A53243	----	The translation of Homers Works into English verse being undertaken by John Ogilby translator of Virgil and paraphrasor on Æsop which work will be of greater charge then [sic] can be expected to be born by him; it being found by computation to amount to neer [sic] 5000 l. He herefore being desirous to spend his time and pains to bring that great and ancient poem into our English version; doth humbly propose to all honorable personages, encouragers of art and learning, an expedient for the publishing of the said work, as followeth. Iliad. English. Prospectus. Homer. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A53243 of text R216551 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing O183). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 4 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 1 1-bit group-IV TIFF page image. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A53243 Wing O183 ESTC R216551 99828278 99828278 32705 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A53243) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 32705) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1856:15) The translation of Homers Works into English verse being undertaken by John Ogilby translator of Virgil and paraphrasor on Æsop which work will be of greater charge then [sic] can be expected to be born by him; it being found by computation to amount to neer [sic] 5000 l. He herefore being desirous to spend his time and pains to bring that great and ancient poem into our English version; doth humbly propose to all honorable personages, encouragers of art and learning, an expedient for the publishing of the said work, as followeth. Iliad. English. Prospectus. Homer. Homer. Odyssey. English. Prospectus. Ogilby, John, 1600-1676. 1 sheet ([1] p.) s.n., [London : 1660] Imprint from Wing. Title from opening words of text. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. eng Homer. -- Iliad -- Early works to 1800. Homer. -- Odyssey -- Early works to 1800. A53243 R216551 (Wing O183). civilwar no The translation of Homers Works into English verse being undertaken by John Ogilby translator of Virgil and paraphrasor on Æsop, which work Homer 1660 599 1 0 0 0 0 0 17 C The rate of 17 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-03 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2008-03 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Translation of Homers WORKS into English Verse being undertaken by John Ogilby Translator of Virgil , and Paraphrasor on AEsop , which Work will be of greater Charge then can be expected to be born by him ; It being found by Computation to amount to neer 5000 l. He therefore being desirous to spend his time and pains to bring that great and ancient POEM into our English VERSION ; Doth humbly propose to all Honourable Personages , Encouragers of Art and Learning , an Expedient for the publishing of the said Work , as followeth . First , All Persons that shall be pleased to be at the charge of a Design , and graving of a Plate , which will cost the Author at least 10 l. for the adorning and illustrating the Work , are desired to pay into the hands of the Author , or of such as he shall appoint , the summ of 12 l. for which each person shall have two Books ; Viz. The Iliads and Odysses ; the 12 l. to be paid as followeth ; Viz. 5 l. upon the Subscription , and upon the receipt of the Iliads Printed 5 l. more , and upon the receipt of the Odysses 40 s. more ; each of which Persons upon their said Plates shall have their Names , Armes , and Titles Engraved , and be thankfully Recorded to Posterity , to be Promoters , Benefactors , and Patrons of that Noble WORK . Secondly , Such persons as are not willing to be at the charge of a Plate , and yet are desirous to have the said Books compleat with Pictures , of the aforesaid dedicated Plates , as soon as they shall be published , are requested to deposite in the hands of the Author as aforesaid , the summ of 40 s. upon their Subscription , and upon the receipt of the Iliads 40 s. more , and upon the receipt of the Odysses 40 s. more . To all which Persons the Author shall give Acquittances upon the payment of their first Subscriptions , and such order shall be taken for securing the Copies or Volumes before mentioned to the Subscribers , as shall be thought reasonable , being in all 61. for the said two Books . Thirdly , Any Person who by his Interest or Acquaintance shall bring in five Subscribers , or compleat the number himself , on either of the said Proposals , shall upon their payments of their subscribed Summs , have the said two Books of I●iads and Odysses cleer from the Author , over and above the said five , as a return of thankfulness , and be secured thereof as aforesaid . The first Volume is intended to be perfected with Plates ( if Subscriptions come in ) within a year , and the second Volume by the end of the year following . For the better ease and accommodation of such Subscribers as know not the Author nor his dwelling , they may be pleased to repair to the House of Mr. Abbot in Cornhil neer the old Exchange , to the House of Mr. Yarway in Woodstreet , at Lad-Lane end , or to the house of Mr. Roycroft in New-street , neer Criple-gate , where the Subscriptions may be made , and the Receipts acknowledged to the use of the Author ; Who will secure the delivery of the Volumes to the Subscribers upon perfecting the Work . 
A44272	----	The third book of Homers Iliads. Translated by Thomas Grantham, professor of the speedy way of teaching the Hebrew, Greek, and Latine tongues, in Mermaid-Court in Gutter-lane, near Cheapside, London Iliad. Book 3. English. Homer. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A44272 of text R213479 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing H2556A). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 26 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 8 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A44272 Wing H2556A ESTC R213479 99825849 99825849 30240 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A44272) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 30240) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1795:15) The third book of Homers Iliads. Translated by Thomas Grantham, professor of the speedy way of teaching the Hebrew, Greek, and Latine tongues, in Mermaid-Court in Gutter-lane, near Cheapside, London Iliad. Book 3. English. Homer. Grantham, Thomas, d. 1664. [4], 11, [1] p. printed by M.I. for the author, London : 1660. Reproduction of the original in the Harvard University Library. eng A44272 R213479 (Wing H2556A). civilwar no The third book of Homers Iliads. Translated by Thomas Grantham, professor of the speedy way of teaching the Hebrew, Greek, and Latine tongue Homer 1660 4077 9 10 0 0 0 0 47 D The rate of 47 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the D category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2008-01 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The Third BOOK OF Homers Iliads . Translated by Thomas Grantham , Professor of the speedy way of Teaching the Hebrew , Greek , and Latine Tongues , in Meremaid-Court in Gutter-lane , near Cheapside , London . LONDON , Printed by M. I. for the Author , 1660. To his Noble Friend Mr THOMAS TURNER , Gentleman of GRAIES — INN . Sir , IN antient times those who escaped ship wrack , hung up their cloaths in the Temples of their Gods in signs of gratitude . Philosophers call Virtues and Vices , the cloathing of the mind : Achilles has it to Agamemnon ; Oh thou , that art cloathed with Impudence ! The Scripture has it ; Josuah stood before the Lord in filthy rags , those rags were the vices and sins of the people , as Interpreters say : The cloathing and robes of righteousness are often read in * Scripture . And the divine Graces are not made onely a Cloathing , but an Armor : Put yee on the Helmet of salvation , the Breast-plate of righteousness , and the shield of faith : there is also , a Crown of righteousness . SIR , whatsoever Graces , Virtues , or Ornaments are in this Translation , I sacrifice them all to you , who has saved me in a double shipwrack . St. Paul suffered thrice shipwrack , and I twice : First , a Sequestration from my Parsonage : Then there was an Ordinance , that no Sequestred Minister should teach School under pain of imprisonment , there was both my hands tied behind me , and I was in a kind of Hell , I could not get a drop of water : Sir , in this extremity I received many noble courtesies from your Brother , and you , and other friends of yours ; for the which the Lord grant yee mercy . Yours Thomas Grantham . The Third Book of HOMER'S ILIADS. The Argument . When all the Armies were set in array , Paris all arm'd stept out , but run away So soon as he did Menelaus spye : Then Hector said , Paris how cowardly And basely dost thou run ! Oh scorn to yeild , Fight for fair Helen in this pitched Field . Then Paris with his Armour , Sword and Launce , Between the Armies stontly did advance : Then Menelaus did from his Chariot leap , And him assaulted in a furious heat , And drew him to the Graecians all along , Until that Venus broke the Oxes Thong Which ty'd his Helmet to his Throat , and then He flung the Helmet to the armed men . Venus doth hide him in a Mist unknown , And quickly in his Chamber set him down , And Helen told how he was come from fight , Now to embrace her with a full delight . The King does then the fairest Helen claim , And all her wealth , whatsoever with her came . WHen both the Army was set in array , The Trojans ran with clamours all the way , Like to the Cranes , who cold and rain do flye , And crying to the flowing Ocean high , Threatning the Pigmeis for to slay and kill , And in this cruel war much blood they spill . The Gracians silent all together breath , Unto the Trojan Army threatning death ▪ And as the South-Wind-mists do darkness fling On Mountains , which to Shepherds sorrows bring , But pleases Thieves , when scarce that any one Can see so far as men can cast a stone . Thus like a Whirlwind did a dust arise Under their feet , which darkned all their eyes : The Armies clos'd , then Paris stept before , His Bow he held , a Panthors Hide he wore , A Sword , two brazen-headed Darts he shook , Provokt the proudest Greek with angry look , And stately pace : When Menelaus King , Saw him triumphing such disgraces bring , He joy'd like to a Lion who does spye A Hart or Goat before the Hounds to flye ; Then from his Chariot leap'd the armed King , Whom Paris saw and fled ; So from a Spring When any spyes a Serpent , he will run , And pale and wan this Serpent he will shun : So Paris ( like a God in Beauty ) flies , And fearful to the Trojan Army highs . Then Hector did unhappy Paris scorn , And wish'd that his fair face had been unborn ; And told him if he never married were , That such a spectacle would not appear ; The Graecians shout to see thy fair sweet face , And cowardize , our Armies to disgrace ; Thou stol'st from Greece a valiant Warriers Wife , Which to thy Father , and to Troy brought strife : Thou couldst not Menelaus wrath sustain , For stealing of his Wife he had thee slain . Your Harp and Venus gifts , fair face and all , Are nothing worth when in the dirt you fall ; The Trojans all are frighted , and a stone Had been your Coat , if you had fought alone . Then Paris said ( who was of shape Divine ) Hector I kindly take these words of thine , Thy heart is like an Ax that cuts an Oake , And he that cuts learns cunning at each stroake ; Thou art undaunted , yet do not me upbrade , And scorn my lovely Beauty Venus made ; Honour the gifts of Gods ; Who would not take It kindly if the Gods him fair would make ? But if you 'l have me fight , then all fit down , For I fair Helen will keep as mine own , And fight with Menelans ; if he shall Me overcome , let him take her , and all Her goods to Greece . We vows and leagues will take , Never hereafter any war to make . Dwel ye in gleby Troy , wee 'l take our course For Argos , where fair women are , and horse . This saying then , Hector did highly please , And rushing in the midst he made them cease From fighting ; but the Grecians ▪ flung their darts , And stones , and arrows , to wound Hector's heart . Then Agamemnon said with mighty voice , Grecians leave off to fight and make a noise , Fair Helmed Hector unto a treaty shows ; Then all the Army ceased from their blows : And Hector said , Trojans and well-arm'd Greeks , Paris for whom this strife begun , now seeks A Peace , and bids you all leave off to fight , For hee fair Helen will keep as his right , If hee shall Menelaus overcome , Hee 'l keep her and her riches all at home . Then all the Greeks were silent every where , And to King Menelaus gave an ear , Who said , I am sorry that these griefs I see , Of Greeks and Trojens ▪ but we shall be free ; For either Paris or my self must dye , Then will the strife be ended presently . Then bring two Lambs , a black one and a white , The black for earth , the white for Phoebus bright ; And bring old Priam now a League to make , For all his sons their Covenants have brake : Let no man now the Oath of Jove prophane , For young men are unstable and untame ; But let old Priam come , for he does know Things past and present , that betwixt us go . Then all the Greeks and Trojans