell back as he did so. His the city, while Jove’s redoubtable daughter, the Trito-
dart was not sped in vain, for it struck Democoon, born, went about among the host of the Achæans,
the bastard son of Priam, who had come to him and urged them forward whenever she beheld them
from Abydos, where he had charge of his father’s slackening.
mares. Ulysses, infuriated by the death of his com- Then fate fell upon Diores, son of Amarynceus,
rade, hit him with his spear on one temple, and the for he was struck by a jagged stone near the ancle
bronze point came through on the other side of his of his right leg. He that hurled it was Peirous, son
forehead. Thereon darkness veiled his eyes, and his of Imbrasus, captain of the Thracians, who had come
armour rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to from Ænus; the bones and both the tendons were
the ground. Hector, and they that were in front, crushed by the pitiless stone. He fell to the ground
then gave round while the Argives raised a shout on his back, and in his death throes stretched out

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his hands towards his comrades. But Peirous, who the hand, and protecting him from the storm of
had wounded him, sprang on him and thrust a spear spears and arrows. For many Trojans and Achæans
into his belly, so that his bowels came gushing out on that day lay stretched side by side face down-
upon the ground, and darkness veiled his eyes. As wards upon the earth.
he was leaving the body, Thoas of Ætolia struck
him in the chest near the nipple, and the point fixed BOOK V
itself in his lungs. Thoas came close up to him,
pulled the spear out of his chest, and then drawing THEN PALLAS MINERVA put valour into the heart of
his sword, smote him in the middle of the belly so Diomed, son of Tydeus, that he might excel all the
that he died; but he did not strip him of his armour, other Argives, and cover himself with glory. She
for his Thracian comrades, men who wear their hair made a stream of fire flare from his shield and hel-
in a tuft at the top of their heads, stood round the met like the star that shines most brilliantly in sum-
body and kept him off with their long spears for all mer after its bath in the waters of Oceanus—even
his great stature and valour; so he was driven back. such a fire did she kindle upon his head and shoul-
Thus the two corpses lay stretched on earth near to ders as she bade him speed into the thickest hurly-
one another, the one captain of the Thracians and burly of the fight.
the other of the Epeans; and many another fell Now there was a certain rich and honourable man
round them. among the Trojans, priest of Vulcan, and his name
And now no man would have made light of the was Dares. He had two sons, Phegeus and Idæus,
fighting if he could have gone about among it scathe- both of them skilled in all the arts of war. These
less and unwounded, with Minerva leading him by two came forward from the main body of Trojans,

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and set upon Diomed, he being on foot, while they Let us go away, and thus avoid his anger.”
fought from their chariot. When they were close up So saying, she drew Mars out of the battle, and
to one another, Phegeus took aim first, but his spear set him down upon the steep banks of the
went over Diomed’s left shoulder without hitting Scamander. Upon this the Danaans drove the Tro-
him. Diomed then threw, and his spear sped not in jans back, and each one of their chieftains killed
vain, for it hit Phegeus on the breast near the nipple, his man. First King Agamemnon flung mighty
and he fell from his chariot. Idæus did not dare to Odius, captain of the Halizoni, from his chariot.
bestride his brother’s body, but sprang from the The spear of Agamemnon caught him on the broad
chariot and took to flight, or he would have shared of his back, just as he was turning in flight; it struck
his brother’s fate; whereon Vulcan saved him by him between the shoulders and went right through
wrapping him in a cloud of darkness, that his old his chest, and his armour rang rattling round him
father might not be utterly overwhelmed with grief; as he fell heavily to the ground.
but the son of Tydeus drove off with the horses, Then Idomeneus killed Phæsus, son of Borus the
and bade his followers take them to the ships. The Meonian, who had come from Varne. Mighty
Trojans were scared when they saw the two sons of Idomeneus speared him on the right shoulder as he
Dares, one of them in fright and the other lying was mounting his chariot, and the darkness of death
dead by his chariot. Minerva, therefore, took Mars enshrouded him as he fell heavily from the car.
by the hand and said, “Mars, Mars, bane of men, The squires of Idomeneus spoiled him of his
bloodstained stormer of cities, may we not now leave armour, while Menelaus, son of Atreus, killed
the Trojans and Achæans to fight it out, and see to Scamandrius the son of Strophius, a mighty hunts-
which of the two Jove will vouchsafe the victory? man and keen lover of the chase. Diana herself had

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taught him how to kill every kind of wild creature up by Theano as one of her own children, for the
that is bred in mountain forests, but neither she love she bore her husband. The son of Phyleus got
nor his famed skill in archery could now save him, close up to him and drove a spear into the nape of
for the spear of Menelaus struck him in the back as his neck: it went under his tongue all among his
he was flying; it struck him between the shoulders teeth, so he bit the cold bronze, and fell dead in the
and went right through his chest, so that he fell dust.
headlong and his armour rang rattling round him. And Eurypylus, son of Euæmon, killed Hypsenor,
Meriones then killed Phereclus the son of Tecton, the son of noble Dolopion, who had been made
who was the son of Hermon, a man whose hand priest of the river Scamander, and was honoured
was skilled in all manner of cunning workmanship, among the people as though he were a god.
for Pallas Minerva had dearly loved him. He it was Eurypylus gave him chase as he was flying before
that made the ships for Alexandrus, which were the him, smote him with his sword upon the arm, and
beginning of all mischief, and brought evil alike both lopped his strong hand from off it. The bloody hand
on the Trojans and on Alexandrus himself; for he fell to the ground, and the shades of death, with
heeded not the decrees of heaven. Meriones over- fate that no man can withstand, came over his eyes.
took him as he was flying, and struck him on the Thus furiously did the battle rage between them.
right buttock. The point of the spear went through As for the son of Tydeus, you could not say whether
the bone into the bladder, and death came upon he was more among the Achæans or the Trojans.
him as he cried aloud and fell forward on his knees. He rushed across the plain like a winter torrent that
Meges, moreover, slew Pedæus, son of Antenor, has burst its barrier in full flood; no dykes, no walls
who, though he was a bastard, had been brought of fruitful vineyards can embank it when it is swol-

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len with rain from heaven, but in a moment it comes Sthenelus sprang from his chariot, and drew the
tearing onward, and lays many a field waste that arrow from the wound, whereon the blood came
many a strong man hand has reclaimed—even so spouting out through the hole that had been made
were the dense phalanxes of the Trojans driven in in his shirt. Then Diomed prayed, saying, “Hear
rout by the son of Tydeus, and many though they me, daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, unweariable, if
were, they dared not abide his onslaught. ever you loved my father well and stood by him in
Now when the son of Lycaon saw him scouring the thick of a fight, do the like now by me; grant
the plain and driving the Trojans pell-mell before him, me to come within a spear’s throw of that man and
he aimed an arrow and hit the front part of his cui- kill him. He has been too quick for me and has
rass near the shoulder: the arrow went right through wounded me; and now he is boasting that I shall
the metal and pierced the flesh, so that the cuirass not see the light of the sun much longer.”
was covered with blood. On this the son of Lycaon Thus he prayed, and Pallas Minerva heard him; she
shouted in triumph, “Knights Trojans, come on; the made his limbs supple and quickened his hands and
bravest of the Achæans is wounded, and he will not his feet. Then she went up close to him and said, “Fear
hold out much longer if King Apollo was indeed with not, Diomed, to do battle with the Trojans, for I have
me when I sped from Lycia hither.” set in your heart the spirit of your knightly father
Thus did he vaunt; but his arrow had not killed Tydeus. Moreover, I have withdrawn the veil from your
Diomed, who withdrew and made for the chariot eyes, that you know gods and men apart. If, then, any
and horses of Sthenelus, the son of Capaneus. “Dear other god comes here and offers you battle, do not
son of Capaneus,” said he, “come down from your fight him; but should Jove’s daughter Venus come, strike
chariot, and draw the arrow out of my shoulder.” her with your spear and wound her.”

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When she had said this Minerva went away, and Diomed made an end of them. He then gave chase
the son of Tydeus again took his place among the to Xanthus and Thoon, the two sons of Phænops,
foremost fighters, three times more fierce even than both of them very dear to him, for he was now worn
he had been before. He was like a lion that some out with age, and begat no more sons to inherit his
mountain shepherd has wounded, but not killed, possessions. But Diomed took both their lives and
as he is springing over the wall of a sheep-yard to left their father sorrowing bitterly, for he nevermore
attack the sheep. The shepherd has roused the brute saw them come home from battle alive, and his kins-
to fury but cannot defend his flock, so he takes men divided his wealth among themselves.
shelter under cover of the buildings, while the sheep, Then he came upon two sons of Priam,
panic-stricken on being deserted, are smothered in Echemmon and Chromius, as they were both in one
heaps one on top of the other, and the angry lion chariot. He sprang upon them as a lion fastens on
leaps out over the sheep-yard wall. Even thus did the neck of some cow or heifer when the herd is
Diomed go furiously about among the Trojans. feeding in a coppice. For all their vain struggles he
He killed Astynous, and shepherd of his people, flung them both from their chariot and stripped
the one with a thrust of his spear, which struck him the armour from their bodies. Then he gave their
above the nipple, the other with a sword—cut on horses to his comrades to take them back to the
the collar-bone, that severed his shoulder from his ships.
neck and back. He let both of them lie, and went in When Æneas saw him thus making havoc among
pursuit of Abas and Polyidus, sons of the old reader the ranks, he went through the fight amid the rain
of dreams Eurydamas: they never came back for of spears to see if he could find Pandarus. When he
him to read them any more dreams, for mighty had found the brave son of Lycaon he said,

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“Pandarus, where is now your bow, your winged send him hurrying to the world below, but it seems
arrows, and your renown as an archer, in respect of that I have not killed him. There must be a god
which no man here can rival you nor is there any in who is angry with me. Moreover I have neither horse
Lycia that can beat you? Lift then your hands to nor chariot. In my father’s stables there are eleven
Jove and send an arrow at this fellow who is going excellent chariots, fresh from the builder, quite new,
so masterfully about, and has done such deadly work with cloths spread over them; and by each of them
among the Trojans. He has killed many a brave there stand a pair of horses, champing barley and
man—unless indeed he is some god who is angry rye; my old father Lycaon urged me again and again
with the Trojans about their sacrifices, and and has when I was at home and on the point of starting, to
set his hand against them in his displeasure.” take chariots and horses with me that I might lead
And the son of Lycaon answered, “Æneas, I take the Trojans in battle, but I would not listen to him;
him for none other than the son of Tydeus. I know it would have been much better if I had done so,
him by his shield, the visor of his helmet, and by but I was thinking about the horses, which had been
his horses. It is possible that he may be a god, but if used to eat their fill, and I was afraid that in such a
he is the man I say he is, he is not making all this great gathering of men they might be ill-fed, so I
havoc without heaven’s help, but has some god by left them at home and came on foot to Ilius armed
his side who is shrouded in a cloud of darkness, only with my bow and arrows. These it seems, are
and who turned my arrow aside when it had hit of no use, for I have already hit two chieftains, the
him. I have taken aim at him already and hit him sons of Atreus and of Tydeus, and though I drew
on the right shoulder; my arrow went through the blood surely enough, I have only made them still
breastpiece of his cuirass; and I made sure I should more furious. I did ill to take my bow down from

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its peg on the day I led my band of Trojans to Ilius of the fight. The son of Tydeus will then kill both
in Hector’s service, and if ever I get home again to of us and take the horses. Therefore drive them
set eyes on my native place, my wife, and the great- yourself and I will be ready for him with my spear.”
ness of my house, may some one cut my head off They then mounted the chariot and drove full-
then and there if I do not break the bow and set it speed towards the son of Tydeus. Sthenelus, son of
on a hot fire—such pranks as it plays me.” Capaneus, saw them coming and said to Diomed,
Æneas answered, “Say no more. Things will not “Diomed, son of Tydeus, man after my own heart, I
mend till we two go against this man with chariot see two heroes speeding towards you, both of them
and horses and bring him to a trial of arms. Mount men of might the one a skilful archer, Pandarus son
my chariot, and note how cleverly the horses of Tros of Lycaon, the other, Æneas, whose sire is Anchises,
can speed hither and thither over the plain in pur- while his mother is Venus. Mount the chariot and
suit or flight. If Jove again vouchsafes glory to the let us retreat. Do not, I pray you, press so furiously
son of Tydeus they will carry us safely back to the forward, or you may get killed.”
city. Take hold, then, of the whip and reins while I Diomed looked angrily at him and answered:
stand upon the car to fight, or else do you wait this “Talk not of flight, for I shall not listen to you: I am
man’s onset while I look after the horses.” of a race that knows neither flight nor fear, and my
“Æneas.” replied the son of Lycaon, “take the reins limbs are as yet unwearied. I am in no mind to
and drive; if we have to fly before the son of Tydeus mount, but will go against them even as I am; Pallas
the horses will go better for their own driver. If they Minerva bids me be afraid of no man, and even
miss the sound of your voice when they expect it though one of them escape, their steeds shall not
they may be frightened, and refuse to take us out take both back again. I say further, and lay my say-

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 The Iliad – Book V
ing to your heart—if Minerva sees fit to vouchsafe reached the breastplate. Thereon the son of Lycaon
me the glory of killing both, stay your horses here shouted out and said, “You are hit clean through
and make the reins fast to the rim of the chariot; the belly; you will not stand out for long, and the
then be sure you spring Æneas’ horses and drive glory of the fight is mine.”
them from the Trojan to the Achæan ranks. They But Diomed all undismayed made answer, “You
are of the stock that great Jove gave to Tros in pay- have missed, not hit, and before you two see the
ment for his son Ganymede, and are the finest that end of this matter one or other of you shall glut
live and move under the sun. King Anchises stole tough-shielded Mars with his blood.”
the blood by putting his mares to them without With this he hurled his spear, and Minerva guided
Laomedon’s knowledge, and they bore him six foals. it on to Pandarus’s nose near the eye. It went crash-
Four are still in his stables, but he gave the other ing in among his white teeth; the bronze point cut
two to Æneas. We shall win great glory if we can through the root of his to tongue, coming out un-
take them.” der his chin, and his glistening armour rang rattling
Thus did they converse, but the other two had round him as he fell heavily to the ground. The
now driven close up to them, and the son of Lycaon horses started aside for fear, and he was reft of life
spoke first. “Great and mighty son,” said he, “of and strength.
noble Tydeus, my arrow failed to lay you low, so I Æneas sprang from his chariot armed with shield
will now try with my spear.” and spear, fearing lest the Achæans should carry
He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it off the body. He bestrode it as a lion in the pride of
from him. It struck the shield of the son of Tydeus; strength, with shield and on spear before him and a
the bronze point pierced it and passed on till it cry of battle on his lips resolute to kill the first that

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should dare face him. But the son of Tydeus caught of the orders that Diomed had given him. He made
up a mighty stone, so huge and great that as men his own horses fast, away from the hurly-burly, by
now are it would take two to lift it; nevertheless he binding the reins to the rim of the chariot. Then he
bore it aloft with ease unaided, and with this he sprang upon Æneas’s horses and drove them from
struck Æneas on the groin where the hip turns in the Trojan to the Achæan ranks. When he had so
the joint that is called the “cup-bone.” The stone done he gave them over to his chosen comrade
crushed this joint, and broke both the sinews, while Deipylus, whom he valued above all others as the
its jagged edges tore away all the flesh. The hero one who was most like-minded with himself, to take
fell on his knees, and propped himself with his hand them on to the ships. He then remounted his own
resting on the ground till the darkness of night fell chariot, seized the reins, and drove with all speed
upon his eyes. And now Æneas, king of men, would in search of the son of Tydeus.
have perished then and there, had not his mother, Now the son of Tydeus was in pursuit of the
Jove’s daughter Venus, who had conceived him by Cyprian goddess, spear in hand, for he knew her to
Anchises when he was herding cattle, been quick to be feeble and not one of those goddesses that can
mark, and thrown her two white arms about the lord it among men in battle like Minerva or Enyo
body of her dear son. She protected him by cover- the waster of cities, and when at last after a long
ing him with a fold of her own fair garment, lest chase he caught her up, he flew at her and thrust
some Danaan should drive a spear into his breast his spear into the flesh of her delicate hand. The
and kill him. point tore through the ambrosial robe which the
Thus, then, did she bear her dear son out of the Graces had woven for her, and pierced the skin be-
fight. But the son of Capaneus was not unmindful tween her wrist and the palm of her hand, so that

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the immortal blood, or ichor, that flows in the veins your horses to take me to Olympus where the gods
of the blessed gods, came pouring from the wound; dwell. I am badly wounded by a mortal, the son of
for the gods do not eat bread nor drink wine, hence Tydeus, who would now fight even with father Jove.”
they have no blood such as ours, and are immortal. Thus she spoke, and Mars gave her his gold-bedi-
Venus screamed aloud, and let her son fall, but zened steeds. She mounted the chariot sick and
Phoebus Apollo caught him in his arms, and hid sorry at heart, while Iris sat beside her and took
him in a cloud of darkness, lest some Danaan should the reins in her hand. She lashed her horses on and
drive a spear into his breast and kill him; and they flew forward nothing loth, till in a trice they
Diomed shouted out as he left her, “Daughter of were at high Olympus, where the gods have their
Jove, leave war and battle alone, can you not be dwelling. There she stayed them, unloosed them
contented with beguiling silly women? If you from the chariot, and gave them their ambrosial
meddle with fighting you will get what will make forage; but Venus flung herself on to the lap of her
you shudder at the very name of war.” mother Dione, who threw her arms about her and
The goddess went dazed and discomfited away, caressed her, saying, “Which of the heavenly be-
and Iris, fleet as the wind, drew her from the throng, ings has been treating you in this way, as though
in pain and with her fair skin all besmirched. She you had been doing something wrong in the face of
found fierce Mars waiting on the left of the battle, day?”
with his spear and his two fleet steeds resting on a And laughter-loving Venus answered, “Proud
cloud; whereon she fell on her knees before her Diomed, the son of Tydeus, wounded me because I
brother and implored him to let her have his horses. was bearing my dear son Æneas, whom I love best
“Dear brother,” she cried, “save me, and give me of all mankind, out of the fight. The war is no longer

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one between Trojans and Achæans, for the Danaans him great anguish till Pæeon healed him by spread-
have now taken to fighting with the immortals.” ing soothing herbs on the wound, for Hades was
“Bear it, my child,” replied Dione, “and make the not of mortal mould. Daring, head-strong, evildoer
best of it. We dwellers in Olympus have to put up who recked not of his sin in shooting the gods that
with much at the hands of men, and we lay much dwell in Olympus. And now Minerva has egged this
suffering on one another. Mars had to suffer when son of Tydeus on against yourself, fool that he is for
Otus and Ephialtes, children of Aloeus, bound him not reflecting that no man who fights with gods
in cruel bonds, so that he lay thirteen months im- will live long or hear his children prattling about
prisoned in a vessel of bronze. Mars would have his knees when he returns from battle. Let, then,
then perished had not fair Eeriboea, stepmother to the son of Tydeus see that he does not have to fight
the sons of Aloeus, told Mercury, who stole him with one who is stronger than you are. Then shall
away when he was already well-nigh worn out by his brave wife Ægialeia, daughter of Adrestus, rouse
the severity of his bondage. Juno, again, suffered her whole house from sleep, wailing for the loss of
when the mighty son of Amphitryon wounded her her wedded lord, Diomed the bravest of the
on the right breast with a three-barbed arrow, and Achæans.”
nothing could assuage her pain. So, also, did huge So saying, she wiped the ichor from the wrist of
Hades, when this same man, the son of ægis-bear- her daughter with both hands, whereon the pain
ing Jove, hit him with an arrow even at the gates of left her, and her hand was healed. But Minerva and
hell, and hurt him badly. Thereon Hades went to Juno, who were looking on, began to taunt Jove with
the house of Jove on great Olympus, angry and full their mocking talk, and Minerva was first to speak.
of pain; and the arrow in his brawny shoulder caused “Father Jove,” said she, “do not be angry with me,

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but I think the Cyprian must have been persuading match yourself against gods, for men that walk the
some one of the Achæan women to go with the earth cannot hold their own with the immortals.”
Trojans of whom she is so very fond, and while ca- The son of Tydeus then gave way for a little space,
ressing one or other of them she must have torn her to avoid the anger of the god, while Apollo took
delicate hand with the gold pin of the woman’s Æneas out of the crowd and set him in sacred
brooch.” Pergamus, where his temple stood. There, within
The sire of gods and men smiled, and called golden the mighty sanctuary, Latona and Diana healed him
Venus to his side. “My child,” said he, “it has not and made him glorious to behold, while Apollo of
been given you to be a warrior. Attend, henceforth, the silver bow fashioned a wraith in the likeness of
to your own delightful matrimonial duties, and leave Æneas, and armed as he was. Round this the Tro-
all this fighting to Mars and to Minerva.” jans and Achæans hacked at the bucklers about one
Thus did they converse. But Diomed sprang upon another’s breasts, hewing each other’s round shields
Æneas, though he knew him to be in the very arms and light hide-covered targets. Then Phoebus Apollo
of Apollo. Not one whit did he fear the mighty god, said to Mars, “Mars, Mars, bane of men, blood-
so set was he on killing Æneas and stripping him of stained stormer of cities, can you not go to this
his armour. Thrice did he spring forward with might man, the son of Tydeus, who would now fight even
and main to slay him, and thrice did Apollo beat with father Jove, and draw him out of the battle?
back his gleaming shield. When he was coming on He first went up to the Cyprian and wounded her
for the fourth time, as though he were a god, Apollo in the hand near her wrist, and afterwards sprang
shouted to him with an awful voice and said, “Take upon me too, as though he were a god.”
heed, son of Tydeus, and draw off; think not to He then took his seat on the top of Pergamus,

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while murderous Mars went about among the ranks stand my ground against any who would fight me
of the Trojans, cheering them on, in the likeness of though I have nothing here for the Achæans to plun-
fleet Acamas chief of the Thracians. “Sons of Priam,” der, while you look on, without even bidding your
said he, “how long will you let your people be thus men stand firm in defence of their wives. See that
slaughtered by the Achæans? Would you wait till you fall not into the hands of your foes as men
they are at the walls of Troy? Æneas the son of caught in the meshes of a net, and they sack your
Anchises has fallen, he whom we held in as high fair city forthwith. Keep this before your mind night
honour as Hector himself. Help me, then, to rescue and day, and beseech the captains of your allies to
our brave comrade from the stress of the fight.” hold on without flinching, and thus put away their
With these words he put heart and soul into them reproaches from you.”
all. Then Sarpedon rebuked Hector very sternly. So spoke Sarpedon, and Hector smarted under
“Hector,” said he, “where is your prowess now? You his words. He sprang from his chariot clad in his
used to say that though you had neither people nor suit of armour, and went about among the host bran-
allies you could hold the town alone with your dishing his two spears, exhorting the men to fight
brothers and brothers-in-law. I see not one of them and raising the terrible cry of battle. Then they ral-
here; they cower as hounds before a lion; it is we, lied and again faced the Achæans, but the Argives
your allies, who bear the brunt of the battle. I have stood compact and firm, and were not driven back.
come from afar, even from Lycia and the banks of As the breezes sport with the chaff upon some
the river Xanthus, where I have left my wife, my goodly threshing-floor, when men are winnowing—
infant son, and much wealth to tempt whoever is while yellow Ceres blows with the wind to sift the
needy; nevertheless, I head my Lycian soldiers and chaff from the grain, and the chaff—heaps grow

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whiter and whiter—even so did the Achæans whiten of Saturn has spread upon the mountain tops when
in the dust which the horses’ hoofs raised to the there is no air and fierce Boreas sleeps with the other
firmament of heaven, as their drivers turned them boisterous winds whose shrill blasts scatter the
back to battle, and they bore down with might upon clouds in all directions—even so did the Danaans
the foe. Fierce Mars, to help the Trojans, covered stand firm and unflinching against the Trojans. The
them in a veil of darkness, and went about every- son of Atreus went about among them and exhorted
where among them, inasmuch as Phoebus Apollo them. “My friends,” said he, “quit yourselves like
had told him that when he saw Pallas, Minerva leave brave men, and shun dishonour in one another’s
the fray he was to put courage into the hearts of eyes amid the stress of battle. They that shun
the Trojans—for it was she who was helping the dishonour more often live than get killed, but they
Danaans. Then Apollo sent Æneas forth from his that fly save neither life nor name.”
rich sanctuary, and filled his heart with valour, As he spoke he hurled his spear and hit one of
whereon he took his place among his comrades, who those who were in the front rank, the comrade of
were overjoyed at seeing him alive, sound, and of a Æneas, Deicoon son of Pergasus, whom the Trojans
good courage; but they could not ask him how it held in no less honour than the sons of Priam, for
had all happened, for they were too busy with the he was ever quick to place himself among the fore-
turmoil raised by Mars and by Strife, who raged most. The spear of King Agamemnon struck his
insatiably in their midst. shield and went right through it, for the shield
The two Ajaxes, Ulysses and Diomed, cheered the stayed it not. It drove through his belt into the lower
Danaans on, fearless of the fury and onset of the part of his belly, and his armour rang rattling round
Trojans. They stood as still as clouds which the son him as he fell heavily to the ground.

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Then Æneas killed two champions of the but Antilochus the son of Nestor saw him and
Danaans, Crethon and Orsilochus. Their father was sprang forward, fearing that the king might come
a rich man who lived in the strong city of Phere and to harm and thus bring all their labour to nothing;
was descended from the river Alpheus, whose broad when, therefore Æneas and Menelaus were setting
stream flows through the land of the Pylians. The their hands and spears against one another eager to
river begat Orsilochus, who ruled over much people do battle, Antilochus placed himself by the side of
and was father to Diocles, who in his turn begat Menelaus. Æneas, bold though he was, drew back
twin sons, Crethon and Orsilochus, well skilled in on seeing the two heroes side by side in front of
all the arts of war. These, when they grew up, went him, so they drew the bodies of Crethon and
to Ilius with the Argive fleet in the cause of Menelaus Orsilochus to the ranks of the Achæans and com-
and Agamemnon sons of Atreus, and there they both mitted the two poor fellows into the hands of their
of them fell. As two lions whom their dam has reared comrades. They then turned back and fought in
in the depths of some mountain forest to plunder the front ranks.
homesteads and carry off sheep and cattle till they They killed Pylæmenes peer of Mars, leader of
get killed by the hand of man, so were these two the Paphlagonian warriors. Menelaus struck him on
vanquished by Æneas, and fell like high pine-trees the collar-bone as he was standing on his chariot,
to the ground. while Antilochus hit his charioteer and squire
Brave Menelaus pitied them in their fall, and made Mydon, the son of Atymnius, who was turning his
his way to the front, clad in gleaming bronze and horses in flight. He hit him with a stone upon the
brandishing his spear, for Mars egged him on to do elbow, and the reins, enriched with white ivory, fell
so with intent that he should be killed by Æneas; from his hands into the dust. Antilochus rushed

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towards him and struck him on the temples with god is ever by his side to protect him, and now Mars
his sword, whereon he fell head first from the chariot is with him in the likeness of mortal man. Keep
to the ground. There he stood for a while with his your faces therefore towards the Trojans, but give
head and shoulders buried deep in the dust—for he ground backwards, for we dare not fight with gods.”
had fallen on sandy soil till his horses kicked him As he spoke the Trojans drew close up, and Hec-
and laid him flat on the ground, as Antilochus lashed tor killed two men, both in one chariot, Menesthes
them and drove them off to the host of the Achæans. and Anchialus, heroes well versed in war. Ajax son
But Hector marked them from across the ranks, of Telamon pitied them in their fall; he came close
and with a loud cry rushed towards them, followed up and hurled his spear, hitting Amphius the son of
by the strong battalions of the Trojans. Mars and Selagus, a man of great wealth who lived in Pæsus
dread Enyo led them on, she fraught with ruthless and owned much corn-growing land, but his lot had
turmoil of battle, while Mars wielded a monstrous led him to come to the aid of Priam and his sons.
spear, and went about, now in front of Hector and Ajax struck him in the belt; the spear pierced the
now behind him. lower part of his belly, and he fell heavily to the
Diomed shook with passion as he saw them. As a ground. Then Ajax ran towards him to strip him of
man crossing a wide plain is dismayed to find him- his armour, but the Trojans rained spears upon him,
self on the brink of some great river rolling swiftly many of which fell upon his shield. He planted his
to the sea—he sees its boiling waters and starts back heel upon the body and drew out his spear, but the
in fear—even so did the son of Tydeus give ground. darts pressed so heavily upon him that he could
Then he said to his men, “My friends, how can we not strip the goodly armour from his shoulders. The
wonder that Hector wields the spear so well? Some Trojan chieftains, moreover, many and valiant, came

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about him with their spears, so that he dared not gates of Hades vanquished by my hand.”
stay; great, brave and valiant though he was, they And Sarpedon, captain of the Lycians, answered,
drove him from them and he was beaten back. “Tlepolemus, your father overthrew Ilius by reason
Thus, then, did the battle rage between them. of Laomedon’s folly in refusing payment to one who
Presently the strong hand of fate impelled had served him well. He would not give your father
Tlepolemus, the son of Hercules, a man both brave the horses which he had come so far to fetch. As for
and of great stature, to fight Sarpedon; so the two, yourself, you shall meet death by my spear. You
son and grandson of great Jove, drew near to one shall yield glory to myself, and your soul to Hades
another, and Tlepolemus spoke first. “Sarpedon,” of the noble steeds.”
said he, “councillor of the Lycians, why should you Thus spoke Sarpedon, and Tlepolemus upraised
come skulking here you who are a man of peace? his spear. They threw at the same moment, and
They lie who call you son of ægis-bearing Jove, for Sarpedon struck his foe in the middle of his throat;
you are little like those who were of old his chil- the spear went right through, and the darkness of
dren. Far other was Hercules, my own brave and death fell upon his eyes. Tlepolemus’s spear struck
lion-hearted father, who came here for the horses Sarpedon on the left thigh with such force that it
of Laomedon, and though he had six ships only, tore through the flesh and grazed the bone, but his
and few men to follow him, sacked the city of Ilius father as yet warded off destruction from him.
and made a wilderness of her highways. You are a His comrades bore Sarpedon out of the fight, in
coward, and your people are falling from you. For great pain by the weight of the spear that was drag-
all your strength, and all your coming from Lycia, ging from his wound. They were in such haste and
you will be no help to the Trojans but will pass the stress as they bore him that no one thought of draw-

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ing the spear from his thigh so as to let him walk among them. His comrades then bore Sarpedon
uprightly. Meanwhile the Achæans carried off the away and laid him beneath Jove’s spreading oak
body of Tlepolemus, whereon Ulysses was moved tree. Pelagon, his friend and comrade drew the spear
to pity, and panted for the fray as he beheld them. out of his thigh, but Sarpedon fainted and a mist
He doubted whether to pursue the son of Jove, or came over his eyes. Presently he came to himself
to make slaughter of the Lycian rank and file; it again, for the breath of the north wind as it played
was not decreed, however, that he should slay the upon him gave him new life, and brought him out
son of Jove; Minerva, therefore, turned him against of the deep swoon into which he had fallen.
the main body of the Lycians. He killed Coeranus, Meanwhile the Argives were neither driven towards
Alastor, Chromius, Alcandrus, Halius, Noemon, and their ships by Mars and Hector, nor yet did they at-
Prytanis, and would have slain yet more, had not tack them; when they knew that Mars was with the
great Hector marked him, and sped to the front of Trojans they retreated, but kept their faces still turned
the fight clad in his suit of mail, filling the Danaans towards the foe. Who, then, was first and who last to
with terror. Sarpedon was glad when he saw him be slain by Mars and Hector? They were valiant
coming, and besought him, saying, “Son of Priam, Teuthras, and Orestes the renowned charioteer, Trechus
let me not he here to fall into the hands of the the Ætolian warrior, Oenomaus, Helenus the son of
Danaans. Help me, and since I may not return home Oenops, and Oresbius of the gleaming girdle, who was
to gladden the hearts of my wife and of my infant possessed of great wealth, and dwelt by the Cephisian
son, let me die within the walls of your city.” lake with the other Boeotians who lived near him,
Hector made him no answer, but rushed onward owners of a fertile country.
to fall at once upon the Achæans and. kill many Now when the goddess Juno saw the Argives thus

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falling, she said to Minerva, “Alas, daughter of ægis- Meanwhile Minerva flung her richly embroidered
bearing Jove, unweariable, the promise we made vesture, made with her own hands, on to her father’s
Menelaus that he should not return till he had sacked threshold, and donned the shirt of Jove, arming
the city of Ilius will be of none effect if we let Mars herself for battle. She threw her tasselled ægis about.
rage thus furiously. Let us go into the fray at once.” her shoulders, wreathed round with Rout as with a
Minerva did not gainsay her. Thereon the august fringe, and on it were Strife, and Strength, and Panic
goddess, daughter of great Saturn, began to harness whose blood runs cold; moreover there was the head
her gold-bedizened steeds. Hebe with all speed fit- of the dread monster Gorgon,, grim and awful to
ted on the eight-spoked wheels of bronze that were behold, portent of ægis-bearing Jove. On her head
on either side of the iron axle-tree. The felloes of the she set her helmet of gold, with four plumes, and
wheels were of gold, imperishable, and over these coming to a peak both in front and behind—decked
there was a tire of bronze, wondrous to behold. The with the emblems of a hundred cities; then she
naves of the wheels were silver, turning round the stepped into her flaming chariot and grasped the
axle upon either side. The car itself was made with spear, so stout and sturdy and strong, with which
plaited bands of gold and silver, and it had a double she quells the ranks of heroes who have displeased
top-rail running all round it. From the body of the her. Juno lashed the horses on, and the gates of
car there went a pole of silver, on to the end of which heaven bellowed as they flew open of their own
she bound the golden yoke, with the bands of gold accord -gates over which the flours preside, in whose
that were to go under the necks of the horses Then hands are Heaven and Olympus, either to open the
Juno put her steeds under the yoke, eager for battle dense cloud that hides them, or to close it. Through
and the war-cry. these the goddesses drove their obedient steeds, and

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found the son of Saturn sitting all alone on the top- place where its two flowing streams Simois and
most ridges of Olympus. There Juno stayed her Scamander meet, there Juno stayed them and took
horses, and spoke to Jove the son of Saturn, lord of them from the chariot. She hid them in a thick
all. “Father Jove,” said she, “are you not angry with cloud, and Simois made ambrosia spring up for them
Mars for these high doings? how great and goodly a to eat; the two goddesses then went on, flying like
host of the Achæans he has destroyed to my great turtledoves in their eagerness to help the Argives.
grief, and without either right or reason, while the When they came to the part where the bravest and
Cyprian and Apollo are enjoying it all at their ease most in number were gathered about mighty
and setting this unrighteous madman on to do fur- Diomed, fighting like lions or wild boars of great
ther mischief. I hope, Father Jove, that you will not strength and endurance, there Juno stood still and
be angry if I hit Mars hard, and chase him out of raised a shout like that of brazen-voiced Stentor,
the battle.” whose cry was as loud as that of fifty men together.
And Jove answered, “Set Minerva on to him, for “Argives,” she cried; “shame on cowardly creatures,
she punishes him more often than any one else brave in semblance only; as long as Achilles was
does.” fighting, fi his spear was so deadly that the Trojans
Juno did as he had said. She lashed her horses, dared not show themselves outside the Dardanian
and they flew forward nothing loth midway betwixt gates, but now they sally far from the city and fight
earth and sky. As far as a man can see when he even at your ships.”
looks out upon the sea from some high beacon, so With these words she put heart and soul into them
far can the loud-neighing horses of the gods spring all, while Minerva sprang to the side of the son of
at a single bound. When they reached Troy and the Tydeus, whom she found near his chariot and horses,

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cooling the wound that Pandarus had given him. ter of ægis-bearing Jove, and will hide nothing from
For the sweat caused by the hand that bore the you. I am not afraid nor out of heart, nor is there
weight of his shield irritated the hurt: his arm was any slackness in me. I am only following your own
weary with pain, and he was lifting up the strap to instructions; you told me not to fight any of the
wipe away the blood. The goddess laid her hand on blessed gods; but if Jove’s daughter Venus came into
the yoke of his horses and said, “The son of Tydeus battle I was to wound her with my spear. Therefore
is not such another as his father. Tydeus was a little I am retreating, and bidding the other Argives gather
man, but he could fight, and rushed madly into the in this place, for I know that Mars is now lording it
fray even when I told him not to do so. When he in the field.”
went all unattended as envoy to the city of Thebes “Diomed, son of Tydeus,” replied Minerva, “man
among the Cadmeans, I bade him feast in their after my own heart, fear neither Mars nor any other
houses and be at peace; but with that high spirit of the immortals, for I will befriend you. Nay, drive
which was ever present with him, he challenged the straight at Mars, and smite him in close combat;
youth of the Cadmeans, and at once beat them in fear not this raging madman, villain incarnate, first
all that he attempted, so mightily did I help him. I on one side and then on the other. But now he was
stand by you too to protect you, and I bid you be holding talk with Juno and myself, saying he would
instant in fighting the Trojans; but either you are help the Argives and attack the Trojans; neverthe-
tired out, or you are afraid and out of heart, and in less he is with the Trojans, and has forgotten the
that case I say that you are no true son of Tydeus Argives.”
the son of Oeneus.” With this she caught hold of Sthenelus and lifted
Diomed answered, “I know you, goddess, daugh- him off the chariot on to the ground. In a second

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he was on the ground, whereupon the goddess in the thick of a fight, and the Achæans and Tro-
mounted the car and placed herself by the side of jans were struck with panic, so terrible was the cry
Diomed. The oaken axle groaned aloud under the he raised.
burden of the awful goddess and the hero; Pallas As a dark cloud in the sky when it comes on to
Minerva took the whip and reins, and drove straight blow after heat, even so did Diomed son of Tydeus
at Mars. He was in the act of stripping huge see Mars ascend into the broad heavens. With all
Periphas, son of Ochesius and bravest of the speed he reached high Olympus, home of the gods,
Ætolians. Bloody Mars was stripping him of his and in great pain sat down beside Jove the son of
armour, and Minerva donned the helmet of Hades, Saturn. He showed Jove the immortal blood that
that he might not see her; when, therefore, he saw was flowing from his wound, and spoke piteously,
Diomed, he made straight for him and let Periphas saying, “Father Jove, are you not angered by such
lie where he had fallen. As soon as they were at doings? We gods are continually suffering in the
close quarters he let fly with his bronze spear over most cruel manner at one another’s hands while
the reins and yoke, thinking to take Diomed’s life, helping mortals; and we all owe you a grudge for
but Minerva caught the spear in her hand and made having begotten that mad termagant of a daughter,
it fly harmlessly over the chariot. Diomed then who is always committing outrage of some kind.
threw, and Pallas Minerva drove the spear into the We other gods must all do as you bid us, but her
pit of Mars’s stomach where his under-girdle went you neither scold nor punish; you encourage her
round him. There Diomed wounded him, tearing because the pestilent creature is your daughter. See
his fair flesh and then drawing his spear out again. how she has been inciting proud Diomed to vent
Mars roared as loudly as nine or ten thousand men his rage on the immortal gods. First he went up to

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the Cyprian and wounded her in the hand near her the fig-tree curdles milk, and thickens it in a mo-
wrist, and then he sprang upon me too as though ment though it is liquid, even so instantly did Pæeon
he were a god. Had I not run for it I must either cure fierce Mars. Then Hebe washed him, and
have lain there for long enough in torments among clothed him in goodly raiment, and he took his seat
the ghastly corpes, or have been eaten alive with by his father Jove all glorious to behold.
spears till I had no more strength left in me.” But Juno of Argos and Minerva of Alalcomene,
Jove looked angrily at him and said, “Do not come now that they had put a stop to the murderous do-
whining here, Sir Facing-bothways. I hate you worst ings of Mars, went back again to the house of Jove.
of all the gods in Olympus, for you are ever fighting
and making mischief. You have the intolerable and BOOK VI
stubborn spirit of your mother Juno: it is all I can
do to manage her, and it is her doing that you are THE FIGHT BETWEEN Trojans and Achæans was now
now in this plight: still, I cannot let you remain left to rage as it would, and the tide of war surged
longer in such great pain; you are my own off-spring, hither and thither over the plain as they aimed their
and it was by me that your mother conceived you; bronze-shod spears at one another between the
if, however, you had been the son of any other god, streams of Simois and Xanthus.
you are so destructive that by this time you should First, Ajax son of Telamon, tower of strength to
have been lying lower than the Titans.” the Achæans, broke a phalanx of the Trojans, and
He then bade Pæeon heal him, whereon Pæeon came to the assistance of his comrades by killing
spread pain-killing herbs upon his wound and cured Acamas son of Eussorus, the best man among the
him, for he was not of mortal mould. As the juice of Thracians, being both brave and of great stature.

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The spear struck the projecting peak of his helmet: spear of Nestor’s son Antilochus, and Agamemnon,
its bronze point then went through his forehead king of men, killed Elatus who dwelt in Pedasus by
into the brain, and darkness veiled his eyes. the banks of the river Satnioeis. Leitus killed
Then Diomed killed Axylus son of Teuthranus, a Phylacus as he was flying, and Eurypylus slew
rich man who lived in the strong city of Arisbe, and Melanthus.
was beloved by all men; for he had a house by the Then Menelaus of the loud war-cry took Adrestus
roadside, and entertained every one who passed; alive, for his horses ran into a tamarisk bush, as
howbeit not one of his guests stood before him to they were flying wildly over the plain, and broke
save his life, and Diomed killed both him and his the pole from the car; they went on towards the
squire Calesius, who was then his charioteer—so city along with the others in full flight, but Adrestus
the pair passed beneath the earth. rolled out, and fell in the dust flat on his face by
Euryalus killed Dresus and Opheltius, and then the wheel of his chariot; Menelaus came up to him
went in pursuit of Æsepus and Pedasus, whom the spear in hand, but Adrestus caught him by the knees
naiad nymph Abarbarea had borne to noble begging for his life. “Take me alive,” he cried, “son
Bucolion. Bucolion was eldest son to Laomedon, of Atreus, and you shall have a full ransom for me:
but he was a bastard. While tending his sheep he my father is rich and has much treasure of gold,
had converse with the nymph, and she conceived bronze, and wrought iron laid by in his house. From
twin sons; these the son of Mecisteus now slew, and this store he will give you a large ransom should he
he stripped the armour from their shoulders. hear of my being alive and at the ships of the
Polypoetes then killed Astyalus, Ulysses Pidytes of Achæans.”
Percote, and Teucer Aretaon. Ablerus fell by the Thus did he plead, and Menelaus was for yield-

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ing and giving him to a squire to take to the ships With these words he put heart and soul into them
of the Achæans, but Agamemnon came running up all. And now the Trojans would have been routed
to him and rebuked him. “My good Menelaus,” said and driven back into Ilius, had not Priam’s son
he, “this is no time for giving quarter. Has, then, Helenus, wisest of augurs, said to Hector and Æneas,
your house fared so well at the hands of the Tro- “Hector and Æneas, you two are the mainstays of
jans? Let us not spare a single one of them—not the Trojans and Lycians, for you are foremost at all
even the child unborn and in its mother’s womb; times, alike in fight and counsel; hold your ground
let not a man of them be left alive, but let all in here, and go about among the host to rally them in
Ilius perish, unheeded and forgotten.” front of the gates, or they will fling themselves into
Thus did he speak, and his brother was persuaded the arms of their wives, to the great joy of our foes.
by him, for his words were just. Menelaus, there- Then, when you have put heart into all our compa-
fore, thrust Adrestus from him, whereon King nies, we will stand firm here and fight the Danaans
Agamemnon struck him in the flank, and he fell: however hard they press us, for there is nothing else
then the son of Atreus planted his foot upon his to be done. Meanwhile do you, Hector, go to the
breast to draw his spear from the body. city and tell our mother what is happening. Tell her
Meanwhile Nestor shouted to the Argives, say- to bid the matrons gather at the temple of Minerva
ing, “My friends, Danaan warriors, servants of Mars, in the acropolis; let her then take her key and open
let no man lag that he may spoil the dead, and bring the doors of the sacred building; there, upon the
back much booty to the ships. Let us kill as many knees of Minerva, let her lay the largest, fairest robe
as we can; the bodies will lie upon the plain, and she has in her house—the one she sets most store
you can despoil them later at your leisure.” by; let her, moreover, promise to sacrifice twelve

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yearling heifers that have never yet felt the goad, in and tell the old men of our council and our wives
the temple of the goddess, if she will take pity on to pray to the gods and vow hecatombs in their
the town, with the wives and little ones of the Tro- honour.”
jans, and keep the son of Tydeus from falling on With this he went his way, and the black rim of
the goodly city of Ilius; for he fights with fury and hide that went round his shield beat against his neck
fills men’s souls with panic. I hold him mightiest of and his ancles.
them all; we did not fear even their great champion Then Glaucus son of Hippolochus, and the son
Achilles, son of a goddess though he be, as we do of Tydeus went into the open space between the
this man: his rage is beyond all bounds, and there hosts to fight in single combat. When they were
is none can vie with him in prowess” close up to one another Diomed of the loud war-
Hector did as his brother bade him. He sprang cry was the first to speak. “Who, my good sir,” said
from his chariot, and went about everywhere among he, “who are you among men? I have never seen
the host, brandishing his spears, urging the men on you in battle until now, but you are daring beyond
to fight, and raising the dread cry of battle. Thereon all others if you abide my onset. Woe to those fa-
they rallied and again faced the Achæans, who gave thers whose sons face my might. If, however, you
ground and ceased their murderous onset, for they are one of the immortals and have come down from
deemed that some one of the immortals had come heaven, I will not fight you; for even valiant
down from starry heaven to help the Trojans, so Lycurgus, son of Dryas, did not live long when he
strangely had they rallied. And Hector shouted to took to fighting with the gods. He it was that drove
the Trojans, “Trojans and allies, be men, my friends, the nursing women who were in charge of frenzied
and fight with might and main, while I go to Ilius Bacchus through the land of Nysa, and they flung

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their thyrsi on the ground as murderous Lycurgus Sisyphus lived, who was the craftiest of all man-
beat them with his oxgoad. Bacchus himself plunged kind. He was the son of Æolus, and had a son named
terror-stricken into the sea, and Thetis took him to Glaucus, who was father to Bellerophon, whom
her bosom to comfort him, for he was scared by the heaven endowed with the most surpassing comeli-
fury with which the man reviled him. Thereon the ness and beauty. But Proetus devised his ruin, and
gods who live at ease were angry with Lycurgus and being stronger than he, drove him from the land of
the son of Saturn struck him blind, nor did he live the Argives, over which Jove had made him ruler.
much longer after he had become hateful to the For Antea, wife of Proetus, lusted after him, and
immortals. Therefore I will not fight with the blessed would have had him lie with her in secret; but
gods; but if you are of them that eat the fruit of the Bellerophon was an honourable man and would not,
ground, draw near and meet your doom.” so she told lies about him to Proteus. ‘Proetus,’ said
And the son of Hippolochus answered, son of she, ‘kill Bellerophon or die, for he would have had
Tydeus, why ask me of my lineage? Men come and converse with me against my will.’ The king was
go as leaves year by year upon the trees. Those of angered, but shrank from killing Bellerophon, so
autumn the wind sheds upon the ground, but when he sent him to Lycia with lying letters of introduc-
spring returns the forest buds forth with fresh vines. tion, written on a folded tablet, and containing
Even so is it with the generations of mankind, the much ill against the bearer. He bade Bellerophon
new spring up as the old are passing away. If, then, show these letters to his father-in-law, to the end
you would learn my descent, it is one that is well that he might thus perish; Bellerophon therefore
known to many. There is a city in the heart of Argos, went to Lycia, and the gods convoyed him safely.
pasture land of horses, called Ephyra, where “When he reached the river Xanthus, which is in

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Lycia, the king received him with all goodwill, so he kept him in Lycia, gave him his daughter in
feasted him nine days, and killed nine heifers in his marriage, and made him of equal honour in the king-
honour, but when rosy-fingered morning appeared dom with himself; and the Lycians gave him a piece
upon the tenth day, he questioned him and desired of land, the best in all the country, fair with vine-
to see the letter from his son-in-law Proetus. When yards and tilled fields, to have and to hold.
he had received the wicked letter he first com- “The king’s daughter bore Bellerophon three chil-
manded Bellerophon to kill that savage monster, dren, Isander, Hippolochus, and Laodameia. Jove,
the Chimæra, who was not a human being, but a the lord of counsel, lay with Laodameia, and she
goddess, for she had the head of a lion and the tail bore him noble Sarpedon; but when Bellerophon
of a serpent, while her body was that of a goat, and came to be hated by all the gods, he wandered all
she breathed forth flames of fire; but Bellerophon desolate and dismayed upon the Alean plain, gnaw-
slew her, for he was guided by signs from heaven. ing at his own heart, and shunning the path of man.
He next fought the far-famed Solymi, and this, he Mars, insatiate of battle, killed his son Isander while
said, was the hardest of all his battles. Thirdly, he he was fighting the Solymi; his daughter was killed
killed the Amazons, women who were the peers of by Diana of the golden reins, for she was angered
men, and as he was returning thence the king de- with her; but Hippolochus was father to myself,
vised yet another plan for his destruction; he picked and when he sent me to Troy he urged me again
the bravest warriors in all Lycia, and placed them and again to fight ever among the foremost and
in ambuscade, but not a man ever came back, for outvie my peers, so as not to shame the blood of
Bellerophon killed every one of them. Then the king my fathers who were the noblest in Ephyra and in
knew that he must be the valiant offspring of a god, all Lycia. This, then, is the descent I claim.”

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Thus did he speak, and the heart of Diomed was ots, grasped one another’s hands, and plighted
glad. He planted his spear in the ground, and spoke friendship. But the son of Saturn made Glaucus
to him with friendly words. “Then,” he said, you take leave of his wits, for he exchanged golden
are an old friend of my father’s house. Great Oeneus armour for bronze, the worth of a hundred head of
once entertained Bellerophon for twenty days, and cattle for the worth of nine.
the two exchanged presents. Oeneus gave a belt rich Now when Hector reached the Scæan gates and
with purple, and Bellerophon a double cup, which the oak tree, the wives and daughters of the Trojans
I left at home when I set out for Troy. I do not came running towards him to ask after their sons,
remember Tydeus, for he was taken from us while I brothers, kinsmen, and husbands: he told them to
was yet a child, when the army of the Achæans was set about praying to the gods, and many were made
cut to pieces before Thebes. Henceforth, however, I sorrowful as they heard him.
must be your host in middle Argos, and you mine Presently he reached the splendid palace of King
in Lycia, if I should ever go there; let us avoid one Priam, adorned with colonnades of hewn stone. In
another’s spears even during a general engagement; it there were fifty bedchambers—all of hewn stone—
there are many noble Trojans and allies whom I can built near one another, where the sons of Priam slept,
kill, if I overtake them and heaven delivers them each with his wedded wife. Opposite these, on the
into my hand; so again with yourself, there are many other side the courtyard, there were twelve upper
Achæans whose lives you may take if you can; we rooms also of hewn stone for Priam’s daughters,
two, then, will exchange armour, that all present built near one another, where his sons-in-law slept
may know of the old ties that subsist between us.” with their wives. When Hector got there, his fond
With these words they sprang from their chari- mother came up to him with Laodice the fairest of

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her daughters. She took his hand within her own yearling heifers that have never yet felt the goad, in
and said, “My son, why have you left the battle to the temple of the goddess if she will take pity on
come hither? Are the Achæans, woe betide them, the town, with the wives and little ones of the Tro-
pressing you hard about the city that you have jans, and keep the son of Tydeus from off the goodly
thought fit to come and uplift your hands to Jove city of Ilius, for he fights with fury, and fills men’s
from the citadel? Wait till I can bring you wine that souls with panic. Go, then, to the temple of Minerva,
you may make offering to Jove and to the other while I seek Paris and exhort him, if he will hear my
immortals, and may then drink and be refreshed. words. Would that the earth might open her jaws
Wine gives a man fresh strength when he is wea- and swallow him, for Jove bred him to be the bane
ried, as you now are with fighting on behalf of your of the Trojans, and of Priam and Priam’s sons. Could
kinsmen.” I but see him go down into the house of Hades, my
And Hector answered, “Honoured mother, bring heart would forget its heaviness.”
no wine, lest you unman me and I forget my His mother went into the house and called her
strength. I dare not make a drink-offering to Jove waiting-women who gathered the matrons through-
with unwashed hands; one who is bespattered with out the city. She then went down into her fragrant
blood and filth may not pray to the son of Saturn. store-room, where her embroidered robes were kept,
Get the matrons together, and go with offerings to the work of Sidonian women, whom Alexandrus
the temple of Minerva driver of the spoil; there, had brought over from Sidon when he sailed the
upon the knees of Minerva, lay the largest and fair- seas upon that voyage during which he carried off
est robe you have in your house—the one you set Helen. Hecuba took out the largest robe, and the
most store by; promise, moreover, to sacrifice twelve one that was most beautifully enriched with em-

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broidery, as an offering to Minerva: it glittered like Alexandrus, which he had built for him by the fore-
a star, and lay at the very bottom of the chest. With most builders in the land. They had built him his
this she went on her way and many matrons with house, storehouse, and courtyard near those of
her. Priam and Hector on the acropolis. Here Hector
When they reached the temple of Minerva, lovely entered, with a spear eleven cubits long in his hand;
Theano, daughter of Cisseus and wife of Antenor, the bronze point gleamed in front of him, and was
opened the doors, for the Trojans had made her fastened to the shaft of the spear by a ring of gold.
priestess of Minerva. The women lifted up their He found Alexandrus within the house, busied
hands to the goddess with a loud cry, and Theano about his armour, his shield and cuirass, and han-
took the robe to lay it upon the knees of Minerva, dling his curved bow; there, too, sat Argive Helen
praying the while to the daughter of great Jove. with her women, setting them their several tasks;
“Holy Minerva,” she cried, “protectress of our city, and as Hector saw him he rebuked him with words
mighty goddess, break the spear of Diomed and lay of scorn. “Sir,” said he, “you do ill to nurse this
him low before the Scæan gates. Do this, and we rancour; the people perish fighting round this our
will sacrifice twelve heifers that have never yet town; you would yourself chide one whom you saw
known the goad, in your temple, if you will have shirking his part in the combat. Up then, or ere
pity upon the town, with the wives and little ones long the city will be in a blaze.”
If the Trojans.” Thus she prayed, but Pallas Minerva And Alexandrus answered, “Hector, your rebuke
granted not her prayer. is just; listen therefore, and believe me when I tell
While they were thus praying to the daughter of you that I am not here so much through rancour or
great Jove, Hector went to the fair house of ill-will towards the Trojans, as from a desire to in-

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dulge my grief. My wife was even now gently urg- a theme of song among those that shall be born
ing me to battle, and I hold it better that I should hereafter.”
go, for victory is ever fickle. Wait, then, while I put And Hector answered, “Bid me not be seated,
on my armour, or go first and I will follow. I shall Helen, for all the goodwill you bear me. I cannot
be sure to overtake you.” stay. I am in haste to help the Trojans, who miss me
Hector made no answer, but Helen tried to soothe greatly when I am not among them; but urge your
him. “Brother,” said she, “to my abhorred and sin- husband, and of his own self also let him make haste
ful self, would that a whirlwind had caught me up to overtake me before I am out of the city. I must
on the day my mother brought me forth, and had go home to see my household, my wife and my little
borne me to some mountain or to the waves of the son, for I know not whether I shall ever again re-
roaring sea that should have swept me away ere this turn to them, or whether the gods will cause me to
mischief had come about. But, since the gods have fill by the hands of the Achæans.”
devised these evils, would, at any rate, that I had Then Hector left her, and forthwith was at his
been wife to a better man—to one who could smart own house. He did not find Andromache, for she
under dishonour and men’s evil speeches. This fel- was on the wall with her child and one of her maids,
low was never yet to be depended upon, nor never weeping bitterly. Seeing, then, that she was not
will be, and he will surely reap what he has sown. within, he stood on the threshold of the women’s
Still, brother, come in and rest upon this seat, for it rooms and said, “Women, tell me, and tell me true,
is you who bear the brunt of that toil that has been where did Andromache go when she left the house?
caused by my hateful self and by the sin of Was it to my sisters, or to my brothers’ wives? or is
Alexandrus—both of whom Jove has doomed to be she at the temple of Minerva where the other women

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are propitiating the awful goddess?” son, and lovely as a star. Hector had named him
His good housekeeper answered, “Hector, since Scamandrius, but the people called him Astyanax,
you bid me tell you truly, she did not go to your for his father stood alone as chief guardian of Ilius.
sisters nor to your brothers’ wives, nor yet to the Hector smiled as he looked upon the boy, but he
temple of Minerva, where the other women are pro- did not speak, and Andromache stood by him weep-
pitiating the awful goddess, but she is on the high ing and taking his hand in her own. “Dear husband,”
wall of Ilius, for she had heard the Trojans were said she, “your valour will bring you to destruc-
being hard pressed, and that the Achæans were in tion; think on your infant son, and on my hapless
great force: she went to the wall in frenzied haste, self who ere long shall be your widow—for the
and the nurse went with her carrying the child.” Achæans will set upon you in a body and kill you.
Hector hurried from the house when she had done It would be better for me, should I lose you, to lie
speaking, and went down the streets by the same dead and buried, for I shall have nothing left to
way that he had come. When he had gone through comfort me when you are gone, save only sorrow. I
the city and had reached the Scæan gates through have neither father nor mother now. Achilles slew
which he would go out on to the plain, his wife my father when he sacked Thebe the goodly city of
came running towards him, Andromache, daughter the Cilicians. He slew him, but did not for very
of great Eetion who ruled in Thebe under the shame despoil him; when he had burned him in his
wooded slopes of Mt. Placus, and was king of the wondrous armour, he raised a barrow over his ashes
Cilicians. His daughter had married Hector, and now and the mountain nymphs, daughters of ægis-bear-
came to meet him with a nurse who carried his little ing Jove, planted a grove of elms about his tomb. I
child in her bosom—a mere babe. Hector’s darling had seven brothers in my father’s house, but on the

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same day they all went within the house of Hades. fight bravely in the forefront of the Trojan host and
Achilles killed them as they were with their sheep win renown alike for my father and myself. Well do
and cattle. My mother—her who had been queen I know that the day will surely come when mighty
of all the land under Mt. Placus—he brought hither Ilius shall be destroyed with Priam and Priam’s
with the spoil, and freed her for a great sum, but people, but I grieve for none of these—not even for
the archer—queen Diana took her in the house of Hecuba, nor King Priam, nor for my brothers many
your father. Nay—Hector—you who to me are fa- and brave who may fall in the dust before their foes—
ther, mother, brother, and dear husband—have for none of these do I grieve as for yourself when the
mercy upon me; stay here upon this wall; make not day shall come on which some one of the Achæans
your child fatherless, and your wife a widow; as for shall rob you for ever of your freedom, and bear you
the host, place them near the fig-tree, where the weeping away. It may be that you will have to ply
city can be best scaled, and the wall is weakest. the loom in Argos at the bidding of a mistress, or to
Thrice have the bravest of them come thither and fetch water from the springs Messeis or Hypereia,
assailed it, under the two Ajaxes, Idomeneus, the treated brutally by some cruel task-master; then will
sons of Atreus, and the brave son of Tydeus, either one say who sees you weeping, ‘She was wife to Hec-
of their own bidding, or because some soothsayer tor, the bravest warrior among the Trojans during
had told them.” the war before Ilius.’ On this your tears will break
And Hector answered, “Wife, I too have thought forth anew for him who would have put away the
upon all this, but with what face should I look upon day of captivity from you. May I lie dead under the
the Trojans, men or women, if I shirked battle like barrow that is heaped over my body ere I hear your
a coward? I cannot do so: I know nothing save to cry as they carry you into bondage.”

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He stretched his arms towards his child, but the her fondly, saying, “My own wife, do not take these
boy cried and nestled in his nurse’s bosom, scared things too bitterly to heart. No one can hurry me
at the sight of his father’s armour, and at the horse- down to Hades before my time, but if a man’s hour
hair plume that nodded fiercely from his helmet. is come, be he brave or be he coward, there is no
His father and mother laughed to see him, but Hec- escape for him when he has once been born. Go,
tor took the helmet from his head and laid it all then, within the house, and busy yourself with your
gleaming upon the ground. Then he took his dar- daily duties, your loom, your distaff, and the order-
ling child, kissed him, and dandled him in his arms, ing of your servants; for war is man’s matter, and
praying over him the while to Jove and to all the mine above all others of them that have been born
gods. “Jove,” he cried, “grant that this my child may in Ilius.”
be even as myself, chief among the Trojans; let him He took his plumed helmet from the ground, and
be not less excellent in strength, and let him rule his wife went back again to her house, weeping bit-
Ilius with his might. Then may one say of him as terly and often looking back towards him. When
he comes from battle, ‘The son is far better than she reached her home she found her maidens within,
the father.’ May he bring back the blood-stained and bade them all join in her lament; so they
spoils of him whom he has laid low, and let his mourned Hector in his own house though he was
mother’s heart be glad.’” yet alive, for they deemed that they should never
With this he laid the child again in the arms of see him return safe from battle, and from the furi-
his wife, who took him to her own soft bosom, ous hands of the Achæans.
smiling through her tears. As her husband watched Paris did not remain long in his house. He donned
her his heart yearned towards her and he caressed his goodly armour overlaid with bronze, and hasted

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through the city as fast as his feet could take him. have suffered much on your account. Let us be go-
As a horse, stabled and fed, breaks loose and gal- ing, and we will make things right hereafter, should
lops gloriously over the plain to the place where he Jove vouchsafe us to set the cup of our deliverance
is wont to bathe in the fair-flowing river—he holds before ever-living gods of heaven in our own homes,
his head high, and his mane streams upon his shoul- when we have chased the Achæans from Troy.”
ders as he exults in his strength and flies like the
wind to the haunts and feeding ground of the BOOK VII
mares—even so went forth Paris from high
Pergamus, gleaming like sunlight in his armour, and WITH THESE WORDS Hector passed through the gates,
he laughed aloud as he sped swiftly on his way. and his brother Alexandrus with him, both eager
Forthwith he came upon his brother Hector, who for the fray. As when heaven sends a breeze to sail-
was then turning away from the place where he had ors who have long looked for one in vain, and have
held converse with his wife, and he was himself the laboured at their oars till they are faint with toil,
first to speak. “Sir,” said he, “I fear that I have kept even so welcome was the sight of these two heroes
you waiting when you are in haste, and have not to the Trojans.
come as quickly as you bade me.” Thereon Alexandrus killed Menesthius the son
“My good brother,” answered Hector, you fight of Areithous; he lived in Ame, and was son of
bravely, and no man with any justice can make light Areithous the Mace-man, and of Phylomedusa.
of your doings in battle. But you are careless and Hector threw a spear at Eioneus and struck him
wilfully remiss. It grieves me to the heart to hear dead with a wound in the neck under the bronze
the ill that the Trojans speak about you, for they rim of his helmet. Glaucus, moreover, son of

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Hippolochus, captain of the Lycians, in hard hand- And Minerva answered, “So be it, Far-Darter; it
to-hand fight smote Iphinous son of Dexius on the was in this mind that I came down from Olympus
shoulder, as he was springing on to his chariot be- to the Trojans and Achæans. Tell me, then, how do
hind his fleet mares; so he fell to earth from the car, you propose to end this present fighting?”
and there was no life left in him. Apollo, son of Jove, replied, “Let us incite great
When, therefore, Minerva saw these men mak- Hector to challenge some one of the Danaans in
ing havoc of the Argives, she darted down to Ilius single combat; on this the Achæans will be shamed
from the summits of Olympus, and Apollo, who was into finding a man who will fight him.”
looking on from Pergamus, went out to meet her; Minerva assented, and Helenus son of Priam di-
for he wanted the Trojans to be victorious. The pair vined the counsel of the gods; he therefore went up
met by the oak tree, and King Apollo son of Jove to Hector and said, “Hector son of Priam, peer of
was first to speak. “What would you have said he, gods in counsel, I am your brother, let me then per-
“daughter of great Jove, that your proud spirit has suade you. Bid the other Trojans and Achæans all
sent you hither from Olympus? Have you no pity of them take their seats, and challenge the best man
upon the Trojans, and would you incline the scales among the Achæans to meet you in single combat.
of victory in favour of the Danaans? Let me per- I have heard the voice of the ever-living gods, and
suade you—for it will be better thus—stay the com- the hour of your doom is not yet come.”
bat for to-day, but let them renew the fight hereaf- Hector was glad when he heard this saying, and
ter till they compass the doom of Ilius, since you went in among the Trojans, grasping his spear by
goddesses have made up your minds to destroy the the middle to hold them back, and they all sat down.
city.” Agamemnon also bade the Achæans be seated. But

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Minerva and Apollo, in the likeness of vultures, In like manner, if Apollo vouchsafe me glory and I
perched on father Jove’s high oak tree, proud of slay your champion, I will strip him of his armour
their men; and the ranks sat close ranged together, and take it to the city of Ilius, where I will hang it
bristling with shield and helmet and spear. As when in the temple of Apollo, but I will give up his body,
the rising west wind furs the face of the sea and the that the Achæans may bury him at their ships, and
waters grow dark beneath it, so sat the companies the build him a mound by the wide waters of the
of Trojans and Achæans upon the plain. And Hec- Hellespont. Then will one say hereafter as he sails
tor spoke thus— his ship over the sea, ‘This is the monument of one
“Hear me, Trojans and Achæans, that I may speak who died long since a champion who was slain by
even as I am minded; Jove on his high throne has mighty Hector.’ Thus will one say, and my fame
brought our oaths and covenants to nothing, and shall not be lost.”
foreshadows ill for both of us, till you either take Thus did he speak, but they all held their peace,
the towers of Troy, or are yourselves vanquished at ashamed to decline the challenge, yet fearing to
your ships. The princes of the Achæans are here accept it, till at last Menelaus rose and rebuked
present in the midst of you; let him, then, that will them, for he was angry. “Alas,” he cried, “vain brag-
fight me stand forward as your champion against garts, women forsooth not men, double-dyed in-
Hector. Thus I say, and may Jove be witness be- deed will be the stain upon us if no man of the
tween us. If your champion slay me, let him strip Danaans will now face Hector. May you be turned
me of my armour and take it to your ships, but let every man of you into earth and water as you sit
him send my body home that the Trojans and their spiritless and inglorious in your places. I will my-
wives may give me my dues of fire when I am dead. self go out against this man, but the upshot of the

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fight will be from on high in the hands of the im- stripped the armour from off his shoulders. Then
mortal gods.” Nestor rose and spoke, “Of a truth,” said he, “the
With these words he put on his armour; and then, Achæan land is fallen upon evil times. The old
O Menelaus, your life would have come to an end knight Peleus, counsellor and orator among the
at the hands of hands of Hector, for he was far bet- Myrmidons, loved when I was in his house to ques-
ter the man, had not the princes of the Achæans tion me concerning the race and lineage of all the
sprung upon you and checked you. King Argives. How would it not grieve him could he hear
Agamemnon caught him by the right hand and said, of them as now quailing before Hector? Many a
“Menelaus, you are mad; a truce to this folly. Be time would he lift his hands in prayer that his soul
patient in spite of passion, do not think of fighting might leave his body and go down within the house
a man so much stronger than yourself as Hector of Hades. Would, by father Jove, Minerva, and
son of Priam, who is feared by many another as Apollo, that I were still young and strong as when
well as you. Even Achilles, who is far more doughty the Pylians and Arcadians were gathered in fight by
than you are, shrank from meeting him in battle. the rapid river Celadon under the walls of Pheia,
Sit down your own people, and the Achæans will and round about the waters of the river Iardanus.
send some other champion to fight Hector; fearless The godlike hero Ereuthalion stood forward as their
and fond of battle though he be, I ween his knees champion, with the armour of King Areithous upon
will bend gladly under him if he comes out alive his shoulders—Areithous whom men and women
from the hurly-burly of this fight.” had surnamed ‘the Mace-man,’ because he fought
With these words of reasonable counsel he per- neither with bow nor spear, but broke the battal-
suaded his brother, whereon his squires gladly ions of the foe with his iron mace. Lycurgus killed

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him, not in fair fight, but by entrapping him in a with nine men started to their feet. Foremost of all
narrow way where his mace served him in no stead; uprose King Agamemnon, and after him brave
for Lycurgus was too quick for him and speared him Diomed the son of Tydeus. Next were the two
through the middle, so he fell to earth on his back. Ajaxes, men clothed in valour as with a garment,
Lycurgus then spoiled him of the armour which and then Idomeneus, and Meriones his brother in
Mars had given him, and bore it in battle thence- arms. After these Eurypylus son of Euæmon, Thoas
forward; but when he grew old and stayed at home, the son of Andræmon, and Ulysses also rose. Then
he gave it to his faithful squire Ereuthalion, who in Nestor knight of Gerene again spoke, saying: “Cast
this same armour challenged the foremost men lots among you to see who shall be chosen. If he
among us. The others quaked and quailed, but my come alive out of this fight he will have done good
high spirit bade me fight him though none other service alike to his own soul and to the Achæans.”
would venture; I was the youngest man of them all; Thus he spoke, and when each of them had
but when I fought him Minerva vouchsafed me vic- marked his lot, and had thrown it into the helmet
tory. He was the biggest and strongest man that of Agamemnon son of Atreus, the people lifted their
ever I killed, and covered much ground as he lay hands in prayer, and thus would one of them say as
sprawling upon the earth. Would that I were still he looked into the vault of heaven, “Father Jove,
young and strong as I then was, for the son of Priam grant that the lot fall on Ajax, or on the son of
would then soon find one who would face him. But Tydeus, or upon the king of rich Mycene himself.”
you, foremost among the whole host though you be, As they were speaking, Nestor knight of Gerene
have none of you any stomach for fighting Hector.” shook the helmet, and from it there fell the very lot
Thus did the old man rebuke them, and forth- which they wanted—the lot of Ajax. The herald bore

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it about and showed it to all the chieftains of the grant to each of them equal fame and prowess.
Achæans, going from left to right; but they none of Thus they prayed, and Ajax armed himself in his
of them owned it. When, however, in due course he suit of gleaming bronze. When he was in full array
reached the man who had written upon it and had he sprang forward as monstrous Mars when he takes
put it into the helmet, brave Ajax held out his hand, part among men whom Jove has set fighting with
and the herald gave him the lot. When Ajax saw one another—even so did huge Ajax, bulwark of
him mark he knew it and was glad; he threw it to the Achæans, spring forward with a grim smile on
the ground and said, “My friends, the lot is mine, his face as he brandished his long spear and strode
and I rejoice, for I shall vanquish Hector. I will put onward. The Argives were elated as they beheld him,
on my armour; meanwhile, pray to King Jove in but the Trojans trembled in every limb, and the
silence among yourselves that the Trojans may not heart even of Hector beat quickly, but he could not
hear you—or aloud if you will, for we fear no man. now retreat and withdraw into the ranks behind
None shall overcome me, neither by force nor cun- him, for he had been the challenger. Ajax came up
ning, for I was born and bred in Salamis, and can bearing his shield in front of him like a wall—a shield
hold my own in all things.” of bronze with seven folds of oxhide—the work of
With this they fell praying to King Jove the son Tychius, who lived in Hyle and was by far the best
of Saturn, and thus would one of them say as he worker in leather. He had made it with the hides of
looked into the vault of heaven, “Father Jove that seven full-fed bulls, and over these he had set an
rulest from Ida, most glorious in power, vouchsafe eighth layer of bronze. Holding this shield before
victory to Ajax, and let him win great glory: but if him, Ajax son of Telamon came close up to Hector,
you wish well to Hector also and would protect him, and menaced him saying, “Hector, you shall now

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learn, man to man, what kind of champions the and went through six of the layers but in the sev-
Danaans have among them even besides lion- enth hide it stayed. Then Ajax threw in his turn,
hearted Achilles cleaver of the ranks of men. He and struck the round shield of the son of Priam.
now abides at the ships in anger with Agamemnon The terrible spear went through his gleaming shield,
shepherd of his people, but there are many of us and pressed onward through his cuirass of cunning
who are well able to face you; therefore begin the workmanship; it pierced the shirt against his side,
fight.” but he swerved and thus saved his life. They then
And Hector answered, “Noble Ajax, son of each of them drew out the spear from his shield,
Telamon, captain of the host, treat me not as though and fell on one another like savage lions or wild
I were some puny boy or woman that cannot fight. boars of great strength and endurance: the son of
I have been long used to the blood and butcheries Priam struck the middle of Ajax’s shield, but the
of battle. I am quick to turn my leathern shield bronze did not break, and the point of his dart was
either to right or left, for this I deem the main thing turned. Ajax then sprang forward and pierced the
in battle. I can charge among the chariots and horse- shield of Hector; the spear went through it and stag-
men, and in hand to hand fighting can delight the gered him as he was springing forward to attack; it
heart of Mars; howbeit I would not take such a man gashed his neck and the blood came pouring from
as you are off his guard—but I will smite you openly the wound, but even so Hector did not cease fight-
if I can.” ing; he gave ground, and with his brawny hand
He poised his spear as he spoke, and hurled it seized a stone, rugged and huge, that was lying upon
from him. It struck the sevenfold shield in its out- the plain; with this he struck the shield of Ajax on
ermost layer—the eighth, which was of bronze— the boss that was in its middle, so that the bronze

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rang again. But Ajax in turn caught up a far larger wielding the spear you excel all others of the
stone, swung it aloft, and hurled it with prodigious Achæans. Let us for this day cease fighting; hereaf-
force. This millstone of a rock broke Hector’s shield ter we will fight anew till heaven decide between
inwards and threw him down on his back with the us, and give victory to one or to the other; night is
shield crushing him under it, but Apollo raised him now falling, and the behests of night may not be
at once. Thereon they would have hacked at one well gainsaid. Gladden, then, the hearts of the
another in close combat with their swords, had not Achæans at your ships, and more especially those
heralds, messengers of gods and men, come forward, of your own followers and clansmen, while I, in the
one from the Trojans and the other from the great city of King Priam, bring comfort to the Tro-
Achæans—Talthybius and Idæus both of them jans and their women, who vie with one another in
honourable men; these parted them with their their prayers on my behalf. Let us, moreover, ex-
staves, and the good herald Idæus said, “My sons, change presents that it may be said among the
fight no longer, you are both of you valiant, and Achæans and Trojans, ‘They fought with might and
both are dear to Jove; we know this; but night is main, but were reconciled and parted in friendship.’
now falling, and the behests of night may not be On this he gave Ajax a silver-studded sword with
well gainsaid.” its sheath and leathern baldric, and in return Ajax
Ajax son of Telamon answered, “Idæus, bid Hec- gave him a girdle dyed with purple. Thus they
tor say so, for it was he that challenged our princes. parted, the one going to the host of the Achæans,
Let him speak first and I will accept his saying.” and the other to that of the Trojans, who rejoiced
Then Hector said, “Ajax, heaven has vouchsafed when they saw their hero come to them safe and
you stature and strength, and judgement; and in unharmed from the strong hands of mighty Ajax.