did rejoice , In hopes of peace at Menelaus voice , And rank'd their Horses ; every Souldier round Put off his Arms , and plac'd himself on ground ; The place betwixt the Armies was but small , They were to fight in ; then did Hector call Two Heralds , whom he bad the Lambs to bring For Sacrifice , and Priam their old King ; But Agamemnon ruling , sent before Talhithius , to bring a sheep from shore ; Then Iris to white armed Helen came , Like to Antenor's Wife , the very same : She was King Priam's daughter , past them all In beauty ; her they Laodi●ce call ; She found her in her house spinning a Web Double , and shining , and much laboured ; It did the Greek and Trojan War contain , And show'd what sorrows Martial men sustain . Then standing by her , Nymph , come see said she , Now Greece and Troy in peace united be , And every man sits leaning on his shield ; But Paris hath provoked to the field King Menelaus , they will end this strife with Launces , who shall call fair Helen Wife ; Then Helen thought how happy she should be , If she her Husband's Parents town should see ; White Veils did shadow her with mighty grace , And tears ran trickling down along her face ; Athra , Pitheus daughter did attend , And Clymene , whose beauty all commend ▪ They hasted , and they came to Sceat towers , Where Priam was , with all his Counsellours , Pantheus , Thymeles , Lampus was there , Clitius , Hecutaon , all men fear ; Ucalegon , Antenor , these were known To all the World to be men of renown ; The Voice they spake like Grashoppers did ring , When they in Woods , chirping on trees did sing : But when fair Helen to the towers came , All said her Beauty far surpast her Fame ; Trojans and Grecians , none could think amiss , To suffer sorrows for so great a bliss : She 's like the Goddesses , she 's all Divine ; Yet though in glory she the heaven out-shine , Let her with all her ships return again , Rather then we these sorrows should sustain . When all spake thus , Priam did Helen call , And said , Dear Daughter , sit and name them all ; Your Husband you may see , kindred and friends , Not you , but Gods these mighty sorrows sends : Tell me what man is that so amply spred , And though some Greeks be higher by the head , Yet he the fairest of them all I see , So worshipful , so like a King is he . Then Helen said , Oh reverend Father-in-law , And fear'd , Would I had dyed when I saw Your Son ; of Bed and Brethren I am now bereft , My dearest Daughter , and my friends are left : But what 's my weeping ? I must answer thee , And tell the questions thou dost ask of me ; That 's Agamemnon who does rule , so far , He 's great , and good , and valiant in all war ; He is my Husbands Brother ; wo is me , My unchaste lusts bring me this misery . This said , the King did much admire his fate , And mighty Armies marching in such state ; To Phrygia full of Vines I took my course One time , to see those brave men ride the horse ; Otreus and Mygdon were Commanders then Against the Amazons , who did fight like men . But tell the Phrigians all , they came not neer The number of the black-ey'd Grecians here . At second sight he did Ulisses see , And said , dear daughter , pre-thee answer me ; Who 's he , that 's lesser by the head , but strong , Broad-shoulder'd , breasted as he walks along : Like to a Bell-Wether , or Ram he shews , That walks before the wel white-fleeced Yews . She answered , That 's Ulisses , who is great In counsels , and so famous for deceit . Antenor answered , This is true Madame , For he to Troy sometime a Legate came With Menelaus for your sake , and these I entertained with all things might please . Menelaus standing did Ulisses pass , But as he sate Ulisses braver was . His counsels and his words were very smal When he did speak , yet pleasing unto all . But when the wise Ulisses up did rise To speak , he fixed on the earth his eies ; And as he spake , he held his Scepter still ; There is none would think he was a man of skill , Until he heard his words like drifts of snow Flye all about us , yet was nought in show . The third he ask'd was Ajax Telamon ; Who 's that , said he , so bigg of limb and bone , So high , that to his head there reacheth none . To him the large-veil'd , glorious , fairest Dame , That ever from the Grecian quarters came , She said , That 's Ajax Telamon you see , The Grecian Bulwark he is held to be : Idomeneus near to him does stand , And round about him those that bear Command : My warlike Husband him did entertain . Within our Court , and all his glorious Train . The other black-ey'd Greeks to mind I call , And to you now I could relate them all : Castor that's skill'd in horse , and Pollux strong , My brethren both , I think came not along : They fear to come , to fight in war for shame : And are disgraced at my very name . Or else I think they 're dead . The Heralds then Brought Lambs and Wine before the Armed men . Herald Ideus brought a mighty boul , And golden cups to quench each thirsty soul , And said , King Priam rise , the Princes call ; Let 's make our Covenant before them all : Paris and Menelaus now will fight , And try who to fair Helen shall have right : Let him that wins her take her wealth away ; We Trojans all in Gleby Troy will stay ; And all yee Grecians then in Greece may dwell , Which for fair Horse and Women does excell . This said , old Priams limbs began to shake , But bad his Men his Chariot ready make ; Which he ascending , with the Reins did guide , Then straight Antenor marched to his side , And through the Scean Ports their horse did run , Until that they unto the Armies come , And lighting in the midst the King did rise , So did Ulisses , who was mighty wise . The Heralds then with a clear voice did speak , That none these faithful vows should dare to break : They mix the Wine which both the Armies brings , And powr water on the hands of Kings . Then Agamemnon drew the knife he put In his swords sheath , and with it he did cut The wool from both the for heads of the Lambs , The Heralds then with execration dams That break their Vows , the hair they give to all : Then Agamemnon on the Gods did call : Great glorious Jove , who Ida alwaies swaies , And thou , O Sun , that lights us with thy raies : Yee Earth and floods , and all that punish those In hell below , whom darkness does inclose Witness the perjured , keep the faithful Oath , Which now you see is made between them both : If Paris now shall Menelaus kill , Then Paris shall have Helen at his will , And all her goods he shall in Troy retain , And wee 'l hoist sail , and hasten home again . If Menelaus now shall Paris slay , Then Troy both Helen , and her wealth shall pay : But if that Priam and his Sons deny To pay the Fine , if Paris now shall dye ; Then I will fight , and dearly make them pay , For keeping back what is my due away . Then he the throat of both the Lambs with knife Did cut , and left them gasping for their life : Then Wine they powred out , and Vows did make , The Grecians and the Tojans all thus spake : Oh mighty Jove , and ye immortal powers , Who first does violate this Oath of ours , Dash out their brains , let Bastards be their race ; But Jove would not their supplications grace . Then Priam said , Trojans and Grecians hear , This cruel fight my heart can no waies bear : Whether my Son shall Menelaus kill None knows , for this is as the gods do will . He mounts the Chariot , takes the Lambs , his Horse He reins . Antenor with him took his course . Then Hector and Ulisses measured out The ground to fight , the Armies stood about , And cast the Lots , whether of these should fling His Javeling , then the fields about did ring With praying to the Gods , and all did pray The wronged man might the Disturber slay . Then Hector shook the Helm ' that held the Chance , And Paris first had lot to fling his Lance . Then all the Souldiers r●nked in a round Sate with their Horses , and their Arms on ground . Then Paris arm'd himself for this same strife , Who fair hair'd Helen ▪ had unto his wife . First he put on his Boots , and these made fast With silver Buttons which would strongly last . Then he put on his breast-plate , this before His brother Lycaon full oft had wore : Then he put on his Damask sword in field , And after that his strong and mighty shield : His Helmet with a plume of Horses hair , And as he daunced all the Armies stare : And terribly he shewed in this advance , For he did shake his huge and mighty Lance . Then Menelaus in an angry mood , With gallant Armor 'twixt the Armies stood : Trojans and Grecians all about did gaze , For both the Armies were in great amaze To see these men to come so stoutly in , And dare it out , for they came chin to chin . Then Paris first did fling his Lance in field , Which did reflect from Menelaus shield : Then Menelaus did his Spear prepare To fling , but first to Jove he made his prayer ; Oh Jove ! this Paris wrong'd me most of all ; Now grant that he under my hands may fall ; And every Guest in after-time shall fear To wrong his Hoste , who was to him so dear : This said , his Lance did pierce through Paris shield , Stuck in his breast-plate , made it for to yield , And cut the coat his bowels did contain ; But Paris stoopt , or Paris had been slain : His Helmet also with his sword he strake , His sword in three or four pieces brake : Then looking up to heaven , Oh Jove ! said he , There is no God so cruel unto me ; My Sword is broke , my Lance is flung in vain , I durst have sworn I should have Paris slaih : This said , he presently did catch his Guest By th' Horse-hair-plume that dangled on his crest , And drew him to the Grecians all along , Untill that Venus broke the Oxes thong Which tied his Helmet to his throat , and then He flung the Helmet to the Armed men . Then Menelaus did his Lance advance ; But Paris was delivered from that chance Of death , for Venus in a mist unknown Kept him , and in his chamber set him down : And Helen in a tower of great height , Found with some Ladies there to see the fight . Then like that Woman old in shape she came , Who for her spinning was of mighty fame , And lov'd of Helen ; Helen , come now , said she , Quickly , for I must needs discourse with thee . Paris is now returned from the fight , And in his chamber loves to take delight ; On his sweet beds he is , so fai● , you 'l say ; He came not from the War , but from a Play , Or dance ; then Helen did know this D●sguise , By her white neck , her breasts , and sparkling eyes . She said , Oh thou unhappy Deity , Why dost thou add unto my misery ? What wouldst thou lead me into Phrygia , Or to my friends in brave Maeonia ? Because that Menelaus did or'ecome Paris , now therefore thou wouldst take me home . With all deceits the waies of Gods deny , And with thy feet never ascend the sky : Endure sorrows greater then e're came , Until thou be his servant , or his dame : But now I am resolv'd not to adorn His bed , for this I hold my greatest scorn . Then Helen said ; Wretch , provoke not me , My hate is more then was my love to thee : Between the Greeks and Trojans I 'le thee place , There thou shalt perish with a great disgrace . This fearful speech she durst not but obey , And with her snowy veil did haste away From all the Trojan Armies , undiseri'd She scap'd away , for Venus was her guide : They unto Paris house quickly did hie , The Maidens all their houswiferys did plie : She mounted to a chamber was above , Led by the laughter loving dame of Love , Who set a stool just before Paris face For Helen , who look'd on him with disgrace . I wish my husband had thee slain in War , Although thou boast thou dost excell him far . Go fight with him , yet shal my counsel be Now to forbear , least that he conquer thee . Then Paris answered Helen , and did speak These bitter words , My very heart does break . What if that Menelaus conquered me , The Gods hereafter may propitious be , And I may conquer him ; Oh! I burn more Then when I brought thee to the Cranaen shore . Let us imbrace in Bed ; Oh! my desire Of loving burns with a flame-raging fire : This said , then presently to bed he went , She followed , and they slept with all content . Then Menelaus like a wilde beast did stare , To find out Paris , who was held so fair : And all the Trojans wisht that he could find Paris , for all did hate him in their mind . The Agamemnon said , Trojans give ear , And Grecians too , for I shall make it clear , That warlike Menelaus won the field , Now Helen with her riches you muse yield ; And pay the Fine that 's due , hereafter fame Shal spread our Acts , the Greeks approve the same . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A44272e-130 Vestimenta maris Deo , Hor. Ode 5. Platonici virtutes , & vitia , vestes animae nominabant . Hom. ver. 150. Isa. 61. 10. Eph. 6. 14 , 16 , 17. 2 Tim. 4. 8. Notes for div A44272e-390 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} His Tomb-stone . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} 