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They led him, therefore, to the city as one that had Mars has shed by the banks of the Scamander, and
been saved beyond their hopes. On the other side their souls have gone down to the house of Hades,
the Achæans brought Ajax elated with victory to it will be well when morning comes that we should
Agamemnon. cease fighting; we will then wheel our dead together
When they reached the quarters of the son of with oxen and mules and burn them not far from
Atreus, Agamemnon sacrificed for them a five-year- the ships, that when we sail hence we may take the
old bull in honour of Jove the son of Saturn. They bones of our comrades home to their children. Hard
flayed the carcass, made it ready, and divided it into by the funeral pyre we will build a barrow that shall
joints; these they cut carefully up into smaller pieces, be raised from the plain for all in common; near
putting them on the spits, roasting them sufficiently, this let us set about building a high wall, to shelter
and then drawing them off. When they had done ourselves and our ships, and let it have well-made
all this and had prepared the feast, they ate it, and gates that there may be a way through them for our
every man had his full and equal share, so that all chariots. Close outside we will dig a deep trench all
were satisfied, and King Agamemnon gave Ajax some round it to keep off both horse and foot, that the
slices cut lengthways down the loin, as a mark of Trojan chieftains may not bear hard upon us.”
special honour. As soon as they had had enough to Thus he spoke, and the princess shouted in ap-
cat and drink, old Nestor whose counsel was ever plause. Meanwhile the Trojans held a council, an-
truest began to speak; with all sincerity and good- gry and full of discord, on the acropolis by the gates
will, therefore, he addressed them thus— of King Priam’s palace; and wise Antenor spoke.
“Son of Atreus, and other chieftains, inasmuch as “Hear me he said, “Trojans, Dardanians, and allies,
many of the Achæans are now dead, whose blood that I may speak even as I am minded. Let us give

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up Argive Helen and her wealth to the sons of break let Idæus go to the ships, and tell Agamemnon
Atreus, for we are now fighting in violation of our and Menelaus sons of Atreus the saying of
solemn covenants, and shall not prosper till we have Alexandrus through whom this quarrel has come
done as I say.” about; and let him also be instant with them that
He then sat down and Alexandrus husband of they now cease fighting till we burn our dead; here-
lovely Helen rose to speak. “Antenor,” said he, “your after we will fight anew, till heaven decide between
words are not to my liking; you can find a better us and give victory to one or to the other.”
saying than this if you will; if, however, you have Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had
spoken in good earnest, then indeed has heaven said. They took supper in their companies and at
robbed you of your reason. I will speak plainly, and daybreak Idæus went his wa to the ships. He found
hereby notify to the Trojans that I will not give up the Danaans, servants of Mars, in council at the
the woman; but the wealth that I brought home stern of Agamemnon’s ship, and took his place in
with her from Argos I will restore, and will add yet the midst of them. “Son of Atreus,” he said, “and
further of my own.” princes of the Achæan host, Priam and the other
On this, when Paris had spoken and taken his noble Trojans have sent me to tell you the saying of
seat, Priam of the race of Dardanus, peer of gods in Alexandrus through whom this quarrel has come
council, rose and with all sincerity and goodwill about, if so be that you may find it acceptable. All
addressed them thus: “Hear me, Trojans, Dardanians, the treasure he took with him in his ships to Troy—
and allies, that I may speak even as I am minded. would that he had sooner perished—he will restore,
Get your suppers now as hitherto throughout the and will add yet further of his own, but he will not
city, but keep your watches and be wakeful. At day- give up the wedded wife of Menelaus, though the

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Trojans would have him do so. Priam bade me in- in council waiting his return; when he came, he
quire further if you will cease fighting till we burn stood in their midst and delivered his message. As
our dead; hereafter we will fight anew, till heaven soon as they heard it they set about their twofold
decide between us and give victory to one or to the labour, some to gather the corpses, and others to
other.” bring in wood. The Argives on their part also has-
They all held their peace, but presently Diomed tened from their ships, some to gather the corpses,
of the loud war-cry spoke, saying, “Let there be no and others to bring in wood.
taking, neither treasure, nor yet Helen, for even a The sun was beginning to beat upon the fields,
child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at fresh risen into the vault of heaven from the slow
hand.” still currents of deep Oceanus, when the two armies
The sons of the Achæans shouted applause at the met. They could hardly recognise their dead, but
words that Diomed had spoken, and thereon King they washed the clotted gore from off them, shed
Agamemnon said to Idæus, “Idæus, you have heard tears over them, and lifted them upon their waggons.
the answer the Achæans make you-and I with them. Priam had forbidden the Trojans to wail aloud, so
But as concerning the dead, I give you leave to burn they heaped their dead sadly and silently upon the
them, for when men are once dead there should be pyre, and having burned them went back to the
no grudging them the rites of fire. Let Jove the mighty city of Ilius. The Achæans in like manner heaped
husband of Juno be witness to this covenant.” their dead sadly and silently on the pyre, and hav-
As he spoke he upheld his sceptre in the sight of ing burned them went back to their ships.
all the gods, and Idæus went back to the strong city Now in the twilight when it was not yet dawn,
of Ilius. The Trojans and Dardanians were gathered chosen bands of the Achæans were gathered round

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the pyre and built one barrow that was raised in less powerful than yourself might be alarmed at what
common for all, and hard by this they built a high they are doing, but your fame reaches as far as dawn
wall to shelter themselves and their ships; they gave itself. Surely when the Achæans have gone home
it strong gates that there might be a way through with their ships, you can shatter their wall and Ring
them for their chariots, and close outside it they it into the sea; you can cover the beach with sand
dug a trench deep and wide, and they planted it again, and the great wall of the Achæans will then
within with stakes. be utterly effaced.”
Thus did the Achæans toil, and the gods, seated Thus did they converse, and by sunset the work
by the side of Jove the lord of lightning, marvelled of the Achæans was completed; they then slaugh-
at their great work; but Neptune, lord of the earth- tered oxen at their tents and got their supper. Many
quake, spoke, saying, “Father Jove, what mortal in ships had come with wine from Lemnos, sent by
the whole world will again take the gods into his Euneus the son of Jason, born to him by Hypsipyle.
counsel? See you not how the Achæans have built The son of Jason freighted them with ten thousand
a wall about their ships and driven a trench all round measures of wine, which he sent specially to the
it, without offering hecatombs to the gods? The The sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus. From
fame of this wall will reach as far as dawn itself, this supply the Achæans bought their wine, some
and men will no longer think anything of the one with bronze, some with iron, some with hides, some
which Phoebus Apollo and myself built with so with whole heifers, and some again with captives.
much labour for Laomedon.” They spread a goodly banquet and feasted the whole
Jove was displeased and answered, “What, O night through, as also did the Trojans and their al-
shaker of the earth, are you talking about? A god lies in the city. But all the time Jove boded them ill

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and roared with his portentous thunder. Pale fear deepest pit under the earth, where the gates are iron
got hold upon them, and they spilled the wine from and the floor bronze, as far beneath Hades as heaven
their cups on to the ground, nor did any dare drink is high above the earth, that you may learn how
till he had made offerings to the most mighty son much the mightiest I am among you. Try me and
of Saturn. Then they laid themselves down to rest find out for yourselves. Hangs me a golden chain
and enjoyed the boon of sleep. from heaven, and lay hold of it all of you, gods and
goddesses together—tug as you will, you will not
BOOK VIII drag Jove the supreme counsellor from heaven to
earth; but were I to pull at it myself I should draw
NOW WHEN MORNING, clad in her robe of saffron, you up with earth and sea into the bargain, then
had begun to suffuse light over the earth, Jove called would I bind the chain about some pinnacle of
the gods in council on the topmost crest of serrated Olympus and leave you all dangling in the mid fir-
Olympus. Then he spoke and all the other gods gave mament. So far am I above all others either of gods
ear. “Hear me,” said he, “gods and goddesses, that I or men.”
may speak even as I am minded. Let none of you They were frightened and all of them of held their
neither goddess nor god try to cross me, but obey peace, for he had spoken masterfully; but at last
me every one of you that I may bring this matter to Minerva answered, “Father, son of Saturn, king of
an end. If I see anyone acting apart and helping kings, we all know that your might is not to be
either Trojans or Danaans, he shall be beaten inor- gainsaid, but we are also sorry for the Danaan war-
dinately ere he come back again to Olympus; or I riors, who are perishing and coming to a bad end.
will hurl him down into dark Tartarus far into the We will, however, since you so bid us, refrain from

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actual fighting, but we will make serviceable sug- Trojans on the other hand likewise armed them-
gestions to the Argives that they may not all of them selves throughout the city, fewer in numbers but
perish in your displeasure.” nevertheless eager perforce to do battle for their
Jove smiled at her and answered, “Take heart, my wives and children. All the gates were flung wide
child, Trito-born; I am not really in earnest, and I open, and horse and foot sallied forth with the tramp
wish to be kind to you.” as of a great multitude.
With this he yoked his fleet horses, with hoofs of When they were got together in one place, shield
bronze and manes of glittering gold. He girded him- clashed with shield, and spear with spear, in the
self also with gold about the body, seized his gold conflict of mail-clad men. Mighty was the din as
whip and took his seat in his chariot. Thereon he the bossed shields pressed hard on one another—
lashed his horses and they flew forward nothing death-cry and shout of triumph of slain and slay-
loth midway twixt earth and starry heaven. After a ers, and the earth ran red with blood.
while he reached many-fountained Ida, mother of Now so long as the day waxed and it was still
wild beasts, and Gargarus, where are his grove and morning their weapons beat against one another,
fragrant altar. There the father of gods and men and the people fell, but when the sun had reached
stayed his horses, took them from the chariot, and mid-heaven, the sire of all balanced his golden scales,
hid them in a thick cloud; then he took his seat all and put two fates of death within them, one for the
glorious upon the topmost crests, looking down Trojans and the other for the Achæans. He took
upon the city of Troy and the ships of the Achæans. the balance by the middle, and when he lifted it up
The Achæans took their morning meal hastily at the day of the Achæans sank; the death-fraught scale
the ships, and afterwards put on their armour. The of the Achæans settled down upon the ground, while

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that of the Trojans rose heavenwards. Then he thun- “Ulysses,” he cried, “noble son of Lærtes where
dered aloud from Ida, and sent the glare of his light- are you flying to, with your back turned like a cow-
ning upon the Achæans; when they saw this, pale ard? See that you are not struck with a spear be-
fear fell upon them and they were sore afraid. tween the shoulders. Stay here and help me to de-
Idomeneus dared not stay nor yet Agamemnon, fend Nestor from this man’s furious onset.”
nor did the two Ajaxes, servants of Mars, hold their Ulysses would not give ear, but sped onward to
ground. Nestor knight of Gerene alone stood firm, the ships of the Achæans, and the son of Tydeus
bulwark of the Achæans, not of his own will, but flinging himself alone into the thick of the fight
one of his horses was disabled. Alexandrus husband took his stand before the horses of the son of Neleus.
of lovely Helen had hit it with an arrow just on the “Sir,” said he, “these young warriors are pressing
top of its head where the mane begins to grow away you hard, your force is spent, and age is heavy upon
from the skull, a very deadly place. The horse you, your squire is naught, and your horses are slow
bounded in his anguish as the arrow pierced his to move. Mount my chariot and see what the horses
brain, and his struggles threw others into confu- of Tros can do—how cleverly they can scud hither
sion. The old man instantly began cutting the traces and thither over the plain either in flight or in pur-
with his sword, but Hector’s fleet horses bore down suit. I took them from the hero Æneas. Let our
upon him through the rout with their bold chari- squires attend to your own steeds, but let us drive
oteer, even Hector himself, and the old man would mine straight at the Trojans, that Hector may learn
have perished there and then had not Diomed been how furiously I too can wield my spear.”
quick to mark, and with a loud cry called Ulysses Nestor knight of Gerene hearkened to his words.
to help him. Thereon the doughty squires, Sthenelus and kind-

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hearted Eurymedon, saw to Nestor’s horses, while just in front of Diomed’s horses with a flare of burn-
the two both mounted Diomed’s chariot. Nestor ing brimstone. The horses were frightened and tried
took the reins in his hands and lashed the horses to back beneath the car, while the reins dropped
on; they were soon close up with Hector, and the from Nestor’s hands. Then he was afraid and said
son of Tydeus aimed a spear at him as he was charg- to Diomed, “Son of Tydeus, turn your horses in
ing full speed towards them. He missed him, but flight; see you not that the hand of Jove is against
struck his charioteer and squire Eniopeus son of you? To-day he vouchsafes victory to Hector; to-
noble Thebæus in the breast by the nipple while morrow, if it so please him, he will again grant it to
the reins were in his hands, so that he died there ourselves; no man, however brave, may thwart the
and then, and the horses swerved as he fell head- purpose of Jove, for he is far stronger than any.”
long from the chariot. Hector was greatly grieved at Diomed answered, “All that you have said is true;
the loss of his charioteer, but let him lie for all his there is a grief however which pierces me to the
sorrow, while he went in quest of another driver; very heart, for Hector will talk among the Trojans
nor did his steeds have to go long without one, for and say, ‘The son of Tydeus fled before me to the
he presently found brave Archeptolemus the son of ships.’ This is the vaunt he will make, and may earth
Iphitus, and made him get up behind the horses, then swallow me.”
giving the reins into his hand. “Son of Tydeus,” replied Nestor, “what mean you?
All had then been lost and no help for it, for they Though Hector say that you are a coward the Tro-
would have been penned up in Ilius like sheep, had jans and Dardanians will not believe him, nor yet
not the sire of gods and men been quick to mark, the wives of the mighty warriors whom you have
and hurled a fiery flaming thunderbolt which fell laid low.”

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So saying he turned the horses back through the he will deal destruction upon the Danaans. Fools, for
thick of the battle, and with a cry that rent the air having thought of building this weak and worthless
the Trojans and Hector rained their darts after them. wall. It shall not stay my fury; my horses will spring
Hector shouted to him and said, “Son of Tydeus, lightly over their trench, and when I am at their ships
the Danaans have done you honour hitherto as re- forget not to bring me fire that I may burn them,
gards your place at table, the meals they give you, while I slaughter the Argives who will be all dazed
and the filling of your cup with wine. Henceforth and bewildered by the smoke.”
they will despise you, for you are become no better Then he cried to his horses, “Xanthus and
than a woman. Be off, girl and coward that you are, Podargus, and you Æthon and goodly Lampus, pay
you shall not scale our walls through any Hinching me for your keep now and for all the honey-sweet
upon my part; neither shall you carry off our wives corn with which Andromache daughter of great
in your ships, for I shall kill you with my own hand.” Eetion has fed you, and for she has mixed wine and
The son of Tydeus was in two minds whether or no water for you to drink whenever you would, before
to turn his horses round again and fight him. Thrice doing so even for me who am her own husband.
did he doubt, and thrice did Jove thunder from the Haste in pursuit, that we may take the shield of
heights of. Ida in token to the Trojans that he would Nestor, the fame of which ascends to heaven, for it
turn the battle in their favour. Hector then shouted is of solid gold, arm-rods and all, and that we may
to them and said, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians, strip from the shoulders of Diomed. the cuirass
lovers of close fighting, be men, my friends, and fight which Vulcan made him. Could we take these two
with might and with main; I see that Jove is minded things, the Achæans would set sail in their ships
to vouchsafe victory and great glory to myself, while this self-same night.”

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Thus did he vaunt, but Queen Juno made high put it into the mind of Agamemnon, to bestir him-
Olympus quake as she shook with rage upon her self and to encourage the Achæans. To this end he
throne. Then said she to the mighty god of Nep- went round the ships and tents carrying a great
tune, “What now, wide ruling lord of the earth- purple cloak, and took his stand by the huge black
quake? Can you find no compassion in your heart hull of Ulysses’ ship, which was middlemost of all;
for the dying Danaans, who bring you many a wel- it was from this place that his voice would carry
come offering to Helice and to Ægæ? Wish them farthest, on the one hand towards the tents of Ajax
well then. If all of us who are with the Danaans son of Telamon, and on the other towards those of
were to drive the Trojans back and keep Jove from Achilles—for these two heroes, well assured of their
helping them, he would have to sit there sulking own strength, had valorously drawn up their ships
alone on Ida.” at the two ends of the line. From this spot then,
King Neptune was greatly troubled and answered, with a voice that could be heard afar, he shouted to
“Juno, rash of tongue, what are you talking about? the Danaans, saying, “Argives, shame on you cow-
We other gods must not set ourselves against Jove, ardly creatures, brave in semblance only; where are
for he is far stronger than we are.” now our vaunts that we should prove victorious—
Thus did they converse; but the whole space en- the vaunts we made so vaingloriously in Lemnos,
closed by the ditch, from the ships even to the wall, when we ate the flesh of horned cattle and filled
was filled with horses and warriors, who were pent our mixing-bowls to the brim? You vowed that you
up there by Hector son of Priam, now that the hand would each of you stand against a hundred or two
of Jove was with him. He would even have set fire hundred men, and now you prove no match even
to the ships and burned them, had not Queen Juno for one—for Hector, who will be ere long setting

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our ships in a blaze. Father Jove, did you ever so son of Tydeus; long before any one else could do so
ruin a great king and rob him so utterly of his great- he slew an armed warrior of the Trojans, Agelaus
ness? yet, when to my sorrow I was coming hither, the son of Phradmon. He had turned his horses in
I never let my ship pass your altars without offer- flight, but the spear struck him in the back midway
ing the fat and thigh-bones of heifers upon every between his shoulders and went right through his
one of them, so eager was I to sack the city of Troy. chest, and his armour rang rattling round him as he
Vouchsafe me then this prayer—suffer us to escape fell forward from his chariot.
at any rate with our lives, and let not the Achæans After him came Agamemnon and Menelaus, sons
be so utterly vanquished by the Trojans.” of Atreus, the two Ajaxes clothed in valour as with
Thus did he pray, and father Jove pitying his tears a garment, Idomeneus and his companion in arms
vouchsafed him that his people should live, not die; Meriones, peer of murderous Mars, and Eurypylus
forthwith he sent them an eagle, most unfailingly the brave son of Euæmon. Ninth came Teucer with
portentous of all birds, with a young fawn in its his bow, and took his place under cover of the shield
talons; the eagle dropped the fawn by the altar on of Ajax son of Telamon. When Ajax lifted his shield
which the Achæans sacrificed to Jove the lord of Teucer would peer round, and when he had hit any
omens; When, therefore, the people saw that the one in the throng, the man would fall dead; then
bird had come from Jove, they sprang more fiercely Teucer would hie back to Ajax as a child to its
upon the Trojans and fought more boldly. mother, and again duck down under his shield.
There was no man of all the many Danaans who Which of the Trojans did brave Teucer first kill?
could then boast that he had driven his horses over Orsilochus, and then Ormenus and Ophelestes,
the trench and gone forth to fight sooner than the Dætor, Chromius, and godlike Lycophontes,

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Amopaon son of Polyæmon, and Melanippus. these all of them have been buried in the flesh of warlike
in turn did he lay low upon the earth, and King youths, but this mad dog I cannot hit.”
Agamemnon was glad when he saw him making As he spoke he aimed another arrow straight at
havoc of the Trojans with his mighty bow. He went Hector, for he was bent on hitting him; neverthe-
up to him and said, “Teucer, man after my own less he missed him, and the arrow hit Priam’s brave
heart, son of Telamon, captain among the host, son Gorgythion in the breast. His mother, fair
shoot on, and be at once the saving of the Danaans Castianeira, lovely as a goddess, had been married
and the glory of your father Telamon, who brought from Æsyme, and now he bowed his head as a gar-
you up and took care of you in his own house when den poppy in full bloom when it is weighed down
you were a child, bastard though you were. Cover by showers in spring—even thus heavy bowed his
him with glory though he is far off; I will promise head beneath the weight of his helmet.
and I will assuredly perform; if ægis-bearing Jove Again he aimed at Hector, for he was longing to
and Minerva grant me to sack the city of Ilius, you hit him, and again his arrow missed, for Apollo
shall have the next best meed of honour after my turned it aside; but he hit Hector’s brave charioteer
own—a tripod, or two horses with their chariot, or Archeptolemus in the breast, by the nipple, as he
a woman who shall go up into your bed.” was driving furiously into the fight. The horses
And Teucer answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, swerved aside as he fell headlong from the chariot,
you need not urge me; from the moment we began and there was no life left in him. Hector was greatly
to drive them back to Ilius, I have never ceased so grieved at the loss of his charioteer, but for all his
far as in me lies to look out for men whom I can sorrow he let him lie where he fell, and bade his
shoot and kill; I have shot eight barbed shafts, and brother Cebriones, who was hard by, take the reins.

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Cebriones did as he had said. Hector thereon with he gives him chase, and watches warily for his wheel-
a loud cry sprang from his chariot to the ground, ing, even so did Hector follow close upon the
and seizing a great stone made straight for Teucer Achæans, ever killing the hindmost as they rushed
with intent kill him. Teucer had just taken an ar- panic-stricken onwards. When they had fled
row from his quiver and had laid it upon the bow- through the set stakes and trench and many
string, but Hector struck him with the jagged stone Achæans had been laid low at the hands of the Tro-
as he was taking aim and drawing the string to his jans, they halted at their ships, calling upon one
shoulder; he hit him just where the collar-bone di- another and praying every man instantly as they
vides the neck from the chest, a very deadly place, lifted up their hands to the gods; but Hector wheeled
and broke the sinew of his arm so that his wrist was his horses this way and that, his eyes glaring like
less, and the bow dropped from his hand as he fell those of Gorgo or murderous Mars.
forward on his knees. Ajax saw that his brother had Juno when she saw them had pity upon them,
fallen, and running towards him bestrode him and and at once said to Minerva, “Alas, child of ægis-
sheltered him with his shield. Meanwhile his two bearing Jove, shall you and I take no more thought
trusty squires, Mecisteus son of Echius, and Alastor, for the dying Danaans, though it be the last time
came up and bore him to the ships groaning in his we ever do so? See how they perish and come to a
great pain. bad end before the onset of but a single man. Hec-
Jove now again put heart into the Trojans, and tor the son of Priam rages with intolerable fury, and
they drove the Achæans to their deep trench with has already done great mischief.”
Hector in all his glory at their head. As a hound Minerva answered, “Would, indeed, this fellow
grips a wild boar or lion in flank or buttock when might die in his own land, and fall by the hands of

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the Achæans; but my father Jove is mad with spleen, Thus did she speak and white-armed Juno, daugh-
ever foiling me, ever headstrong and unjust. He for- ter of great Saturn, obeyed her words; she set about
gets how often I saved his son when he was worn harnessing her gold-bedizened steeds, while
out by the labours Eurystheus had laid on him. He Minerva daughter of ægis-bearing Jove flung her
would weep till his cry came up to heaven, and then richly vesture, made with her own hands, on to the
Jove would send me down to help him; if I had had threshold of her father, and donned the shirt of Jove,
the sense to foresee all this, when Eurystheus sent arming herself for battle. Then she stepped into her
him to the house of Hades, to fetch the hell-hound flaming chariot, and grasped the spear so stout and
from Erebus, he would never have come back alive sturdy and strong with which she quells the ranks
out of the deep waters of the river Styx. And now of heroes who have displeased her. Juno lashed her
Jove hates me, while he lets Thetis have her way horses, and the gates of heaven bellowed as they
because she kissed his knees and took hold of his flew open of their own accord—gates over which
beard, when she was begging him to do honour to the Hours preside, in whose hands are heaven and
Achilles. I shall know what to do next time he be- Olympus, either to open the dense cloud that hides
gins calling me his grey-eyed darling. Get our horses them or to close it. Through these the goddesses
ready, while I go within the house of ægis-bearing drove their obedient steeds.
Jove and put on my armour; we shall then find out But father Jove when he saw them from Ida was
whether Priam’s son Hector will be glad to meet us very angry, and sent winged Iris with a message to
in the highways of battle, or whether the Trojans them. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, turn them back,
will glut hounds and vultures with the fat of their and see that they do not come near me, for if we
flesh as they he dead by the ships of the Achæans.” come to fighting there will be mischief. This is what

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I say, and this is what I mean to do. I will lame their always contradicts him but you, bold bold hussy,
horses for them; I will hurl them from their chariot, will you really dare to raise your huge spear in defi-
and will break it in pieces. It will take them all ten ance of Jove?”
years to heal the wounds my lightning shall inflict With this she left them, and Juno said to Minerva,
upon them; my grey-eyed daughter will then learn “Of a truth, child of ægis-bearing Jove, I am not for
what quarrelling with her father means. I am less fighting men’s battles further in defiance of Jove.
surprised and angry with Juno, for whatever I say Let them live or die as luck will have it, and let Jove
she always contradicts me.” mete out his judgements upon the Trojans and
With this Iris went her way, fleet as the wind, Danaans according to his own pleasure.”
from the heights of Ida to the lofty summits of She turned her steeds; the Hours presently
Olympus. She met the goddesses at the outer gates unyoked them, made them fast to their ambrosial
of its many valleys and gave them her message. mangers, and leaned the chariot against the end wall
“What,” said she, “are you about? Are you mad? of the courtyard. The two goddesses then sat down
The son of Saturn forbids going. This is what he upon their golden thrones, amid the company of
says, and this is he means to do, he will lame your the other gods; but they were very angry.
horses for you, he will hurl you from your chariot, Presently father Jove drove his chariot to
and will break it in pieces. It will take you all ten Olympus, and entered the assembly of gods. The
years to heal the wounds his lightning will inflict mighty lord of the earthquake unyoked his horses
upon you, that you may learn, grey-eyed goddess, for him, set the car upon its stand, and threw a
what quarrelling with your father means. He is less cloth over it. Jove then sat down upon his golden
hurt and angry with Juno, for whatever he says she throne and Olympus reeled beneath him. Minerva

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and Juno sat alone, apart from Jove, and neither however, since you so bid us, refrain from actual
spoke nor asked him questions, but Jove knew what fighting, but we will make serviceable suggestions
they meant, and said, “Minerva and Juno, why are to the Argives, that they may not all of them perish
you so angry? Are you fatigued with killing so many in your displeasure.”
of your dear friends the Trojans? Be this as it may, And Jove answered, “To-morrow morning, Juno,
such is the might of my hands that all the gods in if you choose to do so, you will see the son of Sat-
Olympus cannot turn me; you were both of you urn destroying large numbers of the Argives, for
trembling all over ere ever you saw the fight and its fierce Hector shall not cease fighting till he has
terrible doings. I tell you therefore-and it would have roused the son of Peleus when they are fighting in
surely been—I should have struck you with light- dire straits at their ships’ sterns about the body of
ing, and your chariots would never have brought Patroclus. Like it or no, this is how it is decreed; for
you back again to Olympus.” aught I care, you may go to the lowest depths be-
Minerva and Juno groaned in spirit as they sat neath earth and sea, where Iapetus and Saturn dwell
side by side and brooded mischief for the Trojans. in lone Tartarus with neither ray of light nor breath
Minerva sat silent without a word, for she was in a of wind to cheer them. You may go on and on till
furious passion and bitterly incensed against her you get there, and I shall not care one whit for your
father; but Juno could not contain herself and said, displeasure; you are the greatest vixen living.”
“What, dread son of Saturn, are you talking about? Juno made him no answer. The sun’s glorious orb
We know how great your power is, nevertheless we now sank into Oceanus and drew down night over
have compassion upon the Danaan warriors who the land. Sorry indeed were the Trojans when light
are perishing and coming to a bad end. We will, failed them, but welcome and thrice prayed for did

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darkness fall upon the Achæans. may try to fly beyond the sea by night, and they
Then Hector led the Trojans back from the ships, must not embark scatheless and unmolested; many
and held a council on the open space near the river, a man among them must take a dart with him to
where there was a spot ear corpses. They left their nurse at home, hit with spear or arrow as he is leap-
chariots and sat down on the ground to hear the ing on board his ship, that others may fear to bring
speech he made them. He grasped a spear eleven war and weeping upon the Trojans. Moreover let
cubits long, the bronze point of which gleamed in the heralds tell it about the city that the growing
front of it, while the ring round the spear-head was youths and grey-bearded men are to camp upon its
of gold Spear in hand he spoke. “Hear me,” said he, heaven-built walls. Let the women each of them
“Trojans, Dardanians, and allies. I deemed but now light a great fire in her house, and let watch be safely
that I should destroy the ships and all the Achæans kept lest the town be entered by surprise while the
with them ere I went back to Ilius, but darkness host is outside. See to it, brave Trojans, as I have
came on too soon. It was this alone that saved them said, and let this suffice for the moment; at day-
and their ships upon the seashore. Now, therefore, break I will instruct you further. I pray in hope to
let us obey the behests of night, and prepare our Jove and to the gods that we may then drive those
suppers. Take your horses out of their chariots and fate-sped hounds from our land, for ’tis the fates
give them their feeds of corn; then make speed to that have borne them and their ships hither. This
bring sheep and cattle from the city; bring wine also night, therefore, let us keep watch, but with early
and corn for your horses and gather much wood, morning let us put on our armour and rouse fierce
that from dark till dawn we may burn watchfires war at the ships of the Achæans; I shall then know
whose flare may reach to heaven. For the Achæans whether brave Diomed the son of Tydeus will drive

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me back from the ships to the wall, or whether I watchfire did they kindle. As when the stars shine
shall myself slay him and carry off his bloodstained clear, and the moon is bright—there is not a breath
spoils. To-morrow let him show his mettle, abide of air, not a peak nor glade nor jutting headland
my spear if he dare. I ween that at break of day, he but it stands out in the ineffable radiance that breaks
shall be among the first to fall and many another of from the serene of heaven; the stars can all of them
his comrades round him. Would that I were as sure be told and the heart of the shepherd is glad—even
of being immortal and never growing old, and of thus shone the watchfires of the Trojans before Ilius
being worshipped like Minerva and Apollo, as I am midway between the ships and the river Xanthus.
that this day will bring evil to the Argives.” A thousand camp-fires gleamed upon the plain, and
Thus spoke Hector and the Trojans shouted ap- in the glow of each there sat fifty men, while the
plause. They took their sweating steeds from under horses, champing oats and corn beside their chari-
the yoke, and made them fast each by his own ots, waited till dawn should come.
chariot. They made haste to bring sheep and cattle
from the city, they brought wine also and corn from BOOK IX
their houses and gathered much wood. They then
offered unblemished hecatombs to the immortals, THUS DID THE TROJANS WATCH. But Panic, comrade
and the wind carried the sweet savour of sacrifice of blood-stained Rout, had taken fast hold of the
to heaven—but the blessed gods partook not thereof, Achæans and their princes were all of them in de-
for they bitterly hated Ilius with Priam and Priam’s spair. As when the two winds that blow from
people. Thus high in hope they sat through the live- Thrace—the north and the northwest—spring up
long night by the highways of war, and many a of a sudden and rouse the fury of the main—in a

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moment the dark waves uprear their heads and scat- Thus he spoke, and the sons of the Achæans for a
ter their sea-wrack in all directions—even thus long while sat sorrowful there, but they all held their
troubled were the hearts of the Achæans. peace, till at last Diomed of the loud battle-cry made
The son of Atreus in dismay bade the heralds call answer saying, “Son of Atreus, I will chide your folly,
the people to a council man by man, but not to cry as is my right in council. Be not then aggrieved that
the matter aloud; he made haste also himself to call I should do so. In the first place you attacked me
them, and they sat sorry at heart in their assembly. before all the Danaans and said that I was a coward
Agamemnon shed tears as it were a running stream and no soldier. The Argives young and old know
or cataract on the side of some sheer cliff; and thus, that you did so. But the son of scheming Saturn
with many a heavy sigh he spoke to the Achæans. endowed you by halves only. He gave you honour
“My friends,” said he, “princes and councillors of as the chief ruler over us, but valour, which is the
the Argives, the hand of heaven has been laid heavily highest both right and might he did not give you.
upon me. Cruel Jove gave me his solemn promise Sir, think you that the sons of the Achæans are in-
that I should sack the city of Troy before returning, deed as unwarlike and cowardly as you say they
but he has played me false, and is now bidding me are? If your own mind is set upon going home—
go ingloriously back to Argos with the loss of much go—the way is open to you; the many ships that
people. Such is the will of Jove, who has laid many followed you from Mycene stand ranged upon the
a proud city in the dust as he will yet lay others, for seashore; but the rest of us stay here till we have
his power is above all. Now, therefore, let us all do sacked Troy. Nay though these too should turn
as I say and sail back to our own country, for we homeward with their ships, Sthenelus and myself
shall not take Troy.” will still fight on till we reach the goal of Ilius, for

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for heaven was with us when we came.” son of Atreus, give your orders, for you are the most
The sons of the Achæans shouted applause at the royal among us all. Prepare a feast for your council-
words of Diomed, and presently Nestor rose to lors; it is right and reasonable that you should do
speak. “Son of Tydeus,” said he, “in war your prow- so; there is abundance of wine in your tents, which
ess is beyond question, and in council you excel all the ships of the Achæans bring from Thrace daily.
who are of your own years; no one of the Achæans You have everything at your disposal wherewith to
can make light of what you say nor gainsay it, but entertain guests, and you have many subjects. When
you have not yet come to the end of the whole many are got together, you can be guided by him
matter. You are still young—you might be the young- whose counsel is wisest—and sorely do we need
est of my own children—still you have spoken wisely shrewd and prudent counsel, for the foe has lit his
and have counselled the chief of the Achæans not watchfires hard by our ships. Who can be other
without discretion; nevertheless I am older than you than dismayed? This night will either be the ruin
and I will tell you every” thing; therefore let no of our host, or save it.”
man, not even King Agamemnon, disregard my say- Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had
ing, for he that foments civil discord is a clanless, said. The sentinels went out in their armour under
hearthless outlaw. command of Nestor’s son Thrasymedes, a captain
“Now, however, let us obey the behests of night of the host, and of the bold warriors Ascalaphus
and get our suppers, but let the sentinels every man and Ialmenus: there were also Meriones, Aphareus
of them camp by the trench that is without the and Deipyrus, and the son of Creion, noble
wall. I am giving these instructions to the young Lycomedes. There were seven captains of the senti-
men; when they have been attended to, do you, nels, and with each there went a hundred youths

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armed with long spears: they took their places mid- and on your commands, therefore I will say what I
way between the trench and the wall, and when think will be best. No man will be of a truer mind
they had done so they lit their fires and got every than that which has been mine from the hour when
man his supper. you, sir, angered Achilles by taking the girl Briseis
The son of Atreus then bade many councillors of from his tent against my judgment. I urged you not
the Achæans to his quarters prepared a great feast to do so, but you yielded to your own pride, and
in their honour. They laid their hands on the good dishonoured a hero whom heaven itself had
things that were before them, and as soon as they honoured—for you still hold the prize that had been
had enough to eat and drink, old Nestor, whose awarded to him. Now, however, let us think how
counsel was ever truest, was the first to lay his mind we may appease him, both with presents and fair
before them. He, therefore, with all sincerity and speeches that may conciliate him.”
goodwill addressed them thus. And King Agamemnon answered, “Sir, you have
“With yourself, most noble son of Atreus, king of reproved my folly justly. I was wrong. I own it. One
men, Agamemnon, will I both begin my speech and whom heaven befriends is in himself a host, and
end it, for you are king over much people. Jove, Jove has shown that he befriends this man by de-
moreover, has vouchsafed you to wield the sceptre stroying much people of the Achæans. I was blinded
and to uphold righteousness, that you may take with passion and yielded to my worser mind; there-
thought for your people under you; therefore it be- fore I will make amends, and will give him great
hooves you above all others both to speak and to gifts by way of atonement. I will tell them in the
give ear, and to out the counsel of another who shall presence of you all. I will give him seven tripods
have been minded to speak wisely. All turns on you that have never yet been on the fire, and ten talents

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of gold. I will give him twenty iron cauldrons and ters, Chrysothemis, Laodice, and lphianassa, let him
twelve strong horses that have won races and car- take the one of his choice, freely and without gifts
ried off prizes. Rich, indeed, both in land and gold of wooing, to the house of Peleus; I will add such
is he that has as many prizes as my horses have dower to boot as no man ever yet gave his daugh-
won me. I will give him seven excellent workwomen, ter, and will give him seven well established cities,
Lesbians, whom I chose for myself when he took Cardamyle, Enope, and Hire, where there is grass;
Lesbos—all of surpassing beauty. I will give him holy Pheræ and the rich meadows of Anthea; Æpea
these, and with them her whom I erewhile took from also, and the vine-clad slopes of Pedasus, all near
him, the daughter of Briseus; and I swear a great the sea, and on the borders of sandy Pylos. The
oath that I never went up into her couch, nor have men that dwell there are rich in cattle and sheep;
been with her after the manner of men and women. they will honour him with gifts as though he were a
“All these things will I give him now down, and if god, and be obedient to his comfortable ordinances.
hereafter the gods vouchsafe me to sack the city of All this will I do if he will now forgo his anger. Let
Priam, let him come when we Achæans are divid- him then yieldit is only Hades who is utterly ruth-
ing the spoil, and load his ship with gold and bronze less and unyielding—and hence he is of all gods the
to his liking; furthermore let him take twenty Tro- one most hateful to mankind. Moreover I am older
jan women, the loveliest after Helen herself. Then, and more royal than himself. Therefore, let him now
when we reach Achæan Argos, wealthiest of all lands, obey me.”
he shall be my son-in-law and I will show him like Then Nestor answered, “Most noble son of Atreus,
honour with my own dear son Orestes, who is be- king of men, Agamemnon. The gifts you offer are
ing nurtured in all abundance. I have three daugh- no small ones, let us then send chosen messengers,

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who may go to the tent of Achilles son of Peleus Neptune that the high spirit of the son of Æacus
without delay. Let those go whom I shall name. Let might incline favourably towards them. When they
Phoenix, dear to Jove, lead the way; let Ajax and reached the ships and tents of the Myrmidons, they
Ulysses follow, and let the heralds Odius and found Achilles playing on a lyre, fair, of cunning
Eurybates go with them. Now bring water for our workmanship, and its cross-bar was of silver. It was
hands, and bid all keep silence while we pray to part of the spoils which he had taken when he sacked
Jove the son of Saturn, if so be that he may have the city of Eetion, and he was now diverting him-
mercy upon us.” self with it and singing the feats of heroes. He was
Thus did he speak, and his saying pleased them alone with Patroclus, who sat opposite to him and
well. Men-servants poured water over the hands of said nothing, waiting till he should cease singing.
the guests, while pages filled the mixing-bowls with Ulysses and Ajax now came in—Ulysses leading the
wine and water, and handed it round after giving way—and stood before him. Achilles sprang from
every man his drink-offering; then, when they had his seat with the lyre still in his hand, and Patroclus,
made their offerings, and had drunk each as much when he saw the strangers, rose also. Achilles then
as he was minded, the envoys set out from the tent greeted them saying, “All hail and welcome—you
of Agamemnon son of Atreus; and Nestor, looking must come upon some great matter, you, who for
first to one and then to another, but most espe- all my anger are still dearest to me of the Achæans.”
cially at Ulysses, was instant with them that they With this he led them forward, and bade them
should prevail with the noble son of Peleus. sit on seats covered with purple rugs; then he said
They went their way by the shore of the sound- to Patroclus who was close by him, “Son of
ing sea, and prayed earnestly to earth-encircling Menoetius, set a larger bowl upon the table, mix

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less water with the wine, and give every man his to eat and drink, Ajax made a sign to Phoenix, and
cup, for these are very dear friends, who are now when he saw this, Ulysses filled his cup with wine
under my roof.” and pledged Achilles.
Patroclus did as his comrade bade him; he set the “Hail,” said he, “Achilles, we have had no scant
chopping-block in front of the fire, and on it he of good cheer, neither in the tent of Agamemnon,
laid the loin of a sheep, the loin also of a goat, and nor yet here; there has been plenty to eat and drink,
the chine of a fat hog. Automedon held the meat but our thought turns upon no such matter. Sir, we
while Achilles chopped it; he then sliced the pieces are in the face of great disaster, and without your
and put them on spits while the son of Menoetius help know not whether we shall save our fleet or
made the fire burn high. When the flame had died lose it. The Trojans and their allies have camped
down, he spread the embers, laid the spits on top hard by our ships and by the wall; they have lit
of them, lifting them up and setting them upon the watchfires throughout their host and deem that
spit-racks; and he sprinkled them with salt. When nothing can now prevent them from falling on our
the meat was roasted, he set it on platters, and fleet. Jove, moreover, has sent his lightnings on their
handed bread round the table in fair baskets, while right; Hector, in all his glory, rages like a maniac;
Achilles dealt them their portions. Then Achilles confident that Jove is with him he fears neither god
took his seat facing Ulysses against the opposite nor man, but is gone raving mad, and prays for the
wall, and bade his comrade Patroclus offer sacrifice approach of day. He vows that he will hew the high
to the gods; so he cast the offerings into the fire, sterns of our ships in pieces, set fire to their hulls,
and they laid their hands upon the good things that and make havoc of the Achæans while they are
were before them. As soon as they had had enough dazed and smothered in smoke; I much fear that

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heaven will make good his boasting, and it will prove fire, and ten talents of gold; twenty iron cauldrons,
our lot to perish at Troy far from our home in Argos. and twelve strong horses that have won races and
Up, then, and late though it be, save the sons of carried off prizes. Rich indeed both in land and gold
the Achæans who faint before the fury of the Tro- is he who has as many prizes as these horses have
jans. You will repent bitterly hereafter if you do not, won for Agamemnon. Moreover he will give you
for when the harm is done there will be no curing seven excellent workwomen, Lesbians, whom he
it; consider ere it be too late, and save the Danaans chose for himself, when you took Lesbos—all of
from destruction. surpassing beauty. He will give you these, and with
“My good friend, when your father Peleus sent them her whom he erewhile took from you, the
you from Phthia to Agamemnon, did he not charge daughter of Briseus, and he will swear a great oath,
you saying, ‘Son, Minerva and Juno will make you he has never gone up into her couch nor been with
strong if they choose, but check your high temper, her after the manner of men and women. All these
for the better part is in goodwill. Eschew vain quar- things will he give you now down, and if hereafter
relling, and the Achæans old and young will respect the gods vouchsafe him to sack the city of Priam,
you more for doing so.’ These were his words, but you can come when we Achæans are dividing the
you have forgotten them. Even now, however, be spoil, and load your ship with gold and bronze to
appeased, and put away your anger from you. your liking. You can take twenty Trojan women, the
Agamemnon will make you great amends if you will loveliest after Helen herself. Then, when we reach
forgive him; listen, and I will tell you what he has Achæan Argos, wealthiest of all lands, you shall be
said in his tent that he will give you. He will give his son-in-law, and he will show you like honour
you seven tripods that have never yet been on the with his own dear son Orestes, who is being nur-

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tured in all abundance. Agamemnon has three the ships have brought can hold his own against
daughters, Chrysothemis, Laodice, and Iphianassa; him.”
you may take the one of your choice, freely and Achilles answered, “Ulysses, noble son of Lærtes,
without gifts of wooing, to the house of Peleus; he I should give you formal notice plainly and in all
will add such dower to boot as no man ever yet fixity of purpose that there be no more of this cajol-
gave his daughter, and will give you seven well-es- ing, from whatsoever quarter it may come. Him do
tablished cities, Cardamyle, Enope, and Hire where I hate even as the gates of hell who says one thing
there is grass; holy Pheras and the rich meadows of while he hides another in his heart; therefore I will
Anthea; Æpea also, and the vine-clad slopes of say what I mean. I will be appeased neither by
Pedasus, all near the sea, and on the borders of sandy Agamemnon son of Atreus nor by any other of the
Pylos. The men that dwell there are rich in cattle Danaans, for I see that I have no thanks for all my
and sheep; they will honour you with gifts as though fighting. He that fights fares no better than he that
were a god, and be obedient to your comfortable does not; coward and hero are held in equal honour,
ordinances. All this will he do if you will now forgo and death deals like measure to him who works and
your anger. Moreover, though you hate both him him who is idle. I have taken nothing by all my
and his gifts with all your heart, yet pity the rest of hardships—with my life ever in my hand; as a bird
the Achæans who are being harassed in all their when she has found a morsel takes it to her nest-
host; they will honour you as a god, and you will lings, and herself fares hardly, even so man a long
earn great glory at their hands. You might even kill night have I been wakeful, and many a bloody battle
Hector; he will come within your reach, for he is have I waged by day against those who were fight-
infatuated, and declares that not a Danaan whom ing for their women. With my ships I have taken

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twelve cities, and eleven round about Troy have I you, Ulysses, and to the other princes to save his
stormed with my men by land; I took great store of ships from burning. He has done much without me
wealth from every one of them, but I gave all up to already. He has built a wall; he has dug a trench
Agamemnon son of Atreus. He stayed where he was deep and wide all round it, and he has planted it
by his ships, yet of what came to him he gave little, within with stakes; but even so he stays not the
and kept much himself. murderous might of Hector. So long as I fought the
“Nevertheless he did distribute some meeds of Achæans Hector suffered not the battle range far
honour among the chieftains and kings, and these from the city walls; he would come to the Scæan
have them still; from me alone of the Achæans did gates and to the oak tree, but no further. Once he
he take the woman in whom I delighted—let him stayed to meet me and hardly did he escape my
keep her and sleep with her. Why, pray, must the onset: now, however, since I am in no mood to fight
Argives needs fight the Trojans? What made the him, I will to-morrow offer sacrifice to Jove and to
son of Atreus gather the host and bring them? Was all the gods; I will draw my ships into the water
it not for the sake of Helen? Are the sons of Atreus and then victual them duly; to-morrow morning, if
the only men in the world who love their wives? you care to look, you will see my ships on the
Any man of common right feeling will love and cher- Hellespont, and my men rowing out to sea with
ish her who is his own, as I this woman, with my might and main. If great Neptune vouchsafes me a
whole heart, though she was but a fruitling of my fair passage, in three days I shall be in Phthia. I
spear. Agamemnon has taken her from me; he has have much there that I left behind me when I came
played me false; I know him; let him tempt me no here to my sorrow, and I shall bring back still fur-
further, for he shall not move me. Let him look to ther store of gold, of red copper, of fair women, and

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of iron, my share of the spoils that we have taken; of the sea or the dust of the plain in multitude, but
but one prize, he who gave has insolently taken even so he shall not move me till I have been re-
away. Tell him all as I now bid you, and tell him in venged in full for the bitter wrong he has done me.
public that the Achæans may hate him and beware I will not marry his daughter; she may be fair as
of him should he think that he can yet dupe others Venus, and skilful as Minerva, but I will have none
for his effrontery never fails him. of her: let another take her, who may be a good
“As for me, hound that he is, he dares not look match for her and who rules a larger kingdom. If
me in the face. I will take no counsel with him, and the gods spare me to return home, Peleus will find
will undertake nothing in common with him. He me a wife; there are Achæan women in Hellas and
has wronged me and deceived me enough, he shall Phthia, daughters of kings that have cities under
not cozen me further; let him go his own way, for them; of these I can take whom I will and marry
Jove has robbed him of his reason. I loathe his pre- her. Many a time was I minded when at home in
sents, and for himself care not one straw. He may Phthia to woo and wed a woman who would make
offer me ten or even twenty times what he has now me a suitable wife, and to enjoy the riches of my
done, nay—not though it be all that he has in the old father Peleus. My life is more to me than all the
world, both now or ever shall have; he may promise wealth of Ilius while it was yet at peace before the
me the wealth of Orchomenus or of Egyptian Achæans went there, or than all the treasure that
Thebes, which is the richest city in the whole world, lies on the stone floor of Apollo’s temple beneath
for it has a hundred gates through each of which the cliffs of Pytho. Cattle and sheep are to be had
two hundred men may drive at once with their chari- for harrying, and a man buy both tripods and horses
ots and horses; he may offer me gifts as the sands if he wants them, but when his life has once left

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him it can neither be bought nor harried back again. Achilles, if you are now minded to return, and in
“My mother Thetis tells me that there are two the fierceness of your anger will do nothing to save
ways in which I may meet my end. If I stay here the ships from burning, how, my son, can I remain
and fight, I shall not return alive but my name will here without you? Your father Peleus bade me go
live for ever: whereas if I go home my name will with you when he sent you as a mere lad from Phthia
die, but it will be long ere death shall take me. To to Agamemnon. You knew nothing neither of war
the rest of you, then, I say, ‘Go home, for you will nor of the arts whereby men make their mark in
not take Ilius.’ Jove has held his hand over her to council, and he sent me with you to train you in all
protect her, and her people have taken heart. Go, excellence of speech and action. Therefore, my son,
therefore, as in duty bound, and tell the princes of I will not stay here without you—no, not though
the Achæans the message that I have sent them; heaven itself vouchsafe to strip my years from off
tell them to find some other plan for the saving of me, and make me young as I was when I first left
their ships and people, for so long as my displea- Hellas the land of fair women. I was then flying the
sure lasts the one that they have now hit upon may anger of father Amyntor, son of Ormenus, who was
not be. As for Phoenix, let him sleep here that he furious with me in the matter of his concubine, of
may sail with me in the morning if he so will. But I whom he was enamoured to the wronging of his
will not take him by force.” wife my mother. My mother, therefore, prayed me
They all held their peace, dismayed at the stern- without ceasing to lie with the woman myself, that
ness with which he had denied them, till presently so she hate my father, and in the course of time I
the old knight Phoenix in his great fear for the ships yielded. But my father soon came to know, and
of the Achæans, burst into tears and said, “Noble cursed me bitterly, calling the dread Erinyes to wit-

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ness. He prayed that no son of mine might ever sit fled through Hellas till I came to fertile Phthia,
upon knees—and the gods, Jove of the world below mother of sheep, and to King Peleus, who made me
and awful Proserpine, fulfilled his curse. I took coun- welcome and treated me as a father treats an only
sel to kill him, but some god stayed my rashness son who will be heir to all his wealth. He made me
and bade me think on men’s evil tongues and how rich and set me over much people, establishing me
I should be branded as the murderer of my father: on the borders of Phthia where I was chief ruler
nevertheless I could not bear to stay in my father’s over the Dolopians.
house with him so bitter a against me. My cousins “It was I, Achilles, who had the making of you; I
and clansmen came about me, and pressed me sorely loved you with all my heart: for you would eat nei-
to remain; many a sheep and many an ox did they ther at home nor when you had gone out elsewhere,
slaughter, and many a fat hog did they set down to till I had first set you upon my knees, cut up the
roast before the fire; many a jar, too, did they broach dainty morsel that you were to eat, and held the
of my father’s wine. Nine whole nights did they set wine-cup to your lips. Many a time have you slob-
a guard over me taking it in turns to watch, and bered your wine in baby helplessness over my shirt;
they kept a fire always burning, both in the cloister I had infinite trouble with you, but I knew that
of the outer court and in the inner court at the doors heaven had vouchsafed me no offspring of my own,
of the room wherein I lay; but when the darkness and I made a son of you, Achilles, that in my hour
of the tenth night came, I broke through the closed of need you might protect me. Now, therefore, I say
doors of my room, and climbed the wall of the outer battle with your pride and beat it; cherish not your
court after passing quickly and unperceived through anger for ever; the might and majesty of heaven are
the men on guard and the women servants. I then more than ours, but even heaven may be appeased;

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and if a man has sinned he prays the gods, and and help the Achæans, no matter how great their
reconciles them to himself by his piteous cries and need; but he is giving much now, and more hereaf-
by frankincense, with drink-offerings and the savour ter; he has sent his captains to urge his suit, and
of burnt sacrifice. For prayers are as daughters to has chosen those who of all the Argives are most
great Jove; halt, wrinkled, with eyes askance, they acceptable to you; make not then their words and
follow in the footsteps of sin, who, being fierce and their coming to be of none effect. Your anger has
fleet of foot, leaves them far behind him, and ever been righteous so far. We have heard in song how
baneful to mankind outstrips them even to the ends heroes of old time quarrelled when they were roused
of the world; but nevertheless the prayers come to fury, but still they could be won by gifts, and fair
hobbling and healing after. If a man has pity upon words could soothe them.
these daughters of Jove when they draw near him, “I have an old story in my mind—a very old one—
they will bless him and hear him too when he is but you are all friends and I will tell it. The Curetes
praying; but if he deny them and will not listen to and the Ætolians were fighting and killing one an-
them, they go to Jove the son of Saturn and pray other round Calydon—the Ætolians defending the
that he may presently fall into sin—to his ruing city and the Curetes trying to destroy it. For Diana
bitterly hereafter. Therefore, Achilles, give these of the golden throne was angry and did them hurt
daughters of Jove due reverence, and bow before because Oeneus had not offered her his harvest first-
them as all good men will bow. Were not the son of fruits. The other gods had all been feasted with
Atreus offering you gifts and promising others hecatombs, but to the daughter of great Jove alone
later—if he were still furious and implacable—I am he had made no sacrifice. He had forgotten her, or
not he that would bid you throw off your anger somehow or other it had escaped him, and this was

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a grievous sin. Thereon the archer goddess in her himself for fair Marpessa’s sake; her father and
displeasure sent a prodigious creature against him— mother then named her Alcyone, because her
a savage wild boar with great white tusks that did mother had mourned with the plaintive strains of
much harm to his orchard lands, uprooting apple- the halcyon-bird when Phoebus Apollo had carried
trees in full bloom and throwing them to the ground. her off. Meleager, then, stayed at home with
But Meleager son of Oeneus got huntsmen and Cleopatra, nursing the anger which he felt by rea-
hounds from many cities and killed it—for it was son of his mother’s curses. His mother, grieving for
so monstrous that not a few were needed, and many the death of her brother, prayed the gods, and beat
a man did it stretch upon his funeral pyre. On this the earth with her hands, calling upon Hades and
the goddess set the Curetes and the Ætolians fight- on awful Proserpine; she went down upon her knees
ing furiously about the head and skin of the boar. and her bosom was wet with tears as she prayed
“So long as Meleager was in the field things went that they would kill her son—and Erinys that walks
badly with the Curetes, and for all their numbers in darkness and knows no ruth heard her from
they could not hold their ground under the city Erebus.
walls; but in the course of time Meleager was an- “Then was heard the din of battle about the gates
gered as even a wise man will sometimes be. He of Calydon, and the dull thump of the battering
was incensed with his mother Althæa, and there- against their walls. Thereon the elders of the
fore stayed at home with his wedded wife fair Ætolians besought Meleager; they sent the chiefest
Cleopatra, who was daughter of Marpessa daugh- of their priests, and begged him to come out and
ter of Euenus, and of Ides the man then living. He help them, promising him a great reward. They bade
it was who took his bow and faced King Apollo him choose fifty plough-gates, the most fertile in

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the plain of Calydon, the one-half vineyard and the thus minded; let not heaven lure you into any such
other open plough-land. The old warrior Oeneus course. When the ships are burning it will be a
implored him, standing at the threshold of his room harder matter to save them. Take the gifts, and go,
and beating the doors in supplication. His sisters for the Achæans will then honour you as a god;
and his mother herself besought him sore, but he whereas if you fight without taking them, you may
the more refused them; those of his comrades who beat the battle back, but you will not be held in
were nearest and dearest to him also prayed him, like honour.”
but they could not move him till the foe was bat- And Achilles answered, “Phoenix, old friend and
tering at the very doors of his chamber, and the father, I have no need of such honour. I have honour
Curetes had scaled the walls and were setting fire from Jove himself, which will abide with me at my
to the city. Then at last his sorrowing wife detailed ships while I have breath in my body, and my limbs
the horrors that befall those whose city is taken; are strong. I say further—and lay my saying to your
she reminded him how the men are slain, and the heart—vex me no more with this weeping and lam-
city is given over to the flames, while the women entation, all in the cause of the son of Atreus. Love
and children are carried into captivity; when he him so well, and you may lose the love I bear you.
heard all this, his heart was touched, and he donned You ought to help me rather in troubling those that
his armour to go forth. Thus of his own inward trouble me; be king as much as I am, and share like
motion he saved the city of the Ætolians; but they honour with myself; the others shall take my an-
now gave him nothing of those rich rewards that swer; stay here yourself and sleep comfortably in
they had offered earlier, and though he saved the your bed; at daybreak we will consider whether to
city he took nothing by it. Be not then, my son, remain or go.”

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On this she nodded quietly to Patroclus as a sign self of all the Achæans.”
that he was to prepare a bed for Phoenix, and that “Ajax,” replied Achilles, “noble son of Telamon,
the others should take their leave. Ajax son of you have spoken much to my liking, but my blood
Telamon then said, “Ulysses, noble son of Lærtes, boils when I think it all over, and remember how
let us be gone, for I see that our journey is vain. We the son of Atreus treated me with contumely as
must now take our answer, unwelcome though it be, though I were some vile tramp, and that too in the
to the Danaans who are waiting to receive it. Achil- presence of the Argives. Go, then, and deliver your
les is savage and remorseless; he is cruel, and cares message; say that I will have no concern with fight-
nothing for the love his comrades lavished upon him ing till Hector, son of noble Priam, reaches the tents
more than on all the others. He is implacable—and of the Myrmidons in his murderous course, and
yet if a man’s brother or son has been slain he will flings fire upon their ships. For all his lust of battle,
accept a fine by way of amends from him that killed I take it he will be held in check when he is at my
him, and the wrong-doer having paid in full remains own tent and ship.”
in peace among his own people; but as for you, Achil- On this they took every man his double cup, made
les, the gods have put a wicked unforgiving spirit in their drink-offerings, and went back to the ships,
your heart, and this, all about one single girl, whereas Ulysses leading the way. But Patroclus told his men
we now offer you the seven best we have, and much and the maid-servants to make ready a comfortable
else into the bargain. Be then of a more gracious mind, bed for Phoenix; they therefore did so with sheep-
respect the hospitality of your own roof. We are with skins, a rug, and a sheet of fine linen. The old man
you as messengers from the host of the Danaans, then laid himself down and waited till morning
and would fain he held nearest and dearest to your- came. But Achilles slept in an inner room, and be-

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side him the daughter of Phorbas lovely Diomede, protect it, and the people have taken heart.’ This is
whom he had carried off from Lesbos. Patroclus lay what he said, and the others who were with me can
on the other side of the room, and with him fair tell you the same story—Ajax and the two heralds,
Iphis whom Achilles had given him when he took men, both of them, who may be trusted. The old
Scyros the city of Enyeus. man Phoenix stayed where he was to sleep, for so
When the envoys reached the tents of the son of Achilles would have it, that he might go home with
Atreus, the Achæans rose, pledged them in cups of him in the morning if he so would; but he will not
gold, and began to question them. King Agamemnon take him by force.”
was the first to do so. Tell me, Ulysses,” said he, They all held their peace, sitting for a long time
“will he save the ships from burning, or did be refuse, silent and dejected, by reason of the sternness with
and is he still furious?” which Achilles had refused them, till presently
Ulysses answered, “Most noble son of Atreus, king Diomed said, “Most noble son of Atreus, king of
of men, Agamemnon, Achilles will not be calmed, men, Agamemnon, you ought not to have sued the
but is more fiercely angry than ever, and spurns son of Peleus nor offered him gifts. He is proud
both you and your gifts. He bids you take counsel enough as it is, and you have encouraged him in his
with the Achæans to save the ships and host as you pride am further. Let him stay or go as he will. He
best may; as for himself, he said that at daybreak will fight later when he is in the humour, and heaven
he should draw his ships into the water. He said puts it in his mind to do so. Now, therefore, let us
further that he should advise every one to sail home all do as I say; we have eaten and drunk our fill, let
likewise, for that you will not reach the goal of Ilius. us then take our rest, for in rest there is both strength
‘Jove,’ he said, ‘has laid his hand over the city to and stay. But when fair rosy-fingered morn appears,

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forthwith bring out your host and your horsemen and flutes and of the hum of men, but when pres-
in front of the ships, urging them on, and yourself ently he turned towards the ships and hosts of the
fighting among the foremost.” Achæans, he tore his hair by handfuls before Jove
Thus he spoke, and the other chieftains approved on high, and groaned aloud for the very disquietness
his words. They then made their drink-offerings and of his soul. In the end he deemed it best to go at
went every man to his own tent, where they laid once to Nestor son of Neleus, and see if between
down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep. them they could find any way of the Achæans from
destruction. He therefore rose, put on his shirt,
BOOK X bound his sandals about his comely feet, flung the
skin of a huge tawny lion over his shoulders—a skin
N OW THE OTHER PRINCES of the Achæans slept that reached his feet—and took his spear in his
soundly the whole night through, but Agamemnon hand.
son of Atreus was troubled, so that he could get no Neither could Menelaus sleep, for he, too, boded
rest. As when fair Juno’s lord flashes his lightning ill for the Argives who for his sake had sailed from
in token of great rain or hail or snow when the snow- far over the seas to fight the Trojans. He covered
flakes whiten the ground, or again as a sign that he his broad back with the skin of a spotted panther,
will open the wide jaws of hungry war, even so did put a casque of bronze upon his head, and took his
Agamemnon heave many a heavy sigh, for his soul spear in his brawny hand. Then he went to rouse
trembled within him. When he looked upon the his brother, who was by far the most powerful of
plain of Troy he marvelled at the many watchfires the Achæans, and was honoured by the people as
burning in front of Ilius, and at the sound of pipes though he were a god. He found him by the stern

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of his ship already putting his goodly array about among the companies of our sentinels to give them
his shoulders, and right glad was he that his brother their instructions; they will listen to him sooner than
had come. to any man, for his own son, and Meriones brother
Menelaus spoke first. “Why,” said he, “my dear in arms to Idomeneus, are captains over them. It
brother, are you thus arming? Are you going to send was to them more particularly that we gave this
any of our comrades to exploit the Trojans? I greatly charge.”
fear that no one will do you this service, and spy Menelaus replied, “How do I take your meaning?
upon the enemy alone in the dead of night. It will Am I to stay with them and wait your coming, or
be a deed of great daring.” shall I return here as soon as I have given your or-
And King Agamemnon answered, “Menelaus, we ders?” “Wait,” answered King Agamemnon, “for
both of us need shrewd counsel to save the Argives there are so many paths about the camp that we
and our ships, for Jove has changed his mind, and might miss one another. Call every man on your
inclines towards Hector’s sacrifices rather than ours. way, and bid him be stirring; name him by his lin-
I never saw nor heard tell of any man as having eage and by his father’s name, give each all titular
wrought such ruin in one day as Hector has now observance, and stand not too much upon your own
wrought against the sons of the Achæans-and that dignity; we must take our full share of toil, for at
too of his own unaided self, for he is son neither to our birth Jove laid this heavy burden upon us.”
god nor goddess. The Argives will rue it long and With these instructions he sent his brother on
deeply. Run, therefore, with all speed by the line of his way, and went on to Nestor shepherd of his
the ships, and call Ajax and Idomeneus. Meanwhile people. He found him sleeping in his tent hard by
I will go to Nestor, and bid him rise and go about his own ship; his goodly armour lay beside him—

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his shield, his two spears and his helmet; beside fail me. If then you can do anything—for you too
him also lay the gleaming girdle with which the old cannot sleep—let us go the round of the watch, and
man girded himself when he armed to lead his see whether they are drowsy with toil and sleeping
people into battle—for his age stayed him not. He to the neglect of their duty. The enemy is encamped
raised himself on his elbow and looked up at hard and we know not but he may attack us by
Agamemnon. “Who is it,” said he, “that goes thus night.”
about the host and the ships alone and in the dead Nestor replied, “Most noble son of Atreus, king
of night, when men are sleeping? Are you looking of men, Agamemnon, Jove will not do all for Hec-
for one of your mules or for some comrade? Do not tor that Hector thinks he will; he will have troubles
stand there and say nothing, but speak. What is yet in plenty if Achilles will lay aside his anger. I
your business?” will go with you, and we will rouse others, either
And Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, son of the son of Tydeus, or Ulysses, or fleet Ajax and the
Neleus, honour to the Achæan name, it is I, valiant son of Phyleus. Some one had also better go
Agamemnon son of Atreus, on whom Jove has laid and call Ajax and King Idomeneus, for their ships
labour and sorrow so long as there is breath in my are not near at hand but the farthest of all. I cannot
body and my limbs carry me. I am thus abroad be- however refrain from blaming Menelaus, much as I
cause sleep sits not upon my eyelids, but my heart love him and respect him—and I will say so plainly,
is big with war and with the jeopardy of the even at the risk of offending you—for sleeping and
Achæans. I am in great fear for the Danaans. I am leaving all this trouble to yourself. He ought to be
at sea, and without sure counsel; my heart beats as going about imploring aid from all the princes of
though it would leap out of my body, and my limbs the Achæans, for we are in extreme danger.”