A56392	----	Homer in a nutshell, or, His War between the frogs and the mice in three cantos / parapharastically translated by Samuel Parker. Batrachomyomachia. English. 1700 Homer. 1700 Approx. 43 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 15 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A56392 Wing P465 ESTC R31754 12252884 ocm 12252884 57171 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A56392) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 57171) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1510:10) Homer in a nutshell, or, His War between the frogs and the mice in three cantos / parapharastically translated by Samuel Parker. Batrachomyomachia. English. 1700 Homer. Parker, Samuel, 1681-1730. [8], 20 p. Printed by Tho. Newborough ..., London : MDCC [1700] In verse. Errata: preliminary p. [8] Reproduction of original in the Harvard University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2004-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-04 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2004-04 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion HOMER in a Nutshell : OR , HIS WAR BETWEEN THE Frogs and the Mice , Paraphrastically Translated . In Three CANTOS . By SAMVEL PARKER , Gent. — Quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus . Hor. de Arte Poet. LONDON : Printed for Tho. Newborough , at the Golden Ball in St. Paul's Church-yard . MDCC . To Sir R. L. SIR , YOU know the Sacredness of Liberty and Property . Now all stragling Apologues fall to you as Lord of the Mannor , and the very Ghost of Aesop ( no very agreable Appartion , you may imagin ) of Poggius , Abstemius , and my own old blind Author too for Company , durst I with-hold the Due , wou'd e'ry Night draw my Curtains 'till You had Justice done You. Besides as Duty and real Interest are ever inseparable , so particularly in the present Instance it 's the Privilege of Your humble Imitators that by doing You Fealty they challenge Your Protection , the very end of Government , when at the same time too our Tribute's but a Peppercorn-rent , make the best on 't , and Your Subjects are more beholden to You for accepting , than You to them for paying their Acknowledgments . I have frequently wonder'd at the Confidence of Authors in expecting to be gratify'd for their Dedications , and oftener at the Weakness of Patrons , that they 'll vouchsafe 'em those dishonourable Encouragements . For first , it 's Ten to One but the great Man catches a Tartar , or provides for a Bantling that is not worth a Clout : Or secondly , if he has reason to be proud of his Purchase , all the Glory and Encomium of the Epistle smells abominably rank of Confederacy and Bargain . Maecenas but spoils his own Market while he makes a liberal Art a mercenary one ; and when the Orator or the Poet is to draw his Picture beyond the Life , he cann't be contented unless he set for 't with a Cap and Bells forsooth ! of his own providing . In a Word , the Fee shou'd rather accrue to the Patron from the Scribler , and little enough at last too considering what a Cause he 's oblig'd to attend : Now my little harmless homely Ditty Petitions for no more than barely the benefit of the two Capital Letters aforesaid . It applys in forma Pauperis , and the Translator will magnify Your Charity both in his Author's Name and in his own , if You 'll keep his Calliope in countenance gratis . Nay indeed the whole is but a Cur'sy to my Dancing-Master , pardon the levity of the Allusion . You were my Apollo , my Helicon , and my Muses ; that Ocean of true Wit and good Sense from which the Drill , as to all that 's tolerable in it , derives itself , and into which it as naturally returns , ' though at the expence of its Acrimony in the Circulation . But hold ! 't is high time to enter upon the main Business of an Epistle Dedicatory , the Patron 's Apotheosis . And what now must I extol ? Your Integrity , Constancy and Courage ? Alas ! 't is a long time ago since these pass'd for recommendatory Qualities ; nay of very dangerous Consequence might it prove to us Both , at this time o' Day , should I blurt out a Syllable in favour of ' em . Your Letters then , your Iudgment , your Wit , your Prudence ? That were as much as to say all the World did not already admire 'em , ever excepting my Brother C — ; and I verily believe too , even he , cou'd the Man have as good an Opinion of any Body as of himself , wou'd entertain it of you . How then shall I manage my Address ? Assume the modish Figure call'd Apophasis or Whispering aloud , and run you a long Division upon your several Excellencies with a Not to mention ' em ? Or shall I tell you that your Modesty being a Nusance to the rest of your Virtues , I had rather be wanting in my Duty to Them , than most inhumanely torture That ? Nauseous , vile , pedantick Forms ! and as prostituted Common-places as Panegyrick itself ! What remains therefore but the liberty of making this brief , bare , and simple , yet candid Profession , that I am , Honour'd SIR , Most sincerely and most humbly Your Servant , as oblig'd , S. Parker . THE PREFACE . Gentle Peruser ! IN the first place the Translator wou'd have thee know he never pretended to the Character of a Poet , and as he desires to 'scape the Scandal of the Name , so he will not value himself the more for any good Success , or the less for any Disappointment ; seeing after all , in Things of this Nature , every Man will be his own Critick , and the People of nice Rule and quaint Observation , betray the vanity of their Maxims , while scarce a Couple in the whole Pack agree about the suitableness of any one Ingredient , but that which is most incompatible with the true Scope of the Art , the Recommendation and Encouragement of Immorality and Irreligion : However , finding himself dispos'd now and then to try his Skill , and observing the Canto-cut has of late carry'd the Day , he thought good to bestow a few Hours upon the Translation of a Poem which , and very deservedly , has been celebrated for many Ages ; a Poem , which for neatness of Wit , liveliness of Description and regularity of Conduct , equals any part of the Iliads , perhaps excells any part of the Odysses . And yet as just and regular as I found this Poem , I perceiv'd it wou'd never jump in English with the Humour of the Age , till I had spoild it by some unwarrantable Alterations , which being printed in a smaller Character , the Reader may observe without the trouble of Comparing . The two most material of 'em are these ; first , That whereas , according to my Author , the Frog seems not out of a treacherous Principle to have serv'd the Mouse as he did , I have made him design the worst all along , very consonantly too , if I mistake not , to the Character the Poet fixes afterwards upon him , where he makes him vindicate himself by that egregious Falsity , v. 146. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. And not injuriously neither to the Series of the Story : Then again , that almost upon the same Inducements I have made him improve or rather explain the Stratagem , by which , in the Conclusion of that Speech , the Frog proposes to defeat the Mice . Beside these many slighter Alterations will occur , and here and there an Addition of my own , * but which I hope he can as readily forgive as discern . For what relates to the Scope and Import of the Fable , I am not persuaded with Aristobulus , that Homer compos'd it only for the Diversion and Exercise of School-Boys ; the Design appears to have been more momentous , it carries a Face of Instruction upon the Matter of Civil Government , and the Moral is plainly Political . In the occasion of the War between the Frogs and the Mice , we see with what miserable Consequences the generous Credulity of a Prince on one hand abus'd by the Craftiness and Treachery of a Neighbour on the other , is like to be attended . On the part of the Mouse , 't was imprudent to repose so great Confidence in a Politician of a distinct or rather opposite Interest and Temper , tho' on the part of the Frog 't was not only a bold Violation of Divine and Humane Laws to play such a Game , but still more impolitick to stir up so Potent an Adversary , and dare the Vengeance not of Heaven alone ( for he seems to have troubled his Head little enough about that ) but withal of so many well-disciplined resolute Cavaliers , of which Commotions the Issue will ever be fatal to their Author , how much soever Things may succeed to his Wishes for a Season . The great Distributer of Dues loves to defer his Inflictions as long as his Iustice will permit ; but when that Period's once expir'd , he sends down both Principal and Interest upon the Heads of the Incorrigible . I confess , the Poet has not intimated so much ; nay , has describ'd Jupiter as a malicious Enemy to the Mice . But then we must remember he had represented him before in a State of Indifference , resolv'd with his Family not to interpose in behalf of this Party or that , nor to concern himself otherwise than as an idle Spectator . Indeed , the freedom the Poet took with his Gods , was , in respect of himself , an unpardonable Presumption , and nothing ought to be built upon it , or inferr'd from it . Agen , the Consummation of the Fray gives us to understand , That Superiority and Dominion are the most slippery Things in the World , and have their Vicissitudes of Rising and Sinking as necessarily as two Buckets in a Well . The Mice at first are too hard for the Frogs , and 't was but Reason to imagine 'em so 'till they had taken their just Revenge : But then the Crabs came upon the Mice in the very Pride of their Victory , and by a course kind of Argument , convinc'd 'em in their turn of the Instability of Human Affairs . Nay , there 's yet a further meaning in the Close of the Allegory ; for ' though the Frogs deserv'd ten times more than what they suffer'd from the Mice ; yet we know , the Mice hod been as little remarkable for strict Morals as the most profligate Animals that e'r mov'd upon all Four. The Temptation of a mouldy Crust cou'd prevail with 'em at any time to break thro' all Obligations of Religion and Honour . The Suggestions of their Appetites they made the Rule of their Duty , and pretended a Privilege , under the Notion of Natural Freedom , to plunder their Landlords and One another as often as they pleas'd : How then were the Caitiffs rigorously dealt with ? What reason had they to expect more favour than the Frogs ? In good earnest , I think they had too much shew'd 'em before ; and 't was an Act of special Condescension in Jupiter to lay the Frogs at the Mercy of the Mice , and not the Mice rather at the Mercy of the Frogs . And so much by way of Interpretation . If the Criticks shou'd be displeas'd at any Grammatical or Poetical Liberties I have taken , they 'd highly oblige me . And the longer Bill the● prefer , the better : Though let 'em distort Words , mangle Periods , and misapply Aristotle , Horace , and Bossu , till they 're out of breath , I 'll lay 'em a Wager at last they cann't discover so many Faults in the Performance as their humble Servant . I earnestly beg of 'em to honour me with a Hiss , and shall be most proud of their Condemnation , well-knowing their Sentence is always to be constru'd , like O — ts's Depositions , backward . Ever since I caught some termagant Ones in a Club , undervaluing our new Translation of Virgil , I 've known both what Opinion I ought to harbour , and what use to make of 'em , and since the Opportunity of a Digression so luckily presents it self , I shall make bold to ask the Gentlemen their Sentiments of two or three Lines ( to pass over a thousand other Instances ) which they may meet with in that Work. The fourth Aeneid says of Dido , after certain Effects of her taking Shelter with Aeneas in the Cave appear , Conjugium vocat , hoc praetexit nomine culpam . v. 172. Which Mr. Dryden renders thus , She call'd it Marriage , by that specious Name To veil the Crime and sanctifie the Shame . Nor had he before less happlily render'd the 39th Verse of the second Aeneid , Scinditur incertum studia in contraria vulgus . The giddy Vulgar , as their Fansies guide , With noise say nothing , and in Parts divide . If these are the Lines which they call Flat and Spiritless , I wish mine cou'd be Flat and Spiritless too ! And therefore to make short work , I shall only beg Mr. Dryden's leave to congratulate him upon his admirable Flatness and Dulness in a Rapture of Poetical Indignation , Then dares the * poring Critick snarl ? And dare The * puny Brats of Momus threaten War ? And cann't the proud perverse Arachne's Fate Deter the * Mungrils e'r it prove too late ? In vain , alass ! we warn the * harden'd Brood : In vain expect they 'll ever come to good . No : They'd conceive more Venom if they cou'd . But let each * Viper at his Peril bite , While you defie the most ingenious Spite . So Parian Columns rais'd with costly care * Vile Snails and Worms may dawb , yet not impaire , While the tough Titles and obdurate Rime Fateague the busie Grinders of old Time. Not but your Maro justly may complain , Since your Translation ends his ancient Reign , And but by your officious Muse outvy'd , That vast Immortal Name had never dy'd . But asking my Reader 's Pardon for my Impertinences , I have now no more to add , but desire him to fall to , and much good may 't do him . ERRATA . PAge 9. line 15. for Wight read Wights , p. 11. l. 15. for were r. wee , p. 17. l. 8. for fix r. fix'd , p. 17. l. 20. for wreathing r. wreaking , p. 18. l. 13. for Boaster r. Bogster . Homer in a Nutshell . CANTO I. WHEN now the murm'ring Vaulters of the Mead Had climb'd to Pow'r , and rear'd a mighty Breed : Doom'd by Latona for a bruitish Crime To Stygian Mud and pestilential Slime , 'Till Application , Stratagem , and Trade , A Blessing of the Malediction made ; And what with strenuous Limbs , and slight of Art , Tough Lungs , auspicious Leaps , and hollow Heart , More Wealth , more Splendor , more Command acquir'd , Than if the Boors had never been bemir'd . When now the little , shaggy , liqu'rish Race Of Animals that scud from Place to Place , Or galloping through pliant Grass and Wheat , Or gluttonously bury'd in their Meat , Still trembling , jealous , malecontent , altho' Thrice happy , wou'd they let themselves be so ; Grown up t' a populous and potent State Had surfeited on Tides of luscious Fate , Nor valu'd foreign Friends , nor foreign Hate , A dire Campaign commenc'd : Less veh'ment far Th' outragious Flame of the Titanian War , Then when the lofty Boys of sullen Ops With Dragon Feet oppress'd the Mountain-tops : Rocks pil'd on Rocks , from ruinous Ascents Crowding they storm'd Heav'n's Sapphir-Battlements , While the warm Gods bright Vollies fast return'd , And with vindictive Flames the hissing Aether burn'd . Desert , harmonious Nine , your sacred Hill ▪ A Work divine proceeds : Inspire my Quill , Inspire as when my Verse ye form'd of old : Verse that in lowd Heroick Numbers rowl'd : Your Bard invokes , propitiously disclose From what malignant Seeds the Feud arose . Grim Puss , the squeaking Nation 's watchful Bane Pursu'd a Mouse , and almost had o'rta'n , Yet miss'd the Racer , whose laborious Flight , Full near as fatal as Grimalkin's Bite , Enforc'd with Fears had Nature's Tone unstrung , And to his droughthy Pallat glu'd his Tongue . The next cool Plash he seeks , and soon arrives Where plunging deep his Beard the Wight revives . But scarce was drench'd when from th' unwholsome Flood King Bogrill issu'd , and thus croak'd aloud . Soho ! My Friend in venerable Fur ! What are you , say , and whence , Platonick Sir ? Fictions and Quibbles will disgrace your Coat : But if you hold in one consistent Note , You 're welcome to the Monarch of this Ditch , A Monarch , tho' I say 't , renown'd and rich , By King Crocracro , when his Love was hot , Upon the Body of Queen Skip begot . And not to flatter , in that Sylvan Face Methinks I read a brave Majestick Grace , If my nice Opticks grosly don 't deceive , Or Laws of Phis'nomy we may believe . — My Life on 't , bred to War , and nobly steel'd , Thy Looks , my Lad , proclaim thee of the Field . To him Illustrious Nibble : For your Sense , I say no more ; but your Intelligence Imperfect is , or none ; else at first view You must have seen both whence I am and who . From Pypick and Queen Curdylip I spring , Great Snapcrust's Daughter , and my self a King. My Royal Mother , Sir , was brought a' Bed In Grange magnificent , and there she bred Her Child so well , ne'er Mousling better fed . Figs , mellow Figs my Breakfast ev'ry Morn , At Noon Plum-pudding , and at Night young Corn. So far'd long since the plain Pypickian Court , But now we Diet in a daintier sort . Then , with Submission , what your Highness croaks , Tho' kindly meant , appears a Paradox ; That you , a Frog , and I shou'd correspond : For how shou'd Frogs of Inland Mice grow fond ? Or We converse with Sprawlers of the Pond ? A most absurd Alliance 't is we wish , You cannot live in Meal , nor I with Fish. Man's Meat is mine , and of each sort the best , Rich Soops , Ragous , and Hashes nicely drest : Your Marmalets , your candy'd Peels I love , The Ladies and my Self are Hand and Glove . Sated with Kickshaws I the Gentry quit , To tast below , for change , a coarser Bit. Cream-cheese , cold Capon , Ven'son-Pasty , Chine , Just so the Gods themselves wou'd like to Dine ; For let Romantick Fools chant what they please , Ambrosia's e'en Poor Iack compar'd to these . What skill in Arms and Courage I 've exprest , The Foe that felt their Force can tell you best . Mounting a Mole , soon as the Charge we hear , I still the foremost of our Troops appear . Death undismay'd in twenty Forms I meet , And by my bold Example still defeat Our Army's Flight , and all th' Invader's Heat . Nor Butlers me nor Bumkins can surprize ; My Courage bears proportion to their Size . Or if ●●y turgid Nerves shou'd chance to fail , My vengeful Politicks , be sure , prevail . Does Cook-maid spy me mumping a Recruit , And with a Woman's Fury pers●cute ? No sooner bouncing Bridget snoars in bed , And dreams of Dalliances with Coachman Ned , But up creeps Tit-mouse , ventures at a bite , Disturbs imagin'd Sweets , and so good Night . O cou'd I once from Kites and Cats be freed , Vermin by Fate arm'd to destroy the Breed ! Cou'd I from that curs'd Fabrick be secure , Dragg'd into which by some enchanting Lure , Ourselves precipitate th' impending Snare , And block up all Retreats but black Despair , Confin'd above by stubborn Canopy , Hew'n from the Trunk of the dread Thund'rer's Tree , Champing in vain our Adamantine Grate , As unrelenting as the force of Fate ! O! might I get these Grievances redrest , No Polycrates cou'd be half so blest ! 'Till then my want of Manners you 'll excuse , If such kind Invitations I refuse . You much oblige me , Sir : But I profess I ne'er lov'd Duckry nor your Water-cress . He say'd : The marshy Monarch grinning wide , To his departing Stranger thus reply'd , Yet stay , my Godlike Guest — Let me for once your Majesty convince , These Realms yield Belly-timber for a Prince . On Dainties of the Garden or the Brook We glut , and Nature our unerring Cook. With foreign Guegaws and domestick stor'd I 'll furnish out , believe me , such a Board , As might transport , cou'd but the Trick be try'd , Sardanapalus in a Mouses Hide . Only be pleas'd ( and make no more ado ) To board my Back instead of a Canow , Securely so , my Lord , you 'll ferry o'r , And at the Pallace-stairs be set a'shoar . Advising thus the Prince expos'd his Back , And Russet rode as soon a-pick-a-pack . He smirks , he cocks his Ears , and works his Tail , O'rjoy'd to think how rarely he shall sail ; 'Till his Canow plung'd all into the Deep , And then the banter'd Knight begun to weep . In rage he plucks his Furs , robustly spurns With quiv'ring Haunches , while at Soul he burns . He felt his Honour had receiv'd a Wound , And wish'd but for the sight of solid Ground . Much he resents his Fate , but more he fears : Now with stiff Tail he rows , and now he steers . Witness , Immortal Pow'rs , he cry'd , and Thou — And then the Diver duck'd his Cargo low . Restor'd to kindly Draughts of upper Air He thus proceeds , Great Iove once proud to bear Thy trembling Mistress on thy goodly Chine Thro' frothy Tumors of the dancing Brine , Behold ! — But e'r that Word his Lips escap'd , A painted Floater , formidably shap'd Travers'd the curling Tide , a hungry Pest , With Jaws Tartarian and erected Crest . The yellow Knight near Danger apprehends , And biting poor Pilgarlick's Fingers-ends , Breaks his Embrace , and into Mud descends . In vain the vig'rous Chief deserted sprawls , Beats the vext Element , and pants , and calls . Thrice through th' Abyss unwillingly he sinks , Emerges thrice , yet soon chill Death he drinks , For now the soaky Hide too pond'rous grew , And boding thus he bid the Light adieu . Yes , Traytor , thou shalt feel , and that e'r long , How much th' offended Gods resent my Wrong . Iove sends his Bolts on thy devoted Head , My self infernal Scorpions from the Dead . O! had'st thou call'd me to the Lists , and there Approv'd thy Skill — But , Slave , thou did'st not dare . Expect avenging Squadrons on thy Coast To sacrifice thee to my longing Ghost . He spoke : Then with a mighty Plunge expir'd , And down to Styx his angry Shade retir'd . CANTO II. FIxt on the mossy Bank an Ozier Shed O'rlook'd the Lake , long time inhabited By Tallow-lick , a Mouse of Life obscure , An humble Rustick , honest , old , and poor . He from his Lattice first discern'd a'float Th' extended Hero , and in pitteous Note , Much injur'd Prince , he screams , nor stands to dress , But up to Court flies with the sad Express . Revenge and Grief , e'r scarce the Tale was heard , In each wild Face Competitors appear'd . Full-proof against the Toyls and Storms of State , The good old King now sunk beneath this Weight : To soothing Comforts deaf the frentick Queen Tears off her Ermin , skulks and wo'n't be seen . The py-bald Nymphs his ev'ry Grace recal , And much deplore the Youth 's untimely Fall. Scarce was the King's cold Paroxysm spent Of Woe , when Rage supplanting Discontent , Four Heralds he around the Pallace sends To cite his faithful Counsellors and Friends . Soon to the Board the cited Council run , Where thus aloud th' impatient King begun . Sirs , 't is a publick Wound . Not I'm alone Depriv'd of th' Heir and Collegue of my Throne . My Subjects too have lost a mighty stay : I miss my Child , but their Defender They — Curst Fate of a declining Sire ! To see Of three brave Sons the sad Catastrophe ! My First by tabby Cannibal destroy'd , My Second into Wooden Death decoy'd ! And now the hopefull'st of my Stem is found By a false Monarch in his Marshes drown'd . To Arms , to Arms ! Th' Occasion checks Delay : Old as I am my self will lead the way . Scarce the gray Sage had clos'd his trembling Lips , When from the Clouds the God of Battle slips , And with rich Arms the zealous Wight equips . A Coat of Mail to cover Back and Side , He plaited from a Snake's forsaken Hide . Dry Pescods , whose green Embryos once had lin'd Their Bellies , now around their Shanks they bind . Flat Cockle-shells on Gravel-Walk new lay'd Impenetrable , radiant Corslets made . Nor sought th' assiduous Band in vain for Shields , A Brazier's Shop a thousand Save-alls yields . A Foot of Wire each haughty Pikeman trails , And at their Hips hang ( four a Penny ) Nails . Helmets of Acorn-cups their Fronts protect , With Tags of Silk and waving Plume bedeckt . Appointed thus through Labyrinths of Grass , The Warriors to their Expedition pass . Mean while preventing Fame , of eager Flight As Northern Blasts , pernicious as their Blight , A sprouting Ill , on her own Vitals fed , At first a Dwarf , in Cells and Grotto's bred , But soon the yielding Clouds receive her Head ; With Noise , and Lies , and Obloquys ne'r cloy'd , All Ears , all Eyes , all Tongue , and All employ'd , Alarms th' amphibious People of the Lake : To Shoar the terrify'd Musicians make . Grave Magistrates in a long rev'rend Train Hop to the shining Capitol a main , The noisy Mob expecting all around Th' event of Consultations so profound . But e'r th' august Assembly deep had div'd Into the Meaning , from the Mice arriv'd A valiant Herald , portly Mumblebun , Magnanimous Lapcustard's eldest Son , Who boldly thus the Senators addrest , My Lords , my Master wou'd ha' scorn'd t'infest Your happy State ; but not to prosecute So foul a Fact wou'd make him Party to 't . On him the Guilt of Murder must devolve , Did he not now by Force of Arms resolve You Prince to punish , who but yesternight , Spight of all National and Private Right , Betray'd and Drown'd great Pypick's gallant Heir : For War , for hideous War , ye Frogs , prepare . He menacing withdrew , and rugged Notes Result confus'dly from their lab'ring Throats . Against th' Aggressor lowd Complaints arise , Who thus evades the Charge with specious Lies , Witness , ye Pow'rs , to whose especial Care The Rights of Truth and Faith submitted are : Blast me with exemplary Plagues , and shed Contagions thick on this perfidious Head , If Bogrill e'r has instrumental been To the young Prince's Harm , or e'r has seen Or heard of his Mishap ! A-lack-a-day ! I warrant you the Lad was got to Play , And marking how the Pool were crost and crost , He must be padling too , and so was lost ! Shall I then smart if such an Oaf as This Must have his Frolick , and succeeds amiss ? Hard Fate of Innocence ! to bear the Blame Of blackest Crimes , because too meek and tame ! Yet if your Lordships will my Counsel take , The Foe shall feel , Wounded it can awake . A Project I 've conceiv'd , which if pursu'd Infallibly roots out the dusky Brood . Rang'd in a File , on some commodious Rise , Wee 'll watch their Troops , and to the Bank entice : Then when their Onset they with Fury make , Wheel off , and let 'em rush into the Lake : Or , shou'd they halt in Rear , our Wings defil'd Charge 'em behind , and drown each Mother's Child . So shall one wavy Tomb the Herd embrace , And with rich Trophees we the Conquest grace . He say'd ; but mist of the propos'd Event , The conscious Fairies publish'd his Intent . And now th' applauding Troglodytes adjourn To seek what Armour best may serve the turn . As round their little Alps I've often ' spy'd Industrious Insects Aliment provide ; Here in stretch'd Mouth up steep unequal Ways A single Slave a single Seed conveys . There sable Troops confederating draw One Grain of Wheat , or half an Inch of Straw . With frugal Fervency the Work they press , And baffle bleak December's near Distress . Thus each brave Myrmidon designing Greaves , Round his Supporters fibrous Mallows weaves . Light Corslets broken Shells of Eggs afford , And a tough springy Bulrush many a Sword. For Targets empty Cockle-shells they found : Their Heads high Periwinkle-Turbants crown'd . Adorn'd , the buxom Champions take their