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And Agamemnon answered, “Sir, you may some- by the sound of the battle-cry. He came outside his
times blame him justly, for he is often remiss and tent and said, “Why do you go thus alone about
unwilling to exert himself—not indeed from sloth, the host, and along the line of the ships in the still-
nor yet heedlessness, but because he looks to me ness of the night? What is it that you find so ur-
and expects me to take the lead. On this occasion, gent?” And Nestor knight of Gerene answered,
however, he was awake before I was, and came to “Ulysses, noble son of Lærtes, take it not amiss, for
me of his own accord. I have already sent him to the Achæans are in great straits. Come with me and
call the very men whom you have named. And now let us wake some other, who may advise well with
let us be going. We shall find them with the watch us whether we shall fight or fly.”
outside the gates, for it was there I said that we On this Ulysses went at once into his tent, put
would meet them.” his shield about his shoulders and came out with
“In that case,” answered Nestor, “the Argives will them. First they went to Diomed son of Tydeus,
not blame him nor disobey his orders when he urges and found him outside his tent clad in his armour
them to fight or gives them instructions.” with his comrades sleeping round him and using
With this he put on his shirt, and bound his san- their shields as pillows; as for their spears, they stood
dals about his comely feet. He buckled on his purple upright on the spikes of their butts that were driven
coat, of two thicknesses, large, and of a rough shaggy into the ground, and the burnished bronze flashed
texture, grasped his redoubtable bronze-shod spear, afar like the lightning of father Jove. The hero was
and wended his way along the line of the Achæan sleeping upon the skin of an ox, with a piece of fine
ships. First he called loudly to Ulysses peer of gods carpet under his head; Nestor went up to him and
in counsel and woke him, for he was soon roused stirred him with his heel to rouse him, upbraiding

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him and urging him to bestir himself. “Wake up,” the round of those who were on guard, and found
he exclaimed, “son of Tydeus. How can you sleep the captains not sleeping at their posts but wakeful
on in this way? Can you not see that the Trojans and sitting with their arms about them. As sheep
are encamped on the brow of the plain hard by our dogs that watch their flocks when they are yarded,
ships, with but a little space between us and them?” and hear a wild beast coming through the moun-
On these words Diomed leaped up instantly and tain forest towards them—forthwith there is a hue
said, “Old man, your heart is of iron; you rest not and cry of dogs and men, and slumber is broken—
one moment from your labours. Are there no even so was sleep chased from the eyes of the
younger men among the Achæans who could go Achæans as they kept the watches of the wicked
about to rouse the princes? There is no tiring you.” night, for they turned constantly towards the plain
And Nestor knight of Gerene made answer, “My whenever they heard any stir among the Trojans.
son, all that you have said is true. I have good sons, The old man was glad bade them be of good cheer.
and also much people who might call the chieftains, “Watch on, my children,” said he, “and let not sleep
but the Achæans are in the gravest danger; life and get hold upon you, lest our enemies triumph over
death are balanced as it were on the edge of a razor. us.”
Go then, for you are younger than I, and of your With this he passed the trench, and with him the
courtesy rouse Ajax and the fleet son of Phyleus.” other chiefs of the Achæans who had been called to
Diomed threw the skin of a great tawny lion about the council. Meriones and the brave son of Nestor
his shoulders—a skin that reached his feet—and went also, for the princes bade them. When they
grasped his spear. When he had roused the heroes, were beyond the trench that was dug round the wall
he brought them back with him; they then went they held their meeting on the open ground where

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there was a space clear of corpses, for it was here and comfort. When two men are together, one of
that when night fell Hector had turned back from them may see some opportunity which the other
his onslaught on the Argives. They sat down, there- has not caught sight of; if a man is alone he is less
fore, and held debate with one another. full of resource, and his wit is weaker.”
Nestor spoke first. “My friends,” said he, “is there On this several offered to go with Diomed. The
any man bold enough to venture the Trojans, and two Ajaxes, servants of Mars, Meriones, and the
cut off some straggler, or us news of what the en- son of Nestor all wanted to go, so did Menelaus son
emy mean to do whether they will stay here by the of Atreus; Ulysses also wished to go among the host
ships away from the city, or whether, now that they of the Trojans, for he was ever full of daring, and
have worsted the Achæans, they will retire within thereon Agamemnon king of men spoke thus:
their walls. If he could learn all this and come back “Diomed,” said he, “son of Tydeus, man after my
safely here, his fame would be high as heaven in own heart, choose your comrade for yourself—take
the mouths of all men, and he would be rewarded the best man of those that have offered, for many
richly; for the chiefs from all our ships would each would now go with you. Do not through delicacy
of them give him a black ewe with her lamb—which reject the better man, and take the worst out of re-
is a present of surpassing value—and he would be spect for his lineage, because he is of more royal
asked as a guest to all feasts and clan-gatherings.” blood.”
They all held their peace, but Diomed of the loud He said this because he feared for Menelaus.
war-cry spoke saying, “Nestor, gladly will I visit the Diomed answered, “If you bid me take the man of
host of the Trojans over against us, but if another my own choice, how in that case can I fail to think
will go with me I shall do so in greater confidence of Ulysses, than whom there is no man more eager

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to face all kinds of danger—and Pallas Minerva loves been stolen by Autolycus out of Eleon when he broke
him well? If he were to go with me we should pass into the house of Amyntor son of Ormenus. He gave
safely through fire itself, for he is quick to see and it to Amphidamas of Cythera to take to Scandea,
understand.” and Amphidamas gave it as a guest-gift to Molus,
“Son of Tydeus,” replied Ulysses, “say neither good who gave it to his son Meriones; and now it was set
nor ill about me, for you are among Argives who upon the head of Ulysses.
know me well. Let us be going, for the night wanes When the pair had armed, they set out, and left
and dawn is at hand. The stars have gone forward, the other chieftains behind them. Pallas Minerva
two-thirds of the night are already spent, and the sent them a heron by the wayside upon their right
third is alone left us.” hands; they could not see it for the darkness, but
They then put on their armour. Brave Thrasymedes they heard its cry. Ulysses was glad when he heard
provided the son of Tydeus with a sword and a shield it and prayed to Minerva: “Hear me,” he cried,
(for he had left his own at his ship) and on his head “daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, you who spy out all
he set a helmet of bull’s hide without either peak or my ways and who are with me in all my hardships;
crest; it is called a skull-cap and is a common head- befriend me in this mine hour, and grant that we
gear. Meriones found a bow and quiver for Ulysses, may return to the ships covered with glory after
and on his head he set a leathern helmet that was having achieved some mighty exploit that shall bring
lined with a strong plaiting of leathern thongs, while sorrow to the Trojans.”
on the outside it was thickly studded with boar’s Then Diomed of the loud war-cry also prayed:
teeth, well and skilfully set into it; next the head “Hear me too,” said he, “daughter of Jove,
there was an inner lining of felt. This helmet had unweariable; be with me even as you were with my

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noble father Tydeus when he went to Thebes as be well paid if he will. I will give him a chariot and
envoy sent by the Achæans. He left the Achæans a couple of horses, the fleetest that can be found at
by the banks of the river Æsopus, and went to the the ships of the Achæans, if he will dare this thing;
city bearing a message of peace to the Cadmeians; and he will win infinite honour to boot; he must go
on his return thence, with your help, goddess, he to the ships and find out whether they are still
did great deeds of daring, for you were his ready guarded as heretofore, or whether now that we have
helper. Even so guide me and guard me now, and in beaten them the Achæans design to fly, and through
return I will offer you in sacrifice a broad-browed sheer exhaustion are neglecting to keep their
heifer of a year old, unbroken, and never yet brought watches.”
by man under the yoke. I will gild her horns and They all held their peace; but there was among
will offer her up to you in sacrifice.” the Trojans a certain man named Dolon, son of
Thus they prayed, and Pallas Minerva heard their Eumedes, the famous herald—a man rich in gold
prayer. When they had done praying to the daugh- and bronze. He was ill-favoured, but a good run-
ter of great Jove, they went their way like two lions ner, and was an only son among five sisters. He it
prowling by night amid the armour and blood- was that now addressed the Trojans. “I, Hector,”
stained bodies of them that had fallen. said he, “Will to the ships and will exploit them.
Neither again did Hector let the Trojans sleep; But first hold up your sceptre and swear that you
for he too called the princes and councillors of the will give me the chariot, bedight with bronze, and
Trojans that he might set his counsel before them. the horses that now carry the noble son of Peleus. I
“Is there one,” said he, “who for a great reward will will make you a good scout, and will not fail you. I
do me the service of which I will tell you? He shall will go through the host from one end to the other

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till I come to the ship of Agamemnon, where I take the dead; let him get a little past us, we can then
it the princes of the Achæans are now consulting spring upon him and take him. If, however, he is
whether they shall fight or fly.” too quick for us, go after him with your spear and
When he had done speaking Hector held up his hem him in towards the ships away from the Trojan
sceptre, and swore him his oath saying, “May Jove camp, to prevent his getting back to the town.”
the thundering husband of Juno bear witness that With this they turned out of their way and lay
no other Trojan but yourself shall mount those down among the corpses. Dolon suspected nothing
steeds, and that you shall have your will with them and soon passed them, but when he had got about
for ever.” as far as the distance by which a mule-plowed fur-
The oath he swore was bootless, but it made row exceeds one that has been ploughed by oxen
Dolon more keen on going. He hung his bow over (for mules can plow fallow land quicker than oxen)
his shoulder, and as an overall he wore the skin of a they ran after him, and when he heard their foot-
grey wolf, while on his head he set a cap of ferret steps he stood still, for he made sure they were
skin. Then he took a pointed javelin, and left the friends from the Trojan camp come by Hector’s or-
camp for the ships, but he was not to return with ders to bid him return; when, however, they were
any news for Hector. When he had left the horses only a spear’s cast, or less away form him, he saw
and the troops behind him, he made all speed on that they were enemies as fast as his legs could take
his way, but Ulysses perceived his coming and said him. The others gave chase at once, and as a couple
to Diomed, “Diomed, here is some one from the of well-trained hounds press forward after a doe or
camp; I am not sure whether he is a spy, or whether hare that runs screaming in front of them, even so
it is some thief who would plunder the bodies of did the son of Tydeus and Ulysses pursue Dolon

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and cut him off from his own people. But when he death be in your mind; but tell me, and tell me
had fled so far towards the ships that he would soon true, why are you thus going about alone in the
have fallen in with the outposts, Minerva infused dead of night away from your camp and towards
fresh strength into the son of Tydeus for fear some the ships, while other men are sleeping? Is it to plun-
other of the Achæans might have the glory of being der the bodies of the slain, or did Hector send you
first to hit him, and he might himself be only sec- to spy out what was going on at the ships? Or did
ond; he therefore sprang forward with his spear and you come here of your own mere notion?”
said, “Stand, or I shall throw my spear, and in that Dolon answered, his limbs trembling beneath him:
case I shall soon make an end of you.” “Hector, with his vain flattering promises, lured me
He threw as he spoke, but missed his aim on pur- from my better judgement. He said he would give
pose. The dart flew over the man’s right shoulder, me the horses of the noble son of Peleus and his
and then stuck in the ground. He stood stock still, bronze-bedizened chariot; he bade me go through
trembling and in great fear; his teeth chattered, and the darkness of the flying night, get close to the
he turned pale with fear. The two came breathless enemy, and find out whether the ships are still
up to him and seized his hands, whereon he began guarded as heretofore, or whether, now that we have
to weep and said, “Take me alive; I will ransom beaten them, the Achæans design to fly, and through
myself; we have great store of gold, bronze, and sheer exhaustion are neglecting to keep their
wrought iron, and from this my father will satisfy watches.”
you with a very large ransom, should he hear of my Ulysses smiled at him and answered, “You had
being alive at the ships of the Achæans.” indeed set your heart upon a great reward, but the
“Fear not,” replied Ulysses, “let no thought of horses of the descendant of Æacus are hardly to be

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kept in hand or driven by any other mortal man Ulysses then said, “Now tell me; are they sleep-
than Achilles himself, whose mother was an immor- ing among the Trojan troops, or do they lie apart?
tal. But tell me, and tell me true, where did you Explain this that I may understand it.”
leave Hector when you started? Where lies his “I will tell you truly all,” replied Dolon. “To the
armour and his horses? How, too, are the watches seaward lie the Carians, the Pæonian bowmen, the
and sleeping-ground of the Trojans ordered? What Leleges, the Cauconians, and the noble Pelasgi. The
are their plans? Will they stay here by the ships Lysians and proud Mysians, with the Phrygians and
and away from the city, or now that they have wor- Meonians, have their place on the side towards
sted the Achæans, will they retire within their Thymbra; but why ask about an this? If you want
walls?” to find your way into the host of the Trojans, there
And Dolon answered, “I will tell you truly all. Hec- are the Thracians, who have lately come here and
tor and the other councillors are now holding con- lie apart from the others at the far end of the camp;
ference by the monument of great Ilus, away from and they have Rhesus son of Eioneus for their king.
the general tumult; as for the guards about which His horses are the finest and strongest that I have
you ask me, there is no chosen watch to keep guard ever seen, they are whiter than snow and fleeter
over the host. The Trojans have their watchfires, for than any wind that blows. His chariot is bedight
they are bound to have them; they, therefore, are with silver and gold, and he has brought his mar-
awake and keep each other to their duty as senti- vellous golden armour, of the rarest workmanship—
nels; but the allies who have come from other places too splendid for any mortal man to carry, and meet
are asleep and leave it to the Trojans to keep guard, only for the gods. Now, therefore, take me to the
for their wives and children are not here.” ships or bind me securely here, until you come back

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and have proved my words whether they be false or the horses and sleeping-ground of the Thracians.”
true.” With these words he took the spoils and set them
Diomed looked sternly at him and answered, upon a tamarisk tree, and they marked the place by
“Think not, Dolon, for all the good information pulling up reeds and gathering boughs of tamarisk
you have given us, that you shall escape now you that they might not miss it as they came back
are in our hands, for if we ransom you or let you go, through the’ flying hours of darkness. The two then
you will come some second time to the ships of the went onwards amid the fallen armour and the blood,
Achæans either as a spy or as an open enemy, but if and came presently to the company of Thracian
I kill you and an end of you, you will give no more soldiers, who were sleeping, tired out with their day’s
trouble.” toil; their goodly armour was lying on the ground
On this Dolon would have caught him by the beside them all orderly in three rows, and each man
beard to beseech him further, but Diomed struck had his yoke of horses beside him. Rhesus was sleep-
him in the middle of his neck with his sword and ing in the middle, and hard by him his horses were
cut through both sinews so that his head fell rolling made fast to the topmost rim of his chariot. Ulysses
in the dust while he was yet speaking. They took from some way off saw him and said, “This, Diomed,
the ferret-skin cap from his head, and also the wolf- is the man, and these are the horses about which
skin, the bow, and his long spear. Ulysses hung them Dolon whom we killed told us. Do your very ut-
up aloft in honour of Minerva the goddess of plun- most; dally not about your armour, but loose the
der, and prayed saying, “Accept these, goddess, for horses at once—or else kill the men yourself, while
we give them to you in preference to all the gods in I see to the horses.”
Olympus: therefore speed us still further towards Thereon Minerva put courage into the heart of

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Diomed, and he smote them right and left. They other daring deed he might accomplish. He was
made a hideous groaning as they were being hacked doubting whether to take the chariot in which the
about, and the earth was red with their blood. As a king’s armour was lying, and draw it out by the
lion springs furiously upon a flock of sheep or goats pole, or to lift the armour out and carry it off; or
when he finds without their shepherd, so did the whether again, he should not kill some more
son of Tydeus set upon the Thracian soldiers till he Thracians. While he was thus hesitating Minerva
had killed twelve. As he killed them Ulysses came came up to him and said, “Get back, Diomed, to
and drew them aside by their feet one by one, that the ships or you may be driven thither, should some
the horses might go forward freely without being other god rouse the Trojans.”
frightened as they passed over the dead bodies, for Diomed knew that it was the goddess, and at once
they were not yet used to them. When the son of sprang upon the horses. Ulysses beat them with his
Tydeus came to the king, he killed him too (which bow and they flew onward to the ships of the
made thirteen), as he was breathing hard, for by Achæans.
the counsel of Minerva an evil dream, the seed of But Apollo kept no blind look-out when he saw
Oeneus, hovered that night over his head. Mean- Minerva with the son of Tydeus. He was angry with
while Ulysses untied the horses, made them fast her, and coming to the host of the Trojans he roused
one to another and drove them off, striking them Hippocoon, a counsellor of the Thracians and a
with his bow, for he had forgotten to take the whip noble kinsman of Rhesus. He started up out of his
from the chariot. Then he whistled as a sign to sleep and saw that the horses were no longer in their
Diomed. place, and that the men were gasping in their death-
But Diomed stayed where he was, thinking what agony; on this he groaned aloud, and called upon

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his friend by name. Then the whole Trojan camp them. Nestor knight of Gerene was first to ques-
was in an uproar as the people kept hurrying to- tion them. “Tell me,” said he, “renowned Ulysses,
gether, and they marvelled at the deeds of the he- how did you two come by these horses? Did you
roes who had now got away towards the ships. steal in among the Trojan forces, or did some god
When they reached the place where they had killed meet you and give them to you? They are like sun-
Hector’s scout, Ulysses stayed his horses, and the son beams. I am well conversant with the Trojans, for
of Tydeus, leaping to the ground, placed the blood- old warrior though I am I never hold back by the
stained spoils in the hands of Ulysses and remounted: ships, but I never yet saw or heard of such horses as
then he lashed the horses onwards, and they flew for- these are. Surely some god must have met you and
ward nothing loth towards the ships as though of their given them to you, for you are both of dear to Jove,
own free will. Nestor was first to hear the tramp of and to Jove’s daughter Minerva.”
their feet. “My friends,” said he, “princes and coun- And Ulysses answered, “Nestor son of Neleus,
sellors of the Argives, shall I guess right or wrong?— honour to the Achæan name, heaven, if it so will,
but I must say what I think: there is a sound in my can give us even better horses than these, for the
ears as of the tramp of horses. I hope it may Diomed gods are far mightier than we are. These horses, how-
and Ulysses driving in horses from the Trojans, but I ever, about which you ask me, are freshly come from
much fear that the bravest of the Argives may have Thrace. Diomed killed their king with the twelve
come to some harm at their hands.” bravest of his companions. Hard by the ships we
He had hardly done speaking when the two men took a thirteenth man—a scout whom Hector and
came in and dismounted, whereon the others shook the other Trojans had sent as a spy upon our ships.”
hands right gladly with them and congratulated He laughed as he spoke and drove the horses over

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the ditch, while the other Achæans followed him immortals, Jove sent fierce Discord with the ensign
gladly. When they reached the strongly built quar- of war in her hands to the ships of the Achæans.
ters of the son of Tydeus, they tied the horses with She took her stand by the huge black hull of Ulysses’
thongs of leather to the manger, where the steeds ship which was middlemost of all, so that her voice
of Diomed stood eating their sweet corn, but Ulysses might carry farthest on either side, on the one hand
hung the blood-stained spoils of Dolon at the stern towards the tents of Ajax son of Telamon, and on
of his ship, that they might prepare a sacred offer- the other towards those of Achilles—for these two
ing to Minerva. As for themselves, they went into heroes, well-assured of their own strength, had val-
the sea and washed the sweat from their bodies, orously drawn up their ships at the two ends of the
and from their necks and thighs. When the sea- line. There she took her stand, and raised a cry both
water had taken all the sweat from off them, and loud and shrill that filled the Achæans with cour-
had refreshed them, they went into the baths and age, giving them heart to fight resolutely and with
washed themselves. After they had so done and had all their might, so that they had rather stay there
anointed themselves with oil, they sat down to table, and do battle than go home in their ships.
and drawing from a full mixing-bowl, made a drink- The son of Atreus shouted aloud and bade the
offering of wine to Minerva. Argives gird themselves for battle while he put on
his armour. First he girded his goodly greaves about
BOOK XI his legs, making them fast with ankle clasps of sil-
ver; and about his chest he set the breastplate which
AND NOW AS DAWN ROSE from her couch beside Cinyras had once given him as a guest-gift. It had
Tithonus, harbinger of light alike to mortals and been noised abroad as far as Cyprus that the

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Achæans were about to sail for Troy, and therefore before and behind, and four plumes of horse-hair
he gave it to the king. It had ten courses of dark that nodded menacingly above it; then he grasped
cyanus, twelve of gold, and ten of tin. There were two redoubtable bronze-shod spears, and the gleam
serpents of cyanus that reared themselves up to- of his armour shot from him as a flame into the
wards the neck, three upon either side, like the rain- firmament, while Juno and Minerva thundered in
bows which the son of Saturn has set in heaven as honour of the king of rich Mycene.
a sign to mortal men. About his shoulders he threw Every man now left his horses in charge of his
his sword, studded with bosses of gold; and the scab- charioteer to hold them in readiness by the trench,
bard was of silver with a chain of gold wherewith to while he went into battle on foot clad in full armour,
hang it. He took moreover the richly-dight shield and a mighty uproar rose on high into the dawning.
that covered his body when he was in battle—fair The chiefs were armed and at the trench before the
to see, with ten circles of bronze running all round horses got there, but these came up presently. The
see, wit it. On the body of the shield there were son of Saturn sent a portent of evil sound about
twenty bosses of white tin, with another of dark their host, and the dew fell red with blood, for he
cyanus in the middle: this last was made to show a was about to send many a brave man hurrying down
Gorgon’s head, fierce and grim, with Rout and Panic to Hades.
on either side. The band for the arm to go through The Trojans, on the other side upon the rising
was of silver, on which there was a writhing snake slope of the plain, were gathered round great Hec-
of cyanus with three heads that sprang from a single tor, noble Polydamas, Æneas who was honoured by
neck, and went in and out among one another. On the Trojans like an immortal, and the three sons of
his head Agamemnon set a helmet, with a peak Antenor, Polybus, Agenor, and young Acamas beau-

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teous as a god. Hector’s round shield showed in the ships of the Achæans, the gleam of bronze, and alike
front rank, and as some baneful star that shines for upon the slayers and on the slain.
a moment through a rent in the clouds and is again Now so long as the day waxed and it was still
hidden beneath them; even so was Hector now seen morning, their darts rained thick on one another
in the front ranks and now again in the hindermost, and the people perished, but as the hour drew nigh
and his bronze armour gleamed like the lightning when a woodman working in some mountain forest
of ægis-bearing Jove. will get his midday meal—for he has felled till his
And now as a band of reapers mow swathes of hands are weary; he is tired out, and must now have
wheat or barley upon a rich man’s land, and the food—then the Danaans with a cry that rang
sheaves fall thick before them, even so did the Tro- through all their ranks, broke the battalions of the
jans and Achæans fall upon one another; they were enemy. Agamemnon led them on, and slew first
in no mood for yielding but fought like wolves, and Bienor, a leader of his people, and afterwards his
neither side got the better of the other. Discord was comrade and charioteer Oileus, who sprang from
glad as she beheld them, for she was the only god his chariot and was coming full towards him; but
that went among them; the others were not there, Agamemnon struck him on the forehead with his
but stayed quietly each in his own home among spear; his bronze visor was of no avail against the
the dells and valleys of Olympus. All of them blamed weapon, which pierced both bronze and bone, so
the son of Saturn for wanting to Live victory to the that his brains were battered in and he was killed in
Trojans, but father Jove heeded them not: he held full fight.
aloof from all, and sat apart in his all-glorious maj- Agamemnon stripped their shirts from off them
esty, looking down upon the city of the Trojans, the and left them with their breasts all bare to lie where

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they had fallen. He then went on to kill Isus and ster—so, no man of the Trojans could help Isus and
Antiphus two sons of Priam, the one a bastard, the Antiphus, for they were themselves flying panic
other born in wedlock; they were in the same before the Argives.
chariot—the bastard driving, while noble Antiphus Then King Agamemnon took the two sons of
fought beside him. Achilles had once taken both of Antimachus, Pisander and brave Hippolochus. It
them prisoners in the glades of Ida, and had bound was Antimachus who had been foremost in prevent-
them with fresh withes as they were shepherding, ing Helen’s being restored to Menelaus, for he was
but he had taken a ransom for them; now, however, largely bribed by Alexandrus; and now Agamemnon
Agamemnon son of Atreus smote Isus in the chest took his two sons, both in the same chariot, trying
above the nipple with his spear, while he struck to bring their horses to a stand—for they had lost
Antiphus hard by the ear and threw him from his hold of the reins and the horses were mad with fear.
chariot. Forthwith he stripped their goodly armour The son of Atreus sprang upon them like a lion,
from off them and recognized them, for he had al- and the pair besought him from their chariot. “Take
ready seen them at ships when Achilles brought us alive,” they cried, “son of Atreus, and you shall
them in from Ida. As a lion fastens on the fawns of receive a great ransom for us. Our father Antimachus
a hind and crushes them in his great jaws, robbing has great store of gold, bronze, and wrought iron,
them of their tender life while he on his way back and from this he will satisfy you with a very large
to his lair—the hind can do nothing for them even ransom should he hear of our being alive at the
though she be close by, for she is in an agony of ships of the Achæans.”
fear, and flies through the thick forest, sweating, With such piteous words and tears did they be-
and at her utmost speed before the mighty mon- seech the king, but they heard no pitiful answer in

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return. “If,” said Agamemnon, “you are sons of gusts whirl fire in all directions till the thickets shrivel
Antimachus, who once at a council of Trojans pro- and are consumed before the blast of the flame—
posed that Menelaus and Ulysses, who had come even so fell the heads of the flying Trojans before
to you as envoys, should be killed and not suffered Agamemnon son of Atreus, and many a noble
to return, you shall now pay for the foul iniquity of pair of steeds drew an empty chariot along the high-
your father.” ways of war, for lack of drivers who were lying on the
As he spoke he felled Pisander from his chariot to plain, more useful now to vultures than to their wives.
the earth, smiting him on the chest with his spear, so Jove drew Hector away from the darts and dust,
that he lay face uppermost upon the ground. with the carnage and din of battle; but the son of
Hippolochus fled, but him too did Agamemnon Atreus sped onwards, calling out lustily to the
smite; he cut off his hands and his head—which he Danaans. They flew on by the tomb of old Ilus, son
sent rolling in among the crowd as though it were a of Dardanus, in the middle of the plain, and past
ball. There he let them both lie, and wherever the the place of the wild fig-tree making always for the
ranks were thickest thither he flew, while the other city—the son of Atreus still shouting, and with
Achæans followed. Foot soldiers drove the foot sol- hands all bedrabbled in gore; but when they had
diers of the foe in rout before them, and slew them; reached the Scæan gates and the oak tree, there
horsemen did the like by horsemen, and the thun- they halted and waited for the others to come up.
dering tramp of the horses raised a cloud of dust Meanwhile the Trojans kept on flying over the
frim off the plain. King Agamemnon followed after, middle of the plain like a herd cows maddened with
ever slaying them and cheering on the Achæans. As fright when a lion has attacked them in the dead of
when some mighty forest is all ablaze—the eddying night—he springs on one of them, seizes her neck

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in the grip of his strong teeth and then laps up her Iris hearkened and obeyed. Down she went to
blood and gorges himself upon her entrails—even strong Ilius from the crests of Ida, and found Hec-
so did King Agamemnon son of Atreus pursue the tor son of Priam standing by his chariot and horses.
foe, ever slaughtering the hindmost as they fled pell- Then she said, “Hector son of Priam, peer of gods
mell before him. Many a man was flung headlong in counsel, father Jove has sent me to bear you this
from his chariot by the hand of the son of Atreus, message—so long as you see Agamemnon heading
for he wielded his spear with fury. his men and making havoc of the Trojan ranks, you
But when he was just about to reach the high are to keep aloof and bid the others bear the brunt
wall and the city, the father of gods and men came of the battle, but when Agamemnon is wounded
down from heaven and took his seat, thunderbolt either by spear or arrow, and takes to his chariot,
in hand, upon the crest of many-fountained Ida. then will Jove vouchsafe you strength to slay till
He then told Iris of the golden wings to carry a you reach the ships, and till night falls at the going
message for him. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, and speak down of the sun.”
thus to Hector—say that so long as he sees When she had thus spoken Iris left him, and Hec-
Agamemnon heading his men and making havoc of tor sprang full armed from his chariot to the ground,
the Trojan ranks, he is to keep aloof and bid the brandishing his spear as he went about everywhere
others bear the brunt of the battle, but when among the host, cheering his men on to fight, and
Agamemnon is wounded either by spear or arrow, stirring the dread strife of battle. The Trojans then
and takes to his chariot, then will I vouchsafe him wheeled round, and again met the Achæans, while
strength to slay till he reach the ships and night the Argives on their part strengthened their battal-
falls at the going down of the sun.” ions. The battle was now in array and they stood face

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to face with one another, Agamemnon ever pressing nor nearly so, for the point of the spear struck
forward in his eagerness to be ahead of all others. against the silver and was turned aside as though it
Tell me now ye Muses that dwell in the mansions had been lead: King Agamemnon caught it from
of Olympus, who, whether of the Trojans or of their his hand, and drew it towards him with the fury of
allies, was first to face Agamemnon? It was a lion; he then drew his sword, and killed Iphidamas
Iphidamas son of Antenor, a man both brave and by striking him on the neck. So there the poor fel-
of great stature, who was brought up in fertile Thrace low lay, sleeping a sleep as it were of bronze, killed
the mother of sheep. Cisses, his mother’s father, in the defence of his fellow-citizens, far from his
brought him up in his own house when he was a wedded wife, of whom he had had no joy though
child—Cisses, father to fair Theano. When he he had given much for her: he had given a hundred-
reached manhood, Cisses would have kept him head of cattle down, and had promised later on to
there, and was for giving him his daughter in mar- give a thousand sheep and goats mixed, from the
riage, but as soon as he had married he set out to countless flocks of which he was possessed.
fight the Achæans with twelve ships that followed Agamemnon son of Atreus then despoiled him, and
him: these he had left at Percote and had come on carried off his armour into the host of the Achæans.
by land to Ilius. He it was that naw met Agamemnon When noble Coon, Antenor’s eldest son, saw this,
son of Atreus. When they were close up with one sore indeed were his eyes at the sight of his fallen
another, the son of Atreus missed his aim, and brother. Unseen by Agamemnon he got beside him,
Iphidamas hit him on the girdle below the cuirass spear in hand, and wounded him in the middle of
and then flung himself upon him, trusting to his his arm below the elbow, the point of the spear go-
strength of arm; the girdle, however, was not pierced, ing right through the arm. Agamemnon was con-

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vulsed with pain, but still not even for this did he in labour—even so sharp were the pangs of the son
leave off struggling and fighting, but grasped his of Atreus. He sprang on to his chariot, and bade his
spear that flew as fleet as the wind, and sprang upon charioteer drive to the ships, for he was in great
Coon who was trying to drag off the body of his agony. With a loud clear voice he shouted to the
brother—his father’s son—by the foot, and was cry- Danaans, “My friends, princes and counsellors of
ing for help to all the bravest of his comrades; but the Argives, defend the ships yourselves, for Jove
Agamemnon struck him with a bronze-shod spear has not suffered me to fight the whole day through
and killed him as he was dragging the dead body against the Trojans.”
through the press of men under cover of his shield: With this the charioteer turned his horses towards
he then cut off his head, standing over the body of the ships, and they flew forward nothing loth. Their
Iphidamas. Thus did the sons of Antenor meet their chests were white with foam and their bellies with
fate at the hands of the son of Atreus, and go down dust, as they drew the wounded king out of the
into the house of Hades. battle.
As long as the blood still welled warm from his When Hector saw Agamemnon quit the field, he
wound Agamemnon went about attacking the ranks shouted to the Trojans and Lycians saying, “Tro-
of the enemy with spear and sword and with great jans, Lycians, and Dardanian warriors, be men, my
handfuls of stone, but when the blood had ceased friends, and acquit yourselves in battle bravely; their
to flow and the wound grew dry, the pain became best man has left them, and Jove has vouchsafed
great. As the sharp pangs which the Eilithuiæ, god- me a great triumph; charge the foe with your chari-
desses of childbirth, daughters of Juno and dispens- ots that. you may win still greater glory.”
ers of cruel pain, send upon a woman when she is With these words he put heart and soul into them

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all, and as a huntsman hounds his dogs on against Achæans would have fled pell-mell to their ships,
a lion or wild boar, even so did Hector, peer of Mars, had not Ulysses cried out to Diomed, “Son of
hound the proud Trojans on against the Achæans. Tydeus, what has happened to us that we thus for-
Full of hope he plunged in among the foremost, get our prowess? Come, my good fellow, stand by
and fell on the fight like some fierce tempest that my side and help me, we shall be shamed for ever if
swoops down upon the sea, and lashes its deep blue Hector takes the ships.”
waters into fury. And Diomed answered, “Come what may, I will
What, then is the full tale of those whom Hector stand firm; but we shall have scant joy of it, for
son of Priam killed in the hour of triumph which Jove is minded to give victory to the Trojans rather
Jove then vouchsafed him? First Asæus, Autonous, than to us.”
and Opites; Dolops son of Clytius, Opheltius and With these words he struck Thymbræus from his
Agelaus; Æsymnus, Orus and Hipponous steadfast chariot to the ground, smiting him in the left breast
in battle; these chieftains of the Achæans did Hec- with his spear, while Ulysses killed Molion who was
tor slay, and then he fell upon the rank and file. As his squire. These they let lie, now that they had
when the west wind hustles the clouds of the white stopped their fighting; the two heroes then went
south and beats them down with the fierceness of on playing havoc with the foe, like two wild boars
its fury—the waves of the sea roll high, and the that turn in fury and rend the hounds that hunt
spray is flung aloft in the rage of the wandering them. Thus did they turn upon the Trojans and
wind—even so thick were the heads of them that slay them, and the Achæans were thankful to have
fell by the hand of Hector. breathing time in their flight from Hector.
All had then been lost and no help for it, and the They then took two princes with their chariot,

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the two sons of Merops of Percote, who excelled all we shall be undone; let us stand firm and wait his
others in the arts of divination. He had forbidden onset.”
his sons to go to the war, but they would not obey He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it,
him, for fate lured them to their fall. Diomed son nor did he miss his mark. He had aimed at Hector’s
of Tydeus slew them both and stripped them of their head near the top of his helmet, but bronze was
armour, while Ulysses killed Hippodamus and turned by bronze, and Hector was untouched, for
Hypeirochus. the spear was stayed by the visored helm made with
And now the son of Saturn as he looked down three plates of metal, which Phoebus Apollo had
from Ida ordained that neither side should have the given him. Hector sprang back with a great bound
advantage, and they kept on killing one another. under cover of the ranks; he fell on his knees and
The son of Tydeus speared Agastrophus son of Pæon propped himself with his brawny hand leaning on
in the hip-joint with his spear. His chariot was not the ground, for darkness had fallen on his eyes. The
at hand for him to fly with, so blindly confident son of Tydeus having thrown his spear dashed in
had he been. His squire was in charge of it at some among the foremost fighters, to the place where he
distance and he was fighting on foot among the fore- had seen it strike the ground; meanwhile Hector
most until he lost his life. Hector soon marked the recovered himself and springing back into his chariot
havoc Diomed and Ulysses were making, and bore mingled with the crowd, by which means he saved
down upon them with a loud cry, followed by the his life. But Diomed made at him with his spear
Trojan ranks; brave Diomed was dismayed when and said, “Dog, you have again got away though
he saw them, and said to Ulysses who was beside death was close on your heels. Phoebus Apollo, to
him, “Great Hector is bearing down upon us and whom I ween you pray ere you go into battle, has

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again saved you, nevertheless I will meet you and Diomed all undaunted answered, “Archer, you who
make and end of you hereafter, if there is any god without your bow are nothing, slanderer and se-
who will stand by me too and be my helper. For the ducer, if you were to be tried in single combat fight-
present I must pursue those I can lay hands on.” ing in full armour, your bow and your arrows would
As he spoke he began stripping the spoils from serve you in little stead. Vain is your boast in that
the son of Pæon, but Alexandrus husband of lovely you have scratched the sole of my foot. I care no
Helen aimed an arrow at him, leaning against a pil- more than if a girl or some silly boy had hit me. A
lar of the monument which men had raised to Ilus worthless coward can inflict but a light wound; when
son of Dardanus, a ruler in days of old. Diomed I wound a man though I but graze his skin it is
had taken the cuirass from off the breast of another matter, for my weapon will lay him low.
Agastrophus, his heavy helmet also, and the shield His wife will tear her cheeks for grief and his chil-
from off his shoulders, when Paris drew his bow dren will be fatherless: there will he rot, reddening
and let fly an arrow that sped not from his hand in the earth with his blood, and vultures, not women,
vain, but pierced the flat of Diomed’s right foot, will gather round him.”
going right through it and fixing itself in the ground. Thus he spoke, but Ulysses came up and stood
Thereon Paris with a hearty laugh sprang forward over him. Under this cover he sat down to draw the
from his hiding-place, and taunted him saying, “You arrow from his foot, and sharp was the pain he suf-
are wounded—my arrow has not been shot in vain; fered as he did so. Then he sprang on to his chariot
would that it had hit you in the belly and killed and bade the charioteer drive him to the ships, for
you, for thus the Trojans, who fear you as goats fear he was sick at heart.
a lion, would have had a truce from evil.” Ulysses was now alone; not one of the Argives

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stood by him, for they were all panic-stricken. “Alas,” just sprung down from his chariot; so he fell in the
said he to himself in his dismay, “what will become dust and clutched the earth in the hollow of his
of me? It is ill if I turn and fly before these odds, hand. These he let lie, and went on to wound
but it will be worse if I am left alone and taken Charops son of Hippasus own brother to noble
prisoner, for the son of Saturn has struck the rest of Socus. Socus, hero that he was, made all speed to
the Danaans with panic. But why talk to myself in help him, and when he was close to Ulysses he said,
this way? Well do I know that though cowards quit “Far-famed Ulysses, insatiable of craft and toil, this
the field, a hero, whether he wound or be wounded, day you shall either boast of having killed both the
must stand firm and hold his own.” sons of Hippasus and stripped them of their armour,
While he was thus in two minds, the ranks of the or you shall fall before my spear.”
Trojans advanced and hemmed him in, and bitterly With these words he struck the shield of Ulysses.
did they come to me it. As hounds and lusty youths The spear went through the shield and passed on
set upon a wild boar that sallies from his lair whet- through his richly wrought cuirass, tearing the flesh
ting his white tusks—they attack him from every from his side, but Pallas Minerva did not suffer it
side and can hear the gnashing of his jaws, but for to pierce the entrails of the hero. Ulysses knew that
all his fierceness they still hold their ground—even his hour was not yet come, but he gave ground and
so furiously did the Trojans attack Ulysses. First he said to Socus, “Wretch, you shall now surely die.
sprang spear in hand upon Deiopites and wounded You have stayed me from fighting further with the
him on the shoulder with a downward blow; then Trojans, but you shall now fall by my spear, yield-
he killed Thoon and Ennomus. After these he struck ing glory to myself, and your soul to Hades of the
Chersidamas in the loins under his shield as he had noble steeds.”

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Socus had turned in flight, but as he did so, the Ajax who was close beside him and said, “Ajax, noble
spear struck him in the back midway between the son of Telamon, captain of your people, the cry of
shoulders, and went right through his chest. He fell Ulysses rings in my ears, as though the Trojans had
heavily to the ground and Ulysses vaunted over him cut him off and were worsting him while he is single-
saying, “O Socus, son of Hippasus tamer of horses, handed. Let us make our way through the throng;
death has been too quick for you and you have not it will be well that we defend him; I fear he may
escaped him: poor wretch, not even in death shall come to harm for all his valour if he be left without
your father and mother close your eyes, but the support, and the Danaans would miss him sorely.”
ravening vultures shall enshroud you with the flap- He led the way and mighty Ajax went with him.
ping of their dark wings and devour you. Whereas The Trojans had gathered round Ulysses like raven-
even though I fall the Achæans will give me my due ous mountain jackals round the carcase of some
rites of burial.” homed stag that has been hit with an arrow—the
So saying he drew Socus’s heavy spear out of his stag has fled at full speed so long as his blood was
flesh and from his shield, and the blood welled forth warm and his strength has lasted, but when the ar-
when the spear was withdrawn so that he was much row has overcome him, the savage jackals devour
dismayed. When the Trojans saw that Ulysses was him in the shady glades of the forest. Then heaven
bleeding they raised a great shout and came on in a sends a fierce lion thither, whereon the jackals fly
body towards him; he therefore gave ground, and in terror and the lion robs them of their prey—even
called his comrades to come and help him. Thrice so did Trojans many and brave gather round crafty
did he cry as loudly as man can cry, and thrice did Ulysses, but the hero stood at bay and kept them
brave Menelaus hear him; he turned, therefore, to off with his spear. Ajax then came up with his shield

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before him like a wall, and stood hard by, whereon no ground, had not Alexandrus husband of lovely
the Trojans fled in all directions. Menelaus took Helen stayed the prowess of Machaon shepherd of
Ulysses by the hand, and led him out of the press his people, by wounding him in the right shoulder
while his squire brought up his chariot, but Ajax with a triple-barbed arrow. The Achæans were in
rushed furiously on the Trojans and killed Doryclus, great fear that as the fight had turned against them
a bastard son of Priam; then he wounded Pandocus, the Trojans might take him prisoner, and Idomeneus
Lysandrus, Pyrasus, and Pylartes; as some swollen said to Nestor, “Nestor son of Neleus, honour to
torrent comes rushing in full flood from the moun- the Achæan name, mount your chariot at once; take
tains on to the plain, big with the rain of heaven— Machaon with you and drive your horses to the
many a dry oak and many a pine does it engulf, ships as fast as you can. A physician is worth more
and much mud does it bring down and cast into than several other men put together, for he can cut
the sea—even so did brave Ajax chase the foe furi- out arrows and spread healing herbs.”
ously over the plain, slaying both men and horses. Nestor knight of Gerene did as Idomeneus had
Hector did not yet know what Ajax was doing, counselled; he at once mounted his chariot, and
for he was fighting on the extreme left of the battle Machaon son of the famed physician Æsculapius
by the banks of the river Scamander, where the car- went with him. He lashed his horses and they flew
nage was thickest and the war-cry loudest round onward nothing loth towards the ships, as though
Nestor and brave Idomeneus. Among these Hector of their own free will.
was making great slaughter with his spear and furi- Then Cebriones seeing the Trojans in confusion
ous driving, and was destroying the ranks that were said to Hector from his place beside him, “Hector,
opposed to him; still the Achæans would have given here are we two fighting on the extreme wing of the

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battle, while the other Trojans are in pell-mell rout, Then father Jove from his high throne struck fear
they and their horses. Ajax son of Telamon is driv- into the heart of Ajax, so that he stood there dazed
ing them before him; I know him by the breadth of and threw his shield behind him—looking fearfully
his shield: let us turn our chariot and horses thither, at the throng of his foes as though he were some
where horse and foot are fighting most desperately, wild beast, and turning hither and thither but
and where the cry of battle is loudest.” crouching slowly backwards. As peasants with their
With this he lashed his goodly steeds, and when hounds chase a lion from their stockyard, and watch
they felt the whip they drew the chariot full speed by night to prevent his carrying off the pick of their
among the Achæans and Trojans, over the bodies herd—he makes his greedy spring, but in vain, for
and shields of those that had fallen: the axle was the darts from many a strong hand fall thick around
bespattered with blood, and the rail round the car him, with burning brands that scare him for all his
was covered with splashes both from the horses’ fury, and when morning comes he slinks foiled and
hoofs and from the tyres of the wheels. Hector tore angry away—even so did Ajax, sorely against his
his way through and flung himself into the thick of will, retreat angrily before the Trojans, fearing for
the fight, and his presence threw the Danaans into the ships of the Achæans. Or as some lazy ass that
confusion, for his spear was not long idle; neverthe- has had many a cudgel broken about his back, when
less though he went among the ranks with sword he into a field begins eating the corn—boys beat
and spear, and throwing great stones, he avoided him but he is too many for them, and though they
Ajax son of Telamon, for Jove would have been an- lay about with their sticks they cannot hurt him;
gry with him if he had fought a better man than still when he has had his fill they at last drive him
himself. from the field—even so did the Trojans and their

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allies pursue great Ajax, ever smiting the middle of der cover of his comrades to save his life, shouting
his shield with their darts. Now and again he would as he did so to the Danaans, “My friends, princes
turn and show fight, keeping back the battalions of and counsellors of the Argives, rally to the defence
the Trojans, and then he would again retreat; but of Ajax who is being overpowered, and I doubt
he prevented any of them from making his way to whether he will come out of the fight alive. Hither,
the ships. Single-handed he stood midway between then, to the rescue of great Ajax son of Telamon.”
the Trojans and Achæans: the spears that sped from Even so did he cry when he was wounded; thereon
their hands stuck some of them in his mighty shield, the others came near, and gathered round him, hold-
while many, though thirsting for his blood, fell to ing their shields upwards from their shoulders so as
the ground ere they could reach him to the wound- to give him cover. Ajax then made towards them,
ing of his fair flesh. and turned round to stand at bay as soon as he had
Now when Eurypylus the brave son of Euæmon reached his men.
saw that Ajax was being overpowered by the rain of Thus then did they fight as it were a flaming fire.
arrows, he went up to him and hurled his spear. He Meanwhile the mares of Neleus, all in a lather with
struck Apisaon son of Phausius in the liver below sweat, were bearing Nestor out of the fight, and
the midriff, and laid him low. Eurypylus sprang upon with him Machaon shepherd of his people. Achil-
him, and stripped the armour from his shoulders; les saw and took note, for he was standing on the
but when Alexandrus saw him, he aimed an arrow stern of his ship watching the hard stress and
at him which struck him in the right thigh; the ar- struggle of the fight. He called from the ship to his
row broke, but the point that was left in the wound comrade Patroclus, who heard him in the tent and
dragged on the thigh; he drew back, therefore, un- came out looking like Mars himself—here indeed

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was the beginning of the ill that presently befell from Tenedos when Achilles took it, mixed them a
him. “Why,” said he, “Achilles do you call me? what mess; she was daughter of wise Arsinous, and the
do you what do you want with me?” And Achilles Achæans had given her to Nestor because he ex-
answered, “Noble son of Menoetius, man after my celled all of them in counsel. First she set for them
own heart, I take it that I shall now have the a fair and well-made table that had feet of cyanus;
Achæans praying at my knees, for they are in great on it there was a vessel of bronze and an onion to
straits; go, Patroclus, and ask Nestor who is that he give relish to the drink, with honey and cakes of
is bearing away wounded from the field; from his barley-meal. There was also a cup of rare workman-
back I should say it was Machaon son of Æsculapius, ship which the old man had brought with him from
but I could not see his face for the horses went by home, studded with bosses of gold; it had four
me at full speed.” handles, on each of which there were two golden
Patroclus did as his dear comrade had bidden him, doves feeding, and it had two feet to stand on. Any
and set off running by the ships and tents of the one else would hardly have been able to lift it from
Achæans. the table when it was full, but Nestor could do so
When Nestor and Machaon had reached the tents quite easily. In this the woman, as fair as a goddess,
of the son of Neleus, they dismounted, and an es- mixed them a mess with Pramnian wine; she grated
quire, Eurymedon, took the horses from the chariot. goat’s milk cheese into it with a bronze grater, threw
The pair then stood in the breeze by the seaside to in a handful of white barley-meal, and having thus
dry the sweat from their shirts, and when they had prepared the mess she bade them drink it. When
so done they came inside and took their seats. Fair they had done so and had thus quenched their thirst,
Hecamede, whom Nestor had had awarded to him they fell talking with one another, and at this mo-

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ment Patroclus appeared at the door. with an arrow; nevertheless Achilles, so valiant
When the old man saw him he sprang from his though he be, cares not and knows no ruth. Will he
seat, seized his hand, led him into the tent, and wait till the ships, do what we may, are in a blaze,
bade him take his place among them; but Patroclus and we perish one upon the other? As for me, I
stood where he was and said, “Noble sir, I may not have no strength nor stay in me any longer; would
stay, you cannot persuade me to come in; he that that I Were still young and strong as in the days
sent me is not one to be trifled with, and he bade when there was a fight between us and the men of
me ask who the wounded man was whom you were Elis about some cattle-raiding. I then killed
bearing away from the field. I can now see for my- Itymoneus the valiant son of Hypeirochus a dweller
self that he is Machaon shepherd of his people. I in Elis, as I was driving in the spoil; he was hit by a
must go back and tell Achilles. You, sir, know what dart thrown my hand while fighting in the front
a terrible man he is, and how ready to blame even rank in defence of his cows, so he fell and the coun-
where no blame should lie.” try people around him were in great fear. We drove
And Nestor answered, “Why should Achilles care off a vast quantity of booty from the plain, fifty
to know how many of the Achæans may be herds of cattle and as many flocks of sheep; fifty
wounded? He recks not of the dismay that reigns droves also of pigs, and as many wide-spreading
in our host; our most valiant chieftains lie disabled, flocks of goats. Of horses moreover we seized a hun-
brave Diomed son of Tydeus is wounded; so are dred and fifty, all of them mares, and many had
Ulysses and Agamemnon; Eurypylus has been hit foals running with them. All these did we drive by
with an arrow in the thigh, and I have just been night to Pylus the city of Neleus, taking them within
bringing this man from the field—he too wounded— the city; and the heart of Neleus was glad in that I

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had taken so much, though it was the first time I said and done, and took great value in return, but
had ever been in the field. At daybreak the heralds he divided the rest, that no man might have less
went round crying that all in Elis to whom there than his full share.
was a debt owing should come; and the leading “Thus did we order all things, and offer sacrifices
Pylians assembled to divide the spoils. There were to the gods throughout the city; but three days af-
many to whom the Epeans owed chattels, for we terwards the Epeans came in a body, many in num-
men of Pylus were few and had been oppressed with ber, they and their chariots, in full array, and with
wrong; in former years Hercules had come, and had them the two Moliones in their armour, though they
laid his hand heavy upon us, so that all our best were still lads and unused to fighting. Now there is
men had perished. Neleus had had twelve sons, but a certain town, Thryoessa, perched upon a rock on
I alone was left; the others had all been killed. The the river Alpheus, the border city Pylus; this they
Epeans presuming upon all this had looked down would destroy, and pitched their camp about it, but
upon us and had done us much evil. My father chose when they had crossed their whole plain, Minerva
a herd of cattle and a great flock of sheep—three darted down by night from Olympus and bade us
hundred in all—and he took their shepherds with set ourselves in array; and she found willing sol-
him, for there was a great debt due to him in Elis, diers in Pylos, for the men meant fighting. Neleus
to wit four horses, winners of prizes. They and their would not let me arm, and hid my horses, for he
chariots with them had gone to the games and were said that as yet I could know nothing about war;
to run for a tripod, but King Augeas took them, nevertheless Minerva so ordered the fight that, all
and sent back their driver grieving for the loss of on foot as I was, I fought among our mounted forces
his horses. Neleus was angered by what he had both and vied with the foremost of them. There is a river

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Minyeius that falls into the sea near Arene, and earth. I speared him as he was coming towards me,
there they that were mounted (and I with them) and when he fell headlong in the dust, I sprang upon
waited till morning, when the companies of foot his chariot and took my place in the front ranks.
soldiers came up with us in force. Thence in full The Epeans fled in all directions when they saw the
panoply and equipment we came towards noon to captain of their horsemen (the best man they had)
the sacred waters of the Alpheus, and there we of- laid low, and I swept down on them like a whirl-
fered victims to almighty Jove, with a bull to wind, taking fifty chariots—and in each of them two
Alpheus, another to Neptune, and a herd-heifer to men bit the dust, slain by my spear. I should have
Minerva. After this we took supper in our compa- even killed the two Moliones sons of Actor, unless
nies, and laid us down to rest each in his armour by their real father, Neptune lord of the earthquake,
the river. had hidden them in a thick mist and borne them
“The Epeans were beleaguering the city and were out of the fight. Thereon Jove vouchsafed the Pylians
determined to take it, but ere this might be there a great victory, for we chased them far over the plain,
was a desperate fight in store for them. When the killing the men and bringing in their armour, till we
sun’s rays began to fall upon the earth we joined had brought our horses to Buprasium rich in wheat
battle, praying to Jove and to Minerva, and when and to the Olenian rock, with the hill that is called
the fight had begun, I was the first to kill my man Alision, at which point Minerva turned the people
and take his horses—to wit the warrior Mulius. He back. There I slew the last man and left him; then
was son-in-law to Augeas, having married his eldest the Achæans drove their horses back from Buprasium
daughter, golden-haired Agamede, who knew the vir- to Pylos and gave thanks to Jove among the gods,
tues of every herb which grows upon the face of the and among mortal men to Nestor.

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“Such was I among my peers, as surely as ever said my say and urged both of you to join us. You
was, but Achilles is for keeping all his valour for were ready enough to do so, and the two old men
himself; bitterly will he rue it hereafter when the charged you much and straitly. Old Peleus bade his
host is being cut to pieces. My good friend, did not son Achilles fight ever among the foremost and
Menoetius charge you thus, on the day when he outvie his peers, while Menoetius the son of Actor
sent you from Phthia to Agamemnon? Ulysses and spoke thus to you: ‘My son,’ said he, ‘Achilles is of
I were in the house, inside, and heard all that he nobler birth than you are, but you are older than
said to you; for we came to the fair house of Peleus he, though he is far the better man of the two. Coun-
while beating up recruits throughout all Achæa, and sel him wisely, guide him in the right way, and he
when we got there we found Menoetius and your- will follow you to his own profit.’ Thus did your
self, and Achilles with you. The old knight Peleus father charge you, but you have forgotten; never-
was in the outer court, roasting the fat thigh-bones theless, even now, say all this to Achilles if he will
of a heifer to Jove the lord of thunder; and he held listen to you. Who knows but with heaven’s help
a gold chalice in his hand from which he poured you may talk him over, for it is good to take a friend’s
drink-offerings of wine over the burning sacrifice. advice. If, however, he is fearful about some oracle,
You two were busy cutting up the heifer, and at or if his mother has told him something from Jove,
that moment we stood at the gates, whereon Achil- then let him send you, and let the rest of the Myr-
les sprang to his feet, led us by the hand into the midons follow with you, if perchance you may bring
house, placed us at table, and set before us such light and saving to the Danaans. And let him send
hospitable entertainment as guests expect. When you into battle clad in his own armour, that the
we had satisfied ourselves with meat and drink, I Trojans may mistake you for him and leave off fight-

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ing; the sons of the Achæans may thus have time to great Hector in check, or will they fall now before
get their breath, for they are hard pressed and there his spear?”
is little breathing time in battle. You, who are fresh, Wounded Eur ypylus made answer, “Noble
might easily drive a tired enemy back to his walls Patroclus, there is no hope left for the Achæans but
and away from the tents and ships.” they will perish at their ships. All they that were
With these words he moved the heart of Patroclus, princes among us are lying struck down and
who set off running by the line of the ships to Achil- wounded at the hands of the Trojans, who are wax-
les, descendant of Æacus. When he had got as far ing stronger and stronger. But save me and take me
as the ships of Ulysses, where was their place of to your ship; cut out the arrow from my thigh; wash
assembly and court of justice, with their altars dedi- the black blood from off it with warm water, and
cated to the gods, Eurypylus son of Euæmon met lay upon it those gracious herbs which, so they say,
him, wounded in the thigh with an arrow, and limp- have been shown you by Achilles, who was himself
ing out of the fight. Sweat rained from his head shown them by Chiron, most righteous of all the
and shoulders, and black blood welled from his cruel centaurs. For of the physicians Podalirius and
wound, but his mind did not wander. The son of Machaon, I hear that the one is lying wounded in
Menoetius when he saw him had compassion upon his tent and is himself in need of healing, while the
him and spoke piteously saying, “O unhappy princes other is fighting the Trojans upon the plain.”
and counsellors of the Danaans, are you then “Hero Eurypylus,” replied the brave son of
doomed to feed the hounds of Troy with your fat, Menoetius, “how may these things be? What can I
far from your friends and your native land? say, do? I am on my way to bear a message to noble
noble Eurypylus, will the Achæans be able to hold Achilles from Nestor of Gerene, bulwark of the

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Achæans, but even so I will not be unmindful your safeguard both the ships and the rich spoils which
distress.” they had taken, but they had not offered hecatombs
With this he clasped him round the middle and to the gods. It had been built without the consent
led him into the tent, and a servant, when he saw of the immortals, and therefore it did not last. So
him, spread bullock-skins on the ground for him to long as Hector lived and Achilles nursed his anger,
lie on. He laid him at full length and cut out the and so long as the city of Priam remained untaken,
sharp arrow from his thigh; he washed the black the great wall of the Achæans stood firm; but when
blood from the wound with warm water; he then the bravest of the Trojans were no more, and many
crushed a bitter herb, rubbing it between his hands, also of the Argives, though some were yet left alive
and spread it upon the wound; this was a virtuous when, moreover, the city was sacked in the tenth
herb which killed all pain; so the wound presently year, and the Argives had gone back with their ships
dried and the blood left off flowing. to their own country—then Neptune and Apollo
took counsel to destroy the wall, and they turned
BOOK XII on to it the streams of all the rivers from Mount
Ida into the sea, Rhesus, Heptaporus, Caresus,
SO THE SON OF MENOETIUS was attending to the hurt Rhodius, Grenicus, Æsopus, and goodly Scamander,
of Eurypylus within the tent, but the Argives and with Simois, where many a shield and helm had
Trojans still fought desperately, nor were the trench fallen, and many a hero of the race of demigods
and the high wall above it, to keep the Trojans in had bitten the dust. Phoebus Apollo turned the
check longer. They had built it to protect their ships, mouths of all these rivers together and made them
and had dug the trench all round it that it might flow for nine days against the wall, while Jove rained

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the whole time that he might wash it sooner into at his pursuers to scatter them, and they fall back
the sea. Neptune himself, trident in hand, surveyed as often as he does so—even so did Hector go about
the work and threw into the sea all the foundations among the host exhorting his men, and cheering
of beams and stones which the Achæans had laid them on to cross the trench.
with so much toil; he made all level by the mighty But the horses dared not do so, and stood neigh-
stream of the Hellespont, and then when he had ing upon its brink, for the width frightened them.
swept the wall away he spread a great beach of sand They could neither jump it nor cross it, for it had
over the place where it had been. This done he overhanging banks all round upon either side, above
turned the rivers back into their old courses. which there were the sharp stakes that the sons of
This was what Neptune and Apollo were to do in the Achæans had planted so close and strong as a
after time; but as yet battle and turmoil were still defence against all who would assail it; a horse,
raging round the wall till its timbers rang under the therefore, could not get into it and draw his chariot
blows that rained upon them. The Argives, cowed after him, but those who were on foot kept trying
by the scourge of Jove, were hemmed in at their their very utmost. Then Polydamas went up to Hec-
ships in fear of Hector the mighty minister of Rout, tor and said, “Hector, and you other captains of
who as heretofore fought with the force and fury of the Trojans and allies, it is madness for us to try
a whirlwind. As a lion or wild boar turns fiercely on and drive our horses across the trench; it will be
the dogs and men that attack him, while these form very hard to cross, for it is full of sharp stakes, and
solid wall and shower their javelins as they face beyond these there is the wall. Our horses therefore
him—his courage is all undaunted, but his high spirit cannot get down into it, and would be of no use if
will be the death of him; many a time does he charge they did; moreover it is a narrow place and we should

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come to harm. If, indeed, great Jove is minded to most in number, and the most determined to break
help the Trojans, and in his anger will utterly de- through the wall and fight at the ships. Cebriones
stroy the Achæans, I would myself gladly see them was also joined with them as third in command, for
perish now and here far from Argos; but if they Hector had left his chariot in charge of a less val-
should rally and we are driven back from the ships iant soldier. The next company was led by Paris,
pell-mell into the trench there will be not so much Alcathous, and Agenor; the third by Helenus and
as a man get back to the city to tell the tale. Now, Deiphobus, two sons of Priam, and with them was
therefore, let us all do as I say; let our squires hold the hero Asiussius the son of Hyrtacus, whose great
our horses by the trench, but let us follow Hector black horses of the breed that comes from the river
in a body on foot, clad in full armour, and if the Selleis had brought him from Arisbe. Æneas the
day of their doom is at hand the Achæans will not valiant son of Anchises led the fourth; he and the
be able to withstand us.” two sons of Antenor, Archelochus and Acamas, men
Thus spoke Polydamas and his saying pleased well versed in all the arts of war. Sarpedon was cap-
Hector, who sprang in full armour to the ground, tain over the allies, and took with him Glaucus and
and all the other Trojans, when they saw him do so, Asteropæus whom he deemed most valiant after
also left their chariots. Each man then gave his himself—for he was far the best man of them all.
horses over to his charioteer in charge to hold them These helped to array one another in their ox-hide
ready for him at the trench. Then they formed them- shields, and then charged straight at the Danaans,
selves into companies, made themselves ready, and for they felt sure that they would not hold out longer
in five bodies followed their leaders. Those that went and that they should themselves now fall upon the
with Hector and Polydamas were the bravest and ships.

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The rest of the Trojans and their allies now fol- Little did they know that at the gates they should
lowed the counsel of Polydamas but Asius son of find two of the bravest chieftains, proud sons of
Hyrtacus would not leave his horses and his esquire the fighting Lapithæ—the one, Polypoetes, mighty
behind him; in his foolhardiness he took them on son of Pirithous, and the other Leonteus, peer of
with him towards the ships, nor did he fail to come murderous Mars. These stood before the gates like
by his end in consequence. Nevermore was he to two high oak trees upon the mountains, that tower
return to wind-beaten Ilius, exulting in his chariot from their wide-spreading roots, and year after year
and his horses; ere he could do so, death of ill- battle with wind and rain—even so did these two
omened name had overshadowed him and he had men await the onset of great Asius confidently and
fallen by the spear of Idomeneus the noble son of without flinching. The Trojans led by him and by
Deucalion. He had driven towards the left wing of Iamenus, Orestes, Adamas the son of Asius, Thoon
the ships, by which way the Achæans used to re- and Oenomaus, raised a loud cry of battle and made
turn with their chariots and horses from the plain. straight for the wall, holding their shields of dry
Hither he drove and found the gates with their doors ox-hide above their heads; for a while the two de-
opened wide, and the great bar down—for the fenders remained inside and cheered the Achæans
gatemen kept them open so as to let those of their on to stand firm in the defence of their ships; when,
comrades enter who might be flying towards the however, they saw that the Trojans were attacking
ships. Hither of set purpose did he direct his horses, the wall, while the Danaans were crying out for help
and his men followed him with a loud cry, for they and being routed, they rushed outside and fought
felt sure that the Achæans would not hold out in front of the gates like two wild boars upon the
longer, and that they should now fall upon the ships. mountains that abide the attack of men and dogs,

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and charging on either side break down the wood they leave not the holes wherein they have built
all round them tearing it up by the roots, and one undefended, but fight for their little ones against
can hear the clattering of their tusks, till some one all who would take them—even so these men,
hits them and makes an end of them—even so did though they be but two, will not be driven from the
the gleaming bronze rattle about their breasts, as gates, but stand firm either to slay or be slain.”
the weapons fell upon them; for they fought with He spoke, but moved not the mind of Jove, whose
great fury, trusting to their own prowess and to those counsel it then was to give glory to Hector. Mean-
who were on the wall above them. These threw great while the rest of the Trojans were fighting about
stones at their assailants in defence of themselves the other gates; I, however, am no god to be able to
their tents and their ships. The stones fell thick as tell about all these things, for the battle raged ev-
the flakes of snow which some fierce blast drives erywhere about the stone wall as it were a fiery fur-
from the dark clouds and showers down in sheets nace. The Argives, discomfited though they were,
upon the earth—even so fell the weapons from the were forced to defend their ships, and all the gods
hands alike of Trojans and Achæans. Helmet and who were defending the Achæans were vexed in
shield rang out as the great stones rained upon them, spirit; but the Lapithæ kept on fighting with might
and Asius the son of Hyrtacus in his dismay cried and main.
aloud and smote his two thighs. “Father Jove,” he Thereon Polypoetes, mighty son of Pirithous, hit
cried, “of a truth you too are altogether given to Damasus with a spear upon his cheek-pierced hel-
lying. I made sure the Argive heroes could not with- met. The helmet did not protect him, for the point
stand us, whereas like slim-waisted wasps, or bees of the spear went through it, and broke the bone,
that have their nests in the rocks by the wayside— so that the brain inside was scattered about, and he

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died fighting. He then slew Pylon and Ormenus. breast; whereon the bird being in pain, let it fall,
Leonteus, of the race of Mars, killed Hippomachus dropping it into the middle of the host, and then
the son of Antimachus by striking him with his spear flew down the wind with a sharp cry. The Trojans
upon the girdle. He then drew his sword and sprang were struck with terror when they saw the snake,
first upon Antiphates whom he killed in combat, portent of ægis-bearing Jove, writhing in the midst
and who fell face upwards on the earth. After him of them, and Polydamas went up to Hector and
he killed Menon, Iamenus, and Orestes, and laid said, “Hector, at our councils of war you are ever
them low one after the other. given to rebuke me, even when I speak wisely, as
While they were busy stripping the armour from though it were not well, forsooth, that one of the
these heroes, the youths who were led on by people should cross your will either in the field or
Polydamas and Hector (and these were the greater at the council board; you would have them support
part and the most valiant of those that were trying you always: nevertheless I will say what I think will
to break through the wall and fire the ships) were be best; let us not now go on to fight the Danaans
still standing by the trench, uncertain what they at their ships, for I know what will happen if this
should do; for they had seen a sign from heaven soaring eagle which skirted the left wing of our with
when they had essayed to cross it—a soaring eagle a monstrous blood-red snake in its talons (the snake
that flew skirting the left wing of their host, with a being still alive) was really sent as an omen to the
monstrous blood-red snake in its talons still alive Trojans on their essaying to cross the trench. The
and struggling to escape. The snake was still bent eagle let go her hold; she did not succeed in taking
on revenge, wriggling and twisting itself backwards it home to her little ones, and so will it be—with
till it struck the bird that held it, on the neck and ourselves; even though by a mighty effort we break

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through the gates and wall of the Achæans, and fearful? Though we be all of us slain at the ships of
they give way before us, still we shall not return in the Argives you are not likely to be killed yourself,
good order by the way we came, but shall leave many for you are not steadfast nor courageous. If you will.
a man behind us whom the Achæans will do to death not fight, or would talk others over from doing so,
in defence of their ships. Thus would any seer who you shall fall forthwith before my spear.”
was expert in these matters, and was trusted by the With these words he led the way, and the others
people, read the portent.” followed after with a cry that rent the air. Then
Hector looked fiercely at him and said, Jove the lord of thunder sent the blast of a mighty
“Polydamas, I like not of your reading. You can find wind from the mountains of Ida, that bore the dust
a better saying than this if you will. If, however, down towards the ships; he thus lulled the Achæans
you have spoken in good earnest, then indeed has into security, and gave victory to Hector and to the
heaven robbed you of your reason. You would have Trojans, who, trusting to their own might and to
me pay no heed to the counsels of Jove, nor to the the signs he had shown them, essayed to break
promises he made me—and he bowed his head in through the great wall of the Achæans. They tore
confirmation; you bid me be ruled rather by the down the breastworks from the walls, and overthrew
flight of wild-fowl. What care I whether they fly the battlements; they upheaved the buttresses,
towards dawn or dark, and whether they be on my which the Achæans had set in front of the wall in
right hand or on my left? Let us put our trust rather order to support it; when they had pulled these
in the counsel of great Jove, king of mortals and down they made sure of breaking through the wall,
immortals. There is one omen, and one only—that but the Danaans still showed no sign of giving
a man should fight for his country. Why are you so ground; they still fenced the battlements with their

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shields of ox-hide, and hurled their missiles down lands that jut into the sea, the grassy plains, and
upon the foe as soon as any came below the wall. the tilled fields of men; the snow lies deep upon
The two Ajaxes went about everywhere on the the forelands, and havens of the grey sea, but the
walls cheering on the Achæans, giving fair words to waves as they come rolling in stay it that it can
some while they spoke sharply to any one whom come no further, though all else is wrapped as with
they saw to be remiss. “My friends,” they cried, a mantle so heavy are the heavens with snow—even
“Argives one and all—good bad and indifferent, for thus thickly did the stones fall on one side and on
there was never fight yet, in which all were of equal the other, some thrown at the Trojans, and some by
prowess—there is now work enough, as you very the Trojans at the Achæans; and the whole wall was
well know, for all of you. See that you none of you in an uproar.
turn in flight towards the ships, daunted by the Still the Trojans and brave Hector would not yet
shouting of the foe, but press forward and keep one have broken down the gates and the great bar, had
another in heart, if it may so be that Olympian Jove not Jove turned his son Sarpedon against the Argives
the lord of lightning will vouchsafe us to repel our as a lion against a herd of horned cattle. Before him
foes, and drive them back towards the city.” he held his shield of hammered bronze, that the
Thus did the two go about shouting and cheering smith had beaten so fair and round, and had lined
the Achæans on. As the flakes that fall thick upon with ox hides which he had made fast with rivets of
a winter’s day, when Jove is minded to snow and to gold all round the shield; this he held in front of
display these his arrows to mankind—he lulls the him, and brandishing his two spears came on like
wind to rest, and snows hour after hour till he has some lion of the wilderness, who has been long fam-
buried the tops of the high mountains, the head- ished for want of meat and will dare break even

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into a well-fenced homestead to try and get at the were once out of this fight, we could escape old age
sheep. He may find the shepherds keeping watch and death thenceforward and for ever, I should nei-
over their flocks with dogs and spears, but he is in ther press forward myself nor bid you do so, but
no mind to be driven from the fold till he has had a death in ten thousand shapes hangs ever over our
try for it; he will either spring on a sheep and carry heads, and no man can elude him; therefore let us
it off, or be hit by a spear from strong hand—even go forward and either win glory for ourselves, or
so was Sarpedon fain to attack the wall and break yield it to another.”
down its battlements. Then he said to Glaucus son Glaucus heeded his saying, and the pair forth-
of Hippolochus, “Glaucus, why in Lycia do we re- with led on the host of Lycians. Menestheus son of
ceive especial honour as regards our place at table? Peteos was dismayed when he saw them, for it was
Why are the choicest portions served us and our against his part of the wall that they came—bring-
cups kept brimming, and why do men look up to ing destruction with them; he looked along the wall
us as though we were gods? Moreover we hold a for some chieftain to support his comrades and saw
large estate by the banks of the river Xanthus, fair the two Ajaxes, men ever eager for the fray, and
with orchard lawns and wheat-growing land; it be- Teucer, who had just come from his tent, standing
comes us, therefore, to take our stand at the head near them; but he could not make his voice heard
of all the Lycians and bear the brunt of the fight, by shouting to them, so great an uproar was there
that one may say to another, Our princes in Lycia from crashing shields and helmets and the batter-
eat the fat of the land and drink best of wine, but ing of gates with a din which reached the skies. For
they are fine fellows; they fight well and are ever at all the gates had been closed, and the Trojans were
the front in battle.’ My good friend, if, when we hammering at them to try and break their way

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through them. Menestheus, therefore, sent Thootes Great Ajax, son of Telamon, heeded the message,
with a message to Ajax. “Run, good Thootes,” said and at once spoke to the son of Oileus. “Ajax,” said
and call Ajax, or better still bid both come, for it he, “do you two, yourself and brave Lycomedes, stay
will be all over with us here directly; the leaders of here and keep the Danaans in heart to fight their
the Lycians are upon us, men who have ever fought hardest. I will go over yonder, and bear my part in
desperately heretofore. But if the have too much the fray, but I will come back here at once as soon
on their hands to let them come, at any rate let as I have given them the help they need.”
Ajax son of Telamon do so, and let Teucer the fa- With this, Ajax son of Telamon set off, and Teucer
mous bowman come with him.” his brother by the same father went also, with
The messenger did as he was told, and set off Pandion to carry Teucer’s bow. They went along
running along the wall of the Achæans. When he inside the wall, and when they came to the tower
reached the Ajaxes he said to them, “Sirs, princes where Menestheus was (and hard pressed indeed
of the Argives, the son of noble Peteos bids you did they find him) the brave captains and leaders
come to him for a while and help him. You had of the Lycians were storming the battlements as it
better both come if you can, or it will be all over were a thick dark cloud, fighting in close quarters,
with him directly; the leaders of the Lycians are upon and raising the battle-cry aloud.
him, men who have ever fought desperately hereto- First, Ajax son of Telamon killed brave Epicles, a
fore; if you have too much on your hands to let comrade of Sarpedon, hitting him with a jagged
both come, at any rate let Ajax son of Telamon do stone that lay by the battlements at the very top of
so, and let Teucer the famous bowman come with the wall. As men now are, even one who is in the
him.” bloom of youth could hardly lift it with his two

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hands, but Ajax raised it high aloft and flung it Teucer hit him with an arrow on the band that bore
down, smashing Epicles’ four-crested helmet so that the shield which covered his body, but Jove saved
the bones of his head were crushed to pieces, and his son from destruction that he might not fall by
he fell from the high wall as though he were diving, the ships’ sterns. Meanwhile Ajax sprang on him
with no more life left in him. Then Teucer wounded and pierced his shield, but the spear did not go clean
Glaucus the brave son of Hippolochus as he was through, though it hustled him back that he could
coming on to attack the wall. He saw his shoulder come on no further. He therefore retired a little space
bare and aimed an arrow at it, which made Glaucus from the battlement, yet without losing all his
leave off fighting. Thereon he sprang covertly down ground, for he still thought to cover himself with
for fear some of the Achæans might see that he was glory. Then he turned round and shouted to the
wounded and taunt him. Sarpedon was stung with brave Lycians saying, “Lycians, why do you thus
grief when he saw Glaucus leave him, still he did fail me? For all my prowess I cannot break through
not leave off fighting, but aimed his spear at the wall and open a way to the ships single-handed.
Alcmaon the son of Thestor and hit him. He drew Come close on behind me, for the more there are of
his spear back again Alcmaon came down headlong us the better.”
after it with his bronzed armour rattling round him. The Lycians, shamed by his rebuke, pressed closer
Then Sarpedon seized the battlement in his strong round him who was their counsellor their king. The
hands, and tugged at it till it an gave way together, Argives on their part got their men in fighting order
and a breach was made through which many might within the wall, and there was a deadly struggle
pass. between them. The Lycians could not break through
Ajax and Teucer then both of them attacked him. the wall and force their way to the ships, nor could

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the Danaans drive the Lycians from the wall now cried aloud to the Trojans, “Up, Trojans, break the
that they had once reached it. As two men, measur- wall of the Argives, and fling fire upon their ships.”
ing-rods in hand, quarrel about their boundaries in Thus did he hound them on, and in one body
a field that they own in common, and stickle for they rushed straight at the wall as he had bidden
their rights though they be but in a mere strip, even them, and scaled the battlements with sharp spears
so did the battlements now serve as a bone of con- in their hands. Hector laid hold of a stone that lay
tention, and they beat one another’s round shields just outside the gates and was thick at one end but
for their possession. Many a man’s body was pointed at the other; two of the best men in a town,
wounded with the pitiless bronze, as he turned as men now are, could hardly raise it from the
round and bared his back to the foe, and many were ground and put it on to a waggon, but Hector lifted
struck clean through their shields; the wall and it quite easily by himself, for the son of scheming
battlements were everywhere deluged with the blood Saturn made it light for him. As a shepherd picks
alike of Trojans and of Achæans. But even so the up a ram’s fleece with one hand and finds it no
Trojans could not rout the Achæans, who still held burden, so easily did Hector lift the great stone and
on; and as some honest hard-working woman weighs drive it right at the doors that closed the gates so
wool in her balance and sees that the scales be true, strong and so firmly set. These doors were double
for she would gain some pitiful earnings for her little and high, and were kept closed by two cross-bars to
ones, even so was the fight balanced evenly between which there was but one key. When he had got close
them till the time came when Jove gave the greater up to them, Hector strode towards them that his
glory to Hector son of Priam, who was first to spring blow might gain in force and struck them in the
towards the wall of the Achæans. As he did so, he middle, leaning his whole weight against them. He

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broke both hinges, and the stone fell inside by rea- ending toil, and turned his keen eyes away, looking
son of its great weight. The portals re-echoed with elsewhither towards the horse-breeders of Thrace,
the sound, the bars held no longer, and the doors the Mysians, fighters at close quarters, the noble
flew open, one one way, and the other the other, Hippemolgi, who live on milk, and the Abians,
through the force of the blow. Then brave Hector justest of mankind. He no longer turned so much
leaped inside with a face as dark as that of flying as a glance towards Troy, for he did not think that
night. The gleaming bronze flashed fiercely about any of the immortals would go and help either Tro-
his body and he had tow spears in his hand. None jans or Danaans.
but a god could have withstood him as he flung But King Neptune had kept no blind look-out;
himself into the gateway, and his eyes glared like he had been looking admiringly on the battle from
fire. Then he turned round towards the Trojans and his seat on the topmost crests of wooded
called on them to scale the wall, and they did as he Samothrace, whence he could see all Ida, with the
bade them—some of them at once climbing over city of Priam and the ships of the Achæans. He had
the wall, while others passed through the gates. The come from under the sea and taken his place here,
Danaans then fled panic-stricken towards their for he pitied the Achæans who were being overcome
ships, and all was uproar and confusion. by the Trojans; and he was furiously angry with
Jove.
BOOK XIII Presently he came down from his post on the
mountain top, and as he strode swiftly onwards the
NOW WHEN JOVE had thus brought Hector and the high hills and the forest quaked beneath the tread
Trojans to the ships, he left them to their never- of his immortal feet. Three strides he took, and with

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the fourth he reached his goal—Ægæ, where is his their lord should return. This done he went his way
glittering golden palace, imperishable, in the depths to the host of the Achæans.
of the sea. When he got there, he yoked his fleet Now the Trojans followed Hector son of Priam in
brazen-footed steeds with their manes of gold all close array like a storm-cloud or flame of fire, fight-
flying in the wind; he clothed himself in raiment of ing with might and main and raising the cry battle;
gold, grasped his gold whip, and took his stand upon for they deemed that they should take the ships of
his chariot. As he went his way over the waves the the Achæans and kill all their chiefest heroes then
sea-monsters left their lairs, for they knew their lord, and there. Meanwhile earth-encircling Neptune lord
and came gambolling round him from every quar- of the earthquake cheered on the Argives, for he
ter of the deep, while the sea in her gladness opened had come up out of the sea and had assumed the
a path before his chariot. So lightly did the horses form and voice of Calchas.
fly that the bronze axle of the car was not even wet First he spoke to the two Ajaxes, who were doing
beneath it; and thus his bounding steeds took him their best already, and said, “Ajaxes, you two can be
to the ships of the Achæans. the saving of the Achæans if you will put out all
Now there is a certain huge cavern in the depths your strength and not let yourselves be daunted. I
of the sea midway between Tenedos and rocky am not afraid that the Trojans, who have got over
Imbrus; here Neptune lord of the earthquake stayed the wall in force, will be victorious in any other
his horses, unyoked them, and set before them their part, for the Achæans can hold all of them in check,
ambrosial forage. He hobbled their feet with hobbles but I much fear that some evil will befall us here
of gold which none could either unloose or break, where furious Hector, who boasts himself the son
so that they might stay there in that place until of great Jove himself, is leading them on like a pil-

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lar of flame. May some god, then, put it into your gods are soon recognised. Moreover I feel the lust
hearts to make a firm stand here, and to incite oth- of battle burn more fiercely within me, while my
ers to do the like. In this case you will drive him hands and my feet under me are more eager for the
from the ships even though he be inspired by Jove fray.”
himself.” And Ajax son of Telamon answered, “I too feel
As he spoke the earth-encircling lord of the earth- my hands grasp my spear more firmly; my strength
quake struck both of them with his sceptre and filled is greater, and my feet more nimble; I long, more-
their hearts with daring. He made their legs light over, to meet furious Hector son of Priam, even in
and active, as also their hands and their feet. Then, single combat.”
as the soaring falcon poises on the wing high above Thus did they converse, exulting in the hunger
some sheer rock, and presently swoops down to after battle with which the god had filled them.
chase some bird over the plain, even so did Nep- Meanwhile the earth-encircler roused the Achæans,
tune lord of the earthquake wing his flight into the who were resting in the rear by the ships overcome
air and leave them. Of the two, swift Ajax son of at once by hard fighting and by grief at seeing that
Oileus was the first to know who it was that had the Trojans had got over the wall in force. Tears
been speaking with them, and said to Ajax son of began falling from their eyes as they beheld them,
Telamon, “Ajax, this is one of the gods that dwell for they made sure that they should not escape de-
on Olympus, who in the likeness of the prophet is struction; but the lord of the earthquake passed
bidding us fight hard by our ships. It was not Calchas lightly about among them and urged their battal-
the seer and diviner of omens; I knew him at once ions to the front.
by his feet and knees as he turned away, for the First he went up to Teucer and Leitus, the hero

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Peneleos, and Thoas and Deipyrus; Meriones also Let us be quick to heal, for the hearts of the brave
and Antilochus, valiant warriors; all did he exhort. heal quickly. You do ill to be thus remiss, you, who
“Shame on you young Argives,” he cried, “it was on are the finest soldiers in our whole army. I blame
your prowess I relied for the saving of our ships; if no man for keeping out of battle if he is a weakling,
you fight not with might and main, this very day but I am indignant with such men as you are. My
will see us overcome by the Trojans. Of a truth my good friends, matters will soon become even worse
eyes behold a great and terrible portent which I through this slackness; think, each one of you, of
had never thought to see—the Trojans at our ships— his own honour and credit, for the hazard of the
they, who were heretofore like panic-stricken hinds, fight is extreme. Great Hector is now fighting at
the prey of jackals and wolves in a forest, with no our ships; he has broken through the gates and the
strength but in flight for they cannot defend them- strong bolt that held them.”
selves. Hitherto the Trojans dared not for one mo- Thus did the earth-encircler address the Achæans
ment face the attack of the Achæans, but now they and urge them on. Thereon round the two Ajaxes
have sallied far from their city and are fighting at there gathered strong bands of men, of whom not
our very ships through the cowardice of our leader even Mars nor Minerva, marshaller of hosts could
and the disaffection of the people themselves, who make light if they went among them, for they were
in their discontent care not to fight in defence of the picked men of all those who were now awaiting
the ships but are being slaughtered near them. True, the onset of Hector and the Trojans. They made a
King Agamemnon son of Atreus is the cause of our living fence, spear to spear, shield to shield, buckler
disaster by having insulted the son of Peleus, still to buckler, helmet to helmet, and man to man. The
this is no reason why we should leave off fighting. horse-hair crests on their gleaming helmets touched

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one another as they nodded forward, so closely Lycians, and Dardanians, fighters in close combat,
seffied were they; the spears they brandished in their stand firm: the Achæans have set themselves as a
strong hands were interlaced, and their hearts were wall against me, but they will not check me for long;
set on battle. they will give ground before me if the mightiest of
The Trojans advanced in a dense body, with Hec- the gods, the thundering spouse of Juno, has indeed
tor at their head pressing right on as a rock that comes inspired my onset.”
thundering down the side of some mountain from With these words he put heart and soul into them
whose brow the winter torrents have torn it; the foun- all. Deiphobus son of Priam went about among them
dations of the dull thing have been loosened by floods intent on deeds of daring with his round shield be-
of rain, and as it bounds headlong on its way it sets fore him, under cover of which he strode quickly
the whole forest in an uproar; it swerves neither to forward. Meriones took aim at him with a spear,
right nor left till it reaches level ground, but then for nor did he fail to hit the broad orb of ox-hide; but
all its fury it can go no further—even so easily did he was far from piercing it for the spear broke in
Hector for a while seem as though he would career two pieces long ere he could do so; moreover
through the tents and ships of the Achæans till he Deiphobus had seen it coming and had held his
had reached the sea in his murderous course; but the shield well away from him. Meriones drew back
closely serried battalions stayed him when he reached under cover of his comrades, angry alike at having
them, for the sons of the Achæans thrust at him failed to vanquish Deiphobus, and having broken
with swords and spears pointed at both ends, and his spear. He turned therefore towards the ships
drove him from them so that he staggered and gave and tents to fetch a spear which he had left behind
ground; thereon he shouted to the Trojans, “Trojans, in his tent.

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The others continued fighting, and the cry of of Actor, in the chest as he was coming into battle,
battle rose up into the heavens. Teucer son of and his armour rang rattling round him as he fell
Telamon was the first to kill his man, to wit, the heavily to the ground. Hector sprang forward to
warrior Imbrius son of Mentor rich in horses. Until take Amphimachus’s helmet from off his temples,
the Achæans came he had lived in Pedæum, and and in a moment Ajax threw a spear at him, but did
had married Medesicaste a bastard daughter of not wound him, for he was encased all over in his
Priam; but on the arrival of the Danaan fleet he terrible armour; nevertheless the spear struck the
had gone back to Ilius, and was a great man among boss of his shield with such force as to drive him
the Trojans, dwelling near Priam himself, who gave back from the two corpses, which the Achæans then
him like honour with his own sons. The son of drew off. Stichius and Menestheus, captains of the
Telamon now struck him under the ear with a spear Athenians, bore away Amphimachus to the host of
which he then drew back again, and Imbrius fell the Achæans, while the two brave and impetuous
headlong as an ash-tree when it is felled on the crest Ajaxes did the like by Imbrius. As two lions snatch
of some high mountain beacon, and its delicate a goat from the hounds that have it in their fangs,
green foliage comes toppling down to the ground. and bear it through thick brushwood high above
Thus did he fall with his bronze-dight armour ring- the ground in their jaws, thus did the Ajaxes bear
ing harshly round him, and Teucer sprang forward aloft the body of Imbrius, and strip it of its armour.
with intent to strip him of his armour; but as he Then the son of Oileus severed the head from the
was doing so, Hector took aim at him with a spear. neck in revenge for the death of Amphimachus, and
Teucer saw the spear coming and swerved aside, sent it whirling over the crowd as though it had
whereon it hit Amphimachus, son of Cteatus son been a ball, till fell in the dust at Hector’s feet.

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Neptune was exceedingly angry that his grand- Jove that the Achæans should perish ingloriously
son Amphimachus should have fallen; he therefore here far from Argos: you, Thoas, have been always
went to the tents and ships of the Achæans to urge staunch, and you keep others in heart if you see
the Danaans still further, and to devise evil for the any fail in duty; be not then remiss now, but exhort
Trojans. Idomeneus met him, as he was taking leave all to do their utmost.”
of a comrade, who had just come to him from the To this Neptune lord of the earthquake made an-
fight, wounded in the knee. His fellow-soldiers bore swer, “Idomeneus, may he never return from Troy,
him off the field, and Idomeneus having given or- but remain here for dogs to batten upon, who is
ders to the physicians went on to his tent, for he this day wilfully slack in fighting. Get your armour
was still thirsting for battle. Neptune spoke in the and go, we must make all haste together if we may
likeness and with the voice of Thoas son of be of any use, though we are only two. Even cow-
Andræmon who ruled the Ætolians of all Pleuron ards gain courage from companionship, and we two
and high Calydon, and was honoured among his can hold our own with the bravest.”
people as though he were a god. “Idomeneus,” said Therewith the god went back into the thick of
he, “lawgiver to the Cretans, what has now become the fight, and Idomeneus when he had reached his
of the threats with which the sons of the Achæans tent donned his armour, grasped his two spears, and
used to threaten the Trojans?” sallied forth. As the lightning which the son of Sat-
And Idomeneus chief among the Cretans an- urn brandishes from bright Olympus when he would
swered, “Thoas, no one, so far as I know, is in fault, show a sign to mortals, and its gleam flashes far
for we can all fight. None are held back neither by and wide—even so did his armour gleam about him
fear nor slackness, but it seems to be the of almighty as he ran. Meriones his sturdy squire met him while

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he was still near his tent (for he was going to fetch and wherever there has been hard fighting have held
his spear) and Idomeneus said, my own among the foremost. There may be those
“Meriones, fleet son of Molus, best of comrades, among the Achæans who do not know how I fight,
why have you left the field? Are you wounded, and but you know it well enough yourself.”
is the point of the weapon hurting you? or have Idomeneus answered, “I know you for a brave
you been sent to fetch me? I want no fetching; I man: you need not tell me. If the best men at the
had far rather fight than stay in my tent.” ships were being chosen to go on an ambush—and
“Idomeneus,” answered Meriones, “I come for a there is nothing like this for showing what a man is
spear, if I can find one in my tent; I have broken made of; it comes out then who is cowardly and
the one I had, in throwing it at the shield of who brave; the coward will change colour at every
Deiphobus.” touch and turn; he is full of fears, and keeps shift-
And Idomeneus captain of the Cretans answered, ing his weight first on one knee and then on the
“You will find one spear, or twenty if you so please, other; his heart beats fast as he thinks of death,
standing up against the end wall of my tent. I have and one can hear the chattering of his teeth; whereas
taken them from Trojans whom I have killed, for I the brave man will not change colour nor be on
am not one to keep my enemy at arm’s length; there- finding himself in ambush, but is all the time long-
fore I have spears, bossed shields, helmets, and bur- ing to go into action—if the best men were being
nished corslets.” chosen for such a service, no one could make light
Then Meriones said, “I too in my tent and at my of your courage nor feats of arms. If you were struck
ship have spoils taken from the Trojans, but they by a dart or smitten in close combat, it would not
are not at hand. I have been at all times valorous, be from behind, in your neck nor back, but the

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weapon would hit you in the chest or belly as you Idomeneus answered, “There are others to defend
were pressing forward to a place in the front ranks. the centre—the two Ajaxes and Teucer, who is the
But let us no longer stay here talking like children, finest archer of all the Achæans, and is good also in
lest we be ill spoken of; go, fetch your spear from a hand-to-hand fight. These will give Hector son of
the tent at once.” Priam enough to do; fight as he may, he will find it
On this Meriones, peer of Mars, went to the tent hard to vanquish their indomitable fury, and fire
and got himself a spear of bronze. He then followed the ships, unless the son of Saturn fling a firebrand
after Idomeneus, big with great deeds of valour. As upon them with his own hand. Great Ajax son of
when baneful Mars sallies forth to battle, and his Telamon will yield to no man who is in mortal mould
son Panic so strong and dauntless goes with him, to and eats the grain of Ceres, if bronze and great stones
strike terror even into the heart of a hero—the pair can overthrow him. He would not yield even to Achil-
have gone from Thrace to arm themselves among les in hand-to-hand fight, and in fleetness of foot there
the Ephyri or the brave Phlegyans, but they will is none to beat him; let us turn therefore towards the
not listen to both the contending hosts, and will left wing, that we may know forthwith whether we
give victory to one side or to the other—even so are to give glory to some other, or he to us.”
did Meriones and Idomeneus, captains of men, go Meriones, peer of fleet Mars, then led the way
out to battle clad in their bronze armour. Meriones till they came to the part of the host which
was first to speak. “Son of Deucalion,” said he, Idomeneus had named.
“where would you have us begin fighting? On the Now when the Trojans saw Idomeneus coming
right wing of the host, in the centre, or on the left on like a flame of fire, him and his squire clad in
wing, where I take it the Achæans will be weakest?” their richly wrought armour, they shouted and made

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towards him all in a body, and a furious hand-to- Argives to incite them, having come up from the
hand fight raged under the ships’ sterns. Fierce as grey sea in secret, for he was grieved at seeing them
the shrill winds that whistle upon a day when dust vanquished by the Trojans, and was furiously an-
lies deep on the roads, and the gusts raise it into a gry with Jove. Both were of the same race and coun-
thick cloud—even such was the fury of the combat, try, but Jove was elder born and knew more, there-
and might and main did they hack at each other fore Neptune feared to defend the Argives openly,
with spear and sword throughout the host. The field but in the likeness of man, he kept on encouraging
bristled with the long and deadly spears which they them throughout their host. Thus, then, did these
bore. Dazzling was the sheen of their gleaming hel- two devise a knot of war and battle, that none could
mets, their fresh-burnished breastplates, and glit- unloose or break, and set both sides tugging at it,
tering shields as they joined battle with one another. to the failing of men’s knees beneath them.
Iron indeed must be his courage who could take And now Idomeneus, though his hair was already
pleasure in the sight of such a turmoil, and look on flecked with grey, called loud on the Danaans and
it without being dismayed. spread panic among the Trojans as he leaped in
Thus did the two mighty sons of Saturn devise among them. He slew Othryoneus from Cabesus, a
evil for mortal heroes. Jove was minded to give vic- sojourner, who had but lately come to take part in
tory to the Trojans and to Hector, so as to do honour the war. He sought Cassandra the fairest of Priam’s
to fleet Achilles, nevertheless he did not mean to daughters in marriage, but offered no gifts of woo-
utterly overthrow the Achæan host before Ilius, and ing, for he promised a great thing, to wit, that he
only wanted to glorify Thetis and her valiant son. would drive the sons of the Achæans willy nilly from
Neptune on the other hand went about among the Troy; old King Priam had given his consent and

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promised her to him, whereon he fought on the he could feel their ‘breath upon his shoulder. He
strength of the promises thus made to him. was longing to strike down Idomeneus, but ere he
Idomeneus aimed a spear, and hit him as he came could do so Idomeneus smote him with his spear in
striding on. His cuirass of bronze did not protect the throat under the chin, and the bronze point
him, and the spear stuck in his belly, so that he fell went clean through it. He fell as an oak, or poplar,
heavily to the ground. Then Idomeneus vaunted or pine which shipwrights have felled for ship’s tim-
over him saying, “Othryoneus, there is no one in ber upon the mountains with whetted axes—even
the world whom I shall admire more than I do you, thus did he lie full length in front of his chariot and
if you indeed perform what you have promised horses, grinding his teeth and clutching at the blood-
Priam son of Dardanus in return for his daughter. stained just. His charioteer was struck with panic
We too will make you an offer; we will give you the and did not dare turn his horses round and escape:
loveliest daughter of the son of Atreus, and will bring thereupon Antilochus hit him in the middle of his
her from Argos for you to marry, if you will sack the body with a spear; his cuirass of bronze did not
goodly city of Ilius in company with ourselves; so protect him, and the spear stuck in his belly. He fell
come along with me, that we may make a covenant gasping from his chariot and Antilochus great
at the ships about the marriage, and we will not be Nestor’s son, drove his horses from the Trojans to
hard upon you about gifts of wooing.” the Achæans.
With this Idomeneus began dragging him by the Deiphobus then came close up to Idomeneus to
foot through the thick of the fight, but Asius came avenge Asius, and took aim at him with a spear, but
up to protect the body, on foot, in front of his horses Idomeneus was on the look-out and avoided it, for
which his esquire drove so close behind him that he was covered by the round shield he always bore—

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a shield of oxhide and bronze with two arm-rods some Trojan in the darkness of death, or himself to
on the inside. He crouched under cover of this, and fall while warding off the evil day from the Achæans.
the spear flew over him, but the shield rang out as Then fell Alcathous son of noble Æsyetes: he was
the spear grazed it, and the weapon sped not in son-in-law to Anchises, having married his eldest
vain from the strong hand of Deiphobus, for it struck daughter Hippodameia who was the darling of her
Hypsenor son of Hippasus, shepherd of his people, father and mother, and excelled all her generation
in the liver under the midriff, and his limbs failed in beauty, accomplishments, and understanding,
beneath him. Deiphobus vaunted over him and cried wherefore the bravest man in all Troy had taken
with a loud voice saying, “Of a truth Asius has not her to wife—him did Neptune lay low by the hand
fallen unavenied; he will be glad even while passing of Idomeneus, blinding his bright eyes and binding
into the house of Hades, strong warden of the gate, his strong limbs in fetters so that he could neither
that I have sent some one to escort him.” go back nor to one side, but stood stock still like
Thus did he vaunt, and the Argives were stung by pillar or lofty tree when Idomeneus struck him with
his saying. Noble Antilochus was more angry than a spear in the middle of his chest. The coat of mail
any one, but grief did not make him forget his friend that had hitherto protected his body was now bro-
and comrade. He ran up to him, bestrode him, and ken, and rang harshly as the spear tore through it.
covered him with his shield; then two of his staunch He fell heavily to the ground, and the spear stuck
comrades, Mecisteus son of Echius, and Alastor in his heart, which still beat, and made the butt-
stooped down, and bore him away groaning heavily end of the spear quiver till dread Mars put an end
to the ships. But Idomeneus ceased not his fury. to his life. Idomeneus vaunted over him and cried
He kept on striving continually either to enshroud with a loud voice saying, “Deiphobus, since you

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are in a mood to vaunt, shall we cry quits now that sister brought you up when you were a child in his
we have killed three men to your one? Nay, sir, stand house, and now Idomeneus has slain him.”
in fight with me yourself, that you may learn what With these words he moved the heart of Æneas,
manner of Jove-begotten man am I that have come and he went in pursuit of Idomeneus, big with great
hither. Jove first begot Minos chief ruler in Crete, deeds of valour; but Idomeneus was not to be thus
and Minos in his turn begot a son, noble Deucalion; daunted as though he were a mere child; he held
Deucalion begot me to be a ruler over many men in his ground as a wild boar at bay upon the moun-
Crete, and my ships have now brought me hither, to tains, who abides the coming of a great crowd of
be the bane of yourself, your father, and the Trojans.” men in some lonely place—the bristles stand up-
Thus did he speak, and Deiphobus was in two right on his back, his eyes flash fire, and he whets
minds, whether to go back and fetch some other his tusks in his eagerness to defend himself against
Trojan to help him, or to take up the challenge hounds and men—even so did famed Idomeneus
single-handed. In the end, he deemed it best to go hold his ground and budge not at the coming of
and fetch Æneas, whom he found standing in the Æneas. He cried aloud to his comrades looking to-
rear, for he had long been aggrieved with Priam be- wards Ascalaphus, Aphareus, Deipyrus, Meriones,
cause in spite his brave deeds he did not give him and Antilochus, all of them brave soldiers—”Hither
his due share of honour. Deiphobus went up to him my friends,” he cried, “and leave me not single-
and said, “Æneas, prince among the Trojans, if you handed—I go in great fear by fleet Æneas, who is
know any ties of kinship, help me now to defend coming against me, and is a redoubtable dispenser
the body of your sister’s husband; come with me to of death battle. Moreover he is in the flower of youth
the rescue of Alcathous, who being husband to your when a man’s strength is greatest; if I was of the

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same age as he is and in my present mind, either he the ground. Idomeneus meanwhile smote Oenomaus
or I should soon bear away the prize of victory. in the middle of his belly, and broke the plate of his
On this, all of them as one man stood near him, corslet, whereon his bowels came gushing out and
shield on shoulder. Æneas on the other side called he clutched the earth in the palms of his hands as
to his comrades, looking towards Deiphobus, Paris, he fell sprawling in the dust. Idomeneus drew his
and Agenor, who were leaders of the Trojans along spear out of the body, but could not strip him of
with himself, and the people followed them as sheep the rest of his armour for the rain of darts that were
follow the ram when they go down to drink after showered upon him: moreover his strength was now
they have been feeding, and the heart of the shep- beginning to fail him so that he could no longer
herd is glad—even so was the heart of Æneas glad- charge, and could neither spring forward to recover
dened when he saw his people follow him. his own weapon nor swerve aside to avoid one that
Then they fought furiously in close combat about was aimed at him; therefore, though he still defended
the body of Alcathous, wielding their long spears; himself in hand-to-hand fight, his heavy feet could
and the bronze armour about their bodies rang fear- not bear him swiftly out of the battle. Deiphobus
fully as they took aim at one another in the press of aimed a spear at him as he was retreating slowly from
the fight, while the two heroes Æneas and the field, for his bitterness against him was as fierce
Idomeneus, peers of Mars, outxied every one in their as ever, but again he missed him, and hit Ascalaphus,
desire to hack at each other with sword and spear. the son of Mars; the spear went through his shoul-
Æneas took aim first, but Idomeneus was on the der, and he clutched the earth in the palms of his
lookout and avoided the spear, so that it sped from hands as he fell sprawling in the dust.
Æneas’ strong hand in vain, and fell quivering in Grim Mars of awful voice did not yet know that

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his son had fallen, for he was sitting on the sum- in his throat which was turned towards him; his
mits of Olympus under the golden clouds, by com- head fell on one side, his helmet and shield came
mand of Jove, where the other gods were also sit- down along with him, and death, life’s foe, was shed
ting, forbidden to take part in the battle. Mean- around him. Antilochus spied his chance, flew for-
while men fought furiously about the body. ward towards Thoon, and wounded him as he was
Deiphobus tore the helmet from off his head, but turning round. He laid open the vein that runs all
Meriones sprang upon him, and struck him on the the way up the back to the neck; he cut this vein
arm with a spear so that the visored helmet fell from clean away throughout its whole course, and Thoon
his hand and came ringing down upon the ground. fell in the dust face upwards, stretching out his
Thereon Meriones sprang upon him like a vulture, hands imploringly towards his comrades. Antilochus
drew the spear from his shoulder, and fell back un- sprang upon him and stripped the armour from his
der cover of his men. Then Polites, own brother of shoulders, glaring round him fearfully as he did so.
Deiphobus passed his arms around his waist, and The Trojans came about him on every side and
bore him away from the battle till he got to his struck his broad and gleaming shield, but could not
horses that were standing in the rear of the fight wound his body, for Neptune stood guard over the
with the chariot and their driver. These took him son of Nestor, though the darts fell thickly round
towards the city groaning and in great pain, with him. He was never clear of the foe, but was always
the blood flowing from his arm. in the thick of the fight; his spear was never idle; he
The others still fought on, and the battle-cry rose poised and aimed it in every direction, so eager was
to heaven without ceasing. Æneas sprang on he to hit some one from a distance or to fight him
Aphareus son of Caletor, and struck him with a spear hand to hand.

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As he was thus aiming among the crowd, he was combat and tearing the helmet from his head; the
seen by Adamas son of Asius, who rushed towards helmet fell to the ground, and one of those who
him and struck him with a spear in the middle of were fighting on the Achæan side took charge of it
his shield, but Neptune made its point without ef- as it rolled at his feet, but the eyes of Deipyrus
fect, for he grudged him the life of Antilochus. One were closed in the darkness of death.
half, therefore, of the spear stuck fast like a charred On this Menelaus was grieved, and made menac-
stake in Antilochus’s shield, while the other lay on ingly towards Helenus, brandishing his spear; but
the ground. Adamas then sought shelter under cover Helenus drew his bow, and the two attacked one
of his men, but Meriones followed after and hit another at one and the same moment, the one with
him with a spear midway between the private parts his spear, and the other with his bow and arrow.
and the navel, where a wound is particualrly pain- The son of Priam hit the breastplate of Menelaus’s
ful to wretched mortals. There did Meriones trans- corslet, but the arrow glanced from off it. As black
fix him, and he writhed convulsively about the spear beans or pulse come pattering down on to a thresh-
as some bull whom mountain herdsmen have bound ing-floor from the broad winnowing-shovel, blown
with ropes of withes and are taking away perforce. by shrill winds and shaken by the shovel—even so
Even so did he move convulsively for a while, but did the arrow glance off and recoil from the shield
not for very long, till Meriones came up and drew of Menelaus, who in his turn wounded the hand
the spear out of his body, and his eyes were veiled with which Helenus carried his bow; the spear went
in darkness. right through his hand and stuck in the bow itself,
Helenus then struck Deipyrus with a great so that to his life he retreated under cover of his
Thracian sword, hitting him on the temple in close men, with his hand dragging by his side—for the

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spear weighed it down till Agenor drew it out and the dust. He fell backwards to the ground, and
bound the hand carefully up in a woollen sling which Menelaus set his heel upon him, stripped him of
his esquire had with him. his armour, and vaunted over him saying, “Even
Pisander then made straight at Menelaus—his evil thus shall you Trojans leave the ships of the
destiny luring him on to his doom, for he was to Achæans, proud and insatiate of battle though you
fall in fight with you, O Menelaus. When the two be: nor shall you lack any of the disgrace and shame
were hard by one another the spear of the son of which you have heaped upon myself. Cowardly she-
Atreus turned aside and he missed his aim; Pisander wolves that you are, you feared not the anger of
then struck the shield of brave Menelaus but could dread Jove, avenger of violated hospitality, who will
not pierce it, for the shield stayed the spear and one day destroy your city; you stole my wedded
broke the shaft; nevertheless he was glad and made wife and wickedly carried off much treasure when
sure of victory; forthwith, however, the son of Atreus you were her guest, and now you would fling fire
drew his sword and sprang upon him. Pisander then upon our ships, and kill our heroes. A day will come
seized the bronze battle-axe, with its long and pol- when, rage as you may, you shall be stayed. O fa-
ished handle of olive wood that hung by his side ther Jove, you, who they say art above all both gods
under his shield, and the two made at one another. and men in wisdom, and from whom all things that
Pisander struck the peak of Menelaus’s crested hel- befall us do proceed, how can you thus favour the
met just under the crest itself, and Menelaus hit Trojans—men so proud and overweening, that they
Pisander as he was coming towards him, on the fore- are never tired of fighting? All things pall after a
head, just at the rise of his nose; the bones cracked while—sleep, love, sweet song, and stately dance—
and his two gore-bedrabbled eyes fell by his feet in still these are things of which a man would surely

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have his fill rather than of battle, whereas it is of with all due care; they raised him into his chariot,
battle that the Trojans are insatiate.” and bore him sadly off to the city of Troy; his father
So saying Menelaus stripped the blood-stained went also with him weeping bitterly, but there was
armour from the body of Pisander, and handed it no ransom that could bring his dead son to life again.
over to his men; then he again ranged himself among Paris was deeply grieved by the death of
those who were in the front of the fight. Harpalion, who was his host when he went among
Harpalion son of King Pylæmenes then sprang the Paphlagonians; he aimed an arrow, therefore, in
upon him; he had come to fight at Troy along with order to avenge him. Now there was a certain man
his father, but he did not go home again. He struck named Euchenor, son of Polyidus the prophet, a
the middle of Menelaus’s shield with his spear but brave man and wealthy, whose home was in Corinth.
could not pierce it, and to save his life drew back This Euchenor had set sail for Troy well knowing
under cover of his men, looking round him on ev- that it would be the death of him, for his good old
ery side lest he should be wounded. But Meriones father Polyidus had often told him that he must
aimed a bronze-tipped arrow at him as he was leav- either stay at home and die of a terrible disease, or
ing the field, and hit him on the right buttock; the go with the Achæans and perish at the hands of the
arrow pierced the bone through and through, and Trojans; he chose, therefore, to avoid incurring the
penetrated the bladder, so he sat down where he heavy fine the Achæans would have laid upon him,
was and breathed his last in the arms of his com- and at the same time to escape the pain and suffer-
rades, stretched like a worm upon the ground and ing of disease. Paris now smote him on the jaw un-
watering the earth with the blood that flowed from der his ear, whereon the life went out of him and he
his wound. The brave Paphlagonians tended him was enshrouded in the darkness of death.

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Thus then did they fight as it were a flaming fire. Amphion, and Dracius commanded the Epeans,
But Hector had not yet heard, and did not know while Medon and staunch Podarces led the men of
that the Argives were making havoc of his men on Phthia. Of these, Medon was bastard son to Oileus
the left wing of the battle, where the Achæans ere and brother of Ajax, but he lived in Phylace away
long would have triumphed over them, so vigor- from his own country, for he had killed the brother
ously did Neptune cheer them on and help them. of his stepmother Eriopis, the wife of Oileus; the
He therefore held on at the point where he had other, Podarces, was the son of Iphiclus son of
first forced his way through the gates and the wall, Phylacus. These two stood in the van of the
after breaking through the serried ranks of Danaan Phthians, and defended the ships along with the
warriors. It was here that the ships of Ajax and Boeotians.
Protesilaus were drawn up by the sea-shore; here Ajax son of Oileus never for a moment left the
the wall was at its lowest, and the fight both of side of Ajax son of Telamon, but as two swart oxen
man and horse raged most fiercely. The Boeotians both strain their utmost at the plough which they
and the Ionians with their long tunics, the Locrians, are drawing in a fallow field, and the sweat steams
the men of Phthia, and the famous force of the upwards from about the roots of their horns—noth-
Epeans could hardly stay Hector as he rushed on ing but the yoke divides them as they break up the
towards the ships, nor could they drive him from ground till they reach the end of the field—even so
them, for he was as a wall of fire. The chosen men did the two Ajaxes stand shoulder to shoulder by
of the Athenians were in the van, led by Menestheus one another. Many and brave comrades followed
son of Peteos, with whom were also Pheidas, the son of Telamon, to relieve him of his shield when
Stichius, and stalwart Bias: Meges son of Phyleus, he was overcome with sweat and toil, but the

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Locrians did not follow so close after the son of or a singer and player on the lyre; while yet in an-
Oileus, for they could not hold their own in a hand- other Jove has implanted a wise understanding of
to-hand fight. They had no bronze helmets with which men reap fruit to the saving of many, and he
plumes of horse-hair, neither had they shields nor himself knows more about it than any one; there-
ashen spears, but they had come to Troy armed with fore I will say what I think will be best. The fight
bows, and with slings of twisted wool from which has hemmed you in as with a circle of fire, and even
they showered their missiles to break the ranks of the now that the Trojans are within the wall some of
Trojans. The others, therefore, with their heavy armour them stand aloof in full armour, while others are
bore the brunt of the fight with the Trojans and with fighting scattered and outnumbered near the ships.
Hector, while the Locrians shot from behind, under Draw back, therefore, and call your chieftains round
their cover; and thus the Trojans began to lose heart, you, that we may advise together whether to fall
for the arrows threw them into confusion. now upon the ships in the hope that heaven may
The Trojans would now have been driven in sorry vouchsafe us victory, or to beat a retreat while we
plight from the ships and tents back to windy Ilius, can yet safely do so. I greatly fear that the Achæans
had not Polydamas presently said to Hector, “Hec- will pay us their debt of yesterday in full, for there
tor, there is no persuading you to take advice. Be- is one abiding at their ships who is never weary of
cause heaven has so richly endowed you with the battle, and who will not hold aloof much longer.”
arts of war, you think that you must therefore excel Thus spoke Polydamas, and his words pleased
others in counsel; but you cannot thus claim pre- Hector well. He sprang in full armour from his
eminence in all things. Heaven has made one man chariot and said, “Polydamas, gather the chieftains
an excellent soldier; of another it has made a dancer here; I will go yonder into the fight, but will return

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at once when I have given them their orders.” Alexandrus answered, “Hector, why find fault
He then sped onward, towering like a snowy moun- when there is no one to find fault with? I should
tain, and with a loud cry flew through the ranks of hold aloof from battle on any day rather than this,
the Trojans and their allies. When they heard his for my mother bore me with nothing of the coward
voice they all hastened to gather round Polydamas about me. From the moment when you set our men
the excellent son of Panthous, but Hector kept on fighting about the ships we have been staying here
among the foremost, looking everywhere to find and doing battle with the Danaans. Our comrades
Deiphobus and prince Helenus, Adamas son of Asius, about whom you ask me are dead; Deiphobus and
and Asius son of Hyrtacus; living, indeed, and scathe- King Helenus alone have left the field, wounded
less he could no longer find them, for the two last both of them in the hand, but the son of Saturn
were lying by the sterns of the Achæan ships, slain saved them alive. Now, therefore, lead on where you
by the Argives, while the others had been also stricken would have us go, and we will follow with right good-
and wounded by them; but upon the left wing of the will; you shall not find us fail you in so far as our
dread battle he found Alexandrus, husband of lovely strength holds out, but no man can do more than
Helen, cheering his men and urging them on to fight. in him lies, no matter how willing he may be.”
He went up to him and upbraided him. “Paris,” said With these words he satisfied his brother, and the
he, “evil-hearted Paris, fair to see but woman-mad two went towards the part of the battle where the
and false of tongue, where are Deiphobus and King fight was thickest, about Cebriones, brave
Helenus? Where are Adamas son of Asius, and Asius Polydamas, Phalces, Orthæus, godlike Polyphetes,
son of Hyrtacus? Where too is Othryoneus? Ilius is Palmys, Ascanius, and Morys son of Hippotion, who
undone and will now surely fall!” had come from fertile Ascania on the preceding day

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to relieve other troops. Then Jove urged them on to is set on destroying our ships, but we too have bands
fight. They flew forth like the blasts of some fierce that can keep you at bay, and your own fair town
wind that strike earth in the van of a thunder- shall be sooner taken and sacked by ourselves. The
storm—they buffet the salt sea into an uproar; many time is near when you shall pray Jove and all the
and mighty are the great waves that come crashing gods in your flight, that your steeds may be swifter
in one after the other upon the shore with their than hawks as they raise the dust on the plain and
arching heads all crested with foam—even so did bear you back to your city.”
rank behind rank of Trojans arrayed in gleaming As he was thus speaking a bird flew by upon his
armour follow their leaders onward. The way was right hand, and the host of the Achæans shouted,
led by Hector son of Priam, peer of murderous Mars, for they took heart at the omen. But Hector an-
with his round shield before him—his shield of ox- swered, “Ajax, braggart and false of tongue, would
hides covered with plates of bronze—and his gleam- that I were as sure of being son for evermore to
ing helmet upon his temples. He kept stepping for- ægis-bearing Jove, with Queen Juno for my mother,
ward under cover of his shield in every direction, and of being held in like honour with Minerva and
making trial of the ranks to see if they would give Apollo, as I am that this day is big with the de-
way be him, but he could not daunt the courage of struction of the Achæans; and you shall fall among
the Achæans. Ajax was the first to stride out and them if you dare abide my spear; it shall rend your
challenge him. “Sir,” he cried, “draw near; why do fair body and bid you glut our hounds and birds of
you think thus vainly to dismay the Argives? We prey with your fat and your flesh, as you fall by the
Achæans are excellent soldiers, but the scourge of ships of the Achæans.”
Jove has fallen heavily upon us. Your heart, forsooth, With these words he led the way and the others

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followed after with a cry that rent the air, while the ing with bronze, for Thrasymedes had taken his
host shouted behind them. The Argives on their father’s shield; he grasped his redoubtable bronze-
part raised a shout likewise, nor did they forget their shod spear, and as soon as he was outside saw the
prowess, but stood firm against the onslaught of disastrous rout of the Achæans who, now that their
the Trojan chieftains, and the cry from both the wall was overthrown, were flying pell-mell before
hosts rose up to heaven and to the brightness of the Trojans. As when there is a heavy swell upon
Jove’s presence. the sea, but the waves are dumb—they keep their
eyes on the watch for the quarter whence the fierce
BOOK XIV winds may spring upon them, but they stay where
they are and set neither this way nor that, till some
NESTOR WAS SITTING over his wine, but the cry of particular wind sweeps down from heaven to deter-
battle did not escape him, and he said to the son of mine them—even so did the old man ponder
Æsculapius, “What, noble Machaon, is the mean- whether to make for the crowd of Danaans, or go in
ing of all this? The shouts of men fighting by our search of Agamemnon. In the end he deemed it best
ships grow stronger and stronger; stay here, there- to go to the son of Atreus; but meanwhile the hosts
fore, and sit over your wine, while fair Hecamede were fighting and killing one another, and the hard
heats you a bath and washes the clotted blood from bronze rattled on their bodies, as they thrust at one
off you. I will go at once to the look-out station another with their swords and spears.
and see what it is all about.” The wounded kings, the son of Tydeus, Ulysses,
As he spoke he took up the shield of his son and Agamemnon son of Atreus, fell in Nestor as
Thrasymedes that was lying in his tent, all gleam- they were coming up from their ships—for theirs

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were drawn up some way from where the fighting Then Nestor knight of Gerene answered, “It is
was going on, being on the shore itself inasmuch as indeed as you say; it is all coming true at this mo-
they had been beached first, while the wall had been ment, and even Jove who thunders from on high
built behind the hindermost. The stretch of the shore, cannot prevent it. Fallen is the wall on which we
wide though it was, did not afford room for all the relied as an impregnable bulwark both for us and
ships, and the host was cramped for space, therefore our fleet. The Trojans are fighting stubbornly and
they had placed the ships in rows one behind the without ceasing at the ships; look where you may
other, and had filled the whole opening of the bay you cannot see from what quarter the rout of the
between the two points that formed it. The kings, Achæans is coming; they are being killed in a con-
leaning on their spears, were coming out to survey fused mass and the battle-cry ascends to heaven;
the fight, being in great anxiety, and when old Nestor let us think, if counsel can be of any use, what we
met them they were filled with dismay. Then King had better do; but I do not advise our going into
Agamemnon said to him, “Nestor son of Neleus, battle ourselves, for a man cannot fight when he is
honour to the Achæan name, why have you left the wounded.”
battle to come hither? I fear that what dread Hector And King Agamemnon answered, “Nestor, if the
said will come true, when he vaunted among the Trojans are indeed fighting at the rear of our ships,
Trojans saying that he would not return to Ilius till and neither the wall nor the trench has served us—
he had fired our ships and killed us; this is what he over which the Danaans toiled so hard, and which
said, and now it is all coming true. Alas! others of they deemed would be an impregnable bulwark both
the Achæans, like Achilles, are in anger with me that for us and our fleet—I see it must be the will of
they refuse to fight by the sterns of our ships.” Jove that the Achæans should perish ingloriously

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here, far from Argos. I knew when Jove was willing of the Achæans hear you say what no man who
to defend us, and I know now that he is raising the knows how to give good counsel, no king over so
Trojans to like honour with the gods, while us, on great a host as that of the Argives should ever have
the other hand, he bas bound hand and foot. Now, let fall from his lips. I despise your judgement ut-
therefore, let us all do as I say; let us bring down terly for what you have been saying. Would you,
the ships that are on the beach and draw them into then, have us draw down our ships into the water
the water; let us make them fast to their mooring- while the battle is raging, and thus play further into
stones a little way out, against the fall of night—if the hands of the conquering Trojans? It would be
even by night the Trojans will desist from fighting; ruin; the Achæans will not go on fighting when they
we may then draw down the rest of the fleet. There see the ships being drawn into the water, but will
is nothing wrong in flying ruin even by night. It is cease attacking and keep turning their eyes towards
better for a man that he should fly and be saved them; your counsel, therefore, Sir captain, would
than be caught and killed.” be our destruction.”
Ulysses looked fiercely at him and said, “Son of Agamemnon answered, “Ulysses, your rebuke has
Atreus, what are you talking about? Wretch, you stung me to the heart. I am not, however, ordering
should have commanded some other and baser army, the Achæans to draw their ships into the sea whether
and not been ruler over us to whom Jove has allot- they will or no. Some one, it may be, old or young,
ted a life of hard fighting from youth to old age, till can offer us better counsel which I shall rejoice to
we every one of us perish. Is it thus that you would hear.”
quit the city of Troy, to win which we have suffered Then said Diomed, “Such an one is at hand; he is
so much hardship? Hold your peace, lest some other not far to seek, if you will listen to me and not

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resent my speaking though I am younger than any have already, but we can spur on others, who have
of you. I am by lineage son to a noble sire, Tydeus, been indulging their spleen and holding aloof from
who lies buried at Thebes. For Portheus had three battle hitherto.”
noble sons, two of whom, Agrius and Melas, abode Thus did he speak; whereon they did even as he
in Pleuron and rocky Calydon. The third was the had said and set out, King Agamemnon leading the
knight Oeneus, my father’s father, and he was the way.
most valiant of them all. Oeeneus remained in his Meanwhile Neptune had kept no blind look-out,
own country, but my father (as Jove and the other and came up to them in the semblance of an old
gods ordained it) migrated to Argos. He married man. He took Agamemnon’s right hand in his own
into the family of Adrastus, and his house was one and said, “Son of Atreus, I take it Achilles is glad
of great abundance, for he had large estates of rich now that he sees the Achæans routed and slain, for
corn-growing land, with much orchard ground as he is utterly without remorse—may he come to a
well, and he had many sheep; moreover he excelled bad end and heaven confound him. As for yourself,
all the Argives in the use of the spear. You must the blessed gods are not yet so bitterly angry with
yourselves have heard whether these things are true you but that the princes and counsellors of the Tro-
or no; therefore when I say well despise not my jans shall again raise the dust upon the plain, and
words as though I were a coward or of ignoble birth. you shall see them flying from the ships and tents
I say, then, let us go to the fight as we needs must, towards their city.”
wounded though we be. When there, we may keep With this he raised a mighty cry of battle, and
out of the battle and beyond the range of the spears sped forward to the plain. The voice that came from
lest we get fresh wounds in addition to what we his deep chest was as that of nine or ten thousand

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men when they are shouting in the thick of a fight, tered and closed the doors behind her. She cleansed
and it put fresh courage into the hearts of the all the dirt from her fair body with ambrosia, then
Achæans to wage war and do battle without ceasing. she anointed herself with olive oil, ambrosial, very
Juno of the golden throne looked down as she soft, and scented specially for herself—if it were so
stood upon a peak of Olympus and her heart was much as shaken in the bronze-floored house of Jove,
gladdened at the sight of him who was at once her the scent pervaded the universe of heaven and earth.
brother and her brother-in-law, hurrying hither and With this she anointed her delicate skin, and then
thither amid the fighting. Then she turned her eyes she plaited the fair ambrosial locks that flowed in a
to Jove as he sat on the topmost crests of many- stream of golden tresses from her immortal head.
fountained Ida, and loathed him. She set herself to She put on the wondrous robe which Minerva had
think how she might hoodwink him, and in the end worked for her with consummate art, and had em-
she deemed that it would be best for her to go to broidered with manifold devices; she fastened it
Ida and array herself in rich attire, in the hope that about her bosom with golden clasps, and she girded
Jove might become enamoured of her, and wish to herself with a girdle that had a hundred tassels: then
embrace her. While he was thus engaged a sweet she fastened her earrings, three brilliant pendants
and careless sleep might be made to steal over his that glistened most beautifully, through the pierced
eyes and senses. lobes of her ears, and threw a lovely new veil over
She went, therefore, to the room which her son her head. She bound her sandals on to her feet, and
Vulcan had made her, and the doors of which he when she had arrayed herself perfectly to her satis-
had cunningly fastened by means of a secret key so faction, she left her room and called Venus to come
that no other god could open them. Here she en- aside and speak to her. “My dear child,” said she,

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“will you do what I am going to ask of you, or will grateful to me and love me for ever afterwards.”
refuse me because you are angry at my being on the Thereon laughter-loving Venus said, “I cannot and
Danaan side, while you are on the Trojan?” must not refuse you, for you sleep in the arms of
Jove’s daughter Venus answered, “Juno, august Jove who is our king.”
queen of goddesses, daughter of mighty Saturn, say As she spoke she loosed from her bosom the curi-
what you want, and I will do it for at once, if I can, ously embroidered girdle into which all her charms
and if it can be done at all.” had been wrought—love, desire, and that sweet flat-
Then Juno told her a lying tale and said, “I want tery which steals the judgement even of the most
you to endow me with some of those fascinating prudent. She gave the girdle to Juno and said, “Take
charms, the spells of which bring all things mortal this girdle wherein all my charms reside and lay it in
and immortal to your feet. I am going to the world’s your bosom. If you will wear it I promise you that
end to visit Oceanus (from whom all we gods pro- your errand, be it what it may, will not be bootless.”
ceed) and mother Tethys: they received me in their When she heard this Juno smiled, and still smil-
house, took care of me, and brought me up, having ing she laid the girdle in her bosom.
taken me over from Rhæa when Jove imprisoned Venus now went back into the house of Jove, while
great Saturn in the depths that are under earth and Juno darted down from the summits of Olympus.
sea. I must go and see them that I may make peace She passed over Pieria and fair Emathia, and went
between them; they have been quarrelling, and are on and on till she came to the snowy ranges of the
so angry that they have not slept with one another Thracian horsemen, over whose topmost crests she
this long while; if I can bring them round and re- sped without ever setting foot to ground. When she
store them to one another’s embraces, they will be came to Athos she went on over the, waves of the

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sea till she reached Lemnos, the city of noble Thoas. city of the Trojans. At your bidding I suffused my
There she met Sleep, own brother to Death, and sweet self over the mind of ægis-bearing Jove, and
caught him by the hand, saying, “Sleep, you who laid him to rest; meanwhile you hatched a plot
lord it alike over mortals and immortals, if you ever against Hercules, and set the blasts of the angry
did me a service in times past, do one for me now, winds beating upon the sea, till you took him to
and I shall be grateful to you ever after. Close Jove’s the goodly city of Cos away from all his friends.
keen eyes for me in slumber while I hold him clasped Jove was furious when he awoke, and began hurl-
in my embrace, and I will give you a beautiful golden ing the gods about all over the house; he was look-
seat, that can never fall to pieces; my clubfooted ing more particularly for myself, and would have
son Vulcan shall make it for you, and he shall give flung me down through space into the sea where I
it a footstool for you to rest your fair feet upon should never have been heard of any more, had not
when you are at table.” Night who cows both men and gods protected me.
Then Sleep answered, “Juno, great queen of god- I fled to her and Jove left off looking for me in spite
desses, daughter of mighty Saturn, I would lull any of his being so angry, for he did not dare do any-
other of the gods to sleep without compunction, thing to displease Night. And now you are again ask-
not even excepting the waters of Oceanus from ing me to do something on which I cannot venture.”
whom all of them proceed, but I dare not go near And Juno said, “Sleep, why do you take such no-
Jove, nor send him to sleep unless he bids me. I tions as those into your head? Do you think Jove
have had one lesson already through doing what will be as anxious to help the Trojans, as he was about
you asked me, on the day when Jove’s mighty son his own son? Come, I will marry you to one of the
Hercules set sail from Ilius after having sacked the youngest of the Graces, and she shall be your own—

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Pasithea, whom you have always wanted to marry.” all Ida. He hid himself behind the branches and sat
Sleep was pleased when he heard this, and an- there in the semblance of the sweet-singing bird that
swered, “Then swear it to me by the dread waters haunts the mountains and is called Chalcis by the
of the river Styx; lay one hand on the bounteous gods, but men call it Cymindis. Juno then went to
earth, and the other on the sheen of the sea, so that Gargarus, the topmost peak of Ida, and Jove, driver
all the gods who dwell down below with Saturn of the clouds, set eyes upon her. As soon as he did
may be our witnesses, and see that you really do so he became inflamed with the same passionate
give me one of the youngest of the Graces—Pasithea, desire for her that he had felt when they had first
whom I have always wanted to marry.” enjoyed each other’s embraces, and slept with one
Juno did as he had said. She swore, and invoked another without their dear parents knowing any-
all the gods of the nether world, who are called Ti- thing about it. He went up to her and said, “What
tans, to witness. When she had completed her oath, do you want that you have come hither from
the two enshrouded themselves in a thick mist and Olympus—and that too with neither chariot nor
sped lightly forward, leaving Lemnos and Imbrus horses to convey you?”
behind them. Presently they reached many- Then Juno told him a lying tale and said, “I am
fountained Ida, mother of wild beasts, and Lectum going to the world’s end, to visit Oceanus, from
where they left the sea to go on by land, and the whom all we gods proceed, and mother Tethys; they
tops of the trees of the forest soughed under the received me into their house, took care of me, and
going of their feet. Here Sleep halted, and ere Jove brought me up. I must go and see them that I may
caught sight of him he climbed a lofty pine-tree— make peace between them: they have been quarrel-
the tallest that reared its head towards heaven on ling, and are so angry that they have not slept with

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one another this long time. The horses that will mother to Bacchus the comforter of mankind. There
take me over land and sea are stationed on the low- was queen Ceres again, and lovely Leto, and your-
ermost spurs of many-fountained Ida, and I have self—but with none of these was I ever so much
come here from Olympus on purpose to consult you. enamoured as I now am with you.”
I was afraid you might be angry with me later on, if Juno again answered him with a lying tale. “Most
I went to the house of Oceanus without letting you dread son of Saturn,” she exclaimed, “what are you
know.” talking about? Would you have us enjoy one an-
And Jove said, “Juno, you can choose some other other here on the top of Mount Ida, where every-
time for paying your visit to Oceanus—for the thing can be seen? What if one of the ever-living
present let us devote ourselves to love and to the gods should see us sleeping together, and tell the
enjoyment of one another. Never yet have I been so others? It would be such a scandal that when I had
overpowered by passion neither for goddess nor risen from your embraces I could never show my-
mortal woman as I am at this moment for your- self inside your house again; but if you are so
self—not even when I was in love with the wife of minded, there is a room which your son Vulcan has
Ixion who bore me Pirithous, peer of gods in coun- made me, and he has given it good strong doors; if
sel, nor yet with Danæ the daintily-ancled daugh- you would so have it, let us go thither and lie down.”
ter of Acrisius, who bore me the famed hero Per- And Jove answered, “Juno, you need not be afraid
seus. Then there was the daughter of Phoenix, who that either god or man will see you, for I will en-
bore me Minos and Rhadamanthus: there was shroud both of us in such a dense golden cloud,
Semele, and Alcmena in Thebes by whom I begot that the very sun for all his bright piercing beams
my lion-hearted son Hercules, while Semele became shall not see through it.”

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With this the son of Saturn caught his wife in his ever to help the Danaans. He darted forward among
embrace; whereon the earth sprouted them a cush- the first ranks and shouted saying, “Argives, shall
ion of young grass, with dew-bespangled lotus, cro- we let Hector son of Priam have the triumph of
cus, and hyacinth, so soft and thick that it raised taking our ships and covering himself with glory?
them well above the ground. Here they laid them- This is what he says that he shall now do, seeing
selves down and overhead they were covered by a that Achilles is still in dudgeon at his ship; We shall
fair cloud of gold, from which there fell glittering get on very well without him if we keep each other
dew-drops. in heart and stand by one another. Now, therefore,
Thus, then, did the sire of all things repose peace- let us all do as I say. Let us each take the best and
fully on the crest of Ida, overcome at once by sleep largest shield we can lay hold of, put on our hel-
and love, and he held his spouse in his arms. Mean- mets, and sally forth with our longest spears in our
while Sleep made off to the ships of the Achæans, hands; will lead you on, and Hector son of Priam,
to tell earth-encircling Neptune, lord of the earth- rage as he may, will not dare to hold out against us.
quake. When he had found him he said, “Now, If any good staunch soldier has only a small shield,
Neptune, you can help the Danaans with a will, let him hand it over to a worse man, and take a
and give them victory though it be only for a short larger one for himself.”
time while Jove is still sleeping. I have sent him Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had
into a sweet slumber, and Juno has beguiled him said. The son of Tydeus, Ulysses, and Agamemnon,
into going to bed with her.” wounded though they were, set the others in array,
Sleep now departed and went his ways to and fro and went about everywhere effecting the exchanges
among mankind, leaving Neptune more eager than of armour; the most valiant took the best armour,

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and gave the worse to the worse man. When they Hector first aimed his spear at Ajax, who was
had donned their bronze armour they marched on turned full towards him, nor did he miss his aim.
with Neptune at their head. In his strong hand he The spear struck him where two bands passed over
grasped his terrible sword, keen of edge and flash- his chest—the band of his shield and that of his
ing like lightning; woe to him who comes across it silver-studded sword—and these protected his body.
in the day of battle; all men quake for fear and keep Hector was angry that his spear should have been
away from it. hurled in vain, and withdrew under cover of his
Hector on the other side set the Trojans in array. men. As he was thus retreating, Ajax son of Telamon
Thereon Neptune and Hector waged fierce war on struck him with a stone, of which there were many
one another—Hector on the Trojan and Neptune lying about under the men’s feet as they fought—
on the Argive side. Mighty was the uproar as the brought there to give support to the ships’ sides as
two forces met; the sea came rolling in towards the they lay on the shore. Ajax caught up one of them
ships and tents of the Achæans, but waves do not and struck Hector above the rim of his shield close
thunder on the shore more loudly when driven be- to his neck; the blow made him spin round like a
fore the blast of Boreas, nor do the flames of a for- top and reel in all directions. As an oak falls head-
est fire roar more fiercely when it is well alight upon long when uprooted by the lightning flash of father
the mountains, nor does the wind bellow with ruder Jove, and there is a terrible smell of brimstone—no
music as it tears on through the tops of when it is man can help being dismayed if he is standing near
blowing its hardest, than the terrible shout which it, for a thunderbolt is a very awful thing—even so
the Trojans and Achæans raised as they sprang upon did Hector fall to earth and bite the dust. His spear
one another. fell from his hand, but his shield and helmet were

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made fast about his body, and his bronze armour fell back on to the ground, and his eyes were again
rang about him. closed in darkness for he was still sturined by the blow.
The sons of the Achæans came running with a loud When the Argives saw Hector leaving the field,
cry towards him, hoping to drag him away, and they they took heart and set upon the Trojans yet more
showered their darts on the Trojans, but none of them furiously. Ajax fleet son of Oileus began by springing
could wound him before he was surrounded and cov- on Satnius son of Enops and wounding him with his
ered by the princes Polydamas, Æneas, Agenor, spear: a fair naiad nymph had borne him to Enops
Sarpedon captain of the Lycians, and noble Glaucus: as he was herding cattle by the banks of the river
of the others, too, there was not one who was un- Satnioeis. The son of Oileus came up to him and
mindful of him, and they held their round shields struck him in the flank so that he fell, and a fierce
over him to cover him. His comrades then lifted him fight between Trojans and Danaans raged round his
off the ground and bore him away from the battle to body. Polydamas son of Panthous drew near to avenge
the place where his horses stood waiting for him at him, and wounded Prothoenor son of Areilycus on
the rear of the fight with their driver and the chariot; the right shoulder; the terrible spear went right
these then took him towards the city groaning and through his shoulder, and he clutched the earth as
in great pain. When they reached the ford of the air he fell in the dust. Polydamas vaunted loudly over
stream of Xanthus, begotten of Immortal Jove, they him saying, “Again I take it that the spear has not
took him from off his chariot and laid him down on sped in vain from the strong hand of the son of
the ground; they poured water over him, and as they Panthous; an Argive has caught it in his body, and it
did so he breathed again and opened his eyes. Then will serve him for a staff as he goes down into the
kneeling on his knees he vomited blood, but soon house of Hades.”

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The Argives were maddened by this boasting. Ajax over him saying, “Argive archers, braggarts that you
son of Telamon was more angry than any, for the are, toil and suffering shall not be for us only, but
man had fallen close be, him; so he aimed at some of you too shall fall here as well as ourselves.
Polydamas as he was retreating, but Polydamas See how Promachus now sleeps, vanquished by my
saved himself by swerving aside and the spear struck spear; payment for my brother’s blood has not long
Archelochus son of Antenor, for heaven counselled delayed; a man, therefore, may well be thankful if
his destruction; it struck him where the head springs he leaves a kinsman in his house behind him to
from the neck at the top joint of the spine, and avenge his fall.”
severed both the tendons at the back of the head. His taunts infuriated the Argives, and Peneleos
His head, mouth, and nostrils reached the ground was more enraged than any of them. He sprang to-
long before his legs and knees could do so, and Ajax wards Acamas, but Acamas did not stand his ground,
shouted to Polydamas saying, “Think, Polydamas, and he killed Ilioneus son of the rich flock-master
and tell me truly whether this man is not as well Phorbas, whom Mercury had favoured and endowed
worth killing as Prothoenor was: he seems rich, and with greater wealth than any other of the Trojans.
of rich family, a brother, it may be, or son of the Ilioneus was his only son, and Peneleos now
knight Antenor, for he is very like him.” wounded him in the eye under his eyebrows, tear-
But he knew well who it was, and the Trojans ing the eye-ball from its socket: the spear went right
were greatly angered. Acamas then bestrode his through the eye into the nape of the neck, and he
brother’s body and wounded Promachus the fell, stretching out both hands before him. Peneleos
Boeotian with his spear, for he was trying to drag then drew his sword and smote him on the neck, so
his brother’s body away. Acamas vaunted loudly that both head and helmet came tumbling down to

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the ground with the spear still sticking in the eye; Hyperenor shepherd of his people, in the flank, and
he then held up the head, as though it had been a the bronze point made his entrails gush out as it
poppy-head, and showed it to the Trojans, vaunt- tore in among them; on this his life came hurrying
ing over them as he did so. “Trojans,” he cried, “bid out of him at the place where he had been wounded,
the father and mother of noble Ilioneus make moan and his eyes were closed in darkness. Ajax son of
for him in their house, for the wife also of Promachus Oileus killed more than any other, for there was no
son of Alegenor will never be gladdened by the com- man so fleet as he to pursue flying foes when Jove
ing of her dear husband—when we Argives return had spread panic among them.
with our ships from Troy.”
As he spoke fear fell upon them, and every man BOOK XV
looked round about to see whither he might fly for
safety. BUT WHEN THEIR FLIGHT had taken them past the
Tell me now, O Muses that dwell on Olympus, trench and the set stakes, and many had fallen by
who was the first of the Argives to bear away blood- the hands of the Danaans, the Trojans made a halt
stained spoils after Neptune lord of the earthquake on reaching their chariots, routed and pale with fear.
had turned the fortune of war. Ajax son of Telamon Jove now woke on the crests of Ida, where he was
was first to wound Hyrtius son of Gyrtius, captain lying with golden-throned Juno by his side, and
of the staunch Mysians. Antilochus killed Phalces starting to his feet he saw the Trojans and Achæans,
and Mermerus, while Meriones slew Morys and the one thrown into confusion, and the others driv-
Hippotion, Teucer also killed Prothoon and ing them pell-mell before them with King Neptune
Periphetes. The son of Atreus then wounded in their midst. He saw Hector lying on the ground

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with his comrades gathered round him, gasping for seas to Cos, after suborning the tempests; but I res-
breath, wandering in mind and vomiting blood, for cued him, and notwithstanding all his mighty
it was not the feeblest of the Achæans who struck him. labours I brought him back again to Argos. I would
The sire of gods and men had pity on him, and remind you of this that you may learn to leave off
looked fiercely on Juno. “I see, Juno,” said he, “you being so deceitful, and discover how much you are
mischief—making trickster, that your cunning has likely to gain by the embraces out of which you
stayed Hector from fighting and has caused the rout have come here to trick me.”
of his host. I am in half a mind to thrash you, in Juno trembled as he spoke, and said, “May heaven
which case you will be the first to reap the fruits of above and earth below be my witnesses, with the
your scurvy knavery. Do you not remember how waters of the river Styx—and this is the most sol-
once upon a time I had you hanged? I fastened two emn oath that a blessed god can take—nay, I swear
anvils on to your feet, and bound your hands in a also by your own almighty head and by our bridal
chain of gold which none might break, and you hung bed—things over which I could never possibly per-
in mid-air among the clouds. All the gods in jure myself—that Neptune is not punishing Hector
Olympus were in a fury, but they could not reach and the Trojans and helping the Achæans through
you to set you free; when I caught any one of them any doing of mine; it is all of his own mere motion
I gripped him and hurled him from the heavenly because he was sorry to see the Achæans hard
threshold till he came fainting down to earth; yet pressed at their ships: if I were advising him, I should
even this did not relieve my mind from the inces- tell him to do as you bid him.”
sant anxiety which I felt about noble Hercules whom The sire of gods and men smiled and answered,
you and Boreas had spitefully conveyed beyond the “If you, Juno, were always to support me when we

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sit in council of the gods, Neptune, like it or no, complished the desire of the son of Peleus, accord-
would soon come round to your and my way of ing to the promise I made by bowing my head on
thinking. If, then, you are speaking the truth and the day when Thetis touched my knees and be-
mean what you say, go among the rank and file of sought me to give him honour.”
the gods, and tell Iris and Apollo lord of the bow, Juno heeded his words and went from the heights
that I want them—Iris, that she may go to the of Ida to great Olympus. Swift as the thought of
Achæan host and tell Neptune to leave off fighting one whose fancy carries him over vast continents,
and go home, and Apollo, that he may send Hector and he says to himself, “Now I will be here, or there,”
again into battle and give him fresh strength; he and he would have all manner of things—even so
will thus forget his present sufferings, and drive the swiftly did Juno wing her way till she came to high
Achæans back in confusion till they fall among the Olympus and went in among the gods who were
ships of Achilles son of Peleus. Achilles will then gathered in the house of Jove. When they saw her
send his comrade Patroclus into battle, and Hector they all of them came up to her, and held out their
will kill him in front of Ilius after he has slain many cups to her by way of greeting. She let the others
warriors, and among them my own noble son be, but took the cup offered her by lovely Themis,
Sarpedon. Achilles will kill Hector to avenge who was first to come running up to her. “Juno,”
Patroclus, and from that time I will bring it about said she, “why are you here? And you seem
that the Achæans shall persistently drive the Tro- troubled—has your husband the son of Saturn been
jans back till they fulfil the counsels of Minerva frightening you?”
and take Ilius. But I will not stay my anger, nor And Juno answered, “Themis, do not ask me about
permit any god to help the Danaans till I have ac- it. You know what a proud and cruel disposition

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my husband has. Lead the gods to table, where you “Do not blame me, you gods that dwell in heaven,
and all the immortals can hear the wicked designs if I go to the ships of the Achæans and avenge the
which he has avowed. Many a one, mortal and im- death of my son, even though it end in my being
mortal, will be angered by them, however peace- struck by Jove’s lightning and lying in blood and
ably he may be feasting now.” dust among the corpses.”
On this Juno sat down, and the gods were troubled As he spoke he gave orders to yoke his horses
throughout the house of Jove. Laughter sat on her Panic and Rout, while he put on his armour. On
lips but her brow was furrowed with care, and she this, Jove would have been roused to still more fierce
spoke up in a rage. “Fools that we are,” she cried, and implacable enmity against the other immor-
“to be thus madly angry with Jove; we keep on tals, had not Minerva, ararmed for the safety of the
wanting to go up to him and stay him by force or gods, sprung from her seat and hurried outside. She
by persuasion, but he sits aloof and cares for no- tore the helmet from his head and the shield from
body, for he knows that he is much stronger than his shoulders, and she took the bronze spear from
any other of the immortals. Make the best, there- his strong hand and set it on one side; then she said
fore, of whatever ills he may choose to send each to Mars, “Madman, you are undone; you have ears
one of you; Mars, I take it, has had a taste of them that hear not, or you have lost all judgement and
already, for his son Ascalaphus has fallen in battle— understanding; have you not heard what Juno has
the man whom of all others he loved most dearly said on coming straight from the presence of Olym-
and whose father he owns himself to be.” pian Jove? Do you wish to go through all kinds of
When he heard this Mars smote his two sturdy suffering before you are brought back sick and sorry
thighs with the flat of his hands, and said in anger, to Olympus, after having caused infinite mischief

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to all us others? Jove would instantly leave the Tro- been so quick in obeying the orders his wife had
jans and Achæans to themselves; he would come to given them.
Olympus to punish us, and would grip us up one He spoke to Iris first. “Go,” said he, “fleet Iris,
after another, guilty or not guilty. Therefore lay aside tell King Neptune what I now bid you—and tell
your anger for the death of your son; better men him true. Bid him leave off fighting, and either join
than he have either been killed already or will fall the company of the gods, or go down into the sea.
hereafter, and one cannot protect every one’s whole If he takes no heed and disobeys me, let him con-
family.” sider well whether he is strong enough to hold his
With these words she took Mars back to his seat. own against me if I attack him. I am older and much
Meanwhile Juno called Apollo outside, with Iris the stronger than he is; yet he is not afraid to set him-
messenger of the gods. “Jove,” she said to them, self up as on a level with myself, of whom all the
“desires you to go to him at once on Mt. Ida; when other gods stand in awe.”
you have seen him you are to do as he may then Iris, fleet as the wind, obeyed him, and as the
bid you.” cold hail or snowflakes that fly from out the clouds
Thereon Juno left them and resumed her seat in- before the blast of Boreas, even so did she wing her
side, while Iris and Apollo made all haste on their way till she came close up to the great shaker of the
way. When they reached many-fountained Ida, earth. Then she said, “I have come, O dark-haired
mother of wild beasts, they found Jove seated on king that holds the world in his embrace, to bring
topmost Gargarus with a fragrant cloud encircling you a message from Jove. He bids you leave off fight-
his head as with a diadem. They stood before his ing, and either join the company of the gods or go
presence, and he was pleased with them for having down into the sea; if, however, you take no heed

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and disobey him, he says he will come down here and be contented without threatening to lay hands
and fight you. He would have you keep out of his upon me as though I were nobody. Let him keep
reach, for he is older and much stronger than you his bragging talk for his own sons and daughters,
are, and yet you are not afraid to set yourself up as who must perforce obey him.
on a level with himself, of whom all the other gods Iris fleet as the wind then answered, “Am I really,
stand in awe.” Neptune, to take this daring and unyielding mes-
Neptune was very angry and said, “Great heav- sage to Jove, or will you reconsider your answer?
ens! strong as Jove may be, he has said more than Sensible people are open to argument, and you know
he can do if he has threatened violence against me, that the Erinyes always range themselves on the
who am of like honour with himself. We were three side of the older person.”
brothers whom Rhea bore to Saturn—Jove, myself, Neptune answered, “Goddess Iris, your words
and Hades who rules the world below. Heaven and have been spoken in season. It is well when a mes-
earth were divided into three parts, and each of us senger shows so much discretion. Nevertheless it
was to have an equal share. When we cast lots, it cuts me to the very heart that any one should re-
fell to me to have my dwelling in the sea for ever- buke so angrily another who is his own peer, and of
more; Hades took the darkness of the realms under like empire with himself. Now, however, I will give
the earth, while air and sky and clouds were the way in spite of my displeasure; furthermore let me
portion that fell to Jove; but earth and great tell you, and I mean what I say—if contrary to the
Olympus are the common property of all. There- desire of myself, Minerva driver of the spoil, Juno,
fore I will not walk as Jove would have me. For all Mercury, and King Vulcan, Jove spares steep Ilius,
his strength, let him keep to his own third share and will not let the Achæans have the great triumph