Post , A menacing , proud , formidable Host. Observing Iove , by Maia's active Son Summons the Gods : To Council-board they run , Whence the pleas'd Thund'rer shews the comick Scene Of the new War , and what the Rivals mean , The Conduct of the Generals , and their Strength , Th' Invention of their Lances , and their length , And how the strutting Bands with Pride advanc'd , As tow'rd the Foe the restiff Centaurs pranc'd . Then jocundly enquir'd — Say to which Int'rest , Gods , y' are most inclin'd , Bogrill's or Pypick's : Freely tell your Mind . Minerva , what say'st thou , my Wench , speak out — Ha! which dost like , my Girl ? — The Mice , no doubt , The witty , wanton Mice — With Aristippick Zeal and sly Design Frisking and bustling round thy Silver Shrine , 'Till Victims broil and unctuous Odours mount ; Their Vigilance then turns to good Account . No , my dread Sire , reply'd the martial Maid , That sacrilegious Crew I 'll never aid . Prophane Poultrons ! that all my Garlands spoil , Steal to my Lamps , and lap away my Oil. What strange , malicious Tricks , each Hour they play 'T were tedious to relate . But t'other Day Upon my Tissue-Vest by Hands divine Embroider'd , did the hungry Caitiffs dine . The Mercer ( for my Priest had tick'd for Silk ) Duns as he were to break , and smells a Bilk . Nor shall my Succour to the Frogs be lent , The filthy Spawn of Nature's Excrement , A lowd , unfashion'd Species : Nay ( t'evince How just my Accusation ) four Days since Spent with the Trade of War , and in pursuit Of gentle Morpheus for a kind recruit , I lay'd me down upon an Oozy-bed , When presently came droaning round my Head Ten thousand Skip-jacks , and 'till Night's dull shade Gave place to Day , renew'd their Serenade . The silent Pow'r , obnoxious to Surprize , Abhorr'd the Din , and fled my wishing Eyes . Impartialy let 's all th' Event attend , And neither Faction worry or befriend . There 's Danger in th' Engagement , for who knows But shou'd the ' Squires once come to Handy-Blows , Rough Mars agen might from a mortal Arm Receive a pungent , rude , opprobrious Harm , And Cytherea's Hand forfeit another Charm ? Supinely rather and unmov'd survey The various Feats and Fortune of the Day . Thus She : The merry Pow'rs th' Advice approve , And all to advantageous Posts remove . CANTO III. FOrth from each Camp two stalking Heralds came , The near approach of Battle to proclaim . Behind shrill Hornets , musical and large , Tumultuous Clangors mingling sound the Charge : While Saturn's Son their Arms to dignify Rowls ominous Thunder through the ratling Sky . First fell gigantick Crambeef in the Van , A daring Chief , his length near half a Span , Struck by a Lance from Gabberillo sent ; It pierc'd his Paunch and through the Liver went. The Champion's Fall resounding Earth bespeaks , And clotted Dust deforms his grov'ling Cheeks . Rough Skulk a Jav'lin next at Bungy threw , Hissing it pass'd , and through his Corslet flew : Down , down he sinks ; his eager Heart transfix'd Spews out sweet Life with purple Oceans mixt . At old Lapcustard Grub a Shaft let fly , Which glancing through his Temples reach'd his Eye : An easy Conquest instant Fate obtain'd , And clos'd the Luminary that remain'd . At bulky Groggle fierce Bisketto cast A Spear , which singing in t ' his Garbage past . He grunts not long nor welters in his Gore , E'r his griev'd Soul finds out the new-made Door . No sooner Bogrill had the Loss beheld , But black Revenge his angry Bosom swell'd . Collecting all his Force , and straining oft The Monarch brandish'd with his Arms aloft A wild , unhandy , ragged Peble-stone , Which crushing Sculk athwart the Shoulder-bone , Scarce left him a Reprieve to fetch a Groan . His Son black Carrotscoop at Bogrill's Groin Enrag'd took aim , nor mist of his Design . No sooner the Disaster Wamble knew , But to the Water parrying he withdrew , While Carrotscroop prest on , 'till Wamble reels Into the Ditch , and pulls him in by th' Heels . Immerst their Blows the hardy Champions ply , And Stripes of Crimson the Maeotis dye , 'Till truss'd along the Margin of the Flood Lay Wamble , and the Mousling in the Mud. So when young Spaniel sent by clam'rous Boys A rough Athenian Fowl in Pond annoys , The Philosophick Bird with Beak and Claw Returns his keen Salutes of Tooth and Paw . Now yelping Pups prevails , now hooting Madge , And Plumes and curling Locks bestrow the liquid Stage . Poppin at further distance from the Brook , Assail'd sage Butterbeard and Pris'ner took . Sleek Gobbletart engag'd stout Specklebum , But Speckle left his Shield and off he swum . Morasse discharg'd a Slat , and with the stroak Mump's Neck most diomedicaly broke . From both his Nostrils mucous Brain distill'd , And blended with black Gore enrich'd the barren Field . Wallow from Tallowlick receiv'd a Wound , The Pike o'rturning fix him to the Ground . On Egdrain then disturb'd Treadwavio flew , Tripp'd up his Heels , and into Puddle drew , There by main Strength he held the Pilf'rer down , Insulting thus , Drown , rav'nous Monster , drown : Since you 're so good at sucking , call me Fool If I don't give you now your Belly-full , And dows'd him headlong down to Phlegeton . But Pypick , now his dearest Friends were gone , Driv'n by Revenge and rash Despair along , As when Convulsions make a Patient strong , Up to majestick Ambergillo made , In the proud Croaker sheath'd his wreathing Blade , And forc'd him through th' Infernal Mote to wade . Soon as Codrillo the Disaster ' spy'd , Grasping soft Clay and something soft beside , The mellow Shot on Pypick he conferr'd , Bung'd up his Eyes , and damnify'd his Beard . Transported by fresh Injuries the King Grop'd out a Stone , and with a veh'ment Spring Against Codrillo sent , a rocky Stone , Fit for a Pigmy-Leader to have thrown . Codrillo's Ankles felt the batt'ring Mass , And groaning hoarse he dropt into the Grass . Duke Dabble brook'd not this unnat'ral Deed , But fiercely brandishing his pointed Reed , Inch-deep into the Cawl his Highness struck , And with the Lance drew out Imperial Pluck . Grave Brewis on a verdant Ridge reclin'd To sooth his Wounds , felt greater in his Mind . The mangled Monarch much his Sight offends , And rather than be butcher'd like his Friends , Into the Dike he chearfully descends . Old Snapcrust , as gay Bogrill vaunting stood , Wounded his Foot : The Boaster saw the Blood , Perceiv'd the Smart , and took in hast the Flood . Snapcrust precipitantly to pursue Th' unfinish'd Work of Death e'en stept in too . Stern Didap , when he saw the King distrest , Through the wild Tumult of the Battle prest , And tost his taper Weapon , though in vain ; The sounding Target sent it back again . But none of the Pypickians might compare For Backsword or Sasa with Scamblefare , Undaunted Scamblefare the dear Delight Of surly Mars , and Son to Gristlebite . Boasting he stemm'd the War's impetuous Tide , Prevailing more than all the Mice beside . On the rais'd Bank he struts : Thence threat'ning lowd Portends Excision to the croaking Crowd : And had much more than menac'd ( for his Word Was ne'r too big or little for his Sword ) But Heav'n's grand Sov'reign saw the coming Stroak , And melting into Pitty Silence broke , With solemn Nod : See there , ye Gods , see there Th' attempts of bloody-minded Scamblefare ! Minerva — Mars — stoop with a rapid Flight , And drive the fell Insulter from the Fight ! Thus Iove : To whom the God of Arms , Not I , Nor She , nor all our Peers throughout the Sky Can aid the Frogs : However we may try . If our Joint-Pow'rs the Mischief cann't remove , Still our Benignity we shall approve — Or what if downward you a Bolt shou'd dart , A sputt'ring Bolt forg'd with laborious Art ? Such as on Phlaegra's execrable Plain Besieg'd your vext Divinity did rain , When the tall Brood which Earth's damp Cayerns bore , You riveted to Mountains whence their Arms they tore . He say'd . The Son of Saturn rising hurl'd A Lemnian Shaft , and stunn'd the upper World. Down from the rocking Orbs the Tempest came , Usher'd by Preludes of diffusive Flame . At first both Armies fear : Yet this Device Affrights not from Hostilities the Mice , The Froggish Name t' extinguish boldly bent , But squeamish Iove averse to their Intent , Puissant Succours to the Buff-coats lent . Deform'd , ungainly , awkward , sideling Sholes , Testaceous Tenants of the slimy Holes , Waving four slender Feet on either side , With jetty Claws and rocky Shoulders wide : Their Backs in form of Snushbox-covers made , And on their Chests Ebony Eyes inlaid , Hight Crabs , whose worse than Cornish Gripes alarm The Mice , and bite away Leg , Tail , and Arm. Soon cool'd this grisly Pest their active Heat , And in Disorder forc'd 'em to retreat . Thus that Campaign which with the Day begun , Clos'd at the late Immersion of the Sun. Advertisement . SIx Philosophical Essays upon several Subjects , viz. Concerning 1. Dr. Burnet's Theory of the Earth . 2. Wit and Beauty . 3. A Publick Spirit . 4. The We●ther . 5. The Certainty of Things , and the Existence of a Deity . 6. The Cartesian Idea of God. By Samuel Parker , Gent. of Trinity-College in Oxford . Printed for Tho. Newborough , at the Golden Ball in St. Paul's Church-yard . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A56392-e590 * Printed also in a small Character . * I desire these Appellations may not seem to affect the Parties concern'd any otherwise than as to their Character of Criticks . * I desire these Appellations may not seem to affect the Parties concern'd any otherwise than as to their Character of Criticks . * I desire these Appellations may not seem to affect the Parties concern'd any otherwise than as to their Character of Criticks . * I desire these Appellations may not seem to affect the Parties concern'd any otherwise than as to their Character of Criticks . * I desire these Appellations may not seem to affect the Parties concern'd any otherwise than as to their Character of Criticks . * I desire these Appellations may not seem to affect the Parties concern'd any otherwise than as to their Character of Criticks . 
A86496	----	The first booke of Homer's Iliads Translated by Thomas Grantham, professor of the speedy way of teaching the Hebrew, Greek, and Latine tongues in London, at the Golden-Ball in Carter-Lane. Iliad. Book 1. English Homer. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A86496 of text R230660 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing H2547C). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 38 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 17 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A86496 Wing H2547C ESTC R230660 99896418 99896418 154201 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A86496) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 154201) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2404:14) The first booke of Homer's Iliads Translated by Thomas Grantham, professor of the speedy way of teaching the Hebrew, Greek, and Latine tongues in London, at the Golden-Ball in Carter-Lane. Iliad. Book 1. English Homer. Grantham, Thomas, d. 1664. [4], 13 [i.e. 17], [3] p. printed by T. Lock, for the author, London : 1659. Page 17 misnumbered 13. Reproduction of original in the Folger Shakespeare Library. eng A86496 R230660 (Wing H2547C). civilwar no The first booke of Homer's Iliads. Translated by Thomas Grantham, professor of the speedy way of teaching the Hebrew, Greek, and Latine tong Homer 1659 6011 6 0 0 0 0 0 10 C The rate of 10 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-12 Elspeth Healey Sampled and proofread 2007-12 Elspeth Healey Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion The FIRST BOOKE OF Homer's Iliads . Translated by THOMAS GRANTHAM , Professor of the speedy way of teaching the Hebrew , Greek , and Latine tongues in LONDON , at the Golden-Ball in Carter-Lane . LONDON , Printed by T. Lock , for the Author , 1659. To the Reader . Reader , THE Sun is called the Heart of the Planets , all receive their light and influence from him ; the Moon is dark and obscure , but when the Sun shines upon her , she shows so glorious , that men worship her as a goddess ; her influence is over sea and land , over men , ( whom God himself calls gods ) witness the Lunatick . Homer he is the heart , the sun , the light of all the Poets , without him they are like Dials without the Sun ; like candles unlighted . He is painted vomiting , and all the poets lapping like little Dogs what comes from him . Ovid brings him in attended with all the Muses . Homer with all the Muses grac'd , if poor He chance to come , they 'l thrust him out of door . But whilst I am commending Homer , I remember Ulysses pleading for the Armour of Achilles against Ajax , he sets out all his valiant actions in what lustre , and shadows , and colours he can possible ; but when he came at last to the stealing of the Image of Pallas , he sayes little or nothing at all of that , but pulls it out of his bosome before all the Army , he knew that would speak for it self ; For there was a Prophesie , Troy should never be conquered till that was stolne out of the Temple . Homer is here present to speak for himself , and it becomes me to sit silent in admiration . The FIRST BOOKE OF Homer's Iliads . The ARGUMENT : The Prayers and Gifts of Chryses this