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of sacking it, let him understand that he will incur crests of Ida, flying like a falcon, bane of doves and
our implacable resentment.” swiftest of all birds. He found Hector no longer lying
Neptune now left the field to go down under the upon the ground, but sitting up, for he had just
sea, and sorely did the Achæans miss him. Then come to himself again. He knew those who were
Jove said to Apollo, “Go, dear Phoebus, to Hector, about him, and the sweat and hard breathing had
for Neptune who holds the earth in his embrace left him from the moment when the will of ægis-
has now gone down under the sea to avoid the se- bearing Jove had revived him. Apollo stood beside
verity of my displeasure. Had he not done so those him and said, “Hector, son of Priam, why are you
gods who are below with Saturn would have come so faint, and why are you here away from the oth-
to hear of the fight between us. It is better for both ers? Has any mishap befallen you?”
of us that he should have curbed his anger and kept Hector in a weak voice answered, “And which,
out of my reach, for I should have had much trouble kind sir, of the gods are you, who now ask me thus?
with him. Take, then, your tasselled ægis, and shake Do you not know that Ajax struck me on the chest
it furiously, so as to set the Achæan heroes in a with a stone as I was killing his comrades at the
panic; take, moreover, brave Hector, O Far-Darter, ships of the Achæans, and compelled me to leave
into your own care, and rouse him to deeds of dar- off fighting? I made sure that this very day I should
ing, till the Achæans are sent flying back to their breathe my last and go down into the house of
ships and to the Hellespont. From that point I will Hades.”
think it well over, how the Achæans may have a Then King Apollo said to him, “Take heart; the
respite from their troubles.” son of Saturn has sent you a mighty helper from
Apollo obeyed his father’s saying, and left the Ida to stand by you and defend you, even me,

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Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, who have been humour for the chase—even so the Achæans were
guardian hitherto not only of yourself but of your still charging on in a body, using their swords and
city. Now, therefore, order your horsemen to drive spears pointed at both ends, but when they saw
their chariots to the ships in great multitudes. I will Hector going about among his men they were afraid,
go before your horses to smooth the way for them, and their hearts fell down into their feet.
and will turn the Achæans in flight.” Then spoke Thoas son of Andræmon, leader of
As he spoke he infused great strength into the the Ætolians, a man who could throw a good throw,
shepherd of his people. And as a horse, stabled and and who was staunch also in close fight, while few
full-fed, breaks loose and gallops gloriously over the could surpass him in debate when opinions were
plain to the place where he is wont to take his bath divided. He then with all sincerity and goodwill
in the river—he tosses his head, and his mane addressed them thus: “What, in heaven’s name, do
streams over his shoulders as in all the pride of his I now see? Is it not Hector come to life again? Ev-
strength he flies full speed to the pastures where ery one made sure he had been killed by Ajax son
the mares are feeding—even so Hector, when he of Telamon, but it seems that one of the gods has
heard what the god said, urged his horsemen on, again rescued him. He has killed many of us
and sped forward as fast as his limbs could take Danaans already, and I take it will yet do so, for the
him. As country peasants set their hounds on to a hand of Jove must be with him or he would never
homed stag or wild goat—he has taken shelter un- dare show himself so masterful in the forefront of
der rock or thicket, and they cannot find him, but, the battle. Now, therefore, let us all do as I say; let
lo, a bearded lion whom their shouts have roused us order the main body of our forces to fall back
stands in their path, and they are in no further upon the ships, but let those of us who profess to

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be the flower of the army stand firm, and see arrows flew from the bowstrings. Many a spear sped
whether we cannot hold Hector back at the point from strong hands and fastened in the bodies of
of our spears as soon as he comes near us; I con- many a valiant warrior, while others fell to earth
ceive that he will then think better of it before he midway, before they could taste of man’s fair flesh
tries to charge into the press of the Danaans.” and glut themselves with blood. So long as Phoebus
Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had Apollo held his ægis quietly and without shaking
said. Those who were about Ajax and King it, the weapons on either side took effect and the
Idomeneus, the followers moreover of Teucer, people fell, but when he shook it straight in the
Meriones, and Meges peer of Mars called all their face of the Danaans and raised his mighty battle-
best men about them and sustained the fight against cry their hearts fainted within them and they for-
Hector and the Trojans, but the main body fell back got their former prowess. As when two wild beasts
upon the ships of the Achæans. spring in the dead of night on a herd of cattle or a
The Trojans pressed forward in a dense body, with large flock of sheep when the herdsman is not
Hector striding on at their head. Before him went there—even so were the Danaans struck helpless,
Phoebus Apollo shrouded in cloud about his shoul- for Apollo filled them with panic and gave victory
ders. He bore aloft the terrible ægis with its shaggy to Hector and the Trojans.
fringe, which Vulcan the smith had given Jove to The fight then became more scattered and they
strike terror into the hearts of men. With this in his killed one another where they best could. Hector
hand he led on the Trojans. killed Stichius and Arcesilaus, the one, leader of
The Argives held together and stood their ground. the Boeotians, and the other, friend and comrade
The cry of battle rose high from either side, and the of Menestheus. Æneas killed Medon and Iasus. The

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first was bastard son to Oileus, and brother to Ajax, As he spoke he laid his whip about his horses’
but he lived in Phylace away from his own country, shoulders and called to the Trojans throughout their
for he had killed a man, a kinsman of his stepmother ranks; the Trojans shouted with a cry that rent the
Eriopis whom Oileus had married. Iasus had be- air, and kept their horses neck and neck with his
come a leader of the Athenians, and was son of own. Phoebus Apollo went before, and kicked down
Sphelus the son of Boucolos. Polydamas killed the banks of the deep trench into its middle so as
Mecisteus, and Polites Echius, in the front of the to make a great broad bridge, as broad as the throw
battle, while Agenor slew Clonius. Paris struck of a spear when a man is trying his strength. The
Deiochus from behind in the lower part of the shoul- Trojan battalions poured over the bridge, and Apollo
der, as he was flying among the foremost, and the with his redoubtable ægis led the way. He kicked
point of the spear went clean through him. down the wall of the Achæans as easily as a child
While they were spoiling these heroes of their who playing on the sea-shore has built a house of
armour, the Achæans were flying pellmell to the sand and then kicks it down again and destroys it—
trench and the set stakes, and were forced back even so did you, O Apollo, shed toil and trouble upon
within their wall. Hector then cried out to the Tro- the Argives, filling them with panic and confusion.
jans, “Forward to the ships, and let the spoils be. If Thus then were the Achæans hemmed in at their
I see any man keeping back on the other side the ships, calling out to one another and raising their
wall away from the ships I will have him killed: his hands with loud cries every man to heaven. Nestor
kinsmen and kinswomen shall not give him his dues of Gerene, tower of strength to the Achæans, lifted
of fire, but dogs shall tear him in pieces in front of up his hands to the starry firmament of heaven,
our city.” and prayed more fervently than any of them. “Fa-

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ther Jove,” said he, “if ever any one in wheat-grow- jans were fighting about the wall, but were not yet
ing Argos burned you fat thigh-bones of sheep or within it and at the ships, remained sitting in the
heifer and prayed that he might return safely home, tent of good Eurypylus, entertaining him with his
whereon you bowed your head to him in assent, conversation and spreading herbs over his wound
bear it in mind now, and suffer not the Trojans to to ease his pain. When, however, he saw the Trojans
triumph thus over the Achæans.” swarming through the breach in the wall, while the
All counselling Jove thundered loudly in answer Achæans were clamouring and struck with panic,
to die prayer of the aged son of Neleus. When the he cried aloud, and smote his two thighs with the
heard Jove thunder they flung themselves yet more flat of his hands. “Eurypylus,” said he in his dis-
fiercely on the Achæans. As a wave breaking over may, “I know you want me badly, but I cannot stay
the bulwarks of a ship when the sea runs high be- with you any longer, for there is hard fighting going
fore a gale—for it is the force of the wind that makes on; a servant shall take care of you now, for I must
the waves so great—even so did the Trojans spring make all speed to Achilles, and induce him to fight
over the wall with a shout, and drive their chariots if I can; who knows but with heaven’s help I may
onwards. The two sides fought with their double- persuade him. A man does well to listen to the ad-
pointed spears in hand-to-hand encounter-the Tro- vice of a friend.”
jans from their chariots, and the Achæans climbing When he had thus spoken he went his way. The
up into their ships and wielding the long pikes that Achæans stood firm and resisted the attack of the
were lying on the decks ready for use in a sea-fight, Trojans, yet though these were fewer in number,
jointed and shod with bronze. they could not drive them back from the ships, nei-
Now Patroclus, so long as the Achæans and Tro- ther could the Trojans break the Achæan ranks and

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make their way in among the tents and ships. As a but he hit Lycophron a follower of Ajax, who came
carpenter’s line gives a true edge to a piece of ship’s from Cythera, but was living with Ajax inasmuch
timber, in the hand of some skilled workman whom as he had killed a man among the Cythereans.
Minerva has instructed in all kinds of useful arts— Hector’s spear struck him on the head below the
even so level was the issue of the fight between the ear, and he fell headlong from the ship’s prow on to
two sides, as they fought some round one and some the ground with no life left in him. Ajax shook with
round another. rage and said to his brother, “Teucer, my good fel-
Hector made straight for Ajax, and the two fought low, our trusty comrade the son of Mastor has fallen,
fiercely about the same ship. Hector could not force he came to live with us from Cythera and whom we
Ajax back and fire the ship, nor yet could Ajax drive honoured as much as our own parents. Hector has
Hector from the spot to which heaven had brought him. just killed him; fetch your deadly arrows at once
Then Ajax struck Caletor son of Clytius in the and the bow which Phoebus Apollo gave you.”
chest with a spear as he was bringing fire towards Teucer heard him and hastened towards him with
the ship. He fell heavily to the ground and the torch his bow and quiver in his hands. Forthwith he show-
dropped from his hand. When Hector saw his cousin ered his arrows on the Trojans, and hit Cleitus the
fallen in front of the ship he shouted to the Trojans son of Pisenor, comrade of Polydamas the noble son
and Lycians saying, “ Trojans, Lycians, and of Panthous, with the reins in his hands as he was
Dardanians good in close fight, bate not a jot, but attending to his horses; he was in the middle of the
rescue the son of Clytius lest the Achæans strip him very thickest part of the fight, doing good service
of his armour now that he has fallen.” to Hector and the Trojans, but evil had now come
He then aimed a spear at Ajax, and missed him, upon him, and not one of those who were fain to

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do so could avert it, for the arrow struck him on Ajax son of Telamon answered, “My good fellow,
the back of the neck. He fell from his chariot and let your bow and your arrows be, for Jove has made
his horses shook the empty car as they swerved aside. them useless in order to spite the Danaans. Take
King Polydamas saw what had happened, and was your spear, lay your shield upon your shoulder, and
the first to come up to the horses; he gave them in both fight the Trojans yourself and urge others to
charge to Astynous son of Protiaon, and ordered him do so. They may be successful for the moment but
to look on, and to keep the horses near at hand. He if we fight as we ought they will find it a hard matter
then went back and took his place in the front ranks. to take the ships.”
Teucer then aimed another arrow at Hector, and Teucer then took his bow and put it by in his
there would have been no more fighting at the ships tent. He hung a shield four hides thick about his
if he had hit him and killed him then and there: shoulders, and on his comely head he set his hel-
Jove, however, who kept watch over Hector, had met well wrought with a crest of horse-hair that
his eyes on Teucer, and deprived him of his triumph, nodded menacingly above it; he grasped his redoubt-
by breaking his bowstring for him just as he was able bronze-shod spear, and forthwith he was by
drawing it and about to take his aim; on this the the side of Ajax.
arrow went astray and the bow fell from his hands. When Hector saw that Teucer’s bow was of no
Teucer shook with anger and said to his brother, more use to him, he shouted out to the Trojans and
“Alas, see how heaven thwarts us in all we do; it has Lycians, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians good in
broken my bowstring and snatched the bow from close fight, be men, my friends, and show your
my hand, though I strung it this selfsame morning mettle here at the ships, for I see the weapon of one
that it might serve me for many an arrow.” of their chieftains made useless by the hand of Jove.

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It is easy to see when Jove is helping people and had better chance it, life or death, once for all, than
means to help them still further, or again when he fight long and without issue hemmed in at our ships
is bringing them down and will do nothing for them; by worse men than ourselves.”
he is now on our side, and is going against the With these words he put life and soul into them
Argives. Therefore swarm round the ships and fight. all. Hector then killed Schedius son of Perimedes,
If any of you is struck by spear or sword and loses leader of the Phoceans, and Ajax killed Laodamas
his life, let him die; he dies with honour who dies captain of foot soldiers and son to Antenor.
fighting for his country; and he will leave his wife Polydamas killed Otus of Cyllene a comrade of the
and children safe behind him, with his house and son of Phyleus and chief of the proud Epeans. When
allotment unplundered if only the Achæans can be Meges saw this he sprang upon him, but Polydamas
driven back to their own land, they and their ships.” crouched down, and he missed him, for Apollo
With these words he put heart and soul into them would not suffer the son of Panthous to fall in battle;
all. Ajax on the other side exhorted his comrades but the spear hit Croesmus in the middle of his
saying, “Shame on you Argives, we are now utterly chest, whereon he fell heavily to the ground, and
undone, unless we can save ourselves by driving the Meges stripped him of his armour. At that moment
enemy from our ships. Do you think, if Hector takes the valiant soldier Dolops son of Lampus sprang
them, that you will be able to get home by land? upon Lampus was son of Laomedon and for his
Can you not hear him cheering on his whole host valour, while his son Dolops was versed in all the
to fire our fleet, and bidding them remember that ways of war. He then struck the middle of the son
they are not at a dance but in battle? Our only of Phyleus’ shield with his spear, setting on him at
course is to fight them with might and main; we close quarters, but his good corslet made with plates

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of metal saved him; Phyleus had brought it from as one of his own sons. Hector now rebuked him
Ephyra and the river Selleis, where his host, King and said, “Why, Melanippus, are we thus remiss?
Euphetes, had given it him to wear in battle and do you take no note of the death of your kinsman,
protect him. It now served to save the life of his and do you not see how they are trying to take
son. Then Meges struck the topmost crest of Dolops’s armour? Follow me; there must be no fight-
Dolops’s bronze helmet with his spear and tore away ing the Argives from a distance now, but we must
its plume of horse-hair, so that all newly dyed with do so in close combat till either we kill them or
scarlet as it was it tumbled down into the dust. they take the high wall of Ilius and slay her people.”
While he was still fighting and confident of victory, He led on as he spoke, and the hero Melanippus
Menelaus came up to help Meges, and got by the followed after. Meanwhile Ajax son of Telamon was
side of Dolops unperceived; he then speared him in cheering on the Argives. “My friends,” he cried, “be
the shoulder, from behind, and the point, driven so men, and fear dishonour; quit yourselves in battle
furiously, went through into his chest, whereon he so as to win respect from one another. Men who
fell headlong. The two then made towards him to respect each other’s good opinion are less likely to
strip him of his armour, but Hector called on all his be killed than those who do not, but in flight there
brothers for help, and he especially upbraided brave is neither gain nor glory.”
Melanippus son of Hiketaon, who erewhile used to Thus did he exhort men who were already bent
pasture his herds of cattle in Percote before the war upon driving back the Trojans. They laid his words
broke out; but when the ships of the Danaans came, to heart and hedged the ships as with a wall of
he went back to Ilius, where he was eminent among bronze, while Jove urged on the Trojans. Menelaus
the Trojans, and lived near Priam who treated him of the loud battle-cr y urged Antilochus on.

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“Antilochus,” said he, “you are young and there is which knows it has done wrong, and flies, when it
none of the Achæans more fleet of foot or more has killed a dog or a man who is herding his cattle,
valiant than you are. See if you cannot spring upon before a body of men can be gathered to attack it.
some Trojan and kill him.” Even so did the son of Nestor fly, and the Trojans
He hurried away when he had thus spurred and Hector with a cry that rent the air showered
Antilochus, who at once darted out from the front their weapons after him; nor did he turn round and
ranks and aimed a spear, after looking carefully stay his flight till he had reached his comrades.
round him. The Trojans fell back as he threw, and The Trojans, fierce as lions, were still rushing on
the dart did not speed from his hand without ef- towards the ships in fulfilment of the behests of
fect, for it struck Melanippus the proud son of Jove who kept spurring them on to new deeds of
Hiketaon in the breast by the nipple as he was com- daring, while he deadened the courage of the Argives
ing forward, and his armour rang rattling round him and defeated them by encouraging the Trojans. For
as he fell heavily to the ground. Antilochus sprang he meant giving glory to Hector son of Priam, and
upon him as a dog springs on a fawn which a hunter letting him throw fire upon the ships, till he had
has hit as it was breaking away from its covert, and fulfilled the unrighteous prayer that Thetis had
killed it. Even so, O Melanippus, did stalwart made him; Jove, therefore, bided his time till he
Antilochus spring upon you to strip you of your should see the glare of a blazing ship. From that
armour; but noble Hector marked him, and came hour he was about so to order that the Trojans
running up to him through the thick of the battle. should be driven back from the ships and to vouch-
Antilochus, brave soldier though he was, would not safe glory to the Achæans. With this purpose he
stay to face him, but fled like some savage creature inspired Hector son of Priam, who was cager enough

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already, to assail the ships. His fury was as that of fierce winds roar against the mast, the hearts of the
Mars, or as when a fire is raging in the glades of sailors fail them for fear, and they are saved but by
some dense forest upon the mountains; he foamed a very little from destruction—even so were the
at the mouth, his eyes glared under his terrible eye- hearts of the Achæans fainting within them. Or as
brows, and his helmet quivered on his temples by a savage lion attacking a herd of cows while they
reason of the fury with which he fought. Jove from are feeding by thousands in the low-lying meadows
heaven was with him, and though he was but one by some wide-watered shore—the herdsman is at
against many, vouchsafed him victory and glory; his wit’s end how to protect his herd and keeps go-
for he was doomed to an early death, and already ing about now in the van and now in the rear of his
Pallas Minerva was hurrying on the hour of his de- cattle, while the lion springs into the thick of them
struction at the hands of the son of Peleus. Now, and fastens on a cow so that they all tremble for
however, he kept trying to break the ranks of the fear—even so were the Achæans utterly panic-
enemy wherever he could see them thickest, and in stricken by Hector and father Jove. Nevertheless
the goodliest armour; but do what he might he could Hector only killed Periphetes of Mycenæ; he was
not break through them, for they stood as a tower son of Copreus who was wont to take the orders of
foursquare, or as some high cliff rising from the grey King Eurystheus to mighty Hercules, but the son
sea that braves the anger of the gale, and of the was a far better man than the father in every way;
waves that thunder up against it. He fell upon them he was fleet of foot, a valiant warrior, and in under-
like flames of fire from every quarter. As when a standing ranked among the foremost men of
wave, raised mountain high by wind and storm, Mycenæ. He it was who then afforded Hector a
breaks over a ship and covers it deep in foam, the triumph, for as he was turning back he stumbled

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against the rim of his shield which reached his feet, children, your wives, your property, and your par-
and served to keep the javelins off him. He tripped ents whether these be alive or dead. On their behalf
against this and fell face upward, his helmet ringing though they are not here, I implore you to stand
loudly about his head as he did so. Hector saw him firm, and not to turn in flight.”
fall and ran up to him; he then thrust a spear into With these words he put heart and soul into them
his chest, and killed him close to his own comrades. all. Minerva lifted the thick veil of darkness from
These, for all their sorrow, could not help him for their eyes, and much light fell upon them, alike on
they were themselves terribly afraid of Hector. the side of the ships and on that where the fight
They had now reached the ships and the prows was raging. They could see Hector and all his men,
of those that had been drawn up first were on every both those in the rear who were taking no part in
side of them, but the Trojans came pouring after the battle, and those who were fighting by the ships.
them. The Argives were driven back from the first Ajax could not bring himself to retreat along with
row of ships, but they made a stand by their tents the rest, but strode from deck to deck with a great
without being broken up and scattered; shame and sea-pike in his hands twelve cubits long and jointed
fear restrained them. They kept shouting incessantly with rings. As a man skilled in feats of horseman-
to one another, and Nestor of Gerene, tower of ship couples four horses together and comes tear-
strength to the Achæans, was loudest in imploring ing full speed along the public way from the coun-
every man by his parents, and beseeching him to try into some large town—many both men and
stand firm. women marvel as they see him for he keeps all the
“Be men, my friends,” he cried, “and respect one time changing his horse, springing from one to an-
another’s good opinion. Think, all of you, on your other without ever missing his feet while the horses

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are at a gallop—even so did Ajax go striding from Thus were the two sides minded. Then Hector
one ship’s deck to another, and his voice went up seized the stern of the good ship that had brought
into the heavens. He kept on shouting his orders to Protesilaus to Troy, but never bore him back to his
the Danaans and exhorting them to defend their native land. Round this ship there raged a close
ships and tents; neither did Hector remain within hand-to-hand fight between Danaans and Trojans.
the main body of the Trojan warriors, but as a dun They did not fight at a distance with bows and jav-
eagle swoops down upon a flock of wild-fowl feed- elins, but with one mind hacked at one another in
ing near a river-geese, it may be, or cranes, or long- close combat with their mighty swords and spears
necked swans—even so did Hector make straight pointed at both ends; they fought moreover with
for a dark-prowed ship, rushing right towards it; keen battle-axes and with hatchets. Many a good
for Jove with his mighty hand impelled him for- stout blade hilted and scabbarded with iron, fell
ward, and roused his people to follow him. from hand or shoulder as they fought, and the earth
And now the battle again raged furiously at the ran red with blood. Hector, when he had seized the
ships. You would have thought the men were com- ship, would not loose his hold but held on to its
ing on fresh and unwearied, so fiercely did they fight; curved stern and shouted to the Trojans, “Bring fire,
and this was the mind in which they were—the and raise the battle-cry all of you with a single voice.
Achæans did not believe they should escape destruc- Now has Jove vouchsafed us a day that will pay us
tion but thought themselves doomed, while there for all the rest; this day we shall take the ships which
was not a Trojan but his heart beat high with the came hither against heaven’s will, and which have
hope of firing the ships and putting the Achæan caused us such infinite suffering through the cow-
heroes to the sword. ardice of our councillors, who when I would have

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done battle at the ships held me back and forbade Trojans with the sea behind us, and far from our
the host to follow me; if Jove did then indeed warp own country. Our salvation, therefore, is in the might
our judgements, himself now commands me and of our hands and in hard fighting.”
cheers me on.” As he spoke he wielded his spear with still greater
As he spoke thus the Trojans sprang yet more fury, and when any Trojan made towards the ships
fiercely on the Achæans, and Ajax no longer held with fire at Hector’s bidding, he would be on the
his ground, for he was overcome by the darts that look-out for him, and drive at him with his long
were flung at him, and made sure that he was spear. Twelve men did he thus kill in hand-to-hand
doomed. Therefore he left the raised deck at the fight before the ships.
stern, and stepped back on to the seven-foot bench
of the oarsmen. Here he stood on the look-out, and BOOK XVI
with his spear held back Trojan whom he saw bring-
ing fire to the ships. All the time he kept on shout- THUS DID THEY FIGHT about the ship of Protesilaus.
ing at the top of his voice and exhorting the Then Patroclus drew near to Achilles with tears
Danaans. “My friends,” he cried, “Danaan heroes, welling from his eyes, as from some spring whose
servants of Mars, be men my friends, and fight with crystal stream falls over the ledges of a high preci-
might and with main. Can we hope to find helpers pice. When Achilles saw him thus weeping he was
hereafter, or a wall to shield us more surely than sorry for him and said, “Why, Patroclus, do you
the one we have? There is no strong city within stand there weeping like some silly child that comes
reach, whence we may draw fresh forces to turn the running to her mother, and begs to be taken up and
scales in our favour. We are on the plain of the armed carried—she catches hold of her mother’s dress to

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stay her though she is in a hurry, and looks tear- Eurypylus again has been struck with an arrow in the
fully up until her mother carries her—even such thigh; skilled apothecaries are attending to these he-
tears, Patroclus, are you now shedding. Have you roes, and healing them of their wounds; are you still,
anything to say to the Myrmidons or to myself? or O Achilles, so inexorable? May it never be my lot to
have you had news from Phthia which you alone nurse such a passion as you have done, to the baning
know? They tell me Menoetius son of Actor is still of your own good name. Who in future story will
alive, as also Peleus son of Æacus, among the Myr- speak well of you unless you now save the Argives
midons—men whose loss we two should bitterly from ruin? You know no pity; knight Peleus was not
deplore; or are you grieving about the Argives and your father nor Thetis your mother, but the grey sea
the way in which they are being killed at the ships, bore you and the sheer cliffs begot you, so cruel and
throu their own high-handed doings? Do not hide remorseless are you. If however you are kept back
anything from me but tell me that both of us may through knowledge of some oracle, or if your mother
know about it.” Thetis has told you something from the mouth of
Then, O knight Patroclus, with a deep sigh you an- Jove, at least send me and the Myrmidons with me, if
swered, “Achilles, son of Peleus, foremost champion I may bring deliverance to the Danaans. Let me more-
of the Achæans, do not be angry, but I weep for the over wear your armour; the Trojans may thus mistake
disaster that has now befallen the Argives. All those me for you and quit the field, so that the hard-pressed
who have been their champions so far are lying at the sons of the Achæans may have breathing time—which
ships, wounded by sword or spear. Brave Diomed son while they are fighting may hardly be. We who are
of Tydeus has been hit with a spear, while famed fresh might soon drive tired men back from our ships
Ulysses and Agamemnon have received sword-wounds; and tents to their own city.”

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He knew not what he was asking, nor that he was has taken heart to sally out against them, because
suing for his own destruction. Achilles was deeply they see not the visor of my helmet gleaming near
moved and answered, “What, noble Patroclus, are them. Had they seen this, there would not have
you saying? I know no prophesyings which I am been a creek nor grip that had not been filled with
heeding, nor has my mother told me anything from their dead as they fled back again. And so it would
the mouth of Jove, but I am cut to the very heart have been, if only King Agamemnon had dealt fairly
that one of my own rank should dare to rob me by me. As it is the Trojans have beset our host.
because he is more powerful than I am. This, after Diomed son of Tydeus no longer wields his spear to
all that I have gone through, is more than I can defend the Danaans, neither have I heard the voice
endure. The girl whom the sons of the Achæans of the son of Atreus coming from his hated head,
chose for me, whom I won as the fruit of my spear whereas that of murderous Hector rings in my cars
on having sacked a city—her has King Agamemnon as he gives orders to the Trojans, who triumph over
taken from me as though I were some common va- the Achæans and fill the whole plain with their cry
grant. Still, let bygones be bygones: no man may of battle. But even so, Patroclus, fall upon them
keep his anger for ever; I said I would not relent till and save the fleet, lest the Trojans fire it and pre-
battle and the cry of war had reached my own ships; vent us from being able to return. Do, however, as I
nevertheless, now gird my armour about your shoul- now bid you, that you may win me great honour
ders, and lead the Myrmidons to battle, for the dark from all the Danaans, and that they may restore
cloud of Trojans has burst furiously over our fleet; the girl to me again and give me rich gifts into the
the Argives are driven back on to the beach, cooped bargain. When you have driven the Trojans from
within a narrow space, and the whole people of Troy the ships, come back again. Though Juno’s thun-

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dering husband should put triumph within your held his shield so long, yet for all this, let fly at him
reach, do not fight the Trojans further in my ab- as they would, they could not make him give ground.
sence, or you will rob me of glory that should be He could hardly draw his breath, the sweat rained
mine. And do not for lust of battle go on killing the from every pore of his body, he had not a moment’s
Trojans nor lead the Achæans on to Ilius, lest one respite, and on all sides he was beset by danger upon
of the ever-living gods from Olympus attack you— danger.
for Phoebus Apollo loves them well: return when And now, tell me, O Muses that hold your man-
you have freed the ships from peril, and let others sions on Olympus, how fire was thrown upon the
wage war upon the plain. Would, by father Jove, ships of the Achæans. Hector came close up and let
Minerva, and Apollo, that not a single man of all drive with his great sword at the ashen spear of Ajax.
the Trojans might be left alive, nor yet of the Argives, He cut it clean in two just behind where the point
but that we two might be alone left to tear aside was fastened on to the shaft of the spear. Ajax, there-
the mantle that veils the brow of Troy.” fore, had now nothing but a headless spear, while
Thus did they converse. But Ajax could no longer the bronze point flew some way off and came ring-
hold his ground for the shower of darts that rained ing down on to the ground. Ajax knew the hand of
upon him; the will of Jove and the javelins of the heaven in this, and was dismayed at seeing that
Trojans were too much for him; the helmet that Jove had now left him utterly defenceless and was
gleamed about his temples rang with the continu- willing victory for the Trojans. Therefore he drew
ous clatter of the missiles that kept pouring on to it back, and the Trojans flung fire upon the ship which
and on to the cheek-pieces that protected his face. was at once wrapped in flame.
Moreover his left shoulder was tired with having The fire was now flaring about the ship’s stern,

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whereon Achilles smote his two thighs and said to among heroes. He bade Automedon yoke his horses
Patroclus, “Up, noble knight, for I see the glare of with all speed, for he was the man whom he held in
hostile fire at our fleet; up, lest they destroy our honour next after Achilles, and on whose support
ships, and there be no way by which we may re- in battle he could rely most firmly. Automedon
treat. Gird on your armour at once while I call our therefore yoked the fleet horses Xanthus and Balius,
people together.” steeds that could fly like the wind: these were they
As he spoke Patroclus put on his armour. First he whom the harpy Podarge bore to the west wind, as
greaved his legs with greaves of good make, and fit- she was grazing in a meadow by the waters of the
ted with ancle-clasps of silver; after this he donned river Oceanus. In the side traces he set the noble
the cuirass of the son of Æacus, richly inlaid and horse Pedasus, whom Achilles had brought away
studded. He hung his silver-studded sword of bronze with him when he sacked the city of Eetion, and
about his shoulders, and then his mighty shield. who, mortal steed though he was, could take his
On his comely head he set his helmet, well wrought, place along with those that were immortal.
with a crest of horse-hair that nodded menacingly Meanwhile Achilles went about ever ywhere
above it. He grasped two redoubtable spears that among the tents, and bade his Myrmidons put on
suited his hands, but he did not take the spear of their armour. Even as fierce ravening wolves that
noble Achilles, so stout and strong, for none other are feasting upon a homed stag which they have
of the Achæans could wield it, though Achilles could killed upon the mountains, and their jaws are red
do so easily. This was the ashen spear from Mount with blood—they go in a pack to lap water from
Pelion, which Chiron had cut upon a mountain top the clear spring with their long thin tongues; and
and had given to Peleus, wherewith to deal out death they reek of blood and slaughter; they know not

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what fear is, for it is hunger drives them—even so held in honour of Diana the rushing huntress of
did the leaders and counsellors of the Myrmidons the golden arrows; he therefore—Mercury, giver of
gather round the good squire of the fleet descen- all good—went with her into an upper chamber,
dant of Æacus, and among them stood Achilles him- and lay with her in secret, whereon she bore him a
self cheering on both men and horses. noble son Eudorus, singularly fleet of foot and in
Fifty ships had noble Achilles brought to Troy, fight valiant. When Ilithuia goddess of the pains of
and in each there was a crew of fifty oarsmen. Over child-birth brought him to the light of day, and he
these he set five captains whom he could trust, while saw the face of the sun, mighty Echecles son of Actor
he was himself commander over them all. took the mother to wife, and gave great wealth to
Menesthius of the gleaming corslet, son to the river gain her, but her father Phylas brought the child
Spercheius that streams from heaven, was captain up, and took care of him, doting as fondly upon
of the first company. Fair Polydora daughter of him as though he were his own son. The third com-
Peleus bore him to ever-flowing Spercheius—a pany was led by Pisander son of Mæmalus, the fin-
woman mated with a god—but he was called son of est spearman among all the Myrmidons next to
Borus son of Perieres, with whom his mother was Achilles’ own comrade Patroclus. The old knight
living as his wedded wife, and who gave great wealth Phoenix was captain of the fourth company, and
to gain her. The second company was led by noble Alcimedon, noble son of Lærceus of the fifth.
Eudorus, son to an unwedded woman. Polymele, When Achilles had chosen his men and had sta-
daughter of Phylas the graceful dancer, bore him; tioned them all with their captains, he charged them
the mighty slayer of Argos was enamoured of her as straitly saying, “Myrmidons, remember your threats
he saw her among the singing women at a dance against the Trojans while you were at the ships in

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the time of my anger, and you were all complaining Patroclus and Automedon—two men, with but one
of me. ‘Cruel son of Peleus,’ you would say, ‘your mind to lead the Myrmidons. Then Achilles went
mother must have suckled you on gall, so ruthless inside his tent and opened the lid of the strong chest
are you. You keep us here at the ships against our which silver-footed Thetis had given him to take
will; if you are so relentless it were better we went on board ship, and which she had filled with shirts,
home over the sea.’ Often have you gathered and cloaks to keep out the cold, and good thick rugs. In
thus chided with me. The hour is now come for this chest he had a cup of rare workmanship, from
those high feats of arms that you have so long been which no man but himself might drink, nor would
pining for, therefore keep high hearts each one of he make offering from it to any other god save only
you to do battle with the Trojans.” to father Jove. He took the cup from the chest and
With these words he put heart and soul into them cleansed it with sulphur; this done he rinsed it clean
all, and they serried their companies yet more closely water, and after he had washed his hands he drew
when they heard the of their king. As the stones wine. Then he stood in the middle of the court and
which a builder sets in the wall of some high house prayed, looking towards heaven, and making his
which is to give shelter from the winds—even so drink-offering of wine; nor was he unseen of Jove
closely were the helmets and bossed shields set whose joy is in thunder. “King Jove,” he cried, “lord
against one another. Shield pressed on shield, helm of Dodona, god of the Pelasgi, who dwellest afar,
on helm, and man on man; so close were they that you who hold wintry Dodona in your sway, where
the horse-hair plumes on the gleaming ridges of their your prophets the Selli dwell around you with their
helmets touched each other as they bent their heads. feet unwashed and their couches made upon the
In front of them all two men put on their armour— ground—if you heard me when I prayed to you

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aforetime, and did me honour while you sent disaster Then he again came out, for he still loved to look
on the Achæans, vouchsafe me now the fulfilment of upon the fierce fight that raged between the Tro-
yet this further prayer. I shall stay here where my ships jans and Achæans.
are lying, but I shall send my comrade into battle at Meanwhile the armed band that was about
the head of many Myrmidons. Grant, O all-seeing Patroclus marched on till they sprang high in hope
Jove, that victory may go with him; put your courage upon the Trojans. They came swarming out like
into his heart that Hector may learn whether my squire wasps whose nests are by the roadside, and whom
is man enough to fight alone, or whether his might is silly children love to tease, whereon any one who
only then so indomitable when I myself enter the tur- happens to be passing may get stung—or again, if
moil of war. Afterwards when he has chased the fight a wayfarer going along the road vexes them by ac-
and the cry of battle from the ships, grant that he cident, every wasp will come flying out in a fury
may return unharmed, with his armour and his com- to defend his little ones—even with such rage and
rades, fighters in close combat.” courage did the Myrmidons swarm from their
Thus did he pray, and all-counselling Jove heard ships, and their cry of battle rose heavenwards.
his prayer. Part of it he did indeed vouchsafe him— Patroclus called out to his men at the top of his
but not the whole. He granted that Patroclus should voice, “Myrmidons, followers of Achilles son of
thrust back war and battle from the ships, but re- Peleus, be men my friends, fight with might and
fused to let him come safely out of the fight. with main, that we may win glory for the son of
When he had made his drink-offering and had thus Peleus, who is far the foremost man at the ships of
prayed, Achilles went inside his tent and put back the Argives—he, and his close fighting followers.
the cup into his chest. The son of Atreus King Agamemnon will thus learn

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his folly in showing no respect to the bravest of the leader, who was the finest soldier among them,
Achæans.” Patroclus struck panic into them all. He thus drove
With these words he put heart and soul into them them from the ship and quenched the fire that was
all, and they fell in a body upon the Trojans. The then blazing—leaving the half-burnt ship to lie
ships rang again with the cry which the Achæans where it was. The Trojans were now driven back
raised, and when the Trojans saw the brave son of with a shout that rent the skies, while the Danaans
Menoetius and his squire all gleaming in their poured after them from their ships, shouting also
armour, they were daunted and their battalions were without ceasing. As when Jove, gatherer of the thun-
thrown into confusion, for they thought the fleet der-cloud, spreads a dense canopy on the top of
son of Peleus must now have put aside his anger, some lofty mountain, and all the peaks, the jutting
and have been reconciled to Agamemnon; every one, headlands, and forest glades show out in the great
therefore, looked round about to see whither he light that flashes from the bursting heavens, even
might fly for safety. so when the Danaans had now driven back the fire
Patroclus first aimed a spear into the middle of from their ships, they took breath for a little while;
the press where men were packed most closely, by but the fury of the fight was not yet over, for the
the stern of the ship of Protesilaus. He hit Trojans were not driven back in utter rout, but still
Pyræchmes who had led his Pæonian horsemen from gave battle, and were ousted from their ground only
the Amydon and the broad waters of the river Axius; by sheer fighting.
the spear struck him on the right shoulder, and with The fight then became more scattered, and the
a groan he fell backwards in the dust; on this his chieftains killed one another when and how they
men were thrown into confusion, for by killing their could. The valiant son of Menoetius first drove his

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spear into the thigh of Areilycus just as he was turn- Thus did these two noble comrades of Sarpedon go
ing round; the point went clean through, and broke down to Erebus slain by the two sons of Nestor;
the bone so that he fell forward. Meanwhile they were the warrior sons of Amisodorus, who had
Menelaus struck Thoas in the chest, where it was reared the invincible Chimæra, to the bane of many.
exposed near the rim of his shield, and he fell dead. Ajax son of Oileus sprang on Cleobulus and took
The son of Phyleus saw Amphiclus about to attack him alive as he was entangled in the crush; but he
him, and ere he could do so took aim at the upper killed him then and there by a sword-blow on the
part of his thigh, where the muscles are thicker than neck. The sword reeked with his blood, while dark
in any other part; the spear tore through all the death and the strong hand of fate gripped him and
sinews of the leg, and his eyes were closed in dark- closed his eyes.
ness. Of the sons of Nestor one, Antilochus, speared Peneleos and Lycon now met in close fight, for
Atymnius, driving the point of the spear through they had missed each other with their spears. They
his throat, and down he fell. Maris then sprang on had both thrown without effect, so now they drew
Antilochus in hand-to-hand fight to avenge his their swords. Lycon struck the plumed crest of
brother, and bestrode the body spear in hand; but Peneleos’ helmet but his sword broke at the hilt,
valiant Thrasymedes was too quick for him, and in while Peneleos smote Lycon on the neck under the
a moment had struck him in the shoulder ere he ear. The blade sank so deep that the head was held
could deal his blow; his aim was true, and the spear on by nothing but the skin, and there was no more
severed all the muscles at the root of his arm, and life left in him. Meriones gave chase to Acamas on
tore them right down to the bone, so he fell heavily foot and caught him up just as he was about to
to the ground and his eyes were closed in darkness. mount his chariot; he drove a spear through his right

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shoulder so that he fell headlong from the car, and held his broad shoulders well under cover of his ox-
his eyes were closed in darkness. Idomeneus speared hide shield, ever on the look-out for the whizzing
Erymas in the mouth; the bronze point of the spear of the arrows and the heavy thud of the spears. He
went clean through it beneath the brain, crashing in well knew that the fortunes of the day had changed,
among the white bones and smashing them up. His but still stood his ground and tried to protect his
teeth were all of them knocked out and the blood comrades.
came gushing in a stream from both his eyes; it also As when a cloud goes up into heaven from
came gurgling up from his mouth and nostrils, and Olympus, rising out of a clear sky when Jove is
the darkness of death enfolded him round about. brewing a gale—even with such panic stricken rout
Thus did these chieftains of the Danaans each of did the Trojans now fly, and there was no order in
them kill his man. As ravening wolves seize on kids their going. Hector’s fleet horses bore him and his
or lambs, fastening on them when they are alone armour out of the fight, and he left the Trojan host
on the hillsides and have strayed from the main penned in by the deep trench against their will.
flock through the carelessness of the shepherd—and Many a yoke of horses snapped the pole of their
when the wolves see this they pounce upon them chariots in the trench and left their master’s car
at once because they cannot defend themselves— behind them. Patroclus gave chase, calling impetu-
even so did the Danaans now fall on the Trojans, ously on the Danaans and full of fury against the
who fled with ill-omened cries in their panic and Trojans, who, being now no longer in a body, filled
had no more fight left in them. all the ways with their cries of panic and rout; the
Meanwhile great Ajax kept on trying to drive a air was darkened with the clouds of dust they
spear into Hector, but Hector was so skilful that he raised, and the horses strained every nerve in their

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flight from the tents and ships towards the city. Patroclus now cut off the battalions that were near-
Patroclus kept on heading his horses wherever he est to him and drove them back to the ships. They
saw most men flying in confusion, cheering on his were doing their best to reach the city, but he would
men the while. Chariots were being smashed in all not Yet them, and bore down on them between the
directions, and many a man came tumbling down river and the ships and wall. Many a fallen com-
from his own car to fall beneath the wheels of that rade did he then avenge. First he hit Pronous with
of Patroclus, whose immortal steeds, given by the a spear on the chest where it was exposed near the
gods to Peleus, sprang over the trench at a bound rim of his shield, and he fell heavily to the ground.
as they sped onward. He was intent on trying to Next he sprang on Thestor son of Enops, who was
get near Hector, for he had set his heart on spearing sitting all huddled up in his chariot, for he had lost
him, but Hector’s horses were now hurrying him his head and the reins had been torn out of his
away. As the whole dark earth bows before some hands. Patroclus went up to him and drove a spear
tempest on an autumn day when Jove rains his hard- into his right jaw; he thus hooked him by the teeth
est to punish men for giving crooked judgement in and the spear pulled him over the rim of his car, as
their courts, and arriving justice therefrom without one who sits at the end of some jutting rock and
heed to the decrees of heaven—all the rivers run draws a strong fish out of the sea with a hook and a
full and the torrents tear many a new channel as line—even so with his spear did he pull Thestor all
they roar headlong from the mountains to the dark gaping from his chariot; he then threw him down
sea, and it fares ill with the works of men—even on his face and he died while falling. On this, as
such was the stress and strain of the Trojan horses Erylaus was on to attack him, he struck him full on
in their flight. the head with a stone, and his brains were all bat-

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tered inside his helmet, whereon he fell headlong sister, “Alas, that it should be the lot of Sarpedon
to the ground and the pangs of death took hold whom I love so dearly to perish by the hand of
upon him. Then he laid low, one after the other, Patroclus. I am in two minds whether to catch him
Erymas, Amphoterus, Epaltes, Tlepolemus, Echius up out of the fight and set him down safe and sound
son of Damastor, Pyris, lpheus, Euippus and in the fertile land of Lycia, or to let him now fall by
Polymelus son of Argeas. the hand of the son of Menoetius.”
Now when Sarpedon saw his comrades, men who And Juno answered, “Most dread son of Saturn,
wore ungirdled tunics, being overcome by Patroclus what is this that you are saying? Would you snatch
son of Menoetius, he rebuked the Lycians saying. a mortal man, whose doom has long been fated,
“Shame on you, where are you flying to? Show your out of the jaws of death? Do as you will, but we
mettle; I will myself meet this man in fight and shall not all of us be of your mind. I say further,
learn who it is that is so masterful; he has done us and lay my saying to your heart, that if you send
much hurt, and has stretched many a brave man Sarpedon safely to his own home, some other of
upon the ground.” the gods will be also wanting to escort his son out
He sprang from his chariot as he spoke, and Patroclus, of battle, for there are many sons of gods fighting
when he saw this, leaped on to the ground also. The round the city of Troy, and you will make every one
two then rushed at one another with loud cries like jealous. If, however, you are fond of him and pity
eagle-beaked crook-taloned vultures that scream and him, let him indeed fall by the hand of Patroclus,
tear at one another in some high mountain fastness. but as soon as the life is gone out of him, send Death
The son of scheming Saturn looked down upon and sweet Sleep to bear him off the field and take
them in pity and said to Juno who was his wife and him to the broad lands of Lycia, where his brothers

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and his kinsmen will bury him with mound and Sarpedon now took a second aim at Patroclus,
pillar, in due honour to the dead.” and again missed him, the point of the spear passed
The sire of gods and men assented, but he shed a over his left shoulder without hitting him. Patroclus
rain of blood upon the earth in honour of his son then aimed in his turn, and the spear sped not from
whom Patroclus was about to kill on the rich plain his hand in vain, for he hit Sarpedon just where the
of Troy far from his home. midriff surrounds the ever-beating heart. He fell like
When they were now come close to one another some oak or silver poplar or tall pine to which
Patroclus struck Thrasydemus, the brave squire of woodmen have laid their axes upon the mountains
Sarpedon, in the lower part of the belly, and killed to make timber for ship-building—even so did he
him. Sarpedon then aimed a spear at Patroclus and lie stretched at full length in front of his chariot
missed him, but he struck the horse Pedasus in the and horses, moaning and clutching at the blood-
right shoulder, and it screamed aloud as it lay, groan- stained dust. As when a lion springs with a bound
ing in the dust until the life went out of it. The other upon a herd of cattle and fastens on a great black
two horses began to plunge; the pole of the chariot bull which dies bellowing in its clutches—even so
cracked and they got entangled in the reins through did the leader of the Lycian warriors struggle in
the fall of the horse that was yoked along with them; death as he fell by the hand of Patroclus. He called
but Automedon knew what to do; without the loss on his trusty comrade and said, “Glaucus, my
of a moment he drew the keen blade that hung by brother, hero among heroes, put forth all your
his sturdy thigh and cut the third horse adrift; strength, fight with might and main, now if ever
whereon the other two righted themselves, and pull- quit yourself like a valiant soldier. First go about
ing hard at the reins again went together into battle. among the Lycian captains and bid them fight for

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Sarpedon; then yourself also do battle to save my prayer of one who is in distress, as I now am. I have
armour from being taken. My name will haunt you a grievous wound; my hand is aching with pain, there
henceforth and for ever if the Achæans rob me of is no staunching the blood, and my whole arm drags
my armour now that I have fallen at their ships. Do by reason of my hurt, so that I cannot grasp my sword
your very utmost and call all my people together.” nor go among my foes and fight them, thou our
Death closed his eyes as he spoke. Patroclus planted prince, Jove’s son Sarpedon, is slain. Jove defended
his heel on his breast and drew the spear from his not his son, do you, therefore, O king, heal me of my
body, whereon his senses came out along with it, and wound, ease my pain and grant me strength both to
he drew out both spear-point and Sarpedon’s soul at cheer on the Lycians and to fight along with them
the same time. Hard by the Myrmidons held his round the body of him who has fallen.”
snorting steeds, who were wild with panic at finding Thus did he pray, and Apollo heard his prayer.
themselves deserted by their lords. He eased his pain, staunched the black blood from
Glaucus was overcome with grief when he heard the wound, and gave him new strength. Glaucus
what Sarpedon said, for he could not help him. He perceived this, and was thankful that the mighty
had to support his arm with his other hand, being god had answered his prayer; forthwith, therefore,
in great pain through the wound which Teucer’s he went among the Lycian captains, and bade them
arrow had given him when Teucer was defending come to fight about the body of Sarpedon. From
the wall as he, Glaucus, was assailing it. Therefore these he strode on among the Trojans to Polydamas
he prayed to far-darting Apollo saying, “Hear me O son of Panthous and Agenor; he then went in search
king from your seat, may be in the rich land of Lycia, of Æneas and Hector, and when he had found them
or may be in Troy, for in all places you can hear the he said, “Hector, you have utterly forgotten your

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allies, who languish here for your sake far from Sarpedon is fallen—he who was first to overleap the
friends and home while you do nothing to support wall of the Achæans; let us take the body and out-
them. Sarpedon leader of the Lycian warriors has rage it; let us strip the armour from his shoulders,
fallen—he who was at once the right and might of and kill his comrades if they try to rescue his body.”
Lycia; Mars has laid him low by the spear of He spoke to men who of themselves were full ea-
Patroclus. Stand by him, my friends, and suffer not ger; both sides, therefore, the Trojans and Lycians
the Myrmidons to strip him of his armour, nor to on the one hand, and the Myrmidons and Achæans
treat his body with contumely in revenge for all the on the other, strengthened their battalions, and
Danaans whom we have speared at the ships.” fought desperately about the body of Sarpedon,
As he spoke the Trojans were plunged in extreme shouting fiercely the while. Mighty was the din of
and ungovernable grief; for Sarpedon, alien though their armour as they came together, and Jove shed
he was, had been one of the main stays of their city, a thick darkness over the fight, to increase the of
both as having much people with him, and himself the battle over the body of his son.
the foremost among them all. Led by Hector, who At first the Trojans made some headway against
was infuriated by the fall of Sarpedon, they made the Achæans, for one of the best men among the
instantly for the Danaans with all their might, while Myrmidons was killed, Epeigeus, son of noble
the undaunted spirit of Patroclus son of Menoetius Agacles who had erewhile been king in the good
cheered on the Achæans. First he spoke to the two city of Budeum; but presently, having killed a val-
Ajaxes, men who needed no bidding. “Ajaxes,” said iant kinsman of his own, he took refuge with Peleus
he, “may it now please you to show youselves the and Thetis, who sent him to Ilius the land of noble
men you have always been, or even better— steeds to fight the Trojans under Achilles. Hector

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now struck him on the head with a stone just as he was about to lay hold of him, and drove his spear
had caught hold of the body, and his brains inside right into the middle of his chest, whereon he fell
his helmet were all battered in, so that he fell face heavily to the ground, and the fall of so good a man
foremost upon the body of Sarpedon, and there filled the Achæans with dismay, while the Trojans
died. Patroclus was enraged by the death of his com- were exultant, and came up in a body round the
rade, and sped through the front ranks as swiftly as corpse. Nevertheless the Achæans, mindful of their
a hawk that swoops down on a flock of daws or prowess, bore straight down upon them.
starlings. Even so swiftly, O noble knight Patroclus, Meriones then killed a helmed warrior of the Tro-
did you make straight for the Lycians and Trojans jans, Laogonus son of Onetor, who was priest of
to avenge your comrade. Forthwith he struck Jove of Mt. Ida, and was honoured by the people as
Sthenelaus the son of Ithæmenes on the neck with though he were a god. Meriones struck him under
a stone, and broke the tendons that join it to the the jaw and ear, so that life went out of him and the
head and spine. On this Hector and the front rank darkness of death laid hold upon him. Æneas then
of his men gave ground. As far as a man can throw aimed a spear at Meriones, hoping to hit him un-
a javelin when competing for some prize, or even in der the shield as he was advancing, but Meriones
battle—so far did the Trojans now retreat before saw it coming and stooped forward to avoid it,
the Achæans. Glaucus, captain of the Lycians, was whereon the spear flew past him and the point stuck
the first to rally them, by killing Bathycles son of in the ground, while the butt-end went on quiver-
Chalcon who lived in Hellas and was the richest ing till Mars robbed it of its force. The spear, there-
man among the Myrmidons. Glaucus turned round fore, sped from Æneas’s hand in vain and fell quiv-
suddenly, just as Bathycles who was pursuing him ering to the ground. Æneas was angry and said,

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“Meriones, you are a good dancer, but if I had hit now rose from earth-clash of bronze armour and of
you my spear would soon have made an end of you.” good ox-hide shields, as men smote each other with
And Meriones answered, “Æneas, for all your brav- their swords and spears pointed at both ends. A
ery, you will not be able to make an end of every man had need of good eyesight now to know
one who comes against you. You are only a mortal Sarpedon, so covered was he from head to foot with
like myself, and if I were to hit you in the middle of spears and blood and dust. Men swarmed about
your shield with my spear, however strong and self- the body, as flies that buzz round the full milk-pails
confident you may be, I should soon vanquish you, in spring when they are brimming with milk—even
and you would yield your life to Hades of the noble so did they gather round Sarpedon; nor did Jove
steeds.” turn his keen eyes away for one moment from the
On this the son of Menoetius rebuked him and fight, but kept looking at it all the time, for he was
said, “Meriones, hero though you be, you should settling how best to kill Patroclus, and considering
not speak thus; taunting speeches, my good friend, whether Hector should be allowed to end him now
will not make the Trojans draw away from the dead in the fight round the body of Sarpedon, and strip
body; some of them must go under ground first; him of his armour, or whether he should let him
blows for battle, and words for council; fight, there- give yet further trouble to the Trojans. In the end,
fore, and say nothing.” he deemed it best that the brave squire of Achilles
He led the way as he spoke and the hero went son of Peleus should drive Hector and the Trojans
forward with him. As the sound of woodcutters in back towards the city and take the lives of many.
some forest glade upon the mountains—and the First, therefore, he made Hector turn fainthearted,
thud of their axes is heard afar—even such a din whereon he mounted his chariot and fled, bidding

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the other Trojans fly also, for he saw that the scales Thus he spoke. Apollo obeyed his father’s say-
of Jove had turned against him. Neither would the ing, and came down from the heights of Ida into
brave Lycians stand firm; they were dismayed when the thick of the fight; forthwith he took Sarpedon
they saw their king lying struck to the heart amid a out of range of the weapons, and then bore him a
heap of corpses—for when the son of Saturn made long way off, where he washed him in the river,
the fight wax hot many had fallen above him. The anointed him with ambrosia and clothed him in
Achæans, therefore stripped the gleaming armour immortal raiment; this done, he committed him to
from his shoulders and the brave son of Menoetius the arms of the two fleet messengers, Death, and
gave it to his men to take to the ships. Then Jove Sleep, who presently set him down in the rich land
lord of the storm-cloud said to Apollo, “Dear of Lycia.
Phoebus, go, I pray you, and take Sarpedon out of Meanwhile Patroclus, with many a shout to his
range of the weapons; cleanse the black blood from horses and to Automedon, pursued the Trojans and
off him, and then bear him a long way off where Lycians in the pride and foolishness of his heart.
you may wash him in the river, anoint him with Had he but obeyed the bidding of the son of Peleus,
ambrosia, and clothe him in immortal raiment; this he would have, escaped death and have been scathe-
done, commit him to the arms of the two fleet mes- less; but the counsels of Jove pass man’s understand-
sengers, Death, and Sleep, who will carry him ing; he will put even a brave man to flight and snatch
straightway to the rich land of Lycia, where his victory from his grasp, or again he will set him on
brothers and kinsmen will inter him, and will raise to fight, as he now did when he put a high spirit
both mound and pillar to his memory, in due honour into the heart of Patroclus.
to the dead.” Who then first, and who last, was slain by you, O

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Patroclus, when the gods had now called you to Meanwhile Hector was waiting with his horses
meet your doom? First Adrestus, Autonous, inside the Scæan gates, in doubt whether to drive
Echeclus, Perimus the son of Megas, Epistor and out again and go on fighting, or to call the army
Melanippus; after these he killed Elasus, Mulius, inside the gates. As he was thus doubting Phoebus
and Pylartes. These he slew, but the rest saved them- Apollo drew near him in the likeness of a young
selves by flight. and lusty warrior Asius, who was Hector’s uncle,
The sons of the Achæans would now have taken being own brother to Hecuba, and son of Dymas
Troy by the hands of Patroclus, for his spear flew in who lived in Phrygia by the waters of the river
all directions, had not Phoebus Apollo taken his Sangarius; in his likeness Jove’s son Apollo now
stand upon the wall to defeat his purpose and to spoke to Hector saying, “Hector, why have you left
aid the Trojans. Thrice did Patroclus charge at an off fighting? It is ill done of you. If I were as much
angle of the high wall, and thrice did Apollo beat better a man than you, as I am worse, you should
him back, striking his shield with his own immor- soon rue your slackness. Drive straight towards
tal hands. When Patroclus was coming on like a Patroclus, if so be that Apollo may grant you a tri-
god for yet a fourth time, Apollo shouted to him umph over him, and you may rull him.”
with an awful voice and said, “Draw back, noble With this the god went back into the hurly-burly,
Patroclus, it is not your lot to sack the city of the and Hector bade Cebriones drive again into the
Trojan chieftains, nor yet will it be that of Achilles fight. Apollo passed in among them, and struck
who is a far better man than you are.” On hearing panic into the Argives, while he gave triumph to
this, Patroclus withdrew to some distance and Hector and the Trojans. Hector let the other
avoided the anger of Apollo. Danaans alone and killed no man, but drove straight

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at Patroclus. Patroclus then sprang from his chariot the spring, as it were, of a lion that while attacking
to the ground, with a spear in his left hand, and in a stockyard is himself struck in the chest, and his
his right a jagged stone as large as his hand could courage is his own bane—even so furiously, O
hold. He stood still and threw it, nor did it go far Patroclus, did you then spring upon Cebriones.
without hitting some one; the cast was not in vain, Hector sprang also from his chariot to the ground.
for the stone struck Cebriones, Hector’s charioteer, The pair then fought over the body of Cebriones.
a bastard son of Priam, as he held the reins in his As two lions fight fiercely on some high mountain
hands. The stone hit him on the forehead and drove over the body of a stag that they have killed, even
his brows into his head for the bone was smashed, so did these two mighty warriors, Patroclus son of
and his eyes fell to the ground at his feet. He Menoetius and brave Hector, hack and hew at one
dropped dead from his chariot as though he were another over the corpse of Cebriones. Hector would
diving, and there was no more life left in him. Over not let him go when he had once got him by the
him did you then vaunt, O knight Patroclus, say- head, while Patroclus kept fast hold of his feet, and
ing, “Bless my heart, how active he is, and how well a fierce fight raged between the other Danaans and
he dives. If we had been at sea this fellow would Trojans. As the east and south wind buffet one an-
have dived from the ship’s side and brought up as other when they beat upon some dense forest on
many oysters as the whole crew could stomach, even the mountains—there is beech and ash and spread-
in rough water, for he has dived beautifully off his ing cornel; the to of the trees roar as they beat on
chariot on to the ground. It seems, then, that there one another, and one can hear the boughs cracking
are divers also among the Trojans.” and breaking—even so did the Trojans and Achæans
As he spoke he flung himself on Cebriones with spring upon one another and lay about each other,

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and neither side would give way. Many a pointed shrouded in thick darkness, and the god struck him
spear fell to ground and many a winged arrow sped from behind on his back and his broad shoulders
from its bow-string about the body of Cebriones; with the flat of his hand, so that his eyes turned
many a great stone, moreover, beat on many a shield dizzy. Phoebus Apollo beat the helmet from off his
as they fought around his body, but there he lay in head, and it rolled rattling off under the horses’
the whirling clouds of dust, all huge and hugely, feet, where its horse-hair plumes were all begrimed
heedless of his driving now. with dust and blood. Never indeed had that hel-
So long as the sun was still high in mid-heaven met fared so before, for it had served to protect the
the weapons of either side were alike deadly, and head and comely forehead of the godlike hero Achil-
the people fell; but when he went down towards les. Now, however, Zeus delivered it over to be worn
the time when men loose their oxen, the Achæans by Hector. Nevertheless the end of Hector also was
proved to be beyond all forecast stronger, so that near. The bronze-shod spear, so great and so strong,
they drew Cebriones out of range of the darts and was broken in the hand of Patroclus, while his shield
tumult of the Trojans, and stripped the armour from that covered him from head to foot fell to the ground
his shoulders. Then Patroclus sprang like Mars with as did also the band that held it, and Apollo undid
fierce intent and a terrific shout upon the Trojans, the fastenings of his corslet.
and thrice did he kill nine men; but as he was com- On this his mind became clouded; his limbs failed
ing on like a god for a time, then, O Patroclus, was him, and he stood as one dazed; whereon Euphorbus
the hour of your end approaching, for Phoebus son of Panthous a Dardanian, the best spearman of
fought you in fell earnest. Patroclus did not see him his time, as also the finest horseman and fleetest
as he moved about in the crush, for he was en- runner, came behind him and struck him in the back

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with a spear, midway between the shoulders. This and the lion has beaten the boar till he can hardly
man as soon as ever he had come up with his chariot breathe—even so did Hector son of Priam take the
had dismounted twenty men, so proficient was he life of the brave son of Menoetius who had killed
in all the arts of war—he it was, O knight Patroclus, so many, striking him from close at hand, and vaunt-
that first drove a weapon into you, but he did not ing over him the while. “Patroclus,” said he, “you
quite overpower you. Euphorbus then ran back into deemed that you should sack our city, rob our Tro-
the crowd, after drawing his ashen spear out of the jan women of their freedom, and carry them off in
wound; he would not stand firm and wait for your ships to your own country. Fool; Hector and
Patroclus, unarmed though he now was, to attack his fleet horses were ever straining their utmost to
him; but Patroclus unnerved, alike by the blow the defend them. I am foremost of all the Trojan war-
god had given him and by the spear-wound, drew riors to stave the day of bondage from off them; as
back under cover of his men in fear for his life. for you, vultures shall devour you here. Poor wretch,
Hector on this, seeing him to be wounded and giv- Achilles with all his bravery availed you nothing;
ing ground, forced his way through the ranks, and and yet I ween when you left him he charged you
when close up with him struck him in the lower straitly saying, ‘Come not back to the ships, knight
part of the belly with a spear, driving the bronze Patroclus, till you have rent the bloodstained shirt
point right through it, so that he fell heavily to the of murderous Hector about his body. Thus I ween
ground to the great of the Achæans. As when a lion did he charge you, and your fool’s heart answered
has fought some fierce wild-boar and worsted him— him ‘yea’ within you.”
the two fight furiously upon the mountains over Then, as the life ebbed out of you, you answered,
some little fountain at which they would both drink, O knight Patroclus: “Hector, vaunt as you will, for

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Jove the son of Saturn and Apollo have vouchsafed wound, planting his foot upon the body, which he
you victory; it is they who have vanquished me so thrust off and let lie on its back. He then went spear
easily, and they who have stripped the armour from in hand after Automedon, squire of the fleet descen-
my shoulders; had twenty such men as you attacked dant of Æacus, for he longed to lay him low, but the
me, all of them would have fallen before my spear. immortal steeds which the gods had given as a rich
Fate and the son of Leto have overpowered me, and gift to Peleus bore him swiftly from the field.
among mortal men Euphorbus; you are yourself
third only in the killing of me. I say further, and lay BOOK XVII
my saying to your heart, you too shall live but for a
little season; death and the day of your doom are BRAVE MENELAUS SON OF ATREUS now came to know
close upon you, and they will lay you low by the that Patroclus had fallen, and made his way through
hand of Achilles son of Æacus.” the front ranks clad in full armour to bestride him.
When he had thus spoken his eyes were closed in As a cow stands lowing over her first calf, even so
death, his soul left his body and flitted down to the did yellow-haired Menelaus bestride Patroclus. He
house of Hades, mourning its sad fate and bidding held his round shield and his spear in front of him,
farewell to the youth and vigor of its manhood. Dead resolute to kill any who should dare face him. But
though he was, Hector still spoke to him saying, the son of Panthous had also noted the body, and
“Patroclus, why should you thus foretell my doom? came up to Menelaus saying, “Menelaus, son of
Who knows but Achilles, son of lovely Thetis, may Atreus, draw back, leave the body, and let the blood-
be smitten by my spear and die before me?” stained spoils be. I was first of the Trojans and their
As he spoke he drew the bronze spear from the brave allies to drive my spear into Patroclus, let me,

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therefore, have my full glory among the Trojans, or armour and place them in the hands of Panthous
I will take aim and kill you.” and noble Phrontis. The time is come when this
To this Menelaus answered in great anger “By fa- matter shall be fought out and settled, for me or
ther Jove, boasting is an ill thing. The pard is not against me.”
more bold, nor the lion nor savage wild-boar, which As he spoke he struck Menelaus full on the shield,
is fiercest and most dauntless of all creatures, than but the spear did not go through, for the shield
are the proud sons of Panthous. Yet Hyperenor did turned its point. Menelaus then took aim, praying
not see out the days of his youth when he made to father Jove as he did so; Euphorbus was drawing
light of me and withstood me, deeming me the back, and Menelaus struck him about the roots of
meanest soldier among the Danaans. His own feet his throat, leaning his whole weight on the spear,
never bore him back to gladden his wife and par- so as to drive it home. The point went clean through
ents. Even so shall I make an end of you too, if you his neck, and his armour rang rattling round him as
withstand me; get you back into the crowd and do he fell heavily to the ground. His hair which was
not face me, or it shall be worse for you. Even a fool like that of the Graces, and his locks so deftly bound
may be wise after the event.” in bands of silver and gold, were all bedrabbled with
Euphorbus would not listen, and said, “Now in- blood. As one who has grown a fine young olive
deed, Menelaus, shall you pay for the death of my tree in a clear space where there is abundance of
brother over whom you vaunted, and whose wife water—the plant is full of promise, and though the
you widowed in her bridal chamber, while you winds beat upon it from every quarter it puts forth
brought grief unspeakable on his parents. I shall its white blossoms till the blasts of some fierce hur-
comfort these poor people if I bring your head and ricane sweep down upon it and level it with the

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ground—even so did Menelaus strip the fair youth The god then went back into the toil and tur-
Euphorbus of his armour after he had slain him. Or moil, but the soul of Hector was darkened with a
as some fierce lion upon the mountains in the pride cloud of grief; he looked along the ranks and saw
of his strength fastens on the finest heifer in a herd as Euphorbus lying on the ground with the blood still
it is feeding—first he breaks her neck with his strong flowing from his wound, and Menelaus stripping
jaws, and then gorges on her blood and entrails; dogs him of his armour. On this he made his way to the
and shepherds raise a hue and cry against him, but front like a flame of fire, clad in his gleaming armour,
they stand aloof and will not come close to him, for and crying with a loud voice. When the son of
they are pale with fear—even so no one had the cour- Atreus heard him, he said to himself in his dismay,
age to face valiant Menelaus. The son of Atreus would “Alas! what shall I do? I may not let the Trojans
have then carried off the armour of the son of Panthous take the armour of Patroclus who has fallen fight-
with ease, had not Phoebus Apollo been angry, and in ing on my behalf, lest some Danaan who sees me
the guise of Mentes chief of the Cicons incited Hec- should cry shame upon me. Still if for my honour’s
tor to attack him. “Hector,” said he, “you are now sake I fight Hector and the Trojans single-handed,
going after the horses of the noble son of Æacus, but they will prove too many for me, for Hector is bring-
you will not take them; they cannot be kept in hand ing them up in force. Why, however, should I thus
and driven by mortal man, save only by Achilles, who hesitate? When a man fights in despite of heaven
is son to an immortal mother. Meanwhile Menelaus with one whom a god befriends, he will soon rue it.
son of Atreus has bestridden the body of Patroclus Let no Danaan think ill of me if I give place to
and killed the noblest of the Trojans, Euphorbus son Hector, for the hand of heaven is with him. Yet, if I
of Panthous, so that he can fight no more.” could find Ajax, the two of us would fight Hector

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and heaven too, if we might only save the body of him. Hector had stripped Patroclus of his armour,
Patroclus for Achilles son of Peleus. This, of many and was dragging him away to cut off his head and
evils would be the least.” take the body to fling before the dogs of Troy. But
While he was thus in two minds, the Trojans came Ajax came up with his shield like wall before him,
up to him with Hector at their head; he therefore on which Hector withdrew under shelter of his men,
drew back and left the body, turning about like some and sprang on to his chariot, giving the armour over
bearded lion who is being chased by dogs and men to the Trojans to take to the city, as a great trophy
from a stockyard with spears and hue and cry, for himself; Ajax, therefore, covered the body of
whereon he is daunted and slinks sulkily off—even Patroclus with his broad shield and bestrode him;
so did Menelaus son of Atreus turn and leave the as a lion stands over his whelps if hunters have come
body of Patroclus. When among the body of his men, upon him in a forest when he is with his little ones—
he looked around for mighty Ajax son of Telamon, in the pride and fierceness of his strength he draws
and presently saw him on the extreme left of the his knit brows down till they cover his eyes—even
fight, cheering on his men and exhorting them to so did Ajax bestride the body of Patroclus, and by
keep on fighting, for Phoebus Apollo had spread a his side stood Menelaus son of Atreus, nursing great
great panic among them. He ran up to him and said, sorrow in his heart.
“Ajax, my good friend, come with me at once to dead Then Glaucus son of Hippolochus looked fiercely
Patroclus, if so be that we may take the body to Achil- at Hector and rebuked him sternly. “Hector,” said
les—as for his armour, Hector already has it.” he, “you make a brave show, but in fight you are
These words stirred the heart of Ajax, and he made sadly wanting. A runaway like yourself has no claim
his way among the front ranks, Menelaus going with to so great a reputation. Think how you may now

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save your town and citadel by the hands of your ertheless you dared not make a stand against Ajax,
own people born in Ilius; for you will get no Lycians nor face him, eye to eye, with battle all round you,
to fight for you, seeing what thanks they have had for he is a braver man than you are.”
for their incessant hardships. Are you likely, sir, to Hector scowled at him and answered, “Glaucus,
do anything to help a man of less note, after leav- you should know better. I have held you so far as a
ing Sarpedon, who was at once your guest and com- man of more understanding than any in all Lycia,
rade in arms, to be the spoil and prey of the but now I despise you for saying that I am afraid of
Danaans? So long as he lived he did good service Ajax. I fear neither battle nor the din of chariots,
both to your city and yourself; yet you had no stom- but Jove’s will is stronger than ours; Jove at one
ach to save his body from the dogs. If the Lycians time makes even a strong man draw back and
will listen to me, they will go home and leave Troy snatches victory from his grasp, while at another
to its fate. If the Trojans had any of that daring he will set him on to fight. Come hither then, my
fearless spirit which lays hold of men who are fight- friend, stand by me and see indeed whether I shall
ing for their country and harassing those who would play the coward the whole day through as you say,
attack it, we should soon bear off Patroclus into or whether I shall not stay some even of the boldest
Ilius. Could we get this dead man away and bring Danaans from fighting round the body of Patroclus.”
him into the city of Priam, the Argives would readily As he spoke he called loudly on the Trojans say-
give up the armour of Sarpedon, and we should get ing, “Trojans, Lycians, and Dardanians, fighters in
his body to boot. For he whose squire has been now close combat, be men, my friends, and fight might
killed is the foremost man at the ships of the and main, while I put on the goodly armour of Achil-
Achæans—he and his close-fighting followers. Nev- les, which I took when I killed Patroclus.”

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With this Hector left the fight, and ran full speed The son of Saturn bowed his portentous brows,
after his men who were taking the armour of Achil- and Hector fitted the armour to his body, while ter-
les to Troy, but had not yet got far. Standing for a rible Mars entered into him, and filled his whole
while apart from the woeful fight, he changed his body with might and valour. With a shout he strode
armour. His own he sent to the strong city of Ilius in among the allies, and his armour flashed about
and to the Trojans, while he put on the immortal him so that he seemed to all of them like the great
armour of the son of Peleus, which the gods had son of Peleus himself. He went about among them
given to Peleus, who in his age gave it to his son; and cheered them on—Mesthles, Glaucus, Medon,
but the son did not grow old in his father’s armour. Thersilochus, Asteropæus, Deisenor and
When Jove, lord of the storm-cloud, saw Hector Hippothous, Phorcys, Chromius and Ennomus the
standing aloof and arming himself in the armour of augur. All these did he exhort saying, “Hear me,
the son of Peleus, he wagged his head and muttered allies from other cities who are here in your thou-
to himself saying, “A! poor wretch, you arm in the sands, it was not in order to have a crowd about me
armour of a hero, before whom many another trembles, that I called you hither each from his several city,
and you reck nothing of the doom that is already close but that with heart and soul you might defend the
upon you. You have killed his comrade so brave and wives and little ones of the Trojans from the fierce
strong, but it was not well that you should strip the Achæans. For this do I oppress my people with your
armour from his head and shoulders. I do indeed en- food and the presents that make you rich. There-
dow you with great might now, but as against this fore turn, and charge at the foe, to stand or fall as is
you shall not return from battle to lay the armour of the game of war; whoever shall bring Patroclus, dead
the son of Peleus before Andromache.” though he be, into the hands of the Trojans, and

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shall make Ajax give way before him, I will give him Argives, all you who with Agamemnon and
one half of the spoils while I keep the other. He will Menelaus drink at the public cost, and give orders
thus share like honour with myself.” each to his own people as Jove vouchsafes him power
When he had thus spoken they charged full weight and glory, the fight is so thick about me that I can-
upon the Danaans with their spears held out be- not distinguish you severally; come on, therefore,
fore them, and the hopes of each ran high that he every man unbidden, and think it shame that
should force Ajax son of Telamon to yield up the Patroclus should become meat and morsel for Tro-
body—fools that they were, for he was about to jan hounds.”
take the lives of many. Then Ajax said to Menelaus, Fleet Ajax son of Oileus heard him and was first
“My good friend Menelaus, you and I shall hardly to force his way through the fight and run to help
come out of this fight alive. I am less concerned for him. Next came Idomeneus and Meriones his es-
the body of Patroclus, who will shortly become meat quire, peer of murderous Mars. As for the others
for the dogs and vultures of Troy, than for the safety that came into the fight after these, who of his own
of my own head and yours. Hector has wrapped us self could name them?
round in a storm of battle from every quarter, and The Trojans with Hector at their head charged in
our destruction seems now certain. Call then upon a body. As a great wave that comes thundering in at
the princes of the Danaans if there is any who can the mouth of some heaven-born river, and the rocks
hear us.” that jut into the sea ring with the roar of the break-
Menelaus did as he said, and shouted to the ers that beat and buffet them—even with such a
Danaans for help at the top of his voice. “My roar did the Trojans come on; but the Achæans in
friends,” he cried, “princes and counsellors of the singleness of heart stood firm about the son of

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Menoetius, and fenced him with their bronze on winning glory by dragging him off to their city.
shields. Jove, moreover, hid the brightness of their At this moment Hippothous brave son of the
helmets in a thick cloud, for he had borne no grudge Pelasgian Lethus, in his zeal for Hector and the Tro-
against the son of Menoetius while he was still alive jans, was dragging the body off by the foot through
and squire to the descendant of Æacus; therefore the press of the fight, having bound a strap round
he was loth to let him fall a prey to the dogs of his the sinews near the ancle; but a mischief soon be-
foes the Trojans, and urged his comrades on to de- fell him from which none of those could save him
fend him. who would have gladly done so, for the son of
At first the Trojans drove the Achæans back, and Telamon sprang forward and smote him on his
they withdrew from the dead man daunted. The bronze-cheeked helmet. The plumed headpiece
Trojans did not succeed in killing any one, never- broke about the point of the weapon, struck at once
theless they drew the body away. But the Achæans by the spear and by the strong hand of Ajax, so
did not lose it long, for Ajax, foremost of all the that the bloody brain came oozing out through the
Danaans after the son of Peleus alike in stature and crest-socket. His strength then failed him and he
prowess, quickly rallied them and made towards the let Patroclus’ foot drop from his hand, as he fell full
front like a wild boar upon the mountains when he length dead upon the body; thus he died far from
stands at bay in the forest glades and routs the the fertile land of Larissa, and never repaid his par-
hounds and lusty youths that have attacked him— ents the cost of bringing him up, for his life was cut
even so did Ajax son of Telamon passing easily in short early by the spear of mighty Ajax. Hector then
among the phalanxes of the Trojans, disperse those took aim at Ajax with a spear, but he saw it coming
who had bestridden Patroclus and were most bent and just managed to avoid it; the spear passed on

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and struck Schedius son of noble Iphitus, captain had not roused Æneas, in the likeness of Periphas
of the Phoceans, who dwelt in famed Panopeus and son of Epytus, an attendant who had grown old in
reigned over much people; it struck him under the the service of Æneas’ aged father, and was at all
middle of the collar-bone the bronze point went times devoted to him. In his likeness, then, Apollo
right through him, coming out at the bottom of his said, “Æneas, can you not manage, even though
shoulder-blade, and his armour rang rattling round heaven be against us, to save high Ilius? I have
him as he fell heavily to the ground. Ajax in his known men, whose numbers, courage, and self-reli-
turn struck noble Phorcys son of Phænops in the ance have saved their people in spite of Jove, whereas
middle of the belly as he was bestriding Hippothous, in this case he would much rather give victory to us
and broke the plate of his cuirass; whereon the spear than to the Danaans, if you would only fight in-
tore out his entrails and he clutched the ground in stead of being so terribly afraid.”
his palm as he fell to earth. Hector and those who Æneas knew Apollo when he looked straight at
were in the front rank then gave ground, while the him, and shouted to Hector saying, “Hector and all
Argives raised a loud cry of triumph, and drew off other Trojans and allies, shame on us if we are beaten
the bodies of Phorcys and Hippothous which they by the Achæans and driven back to Ilius through
stripped presently of their armour. our own cowardice. A god has just come up to me
The Trojans would now have been worsted by the and told me that Jove the supreme disposer will be
brave Achæans and driven back to Ilius through with us. Therefore let us make for the Danaans,
their own cowardice, while the Argives, so great was that it may go hard with them ere they bear away
their courage and endurance, would have achieved dead Patroclus to the ships.”
a triumph even against the will of Jove, if Apollo As he spoke he sprang out far in front of the others,

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who then rallied and again faced the Achæans. Æneas Thus did they fight as it were a flaming fire; it
speared Leiocritus son of Arisbas, a valiant follower of seemed as though it had gone hard even with the
Lycomedes, and Lycomedes was moved with pity as sun and moon, for they were hidden over all that
he saw him fall; he therefore went close up, and speared part where the bravest heroes were fighting about
Apisaon son of Hippasus shepherd of his people in the dead son of Menoetius, whereas the other
the liver under the midriff, so that he died; he had Danaans and Achæans fought at their ease in full
come from fertile Pæonia and was the best man of daylight with brilliant sunshine all round them, and
them all after Asteropæus. Asteropæus flew forward there was not a cloud to be seen neither on plain
to avenge him and attack the Danaans, but this might nor mountain. These last moreover would rest for a
no longer be, inasmuch as those about Patroclus were while and leave off fighting, for they were some dis-
well covered by their shields, and held their spears in tance apart and beyond the range of one another’s
front of them, for Ajax had given them strict orders weapons, whereas those who were in the thick of
that no man was either to give ground, or to stand the fray suffered both from battle and darkness. All
out before the others, but all were to hold well to- the best of them were being worn out by the great
gether about the body and fight hand to hand. Thus weight of their armour, but the two valiant heroes,
did huge Ajax bid them, and the earth ran red with Thrasymedes and Antilochus, had not yet heard of
blood as the corpses fell thick on one another alike on the death of Patroclus, and believed him to be still
the side of the Trojans and allies, and on that of the alive and leading the van against the Trojans; they
Danaans; for these last, too, fought no bloodless fight were keeping themselves in reserve against the death
though many fewer of them perished, through the or rout of their own comrades, for so Nestor had
care they took to defend and stand by one another. ordered when he sent them from the ships into battle.

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Thus through the livelong day did they wage fierce Patroclus was dead, and deemed that he would re-
war, and the sweat of their toil rained ever on their turn alive as soon as he had gone close up to the
legs under them, and on their hands and eyes, as gates. He knew that he was not to sack the city
they fought over the squire of the fleet son of Peleus. neither with nor without himself, for his mother
It was as when a man gives a great ox-hide all had often told him this when he had sat alone with
drenched in fat to his men, and bids them stretch it; her, and she had informed him of the counsels of
whereon they stand round it in a ring and tug till the great Jove. Now, however, she had not told him how
moisture leaves it, and the fat soaks in for the many great a disaster had befallen him in the death of the
that pull at it, and it is well stretched—even so did one who was far dearest to him of all his comrades.
the two sides tug the dead body hither and thither The others still kept on charging one another
within the compass of but a little space—the Trojans round the body with their pointed spears and kill-
steadfastly set on drag ing it into Ilius, while the ing each other. Then would one say, “My friends,
Achæans were no less so on taking it to their ships; we can never again show our faces at the ships—
and fierce was the fight between them. Not Mars better, and greatly better, that earth should open
himself the lord of hosts, nor yet Minerva, even in and swallow us here in this place, than that we
their fullest fury could make light of such a battle. should let the Trojans have the triumph of bearing
Such fearful turmoil of men and horses did Jove off Patroclus to their city.”
on that day ordain round the body of Patroclus. The Trojans also on their part spoke to one an-
Meanwhile Achilles did not know that he had fallen, other saying, “Friends, though we fall to a man be-
for the fight was under the wall of Troy a long way side this body, let none shrink from fighting.” With
off the ships. He had no idea, therefore, that such words did they exhort each other. They fought

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and fought, and an iron clank rose through the void share the sorrows that befall mankind? for of all
air to the brazen vault of heaven. The horses of the creatures that live and move upon the earth there is
descendant of Æacus stood out of the fight and wept none so pitiable as he is—still, Hector son of Priam
when they heard that their driver had been laid low shall drive neither you nor your chariot. I will not
by the hand of murderous Hector. Automedon, val- have it. It is enough that he should have the armour
iant son of Diores, lashed them again and again; over which he vaunts so vainly. Furthermore I will
many a time did he speak kindly to them, and many give you strength of heart and limb to bear
a time did he upbraid them, but they would nei- Automedon safely to the ships from battle, for I
ther go back to the ships by the waters of the broad shall let the Trojans triumph still further, and go on
Hellespont, nor yet into battle among the Achæans; killing till they reach the ships; whereon night shall
they stood with their chariot stock still, as a pillar fall and darkness overshadow the land.”
set over the tomb of some dead man or woman, As he spoke he breathed heart and strength into
and bowed their heads to the ground. Hot tears fell the horses so that they shook the dust from out of
from their eyes as they mourned the loss of their their manes, and bore their chariot swiftly into the
charioteer, and their noble manes drooped all wet fight that raged between Trojans and Achæans. Be-
from under the yokestraps on either side the yoke. hind them fought Automedon full of sorrow for his
The son of Saturn saw them and took pity upon comrade, as a vulture amid a flock of geese. In and
their sorrow. He wagged his head, and muttered to out, and here and there, full speed he dashed amid
himself, saying, “Poor things, why did we give you the throng of the Trojans, but for all the fury of his
to King Peleus who is a mortal, while you are your- pursuit he killed no man, for he could not wield his
selves ageless and immortal? Was it that you might spear and keep his horses in hand when alone in

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the chariot; at last, however, a comrade, Alcimedon, them. I am sure, if you think well, that we might
son of Lærces son of Hæmon caught sight of him take them; they will not dare face us if we both
and came up behind his chariot. “Automedon,” said attack them.”
he, “what god has put this folly into your heart and The valiant son of Anchises was of the same mind,
robbed you of your right mind, that you fight the and the pair went right on, with their shoulders
Trojans in the front rank single-handed? He who covered under shields of tough dry ox-hide, over-
was your comrade is slain, and Hector plumes him- laid with much bronze. Chromius and Aretus went
self on being armed in the armour of the descen- also with them, and their hearts beat high with hope
dant of Æacus.” that they might kill the men and capture the
Automedon son of Diores answered, “Alcimedon, horses—fools that they were, for they were not to
there is no one else who can control and guide the return scatheless from their meeting with
immortal steeds so well as you can, save only Automedon, who prayed to father Jove and was
Patroclus—while he was alive—peer of gods in coun- forthwith filled with courage and strength abound-
sel. Take then the whip and reins, while I go down ing. He turned to his trusty comrade Alcimedon
from the car and fight. and said, “Alcimedon, keep your horses so close up
Alcimedon sprang on to the chariot, and caught that I may feel their breath upon my back; I doubt
up the whip and reins, while Automedon leaped that we shall not stay Hector son of Priam till he has
from off the car. When Hector saw him he said to killed us and mounted behind the horses; he will
Æneas who was near him, “Æneas, counsellor of the then either spread panic among the ranks of the
mail-clad Trojans, I see the steeds of the fleet son of Achæans, or himself be killed among the foremost.”
Æacus come into battle with weak hands to drive On this he cried out to the two Ajaxes and

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Menelaus, “Ajaxes captains of the Argives, and while the butt-end went on quivering till Mars
Menelaus, give the dead body over to them that robbed it of its force. They would then have fought
are best able to defend it, and come to the rescue of hand to hand with swords had not the two Ajaxes
us living; for Hector and Æneas who are the two forced their way through the crowd when they heard
best men among the Trojans, are pressing us hard their comrade calling, and parted them for all their
in the full tide of war. Nevertheless the issue lies on fury—for Hector, Æneas, and Chromius were afraid
the lap of heaven, I will therefore hurl my spear and drew back, leaving Aretus to lie there struck to
and leave the rest to Jove.” the heart. Automedon, peer of fleet Mars, then
He poised and hurled as he spoke, whereon the stripped him of his armour and vaunted over him
spear struck the round shield of Aretus, and went saying, “I have done little to assuage my sorrow for
right through it for the shield stayed it not, so that the son of Menoetius, for the man I have killed is
it was driven through his belt into the lower part of not so good as he was.”
his belly. As when some sturdy youth, axe in hand, As he spoke he took the blood-stained spoils and
deals his blow behind the horns of an ox and severs laid them upon his chariot; then he mounted the
the tendons at the back of its neck so that it springs car with his hands and feet all steeped in gore as a
forward and then drops, even so did Aretus give lion that has been gorging upon a bull.
one bound and then fall on his back the spear quiv- And now the fierce groanful fight again raged
ering in his body till it made an end of him. Hector about Patroclus, for Minerva came down from
then aimed a spear at Automedon but he saw it heaven and roused its fury by the command of far-
coming and stooped forward to avoid it, so that it seeing Jove, who had changed his mind and sent
flew past him and the point stuck in the ground, her to encourage the Danaans. As when Jove bends

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his bright bow in heaven in token to mankind ei- him as bold as a fly, which, though driven off will
ther of war or of the chill storms that stay men yet come again and bite if it can, so dearly does it
from their labour and plague the flocks—even so, love man’s blood—even so bold as this did she make
wrapped in such radiant raiment, did Minerva go him as he stood over Patroclus and threw his spear.
in among the host and speak man by man to each. Now there was among the Trojans a man named
First she took the form and voice of Phoenix and Podes, son of Eetion, who was both rich and val-
spoke to Menelaus son of Atreus, who was stand- iant. Hector held him in the highest honour for he
ing near her. “Menelaus,” said she, “it will be shame was his comrade and boon companion; the spear of
and dishonour to you, if dogs tear the noble com- Menelaus struck this man in the girdle just as he
rade of Achilles under the walls of Troy. Therefore had turned in flight, and went right through him.
be staunch, and urge your men to be so also.” Whereon he fell heavily forward, and Menelaus son
Menelaus answered, “Phoenix, my good old of Atreus drew off his body from the Trojans into
friend, may Minerva vouchsafe me strength and the ranks of his own people.
keep the darts from off me, for so shall I stand by Apollo then went up to Hector and spurred him
Patroclus and defend him; his death has gone to on to fight, in the likeness of Phænops son of Asius
my heart, but Hector is as a raging fire and deals who lived in Abydos and was the most favoured of
his blows without ceasing, for Jove is now granting all Hector’s guests. In his likeness Apollo said, “Hec-
him a time of triumph.” tor, who of the Achæans will fear you henceforward
Minerva was pleased at his having named herself now that you have quailed before Menelaus who
before any of the other gods. Therefore she put has ever been rated poorly as a soldier? Yet he has
strength into his knees and shoulders, and made now got a corpse away from the Trojans single-

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handed, and has slain your own true comrade, a plate over his chest near the nipple; but the spear
man brave among the foremost, Podes son of Eetion. broke in the shaft, and the Trojans cheered aloud.
A dark cloud of grief fell upon Hector as he heard, Hector then aimed at Idomeneus son of Deucalion
and he made his way to the front clad in full armour. as he was standing on his chariot, and very narrowly
Thereon the son of Saturn seized his bright tas- missed him, but the spear hit Coiranus, a follower
selled ægis, and veiled Ida in cloud: he sent forth and charioteer of Meriones who had come with him
his lightnings and his thunders, and as he shook from Lyctus. Idomeneus had left the ships on foot
his ægis he gave victory to the Trojans and routed and would have afforded a great triumph to the Tro-
the Achæans. jans if Coiranus had not driven quickly up to him,
The panic was begun by Peneleos the Boeotian, he therefore brought life and rescue to Idomeneus,
for while keeping his face turned ever towards the but himself fell by the hand of murderous Hector.
foe he had been hit with a spear on the upper part For Hector hit him on the jaw under the ear; the end
of the shoulder; a spear thrown by Polydamas had of the spear drove out his teeth and cut his tongue in
grazed the top of the bone, for Polydamas had come two pieces, so that he fell from his chariot and let
up to him and struck him from close at hand. Then the reins fall to the ground. Meriones gathered them
Hector in close combat struck Leitus son of noble up from the ground and took them into his own
Alectryon in the hand by the wrist, and disabled him hands, then he said to Idomeneus, “Lay on, till you
from fighting further. He looked about him in dis- get back to the ships, for you must see that the day
may, knowing that never again should he wield spear is no longer ours.”
in battle with the Trojans. While Hector was in pur- On this Idomeneus lashed the horses to the ships,
suit of Leitus, Idomeneus struck him on the breast- for fear had taken hold upon him.

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Ajax and Menelaus noted how Jove had turned Father Jove heard him and had compassion upon
the scale in favour of the Trojans, and Ajax was first his tears. Forthwith he chased away the cloud of
to speak. “Alas,” said he, “even a fool may see that darkness, so that the sun shone out and all the fight-
father Jove is helping the Trojans. All their weapons ing was revealed. Ajax then said to Menelaus, “Look,
strike home; no matter whether it be a brave man or Menelaus, and if Antilochus son of Nestor be still
a coward that hurls them, Jove speeds all alike, living, send him at once to tell Achilles that by far
whereas ours fall each one of them without effect. the dearest to him of all his comrades has fallen.”
What, then, will be best both as regards rescuing the Menelaus heeded his words and went his way as
body, and our return to the joy of our friends who a lion from a stockyard—the lion is tired of attack-
will be grieving as they look hitherwards; for they ing the men and hounds, who keep watch the whole
will make sure that nothing can now check the ter- night through and will not let him feast on the fat
rible hands of Hector, and that he will fling himself of their herd. In his lust of meat he makes straight
upon our ships. I wish that some one would go and at them but in vain, for darts from strong hands
tell the son of Peleus at once, for I do not think he assail him, and burning brands which daunt him
can have yet heard the sad news that the dearest of for all his hunger, so in the morning he slinks sulk-
his friends has fallen. But I can see not a man among ily away—even so did Menelaus sorely against his
the Achæans to send, for they and their chariots are will leave Patroclus, in great fear lest the Achæans
alike hidden in darkness. O father Jove, lift this cloud should be driven back in rout and let him fall into
from over the sons of the Achæans; make heaven the hands of the foe. He charged Meriones and the
serene, and let us see; if you will that we perish, let two Ajaxes straitly saying, “Ajaxes and Meriones,
us fall at any rate by daylight.” leaders of the Argives, now indeed remember how

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good Patroclus was; he was ever courteous while rescue the body and bear it to the ships. As for the
alive, bear it in mind now that he is dead.” armour, Hector already has it.”
With this Menelaus left them, looking round him Antilochus was struck with horror. For a long time
as keenly as an eagle, whose sight they say is keener he was speechless; his eyes filled with tears and he
than that of any other bird—however high he may could find no utterance, but he did as Menelaus
be in the heavens, not a hare that runs can escape had said, and set off running as soon as he had
him by crouching under bush or thicket, for he will given his armour to a comrade, Laodocus, who was
swoop down upon it and make an end of it—even wheeling his horses round, close beside him.
so, O Menelaus, did your keen eyes range round Thus, then, did he run weeping from the field, to
the mighty host of your followers to see if you could carry the bad news to Achilles son of Peleus. Nor
find the son of Nestor still alive. Presently Menelaus were you, O Menelaus, minded to succour his ha-
saw him on the extreme left of the battle cheering rassed comrades, when Antilochus had left the
on his men and exhorting them to fight boldly. Pylians—and greatly did they miss him—but he sent
Menelaus went up to him and said, “Antilochus, them noble Thrasymedes, and himself went back
come here and listen to sad news, which I would to Patroclus. He came running up to the two Ajaxes
indeed were untrue. You must see with your own and said, “I have sent Antilochus to the ships to
eyes that heaven is heaping calamity upon the tell Achilles, but rage against Hector as he may, he
Danaans, and giving victory to the Trojans. Patroclus cannot come, for he cannot fight without armour.
has fallen, who was the bravest of the Achæans, What then will be our best plan both as regards
and sorely will the Danaans miss him. Run instantly rescuing the dead, and our own escape from death
to the ships and tell Achilles, that he may come to amid the battle-cries of the Trojans?”

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Ajax answered, “Menelaus, you have said well: In this wise did the two heroes strain every nerve
do you, then, and Meriones stoop down, raise the to bear the body to the ships out of the fight. The
body, and bear it out of the fray, while we two be- battle raged round them like fierce flames that when
hind you keep off Hector and the Trojans, one in once kindled spread like wildfire over a city, and
heart as in name, and long used to fighting side by the houses fall in the glare of its burning—even such
side with one another.” was the roar and tramp of men and horses that
On this Menelaus and Meriones took the dead pursued them as they bore Patroclus from the field.
man in their arms and lifted him high aloft with a Or as mules that put forth all their strength to draw
great effort. The Trojan host raised a hue and cry some beam or great piece of ship’s timber down a
behind them when they saw the Achæans bearing rough mountain-track, and they pant and sweat as
the body away, and flew after them like hounds at- they, go even so did Menelaus and pant and sweat
tacking a wounded boar at the loo of a band of as they bore the body of Patroclus. Behind them
young huntsmen. For a while the hounds fly at him the two Ajaxes held stoutly out. As some wooded
as though they would tear him in pieces, but now mountain-spur that stretches across a plain will turn
and again he turns on them in a fury, scaring and water and check the flow even of a great river, nor
scattering them in all directions—even so did the is there any stream strong enough to break through
Trojans for a while charge in a body, striking with it—even so did the two Ajaxes face the Trojans and
sword and with spears pointed ai both the ends, stern the tide of their fighting though they kept
but when the two Ajaxes faced them and stood at pouring on towards them and foremost among them
bay, they would turn pale and no man dared press all was Æneas son of Anchises with valiant Hector.
on to fight further about the dead. As a flock of daws or starlings fall to screaming and

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chattering when they see a falcon, foe to i’ll small Trojans, and see the light of the sun no longer. I
birds, come soaring near them, even so did the fear the brave son of Menoetius has fallen through
Achæan youth raise a babel of cries as they fled his own daring and yet I bade him return to the
before Æneas and Hector, unmindful of their former ships as soon as he had driven back those that were
prowess. In the rout of the Danaans much goodly bringing fire against them, and not join battle with
armour fell round about the trench, and of fighting Hector.”
there was no end. As he was thus pondering, the son of Nestor came
up to him and told his sad tale, weeping bitterly
BOOK XVIII the while. “Alas,” he cried, “son of noble Peleus, I
bring you bad tidings, would indeed that they were
THUS THEN DID THEY FIGHT as it were a flaming fire. untrue. Patroclus has fallen, and a fight is raging
Meanwhile the fleet runner Antilochus, who had about his naked body—for Hector holds his
been sent as messenger, reached Achilles, and found armour.”
him sitting by his tall ships and boding that which A dark cloud of grief fell upon Achilles as he lis-
was indeed too surely true. “Alas,” said he to him- tened. He filled both hands with dust from off the
self in the heaviness of his heart, “why are the ground, and poured it over his head, disfiguring his
Achæans again scouring the plain and flocking to- comely face, and letting the refuse settle over his
wards the ships? Heaven grant the gods be not now shirt so fair and new. He flung himself down all
bringing that sorrow upon me of which my mother huge and hugely at full length, and tore his hair
Thetis spoke, saying that while I was yet alive the with his hands. The bondswomen whom Achilles
bravest of the Myrmidons should fall before the and Patroclus had taken captive screamed aloud for

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grief, beating their breasts, and with their limbs fail- “Listen,” she cried, “sisters, daughters of Nereus,
ing them for sorrow. Antilochus bent over him the that you may hear the burden of my sorrows. Alas,
while, weeping and holding both his hands as he lay woe is me, woe in that I have borne the most glori-
groaning for he feared that he might plunge a knife ous of offspring. I bore him fair and strong, hero
into his own throat. Then Achilles gave a loud cry among heroes, and he shot up as a sapling; I tended
and his mother heard him as she was sitting in the him as a plant in a goodly garden, and sent him
depths of the sea by the old man her father, whereon with his ships to Ilius to fight the Trojans, but never
she screamed, and all the goddesses daughters of shall I welcome him back to the house of Peleus. So
Nereus that dwelt at the bottom of the sea, came long as he lives to look upon the light of the sun he
gathering round her. There were Glauce, Thalia and is in heaviness, and though I go to him I cannot
Cymodoce, Nesaia, Speo, thoe and dark-eyed Halie, help him. Nevertheless I will go, that I may see my
Cymothoe, Actæa and Limnorea, Melite, Iæra, dear son and learn what sorrow has befallen him
Amphithoe and Agave, Doto and Proto, Pherusa and though he is still holding aloof from battle.”
Dynamene, Dexamene, Amphinome and Callianeira, She left the cave as she spoke, while the others
Doris, Panope, and the famous sea-nymph Galatea, followed weeping after, and the waves opened a path
Nemertes, Apseudes and Callianassa. There were also before them. When they reached the rich plain of
Clymene, Ianeira and Ianassa, Mæra, Oreithuia and Troy, they came up out of the sea in a long line on
Amatheia of the lovely locks, with other Nereids who to the sands, at the place where the ships of the
dwell in the depths of the sea. The crystal cave was Myrmidons were drawn up in close order round the
filled with their multitude and they all beat their tents of Achilles. His mother went up to him as he
breasts while Thetis led them in their lament. lay groaning; she laid her hand upon his head and

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spoke piteously, saying, “My son, why are you thus not live nor go about among mankind unless Hec-
weeping? What sorrow has now befallen you? Tell tor fall by my spear, and thus pay me for having
me; hide it not from me. Surely Jove has granted slain Patroclus son of Menoetius.”
you the prayer you made him, when you lifted up Thetis wept and answered, “Then, my son, is your
your hands and besought him that the Achæans end near at hand—for your own death awaits you
might all of them be pent up at their ships, and rue full soon after that of Hector.”
it bitterly in that you were no longer with them.” Then said Achilles in his great grief, “I would die
Achilles groaned and answered, “Mother, Olym- here and now, in that I could not save my comrade.
pian Jove has indeed vouchsafed me the fulfilment He has fallen far from home, and in his hour of
of my prayer, but what boots it to me, seeing that need my hand was not there to help him. What is
my dear comrade Patroclus has fallen—he whom I there for me? Return to my own land I shall not,
valued more than all others, and loved as dearly as and I have brought no saving neither to Patroclus
my own life? I have lost him; aye, and Hector when nor to my other comrades of whom so many have
he had killed him stripped the wondrous armour, been slain by mighty Hector; I stay here by my ships
so glorious to behold, which the gods gave to Peleus a bootless burden upon the earth, I, who in fight
when they laid you in the couch of a mortal man. have no peer among the Achæans, though in coun-
Would that you were still dwelling among the im- cil there are better than I. Therefore, perish strife
mortal sea-nymphs, and that Peleus had taken to both from among gods and men, and anger, wherein
himself some mortal bride. For now you shall have even a righteous man will harden his heart—which
grief infinite by reason of the death of that son rises up in the soul of a man like smoke, and the
whom you can never welcome home—nay, I will taste thereof is sweeter than drops of honey. Even

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so has Agamemnon angered me. And yet—so be it, vaunt shall not be lasting, for his end is close at
for it is over; I will force my soul into subjection as hand; go not, however, into the press of battle till
I needs must; I will go; I will pursue Hector who you see me return hither; to-morrow at break of
has slain him whom I loved so dearly, and will then day I shall be here, and will bring you goodly armour
abide my doom when it may please Jove and the from King Vulcan.”
other gods to send it. Even Hercules, the best be- On this she left her brave son, and as she turned
loved of Jove—even he could not escape the hand away she said to the sea-nymphs her sisters, “Dive
of death, but fate and Juno’s fierce anger laid him into the bosom of the sea and go to the house of
low, as I too shall lie when I am dead if a like doom the old sea-god my father. Tell him everything; as
awaits me. Till then I will win fame, and will bid for me, I will go to the cunning workman Vulcan
Trojan and Dardanian women wring tears from their on high Olympus, and ask him to provide my son
tender cheeks with both their hands in the griev- with a suit of splendid armour.”
ousness of their great sorrow; thus shall they know When she had so said, they dived forthwith be-
that he who has held aloof so long will hold aloof neath the waves, while silver-footed Thetis went her
no longer. Hold me not back, therefore, in the love way that she might bring the armour for her son.
you bear me, for you shall not move me.” Thus, then, did her feet bear the goddess to
Then silver-footed Thetis answered, “My son, Olympus, and meanwhile the Achæans were flying
what you have said is true. It is well to save your with loud cries before murderous Hector till they
comrades from destruction, but your armour is in reached the ships and the Hellespont, and they
the hands of the Trojans; Hector bears it in triumph could not draw the body of Mars’s servant Patroclus
upon his own shoulders. Full well I know that his out of reach of the weapons that were showered

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upon him, for Hector son of Priam with his host mightiest of all mankind; rescue Patroclus about
and horsemen had again caught up to him like the whom this fearful fight is now raging by the ships.
flame of a fiery furnace; thrice did brave Hector Men are killing one another, the Danaans in de-
seize him by the feet, striving with might and main fence of the dead body, while the Trojans are trying
to draw him away and calling loudly on the Tro- to hale it away, and take it to wind Ilius: Hector is
jans, and thrice did the two Ajaxes, clothed in valour the most furious of them all; he is for cutting the
as with a garment, beat him from off the body; but head from the body and fixing it on the stakes of
all undaunted he would now charge into the thick the wall. Up, then, and bide here no longer; shrink
of the fight, and now again he would stand still and from the thought that Patroclus may become meat
cry aloud, but he would give no ground. As upland for the dogs of Troy. Shame on you, should his body
shepherds that cannot chase some famished lion suffer any kind of outrage.”
from a carcase, even so could not the two Ajaxes And Achilles said, “Iris, which of the gods was it
scare Hector son of Priam from the body of that sent you to me?”
Patroclus. Iris answered, “It was Juno the royal spouse of
And now he would even have dragged it off and Jove, but the son of Saturn does not know of my
have won imperishable glory, had not Iris fleet as coming, nor yet does any other of the immortals
the wind, winged her way as messenger from who dwell on the snowy summits of Olympus.”
Olympus to the son of Peleus and bidden him arm. Then fleet Achilles answered her saying, “How
She came secretly without the knowledge of Jove can I go up into the battle? They have my armour.
and of the other gods, for Juno sent her, and when My mother forbade me to arm till I should see her
she had got close to him she said, “Up, son of Peleus, come, for she promised to bring me goodly armour

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from Vulcan; I know no man whose arms I can put dwell near them to behold, if so be that they may
on, save only the shield of Ajax son of Telamon, come with their ships and succour them—even so
and he surely must be fighting in the front rank did the light flare from the head of Achilles, as he
and wielding his spear about the body of dead stood by the trench, going beyond the wall—but he
Patroclus.” aid not join the Achæans for he heeded the charge
Iris said, ‘We know that your armour has been which his mother laid upon him.
taken, but go as you are; go to the deep trench and There did he stand and shout aloud. Minerva also
show yourelf before the Trojans, that they may fear raised her voice from afar, and spread terror un-
you and cease fighting. Thus will the fainting sons speakable among the Trojans. Ringing as the note
of the Achæans gain some brief breathing-time, of a trumpet that sounds alarm then the foe is at
which in battle may hardly be.” the gates of a city, even so brazen was the voice of
Iris left him when she had so spoken. But Achil- the son of Æacus, and when the Trojans heard its
les dear to Jove arose, and Minerva flung her tas- clarion tones they were dismayed; the horses turned
selled ægis round his strong shoulders; she crowned back with their chariots for they boded mischief,
his head with a halo of golden cloud from which and their drivers were awe-struck by the steady
she kindled a glow of gleaming fire. As the smoke flame which the grey-eyed goddess had kindled
that goes up into heaven from some city that is be- above the head of the great son of Peleus.
ing beleaguered on an island far out at sea—all day Thrice did Achilles raise his loud cry as he stood
long do men sally from the city and fight their hard- by the trench, and thrice were the Trojans and their
est, and at the going down of the sun the line of brave allies thrown into confusion; whereon twelve
beacon-fires blazes forth, flaring high for those that of their noblest champions fell beneath the wheels

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of their chariots and perished by their own spears. with all sincerity and goodwill, therefore, he ad-
The Achæans to their great joy then drew Patroclus dressed them thus—
out of reach of the weapons, and laid him on a lit- “Look to it well, my friends; I would urge you to
ter: his comrades stood mourning round him, and go back now to your city and not wait here by the
among them fleet Achilles who wept bitterly as he ships till morning, for we are far from our walls. So
saw his true comrade lying dead upon his bier. He long as this man was at enmity with Agamemnon
had sent him out with horses and chariots into the Achæans were easier to deal with, and I would
battle, but his return he was not to welcome. have gladly camped by the ships in the hope of tak-
Then Juno sent the busy sun, loth though he was, ing them; but now I go in great fear of the fleet son
into the waters of Oceanus; so he set, and the of Peleus; he is so daring that he will never bide
Achæans had rest from the tug and turmoil of war. here on the plain whereon the Trojans and Achæans
Now the Trojans when they had come out of the fight with equal valour, but he will try to storm our
fight, unyoked their horses and gathered in assem- city and carry off our women. Do then as I say, and
bly before preparing their supper. They kept their let us retreat. For this is what will happen. The dark-
feet, nor would any dare to sit down, for fear had ness of night will for a time stay the son of Peleus,
fallen upon them all because Achilles had shown but if he find us here in the morning when he sal-
himself after having held aloof so long from battle. lies forth in full armour, we shall have knowledge
Polydamas son of Panthous was first to speak, a of him in good earnest. Glad indeed will he be who
man of judgement, who alone among them could can escape and get back to Ilius, and many a Trojan
look both before and after. He was comrade to Hec- will become meat for dogs and vultures may I never
tor, and they had been born upon the same night; live to hear it. If we do as I say, little though we

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may like it, we shall have strength in counsel dur- glory here and to hem the Achæans in at their ships,
ing the night, and the great gates with the doors prate no more in this fool’s wise among the people.
that close them will protect the city. At dawn we You will have no man with you; it shall not be; do
can arm and take our stand on the walls; he will all of you as I now say— take your suppers in your
then rue it if he sallies from the ships to fight us. companies throughout the host, and keep your
He will go back when he has given his horses their watches and be wakeful every man of you. If any
fill of being driven all whithers under our walls, and Trojan is uneasy about his possessions, let him
will be in no mind to try and force his way into the gather them and give them out among the people.
city. Neither will he ever sack it, dogs shall devour Better let these, rather than the Achæans, have
him ere he do so.” them. At daybreak we will arm and fight about the
Hector looked fiercely at him and answered, ships; granted that Achilles has again come forward
“Polydamas, your words are not to my liking in that to defend them, let it be as he will, but it shall go
you bid us go back and be pent within the city. hard with him. I shall not shun him, but will fight
Have you not had enough of being cooped up be- him, to fall or conquer. The god of war deals out
hind walls? In the old-days the city of Priam was like measure to all, and the slayer may yet be slain.”
famous the whole world over for its wealth of gold Thus spoke Hector; and the Trojans, fools that
and bronze, but our treasures are wasted out of our they were, shouted in applause, for Pallas Minerva
houses, and much goods have been sold away to had robbed them of their understanding. They gave
Phrygia and fair Meonia, for the hand of Jove has ear to Hector with his evil counsel, but the wise
been laid heavily upon us. Now, therefore, that the words of Polydamas no man would heed. They took
son of scheming Saturn has vouchsafed me to win their supper throughout the host, and meanwhile

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through the whole night the Achæans mourned brought hither the head and armour of mighty
Patroclus, and the son of Peleus led them in their Hector who has slain you. Twelve noble sons of Tro-
lament. He laid his murderous hands upon the jans will I behead before your bier to avenge you;
breast of his comrade, groaning again and again as till I have done so you shall lie as you are by the
a bearded lion when a man who was chasing deer ships, and fair women of Troy and Dardanus, whom
has robbed him of his young in some dense forest; we have taken with spear and strength of arm when
when the lion comes back he is furious, and searches we sacked men’s goodly cities, shall weep over you
dingle and dell to track the hunter if he can find both night and day.”
him, for he is mad with rage—even so with many a Then Achilles told his men to set a large tripod
sigh did Achilles speak among the Myrmidons say- upon the fire that they might wash the clotted gore
ing, “Alas! vain were the words with which I cheered from off Patroclus. Thereon they set a tripod full of
the hero Menoetius in his own house; I said that I bath water on to a clear fire: they threw sticks on to
would bring his brave son back again to Opoeis af- it to make it blaze, and the water became hot as the
ter he had sacked Ilius and taken his share of the flame played about the belly of the tripod. When
spoils—but Jove does not give all men their heart’s the water in the cauldron was boiling they washed
desire. The same soil shall be reddened here at Troy the body, anointed it with oil, and closed its wounds
by the blood of us both, for I too shall never be with ointment that had been kept nine years. Then
welcomed home by the old knight Peleus, nor by they laid it on a bier and covered it with a linen
my mother Thetis, but even in this place shall the cloth from head to foot, and over this they laid a
earth cover me. Nevertheless, O Patroclus, now that fair white robe. Thus all night long did the Myrmi-
I am left behind you, I will not bury you, till I have dons gather round Achilles to mourn Patroclus.

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Then Jove said to Juno his sister-wife, “So, Queen were finished all but the ears of cunning workman-
Juno, you have gained your end, and have roused ship which yet remained to be fixed to them: these
fleet Achilles. One would think that the Achæans he was now fixing, and he was hammering at the
were of your own flesh and blood.” rivets. While he was thus at work silver-footed
And Juno answered, “Dread son of Saturn, why Thetis came to the house. Charis, of graceful head-
should you say this thing? May not a man though dress, wife to the far-famed lame god, came towards
he be only mortal and knows less than we do, do her as soon as she saw her, and took her hand in
what he can for another person? And shall not I— her own, saying, “Why have you come to our house,
foremost of all goddesses both by descent and as Thetis, honoured and ever welcome—for you do not
wife to you who reign in heaven—devise evil for visit us often? Come inside and let me set refresh-
the Trojans if I am angry with them?” ment before you.”
Thus did they converse. Meanwhile Thetis came The goddess led the way as she spoke, and bade
to the house of Vulcan, imperishable, star- Thetis sit on a richly decorated seat inlaid with sil-
bespangled, fairest of the abodes in heaven, a house ver; there was a footstool also under her feet. Then
of bronze wrought by the lame god’s own hands. she called Vulcan and said, “Vulcan, come here,
She found him busy with his bellows, sweating and Thetis wants you”; and the far-famed lame god an-
hard at work, for he was making twenty tripods swered, “Then it is indeed an august and honoured
that were to stand by the wall of his house, and he goddess who has come here; she it was that took
set wheels of gold under them all that they might care of me when I was suffering from the heavy fall
go of their own selves to the assemblies of the gods, which I had through my cruel mother’s anger—for
and come back again—marvels indeed to see. They she would have got rid of me because I was lame. It

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would have gone hardly with me had not Eurynome, were like real young women, with sense and reason,
daughter of the ever-encircling waters of Oceanus, voice also and strength, and all the learning of the
and Thetis, taken me to their bosom. Nine years immortals; these busied themselves as the king bade
did I stay with them, and many beautiful works in them, while he drew near to Thetis, seated her upon
bronze, brooches, spiral armlets, cups, and chains, a goodly seat, and took her hand in his own, say-
did I make for them in their cave, with the roaring ing, “Why have you come to our house, Thetis
waters of Oceanus foaming as they rushed ever past honoured and ever welcome—for you do not visit
it; and no one knew, neither of gods nor men, save us often? Say what you want, and I will do it for
only Thetis and Eurynome who took care of me. If, you at once if I can, and if it can be done at all.”
then, Thetis has come to my house I must make Thetis wept and answered, “Vulcan, is there an-
her due requital for having saved me; entertain her, other goddess in Olympus whom the son of Saturn
therefore, with all hospitality, while I put by my has been pleased to try with so much affliction as
bellows and all my tools.” he has me? Me alone of the marine goddesses did
On this the mighty monster hobbled off from his he make subject to a mortal husband, Peleus son of
anvil, his thin legs plying lustily under him. He set Æacus, and sorely against my will did I submit to
the bellows away from the fire, and gathered his the embraces of one who was but mortal, and who
tools into a silver chest. Then he took a sponge and now stays at home worn out with age. Neither is
washed his face and hands, his shaggy chest and this all. Heaven vouchsafed me a son, hero among
brawny neck; he donned his shirt, grasped his strong heroes, and he shot up as a sapling. I tended him as
staff, and limped towards the door. There were a plant in a goodly garden and sent him with his
golden handmaids also who worked for him, and ships to Ilius to fight the Trojans, but never shall I

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welcome him back to the house of Peleus. So long plate, for he lost his own when his true comrade
as he lives to look upon the light of the sun, he is in fell at the hands of the Trojans, and he now lies
heaviness, and though I go to him I cannot help stretched on earth in the bitterness of his soul.”
him; King Agamemnon has made him give up the And Vulcan answered, “Take heart, and be no
maiden whom the sons of the Achæans had awarded more disquieted about this matter; would that I
him, and he wastes with sorrow for her sake. Then could hide him from death’s sight when his hour is
the Trojans hemmed the Achæans in at their ships’ come, so surely as I can find him armour that shall
sterns and would not let them come forth; the el- amaze the eyes of all who behold it.”
ders, therefore, of the Argives besought Achilles and When he had so said he left her and went to his
offered him great treasure, whereon he refused to bellows, turning them towards the fire and bidding
bring deliverance to them himself, but put his own them do their office. Twenty bellows blew upon the
armour on Patroclus and sent him into the fight melting-pots, and they blew blasts of every kind,
with much people after him. All day long they some fierce to help him when he had need of them,
fought by the Scæan gates and would have taken and others less strong as Vulcan willed it in the
the city there and then, had not Apollo vouchsafed course of his work. He threw tough copper into the
glor y to Hector and slain the valiant son of fire, and tin, with silver and gold; he set his great
Menoetius after he had done the Trojans much evil. anvil on its block, and with one hand grasped his
Therefore I am suppliant at your knees if haply you mighty hammer while he took the tongs in the other.
may be pleased to provide my son, whose end is First he shaped the shield so great and strong,
near at hand, with helmet and shield, with goodly adorning it all over and binding it round with a
greaves fitted with ancle-clasps, and with a breast- gleaming circuit in three layers; and the baldric was

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made of silver. He made the shield in five thick- been killed, the one saying before the people that
nesses, and with many a wonder did his cunning he had paid damages in full, and the other that he
hand enrich it. had not been paid. Each was trying to make his
He wrought the earth, the heavens, and the sea; own case good, and the people took sides, each man
the moon also at her full and the untiring sun, with backing the side that he had taken; but the heralds
all the signs that glorify the face of heaven—the kept them back, and the elders sate on their seats
Pleiads, the Hyads, huge Orion, and the Bear, which of stone in a solemn circle, holding the staves which
men also call the Wain and which turns round ever the heralds had put into their hands. Then they
in one place, facing. Orion, and alone never dips rose and each in his turn gave judgement, and there
into the stream of Oceanus. were two talents laid down, to be given to him whose
He wrought also two cities, fair to see and busy judgement should be deemed the fairest.
with the hum of men. In the one were weddings About the other city there lay encamped two hosts
and wedding-feasts, and they were going about the in gleaming armour, and they were divided whether
city with brides whom they were escorting by torch- to sack it, or to spare it and accept the half of what
light from their chambers. Loud rose the cry of it contained. But the men of the city would not yet
Hymen, and the youths danced to the music of flute consent, and armed themselves for a surprise; their
and lyre, while the women stood each at her house wives and little children kept guard upon the walls,
door to see them. and with them were the men who were past fight-
Meanwhile the people were gathered in assem- ing through age; but the others sallied forth with
bly, for there was a quarrel, and two men were wran- Mars and Pallas Minerva at their head—both of
gling about the blood-money for a man who had them wrought in gold and clad in golden raiment,

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great and fair with their armour as befitting gods, the third was dead, and she was dragging him along
while they that followed were smaller. When they by his heel: and her robe was bedrabbled in men’s
reached the place where they would lay their am- blood. They went in and out with one another and
bush, it was on a riverbed to which live stock of all fought as though they were living people haling away
kinds would come from far and near to water; here, one another’s dead.
then, they lay concealed, clad in full armour. Some He wrought also a fair fallow field, large and thrice
way off them there were two scouts who were on ploughed already. Many men were working at the
the look-out for the coming of sheep or cattle, which plough within it, turning their oxen to and fro, fur-
presently came, followed by two shepherds who were row after furrow. Each time that they turned on reach-
playing on their pipes, and had not so much as a ing the headland a man would come up to them and
thought of danger. When those who were in am- give them a cup of wine, and they would go back to
bush saw this, they cut off the flocks and herds and their furrows looking forward to the time when they
killed the shepherds. Meanwhile the besiegers, when should again reach the headland. The part that they
they heard much noise among the cattle as they sat had ploughed was dark behind them, so that the
in council, sprang to their horses, and made with field, though it was of gold, still looked as if it were
all speed towards them; when they reached them being ploughed—very curious to behold.
they set battle in array by the banks of the river, He wrought also a field of harvest corn, and the
and the hosts aimed their bronze-shod spears at one reapers were reaping with sharp sickles in their hands.
another. With them were Strife and Riot, and fell Swathe after swathe fell to the ground in a straight
Fate who was dragging three men after her, one with line behind them, and the binders bound them in
a fresh wound, and the other unwounded, while bands of twisted straw. There were three binders, and

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behind them there were boys who gathered the cut the cows of gold and tin, and they lowed as they
corn in armfuls and kept on bringing them to be came full speed out of the yards to go and feed
bound: among them all the owner of the land stood among the waving reeds that grow by the banks of
by in silence and was glad. The servants were getting the river. Along with the cattle there went four shep-
a meal ready under an oak, for they had sacrificed a herds, all of them in gold, and their nine fleet dogs
great ox, and were busy cutting him up, while the went with them. Two terrible lions had fastened on
women were making a porridge of much white bar- a bellowing bull that was with the foremost cows,
ley for the labourers’ dinner. and bellow as he might they haled him, while the
He wrought also a vineyard, golden and fair to dogs and men gave chase: the lions tore through
see, and the vines were loaded with grapes. The the bull’s thick hide and were gorging on his blood
bunches overhead were black, but the vines were and bowels, but the herdsmen were afraid to do
trained on poles of silver. He ran a ditch of dark anything, and only hounded on their dogs; the dogs
metal all round it, and fenced it with a fence of tin; dared not fasten on the lions but stood by barking
there was only one path to it, and by this the vin- and keeping out of harm’s way.
tagers went when they would gather the vintage. The god wrought also a pasture in a fair moun-
Youths and maidens all blithe and full of glee, car- tain dell, and large flock of sheep, with a home-
ried the luscious fruit in plaited baskets; and with stead and huts, and sheltered sheepfolds.
them there went a boy who made sweet music with Furthermore he wrought a green, like that which
his lyre, and sang the Linus-song with his clear boy- Dædalus once made in Cnossus for lovely Ariadne.
ish voice. Hereon there danced youths and maidens whom
He wrought also a herd of homed cattle. He made all would woo, with their hands on one another’s

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wrists. The maidens wore robes of light linen, and the armour, he took it and set it before the mother
the youths well woven shirts that were slightly oiled. of Achilles; whereon she darted like a falcon from
The girls were crowned with garlands, while the the snowy summits of Olympus and bore away the
young men had daggers of gold that hung by silver gleaming armour from the house of Vulcan.
baldrics; sometimes they would dance deftly in a
ring with merry twinkling feet, as it were a potter BOOK XIX
sitting at his work and making trial of his wheel to
see whether it will run, and sometimes they would NOW WHEN DAWN IN ROBE OF SAFFRON was hasting
go all in line with one another, and much people from the streams of Oceanus, to bring light to mor-
was gathered joyously about the green. There was a tals and immortals, Thetis reached the ships with
bard also to sing to them and play his lyre, while the armour that the god had given her. She found
two tumblers went about performing in the midst her son fallen about the body of Patroclus and weep-
of them when the man struck up with his tune. ing bitterly. Many also of his followers were weep-
All round the outermost rim of the shield he set ing round him, but when the goddess came among
the mighty stream of the river Oceanus. them she clasped his hand in her own, saying, “My
Then when he had fashioned the shield so great and son, grieve as we may we must let this man lie, for
strong, he made a breastplate also that shone brighter it is by heaven’s will that he has fallen; now, there-
than fire. He made helmet, close fitting to the brow, fore, accept from Vulcan this rich and goodly
and richly worked, with a golden plume overhanging armour, which no man has ever yet borne upon his
it; and he made greaves also of beaten tin. shoulders.”
Lastly, when the famed lame god had made all As she spoke she set the armour before Achilles,

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and it rang out bravely as she did so. The Myrmi- your anger against Agamemnon; arm at once, and
dons were struck with awe, and none dared look fight with might and main.”
full at it, for they were afraid; but Achilles was roused As she spoke she put strength and courage into
to still greater fury, and his eyes gleamed with a his heart, and she then dropped ambrosia and red
fierce light, for he was glad when he handled the nectar into the wounds of Patroclus, that his body
splendid present which the god had made him. might suffer no change.
Then, as soon as he had satisfied himself with look- Then Achilles went out upon the seashore, and
ing at it, he said to his mother, “Mother, the god with a loud cry called on the Achæan heroes. On
has given me armour, meet handiwork for an im- this even those who as yet had stayed always at the
mortal and such as no living could have fashioned; ships, the pilots and helmsmen, and even the stew-
I will now arm, but I much fear that flies will settle ards who were about the ships and served out ra-
upon the son of Menoetius and breed worms about tions, all came to the place of assembly because
his wounds, so that his body, now he is dead, will Achilles had shown himself after having held aloof
be disfigured and the flesh will rot.” so long from fighting. Two sons of Mars, Ulysses
Silver-footed Thetis answered, “My son, be not and the son of Tydeus, came limping, for their
disquieted about this matter. I will find means to wounds still pained them; nevertheless they came,
protect him from the swarms of noisome flies that and took their seats in the front row of the assem-
prey on the bodies of men who have been killed in bly. Last of all came Agamemnon, king of men, he
battle. He may lie for a whole year, and his flesh too wounded, for Coon son of Antenor had struck
shall still be as sound as ever, or even sounder. Call, him with a spear in battle.
therefore, the Achæan heroes in assembly; unsay When the Achæans were got together Achilles rose

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and said, “Son of Atreus, surely it would have been heroes,” said he, “servants of Mars, it is well to lis-
better alike for both you and me, when we two were ten when a man stands up to speak, and it is not
in such high anger about Briseis, surely it would seemly to interrupt him, or it will go hard even with
have been better, had Diana’s arrow slain her at the a practised speaker. Who can either hear or speak
ships on the day when I took her after having sacked in an uproar? Even the finest orator will be discon-
Lyrnessus. For so, many an Achæan the less would certed by it. I will expound to the son of Peleus,
have bitten dust before the foe in the days of my and do you other Achæans heed me and mark me
anger. It has been well for Hector and the Trojans, well. Often have the Achæans spoken to me of this
but the Achæans will long indeed remember our matter and upbraided me, but it was not I that did
quarrel. Now, however, let it be, for it is over. If we it: Jove, and Fate, and Erinys that walks in dark-
have been angry, necessity has schooled our anger. ness struck me mad when we were assembled on
I put it from me: I dare not nurse it for ever; there- the day that I took from Achilles the meed that
fore, bid the Achæans arm forthwith that I may go had been awarded to him. What could I do? All
out against the Trojans, and learn whether they will things are in the hand of heaven, and Folly, eldest
be in a mind to sleep by the ships or no. Glad, I of Jove’s daughters, shuts men’s eyes to their de-
ween, will he be to rest his knees who may fly my struction. She walks delicately, not on the solid
spear when I wield it.” earth, but hovers over the heads of men to make
Thus did he speak, and the Achæans rejoiced in them stumble or to ensnare them.
that he had put away his anger. “Time was when she fooled Jove himself, who they
Then Agamemnon spoke, rising in his place, and say is greatest whether of gods or men; for Juno,
not going into the middle of the assembly. “Danaan woman though she was, beguiled him on the day

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when Alcmena was to bring forth mighty Hercules stayed the offspring of Alcmena, and kept back the
in the fair city of Thebes. He told it out among the Ilithuiæ. Then she went to tell Jove the son of Sat-
gods saying, ‘Hear me all gods and goddesses, that urn, and said, ‘Father Jove, lord of the lightning—I
I may speak even as I am minded; this day shall an have a word for your ear. There is a fine child born
Ilithuia, helper of women who are in labour, bring a this day, Eurystheus, son to Sthenelus the son of
man child into the world who shall be lord over all Perseus; he is of your lineage; it is well, therefore,
that dwell about him who are of my blood and lin- that he should reign over the Argives.’
eage.’ Then said Juno all crafty and full of guile, “On this Jove was stung to the very quick, and in
‘You will play false, and will not hold to your word. his rage he caught Folly by the hair, and swore a
Swear me, O Olympian, swear me a great oath, that great oath that never should she again invade starry
he who shall this day fall between the feet of a heaven and Olympus, for she was the bane of all.
woman, shall be lord over all that dwell about him Then he whirled her round with a twist of his hand,
who are of your blood and lineage.’ and flung her down from heaven so that she fell on
“Thus she spoke, and Jove suspected her not, but to the fields of mortal men; and he was ever angry
swore the great oath, to his much ruing thereafter. with her when he saw his son groaning under the
For Juno darted down from the high summit of cruel labours that Eurystheus laid upon him. Even
Olympus, and went in haste to Achæan Argos where so did I grieve when mighty Hector was killing the
she knew that the noble wife of Sthenelus son of Argives at their ships, and all the time I kept think-
Perseus then was. She being with child and in her ing of Folly who had so baned me. I was blind, and
seventh month, Juno brought the child to birth Jove robbed me of my reason; I will now make atone-
though there was a month still wanting, but she ment, and will add much treasure by way of amends.

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Go, therefore, into battle, you and your people with and stay. No man can do battle the livelong day to
you. I will give you all that Ulysses offered you yes- the going down of the sun if he is without food; how-
terday in your tents: or if it so please you, wait, ever much he may want to fight his strength will fail
though you would fain fight at once, and my squires him before he knows it; hunger and thirst will find
shall bring the gifts from my ship, that you may see him out, and his limbs will grow weary under him.
whether what I give you is enough.” But a man can fight all day if he is full fed with meat
And Achilles answered, “Son of Atreus, king of and wine; his heart beats high, and his strength will
men Agamemnon, you can give such gifts as you stay till he has routed all his foes; therefore, send the
think proper, or you can withhold them: it is in people away and bid them prepare their meal; King
your own hands. Let us now set battle in array; it is Agamemnon will bring out the gifts in presence of
not well to tarry talking about trifles, for there is a the assembly, that all may see them and you may be
deed which is as yet to do. Achilles shall again be satisfied. Moreover let him swear an oath before the
seen fighting among the foremost, and laying low Argives that he has never gone up into the couch of
the ranks of the Trojans: bear this in mind each one Briseis, nor been with her after the manner of men
of you when he is fighting.” and women; and do you, too, show yourself of a gra-
Then Ulysses said, “Achilles, godlike and brave, cious mind; let Agamemnon entertain you in his tents
send not the Achæans thus against Ilius to fight the with a feast of reconciliation, that so you may have
Trojans fasting, for the battle will be no brief one, had your dues in full. As for you, son of Atreus, treat
when it is once begun, and heaven has filled both people more righteously in future; it is no disgrace
sides with fury; bid them first take food both bread even to a king that he should make amends if he was
and wine by the ships, for in this there is strength wrong in the first instance.”

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And King Agamemnon answered, “Son of Lærtes, till we have avenged them; afterwards at the going
your words please me well, for throughout you have down of the sun let them eat their fill. As for me,
spoken wisely. I will swear as you would have me Patroclus is lying dead in my tent, all hacked and
do; I do so of my own free will, neither shall I take hewn, with his feet to the door, and his comrades
the name of heaven in vain. Let, then, Achilles wait, are mourning round him. Therefore I can take
though he would fain fight at once, and do you thought of nothing save only slaughter and blood
others wait also, till the gifts come from my tent and the rattle in the throat of the dying.”
and we ratify the oath with sacrifice. Thus, then, Ulysses answered, “Achilles, son of Peleus, mighti-
do I charge you: take some noble young Achæans est of all the Achæans, in battle you are better than
with you, and bring from my tents the gifts that I I, and that more than a little, but in counsel I am
promised yesterday to Achilles, and bring the much before you, for I am older and of greater
women also; furthermore let Talthybius find me a knowledge. Therefore be patient under my words.
boar from those that are with the host, and make it Fighting is a thing of which men soon surfeit, and
ready for sacrifice to Jove and to the sun.” when Jove, who is wars steward, weighs the upshot,
Then said Achilles, “Son of Atreus, king of men it may well prove that the straw which our sickles
Agamemnon, see to these matters at some other have reaped is far heavier than the grain. It may
season, when there is breathing time and when I not be that the Achæans should mourn the dead
am calmer. Would you have men eat while the bod- with their bellies; day by day men fall thick and
ies of those whom Hector son of Priam slew are threefold continually; when should we have respite
still lying mangled upon the plain? Let the sons of from our sorrow? Let us mourn our dead for a day
the Achæans, say I, fight fasting and without food, and bury them out of sight and mind, but let those

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of us who are left eat and drink that we may arm voice was like that of a god came to him with the
and fight our foes more fiercely. In that hour let no boar. The son of Atreus drew the knife which he
man hold back, waiting for a second summons; such wore by the scabbard of his mighty sword, and be-
summons shall bode ill for him who is found lag- gan by cutting off some bristles from the boar, lift-
ging behind at our ships; let us rather sally as one ing up his hands in prayer as he did so. The other
man and loose the fury of war upon the Trojans.” Achæans sat where they were all silent and orderly
When he had thus spoken he took with him the to hear the king, and Agamemnon looked into the
sons of Nestor, with Meges son of Phyleus, Thoas, vault of heaven and prayed saying, “I call Jove the
Meriones, Lycomedes son of Creontes, and first and mightiest of all gods to witness, I call also
Melanippus, and went to the tent of Agamemnon Earth and Sun and the Erinyes who dwell below
son of Atreus. The word was not sooner said than and take vengeance on him who shall swear falsely,
the deed was done: they brought out the seven tri- that I have laid no hand upon the girl Briseis, nei-
pods which Agamemnon had promised, with the ther to take her to my bed nor otherwise, but that
twenty metal cauldrons and the twelve horses; they she has remained in my tents inviolate. If I swear
also brought the women skilled in useful arts, seven falsely may heaven visit me with all the penalties
in number, with Briseis, which made eight. Ulysses which it metes out to those who perjure themselves.”
weighed out the ten talents of gold and then led He cut the boar’s throat as he spoke, whereon
the way back, while the young Achæans brought Talthybius whirled it round his head, and flung it
the rest of the gifts, and laid them in the middle of into the wide sea to feed the fishes. Then Achilles
the assembly. also rose and said to the Argives, “Father Jove, of a
Agamemnon then rose, and Talthybius whose truth you blind men’s eyes and bane them. The

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son of Atreus had not else stirred me to so fierce an when Achilles slew my husband and sacked the city
anger, nor so stubbornly taken Briseis from me of noble Mynes, told me that I was not to weep, for
against my will. Surely Jove must have counselled you said you would make Achilles marry me, and
the destruction of many an Argive. Go, now, and take me back with him to Phthia, we should have a
take your food that we may begin fighting.” wedding feast among the Myrmidons. You were al-
On this he broke up the assembly, and every man ways kind to me and I shall never cease to grieve
went back to his own ship. The Myrmidons attended for you.”
to the presents and took them away to the ship of She wept as she spoke, and the women joined in
Achilles. They placed them in his tents, while the her lament-making as though their tears were for
stable-men drove the horses in among the others. Patroclus, but in truth each was weeping for her
Briseis, fair as Venus, when she saw the mangled own sorrows. The elders of the Achæans gathered
body of Patroclus, flung herself upon it and cried round Achilles and prayed him to take food, but he
aloud, tearing her breast, her neck, and her lovely groaned and would not do so. “I pray you,” said he,
face with both her hands. Beautiful as a goddess “if any comrade will hear me, bid me neither eat
she wept and said, “Patroclus, dearest friend, when nor drink, for I am in great heaviness, and will stay
I went hence I left you living; I return, O prince, to fasting even to the going down of the sun.”
find you dead; thus do fresh sorrows multiply upon On this he sent the other princes away, save only
me one after the other. I saw him to whom my fa- the two sons of Atreus and Ulysses, Nestor,
ther and mother married me, cut down before our Idomeneus, and the knight Phoenix, who stayed
city, and my three own dear brothers perished with behind and tried to comfort him in the bitterness
him on the self-same day; but you, Patroclus, even of his sorrow: but he would not be comforted till he

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should have flung himself into the jaws of battle, remains to him is oppressed alike with the infirmi-
and he fetched sigh on sigh, thinking ever of ties of age and ever present fear lest he should hear
Patroclus. Then he said— the sad tidings of my death.”
“Hapless and dearest comrade, you it was who He wept as he spoke, and the elders sighed in
would get a good dinner ready for me at once and concert as each thought on what he had left at home
without delay when the Achæans were hasting to behind him. The son of Saturn looked down with
fight the Trojans; now, therefore, though I have meat pity upon them, and said presently to Minerva, “My
and drink in my tents, yet will I fast for sorrow. child, you have quite deserted your hero; is he then
Grief greater than this I could not know, not even gone so clean out of your recollection? There he
though I were to hear of the death of my father, sits by the ships all desolate for the loss of his dear
who is now in Phthia weeping for the loss of me his comrade, and though the others are gone to their
son, who am here fighting the Trojans in a strange dinner he will neither eat nor drink. Go then and
land for the accursed sake of Helen, nor yet though drop nectar and ambrosia into his breast, that he
I should hear that my son is no more—he who is may know no hunger.”
being brought up in Scyros—if indeed Neoptolemus With these words he urged Minerva, who was al-
is still living. Till now I made sure that I alone was ready of the same mind. She darted down from
to fall here at Troy away from Argos, while you were heaven into the air like some falcon sailing on his
to return to Phthia, bring back my son with you in broad wings and screaming. Meanwhile the
your own ship, and show him all my property, my Achæans were arming throughout the host, and
bondsmen, and the greatness of my house—for when Minerva had dropped nectar and ambrosia
Peleus must surely be either dead, or what little life into Achilles so that no cruel hunger should cause

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his limbs to fail him, she went back to the house of sailors from out at sea, when men have lit a fire in
her mighty father. Thick as the chill snow-flakes their homestead high up among the mountains, but
shed from the hand of Jove and borne on the keen the sailors are carried out to sea by wind and storm
blasts of the north wind, even so thick did the gleam- far from the haven where they would be—even so
ing helmets, the bossed shields, the strongly plated did the gleam of Achilles’ wondrous shield strike
breastplates, and the ashen spears stream from the up into the heavens. He lifted the redoubtable hel-
ships. The sheen pierced the sky, the whole land met, and set it upon his head, from whence it shone
was radiant with their flashing armour, and the like a star, and the golden plumes which Vulcan
sound of the tramp of their treading rose from un- had set thick about the ridge of the helmet, waved
der their feet. In the midst of them all Achilles put all around it. Then Achilles made trial of himself in
on his armour; he gnashed his teeth, his eyes his armour to see whether it fitted him, so that his
gleamed like fire, for his grief was greater than he limbs could play freely under it, and it seemed to
could bear. Thus, then, full of fury against the Tro- buoy him up as though it had been wings.
jans, did he don the gift of the god, the armour that He also drew his father’s spear out of the spear-
Vulcan had made him. stand, a spear so great and heavy and strong that
First he put on the goodly greaves fitted with none of the Achæans save only Achilles had strength
ancle-clasps, and next he did on the breastplate to wield it; this was the spear of Pelian ash from the
about his chest. He slung the silver-studded sword topmost ridges of Mt. Pelion, which Chiron had
of bronze about his shoulders, and then took up once given to Peleus, fraught with the death of he-
the shield so great and strong that shone afar with roes. Automedon and Alcimus busied themselves
a splendour as of the moon. As the light seen by with the harnessing of his horses; they made the

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bands fast about them, and put the bit in their god whom lovely Leto bore that slew him as he fought
mouths, drawing the reins back towards the chariot. among the foremost, and vouchsafed a triumph to
Automedon, whip in hand, sprang up behind the Hector. We two can fly as swiftly as Zephyrus who
horses, and after him Achilles mounted in full they say is fleetest of all winds; nevertheless it is your
armour, resplendent as the sun-god Hyperion. Then doom to fall by the hand of a man and of a god.”
with a loud voice he chided with his father’s horses When he had thus said the Erinyes stayed his
saying, “Xanthus and Balius, famed offspring of speech, and Achilles answered him in great sadness,
Podarge—this time when we have done fighting be saying, “Why, O Xanthus, do you thus foretell my
sure and bring your driver safely back to the host of death? You need not do so, for I well know that I am
the Achæans, and do not leave him dead on the to fall here, far from my dear father and mother; none
plain as you did Patroclus.” the more, however, shall I stay my hand till I have
Then fleet Xanthus answered under the yoke— given the Trojans their fill of fighting.”
for white-armed Juno had endowed him with hu- So saying, with a loud cry he drove his horses to the
man speech—and he bowed his head till his mane front.
touched the ground as it hung down from under the BOOK XX
yoke-band. “Dread Achilles,” said he, “we will indeed
save you now, but the day of your death is near, and THUS, THEN, DID THE ACHÆANS ARM by their ships
the blame will not be ours, for it will be heaven and round you, O son of Peleus, who were hungering
stern fate that will destroy you. Neither was it through for battle; while the Trojans over against them armed
any sloth or slackness on our part that the Trojans upon the rise of the plain.
stripped Patroclus of his armour; it was the mighty Meanwhile Jove from the top of many-delled

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Olympus, bade Themis gather the gods in council, hither. I take thought for them even in their de-
whereon she went about and called them to the struction. For my own part I shall stay here seated
house of Jove. There was not a river absent except on Mt. Olympus and look on in peace, but do you
Oceanus, nor a single one of the nymphs that haunt others go about among Trojans and Achæans, and
fair groves, or springs of rivers and meadows of green help either side as you may be severally disposed.
grass. When they reached the house of cloud-com- If Achilles fights the Trojans without hindrance they
pelling Jove, they took their seats in the arcades of will make no stand against him; they have ever
polished marble which Vulcan with his consummate trembled at the sight of him, and now that he is
skill had made for father Jove. roused to such fury about his comrade, he will over-
In such wise, therefore, did they gather in the ride fate itself and storm their city.”
house of Jove. Neptune also, lord of the earthquake, Thus spoke Jove and gave the word for war,
obeyed the call of the goddess, and came up out of whereon the gods took their several sides and went
the sea to join them. There, sitting in the midst of into battle. Juno, Pallas Minerva, earth-encircling
them, he asked what Jove’s purpose might be. Neptune, Mercury bringer of good luck and excel-
“Why,” said he, “wielder of the lightning, have you lent in all cunning—all these joined the host that
called the gods in council? Are you considering some came from the ships; with them also came Vulcan
matter that concerns the Trojans and Achæans— in all his glory, limping, but yet with his thin legs
for the blaze of battle is on the point of being kindled plying lustily under him. Mars of gleaming helmet
between them?” joined the Trojans, and with him Apollo of locks
And Jove answered, “You know my purpose, unshorn, and the archer goddess Diana, Leto,
shaker of earth, and wherefore I have called you Xanthus, and laughter-loving Venus.