Book sings , The Plague that Phaebus sent , the wrath of Kings . AChilles son of Peleus Goddes sing , His baneful wrath which to the Greeks did bring , Unnumbred greifs , brave souls to hel did send , Their noble bodyes Fouls and Dogs did rend ; Jove will'd all this , he these to strife did bring , God-like Achilles and Atreides King . Which of the gods enflamed these to fight ? Phoebus ( Jove's Son ) did owe the King ▪ spight , And made a Plague through all the Army flie , 'Cause Chryses his own Priest he did defie , Who to the Fleet unvalued Presents brought , When he the freedom of his Daughter sought ; With Phoebus Crown and Scepter in his hands , He prayed the Greeks , and those that bore Commands ; Oh Princes ! Oh ye Greeks with glorious Arms ! Let gods in Heaven but listen to my Charms , And send ye home , when ye have rais'd the Town Of Priam ; onely grant me what 's mine own , Mine own dear Daughter ; yee the Son of Jove Worship , by taking tokens of my love . The Greeks ( with Acclamations ) all embrace These Gifts , and think them a sufficient Grace . But Agamemnon ( rag'd with mighty Ire ) Threatned the Priest , made him with speed retire . Doterd be gone , linger not on our shore ; And being gone , I charge thee nere come more ; Neither thy Scepter , nor thy God-head's Crown Shall profit thee ; I 'le keep her as mine own , Till age deform her ; In my Court shall she Spin , and adorn my Bed with Gallantrie . This said , the Priest obeyd the Kings Command , And walking silent all along the Sand ; Phoebus , fair-hair'd Latonaes Son , my Vow Hear , O my God , that bear'st the silver Bow That Chrysa Guards , Rules Tenedos that strongly walks the round Of Divine Cilla , * Smyntheus ; if ever I have crown'd With Sacrifices thy rich Phane ; if ever I did fire Fat Thighs of Oxen , and of Goats , grant me now my desire ; Revenge my Tears , with Shafts the Graecians pay . And thus he pray'd , and Phoebus heard him pray . Who ( vext ) came down from Heaven & brought his Bow , With quiver cover'd round , his hands did throw These on his shoulders : The Arrows gave a sound , Ratling about him as he trod the ground ; Silent as Night , with Silver Bow he shot , His Arrows twang'd again , they flew so hot : He first of all shot both the Mules and Hounds ; The Graecians after that receiv'd their wounds ; The Fires of death nine dayes did burn , so long the Shafts did flye ; The tenth , Achilles call'd a Court of chosen men , and high . Juno ( the white-arm'd Queen ) does mourn for Greeks , Achilles therefore now a Councel seeks ; Being mov'd by her : swift-foot Achilles then Rose up to speak in the Great Court of Men . Atreides , now I see we go astray , We must return , if we can scape away ; The Plague and War does many Greeks destroy , Let us some Priest or Prophet now employ , Or Dream-Interpreter , Dreams come from Jove , He 'le show how we have lost Apollo's Love ; If that for Hecatombs , or unpaid Vows ; Or if for Lambs and Goats he knits his brows ; These he shall have , if he our men shall mend , And bring this Plague unto a speedy end . This said , he sate ; Chalchas starts up to them , ( Sir named Thestorides ) who was supreme , He knew things present , past , to come , was honor'd in that age , To rule the Fleet at Ilion , for his Prophetick rage ; Apollo gave him Achilles lov'd of God ; Shall I ( said he ) show why Apollo's Rod Does plague us so ? Then Covenant with Oath , That with thy Words and powerful Actions both , Thou 'lt help me speaking ; for I know their reigns A man that much my Prophesie disdains ; A King 's a powerful man , he in his hate May bring me speaking to a wretched state , Although that day he seemeth not to chide , And may a little his fierce Anger hide . But if hereafter he shall angry be , Resolve me now if thou wilt succour me ? Then said Achilles , Speak whatsoe're thou knows , For by Apollo I have made my Vows , There 's none shall wrong thee , Agamemnon King , Dare not his hands unto this quarrel bring , Although thou Name him . Then the Prophet bold Began the Graecians griefs for to unfold . T is not for unpaid Vows , nor Sacrifice , This Plague so long amongst us raging lyes ; But Agamemnon did the Priest despise , Who for his Daughter brought sufficient prise ; Therefore Apollo darting far his Darts , Sends you these griefs unto your mortal hearts , And he will plague you more , and not refrain , Till he his black-eyd Daughter have again . Let her with Sacrifice be freely sent , Perhaps with this the High-Priest may be bent . This said ▪ he sate ; But Agamemnon ( then The chief Commander over all the men ) Vext at the heart with madness , and his eyes Sparkling with fire , thus the Priest defies : Prophet of Ill , it never pleased thee To speak the best , but rather worst of me . Thou chides because these gifts I did not take , And sayes this plague came for the Maiden's sake , Whom before Clytemnestra I prefer , Who was a Virgin when I courted her ; * She 's full as fair , as witty , and as kind , Her Huswiferies does much content my mind : But I will send her back , onely I crave That I my Armyes welfare now may have ; But a fair Mistress give me , none thinks fit , That I depriv'd should solitary sit . To him swift-foot , God-like Achilles then Answered , Atreides , thou of all the men That breath , we know to be most covetous , And of all Kings , the most ambitious . Thy lost prize , none of all the great soul'd Greeks Will out of theirs supply ; for now all seeks To keep their own ; but when the Well-wald Troy Is rais'd , we 'll trebble Quadruple thy joy . Then Agamemnon to Achilles said , Think you it fit you should enjoy a Mayd And I have none ? I will come personally Unto you soon , and all my want supply ; The Love of Ajan , * Ithacus , or thine , I will bring home , she shall be called mine : And let him rage hereafter , we can these Order ; but now it 's fit we put to Seas With most choice Rowers : Chryse 's mine envied prize , Shall go aboard with a great Sacrifice ; Ithacus , Ajax , Idomeneus shall , Or stern * Peleides be the General : Ulisses the Commander , he shall see , That all these holy Acts performed be ▪ Which Phoebus please ; Achilles with a frown , This bold and haughty mind did soon bring down . What man can flye with valour on his Foe , For such a Wretch ? I was not injured so By all Troy's Force : In Phithia I enjoy My Corn and People : Why should I annoy These men whom Hills and Seas keep from me far , And cannot come to wrong me in a War ? Thee and thy Brothers Vengeance we sustain , And Triumphs make with Bonefires of our slain . Thou impudent , thou Dogs-eyes does employ Us with our ruine , for to ruine Troy : And now thou threats to take my hearts delight , Whom all the Greeks did give me for my Fight : When any Town is sack'd , the Prize for me Is lesser far , then that which is for thee : But I le ship home , contented with what 's mine , And spend no more in any cause of thine . To him then Agamemnon King repli'd , Get thee gone hence , it shall not be deni'd ; Here 's others honor me , the most wise Jove , In him both I , and other Princes move , And nourisht are ; but thou my greatest Foe , Delightst in Blood , Battels , and Strife and Woe : If thou beest very strong , God gave it thee , Get thee gone hence with all thy companie , And Ships , and Myrmidons , I do not care , Nor fear thy Wrath ; yet of my threats beware : Because fair-cheekt Chryseis Phoebus seeks , I le send her home with many of my Greeks : But thy fair-cheekt Bryseis home I le bring , And thou shalt know how powerful a King Is above all , and every one shall see There is great danger to contend with me : Achilles hearing this , was vext at heart , Brisled his Bosome , his discoursive part , Sometime did think with Sword to lay about , Sometimes he thought to sit his anger out : Whilst thus Achilles stood in doubtful mind , And drew his Sword , Pallas about him shin'd , Being sent from Heaven by the white-wristed queen Juno , for she had to both loving been : Achilles by the yellow Curls she took , Standing behind him , onely gave a look To him alone ; he turning back his eye , Was struck amaz'd in every faculty . He knew her by her eyes sparkling with fire , With winged words he craved her desire : Daughter of Jove , who does his Helmet bear , Tell me why thou descendest from thy Sphere ; Wouldst thou the pride of Agamemnon know ? Then see him gasping at this deadly blow . Gray-ey'd * Minerva answered him again , I 'm come from Heaven thine anger to refrain ; White-wrested Juno sent me , she is loth There should be any quarrel 'twixt you both : Show thy respects to us , cease to contend , Put up thy Sword , and so this quarrel end : † Give him most bitter words , take this from me , The time will come when thou must courted be , When thrice the worth shall be unto thee sent For recompence , when that he shall repent . Swift-foot Achilles answer'd and did speak , Goddess I will not your Commandment break Although I 'm very angry ; for I know Unto the Gods I do obedience owe : They 'l hear my Prayers : Then he put up his Sword Close in his Sheath , just at Minerva's word . To Jove the rough Shield-bearing Pallas then Went up to sit with other gods in heaven Peleides then to Agamemnon spake With bitter words , and out his anger brake . Thou Wine-sot , ever steept in Wine , thy heart Thou Dogs face , is as fearful as a Hart ; In ambush thou'lt not lye , nor dar'st thou go In Arms with us , ever to fight thy Fo , These are as death to thee ; all thy delight Is to rob those that blame thee , of their right : On servile Spirits thou dost tyrannise , Thou subject-eating King I thee despise : Atreides ( for the wrong thou offer'st now ) I le tell thee plainly , and will make a Vow By this same Scepter , which can never give Branches and Leaves , I know it cannot live Since it was cut from Mountains , Grecians seek , And judges to , by it our Laws to keep , Which came from Jove , and a great Oath I le take , I le never fight for any Graecians sake : When Hector slayes thy men , then thou 'lt repent That thou hast wrong'd thy Armies Ornament : Thus angry , he his Scepter flung to th' ground , Stuck with his golden Studs ; then the profound Sweet-spoken Nestor up himself did raise , Who with the Pylians was of mighty praise ; The Words were sweeter which from him did come , Then was the Honey , or the Honey comb ; Whilst he did live , two Ages were encreased In sacred Pylos , and both these deceased , The third he reigned in , being a Prince of skill , He shewed how discord must needs breed much ill . Oh Gods ! What sorrows do's our Land sustain , Priam , and Priam's Sons to see us slain By one another ? Oh how they 'l rejoice , And all Troy shout with a victorious voice To see those which in Arms and Arts excel , Differ ! Now therefore be advised well , I am older , stronger , no Age did ever hear Of such brave men as my Companions were ; Pyrithius , Cynius , Drias , prince of men ; Exadius , Theseus , and Polypheme , Like to a God ; these Heroes often fought With Mountain-Beasts , for men in strength were nought , Compar'd with them , they fought and overcame : I was Companion to these men of Fame ; I came from Pylos , and bore Arms with these , My Speeches and my Counsels did them please : I will perswade you now from any jar , Although you 're strong , by no means make a War ; Give him his Mistress , all the Greeks consent , Then 'twixt you both there will be great content . Achilles be at peace , no King by Lot , So mighty honor from great Jove hath got : T is true , You are strong , a Goddess brought you forth , Yet he 's a powerful King , of greater worth . Atreides , cease thine anger , thou shalt see Achilles with my Prayers will moved be , Who is our Hedge against the Force of Troy , Our Armyes Ornament and onely joy . To this the King made answer , and did say , Sir , you speak right , but he vvill bear the sway Over us all , and domineer as King , There 's none shall make me grant him such a thing ; What if the gods have made him strong , shall he Fling his reproaches , and his scorns on me ? Achilles answer'd , Men vvill hold me base , And I should go avvay with great disgrace If I should yeild to thee in every thing , ( Others command , and be to them a King ) I vvill not fight now for my Mistress sake With thee or others ; but this from me take , If thou dost rob my Ships , then shall this Lance Strike to thy heart ; Upon this variance The Princes being angry , all arose , And to his quarters great Achilles goes , With his Patroclus , and his faithful Mates ; Then Agamemnon knowing well the Fates , Did launch the Ship , and gave a Sacrifice , With fair Cryseis his beloved prize . Ulysses was the Captain , he did then Ascend the ship vvith twenty chosen men , Which through the moist wayes row'd her ; then the King Bad all the Host their Sacrifices bring , Of Bulls and Goats , into the deep they cast The Offol left , thus was Apollo grac'd ; Thick fumes and vapours mounted from the shore Of th' unfruitful Seas , to Heaven they bore Enwrapped savours . Atreides could not yet Forgive Achilles , or his wrong forget . Then vented he unto Eur●bates , And to Talbythius , these Messages ; Go to Achilles Tent , fair Briseis bring , If he deny to give her to his King , I le come with many more , he 'le find it worse , And vvill be