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So long as the gods held themselves aloof from earth, and bade the high hills tremble. The spurs
mortal warriors the Achæans were triumphant, for and crests of many-fountained Ida quaked, as also
Achilles who had long refused to fight was now with the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achæans.
them. There was not a Trojan but his limbs failed Hades, king of the realms below, was struck with
him for fear as he beheld the fleet son of Peleus all fear; he sprang panic-stricken from his throne and
glorious in his armour, and looking like Mars him- cried aloud in terror lest Neptune, lord of the earth-
self. When, however, the Olympians came to take quake, should crack the ground over his head, and
their part among men, forthwith uprose strong lay bare his mouldy mansions to the sight of mor-
Strife, rouser of hosts, and Minerva raised her loud tals and immortals—mansions so ghastly grim that
voice, now standing by the deep trench that ran even the gods shudder to think of them. Such was
outside the wall, and now shouting with all her the uproar as the gods came together in battle.
might upon the shore of the sounding sea. Mars Apollo with his arrows took his stand to face King
also bellowed out upon the other side, dark as some Neptune, while Minerva took hers against the god
black thunder-cloud, and called on the Trojans at of war; the archer-goddess Diana with her golden
the top of his voice, now from the acropolis, and arrows, sister of far-darting Apollo, stood to face
now speeding up the side of the river Simois till he Juno; Mercury the lusty bringer of good luck faced
came to the hill Callicolone. Leto, while the mighty eddying river whom men
Thus did the gods spur on both hosts to fight, can Scamander, but gods Xanthus, matched him-
and rouse fierce contention also among themselves. self against Vulcan.
The sire of gods and men thundered from heaven The gods, then, were thus ranged against one an-
above, while from beneath Neptune shook the vast other. But the heart of Achilles was set on meeting

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Hector son of Priam, for it was with his blood that him as his guardian angel, and even were it not so,
he longed above all things else to glut the stubborn his weapon flies ever straight, and fails not to pierce
lord of battle. Meanwhile Apollo set Æneas on to the flesh of him who is against him; if heaven would
attack the son of Peleus, and put courage into his let me fight him on even terms he should not soon
heart, speaking with the voice of Lycaon son of overcome me, though he boasts that he is made of
Priam. In his likeness therefore, he said to Æneas, bronze.”
“Æneas, counsellor of the Trojans, where are now Then said King Apollo, son to Jove, “Nay, hero,
the brave words with which you vaunted over your pray to the ever-living gods, for men say that you
wine before the Trojan princes, saying that you were born of Jove’s daughter Venus, whereas Achil-
would fight Achilles son of Peleus in single combat?” les is son to a goddess of inferior rank. Venus is
And Æneas answered, “Why do you thus bid me child to Jove, while Thetis is but daughter to the
fight the proud son of Peleus, when I am in no mind old man of the sea. Bring, therefore, your spear to
to do so? Were I to face him now, it would not be bear upon him, and let him not scare you with his
for the first time. His spear has already put me to taunts and menaces.”
Right from Ida, when he attacked our cattle and As he spoke he put courage into the heart of the
sacked Lyrnessus and Pedasus; Jove indeed saved shepherd of his people, and he strode in full armour
me in that he vouchsafed me strength to fly, else among the ranks of the foremost fighters. Nor did
had the fallen by the hands of Achilles and Minerva, the son of Anchises escape the notice of white-armed
who went before him to protect him and urged him Juno, as he went forth into the throng to meet Achil-
to fall upon the Lelegæ and Trojans. No man may les. She called the gods about her, and said, “Look
fight Achilles, for one of the gods is always with to it, you two, Neptune and Minerva, and consider

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how this shall be; Phoebus Apollo has been send- track, and let mortals fight it out among themselves.
ing Æneas clad in full armour to fight Achilles. Shall If Mars or Phoebus Apollo begin fighting, or keep
we turn him back at once, or shall one of us stand Achilles in check so that he cannot fight, we too,
by Achilles and endow him with strength so that will at once raise the cry of battle, and in that case
his heart fail not, and he may learn that the chiefs they will soon leave the field and go back vanquished
of the immortals are on his side, while the others to Olympus among the other gods.”
who have all along been defending the Trojans are With these words the dark-haired god led the way
but vain helpers? Let us all come down from to the high earth-barrow of Hercules, built round
Olympus and join in the fight, that this day he may solid masonry, and made by the Trojans and Pallas
take no hurt at the hands of the Trojans. Hereafter Minerva for him fly to when the sea-monster was
let him suffer whatever fate may have spun out for chasing him from the shore on to the plain. Here
him when he was begotten and his mother bore him. Neptune and those that were with him took their
If Achilles be not thus assured by the voice of a seats, wrapped in a thick cloud of darkness; but the
god, he may come to fear presently when one of us other gods seated themselves on the brow of
meets him in battle, for the gods are terrible if they Callicolone round you, O Phoebus, and Mars the
are seen face to face.” waster of cities.
Neptune lord of the earthquake answered her say- Thus did the gods sit apart and form their plans,
ing, “Juno, restrain your fury; it is not well; I am but neither side was willing to begin battle with the
not in favour of forcing the other gods to fight us, other, and Jove from his seat on high was in com-
for the advantage is too greatly on our own side; let mand over them all. Meanwhile the whole plain
us take our places on some hill out of the beaten was alive with men and horses, and blazing with

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the gleam of armour. The earth rang again under do you stand thus out before the host to fight me?
the tramp of their feet as they rushed towards each Is it that you hope to reign over the Trojans in the
other, and two champions, by far the foremost of seat of Priam? Nay, though you kill me Priam will
them all, met between the hosts to fight—to wit, not hand his kingdom over to you. He is a man of
Æneas son of Anchises, and noble Achilles. sound judgement, and he has sons of his own. Or
Æneas was first to stride forward in attack, his have the Trojans been allotting you a demesne of
doughty helmet tossing defiance as he came on. He passing richness, fair with orchard lawns and corn
held his strong shield before his breast, and bran- lands, if you should slay me? This you shall hardly
dished his bronze spear. The son of Peleus from the do. I have discomfited you once already. Have you
other side sprang forth to meet him, fike some fierce forgotten how when you were alone I chased you
lion that the whole country-side has met to hunt from your herds helter-skelter down the slopes of
and kill—at first he bodes no ill, but when some Ida? You did not turn round to look behind you;
daring youth has struck him with a spear, he you took refuge in Lyrnessus, but I attacked the
crouches openmouthed, his jaws foam, he roars with city, and with the help of Minerva and father Jove I
fury, he lashes his tail from side to side about his sacked it and carried its women into captivity,
ribs and loins, and glares as he springs straight be- though Jove and the other gods rescued you. You
fore him, to find out whether he is to slay, or be think they will protect you now, but they will not
slain among the foremost of his foes—even with do so; therefore I say go back into the host, and do
such fury did Achilles burn to spring upon Æneas. not face me, or you will rue it. Even a fool may be
When they were now close up with one another wise after the event.”
Achilles was first to speak. “Æneas,” said he, “why Then Æneas answered, “Son of Peleus, think not

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that your words can scare me as though I were a the semblance of a dark-maned stallion. Twelve filly
child. I too, if I will, can brag and talk unseemly. foals did they conceive and bear him, and these, as
We know one another’s race and parentage as mat- they sped over the rich plain, would go bounding
ters of common fame, though neither have you ever on over the ripe ears of corn and not break them; or
seen my parents nor I yours. Men say that you are again when they would disport themselves on the
son to noble Peleus, and that your mother is Thetis, broad back of Ocean they could gallop on the crest
fair-haired daughter of the sea. I have noble Anchises of a breaker. Erichthonius begat Tros, king of the
for my father, and Venus for my mother; the par- Trojans, and Tros had three noble sons, Ilus,
ents of one or other of us shall this day mourn a Assaracus, and Ganymede who was comeliest of
son, for it will be more than silly talk that shall part mortal men; wherefore the gods carried him off to
us when the fight is over. Learn, then, my lineage if be Jove’s cupbearer, for his beauty’s sake, that he
you will—and it is known to many. might dwell among the immortals. Ilus begat
“In the beginning Dardanus was the son of Jove, Laomedon, and Laomedon begat Tithonus, Priam,
and founded Dardania, for Ilius was not yet Lampus, Clytius, and Hiketaon of the stock of Mars.
stablished on the plain for men to dwell in, and her But Assaracus was father to Capys, and Capys to
people still abode on the spurs of many-fountained Anchises, who was my father, while Hector is son
Ida. Dardanus had a son, king Erichthonius, who to Priam.
was wealthiest of all men living; he had three thou- “Such do I declare my blood and lineage, but as
sand mares that fed by the water-meadows, they for valour, Jove gives it or takes it as he will, for he
and their foals with them. Boreas was enamoured is lord of all. And now let there be no more of this
of them as they were feeding, and covered them in prating in mid-battle as though we were children.

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We could fling taunts without end at one another; had made the shield in five, two of bronze, the two
a hundred-oared galley would not hold them. The innermost ones of tin, and one of gold; it was in
tongue can run all whithers and talk all wise; it can this that the spear was stayed.
go here and there, and as a man says, so shall he be Achilles in his turn threw, and struck the round
gainsaid. What is the use of our bandying hard like shield of Æneas at the very edge, where the bronze
women who when they fall foul of one another go was thinnest; the spear of Pelian ash went clean
out and wrangle in the streets, one half true and through, and the shield rang under the blow; Æneas
the other lies, as rage inspires them? No words of was afraid, and crouched backwards, holding the
yours shall turn me now that I am fain to fight— shield away from him; the spear, however, flew over
therefore let us make trial of one another with our his back, and stuck quivering in the ground, after
spears.” having gone through both circles of the sheltering
As he spoke he drove his spear at the great and shield. Æneas though he had avoided the spear,
terrible shield of Achilles, which rang out as the stood still, blinded with fear and grief because the
point struck it. The son of Peleus held the shield weapon had gone so near him; then Achilles sprang
before him with his strong hand, and he was afraid, furiously upon him, with a cry as of death and with
for he deemed that Æneas’s spear would go through his keen blade drawn, and Æneas seized a great
it quite easily, not reflecting that the god’s glorious stone, so huge that two men, as men now are, would
gifts were little likely to yield before the blows of be unable to lift it, but Æneas wielded it quite easily.
mortal men; and indeed Æneas’s spear did not pierce Æneas would then have struck Achilles as he was
the shield, for the layer of gold, gift of the god, stayed springing towards him, either on the helmet, or on
the point. It went through two layers, but the god the shield that covered him, and Achilles would have

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closed with him and despatched him with his sword, matter yourself, and consider concerning Æneas,
had not Neptune lord of the earthquake been quick whether you will save him, or suffer him, brave
to mark, and said forthwith to the immortals, “Alas, though he be, to fall by the hand of Achilles son of
I am sorry for great Æneas, who will now go down Peleus. For of a truth we two, I and Pallas Minerva,
to the house of Hades, vanquished by the son of have sworn full many a time before all the immor-
Peleus. Fool that he was to give ear to the counsel tals, that never would we shield Trojans from de-
of Apollo. Apollo will never save him from destruc- struction, not even when all Troy is burning in the
tion. Why should this man suffer when he is guilt- flames that the Achæans shall kindle.”
less, to no purpose, and in another’s quarrel? Has When earth-encircling Neptune heard this he
he not at all times offered acceptable sacrifice to went into the battle amid the clash of spears, and
the gods that dwell in heaven? Let us then snatch came to the place where Achilles and Æneas were.
him from death’s jaws, lest the son of Saturn be Forthwith he shed a darkness before the eyes of the
angry should Achilles slay him. It is fated, more- son of Peleus, drew the bronze-headed ashen spear
over, that he should escape, and that the race of from the shield of Æneas, and laid it at the feet of
Dardanus, whom Jove loved above all the sons born Achilles. Then he lifted Æneas on high from off the
to him of mortal women, shall not perish utterly earth and hurried him away. Over the heads of many
without seed or sign. For now indeed has Jove hated a band of warriors both horse and foot did he soar
the blood of Priam, while Æneas shall reign over as the god’s hand sped him, till he came to the very
the Trojans, he and his children’s children that shall fringe of the battle where the Cauconians were arm-
be born hereafter.” ing themselves for fight. Neptune, shaker of the
Then answered Juno, “Earth-shaker, look to this earth, then came near to him and said, Æneas, what

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god has egged you on to this folly in fighting the He sprang forward along the line and cheered his
son of Peleus, who is both a mightier man of valour men on as he did so. “Let not the Trojans,” he cried,
and more beloved of heaven than you are? Give “keep you at arm’s length, Achæans, but go for them
way before him whensoever you meet him, lest you and fight them man for man. However valiant I
go down to the house of Hades even though fate may be, I cannot give chase to so many and fight all
would have it otherwise. When Achilles is dead you of them. Even Mars, who is an immortal, or
may then fight among the foremost undaunted, for Minerva, would shrink from flinging himself into
none other of the Achæans shall slay you.” the jaws of such a fight and laying about him; nev-
The god left him when he had given him these ertheless, so far as in me lies I will show no slack-
instructions, and at once removed the darkness from ness of hand or foot nor want of endurance, not
before the eyes of Achilles, who opened them wide even for a moment; I will utterly break their ranks,
indeed and said in great anger, “Alas! what marvel and woe to the Trojan who shall venture within reach
am I now beholding? Here is my spear upon the of my spear.”
ground, but I see not him whom I meant to kill Thus did he exhort them. Meanwhile Hector
when I hurled it. Of a truth Æneas also must be called upon the Trojans and declared that he would
under heaven’s protection, although I had thought fight Achilles. “Be not afraid, proud Trojans,” said
his boasting was idle. Let him go hang; he will be in he, “to face the son of Peleus; I could fight gods
no mood to fight me further, seeing how narrowly myself if the battle were one of words only, but they
he has missed being killed. I will now give my or- would be more than a match for me, if we had to
ders to the Danaans and attack some other of the use our spears. Even so the deed of Achilles will fall
Trojans.” somewhat short of his word; he will do in part, and

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the other part he will clip short. I will go up against ing on towards him, and split it clean in two;
him though his hands be as fire—though his hands whereon he fell heavily to the ground and Achilles
be fire and his strength iron.” vaunted over him saying, “You he low, son of
Thus urged the Trojans lifted up their spears Otrynteus, mighty hero; your death is here, but your
against the Achæans, and raised the cry of battle as lineage is on the Gygæan lake where your father’s
they flung themselves into the midst of their ranks. estate lies, by Hyllus, rich in fish, and the eddying
But Phoebus Apollo came up to Hector and said, waters of Hermus.”
“Hector, on no account must you challenge Achil- Thus did he vaunt, but darkness closed the eyes
les to single combat; keep a lookout for him while of the other. The chariots of the Achæans cut him
you are under cover of the others and away from up as their wheels passed over him in the front of
the thick of the fight, otherwise he will either hit the battle, and after him Achilles killed Demoleon,
you with a spear or cut you down at close quarters.” a valiant man of war and son to Antenor. He struck
Thus he spoke, and Hector drew back within the him on the temple through his bronze-cheeked hel-
crowd, for he was afraid when he heard what the met. The helmet did not stay the spear, but it went
god had said to him. Achilles then sprang upon the right on, crushing the bone so that the brain inside
Trojans with a terrible cry, clothed in valour as with was shed in all directions, and his lust of fighting
a garment. First he killed Iphition son of Otrynteus, was ended. Then he struck Hippodamas in the mid-
a leader of much people whom a naiad nymph had riff as he was springing down from his chariot in
borne to Otrynteus waster of cities, in the land of front of him, and trying to escape. He breathed his
Hyde under the snowy heights of Mt. Tmolus. last, bellowing like a bull bellows when young men
Achilles struck him full on the head as he was com- are dragging him to offer him in sacrifice to the

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King of Helice, and the heart of the earth-shaker is les saw him he bounded forward and vaunted saying,
glad; even so did he bellow as he lay dying. Achilles “This is he that has wounded my heart most deeply and
then went in pursuit of Polydorus son of Priam, has slain my beloved comrade. Not for long shall we
whom his father had always forbidden to fight be- two quail before one another on the highways of war.”
cause he was the youngest of his sons, the one he He looked fiercely on Hector and said, “Draw near,
loved best, and the fastest runner. He, in his folly that you may meet your doom the sooner.” Hector feared
and showing off the fleetness of his feet, was rush- him not and answered, “Son of Peleus, think not that
ing about among front ranks until he lost his life, your words can scare me as though I were a child; I too
for Achilles struck him in the middle of the back as if I will can brag and talk unseemly; I know that you are
he was darting past him: he struck him just at the a mighty warrior, mightier by far than I, nevertheless the
golden fastenings of his belt and where the two issue lies in the the lap of heaven whether I, worse man
pieces of the double breastplate overlapped. The though I be, may not slay you with my spear, for this too
point of the spear pierced him through and came has been found keen ere now.”
out by the navel, whereon he fell groaning on to his He hurled his spear as he spoke, but Minerva
knees and a cloud of darkness overshadowed him as he breathed upon it, and though she breathed but very
sank holding his entrails in his hands. lightly she turned it back from going towards Achil-
When Hector saw his brother Polydorus with his en- les, so that it returned to Hector and lay at his feet
trails in his hands and sinking down upon the ground, a in front of him. Achilles then sprang furiously on
mist came over his eyes, and he could not bear to keep him with a loud cry, bent on killing him, but Apollo
longer at a distance; he therefore poised his spear and caught him up easily as a god can, and hid him in a
darted towards Achilles like a flame of fire. When Achil- thick darkness. Thrice did Achilles spring towards

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him spear in hand, and thrice did he waste his blow the son of Alastor—he came up to Achilles and
upon the air. When he rushed forward for the fourth clasped his knees in the hope that he would spare
time as though he were a god, he shouted aloud him and not kill him but let him go, because they
saying, “Hound, this time too you have escaped were both of the same age. Fool, he might have
death—but of a truth it came exceedingly near you. known that he should not prevail with him, for the
Phoebus Apollo, to whom it seems you pray before man was in no mood for pity or forbearance but
you go into battle, has again saved you; but if I too was in grim earnest. Therefore when Tros laid hold
have any friend among the gods I will surely make of his knees and sought a hearing for his prayers,
an end of you when I come across you at some other Achilles drove his sword into his liver, and the liver
time. Now, however, I will pursue and overtake other came rolling out, while his bosom was all covered
Trojans.” with the black blood that welled from the wound.
On this he struck Dryops with his spear, about Thus did death close his eyes as he lay lifeless.
the middle of his neck, and he fell headlong at his Achilles then went up to Mulius and struck him
feet. There he let him lie and stayed Demouchus on the ear with a spear, and the bronze spear-head
son of Philetor, a man both brave and of great stat- came right out at the other ear. He also struck
ure, by hitting him on the knee with a spear; then Echeclus son of Agenor on the head with his sword,
he smote him with his sword and killed him. After which became warm with the blood, while death
this he sprang on Laogonus and Dardanus, sons of and stern fate closed the eyes of Echeclus. Next in
Bias, and threw them from their chariot, the one order the bronze point of his spear wounded
with a blow from a thrown spear, while the other he Deucalion in the fore-arm where the sinews of the
cut down in hand-to-hand fight. There was also Tros elbow are united, whereon he waited Achilles’ on-

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set with his arm hanging down and death staring cattle—even so did the horses of Achilles trample
him in the face. Achilles cut his head off with a on the shields and bodies of the slain. The axle
blow from his sword and flung it helmet and all underneath and the railing that ran round the car
away from him, and the marrow came oozing out were bespattered with clots of blood thrown up by
of his backbone as he lay. He then went in pursuit the horses’ hoofs, and from the tyres of the wheels;
of Rhigmus, noble son of Peires, who had come from but the son of Peleus pressed on to win still further
fertile Thrace, and struck him through the middle glory, and his hands were bedrabbled with gore.
with a spear which fixed itself in his belly, so that
he fell headlong from his chariot. He also speared BOOK XXI
Areithous squire to Rhigmus in the back as he was
turning his horses in flight, and thrust him from NOW WHEN THEY CAME TO THE FORD of the full-flow-
his chariot, while the horses were struck with panic. ing river Xanthus, begotten of immortal Jove, Achil-
As a fire raging in some mountain glen after long les cut their forces in two: one half he chased over
drought—and the dense forest is in a blaze, while the plain towards the city by the same way that the
the wind carries great tongues of fire in every direc- Achæans had taken when flying panic-stricken on
tion—even so furiously did Achilles rage, wielding the preceding day with Hector in full triumph; this
his spear as though he were a god, and giving chase way did they fly pell-mell, and Juno sent down a
to those whom he would slay, till the dark earth ran thick mist in front of them to stay them. The other
with blood. Or as one who yokes broad-browed oxen half were hemmed in by the deep silver-eddying
that they may tread barley in a threshing-floor-and stream, and fell into it with a great uproar. The
it is soon bruised small under the feet of the lowing waters resounded, and the banks rang again, as they

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swam hither and thither with loud cries amid the bound their hands behind them with the girdles of
whirling eddies. As locusts flying to a river before their own shirts, and gave them over to his men to
the blast of a grass fire—the flame comes on and on take back to the ships. Then he sprang into the
till at last it overtakes them and they huddle into river, thirsting for still further blood.
the water—even so was the eddying stream of There he found Lycaon, son of Priam seed of
Xanthus filled with the uproar of men and horses, Dardanus, as he was escaping out of the water; he
all struggling in confusion before Achilles. it was whom he had once taken prisoner when he
Forthwith the hero left his spear upon the bank, was in his father’s vineyard, having set upon him
leaning it against a tamarisk bush, and plunged into by night, as he was cutting young shoots from a
the river like a god, armed with his sword only. Fell wild fig-tree to make the wicker sides of a chariot.
was his purpose as he hewed the Trojans down on Achilles then caught him to his sorrow unawares,
every side. Their dying groans rose hideous as the and sent him by sea to Lemnos, where the son of
sword smote them, and the river ran red with blood. Jason bought him. But a guest-friend, Eetion of
As when fish fly scared before a huge dolphin, and Imbros, freed him with a great sum, and sent him
fill every nook and corner of some fair haven—for to Arisbe, whence he had escaped and returned to
he is sure to eat all he can catch—even so did the his father’s house. He had spent eleven days hap-
Trojans cower under the banks of the mighty river, pily with his friends after he had come from Lemnos,
and when Achilles’ arms grew weary with killing but on the twelfth heaven again delivered him into
them, he drew twelve youths alive out of the water, the hands of Achilles, who was to send him to the
to sacrifice in revenge for Patroclus son of house of Hades sorely against his will. He was un-
Menoetius. He drew them out like dazed fawns, armed when Achilles caught sight of him, and had

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neither helmet nor shield; nor yet had he any spear, knees, whereby the spear passed over his back, and
for he had thrown all his armour from him on to stuck in the ground, hungering though it was for
the bank, and was sweating with his struggles to blood. With one hand he caught Achilles’ knees as
get out of the river, so that his strength was now he besought him, and with the other he clutched
failing him. the spear and would not let it go. Then he said,
Then Achilles said to himself in his surprise, “Achilles, have mercy upon me and spare me, for I
“What marvel do I see here? If this man can come am your suppliant. It was in your tents that I first
back alive after having been sold over into Lemnos, broke bread on the day when you took me prisoner
I shall have the Trojans also whom I have slain ris- in the vineyard; after which you sold away to
ing from the world below. Could not even the wa- Lemnos far from my father and my friends, and I
ters of the grey sea imprison him, as they do many brought you the price of a hundred oxen. I have
another whether he will or no? This time let him paid three times as much to gain my freedom; it is
taste my spear, that I may know for certain whether but twelve days that I have come to Ilius after much
mother earth who can keep even a strong man down, suffering, and now cruel fate has again thrown me
will be able to hold him, or whether thence too he into your hands. Surely father Jove must hate me,
will return.” that he has given me over to you a second time.
Thus did he pause and ponder. But Lycaon came Short of life indeed did my mother Laothoe bear
up to him dazed and trying hard to embrace his me, daughter of aged Altes—of Altes who reigns over
knees, for he would fain live, not die. Achilles thrust the warlike Lelegæ and holds steep Pedasus on the
at him with his spear, meaning to kill him, but river Satnioeis. Priam married his daughter along
Lycaon ran crouching up to him and caught his with many other women and two sons were born of

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her, both of whom you will have slain. Your spear my mother, but the hands of doom and death over-
slew noble Polydorus as he was fighting in the front shadow me all as surely. The day will come, either
ranks, and now evil will here befall me, for I fear at dawn or dark, or at the noontide, when one shall
that I shall not escape you since heaven has deliv- take my life also in battle, either with his spear, or
ered me over to you. Furthermore I say, and lay my with an arrow sped from his bow.”
saying to your heart, spare me, for I am not of the Thus did he speak, and Lycaon’s heart sank within
same womb as Hector who slew your brave and him. He loosed his hold of the spear, and held out
noble comrade.” both hands before him; but Achilles drew his keen
With such words did the princely son of Priam blade, and struck him by the collar-bone on his neck;
beseech Achilles; but Achilles answered him sternly. he plunged his two-edged sword into him to the
“Idiot,” said he, “talk not to me of ransom. Until very hilt, whereon he lay at full length on the
Patroclus fell I preferred to give the Trojans quarter, ground, with the dark blood welling from him till
and sold beyond the sea many of those whom I had the earth was soaked. Then Achilles caught him by
taken alive; but now not a man shall live of those the foot and flung him into the river to go down
whom heaven delivers into my hands before the stream, vaunting over him the while, and saying,
city of Ilius—and of all Trojans it shall fare hardest “Lie there among the fishes, who will lick the blood
with the sons of Priam. Therefore, my friend, you from your wound and gloat over it; your mother
too shall die. Why should you whine in this way? shall not lay you on any bier to mourn you, but the
Patroclus fell, and he was a better man than you eddies of Scamander shall bear you into the broad
are. I too—see you not how I am great and goodly? bosom of the sea. There shall the fishes feed on the
I am son to a noble father, and have a goddess for fat of Lycaon as they dart under the dark ripple of

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the waters—so perish all of you till we reach the les was slaying ruthlessly within his waters. When
citadel of strong Ilius—you in flight, and I follow- they were close up with one another Achilles was
ing after to destroy you. The river with its broad first to speak. “Who and whence are you,” said he,
silver stream shall serve you in no stead, for all the “who dare to face me? Woe to the parents whose
bulls you offered him and all the horses that you son stands up against me.” And the son of Pelegon
flung living into his waters. None the less miser- answered, “Great son of Peleus, why should you
ably shall you perish till there is not a man of you ask my lineage. I am from the fertile land of far
but has paid in full for the death of Patroclus and Pæonia, captain of the Pæonians, and it is now
the havoc you wrought among the Achæans whom eleven days that I am at Ilius. I am of the blood of
you have slain while I held aloof from battle.” the river Axius—of Axius that is the fairest of all
So spoke Achilles, but the river grew more and rivers that run. He begot the famed warrior Pelegon,
more angry, and pondered within himself how he whose son men call me. Let us now fight, Achilles.”
should stay the hand of Achilles and save the Tro- Thus did he defy him, and Achilles raised his spear
jans from disaster. Meanwhile the son of Peleus, of Pelian ash. Asteropæus failed with both his spears,
spear in hand, sprang upon Asteropæus son of for he could use both hands alike; with the one spear
Pelegon to kill him. He was son to the broad river he struck Achilles’ shield, but did not pierce it, for
Axius and Periboea eldest daughter of Acessamenus; the layer of gold, gift of the god, stayed the point;
for the river had lain with her. Asteropæus stood with the other spear he grazed the elbow of Achil-
up out of the water to face him with a spear in les! right arm drawing dark blood, but the spear
either hand, and Xanthus filled him with courage, itself went by him and fixed itself in the ground,
being angry for the death of the youths whom Achil- foiled of its bloody banquet. Then Achilles, fain to

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kill him, hurled his spear at Asteropæus, but failed was the son of Jove. Therefore as Jove is mightier
to hit him and struck the steep bank of the river, than any river that flows into the sea, so are his
driving the spear half its length into the earth. The children stronger than those of any river whatso-
son of Peleus then drew his sword and sprang furi- ever. Moreover you have a great river hard by if he
ously upon him. Asteropæus vainly tried to draw can be of any use to you, but there is no fighting
Achilles’ spear out of the bank by main force; thrice against Jove the son of Saturn, with whom not even
did he tug at it, trying with all his might to draw it King Achelous can compare, nor the mighty stream
out, and thrice he had to leave off trying; the fourth of deep-flowing Oceanus, from whom all rivers and
time he tried to bend and break it, but ere he could seas with all springs and deep wells proceed; even
do so Achilles smote him with his sword and killed Oceanus fears the lightnings of great Jove, and his
him. He struck him in the belly near the navel, so thunder that comes crashing out of heaven.”
that all his bowels came gushing out on to the With this he drew his bronze spear out of the
ground, and the darkness of death came over him bank, and now that he had killed Asteropæus, he
as he lay gasping. Then Achilles set his foot on his let him lie where he was on the sand, with the dark
chest and spoiled him of his armour, vaunting over water flowing over him and the eels and fishes busy
him and saying, “Lie there—begotten of a river nibbling and gnawing the fat that was about his
though you be, it is hard for you to strive with the kidneys. Then he went in chase of the Pæonians,
offspring of Saturn’s son. You declare yourself who were flying along the bank of the river in panic
sprung from the blood of a broad river, but I am of when they saw their leader slain by the hands of
the seed of mighty Jove. My father is Peleus, son of the son of Peleus. Therein he slew Thersilochus,
Æacus ruler over the many Myrmidons, and Æacus Mydon, Astypylus, Mnesus, Thrasius, Oeneus, and

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Ophelestes, and he would have slain yet others, had “Surely, son of Jove, lord of the silver bow, you are
not the river in anger taken human form, and spo- not obeying the commands of Jove who charged
ken to him from out the deep waters saying, “Achil- you straitly that you should stand by the Trojans
les, if you excel all in strength, so do you also in and defend them, till twilight fades, and darkness
wickedness, for the gods are ever with you to pro- is over an the earth.”
tect you: if, then, the son of Saturn has vouchsafed Meanwhile Achilles sprang from the bank into
it to you to destroy all the Trojans, at any rate drive mid-stream, whereon the river raised a high wave
them out of my stream, and do your grim work on and attacked him. He swelled his stream into a tor-
land. My fair waters are now filled with corpses, rent, and swept away the many dead whom Achil-
nor can I find any channel by which I may pour les had slain and left within his waters. These he
myself into the sea for I am choked with dead, and cast out on to the land, bellowing like a bull the
yet you go on mercilessly slaying. I am in despair, while, but the living he saved alive, hiding them in
therefore, O captain of your host, trouble me no his mighty eddies. The great and terrible wave gath-
further.” ered about Achilles, falling upon him and beating
Achilles answered, “So be it, Scamander, Jove-de- on his shield, so that he could not keep his feet; he
scended; but I will never cease dealing out death caught hold of a great elm-tree, but it came up by
among the Trojans, till I have pent them up in their the roots, and tore away the bank, damming the
city, and made trial of Hector face to face, that I stream with its thick branches and bridging it all
may learn whether he is to vanquish me, or I him.” across; whereby Achilles struggled out of the stream,
As he spoke he set upon the Trojans with a fury and fled full speed over the plain, for he was afraid.
like that of the gods. But the river said to Apollo, But the mighty god ceased not in his pursuit, and

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sprang upon him with a dark-crested wave, to stay the angry flood was tiring him out as it flowed past
his hands and save the Trojans from destruction. him and ate the ground from under his feet.
The son of Peleus darted away a spear’s throw from Then the son of Peleus lifted up his voice to
him; swift as the swoop of a black hunter-eagle heaven saying, “Father Jove, is there none of the
which is the strongest and fleetest of all birds, even gods who will take pity upon me, and save me from
so did he spring forward, and the armour rang loudly the river? I do not care what may happen to me
about his breast. He fled on in front, but the river afterwards. I blame none of the other dwellers on
with a loud roar came tearing after. As one who Olympus so severely as I do my dear mother, who
would water his garden leads a stream from some has beguiled and tricked me. She told me I was to
fountain over his plants, and all his ground-spade fall under the walls of Troy by the flying arrows of
in hand he clears away the dams to free the chan- Apollo; would that Hector, the best man among the
nels, and the little stones run rolling round and Trojans, might there slay me; then should I fall a
round with the water as it goes merrily down the hero by the hand of a hero; whereas now it seems
bank faster than the man can follow—even so did that I shall come to a most pitiable end, trapped in
the river keep catching up with Achilles albeit he this river as though I were some swineherd’s boy,
was a fleet runner, for the gods are stronger than who gets carried down a torrent while trying to cross
men. As often as he would strive to stand his ground, it during a storm.”
and see whether or no all the gods in heaven were in As soon as he had spoken thus, Neptune and
league against him, so often would the mighty wave Minerva came up to him in the likeness of two men,
come beating down upon his shoulders, and be would and took him by the hand to reassure him. Nep-
have to keep flying on and on in great dismay; for tune spoke first. “Son of Peleus,” said he, “be not

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so exceeding fearful; we are two gods, come with son of Peleus. He lifted his waters into a high crest
Jove’s sanction to assist you, I, and Pallas Minerva. and cried aloud to Simois saying, “Dear brother, let
It is not your fate to perish in this river; he will the two of us unite to save this man, or he will sack
abate presently as you will see; moreover we strongly the mighty city of King Priam, and the Trojans will
advise you, if you will be guided by us, not to stay not hold out against him. Help me at once; fill your
your hand from fighting till you have pent the Tro- streams with water from their sources, rouse all your
jan host within the famed walls of Ilius—as many torrents to a fury; raise your wave on high, and let
of them as may escape. Then kill Hector and go snags and stones come thundering down you that
back to the ships, for we will vouchsafe you a tri- we may make an end of this savage creature who is
umph over him.” now lording it as though he were a god. Nothing
When they had so said they went back to the shall serve him longer, not strength nor comeliness,
other immortals, but Achilles strove onward over nor his fine armour, which forsooth shall soon be
the plain, encouraged by the charge the gods had lying low in the deep waters covered over with mud.
laid upon him. All was now covered with the flood I will wrap him in sand, and pour tons of shingle
of waters, and much goodly armour of the youths round him, so that the Achæans shall not know
that had been slain was rifting about, as also many how to gather his bones for the silt in which I shall
corpses, but he forced his way against the stream, have hidden him, and when they celebrate his fu-
speeding right onwards, nor could the broad waters neral they need build no barrow.”
stay him, for Minerva had endowed him with great On this he upraised his tumultuous flood high
strength. Nevertheless Scamander did not slacken against Achilles, seething as it was with foam and
in his pursuit, but was still more furious with the blood and the bo&ies of the dead. The dark waters

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of the river stood upright and would have over- wind, blowing on an orchard that has been sodden
whelmed the son of Peleus, but Juno, trembling lest with autumn rain, soon dries it, and the heart of
Achilles should be swept away in the mighty tor- the owner is glad—even so the whole plan was dried
rent, lifted her voice on high and called out to Vulcan and the dead bodies were consumed. Then he turned
her son. “Crook-foot,” she cried, “my child, be up tongues of fire on to the river. He burned the elms
and doing, for I deem it is with you that Xanthus is the willows and the tamarisks, the lotus also, with
fain to fight; help us at once, kindle a fierce fire; I the rushes and marshy herbage that grew abun-
will then bring up the west and the white south dantly by the banks of the river. The eels and fishes
wind in a mighty hurricane from the sea, that shall that go darting about everywhere in the water, these,
bear the flames against the heads and armour of too, were sorely harassed by the flames that cun-
the Trojans and consume them, while you go along ning Vulcan had kindled, and the river himself was
the banks of Xanthus burning his trees and wrap- scalded, so that he spoke saying, “Vulcan, there is
ping him round with fire. Let him not turn you no god can hold his own against you. I cannot fight
back neither by fair words nor foul, and slacken you when you flare out your flames in this way;
not till I shout and tell you. Then you may stay strive with me no longer. Let Achilles drive the Tro-
your flames.” jans out of city immediately. What have I to do
On this Vulcan kindled a fierce fire, which broke with quarrelling and helping people?”
out first upon the plain and burned the many dead He was boiling as he spoke, and all his waters
whom Achilles had killed and whose bodies were were seething. As a cauldron upon ‘a large fire boils
lying about in great numbers; by this means the when it is melting the lard of some fatted hog, and
plain was dried and the flood stayed. As the north the lard keeps bubbling up all over when the dry

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faggots blaze under it—even so were the goodly Xanthus was now beaten, so these two left off
waters of Xanthus heated with the fire till they were fighting, for Juno stayed them though she was still
boiling. He could flow no longer but stayed his angry; but a furious quarrel broke out among the
stream, so afflicted was he by the blasts of fire which other gods, for they were of divided counsels. They
cunning Vulcan had raised. Then he prayed to Juno fell on one another with a mighty uproar—earth
and besought her saying, “Juno, why should your groaned, and the spacious firmament rang out as
son vex my stream with such especial fury? I am with a blare of trumpets. Jove heard as he was sit-
not so much to blame as all the others are who have ting on Olympus, and laughed for joy when he saw
been helping the Trojans. I will leave off, since you the gods coming to blows among themselves. They
so desire it, and let son leave off also. Furthermore were not long about beginning, and Mars piercer of
I swear never again will I do anything to save the shields opened the battle. Sword in hand he sprang
Trojans from destruction, not even when all Troy is at once upon Minerva and reviled her. “Why, vixen,”
burning in the flames which the Achæans will said he, “have you again set the gods by the ears in
kindle.” the pride and haughtiness of your heart? Have you
As soon as Juno heard this she said to her son forgotten how you set Diomed son of Tydeus on to
Vulcan, “Son Vulcan, hold now your flames; we wound me, and yourself took visible spear and drove
ought not to use such violence against a god for the it into me to the hurt of my fair body? You shall
sake of mortals.” now suffer for what you then did to me.”
When she had thus spoken Vulcan quenched his As he spoke he struck her on the terrible tasselled
flames, and the river went back once more into his ægis—so terrible that not even can Jove’s lightning
own fair bed. pierce it. Here did murderous Mars strike her with

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his great spear. She drew back and with her strong through the crowd out of the battle; go after her at
hand seized a stone that was lying on the plain— once.”
great and rugged and black—which men of old had Thus she spoke. Minerva sped after Venus with a
set for the boundary of a field. With this she struck will, and made at her, striking her on the bosom
Mars on the neck, and brought him down. Nine with her strong hand so that she fell fainting to the
roods did he cover in his fall, and his hair was all ground, and there they both lay stretched at full
soiled in the dust, while his armour rang rattling length. Then Minerva vaunted over her saying,
round him. But Minerva laughed and vaunted over “May all who help the Trojans against the Argives
him saying, “Idiot, have you not learned how far prove just as redoubtable and stalwart as Venus did
stronger I am than you, but you must still match when she came across me while she was helping
yourself against me? Thus do your mother’s curses Mars. Had this been so, we should long since have
now roost upon you, for she is angry and would do ended the war by sacking the strong city of Ilius.”
you mischief because you have deserted the Juno smiled as she listened. Meanwhile King Nep-
Achæans and are helping the Trojans.” tune turned to Apollo saying, “Phoebus, why should
She then turned her two piercing eyes elsewhere, we keep each other at arm’s length? it is not well,
whereon Jove’s daughter Venus took Mars by the now that the others have begun fighting; it will be
hand and led him away groaning all the time, for it disgraceful to us if we return to Jove’s bronze-floored
was only with great difficulty that he had come to mansion on Olympus without having fought each
himself again. When Queen Juno saw her, she said other; therefore come on, you are the younger of
to Minerva, “Look, daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, the two, and I ought not to attack you, for I am
unweariable, that vixen Venus is again taking Mars older and have had more experience. Idiot, you have

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no sense, and forget how we two alone of all the come out like leaves in summer and eat the fruit of
gods fared hardly round about Ilius when we came the field, and presently fall lifeless to the ground.
from Jove’s house and worked for Laomedon a whole Let us stay this fighting at once and let them settle
year at a stated wage and he gave us his orders. I it among themselves.”
built the Trojans the wall about their city, so wide He turned away as he spoke, for he would lay no
and fair that it might be impregnable, while you, hand on the brother of his own father. But his sis-
Phoebus, herded cattle for him in the dales of many ter the huntress Diana, patroness of wild beasts,
valleyed Ida. When, however, the glad hours brought was very angry with him and said, “So you would
round the time of payment, mighty Laomedon fly, Far-Darter, and hand victory over to Neptune
robbed us of all our hire and sent us off with noth- with a cheap vaunt to boot. Baby, why keep your
ing but abuse. He threatened to bind us hand and bow thus idle? Never let me again hear you brag-
foot and sell us over into some distant island. He ging in my father’s house, as you have often done
tried, moreover, to cut off the ears of both of us, so in the presence of the immortals, that you would
we went away in a rage, furious about the payment stand up and fight with Neptune.”
he had promised us, and yet withheld; in spite of Apollo made her no answer, but Jove’s august
all this, you are now showing favour to his people, queen was angry and upbraided her bitterly. “Bold
and will not join us in compassing the utter ruin of vixen,” she cried, “how dare you cross me thus? For
the proud Trojans with their wives and children.” all your bow you will find it hard to hold your own
And King Apollo answered, “Lord of the earth- against me. Jove made you as a lion among women,
quake, you would have no respect for me if I were and lets you kill them whenever you choose. You
to fight you about a pack of miserable mortals, who will And it better to chase wild beasts and deer upon

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the mountains than to fight those who are stronger when she had got them she made all haste after her
than you are. If you would try war, do so, and find daughter. Diana had now reached Jove’s bronze-
out by pitting yourself against me, how far stronger floored mansion on Olympus, and sat herself down
I am than you are.” with many tears on the knees of her father, while
She caught both Diana’s wrists with her left hand her ambrosial raiment was quivering all about her.
as she spoke, and with her right she took the bow The son of Saturn drew her towards him, and laugh-
from her shoulders, and laughed as she beat her ing pleasantly the while began to question her say-
with it about the ears while Diana wriggled and ing, “Which of the heavenly beings, my dear child,
writhed under her blows. Her swift arrows were shed has been treating you in this cruel manner, as though
upon the ground, and she fled weeping from under you had been misconducting yourself in the face of
Juno’s hand as a dove that flies before a falcon to everybody?” and the fair-crowned goddess of the
the cleft of some hollow rock, when it is her good chase answered, “It was your wife Juno, father, who
fortune to escape. Even so did she fly weeping away, has been beating me; it is always her doing when
leaving her bow and arrows behind her. there is any quarrelling among the immortals.”
Then the slayer of Argus, guide and guardian, said Thus did they converse, and meanwhile Phoebus
to Leto, “Leto, I shall not fight you; it is ill to come Apollo entered the strong city of Ilius, for he was
to blows with any of Jove’s wives. Therefore boast uneasy lest the wall should not hold out and the
as you will among the immortals that you worsted Danaans should take the city then and there, be-
me in fair fight.” fore its hour had come; but the rest of the ever-
Leto then gathered up Diana’s bow and arrows living gods went back, some angry and some trium-
that had fallen about amid the whirling dust, and phant to Olympus, where they took their seats be-

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side Jove lord of the storm cloud, while Achilles the gates, and when these were opened there was a
still kept on dealing out death alike on the Trojans haven of refuge for the Trojans. Apollo then came
and on their As when the smoke from some burn- full speed out of the city to meet them and protect
ing city ascends to heaven when the anger of the them. Right for the city and the high wall, parched
gods has kindled it—there is then toil for all, and with thirst and grimy with dust, still they fied on,
sorrow for not a few—even so did Achilles bring with Achilles wielding his spear furiously behind
toil and sorrow on the Trojans. them. For he was as one possessed, and was thirsting
Old King Priam stood on a high tower of the wall after glory.
looking down on huge Achilles as the Trojans fled Then had the sons of the Achæans taken the lofty
panic-stricken before him, and there was none to gates of Troy if Apollo had not spurred on Agenor,
help them. Presently he came down from off the valiant and noble son to Antenor. He put courage
tower and with many a groan went along the wall into his heart, and stood by his side to guard him,
to give orders to the brave warders of the gate. “Keep leaning against a beech tree and shrouded in thick
the gates,” said he, “wide open till the people come darkness. When Agenor saw Achilles he stood still
flying into the city, for Achilles is hard by and is and his heart was clouded with care. “Alas,” said he
driving them in rout before him. I see we are in great to himself in his dismay, “if I fly before mighty Achil-
peril. As soon as our people are inside and in safety, les, and go where all the others are being driven in
close the strong gates for I fear lest that terrible man rout, he will none the less catch me and kill me for a
should come bounding inside along with the oth- coward. How would it be were I to let Achilles drive
ers.” the others before him, and then fly from the wall to
As he spoke they drew back the bolts and opened the plain that is behind Ilius till I reach the spurs of

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Ida and can hide in the underwood that is thereon? Agenor son of Antenor refuse to fly till he had made
I could then wash the sweat from off me in the river trial of Achilles, and took aim at him with his spear,
and in the evening return to Ilius. But why com- holding his round shield before him and crying with
mune with myself in this way? Like enough he would a loud voice. “Of a truth,” said he, “noble Achilles,
see me as I am hurrying from the city over the plain, you deem that you shall this day sack the city of the
and would speed after me till he had caught me—I proud Trojans. Fool, there will be trouble enough yet
should stand no chance against him, for he is mighti- before it, for there is many a brave man of us still
est of all mankind. What, then, if I go out and meet inside who will stand in front of our dear parents
him in front of the city? His flesh too, I take it, can with our wives and children, to defend Ilius. Here
be pierced by pointed bronze. Life is the same in one therefore, huge and mighty warrior though you be,
and all, and men say that he is but mortal despite here shall you cue.
the triumph that Jove son of Saturn vouchsafes him.” As he spoke his strong hand hurled his javelin from
So saying he stood on his guard and awaited Achil- him, and the spear struck Achilles on the leg be-
les, for he was now fain to fight him. As a leopardess neath the knee; the greave of newly wrought tin rang
that bounds from out a thick covert to attack a loudly, but the spear recoiled from the body of him
hunter—she knows no fear and is not dismayed by whom it had struck, and did not pierce it, for the
the baying of the hounds; even though the man be gods gift stayed it. Achilles in his turn attacked noble
too quick for her and wound her either with thrust Agenor, but Apollo would not vouchsafe him glory,
or spear, still, though the spear has pierced her she for he snatched Agenor away and hid him in a thick
will not give in till she has either caught him in her mist, sending him out of the battle unmolested Then
grip or been killed outright—even so did noble he craftily drew the son of Peleus away from going

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after the host, for he put on the semblance of Agenor shoulders drew close up to the walls. But stern fate
and stood in front of Achilles, who ran towards him bade Hector stay where he was before Ilius and the
to give him chase and pursued him over the corn Scæan gates. Then Phoebus Apollo spoke to the
lands of the plain, turning him towards the deep son of Peleus saying, “Why, son of Peleus, do you,
waters of the river Scamander. Apollo ran but a little who are but man, give chase to me who am immor-
way before him and beguiled Achilles by making him tal? Have you not yet found out that it is a god
think all the time that he was on the point of over- whom you pursue so furiously? You did not harass
taking him. Meanwhile the rabble of routed Trojans the Trojans whom you had routed, and now they
was thankful to crowd within the city till their num- are within their walls, while you have been decoyed
bers thronged it; no longer did they dare wait for hither away from them. Me you cannot kill, for
one another outside the city walls, to learn who had death can take no hold upon me.”
escaped and who were fallen in fight, but all whose Achilles was greatly angered and said, “You have
feet and knees could still carry them poured pell- baulked me, Far-Darter, most malicious of all gods,
mell into the town. and have drawn me away from the wall, where many
another man would have bitten the dust ere he got
BOOK XXII within Ilius; you have robbed me of great glory and
have saved the Trojans at no risk to yourself, for
THUS THE TROJANS IN THE CITY, scared like fawns, you have nothing to fear, but I would indeed have
wiped the sweat from off them and drank to quench my revenge if it were in my power to do so.”
their thirst, leaning against the goodly battlements, On this, with fell intent he made towards the city,
while the Achæans with their shields laid upon their and as the winning horse in a chariot race strains

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every nerve when he is flying over the plain, even than I do, for so, dogs and vultures would soon de-
so fast and furiously did the limbs of Achilles bear vour him as he lay stretched on earth, and a load of
him onwards. King Priam was first to note him as grief would be lifted from my heart, for many a brave
he scoured the plain, all radiant as the star which son has he reft from me, either by killing them or
men call Orion’s Hound, and whose beams blaze selling them away in the islands that are beyond
forth in time of harvest more brilliantly than those the sea: even now I miss two sons from among the
of any other that shines by night; brightest of them Trojans who have thronged within the city, Lycaon
all though he be, he yet bodes ill for mortals, for he and Polydorus, whom Laothoe peeress among
brings fire and fever in his train—even so did Achil- women bore me. Should they be still alive and in
les’ armour gleam on his breast as he sped onwards. the hands of the Achæans, we will ransom them
Priam raised a cry and beat his head with his hands with gold and bronze, of which we have store, for
as he lifted them up and shouted out to his dear the old man Altes endowed his daughter richly; but
son, imploring him to return; but Hector still stayed if they are already dead and in the house of Hades,
before the gates, for his heart was set upon doing sorrow will it be to us two who were their parents;
battle with Achilles. The old man reached out his albeit the grief of others will be more short-lived
arms towards him and bade him for pity’s sake come unless you too perish at the hands of Achilles. Come,
within the walls. “Hector,” he cried, “my son, stay then, my son, within the city, to be the guardian of
not to face this man alone and unsupported, or you Trojan men and Trojan women, or you will both
will meet death at the hands of the son of Peleus, lose your own life and afford a mighty triumph to
for he is mightier than you. Monster that he is; the son of Peleus. Have pity also on your unhappy
would indeed that the gods loved him no better father while life yet remains to him—on me, whom

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the son of Saturn will destroy by a terrible doom and pointed to the breast which had suckled him.
on the threshold of old age, after I have seen my “Hector,” she cried, weeping bitterly the while,
sons slain and my daughters haled away as captives, “Hector, my son, spurn not this breast, but have
my bridal chambers pillaged, little children dashed pity upon me too: if I have ever given you comfort
to earth amid the rage of battle, and my sons’ wives from my own bosom, think on it now, dear son,
dragged away by the cruel hands of the Achæans; and come within the wall to protect us from this
in the end fierce hounds will tear me in pieces at man; stand not without to meet him. Should the
my own gates after some one has beaten the life wretch kill you, neither I nor your richly dowered
out of my body with sword or spear-hounds that I wife shall ever weep, dear offshoot of myself, over
myself reared and fed at my own table to guard my the bed on which you lie, for dogs will devour you
gates, but who will yet lap my blood and then lie at the ships of the Achæans.”
all distraught at my doors. When a young man falls Thus did the two with many tears implore their
by the sword in battle, he may lie where he is and son, but they moved not the heart of Hector, and
there is nothing unseemly; let what will be seen, all he stood his ground awaiting huge Achilles as he
is honourable in death, but when an old man is drew nearer towards him. As serpent in its den upon
slain there is nothing in this world more pitiable the mountains, full fed with deadly poisons, waits
than that dogs should defile his grey hair and beard for the approach of man—he is filled with fury and
and all that men hide for shame.” his eyes glare terribly as he goes writhing round his
The old man tore his grey hair as he spoke, but den—even so Hector leaned his shield against a
he moved not the heart of Hector. His mother hard tower that jutted out from the wall and stood where
by wept and moaned aloud as she bared her bosom he was, undaunted.

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“Alas,” said he to himself in the heaviness of his the mouths of their princes, take a solemn oath that
heart, “if I go within the gates, Polydamas will be they would hide nothing, but would divide into two
the first to heap reproach upon me, for it was he shares all that is within the city—but why argue
that urged me to lead the Trojans back to the city with myself in this way? Were I to go up to him he
on that awful night when Achilles again came forth would show me no kind of mercy; he would kill me
against us. I would not listen, but it would have then and there as easily as though I were a woman,
been indeed better if I had done so. Now that my when I had off my armour. There is no parleying
folly has destroyed the host, I dare not look Trojan with him from some rock or oak tree as young men
men and Trojan women in the face, lest a worse and maidens prattle with one another. Better fight
man should say, ‘Hector has ruined us by his self- him at once, and learn to which of us Jove will
confidence.’ Surely it would be better for me to re- vouchsafe victory.”
turn after having fought Achilles and slain him, or Thus did he stand and ponder, but Achilles came
to die gloriously here before the city. What, again, up to him as it were Mars himself, plumed lord of
if were to lay down my shield and helmet, lean my battle. From his right shoulder he brandished his
spear against the wall and go straight up to noble terrible spear of Pelian ash, and the bronze gleamed
Achilles? What if I were to promise to give up Helen, around him like flashing fire or the rays of the ris-
who was the fountainhead of all this war, and all ing sun. Fear fell upon Hector as he beheld him,
the treasure that Alexandrus brought with him in and he dared not stay longer where he was but fled
his ships to Troy, aye, and to let the Achæans di- in dismay from before the gates, while Achilles
vide the half of everything that the city contains darted after him at his utmost speed. As a moun-
among themselves? I might make the Trojans, by tain falcon, swiftest of all birds, swoops down upon

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some cowering dove—the dove flies before him but the prize was no mere beast for sacrifice or bullock’s
the falcon with a shrill scream follows close after, hide, as it might be for a common foot-race, but
resolved to have her—even so did Achilles make they ran for the life of Hector. As horses in a chariot
straight for Hector with all his might, while Hector race speed round the turning-posts when they are
fled under the Trojan wall as fast as his limbs could running for some great prize—a tripod or woman—
take him. at the games in honour of some dead hero, so did
On they flew along the waggon-road that ran hard these two run full speed three times round the city
by under the wall, past the lookout station, and of Priam. All the gods watched them, and the sire
past the weather-beaten wild fig-tree, till they came of gods and men was the first to speak.
to two fair springs which feed the river Scamander. “Alas,” said he, “my eyes behold a man who is
One of these two springs is warm, and steam rises dear to me being pursued round the walls of Troy;
from it as smoke from a burning fire, but the other my heart is full of pity for Hector, who has burned
even in summer is as cold as hail or snow, or the ice the thigh-bones of many a heifer in my honour, at
that forms on water. Here, hard by the springs, are one while on the of many-valleyed Ida, and again
the goodly washing-troughs of stone, where in the on the citadel of Troy; and now I see noble Achilles
time of peace before the coming of the Achæans in full pursuit of him round the city of Priam. What
the wives and fair daughters of the Trojans used to say you? Consider among yourselves and decide
wash their clothes. Past these did they fly, the one whether we shall now save him or let him fall, val-
in front and the other giving ha. behind him: good iant though he be, before Achilles, son of Peleus.”
was the man that fled, but better far was he that Then Minerva said, “Father, wielder of the light-
followed after, and swiftly indeed did they run, for ning, lord of cloud and storm, what mean you?

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Would you pluck this mortal whose doom has long head him back towards the plain, keeping himself
been decreed out of the jaws of death? Do as you always on the city side. As a man in a dream who
will, but we others shall not be of a mind with you.” fails to lay hands upon another whom he is pursu-
And Jove answered, “My child, Trito-born, take ing—the one cannot escape nor the other overtake—
heart. I did not speak in full earnest, and I will let even so neither could Achilles come up with Hec-
you have your way. Do without let or hindrance as tor, nor Hector break away from Achilles; neverthe-
you are minded.” less he might even yet have escaped death had not
Thus did he urge Minerva who was already eager, the time come when Apollo, who thus far had sus-
and down she darted from the topmost summits of tained his strength and nerved his running, was now
Olympus. no longer to stay by him. Achilles made signs to
Achilles was still in full pursuit of Hector, as a the Achæan host, and shook his head to show that
hound chasing a fawn which he has started from its no man was to aim a dart at Hector, lest another
covert on the mountains, and hunts through glade might win the glory of having hit him and he might
and thicket. The fawn may try to elude him by himself come in second. Then, at last, as they were
crouching under cover of a bush, but he will scent nearing the fountains for the fourth time, the father
her out and follow her up until he gets her—even of all balanced his golden scales and placed a doom in
so there was no escape for Hector from the fleet each of them, one for Achilles and the other for Hec-
son of Peleus. Whenever he made a set to get near tor. As he held the scales by the middle, the doom of
the Dardanian gates and under the walls, that his Hector fell down deep into the house of Hades—and
people might help him by showering down weap- then Phoebus Apollo left him. Thereon Minerva went
ons from above, Achilles would gain on him and close up to the son of Peleus and said, “Noble Achil-

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les, favoured of heaven, we two shall surely take back Then Minerva said, “Dear brother, my father and
to the ships a triumph for the Achæans by slaying mother went down on their knees and implored me,
Hector, for all his lust of battle. Do what Apollo may as did all my comrades, to remain inside, so great a
as he lies grovelling before his father, ægis-bearing Jove, fear has fallen upon them all; but I was in an agony
Hector cannot escape us longer. Stay here and take of grief when I beheld you; now, therefore, let us
breath, while I go up to him and persuade him to two make a stand and fight, and let there be no
make a stand and fight you.” keeping our spears in reserve, that we may learn
Thus spoke Minerva. Achilles obeyed her gladly, whether Achilles shall kill us and bear off our spoils
and stood still, leaning on his bronze-pointed ashen to the ships, or whether he shall fall before you.”
spear, while Minerva left him and went after Hec- Thus did Minerva inveigle him by her cunning,
tor in the form and with the voice of Deiphobus. and when the two were now close to one another
She came close up to him and said, “Dear brother, great Hector was first to speak. “I will-no longer fly
I see you are hard pressed by Achilles who is chas- you, son of Peleus,” said he, “as I have been doing
ing you at full speed round the city of Priam, let us hitherto. Three times have I fled round the mighty
await his onset and stand on our defence.” city of Priam, without daring to withstand you, but
And Hector answered, “Deiphobus, you have al- now, let me either slay or be slain, for I am in the
ways been dearest to me of all my brothers, chil- mind to face you. Let us, then, give pledges to one
dren of Hecuba and Priam, but henceforth I shall another by our gods, who are the fittest witnesses
rate you yet more highly, inasmuch as you have and guardians of all covenants; let it be agreed be-
ventured outside the wall for my sake when all the tween us that if Jove vouchsafes me the longer stay
others remain inside.” and I take your life, I am not to treat your dead

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body in any unseemly fashion, but when I have and stuck in the ground beyond; Minerva then
stripped you of your armour, I am to give up your snatched it up and gave it back to Achilles without
body to the Achæans. And do you likewise.” Hector’s seeing her; Hector thereon said to the son
Achilles glared at him and answered, “Fool, prate of Peleus, “You have missed your aim, Achilles, peer
not to me about covenants. There can be no cov- of the gods, and Jove has not yet revealed to you
enants between men and lions, wolves and lambs the hour of my doom, though you made sure that
can never be of one mind, but hate each other out he had done so. You were a false-tongued liar when
and out an through. Therefore there can be no un- you deemed that I should forget my valour and quail
derstanding between you and me, nor may there be before you. You shall not drive spear into the back
any covenants between us, till one or other shall of a runaway—drive it, should heaven so grant you
fall and glut grim Mars with his life’s blood. Put power, drive it into me as I make straight towards
forth all your strength; you have need now to prove you; and now for your own part avoid my spear if
yourself indeed a bold soldier and man of war. You you can—would that you might receive the whole
have no more chance, and Pallas Minerva will forth- of it into your body; if you were once dead the Tro-
with vanquish you by my spear: you shall now pay jans would find the war an easier matter, for it is
me in full for the grief you have caused me on ac- you who have harmed them most.”
count of my comrades whom you have killed in He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it.
battle.” His aim was true for he hit the middle of Achilles’
He poised his spear as he spoke and hurled it. shield, but the spear rebounded from it, and did
Hector saw it coming and avoided it; he watched it not pierce it. Hector was angry when he saw that
and crouched down so that it flew over his head the weapon had sped from his hand in vain, and

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stood there in dismay for he had no second spear. shield before his breast, and his gleaming helmet,
With a loud cry he called Diphobus and asked him made with four layers of metal, nodding fiercely
for one, but there was no man; then he saw the forward. The thick tresses of gold wi which Vulcan
truth and said to himself, “Alas! the gods have lured had crested the helmet floated round it, and as the
me on to my destruction. I deemed that the hero evening star that shines brighter than all others
Deiphobus was by my side, but he is within the through the stillness of night, even such was the
wall, and Minerva has inveigled me; death is now gleam of the spear which Achilles poised in his right
indeed exceedingly near at hand and there is no hand, fraught with the death of noble Hector. He
way out of it—for so Jove and his son Apollo the eyed his fair flesh over and over to see where he
far-darter have willed it, though heretofore they have could best wound it, but all was protected by the
been ever ready to protect me. My doom has come goodly armour of which Hector had spoiled
upon me; let me not then die ingloriously and with- Patroclus after he had slain him, save only the throat
out a struggle, but let me first do some great thing where the collar-bones divide the neck from the
that shall be told among men hereafter.” shoulders, and this is a most deadly place: here then
As he spoke he drew the keen blade that hung so did Achilles strike him as he was coming on towards
great and strong by his side, and gathering himself him, and the point of his spear went right through
together be sprang on Achilles like a soaring eagle the fleshy part of the neck, but it did not sever his
which swoops down from the clouds on to some windpipe so that he could still speak. Hector fell
lamb or timid hare—even so did Hector brandish headlong, and Achilles vaunted over him saying,
his sword and spring upon Achilles. Achilles mad “Hector, you deemed that you should come off
with rage darted towards him, with his wondrous scatheless when you were spoiling Patroclus, and

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recked not of myself who was not with him. Fool son of Dardanus should bid them offer me your
that you were: for I, his comrade, mightier far than weight in gold, even so your mother shall never lay
he, was still left behind him at the ships, and now I you out and make lament over the son she bore,
have laid you low. The Achæans shall give him all but dogs and vultures shall eat you utterly up.”
due funeral rites, while dogs and vultures shall work Hector with his dying breath then said, “I know
their will upon yourself.” you what you are, and was sure that I should not
Then Hector said, as the life ebbed out of him, “I move you, for your heart is hard as iron; look to it
pray you by your life and knees, and by your par- that I bring not heaven’s anger upon you on the
ents, let not dogs devour me at the ships of the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo, valiant though
Achæans, but accept the rich treasure of gold and you be, shall slay you at the Scæan gates.”
bronze which my father and mother will offer you, When he had thus said the shrouds of death en-
and send my body home, that the Trojans and their folded him, whereon his soul went out of him and
wives may give me my dues of fire when I am dead.” flew down to the house of Hades, lamenting its sad
Achilles glared at him and answered, “Dog, talk fate that it should en’ youth and strength no longer.
not to me neither of knees nor parents; would that But Achilles said, speaking to the dead body, “Die;
I could be as sure of being able to cut your flesh for my part I will accept my fate whensoever Jove
into pieces and eat it raw, for the ill have done me, and the other gods see fit to send it.”
as I am that nothing shall save you from the dogs— As he spoke he drew his spear from the body and
it shall not be, though they bring ten or twenty- set it on one side; then he stripped the blood-stained
fold ransom and weigh it out for me on the spot, armour from Hector’s shoulders while the other
with promise of yet more hereafter. Though Priam Achæans came running up to view his wondrous

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strength and beauty; and no one came near him the house of Hades, yet not even there will I forget
without giving him a fresh wound. Then would one the comrade whom I have lost. Now, therefore,
turn to his neighbour and say, “It is easier to handle Achæan youths, let us raise the song of victory and
Hector now than when he was flinging fire on to go back to the ships taking this man along with us;
our ships” and as he spoke he would thrust his spear for we have achieved a mighty triumph and have
into him anew. slain noble Hector to whom the Trojans prayed
When Achilles had done spoiling Hector of his throughout their city as though he were a god.”
armour, he stood among the Argives and said, “My On this he treated the body of Hector with con-
friends, princes and counsellors of the Argives, now tumely: he pierced the sinews at the back of both
that heaven has vouchsafed us to overcome this his feet from heel to ancle and passed thongs of ox-
man, who has done us more hurt than all the oth- hide through the slits he had made: thus he made
ers together, consider whether we should not at- the body fast to his chariot, letting the head trail
tack the city in force, and discover in what mind upon the ground. Then when he had put the goodly
the Trojans may be. We should thus learn whether armour on the chariot and had himself mounted,
they will desert their city now that Hector has fallen, he lashed his horses on and they flew forward noth-
or will still hold out even though he is no longer ing loth. The dust rose from Hector as he was being
living. But why argue with myself in this way, while dragged along, his dark hair flew all abroad, and his
Patroclus is still lying at the ships unburied, and head once so comely was laid low on earth, for Jove
unmourned—he Whom I can never forget so long had now delivered him into the hands of his foes to
as I am alive and my strength fails not? Though do him outrage in his own land.
men forget their dead when once they are within Thus was the head of Hector being dishonoured

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in the dust. His mother tore her hair, and flung her down to the house of Hades. Would that he had
veil from her with a loud cry as she looked upon died in my arms, for so both his ill-starred mother
her son. His father made piteous moan, and who bore him, and myself, should have had the
throughout the city the people fell to weeping and comfort of weeping and mourning over him.”
wailing. It was as though the whole of frowning Ilius Thus did he speak with many tears, and all the
was being smirched with fire. Hardly could the people of the city joined in his lament. Hecuba then
people hold Priam back in his hot haste to rush raised the cry of wailing among the Trojans. “Alas,
without the gates of the city. He grovelled in the my son,” she cried, “what have I left to live for now
mire and besought them, calling each one of them that you are no more? Night and day did I glory in.
by his name. “Let be, my friends,” he cried, “and you throughout the city, for you were a tower of
for all your sorrow, suffer me to go single-handed to strength to all in Troy, and both men and women
the ships of the Achæans. Let me beseech this cruel alike hailed you as a god. So long as you lived you
and terrible man, if maybe he will respect the feel- were their pride, but now death and destruction
ing of his fellow-men, and have compassion on my have fallen upon you.”
old age. His own father is even such another as Hector’s wife had as yet heard nothing, for no
myself—Peleus, who bred him and reared him to— one had come to tell her that her husband had re-
be the bane of us Trojans, and of myself more than mained without the gates. She was at her loom in
of all others. Many a son of mine has he slain in the an inner part of the house, weaving a double purple
flower of his youth, and yet, grieve for these as I web, and embroidering it with many flowers. She
may, I do so for one—Hector—more than for them told her maids to set a large tripod on the fire, so as
all, and the bitterness of my sorrow will bring me to have a warm bath ready for Hector when he came

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out of battle; poor woman, she knew not that he following after. When she reached the battlements
was now beyond the reach of baths, and that and the crowd of people, she stood looking out upon
Minerva had laid him low by the hands of Achilles. the wall, and saw Hector being borne away in front
She heard the cry coming as from the wall, and of the city—the horses dragging him without heed
trembled in every limb; the shuttle fell from her or care over the ground towards the ships of the
hands, and again she spoke to her waiting-women. Achæans. Her eyes were then shrouded as with the
“Two of you,” she said, “come with me that I may darkness of night and she fell fainting backwards.
learn what it is that has befallen; I heard the voice She tore the tiring from her head and flung it from
of my husband’s honoured mother; my own heart her, the frontlet and net with its plaited band, and
beats as though it would come into my mouth and the veil which golden Venus had given her on the
my limbs refuse to carry me; some great misfortune day when Hector took her with him from the house
for Priam’s children must be at hand. May I never of Eetion, after having given countless gifts of woo-
live to hear it, but I greatly fear that Achilles has ing for her sake. Her husband’s sisters and the wives
cut off the retreat of brave Hector and has chased of his brothers crowded round her and supported
him on to the plain where he was singlehanded; I her, for she was fain to die in her distraction; when
hear he may have put an end to the reckless daring she again presently breathed and came to herself,
which possessed my husband, who would never re- she sobbed and made lament among the Trojans say-
main with the body of his men, but would dash on ing, ‘Woe is me, O Hector; woe, indeed, that to share
far in front, foremost of them all in valour.” a common lot we were born, you at Troy in the house
Her heart beat fast, and as she spoke she flew from of Priam, and I at Thebes under the wooded moun-
the house like a maniac, with her waiting-women tain of Placus in the house of Eetion who brought

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me up when I was a child—ill-starred sire of an ill- say, ‘you have no father here,’ and the child will go
starred daughter—would that he had never begot- crying back to his widowed mother—he, Astyanax,
ten me. You are now going into the house of Hades who erewhile would sit upon his father’s knees, and
under the secret places of the earth, and you leave have none but the daintiest and choicest morsels set
me a sorrowing widow in your house. The child, of before him. When he had played till he was tired
whom you and I are the unhappy parents, is as yet a and went to sleep, he would lie in a bed, in the arms
mere infant. Now that you are gone, O Hector, you of his nurse, on a soft couch, knowing neither want
can do nothing for him nor he for you. Even though nor care, whereas now that he has lost his father his
he escape the horrors of this woful war with the lot will be full of hardship—he, whom the Trojans
Achæans, yet shall his life henceforth be one of labour name Astyanax, because you, O Hector, were the only
and sorrow, for others will seize his lands. The day defence of their gates and battlements. The wriggling
that robs a child of his parents severs him from his writhing worms will now eat you at the ships, far
own kind; his head is bowed, his cheeks are wet with from your parents, when the dogs have glutted them-
tears, and he will go about destitute among the friends selves upon you. You will lie naked, although in your
of his father, plucking one by the cloak and another house you have fine and goodly raiment made by
by the shirt. Some one or other of these may so far hands of women. This will I now burn; it is of no use
pity him as to hold the cup for a moment towards to you, for you can never again wear it, and thus you
him and let him moisten his lips, but he must not will have respect shown you by the Trojans both men
drink enough to wet the roof of his mouth; then one and women.”
whose parents are alive will drive him from the table In such wise did she cry aloud amid her tears, and
with blows and angry words. ‘Out with you,’ he will the women joined in her lament.

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BOOK XXIII stained hand on the breast of his friend. “Fare well,”
he cried, “Patroclus, even in the house of Hades. I
THUS DID THEY MAKE THEIR MOAN throughout the city, will now do all that I erewhile promised you; I will
while the A chæans when they reached the drag Hector hither and let dogs devour him raw;
Hellespont went back every man to his own ship. twelve noble sons of Trojans will I also slay before
But Achilles would not let the Myrmidons go, and your pyre to avenge you.”
spoke to his brave comrades saying, “Myrmidons, As he spoke he treated the body of noble Hector
famed horsemen and my own trusted friends, not with contumely, laying it at full length in the dust
yet, forsooth, let us unyoke, but with horse and beside the bier of Patroclus. The others then put
chariot draw near to the body and mourn Patroclus, off every man his armour, took the horses from their
in due honour to the dead. When we have had full chariots, and seated themselves in great multitude
comfort of lamentation we will unyoke our horses by the ship of the fleet descendant of Æacus, who
and take supper all of us here.” thereon feasted them with an abundant funeral
On this they all joined in a cry of wailing and banquet. Many a goodly ox, with many a sheep and
Achilles led them in their lament. Thrice did they bleating goat did they butcher and cut up; many a
drive their chariots all sorrowing round the body, tusked boar moreover, fat and well-fed, did they
and Thetis stirred within them a still deeper yearn- singe and set to roast in the flames of Vulcan; and
ing. The sands of the seashore and the men’s armour rivulets of blood flowed all round the place where
were wet with their weeping, so great a minister of the body was lying.
fear was he whom they had lost. Chief in all their Then the princes of the Achæans took the son of
mourning was the son of Peleus: he laid his blood- Peleus to Agamemnon, but hardly could they per-

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suade him to come with them, so wroth was he for were satisfied. As soon as they had had had enough
the death of his comrade. As soon as they reached to eat and drink, the others went to their rest each
Agamemnon’s tent they told the serving-men to set in his own tent, but the son of Peleus lay grieving
a large tripod over the fire in case they might per- among his Myrmidons by the shore of the sound-
suade the son of Peleus ‘to wash the clotted gore ing sea, in an open place where the waves came surg-
from this body, but he denied them sternly, and ing in one after another. Here a very deep slumber
swore it with a solemn oath, saying, “Nay, by King took hold upon him and eased the burden of his
Jove, first and mightiest of all gods, it is not meet sorrows, for his limbs were weary with chasing Hec-
that water should touch my body, till I have laid tor round windy Ilius. Presently the sad spirit of
Patroclus on the flames, have built him a barrow, Patroclus drew near him, like what he had been in
and shaved my head—for so long as I live no such stature, voice, and the light of his beaming eyes,
second sorrow shall ever draw nigh me. Now, there- clad, too, as he had been clad in life. The spirit
fore, let us do all that this sad festival demands, hovered over his head and said—
but at break of day, King Agamemnon, bid your “You sleep, Achilles, and have forgotten me; you
men bring wood, and provide all else that the dead loved me living, but now that I am dead you think
may duly take into the realm of darkness; the fire for me no further. Bury me with all speed that I
shall thus burn him out of our sight the sooner, and may pass the gates of Hades; the ghosts, vain shad-
the people shall turn again to their own labours.” ows of men that can labour no more, drive me away
Thus did he speak, and they did even as he had from them; they will not yet suffer me to join those
said. They made haste to prepare the meal, they that are beyond the river, and I wander all desolate
ate, and every man had his full share so that all by the wide gates of the house of Hades. Give me

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now your hand I pray you, for when you have once come hither to lay these charges upon me? will of
given me my dues of fire, never shall I again come my own self do all as you have bidden me. Draw
forth out of the house of Hades. Nevermore shall closer to me, let us once more throw our arms around
we sit apart and take sweet counsel among the liv- one another, and find sad comfort in the sharing of
ing; the cruel fate which was my birth-right has our sorrows.”
yawned its wide jaws around me—nay, you too He opened his arms towards him as he spoke and
Achilles, peer of gods, are doomed to die beneath would have clasped him in them, but there was
the wall of the noble Trojans. nothing, and the spirit vanished as a vapour, gib-
“One prayer more will I make you, if you will bering and whining into the earth. Achilles sprang
grant it; let not my bones be laid apart from yours, to his feet, smote his two hands, and made lamen-
Achilles, but with them; even as we were brought tation saying, “Of a truth even in the house of Ha-
up together in your own home, what time des there are ghosts and phantoms that have no life
Menoetius brought me to you as a child from Opoeis in them; all night long the sad spirit of Patroclus
because by a sad spite I had killed the son of has hovered over head making piteous moan, tell-
Amphidamas—not of set purpose, but in childish ing me what I am to do for him, and looking won-
quarrel over the dice. The knight Peleus took me drously like himself.”
into his house, entreated me kindly, and named me Thus did he speak and his words set them all
to be your squire; therefore let our bones lie in but weeping and mourning about the poor dumb dead,
a single urn, the two-handled golden vase given to till rosy-fingered morn appeared. Then King
you by your mother.” Agamemnon sent men and mules from all parts of
And Achilles answered, “Why, true heart, are you the camp, to bring wood, and Meriones, squire to

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Idomeneus, was in charge over them. They went their armour and mounted each his chariot—they
out with woodmen’s axes and strong ropes in their and their charioteers with them. The chariots went
hands, and before them went the mules. Up hill before, and they that were on foot followed as a
and down dale did they go, by straight ways and cloud in their tens of thousands after. In the midst
crooked, and when they reached the heights of of them his comrades bore Patroclus and covered
many-fountained Ida, they laid their axes to the him with the locks of their hair which they cut off
roots of many a tall branching oak that came thun- and threw upon his body. Last came Achilles with
dering down as they felled it. They split the trees his head bowed for sorrow, so noble a comrade was
and bound them behind the mules, which then he taking to the house of Hades.
wended their way as they best could through the When they came to the place of which Achilles
thick brushwood on to the plain. All who had been had told them they laid the body down and built
cutting wood bore logs, for so Meriones squire to up the wood. Achilles then bethought him of an-
Idomeneus had bidden them, and they threw them other matter. He went a space away from the pyre,
down in a line upon the seashore at the place where and cut off the yellow lock which he had let grow
Achilles would make a mighty monument for for the river Spercheius. He looked all sorrowfully
Patroclus and for himself. out upon the dark sea, and said, “Spercheius, in
When they had thrown down their great logs of vain did my father Peleus vow to you that when I
wood over the whole ground, they stayed all of them returned home to my loved native land I should
where they were, but Achilles ordered his brave cut off this lock and offer you a holy hecatomb;
Myrmidons to gird on their armour, and to yoke fifty she-goats was I to sacrifice to you there at your
each man his horses; they therefore rose, girded on springs, where is your grove and your altar fragrant

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with burnt-offerings. Thus did my father vow, but and Achilles took fat from all of them and wrapped
you have not fulfilled his prayer; now, therefore, the body therein from head to foot, heaping the
that I shall see my home no more, I give this lock as flayed carcases all round it. Against the bier he
a keepsake to the hero Patroclus.” leaned two-handled jars of honey and unguents; four
As he spoke he placed the lock in the hands of his proud horses did he then cast upon the pyre, groan-
dear comrade, and all who stood by were filled with ing the while he did so. The dead hero had had
yearning and lamentation. The sun would have gone house-dogs; two of them did Achilles slay and threw
down upon their mourning had not Achilles pres- upon the pyre; he also put twelve brave sons of noble
ently said to Agamemnon, “Son of Atreus, for it is Trojans to the sword and laid them with the rest,
to you that the people will give ear, there is a time for he was full of bitterness and fury. Then he com-
to mourn and a time to cease from mourning; bid mitted all to the resistless and devouring might of
the people now leave the pyre and set about get- the fire; he groaned aloud and callid on his dead
ting their dinners: we, to whom the dead is dearest, comrade by name. “Fare well,” he cried, “Patroclus,
will see to what is wanted here, and let the other even in the house of Hades; I am now doing all that
princes also stay by me.” I have promised you. Twelve brave sons of noble
When King Agamemnon heard this he dismissed Trojans shall the flames consume along with your-
the people to their ships, but those who were about self, but dogs, not fire, shall devour the flesh of
the dead heaped up wood and built a pyre a hun- Hector son of Priam.”
dred feet this way and that; then they laid the dead Thus did he vaunt, but the dogs came not about
all sorrowfully upon the top of it. They flayed and the body of Hector, for Jove’s daughter Venus kept
dressed many fat sheep and oxen before the pyre, them off him night and day, and anointed him with

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ambrosial oil of roses that his flesh might not be back to the streams of Oceanus and the land of the
torn when Achilles was dragging him about. Ethiopians who are offering hecatombs to the im-
Phoebus Apollo moreover sent a dark cloud from mortals, and I would have my share; but Achilles
heaven to earth, which gave shade to the whole place prays that Boreas and shrill Zephyrus will come to
where Hector lay, that the heat of the sun might him, and he vows them goodly offerings; he would
not parch his body. have you blow upon the pyre of Patroclus for whom
Now the pyre about dead Patroclus would not all the Achæans are lamenting.”
kindle. Achilles therefore bethought him of another With this she left them, and the two winds rose
matter; he went apart and prayed to the two winds with a cry that rent the air and swept the clouds
Boreas and Zephyrus vowing them goodly offerings. before them. They blew on and on until they came
He made them many drink-offerings from the to the sea, and the waves rose high beneath them,
golden cup and besought them to come and help but when they reached Troy they fell upon the pyre
him that the wood might make haste to kindle and till the mighty flames roared under the blast that
the dead bodies be consumed. Fleet Iris heard him they blew. All night long did they blow hard and
praying and started off to fetch the winds. They beat upon the fire, and all night long did Achilles
were holding high feast in the house of boisterous grasp his double cup, drawing wine from a mixing-
Zephyrus when Iris came running up to the stone bowl of gold, and calling upon the spirit of dead
threshold of the house and stood there, but as soon Patroclus as he poured it upon the ground until the
as they set eyes on her they all came towards her earth was drenched. As a father mourns when he is
and each of them called her to him, but Iris would burning the bones of his bridegroom son whose
not sit down. “I cannot stay,” she said, “I must go death has wrung the hearts of his parents, even so

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did Achilles mourn while burning the body of his in a golden urn, in two layers of fat, against the time
comrade, pacing round the bier with piteous groan- when I shall myself go down into the house of Ha-
ing and lamentation. des. As for the barrow, labour not to raise a great one
At length as the Morning Star was beginning to now, but such as is reasonable. Afterwards, let those
herald the light which saffron-mantled Dawn was Achæans who may be left at the ships when I am
soon to suffuse over the sea, the flames fell and the gone, build it both broad and high.”
fire began to die. The winds then went home be- Thus he spoke and they obeyed the word of the
yond the Thracian sea, which roared and boiled as son of Peleus. First they poured red wine upon the
they swept over it. The son of Peleus now turned thick layer of ashes and quenched the fire. With
away from the pyre and lay down, overcome with many tears they singled out the whitened bones of
toil, till he fell into a sweet slumber. Presently they their loved comrade and laid them within a golden
who were about the son of Atreus drew near in a urn in two layers of fat: they then covered the urn
body, and roused him with the noise and tramp of with a linen cloth and took it inside the tent. They
their coming. He sat upright and said, “Son of Atreus, marked off the circle where the barrow should be,
and all other princes of the Achæans, first pour red made a foundation for it about the pyre, and forth-
wine everywhere upon the fire and quench it; let us with heaped up the earth. When they had thus
then gather the bones of Patroclus son of Menoetius, raised a mound they were going away, but Achilles
singling them out with care; they are easily found, stayed the people and made them sit in assembly.
for they lie in the middle of the pyre, while all else, He brought prizes from the ships-cauldrons, tripods,
both men and horses, has been thrown in a heap horses and mules, noble oxen, women with fair
and burned at the outer edge. We will lay the bones girdles, and swart iron.

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The first prize he offered was for the chariot them in clear water and anointed their manes with
races—a woman skilled in all useful arts, and a three- oil. See how they stand weeping here, with their
legged cauldron that had ears for handles, and would manes trailing on the ground in the extremity of
hold twenty-two measures. This was for the man their sorrow. But do you others set yourselves in
who came in first. For the second there was a six- order throughout the host, whosoever has confi-
year old mare, unbroken, and in foal to a he-ass; dence in his horses and in the strength of his
the third was to have a goodly cauldron that had chariot.”
never yet been on the fire; it was still bright as when Thus spoke the son of Peleus and the drivers of
it left the maker, and would hold four measures. chariots bestirred themselves. First among them all
The fourth prize was two talents of gold, and the uprose Eumelus, king of men, son of Admetus, a
fifth a two-handled urn as yet unsoiled by smoke. man excellent in horsemanship. Next to him rose
Then he stood up and spoke among the Argives mighty Diomed son of Tydeus; he yoked the Trojan
saying—“Son of Atreus, and all other Achæans, horses which he had taken from Æneas, when Apollo
these are the prizes that lie waiting the winners of bore him out of the fight. Next to him, yellow-haired
the chariot races. At any other time I should carry Menelaus son of Atreus rose and yoked his fleet
off the first prize and take it to my own tent; you horses, Agamemnon’s mare Æthe, and his own horse
know how far my steeds excel all others—for they Podargus. The mare had been given to Agamemnon
are immortal; Neptune gave them to my father by echepolus son of Anchises, that he might not
Peleus, who in his turn gave them to myself; but I have to follow him to Ilius, but might stay at home
shall hold aloof, I and my steeds that have lost their and take his ease; for Jove had endowed him with
brave and kind driver, who many a time has washed great wealth and he lived in spacious Sicyon. This

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mare, all eager for the race, did Menelaus put un- whereas a man who knows what he is doing may
der the yoke. have worse horses, but he will keep them well in
Fourth in order Antilochus, son to noble Nestor hand when he sees the doubling-post; he knows the
son of Neleus, made ready his horses. These were precise moment at which to pull the rein, and keeps
bred in Pylos, and his father came up to him to give his eye well on the man in front of him. I will give
him good advice of which, however, he stood in but you this certain token which cannot escape your
little need. “Antilochus,” said Nestor, “you are notice. There is a stump of a dead tree-oak or pine
young, but Jove and Neptune have loved you well, as it may be—some six feet above the ground, and
and have made you an excellent horseman. I need not yet rotted away by rain; it stands at the fork of
not therefore say much by way of instruction. You the road; it has two white stones set one on each
are skilful at wheeling your horses round the post, side, and there is a clear course all round it. It may
but the horses themselves are very slow, and it is have been a monument to some one long since dead,
this that will, I fear, mar your chances. The other or it may have been used as a doubling-post in days
drivers know less than you do, but their horses are gone by; now, however, it has been fixed on by Achil-
fleeter; therefore, my dear son, see if you cannot hit les as the mark round which the chariots shall turn;
upon some artifice whereby you may insure that hug it as close as you can, but as you stand in your
the prize shall not slip through your fingers. The chariot lean over a little to the left; urge on your
woodman does more by skill than by brute force; right-hand horse with voice and lash, and give him
by skill the pilot guides his storm-tossed barque over a loose rein, but let the left-hand horse keep so close
the sea, and so by skill one driver can beat another. in, that the nave of your wheel shall almost graze
If a man go wide in rounding this way and that, the post; but mind the stone, or you will wound

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your horses and break your chariot in pieces, which father’s follower Phoenix as umpire, to note the
would be sport for others but confusion for your- running, and report truly.
self. Therefore, my dear son, mind well what you At the same instant they all of them lashed their
are about, for if you can be first to round the post horses, struck them with the reins, and shouted at
there is no chance of any one giving you the goby them with all their might. They flew full speed over
later, not even though you had Adrestus’s horse the plain away from the ships, the dust rose from
Arion behind you horse which is of divine race—or under them as it were a cloud or whirlwind, and
those of Laomedon, which are the noblest in this their manes were all flying in the wind. At one mo-
country.” ment the chariots seemed to touch the ground, and
When Nestor had made an end of counselling then again they bounded into the air; the drivers
his son he sat down in his place, and fifth in order stood erect, and their hearts beat fast and furious
Meriones got ready his horses. They then all in their lust of victory. Each kept calling on his
mounted their chariots and cast lots.—Achilles horses, and the horses scoured the plain amid the
shook the helmet, and the lot of Antilochus son of clouds of dust that they raised.
Nestor fell out first; next came that of King Eumelus, It was when they were doing the last part of the
and after his, those of Menelaus son of Atreus and course on their way back towards the sea that their
of Meriones. The last place fell to the lot of Diomed pace was strained to the utmost and it was seen
son of Tydeus, who was the best man of them all. what each could do. The horses of the descendant
They took their places in line; Achilles showed them of Pheres now took the lead, and close behind them
the doubling-post round which they were to turn, came the Trojan stallions of Diomed. They seemed
some way off upon the plain; here he stationed his as if about to mount Eumelus’s chariot, and he could

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feel their warm breath on his back and on his broad Menelaus son of Atreus came next behind him,
shoulders, for their heads were close to him as they but Antilochus called to his father’s horses. “On
flew over the course. Diomed would have now passed with you both,” he cried, “and do your very ut-
him, or there would have been a dead heat, but most. I do not bid you try to beat the steeds of the
Phoebus Apollo to spite him made him drop his whip. son of Tydeus, for Minerva has put running into
Tears of anger fell from his eyes as he saw the mares them, and has covered Diomed with glory; but you
going on faster than ever, while his own horses lost must overtake the horses of the son of Atreus and
ground through his having no whip. Minerva saw not be left behind, or Æthe who is so fleet will taunt
the trick which Apollo had played the son of Tydeus, you. Why, my good fellows, are you lagging? I tell
so she brought him his whip and put spirit into his you, and it shall surely be—Nestor will keep nei-
horses; moreover she went after the son of Admetus ther of you, but will put both of you to the sword,
in a rage and broke his yoke for him; the mares went if we win any the worse a prize through your care-
one to one side the course, and the other to the other, lessness, fly after them at your utmost speed; I will
and the pole was broken against the ground. Eumelus hit on a plan for passing them in a narrow part of
was thrown from his chariot close to the wheel; his the way, and it shall not fail me.”
elbows, mouth, and nostrils were all torn, and his They feared the rebuke of their master, and for a
forehead was bruised above his eyebrows; his eyes short space went quicker. Presently Antilochus saw
filled with tears and he could find no utterance. But a narrow place where the road had sunk. The ground
the son of Tydeus turned his horses aside and shot was broken, for the winter’s rain had gathered and
far ahead, for Minerva put fresh strength into them had worn the road so that the whole place was deep-
and covered Diomed himself with glory. ened. Menelaus was making towards it so as to get

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there first, for fear of a foul, but Antilochus turned the prize without sworn protest on my part.”
his horses out of the way, and followed him a little Then he called on his horses and said to them,
on one side. The son of Atreus was afraid and “Keep your pace, and slacken not; the limbs of the
shouted out, “Antilochus, you are driving recklessly; other horses will weary sooner than yours, for they
rein in your horses; the road is too narrow here, it are neither of them young.”
will be wider soon, and you can pass me then; if The horses feared the rebuke of their master, and
you foul my chariot you may bring both of us to a went faster, so that they were soon nearly up with
mischief.” the others.
But Antilochus plied his whip, and drove faster, Meanwhile the Achæans from their seats were
as though he had not heard him. They went side by watching how the horses went, as they scoured the
side for about as far as a young man can hurl a disc plain amid clouds of their own dust. Idomeneus
from his shoulder when he is trying his strength, captain of the Cretans was first to make out the
and then Menelaus’s mares drew behind, for he left running, for he was not in the thick of the crowd,
off driving for fear the horses should foul one an- but stood on the most commanding part of the
other and upset the chariots; thus, while pressing ground. The driver was a long way off, but
on in quest of victory, they might both come head- Idomeneus could hear him shouting, and could see
long to the ground. Menelaus then upbraided the foremost horse quite plainly—a chestnut with
Antilochus and said, “There is no greater trickster a round white star, like the moon, on its forehead.
living than you are; go, and bad luck go with you; He stood up and said among the Argives, “My
the Achæans say not well that you have understand- friends, princes and counsellors of the Argives, can
ing, and come what may you shall not bear away you see the running as well as I can? There seems

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to be another pair in front now, and another driver; Eumelus’s horses are in front now, as they always
those that led off at the start must have been dis- have been, and he is on the chariot holding the
abled out on the plain. I saw them at first making reins.”
their way round the doubling-post, but now, though The captain of the Cretans was angry, and an-
I search the plain of Troy, I cannot find them. Per- swered, “Ajax you are an excellent railer, but you
haps the reins fell from the driver’s hand so that he have no judgement, and are wanting in much else
lost command of his horses at the doubling-post, as well, for you have a vile temper. I will wager you
and could not turn it. I suppose he must have been a tripod or cauldron, and Agamemnon son of Atreus
thrown out there, and broken his chariot, while his shall decide whose horses are first. You will then
mares have left the course and gone off wildly in a know to your cost.”
panic. Come up and see for yourselves, I cannot Ajax son of Oileus was for making him an angry
make out for certain, but the driver seems an answer, and there would have been yet further brawl-
Ætolian by descent, ruler over the Argives, brave ing between them, had not Achilles risen in his place
Diomed the son of Tydeus.” and said, “Cease your railing Ajax and Idomeneus;
Ajax the son of Oileus took him up rudely and it is not you would be scandalised if you saw any
said, “Idomeneus, why should you be in such a hurry one else do the like: sit down and keep your eyes
to tell us all about it, when the mares are still so far on the horses; they are speeding towards the win-
out upon the plain? You are none of the youngest, ning-post and will be bere directly. You will then
nor your eyes none of the sharpest, but you are both of you know whose horses are first, and whose
always laying down the law. You have no right to come after.”
do so, for there are better men here than you are. As he was speaking, the son of Tydeus came driv-

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ing in, plying his whip lustily from his shoulder, tyre of the wheel, and there is never much space
and his horses stepping high as they flew over the between wheel and horse when the chariot is go-
course. The sand and grit rained thick on the driver, ing; Menelaus was no further than this behind
and the chariot inlaid with gold and tin ran close Antilochus, though at first he had been a full disc’s
behind his fleet horses. There was little trace of throw behind him. He had soon caught him up
wheel-marks in the fine dust, and the horses came again, for Agamemnon’s mare Æthe kept pulling
flying in at their utmost speed. Diomed stayed them stronger and stronger, so that if the course had been
in the middle of the crowd, and the sweat from their longer he would have passed him, and there would
manes and chests fell in streams on to the ground. not even have been a dead heat. Idomeneus’s brave
Forthwith he sprang from his goodly chariot, and squire Meriones was about a spear’s cast behind
leaned his whip against his horses’ yoke; brave Menelaus. His horses were slowest of all, and he
Sthenelus now lost no time, but at once brought on was the worst driver. Last of them all came the son
the prize, and gave the woman and the ear-handled of Admetus, dragging his chariot and driving his
cauldron to his comrades to take away. Then he horses on in front. When Achilles saw him he was
unyoked the horses. sorry, and stood up among the Argives saying, “The
Next after him came in Antilochus of the race of best man is coming in last. Let us give him a prize
Neleus, who had passed Menelaus by a trick and for it is reasonable. He shall have the second, but
not by the fleetness of his horses; but even so the first must go to the son of Tydeus.”
Menelaus came in as close behind him as the wheel Thus did he speak and the others all of them ap-
is to the horse that draws both the chariot and its plauded his saying, and were for doing as he had
master. The end hairs of a horse’s tail touch the said, but Nestor’s son Antilochus stood up and

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claimed his rights from the son of Peleus. “Achil- He bade his comrade Automedon bring the breast-
les,” said he, “I shall take it much amiss if you do plate from his tent, and he did so. Achilles then
this thing; you would rob me of my prize, because gave it over to Eumelus, who received it gladly.
you think Eumelus’s chariot and horses were thrown But Menelaus got up in a rage, furiously angry
out, and himself too, good man that he is. He should with Antilochus. An attendant placed his staff in
have prayed duly to the immortals; he would not his hands and bade the Argives keep silence: the
have come in fast if he had done so. If you are sorry hero then addressed them. “Antilochus,” said he,
for him and so choose, you have much gold in your “what is this from you who have been so far blame-
tents, with bronze, sheep, cattle and horses. Take less? You have made me cut a poor figure and
something from this store if you would have the baulked my horses by flinging your own in front
Achæans speak well of you, and give him a better of them, though yours are much worse than mine
prize even than that which you have now offered; are; therefore, O princes and counsellors of the
but I will not give up the mare, and he that will Argives, judge between us and show no favour, lest
fight me for her, let him come on.” one of the Achæans say, ‘Menelaus has got the mare
Achilles smiled as he heard this, and was pleased through lying and corruption; his horses were far
with Antilochus, who was one of his dearest com- inferior to Antilochus’s, but he has greater weight
rades. So he said— and influence.’ Nay, I will determine the matter
“Antilochus, if you would have me find Eumelus an- myself, and no man will blame me, for I shall do
other prize, I will give him the bronze breastplate with what is just. Come here, Antilochus, and stand, as
a rim of tin running all round it which I took from our custom is, whip in hand before your chariot
Asteropæus. It will be worth much money to him.” and horses; lay your hand on your steeds, and swear

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by earth-encircling Neptune that you did not pur- way to you of my own free will; you have never
posely and guilefully get in the way of my horses.” been headstrong nor ill-disposed hitherto, but this
And Antilochus answered, “Forgive me; I am much time your youth has got the better of your judge-
younger, King Menelaus, than you are; you stand ment; be careful how you outwit your betters in
higher than I do and are the better man of the two; future; no one else could have brought me round so
you know how easily young men are betrayed into easily, but your good father, your brother, and your-
indiscretion; their tempers are more hasty and they self have all of you had infinite trouble on my be-
have less judgement; make due allowances there- half; I therefore yield to your entreaty, and will give
fore, and bear with me; I will of my own accord give up the mare to you, mine though it indeed be; the
up the mare that I have won, and if you claim any people will thus see that I am neither harsh nor
further chattel from my own possessions, I would vindictive.”
rather yield it to you, at once, than fall from your With this he gave the mare over to Antilochus’s
good graces henceforth, and do wrong in the sight comrade Noemon, and then took the cauldron.
of heaven.” Meriones, who had come in fourth, carried off the
The son of Nestor then took the mare and gave two talents of gold, and the fifth prize, the two-
her over to Menelaus, whose anger was thus ap- handled urn, being unawarded, Achilles gave it to
peased; as when dew falls upon a field of ripening Nestor, going up to him among the assembled
corn, and the lands are bristling with the harvest— Argives and saying, “Take this, my good old friend,
even so, O Menelaus, was your heart made glad as an heirloom and memorial of the funeral of
within you. He turned to Antilochus and said, “Now, Patroclus—for you shall see him no more among
Antilochus, angry though I have been, I can give the Argives. I give you this prize though you can-

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not win one; you can now neither wrestle nor fight, had gone, and at the greater part of the prizes re-
and cannot enter for the javelin-match nor foot- maining in the place in which they had been of-
races, for the hand of age has been laid heavily upon fered. They were twins, and the one kept on hold-
you.” ing the reins, and holding the reins, while the other
So saying he gave the urn over to Nestor, who plied the whip. Such was I then, but now I must
received it gladly and answered, “My son, all that leave these matters to younger men; I must bow
you have said is true; there is no strength now in before the weight of years, but in those days I was
my legs and feet, nor can I hit out with my hands eminent among heroes. And now, sir, go on with
from either shoulder. Would that I were still young the funeral contests in honour of your comrade:
and strong as when the Epeans were burying King gladly do I accept this urn, and my heart rejoices
Amarynceus in Buprasium, and his sons offered that you do not forget me but are ever mindful of
prizes in his honour. There was then none that could my goodwill towards you, and of the respect due to
vie with me neither of the Epeans nor the Pylians me from the Achæans. For all which may the grace
themselves nor the Ætolians. In boxing I overcame of heaven be vouchsafed you in great abundance.”
Clytomedes son of Enops, and in wrestling, Ancæus Thereon the son of Peleus, when he had listened
of Pleuron who had come forward against me. to all the thanks of Nestor, went about among the
Iphiclus was a good runner, but I beat him, and concourse of the Achæans, and presently offered
threw farther with my spear than either Phyleus or prizes for skill in the painful art of boxing. He
Polydorus. In chariot-racing alone did the two sons brought out a strong mule, and made it fast in the
of Actor surpass me by crowding their horses in middle of the crowd—a she-mule never yet broken,
front of me, for they were angry at the way victory but six years old—when it is hardest of all to break

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them: this was for the victor, and for the vanquished here in a body and be at hand to take him away
he offered a double cup. Then he stood up and said when I have done with him.”
among the Argives, “Son of Atreus, and all other They all held their peace, and no man rose save
Achæans, I invite our two champion boxers to lay Euryalus son of Mecisteus, who was son of Talaus.
about them lustily and compete for these prizes. Mecisteus went once to Thebes after the fall of
He to whom Apollo vouchsafes the greater endur- Oedipus, to attend his funeral, and he beat all the
ance, and whom the Achæans acknowledge as vic- people of Cadmus. The son of Tydeus was Euryalus’s
tor, shall take the mule back with him to his own second, cheering him on and hoping heartily that
tent, while he that is vanquished shall have the he would win. First he put a waistband round him
double cup.” and then he gave him some well-cut thongs of ox-
As he spoke there stood up a champion both brave hide; the two men being now girt went into the
and great stature, a skilful boxer, Epeus, son of middle of the ring, and immediately fell to; heavily
Panopeus. He laid his hand on the mule and said, indeed did they punish one another and lay about
“Let the man who is to have the cup come hither, them with their brawny fists. One could hear the
for none but myself will take the mule. I am the horrid crashing of their jaws, and they sweated from
best boxer of all here present, and none can beat every pore of their skin. Presently Epeus came on
me. Is it not enough that I should fall short of you and gave Euryalus a blow on the jaw as he was look-
in actual fighting? Still, no man can be good at ev- ing round; Euryalus could not keep his legs; they
erything. I tell you plainly, and it shall come true; if gave way under him in a moment and he sprang up
any man will box with me I will bruise his body with a bound, as a fish leaps into the air near some
and break his bones; therefore let his friends stay shore that is all bestrewn with sea-wrack, when

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Boreas furs the top of the waves, and then falls back like the rafters which some master-builder frames
into deep water. But noble Epeus caught hold of for the roof of a high house to keep the wind out.
him and raised him up; his comrades also came Their backbones cracked as they tugged at one an-
round him and led him from the ring, unsteady in other with their mighty arms—and sweat rained
his gait, his head hanging on one side, and spitting from them in torrents. Many a bloody weal sprang
great clots of gore. They set him down in a swoon up on their sides and shoulders, but they kept on
and then went to fetch the double cup. striving with might and main for victory and to win
The son of Peleus now brought out the prizes for the tripod. Ulysses could not throw Ajax, nor Ajax
the third contest and showed them to the Argives. him; Ulysses was too strong for him; but when the
These were for the painful art of wrestling. For the Achæans began to tire of watching them, Ajax said
winner there was a great tripod ready for setting to ulysses, “Ulysses, noble son of Lærtes, you shall
upon the fire, and the Achæans valued it among either lift me, or I you, and let Jove settle it be-
themselves at twelve oxen. For the loser he brought tween us.”
out a woman skilled in all manner of arts, and they He lifted him from the ground as he spoke, but
valued her at four oxen. He rose and said among Ulysses did not forget his cunning. He hit Ajax in
the Argives, “Stand forward, you who will essay this the hollow at back of his knee, so that he could not
contest.” keep his feet, but fell on his back with Ulysses ly-
Forthwith uprose great Ajax the son of Telamon, ing upon his chest, and all who saw it marvelled.
and crafty Ulysses, full of wiles rose also. The two Then Ulysses in turn lifted Ajax and stirred him a
girded themselves and went into the middle of the little from the ground but could not lift him right
ring. They gripped each other in their strong hands off it, his knee sank under him, and the two fell

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side by side on the ground and were all begrimed ond prize he offered a large ox, well fattened, while
with dust. They now sprang towards one another for the last there was to be half a talent of gold. He
and were for wrestling yet a third time, but Achilles then rose and said among the Argives, “Stand for-
rose and stayed them. “Put not each other further,” ward, you who will essay this contest.”
said he, “to such cruel suffering; the victory is with Forthwith uprose fleet Ajax son of Oileus, with
both alike, take each of you an equal prize, and let cunning Ulysses, and Nestor’s son Antilochus, the
the other Achæans now compete.” fastest runner among all the youth of his time. They
Thus did he speak and they did even as he had stood side by side and Achilles showed them the
said, and put on their shirts again after wiping the goal. The course was set out for them from the start-
dust from off their bodies. ing-post, and the son of Oileus took the lead at
The son of Peleus then offered prizes for speed in once, with Ulysses as close behind him as the shuttle
running—a mixing-bowl beautifully wrought, of is to a woman’s bosom when she throws the woof
pure silver. It would hold six measures, and far ex- across the warp and holds it close up to her; even
ceeded all others in the whole world for beauty; it so close behind him was Ulysses—treading in his
was the work of cunning artificers in Sidon, and footprints before the dust could settle there, and
had been brought into port by Phoenicians from Ajax could feel his breath on the back of his head
beyond the sea, who had made a present of it to as he ran swiftly on. The Achæans all shouted ap-
Thoas. Eueneus son of jason had given it to Patroclus plause as they saw him straining his utmost, and
in ransom of Priam’s son Lycaon, and Achilles now cheered him as he shot past them; but when they
offered it as a prize in honour of his comrade to were now nearing the end of the course Ulysses
him who should be the swiftest runner. For the sec- prayed inwardly to Minerva. “Hear me,” he cried,

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“and help my feet, O goddess.” Thus did he pray, he is hale in spite of his years, and no man of the
and Pallas Minerva heard his prayer; she made his Achæans can run against him save only Achilles.”
hands and his feet feel light, and when the runners He said this to pay a compliment to the son of
were at the point of pouncing upon the prize, Ajax, Peleus, and Achilles answered, “Antilochus, you shall
through Minerva’s spite slipped upon some offal not have praised me to no purpose; I shall give you
that was lying there from the cattle which Achilles an additional half talent of gold.” He then gave the
had slaughtered in honour of Patroclus, and his half talent to Antilochus, who received it gladly.
mouth and nostrils were all filled with cow dung. Then the son of Peleus brought out the spear, hel-
Ulysses therefore carried off the mixing-bowl, for met and shield that had been borne by Sarpedon,
he got before Ajax and came in first. But Ajax took and were taken from him by Patroclus. He stood up
the ox and stood with his hand on one of its horns, and said among the Argives, “We bid two champi-
spitting the dung out of his mouth. Then he said to ons put on their armour, take their keen blades,
the Argives, “Alas, the goddess has spoiled my run- and make trial of one another in the presence of
ning; she watches over Ulysses and stands by him the multitude; whichever of them can first wound
as though she were his own mother.” Thus did he the flesh of the other, cut through his armour, and
speak and they all of them laughed heartily. draw blood, to him will I give this goodly Thracian
Antilochus carried off the last prize and smiled sword inlaid with silver, which I took from
as he said to the bystanders, “You all see, my friends, Asteropæus, but the armour let both hold in part-
that now too the gods have shown their respect for nership, and I will give each of them a hearty meal
seniority. Ajax is somewhat older than I am, and as in my own tent.”
for Ulysses, he belongs to an earlier generation, but Forthwith uprose great Ajax the son of Telamon,

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as also mighty Diomed son of Tydeus. When they among the Argives, “Stand forward, you who would
had put on their armour each on his own side of essay this contest. He who wins it will have a store
the ring, they both went into the middle eager to of iron that will last him five years as they go roll-
engage, and with fire flashing from their eyes. The ing round, and if his fair fields lie far from a town
Achæans marvelled as they beheld them, and when his shepherd or ploughman will not have to make a
the two were now close up with one another, thrice journey to buy iron, for he will have a stock of it on
did they spring forward and thrice try to strike each his own premises.”
other in close combat. Ajax pierced Diomed’s round Then uprose the two mighty men Polypoetes and
shield, but did not draw blood, for the cuirass be- Leonteus, with Ajax son of Telamon and noble Epeus.
neath the shield protected him; thereon the son of They stood up one after the other and Epeus took
Tydeus from over his huge shield kept aiming con- the quoit, whirled it, and flung it from him, which
tinually at Ajax’s neck with the point of his spear, set all the Achæans laughing. After him threw
and the Achæans alarmed for his safety bade them Leonteus of the race of Mars. Ajax son of Telamon
leave off fighting and divide the prize between them. threw third, and sent the quoit beyond any mark
Achilles then gave the great sword to the son of that had been made yet, but when mighty Polypoetes
Tydeus, with its scabbard, and the leathern belt with took the quoit he hurled it as though it had been a
which to hang it. stockman’s stick which he sends flying about among
Achilles next offered the massive iron quoit which his cattle when he is driving them, so far did his
mighty Eetion had erewhile been used to hurl, un- throw out-distance those of the others. All who saw
til Achilles had slain him and carried it off in his it roared applause, and his comrades carried the prize
ships along with other spoils. He stood up and said for him and set it on board his ship.

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Achilles next offered a prize of iron for archery— hand, and at once promised that he would sacrifice
ten double-edged axes and ten with single eddies: a hecatomb of firstling lambs to Apollo lord of the
he set up a ship’s mast, some way off upon the sands, bow; then espying the pigeon high up under the
and with a fine string tied a pigeon to it by the clouds, he hit her in the middle of the wing as she
foot; this was what they were to aim at. “Whoever,” was circling upwards; the arrow went clean through
he said, “can hit the pigeon shall have all the axes the wing and fixed itself in the ground at Meriones’
and take them away with him; he who hits the string feet, but the bird perched on the ship’s mast hang-
without hitting the bird will have taken a worse ing her head and with all her feathers drooping; the
aim and shall have the single-edged axes.” life went out of her, and she fell heavily from the
Then uprose King Teucer, and Meriones the stal- mast. Meriones, therefore, took all ten double-edged
wart squire of Idomeneus rose also, They cast lots axes, while Teucer bore off the single-edged ones to
in a bronze helmet and the lot of Teucer fell first. his ships.
He let fly with his arrow forthwith, but he did not Then the son of Peleus brought in a spear and a
promise hecatombs of firstling lambs to King Apollo, cauldron that had never been on the fire; it was
and missed his bird, for Apollo foiled his aim; but worth an ox, and was chased with a pattern of flow-
he hit the string with which the bird was tied, near ers; and those that throw the javelin stood up—to
its foot; the arrow cut the string clean through so wit the son of Atreus, king of men Agamemnon,
that it hung down towards the ground, while the and Meriones, stalwart squire of Idomeneus. But
bird flew up into the sky, and the Achæans shouted Achilles spoke saying, “Son of Atreus, we know how
applause. Meriones, who had his arrow ready while far you excel all others both in power and in throw-
Teucer was aiming, snatched the bow out of his ing the javelin; take the cauldron back with you to

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your ships, but if it so please you, let us give the back, and now face downwards, till at last he rose
spear to Meriones; this at least is what I should and went out as one distraught to wander upon the
myself wish.” seashore. Then, when he saw dawn breaking over
King Agamemnon assented. So he gave the bronze beach and sea, he yoked his horses to his chariot,
spear to Meriones, and handed the goodly cauldron and bound the body of Hector behind it that he
to Talthybius his esquire. might drag it about. Thrice did he drag it round the
tomb of the son of Menoetius, and then went back
BOOK XXIV into his tent, leaving the body on the ground full
length and with its face downwards. But Apollo
THE ASSEMBLY NOW broke up and the people went would not suffer it to be disfigured, for he pitied
their ways each to his own ship. There they made the man, dead though he now was; therefore he
ready their supper, and then bethought them of the shielded him with his golden ægis continually, that
blessed boon of sleep; but Achilles still wept for he might take no hurt while Achilles was dragging
thinking of his dear comrade, and sleep, before him.
whom all things bow, could take no hold upon him. Thus shamefully did Achilles in his fury dishonour
This way and that did he turn as he yearned after Hector; but the blessed gods looked down in pity
the might and manfulness of Patroclus; he thought from heaven, and urged Mercury, slayer of Argus,
of all they had done together, and all they had gone to steal the body. All were of this mind save only
through both on the field of battle and on the waves Juno, Neptune, and Jove’s grey-eyed daughter, who
of the weary sea. As he dwelt on these things he persisted in the hate which they had ever borne
wept bitterly and lay now on his side, now on his towards Ilius with Priam and his people; for they

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forgave not the wrong done them by Alexandrus in lose one far dearer than Achilles has lost—a son, it
disdaining the goddesses who came to him when may be, or a brother born from his own mother’s
he was in his sheepyards, and preferring her who womb; yet when he has mourned him and wept
had offered him a wanton to his ruin. over him he will let him bide, for it takes much
When, therefore, the morning of the twelfth day sorrow to kill a man; whereas Achilles, now that he
had now come, Phoebus Apollo spoke among the has slain noble Hector, drags him behind his chariot
immortals saying, “You gods ought to be ashamed round the tomb of his comrade. It were better of
of yourselves; you are cruel and hard-hearted. Did him, and for him, that he should not do so, for brave
not Hector burn you thigh-bones of heifers and of though he be we gods may take it ill that he should
unblemished goats? And now dare you not rescue vent his fury upon dead clay.”
even his dead body, for his wife to look upon, with Juno spoke up in a rage. “This were well,” she
his mother and child, his father Priam, and his cried, “O lord of the silver bow, if you would give
people, who would forthwith commit him to the like honour to Hector and to Achilles; but Hector
flames, and give him his due funeral rites? So, then, was mortal and suckled at a woman’s breast, whereas
you would all be on the side of mad Achilles, who Achilles is the offspring of a goddess whom I my-
knows neither right nor ruth? He is like some sav- self reared and brought up. I married her to Peleus,
age lion that in the pride of his great strength and who is above measure dear to the immortals; you
daring springs upon men’s flocks and gorges on gods came all of you to her wedding; you feasted
them. Even so has Achilles flung aside all pity, and along with them yourself and brought your lyre—
all that conscience which at once so greatly banes false, and fond of low company, that you have ever
yet greatly boons him that will heed it. man may been.”

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Then said Jove, “Juno, be not so bitter. Their midst of them weeping for her noble son who was
honour shall not be equal, but of all that dwell in to fall far from his own land, on the rich plains of
Ilius, Hector was dearest to the gods, as also to Troy. Iris went up to her and said, “Rise Thetis;
myself, for his offerings never failed me. Never was Jove, whose counsels fail not, bids you come to him.”
my altar stinted of its dues, nor of the drink-offer- And Thetis answered, “Why does the mighty god
ings and savour of sacrifice which we claim of right. so bid me? I am in great grief, and shrink from go-
I shall therefore permit the body of mighty Hector ing in and out among the immortals. Still, I will go,
to be stolen; and yet this may hardly be without and the word that he may speak shall not be spo-
Achilles coming to know it, for his mother keeps ken in vain.”
night and day beside him. Let some one of you, The goddess took her dark veil, than which there
therefore, send Thetis to me, and I will impart my can be no robe more sombre, and went forth with
counsel to her, namely that Achilles is to accept a fleet Iris leading the way before her. The waves of
ransom from Priam, and give up the body.” the sea opened them a path, and when they reached
On this Iris fleet as the wind went forth to carry the shore they flew up into the heavens, where they
his message. Down she plunged into the dark sea found the all-seeing son of Saturn with the blessed
midway between Samos and rocky Imbrus; the gods that live for ever assembled near him. Minerva
waters hissed as they closed over her, and she sank gave up her seat to her, and she sat down by the side
into the bottom as the lead at the end of an ox- of father Jove. Juno then placed a fair golden cup in
horn, that is sped to carry death to fishes. She found her hand, and spoke to her in words of comfort,
Thetis sitting in a great cave with the other sea- whereon Thetis drank and gave her back the cup;
goddesses gathered round her; there she sat in the and the sire of gods and men was the first to speak.

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“So, goddess,” said he, “for all your sorrow, and where she found him grieving bitterly, while his
the grief that I well know reigns ever in your heart, trusty comrades round him were busy preparing
you have come hither to Olympus, and I will tell their morning meal, for which they had killed a great
you why I have sent for you. This nine days past woolly sheep. His mother sat down beside him and
the immortals have been quarrelling about Achilles caressed him with her hand saying, “My son, how
waster of cities and the body of Hector. The gods long will you keep on thus grieving and making
would have Mercury slayer of Argus steal the body, moan? You are gnawing at your own heart, and think
but in furtherance of our peace and amity hence- neither of food nor of woman’s embraces; and yet
forward, I will concede such honour to your son as these too were well, for you have no long time to
I will now tell you. Go, then, to the host and lay live, and death with the strong hand of fate are al-
these commands upon him; say that the gods are ready close beside you. Now, therefore, heed what I
angry with him, and that I am myself more angry say, for I come as a messenger from Jove; he says
than them all, in that he keeps Hector at the ships that the gods are angry with you, and himself more
and will not give him up. He may thus fear me and angry than them all, in that you keep Hector at the
let the body go. At the same time I will send Iris to ships and will not give him up. Therefore let him
great Priam to bid him go to the ships of the go, and accept a ransom for his body.”
Achæans, and ransom his son, taking with him such And Achilles answered, “So be it. If Olympian
gifts for Achilles as may give him satisfaction. Jove of his own motion thus commands me, let him
Silver-footed Thetis did as the god had told her, that brings the ransom bear the body away.”
and forthwith down she darted from the topmost Thus did mother and son talk together at the ships
summits of Olympus. She went to her son’s tents in long discourse with one another. Meanwhile the

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son of Saturn sent Iris to the strong city of Ilius. man sat in the midst of them with his mantle
“Go,” said he, “fleet Iris, from the mansions of wrapped close about his body, and his head and
Olympus, and tell King Priam in Ilius, that he is to neck all covered with the filth which he had clutched
go to the ships of the Achæans and free the body of as he lay grovelling in the mire. His daughters and
his dear son. He is to take such gifts with him as his sons’ wives went wailing about the house, as
shall give satisfaction to Achilles, and he is to go they thought of the many and brave men who lay
alone, with no other Trojan, save only some dead, slain by the Argives. The messenger of Jove
honoured servant who may drive his mules and stood by Priam and spoke softly to him, but fear
waggon, and bring back the body of him whom fell upon him as she did so. “Take heart,” she said,
noble Achilles has slain. Let him have no thought “Priam offspring of Dardanus, take heart and fear
nor fear of death in his heart, for we will send the not. I bring no evil tidings, but am minded well
slayer of Argus to escort him, and bring him within towards you. I come as a messenger from Jove, who
the tent of Achilles. Achilles will not kill him nor though he be not near, takes thought for you and
let another do so, for he will take heed to his ways pities you. The lord of Olympus bids you go and
and sin not, and he will entreat a suppliant with all ransom noble Hector, and take with you such gifts
honourable courtesy.” as shall give satisfaction to Achilles. You are to go
On this Iris, fleet as the wind, sped forth to de- alone, with no Trojan, save only some honoured
liver her message. She went to Priam’s house, and servant who may drive your mules and waggon, and
found weeping and lamentation therein. His sons bring back to the city the body of him whom noble
were seated round their father in the outer court- Achilles has slain. You are to have no thought, nor
yard, and their raiment was wet with tears: the old fear of death, for Jove will send the slayer of Argus

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to escort you. When he has brought you within and your own people? How can you venture alone
Achilles’ tent, Achilles will not kill you nor let an- to the ships of the Achæans, and look into the face
other do so, for he will take heed to his ways and of him who has slain so many of your brave sons?
sin not, and he will entreat a suppliant with all You must have iron courage, for if the cruel savage
honourable courtesy.” sees you and lays hold on you, he will know neither
Iris went her way when she had thus spoken, and respect nor pity. Let us then weep Hector from afar
Priam told his sons to get a mule-waggon ready, and here in our own house, for when I gave him birth
to make the body of the waggon fast upon the top the threads of overruling fate were spun for him
of its bed. Then he went down into his fragrant that dogs should eat his flesh far from his parents,
store-room, high-vaulted, and made of cedar-wood, in the house of that terrible man on whose liver I
where his many treasures were kept, and he called would fain fasten and devour it. Thus would I
Hecuba his wife. “Wife,” said he, “a messenger has avenge my son, who showed no cowardice when
come to me from Olympus, and has told me to go Achilles slew him, and thought neither of Right nor
to the ships of the Achæans to ransom my dear of avoiding battle as he stood in defence of Trojan
son, taking with me such gifts as shall give satisfac- men and Trojan women.”
tion to Achilles. What think you of this matter? for Then Priam said, “I would go, do not therefore
my own part I am greatly moved to pass through stay me nor be as a bird of ill omen in my house,
the of the Achæans and go to their ships.” for you will not move me. Had it been some mortal
His wife cried aloud as she heard him, and said, man who had sent me some prophet or priest who
“Alas, what has become of that judgement for which divines from sacrifice—I should have deemed him
you have been ever famous both among strangers false and have given him no heed; but now I have

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heard the goddess and seen her face to face, there- sent this sorrow upon me, to lose the bravest of my
fore I will go and her saying shall not be in vain. If sons? Nay, you shall prove it in person, for now he
it be my fate to die at the ships of the Achæans is gone the Achæans will have easier work in killing
even so would I have it; let Achilles slay me, if I you. As for me, let me go down within the house of
may but first have taken my son in my arms and Hades, ere mine eyes behold the sacking and wast-
mourned him to my heart’s comforting.” ing of the city.”
So saying he lifted the lids of his chests, and took He drove the men away with his staff, and they
out twelve goodly vestments. He took also twelve went forth as the old man sped them. Then he called
cloaks of single fold, twelve rugs, twelve fair mantles, to his sons, upbraiding Helenus, Paris, noble
and an equal number of shirts. He weighed out ten Agathon, Pammon, Antiphonus, Polites of the loud
talents of gold, and brought moreover two burnished battle-cry, Deiphobus, Hippothous, and Dius. These
tripods, four cauldrons, and a very beautiful cup nine did the old man call near him. “Come to me at
which the Thracians had given him when he had once,” he cried, “worthless sons who do me shame;
gone to them on an embassy; it was very precious, would that you had all been killed at the ships rather
but he grudged not even this, so eager was he to than Hector. Miserable man that I am, I have had
ransom the body of his son. Then he chased all the the bravest sons in all Troy—noble Nestor, Troilus
Trojans from the court and rebuked them with words the dauntless charioteer, and Hector who was a god
of anger. “Out,” he cried, “shame and disgrace to among men, so that one would have thought he
me that you are. Have you no grief in your own was son to an immortal—yet there is not one of
homes that you are come to plague me here? Is it a them left. Mars has slain them and those of whom
small thing, think you, that the son of Saturn has I am ashamed are alone left me. Liars, and light of

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foot, heroes of the dance, robbers of lambs and kids yoked horses which the old king had bred, and kept
from your own people, why do you not get a waggon for own use.
ready for me at once, and put all these things upon Thus heedfully did Priam and his servant see to
it that I may set out on my way?” the yolking of their cars at the palace. Then Hecuba
Thus did he speak, and they feared the rebuke of came to them all sorrowful, with a golden goblet of
their father. They brought out a strong mule-waggon, wine in her right hand, that they might make a
newly made, and set the body of the waggon fast drink-offering before they set out. She stood in front
on its bed. They took the mule-yoke from the peg of the horses and said, “Take this, make a drink-
on which it hung, a yoke of boxwood with a knob offering to father Jove, and since you are minded to
on the top of it and rings for the reins to go through. go to the ships in spite of me, pray that you may
Then they brought a yoke-band eleven cubits long, come safely back from the hands of your enemies.
to bind the yoke to the pole; they bound it on at Pray to the son of Saturn lord of the whirlwind,
the far end of the pole, and put the ring over the who sits on Ida and looks down over all Troy, pray
upright pin making it fast with three turns of the him to send his swift messenger on your right hand,
band on either side the knob, and bending the thong the bird of omen which is strongest and most dear
of the yoke beneath it. This done, they brought from to him of all birds, that you may see it with your
the store-chamber the rich ransom that was to pur- own eyes and trust it as you go forth to the ships of
chase the body of Hector, and they set it all orderly the Danaans. If all-seeing Jove will not send you
on the waggon; then they yoked the strong harness- this messenger, however set upon it you may be, I
mules which the Mysians had on a time given as a would not have you go to the ships of the Argives.”
goodly present to Priam; but for Priam himself they And Priam answered, “Wife, I will do as you de-

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sire me; it is well to lift hands in prayer to Jove, if well-made and well-bolted door of a rich man’s
so be he may have mercy upon me.” chamber. He came to them flying over the city upon
With this the old man bade the serving-woman their right hands, and when they saw him they were
pour pure water over his hands, and the woman glad and their hearts took comfort within them.
came, bearing the water in a bowl. He washed his The old man made haste to mount his chariot, and
hands and took the cup from his wife; then he made drove out through the inner gateway and under the
the drink-offering and prayed, standing in the echoing gatehouse of the outer court. Before him
middle of the courtyard and turning his eyes to went the mules drawing the four-wheeled waggon,
heaven. “Father Jove,” he said, “that rulest from and driven by wise Idæus; behind these were the
Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I may horses, which the old man lashed with his whip
be received kindly and compassionately in the tents and drove swiftly through the city, while his friends
of Achilles; and send your swift messenger upon followed after, wailing and lamenting for him as
my right hand, the bird of omen which is strongest though he were on his road to death. As soon as
and most dear to you of all birds, that I may see it they had come down from the city and had reached
with my own eyes and trust it as I go forth to the the plain, his sons and sons-in-law who had fol-
ships of the Danaans.” lowed him went back to Ilius.
So did he pray, and Jove the lord of counsel heard But Priam and Idæus as they showed out upon
his prayer. Forthwith he sent an eagle, the most the plain did not escape the ken of all-seeing Jove,
unerring portent of all birds that fly, the dusky who looked down upon the old man and pitied him;
hunter that men also call the Black Eagle. His wings then he spoke to his son Mercury and said, “Mer-
were spread abroad on either side as wide as the cury, for it is you who are the most disposed to

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escort men on their way, and to hear those whom ter which demands consideration. I see a man who
you will hear, go, and so conduct Priam to the ships I think will presently fall upon us; let us fly with
of the Achæans that no other of the Danaans shall our horses, or at least embrace his knees and im-
see him nor take note of him until he reach the son plore him to take compassion upon us?
of Peleus.” When he heard this the old man’s heart failed
Thus he spoke and Mercury, guide and guardian, him, and he was in great fear; he stayed where he
slayer of Argus, did as he was told. Forthwith he was as one dazed, and the hair stood on end over
bound on his glittering golden sandals with which his whole body; but the bringer of good luck came
he could fly like the wind over land and sea; he up to him and took him by the hand, saying,
took the wand with which he seals men’s eyes in “Whither, father, are you thus driving your mules
sleep, or wakes them just as he pleases, and flew and horses in the dead of night when other men are
holding it in his hand till he came to Troy and to asleep? Are you not afraid of the fierce Achæans
the Hellespont. To look at, he was like a young man who are hard by you, so cruel and relentless? Should
of noble birth in the hey-day of his youth and beauty some one of them see you bearing so much treasure
with the down just coming upon his face. through the darkness of the flying night, what would
Now when Priam and Idæus had driven past the not your state then be? You are no longer young,
great tomb of Ilius, they stayed their mules and and he who is with you is too old to protect you
horses that they might drink in the river, for the from those who would attack you. For myself, I will
shades of night were falling, when, therefore, Idæus do you no harm, and I will defend you from any
saw Mercury standing near them he said to Priam, one else, for you remind me of my own father.”
“Take heed, descendant of Dardanus; here is mat- And Priam answered, “It is indeed as you say, my

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dear son; nevertheless some god has held his hand We stood still and marvelled, for Achilles in his
over me, in that he has sent such a wayfarer as your- anger with the son of Atreus suffered us not to fight.
self to meet me so Opportunely; you are so comely I am his squire, and came with him in the same
in mien and figure, and your judgement is so excel- ship. I am a Myrmidon, and my father’s name is
lent that you must come of blessed parents.” Polyctor: he is a rich man and about as old as you
Then said the slayer of Argus, guide and guard- are; he has six sons besides myself, and I am the
ian, “Sir, all that you have said is right; but tell me seventh. We cast lots, and it fell upon me to sail
and tell me true, are you taking this rich treasure to hither with Achilles. I am now come from the ships
send it to a foreign people where it may be safe, or on to the plain, for with daybreak the Achæans will
are you all leaving strong Ilius in dismay now that set battle in array about the city. They chafe at do-
your son has fallen who was the bravest man among ing nothing, and are so eager that their princes can-
you and was never lacking in battle with the not hold them back.”
Achæans?” Then answered Priam, “If you are indeed the
And Priam said, “Wo are you, my friend, and who squire of Achilles son of Peleus, tell me now the
are your parents, that you speak so truly about the Whole truth. Is my son still at the ships, or has
fate of my unhappy son?” Achilles hewn him limb from limb, and given him
The slayer of Argus, guide and guardian, answered to his hounds?”
him, “Sir, you would prove me, that you question “Sir,” replied the slayer of Argus, guide and guard-
me about noble Hector. Many a time have I set ian, “neither hounds nor vultures have yet devoured
eyes upon him in battle when he was driving the him; he is still just lying at the tents by the ship of
Argives to their ships and putting them to the sword. Achilles, and though it is now twelve days that he

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has lain there, his flesh is not wasted nor have the you are offering me presents without the knowl-
worms eaten him although they feed on warriors. edge of Achilles whom I fear and hold it great guilt-
At daybreak Achilles drags him cruelly round the less to defraud, lest some evil presently befall me;
sepulchre of his dear comrade, but it does him no but as your guide I would go with you even to Argos
hurt. You should come yourself and see how he lies itself, and would guard you so carefully whether by
fresh as dew, with the blood all washed away, and sea or land, that no one should attack you through
his wounds every one of them closed though many making light of him who was with you.”
pierced him with their spears. Such care have the The bringer of good luck then sprang on to the
blessed gods taken of your brave son, for he was chariot, and seizing the whip and reins he breathed
dear to them beyond all measure.” fresh spirit into the mules and horses. When they
The old man was comforted as he heard him and reached the trench and the wall that was before the
said, “My son, see what a good thing it is to have ships, those who were on guard had just been get-
made due offerings to the immortals; for as sure as ting their suppers, and the slayer of Argus threw
that he was born my son never forgot the gods that them all into a deep sleep. Then he drew back the
hold Olympus, and now they requite it to him even bolts to open the gates, and took Priam inside with
in death. Accept therefore at my hands this goodly the treasure he had upon his waggon. Ere long they
chalice; guard me and with heaven’s help guide me came to the lofty dwelling of the son of Peleus for
till I come to the tent of the son of Peleus.” which the Myrmidons had cut pine and which they
Then answered the slayer of Argus, guide and had built for their king; when they had built it they
guardian, “Sir, you are tempting me and playing thatched it with coarse tussock-grass which they
upon my youth, but you shall not move me, for had mown out on the plain, and all round it they

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV
made a large courtyard, which was fenced with into the house where Achilles, loved of the gods,
stakes set close together. The gate was barred with was sitting. There he found him with his men seated
a single bolt of pine which it took three men to at a distance from him: only two, the hero
force into its place, and three to draw back so as to Automedon, and Alcimus of the race of Mars, were
open the gate, but Achilles could draw it by him- busy in attendance about his person, for he had
self. Mercury opened the gate for the old man, and but just done eating and drinking, and the table
brought in the treasure that he was taking with him was still there. King Priam entered without their
for the son of Peleus. Then he sprang from the seeing him, and going right up to Achilles he clasped
chariot on to the ground and said, “Sir, it is I, im- his knees and kissed the dread murderous hands
mortal Mercury, that am come with you, for my that had slain so many of his sons.
father sent me to escort you. I will now leave you, As when some cruel spite has befallen a man that
and will not enter into the presence of Achilles, for he should have killed some one in his own country,
it might anger him that a god should befriend mor- and must fly to a great man’s protection in a land
tal men thus openly. Go you within, and embrace of strangers, and all marvel who see him, even so
the knees of the son of Peleus: beseech him by his did Achilles marvel as he beheld Priam. The others
father, his lovely mother, and his son; thus you may looked one to another and marvelled also, but Priam
move him.” besought Achilles saying, “Think of your father, O
With these words Mercury went back to high Achilles like unto the gods, who is such even as I
Olympus. Priam sprang from his chariot to the am, on the sad threshold of old age. It may be that
ground, leaving Idæus where he was, in charge of those who dwell near him harass him, and there is
the mules and horses. The old man went straight none to keep war and ruin from him. Yet when he

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV
hears of you being still alive, he is glad, and his the old man’s hand and moved him gently away.
days are full of hope that he shall see his dear son The two wept bitterly—Priam, as he lay at Achil-
come home to him from Troy; but I, wretched man les’ feet, weeping for Hector, and Achilles now for
that I am, had the bravest in all Troy for my sons, his father and now for Patroclous, till the house
and there is not one of them left. I had fifty sons was filled with their lamentation. But when Achil-
when the Achæans came here; nineteen of them les was now sated with grief and had unburthened
were from a single womb, and the others were borne the bitterness of his sorrow, he left his seat and raised
to me by the women of my household. The greater the old man by the hand, in pity for his white hair
part of them has fierce Mars laid low, and Hector, and beard; then he said, “Unhappy man, you have
him who was alone left, him who was the guardian indeed been greatly daring; how could you venture
of the city and ourselves, him have you lately slain; to come alone to the ships of the Achæans, and
therefore I am now come to the ships of the Achæans enter the presence of him who has slain so many of
to ransom his body from you with a great ransom. your brave sons? You must have iron courage: sit
Fear, O Achilles, the wrath of heaven; think on your now upon this seat, and for all our grief we will
own father and have compassion upon me, who am hide our sorrows in our hearts, for weeping will not
the more pitiable, for I have steeled myself as no avail us. The immortals know no care, yet the lot
man yet has ever steeled himself before me, and they spin for man is full of sorrow; on the floor of
have raised to my lips the hand of him who slew Jove’s palace there stand two urns, the one filled
my son.” with evil gifts, and the other with good ones. He
Thus spoke Priam, and the heart of Achilles for whom Jove the lord of thunder mixes the gifts
yearned as he bethought him of his father. He took he sends, will meet now with good and now with

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV
evil fortune; but he to whom Jove sends none but when the dwellers in heaven sent this evil upon you,
evil gifts will be pointed at by the finger of scorn, war and slaughter have been about your city con-
the hand of famine will pursue him to the ends of tinually. Bear up against it, and let there be some
the world, and he will go up and down the face of intervals in your sorrow. Mourn as you may for your
the earth, respected neither by gods nor men. Even brave son, you will take nothing by it. You cannot
so did it befall Peleus; the gods endowed him with raise him from the dead, ere you do so yet another
all good things from his birth upwards, for he reigned sorrow shall befall you.”
over the Myrmidons excelling all men in prosperity And Priam answered, “O king, bid me not be
and wealth, and mortal though he was they gave seated, while Hector is still lying uncared for in your
him a goddess for his bride. But even on him too tents, but accept the great ransom which I have
did heaven send misfortune, for there is no race of brought you, and give him to me at once that I may
royal children born to him in his house, save one look upon him. May you prosper with the ransom
son who is doomed to die all untimely; nor may I and reach your own land in safety, seeing that you
take care of him now that he is growing old, for I have suffered me to live and to look upon the light
must stay here at Troy to be the bane of you and of the sun.”
your children. And you too, O Priam, I have heard Achilles looked at him sternly and said, “Vex me,
that you were aforetime happy. They say that in sir, no longer; I am of myself minded to give up the
wealth and plenitude of offspring you surpassed all body of Hector. My mother, daughter of the old
that is in Lesbos, the realm of Makar to the north- man of the sea, came to me from Jove to bid me
ward, Phrygia that is more inland, and those that deliver it to you. Moreover I know well, O Priam,
dwell upon the great Hellespont; but from the day and you cannot hide it, that some god has brought

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV
you to the ships of the Achæans, for else, no man lest if he did so, he should break out in the bitter-
however strong and in his prime would dare to come ness of his grief, and enrage Achilles, who might
to our host; he could neither pass our guard un- then kill him and sin against the word of Jove. When
seen, nor draw the bolt of my gates thus easily; there- the servants had washed the body and anointed it,
fore, provoke me no further, lest I sin against the and had wrapped it in a fair shirt and mantle, Achil-
word of Jove, and suffer you not, suppliant though les himself lifted it on to a bier, and he and his men
you are, within my tents.” then laid it on the waggon. He cried aloud as he
The old man feared him and obeyed. Then the did so and called on the name of his dear comrade,
son of Peleus sprang like a lion through the door of “Be not angry with me, Patroclus,” he said, “if you
his house, not alone, but with him went his two hear even in the house of Hades that I have given
squires Automedon and Alcimus who were closer Hector to his father for a ransom. It has been no
to him than any others of his comrades now that unworthy one, and I will share it equitably with
Patroclus was no more. These unyoked the horses you.”
and mules, and bade Priam’s herald and attendant Achilles then went back into the tent and took
be seated within the house. They lifted the ransom his place on the richly inlaid seat from which he
for Hector’s body from the waggon. but they left had risen, by the wall that was at right angles to the
two mantles and a goodly shirt, that Achilles might one against which Priam was sitting. “Sir,” he said,
wrap the body in them when he gave it to be taken “your son is now laid upon his bier and is ransomed
home. Then he called to his servants and ordered according to desire; you shall look upon him when
them to wash the body and anoint it, but he first you him away at daybreak; for the present let us
took it to a place where Priam should not see it, prepare our supper. Even lovely Niobe had to think

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV
about eating, though her twelve children—six With this Achilles sprang from his seat and killed
daughters and six lusty sons—had been all slain in a sheep of silvery whiteness, which his followers
her house. Apollo killed the sons with arrows from skinned and made ready all in due order. They cut
his silver bow, to punish Niobe, and Diana slew the the meat carefully up into smaller pieces, spitted
daughters, because Niobe had vaunted herself them, and drew them off again when they were well
against Leto; she said Leto had borne two children roasted. Automedon brought bread in fair baskets
only, whereas she had herself borne many—whereon and served it round the table, while Achilles dealt
the two killed the many. Nine days did they lie out the meat, and they laid their hands on the good
weltering, and there was none to bury them, for things that were before them. As soon as they had
the son of Saturn turned the people into stone; but had enough to eat and drink, Priam, descendant of
on the tenth day the gods in heaven themselves Dardanus, marvelled at the strength and beauty of
buried them, and Niobe then took food, being worn Achilles for he was as a god to see, and Achilles
out with weeping. They say that somewhere among marvelled at Priam as he listened to him and looked
the rocks on the mountain pastures of Sipylus, upon his noble presence. When they had gazed their
where the nymphs live that haunt the river fill Priam spoke first. “And now, O king,” he said,
Achelous, there, they say, she lives in stone and still “take me to my couch that we may lie down and
nurses the sorrows sent upon her by the hand of enjoy the blessed boon of sleep. Never once have
heaven. Therefore, noble sir, let us two now take my eyes been closed from the day your hands took
food; you can weep for your dear son hereafter as the life of my son; I have grovelled without ceasing
you are bearing him back to Ilius—and many a tear in the mire of my stable-yard, making moan and
will he cost you.” brooding over my countless sorrows. Now, more-

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV
over, I have eaten bread and drunk wine; hitherto I are pent up within our city; it is far for us to fetch
have tasted nothing.” wood from the mountain, and the people live in
As he spoke Achilles told his men and the women- fear. Nine days, therefore, will we mourn Hector in
servants to set beds in the room that was in the my house; on the tenth day we will bury him and
gatehouse, and make them with good red rugs, and there shall be a public feast in his honour; on the
spread coverlets on the top of them with woollen eleventh we will build a mound over his ashes, and
cloaks for Priam and Idæus to wear. So the maids on the twelfth, if there be need, we will fight.”
went out carrying a torch and got the two beds ready And Achilles answered, “All, King Priam, shall be
in all haste. Then Achilles said laughingly to Priam, as you have said. I will stay our fighting for as long
“Dear sir, you shall lie outside, lest some counsellor a time as you have named.”
of those who in due course keep coming to advise As he spoke he laid his hand on the old man’s
with me should see you here in the darkness of the right wrist, in token that he should have no fear;
flying night, and tell it to Agamemnon. This might thus then did Priam and his attendant sleep there
cause delay in the delivery of the body. And now in the forecourt, full of thought, while Achilles lay
tell me and tell me true, for how many days would in an inner room of the house, with fair Briseis by
you celebrate the funeral rites of noble Hector? Tell his side.
me, that I may hold aloof from war and restrain the And now both gods and mortals were fast asleep
host.” through the livelong night, but upon Mercury alone,
And Priam answered, “Since, then, you suffer me the bringer of good luck, sleep could take no hold
to bury my noble son with all due rites, do thus, for he was thinking all the time how to get King
Achilles, and I shall be grateful. You know how we Priam away from the ships without his being seen

393
 The Iliad – Book XXIV
by the strong force of sentinels. He hovered therefore Pergamus, caught sight of her dear father in his chariot,
over Priam’s head and said, “Sir, now that Achilles and his servant that was the city’s herald with him.
has spared your life, you seem to have no fear about Then she saw him that was lying upon the bier, drawn
sleeping in the thick of your foes. You have paid a by the mules, and with a loud cry she went about the
great ransom, and have received the body of your son; city saying, “Come hither Trojans, men and women,
were you still alive and a prisoner the sons whom you and look on Hector; if ever you rejoiced to see him
have left at home would have to give three times as coming from battle when he was alive, look now on
much to free you; and so it would be if Agamemnon him that was the glory of our city and all our people.”
and the other Achæans were to know of your being At this there was not man nor woman left in the
here.” city, so great a sorrow had possessed them. Hard by
When he heard this the old man was afraid and the gates they met Priam as he was bringing in the
roused his servant. Mercury then yoked their horses body. Hector’s wife and his mother were the first to
and mules, and drove them quickly through the host mourn him: they flew towards the waggon and laid
so that no man perceived them. When they came to their hands upon his head, while the crowd stood
the ford of eddying Xanthus, begotten of immortal weeping round them. They would have stayed before
Jove, Mercury went back to high Olympus, and dawn the gates, weeping and lamenting the livelong day to
in robe of saffron began to break over all the land. the going down of the sun, had not Priam spoken to
Priam and Idæus then drove on toward the city la- them from the chariot and said, “Make way for the
menting and making moan, and the mules drew the mules to pass you. Afterwards when I have taken the
body of Hector. No one neither man nor woman saw body home you shall have your fill of weeping.”
them, till Cassandra, fair as golden Venus standing on On this the people stood asunder, and made a

394
 The Iliad – Book XXIV
way for the waggon. When they had borne the body was no light one. Therefore do the people mourn
within the house they laid it upon a bed and seated him. You have left, O Hector, sorrow unutterable
minstrels round it to lead the dirge, whereon the to your parents, and my own grief is greatest of all,
women joined in the sad music of their lament. for you did not stretch forth your arms and em-
Foremost among them all Andromache led their brace me as you lay dying, nor say to me any words
wailing as she clasped the head of mighty Hector in that might have lived with me in my tears night
her embrace. “Husband,” she cried, “you have died and day for evermore.”
young, and leave me in your house a widow; he of Bitterly did she weep the while, and the women
whom we are the ill-starred parents is still a mere joined in her lament. Hecuba in her turn took up
child, and I fear he may not reach manhood. Ere he the strains of woe. “Hector,” she cried, “dearest to
can do so our city will be razed and overthrown, for me of all my children. So long as you were alive the
you who watched over it are no more—you who gods loved you well, and even in death they have
were its saviour, the guardian of our wives and chil- not been utterly unmindful of you; for when Achil-
dren. Our women will be carried away captives to les took any other of my sons, he would sell him
the ships, and I among them; while you, my child, beyond the seas, to Samos Imbrus or rugged
who will be with me will be put to some unseemly Lemnos; and when he had slain you too with his
tasks, working for a cruel master. Or, may be, some sword, many a time did he drag you round the sep-
Achæan will hurl you (O miserable death) from our ulchre of his comrade—though this could not give
walls, to avenge some brother, son, or father whom him life—yet here you lie all fresh as dew, and
Hector slew; many of them have indeed bitten the comely as one whom Apollo has slain with his pain-
dust at his hands, for your father’s hand in battle less shafts.”

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV

Thus did she too speak through her tears with the Argives, for Achilles when he dismissed me from
bitter moan, and then Helen for a third time took the ships gave me his word that they should not
up the strain of lamentation. “Hector,” said she, attack us until the morning of the twelfth day.”
“dearest of all my brothers-in-law-for I am wife to Forthwith they yoked their oxen and mules and
Alexandrus who brought me hither to Troy—would gathered together before the city. Nine days long
that I had died ere he did so—twenty years are come did they bring in great heaps wood, and on the
and gone since I left my home and came from over morning of the tenth day with many tears they took
the sea, but I have never heard one word of insult trave Hector forth, laid his dead body upon the
or unkindness from you. When another would chide summit of the pile, and set the fire thereto. Then
with me, as it might be one of your brothers or when the child of morning rosy-fingered dawn ap-
sisters or of your brothers’ wives, or my mother-in- peared on the eleventh day, the people again as-
law—for Priam was as kind to me as though he were sembled, round the pyre of mighty Hector. When
my own father—you would rebuke and check them they were got together, they first quenched the fire
with words of gentleness and goodwill. Therefore with wine wherever it was burning, and then his
my tears flow both for you and for my unhappy brothers and comrades with many a bitter tear gath-
self, for there is no one else in Troy who is kind to ered his white bones, wrapped them in soft robes of
me, but all shrink and shudder as they go by me.” purple, and laid them in a golden urn, which they
She wept as she spoke and the vast crowd that placed in a grave and covered over with large stones
was gathered round her joined in her lament. Then set close together. Then they built a barrow hur-
King Priam spoke to them saying, “Bring wood, O riedly over it keeping guard on every side lest the
Trojans, to the city, and fear no cunning ambush of Achæans should attack them before they had fin-

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 The Iliad – Book XXIV

ished. When they had heaped up the barrow they

went back again into the city, and being well as-
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