plagued vvith a heavier Curse . This said , they straight obeyed his Command , And vvalk'd unvvilling all along the Sand Of the unfruitful Sea ; just as they vvent They found Achilles sitting in his Tent ; They struck vvith fear and avve , stood dumb and sad , Nor vvas Achilles then to see them glad ; He knew for what they came , Heralds ( said he ) Of Gods and Men , come nearer unto me ; I blame you not , I know the King did send For Bris'is ; now Patrodus ( my dear friend ) Bring her ; but by the immortal gods I swear , ( And mortal men , witness all ye that 's here ) If your dishonour'd King should for me send , That I against this plague , my help should lend ; He is raging mad , things past he cannot tell , Nor things to come , nor can he govern well : This said , Patroclus came to Briseis Tent , Brought her to th' Heralds , to the Ships they went ; She was unwilling : Achilles wept full sore , And with his tears his Mother did implore , And lifting up his hands , Mother , ( said he ) My life , though short , yet should it honour'd be : But Jove no honour gives ; great Atreus Son Hath ta'ne my Prize , and I am quite undone . He weeping spake ; his honoured Mother heard , ( Sitting i' th' deeps ) and straight above appear'd Like to a Myst ; her hand did stroke her Son , Tell me ( said she ) from whence this strife begun . Mother ( said he ) you do my sorrows know , I need not tell you whence my griefs do grovv : We came to Thebes , City of Etion , Sackt it , and did divide to every Son Of Greece his share Atreides Chryseis had , Chryses , Apollo's Priest at this grew sad , Who to the Fleet unvalued Presents brought , When he the freedom of his Daughter sought , With Phoebus Crovvn and Scepter in his hand , He pray'd the Greeks , and those that bore Commands : The Greeks vvith Acclamations all embrace These Gifts , and think them a sufficient grace ; But Agamemnon ( rag'd with mighty ire ) Threatned the Priest , he angry did retire ; Him praying as he went , Phoebus did hear , For he of Phoebus was accounted dear ; He sent his Darts , and many Greeks did dye Through all the Camp , so fierce his Arrows flye . When our learn'd Prophet to us the cause did tell , I gave command to please Apollo vvell ; Atreides angry , did his threatnings send , And novv we see his threatnings at an end : The black-ey'd Greeks then sent Chryseis home Unto her Father with a Hecatomb ; Atreides then for my Bryseis sent , Whom all the Greeks gave me with one consent : Now scale Olympus , and great Jove implore , If thou by word or deed didst ere restore Joy to his heart ; I have often heard thee vaunt In our own Court how thou wast conversant In saving of our black-Cloud-gathering Jove , Whom Pallas , Neptune , and the great Queen ( above ) Of Heaven would bind , thou callst the hundred-hands Briareus to rescue Jove from bands ; Gods call him so , Egeon amongst men He is call'd , surpast , and was as strong again As his own Father ; He by Jove did sit In Heaven ; the Immortals did not envy it . Mind him of this , sit and embrace his knee , And ask if that Troy's succor he will be , And beat the Greeks unto their Ships and Sea , Some slain , let others their great King obey ; And the far-ruling-King this fault shall knovv , That to the best he did no honor show . She vveeping said , Oh thou my dearest Son ! Woe's me , I brought thee forth , thy fates begun . Sit without weeping , and endure this wrong , For now thy wretched life will not be long : I le climb Olympus that is crown'd with snow , And see if thundring Jove will hear thy Wo : Sit by the ships , thine anger now refrain , And by no means go to the War again . Jove and the gods went yesterday to feast With Blameless Ethiops i' th' deep Oceans breast ; The Twelft he 'le come again , then will I see His Brass-pav'd-Court , and beg with humble knee , I think he 'le hear me , Thus she spake , and there Left him in anger for his fairest Deare Forc'd away from him . Then did Ulysses come To Chryses shore , bringing a Hecatomb To the deep Haven , when they all did come , Some struck the sailes , others they did make room For Topmast and for Ores , some Anchor cast Against the storms , for drifting made her fast ; They come a-shore , and bring the Hecatomb To Phoebus , darting far , they welcome home Chryseis , whom the wise Ulysses brought Unto her Father , and thus him besought , ( Standing at the Altar ) Agamemnon sends Thy Daughter , and unto the gods commends A sacrifice for to appease your King , Who on us doth his fiercest sorrows Fling ; Thus he resigns her ; Chryses with joy doth take His Daughter , and a sacrifice doth make Upon the Altar , then salt Cakes he took , With voice and hands lift up , to Heaven did look , And pray'd ; Oh hear my God , thou that dost bend Thy silver Bow , and Cilla dost defend ; And Tenedos , thou heard'st me pray before , Thou honor'dst me , and hurt the Graecians sore : But oh my God , grant me now my desire , And from the Graecians turn thy raging ire . He pray'd , and Phoebus heard him : Others did pray , And cast salt Cakes , others did Oxen slay , Which ( cut in pieces ) on the fire did lye , And these the Priest ( with generous Wine ) did frye ; Some rosted , and some others boild the meat , And every man unto his fill did eat : Young men crownd Cups of Wine , some drunk about , Some saw the Health go round , some pour'd out , Some all the day sung Paeans , pleased the ear Of great Apollo , when they sung so clear : But when the Sun was set , and night was come , To sleep on Cables every man made room , Till that the Rosie-fingered-Morn retir'd , Then Phoebus with fair Winds their Bark insp'ir'd ; They top-mast hoisted , and the sails set up , The ship the parted Waves swiftly did cut ; When to the Camp they came , and sandy shore , They all took quarters as they did before . Swift-foot Achilles near the Navy sate Angry , and left the Councels of Estate ; Which honour men , he never trod the field , Pind , call'd for War , his stomack could not yeild . Twelve Morns being past , the gods did follow Jove , And Mount Olympus , him did Thetis move ; Rising from sea at the Morns first light , She climbed Olympus , in supremest height Of that high Hill , she spy'd out Saturns Son Set from the rest , in his free Seat alone ; She sate before him , her left hand did hold His Knees , the right his Chin , then did unfold Her sons Petition : If to thee I 've stood In word or deed , grant me now this same good : King Agamemnon to my son did bring A great disgrace , revenge me this same thing ; Send help to Troy ; and let them over-run The Greeks , till they give honor to my son . Cloud-gathering Jove said nought , but Thetis sate Holding his knee , and still did him entreat ; Grant , or deny ( said she ) just now my suite , Thou fearest none , why dost thou sit thus mute On my disgrace ? Cloud-gathering Jove reply'd , Come what ills will , thou shalt not be denyd ; Let Juno storm , chide me amongst the gods , And say my help gives to the Trojans odds : But now be gone , lest angry Juno see My Promise , and what care I take of thee ; I le nod my Head , then will the gods divine That I do yeild to any suit of thine ; And when I nod , there 's none that can recall The thing I nod to , if I nod at all . This said , the black-eye-browd , and mighty god , Did shake Olympus when he did but nod . Then Thetis parting , did from the light Heaven go To Neptunes Kingdom , diving down below : Jove did go home , and all the gods did meet Him as he went , and kindly did him greet ▪ But Juno saw Thetis in Joves Throne , Discoursing with him when he was alone ; Then she revild him , Thy secrets thou dost speak To others , but to me dost never break What thou intends . Father of gods and men , To angry Juno then replyed agen , Hope not that thou shall all my counsels know , Although my Wife ; for I will never show To god or man , but what I fitting see , No god nor man shall sooner know then thee . Then Ox-eyd Juno answerd , Cruel Jove , Does these same speeches show to me thy love ? I never askt before ; dost thou not sit Quiet from me , and wils what thou thinks fit ? But I fear Thetis ( with her silver feet ) Held you by th'knees , and early did you greet ; And I suspect that you Achilles fain Would honor , though many of Greeks were slain , Then did Cloud-gathering Jove reply , Oh Wife ! Wretched art thou , to make with me this strife : To know my Deeds it will no profit be , But rather take away my love from thee : Then sit thou down , and now obey my word , For if that thou and I do not accord , Then all the gods in Heaven cannot withstand When I on thee do lay my conquering hand . This said , the honoured oxe-eyd Juno then Sate silent , and durst not reply agen : Then all the gods in Heaven this ill did take , Till Vulcan pleaded for his Mothers sake : These works are deadly , whilst that you do spend These words , you make the gods themselves contend ; This Banquet will to us no pleasure be , But rather grief if you do not agree ; But I will pray my Mother now to cease Her chiding , least that she does Jove displease ; For if he thunder , he can us then throw From the high Heaven unto the earth below : But speak him fair , then I do hope that he Will to us all very propitious be : This said , he rose , the double-handed Cup Into his Mothers hands he straight did put , And spake unto her , Mother , Suffer , bear , I grieve to see you beat , you are so dear : I cannot help you , none was ever known To strive with Jove sitting upon his Throne ; When once I helpt , he catcht me by the heel , And flung me down from Heaven ; I could not feel Ground all the day ; But when the black Night came , The Sintij straight did take me up again . VVhite-wristed Juno smiling took the Cup , And drank about , lame Vulcan filled up ; Nectar to all loud laughter went about , To see lame Vulcan poure in and out . The Banquet held all day , till Sun was set , And every one unto his fill did eat ; Apollo did upon his fair Harp play , The Muses answer'd , singing all the day : But after that the fair Sun's light was set , Then every one unto his home did get , Which Vulcan ( lame on both feet ) made , for he Had built a House for every Deity ; Heavens-thundring-Jove unto his Bed did high , And Juno on her golden Throne stept nigh . The end of the first Book . THese first six Verses I translated thus , and showed them and others to many Schollars ; but because I found one Gentleman something curious , I altered them , as you see in the beginning . Goddess the wrath of great Achilles sing , Who griefs unnumbred to the Greeks did bring , And many valiant souls to hell did send , Their noble Bodyes Fouls and Dogs did rend . Jove will'd all this , from him this strife begun , Of Agamemnon , and great Pel'us Son . Verses upon General BLAKE , his Funeral . VOwels do make the sound , Letters alone Cannot be read , nor understood by none . The Vowels are the same in Drake , and Blake , Some think these two should equal honor take : Drake conquer'd by lame Vulcan ; such a toy An Ape might do , or every little boy , Fire a sleepy Navy . But Blake's fight Did the Sea-Monsters , and great Neptune fright , In the black Trojan-storm , his Trident there He used , but now he let it fall for feare ▪ The Butter-boxes melted with great heat , And drunken Dutch-men stunck in grease and sweat ; Spaniard and Turk , both these together quake , And yeild their Captives up to dreadful Blake : Mars feard a Conquest from the factious gods , And sent for thee , knowing he should have odds Against them all : Jove did Achilles fear ; Behold a greater then Achilles there . IN the Countrey ( this last Summer ) I taught a Gentleman's Son and he being gone a hunting , or coursing , I had great leisure , and began to translate Homer ; at the first I translated sixteen verses , every time more or lesse , till I came almost to Nestor's Speech : I read them to some schollars , and they perswaded me to finish the first Book , which ( by God's assissance ) I did , to whom be glory for ever . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A86496e-340 Agamemnon and Menelaus ( the two Sons of Atreus ) ruled all then . Chryses ( the Priest of Apollo ) his speech to them and the other Graecians . Agamemnon slights the Priest , & gives him base language and threats . The Prayer of Chryses the Priest , to Phoebus his god . * A Name of Phoebus . Phoebus the Priests God , sends the plague amongst the Greeks . Ye see here how he comes down ragingmad from heaven . Achilles his speech to Agamemnon , called Atreides , because Atreus was his Father . Chalchas the Prophet . Chalchas to Achilles . Achilles to Chalchas . Chalchas reveals the cause of the plague amongst the Graecians . Agamemnon angry at Chalcas . * In those two Lines are all that can be desired in a Achilles to Agamemnon . Agamemnon to Achilles . * Vlysses . * Achilles . Achilles to Agamemon . Agamemnon to Achilles . Achilles enraged against Agamemnon . Achilles to Pallas . * Pallas . She speaks to Achilles . † Chide , but not fight . Here you see Achilles in the heighth of anger yeelds obebedience to Pallas . Achilles to Agamemnon . Nestor's speech to Agamemnon & Achilles . Agamemnon's speech to Nestor . Achilles speech . The Council dissolved . Thetis her speech . Ulysses speech to the Priest . The Priest's prayer . Iove's promise to Thetis . Vulcan's speech . 
A44271	----	Homer's Odysses translated by Tho. Hobbes of Malmsbury ; with a large preface concerning the vertues of an heroique poem written by the translator. Odyssey. English. 1675 Homer. 1675 Approx. 609 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 158 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A44271 Wing H2556 ESTC R28678 10736627 ocm 10736627 45587 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A44271) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 45587) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1404:15) Homer's Odysses translated by Tho. Hobbes of Malmsbury ; with a large preface concerning the vertues of an heroique poem written by the translator. Odyssey. English. 1675 Homer. Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679. [18], 301, [3] p. Printed by J.C. for W. Crook , London : 1675. Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2004-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-10 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2004-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion HOMER'S Odysses . Translated By THO. HOBBES of Malmsbury . With a Large PREFACE Concerning the VERTUES OF AN HEROIQUE POEM . Written by the Translator . LONDON : Printed by J. C. for W. Crook , at the Green Dragon without Temple-Bar . 1675. TO THE READER . CONCERNING The VERTUES of an HEROIQUE POEM . THe Vertues required in an Heroick Poem ( and indeed in all Writings published ) are comprehended all in this one word Discretion . And Discretion consisteth in this , That every part of the Poem be conducing , and in good order placed to the End and Designe of the Poet. And the Designe is not only to profit , but also to delight the Reader . By Profit , I intend not here any accession of Wealth either to the Poet , or to the Reader ; but accession of Prudence , Justice , and Fortitude , by the Example of such Great and Noble Persons as he introduceth speaking , or describeth acting . For all men love to behold , though not to practise Vertue . So that at last the work of an Heroique Poet is no more but to furnish an ingenuous Reader ( when his leisure abounds ) with the diversion of an honest and delightful Story , whether true or feigned . But because there be many men called Critiques , and Wits , and Vertuosi , that are accustomed to censure the Poets , and most of them of divers Judgments : How is it possible ( you 'l say ) to please them all ? Yes , very well ; if the Poem be as it should be . For men can judge what 's good , that know not what is best . For he that can judge what is best , must have considered all those things ( though they be almost innumerable ) that concur to make the reading of an Heroique Poem pleasant . Whereof I 'll name as many as shall come into my mind . And they are contained , first , in the choice of words . Secondly , in the construction . Thirdly , in the contrivance of the Story or Fiction . Fourthly , in the Elevation of the Fancie . Fifthly , in the Justice and Impartiality of the Poet. Sixthly , in the clearness of Descriptions . Seventhly , in the Amplitude of the Subject . And ( to begin with words ) the first Indiscretion is , The use of such words as to the Readers of Poesie ( which are commonly Persons of the best Quality ) are not sufficiently known . For the work of an Heroique Poem is to raise admiration ( principally ) for three Vertues , Valour , Beauty , and Love , to the reading whereof Women no less than Men have a just pretence , though their skill in Language be not so universal . And therefore forein words till by long use they become vulgar , are unintelligible to them . Also the names of Instruments and Tools of Artificers , and words of Art , though of use in the Schools , are far from being fit to be spoken by a Heroe . He may delight in the Arts themselves , and have skill in some of them ; but his Glory lies not in that , but in Courage , Nobility , and other Vertues of Nature , or in the Command he has over other men . Nor does Homer in any part of his Poem attribute any praise to Achilles , or any blame to Alexander , for that they had both learnt to play upon the Ghittarre . The Character of words that become a Heroe are Property , and Significancie , but without both the malice and lasciviousness of a Satyr . Another Vertue of an Heroique Poem is the Perspicuity and the Facility of Construction , and consisteth in a natural contexture of the words , so as not to discover the labour but the natural ability of Poet , and this is usually called a good Style . For the order of words when placed as they ought to be , carries a light before it , whereby a man may foresee the length of his period ; as a torch in the night shews a man the stops and unevenness in his way . But when plac'd unnaturally , the Reader will often find unexpected checks , and be forced to go back and hunt for the sense , and suffer such unease , as in a Coach a man unexpectedly finds in passing over a furrow . And though the Laws of Verse ( which have bound the Greeks and Latines to number of Feet , and quantity of Syllables , and the English and other Nations to number of Syllables and Rime ) put great constraint upon the natural course of Language ; yet the Poet , having the liberty to depart from what is obstinate , and to chuse somewhat else that is more obedient to such Laws , and no less fit for his purpose , shall not be ( neither by the measure , nor by the necessity of Rime ) excused ; though a Translation often may . A third Vertue lies in the Contrivance . For there is difference between a Poem and a History in Prose . For a History is wholly related by the Writer ; but in a Heroique Poem the Narration is , a great part of it , put upon some of the persons introduced by the Poet. So Homer begins not his Iliad with the injury done by Paris , but makes it related by Menelaus , and very briefly as a thing notorious ; nor begins he his Odysses with the departure of Ulysses from Troy , but makes Ulysses himself relate the same to Alcinous , in the midst of his Poem ; which I think much more pleasant and ingenious , than a too precise and close following of the time . A fourth is in the Elevation of Fancie , which is generally taken for the greatest praise of Heroique Poetry ; and is so , when governed by discretion . For men more generally affect and admire Fancie than they do either Judgment , or Reason , or Memory , or any other intellectual Vertue , and for the pleasantness of it , give to it alone the name of Wit , accounting Reason and Judgment but for a dull entertainment . For in Fancie consisteth the Sublimity of a Poet , which is that Poetical Fury which the Readers for the most part call for . It flies abroad swiftly to fetch in both Matter and Words ; but if there be not Discretion at home to distinguish which are fit to be used and which not , which decent , and which undecent for Persons , Times , and Places , their delight and grace is lost . But if they be discreetly used , they are greater ornaments of a Poem by much than any other . A Metaphor also ( which is a comparison contracted into a word ) is not unpleasant ; but when they are sharp , and extraordinary , they are not fit for an Heroique Poet , nor for a publique consultation , but only for an Accusation or Defence at the Bar. A fifth lies in the Justice and Impartiality of the Poet , and belongeth as well to History as to Poetry . For both the Poet and the Historian writeth only ( or should do ) matter of Fact. And as far as the truth of Fact can defame a man , so far they are allowed to blemish the reputation of Persons . But to do the same upon Report , or by inference , is below the dignity not only of a Heroe but of a Man. For neither a Poet nor an Historian ought to make himself an absolute Master of any mans good name . None of the Emperors of Rome whom Tacitus or any other Writer hath condemned , was ever subject to the Judgment of any of them , nor were they ever heard to plead for themselves , which are things that ought to be antecedent to condemnation . Nor was ( I think ) Epicurus the Philosopher ( who is transmitted to us by the Stoicks for a man of evil and voluptuous life ) ever called , convented , and lawfully convicted , as all men ought to be before they be defamed . Therefore 't is a very great fault in a Poet to speak evil of any man in their Writings Historical . A sixth Vertue consists in the perfection and curiosity of Descriptions , which the ancient Writers of Eloquence call Icones , that is Images . And an Image is always a part , or rather the ground of a Poetical comparison . As ( for example ) when Virgil would set before our eyes the fall of Troy , he describes perhaps the whole Labour of many men together in the felling of some great Tree , and with how much ado it fell . This is the Image . To w ch if you but add these words , So fell Troy , you have the Comparison entire ; the grace whereof lieth in the lightsomness , and is but the description of all ( even of the minutest ) parts of the thing described ; that not only they that stand far off , but also they that stand near , and look upon it with the oldest spectacles of a Critique , may approve it . For a Poet is a Painter , and should paint Actions to the understanding with the most decent words , as Painters do Persons and Bodies with the choicest colours , to the eye ; which if not done nicely , will not be worthy to be plac'd in a Cabinet . The seventh Vertue w ch lying in the Amplitude of the Subject , is nothing but variety , and a thing without which a whole Poem would be no pleasanter than an Epigram , or one good Verse ; nor a Picture of a hundred figures better than any one of them asunder , if drawn with equal art . And these are the Vertues which ought especially to be looked upon by the Critiques . in the comparing of the Poets , Homer with Virgil , or Virgil with Lucan . For these only , for their excellencie , I have read or heard compared . If the comparison be grounded upon the first and second Vertues , which consist in known words and Style unforc'd , they are all excellent in their own Language , though perhaps the Latin than the Greek is apter to dispose it self into an Hexameter Verse , as having both fewer Monosyllables and fewer Polysyllables . And this may make the Latin Verse appear more grave and equal , which is taken for a kind of Majesty ; though in truth there be no Majesty in words but then when they seem to proceed from an high and weighty imployment of the mind . But neither Homer , nor Virgil , nor Lucan , nor any Poet writing commendably ( though not excellently ) was ever charged much with unknown words , or great constraint of Style , as being a fault proper to Translators , when they hold themselves too superstitiously to their Authors words . In the third Vertue , which is Contrivance , there is no doubt but Homer excels them all . For their Poems ( except the Introduction of their Gods ) are but so many Histories in Verse ; whereas Homer has woven so many Histories together as contain the whole Learning of his time ( which the Greeks call Cyclopaedia ) and furnished both the Greek and Latin Stages with all the Plots and Arguments of their Tragedies . The fourth Vertue which is the height of Fancie , is almost proper to Lucan , and so admirable in him , that no Heroique Poem raises such admiration of the Poet , as his hath done , though not so great admiration of the persons he introduceth . And though it be a mark of a great Wit ; yet it is fitter for a Rhetorician than a Poet , and rebelleth often against Discretion ; as when he says Victrix causa Diis placuit , sed victa Catoni . Than which nothing could be spoken more gloriously to the Exaltation of a man , nor more disgracefully to the Depression of the Gods. Homer indeed maketh some Gods for the Greeks , and some for the Trojans ; but always makes Jupiter impartial . And never prefers the judgment of a Man before that of Jupiter ; much less before the judgment of all the Gods together . The fifth Vertue , which is the Justice and Impartiality of a Poet , is very eminent in Homer and Virgil , but the contrary in Lucan . Lucan shews himself openly in the Pompeyan Faction , i●●eighing against Caesar throughout his Poem , like Cicero against Cataline or Marc Antony ; and is therefore justly reckon'd by Quintilian as a Rhetorician rather than a Poet. And a great part of the delight of his Readers proceedeth from the pleasure which too many men take to hear Great Persons censured . But Homer and Virgil ( especially Homer ) do every where what they can to preserve the Reputation of their Heroes . If we compare Homer and Virgil by the sixth Vertue , which is the clearness of Images ( or Descriptions ) it is manifest that Homer ought to be preferr'd , though Virgil himself were to be the Judge . For there are very few Images in Virgil besides those which he hath translated out of Homer , so that Virgils Images are Homers Praises . But what if he have added something to it of his own ? Though he have , yet it is no addition of praise , because 't is easie . But he hath some Images which are not in Homer , and better than his . It may be so , and so may other Poets have which never durst compare themselves with Homer . Two or three fine sayings are not enough to make a Wit. But where is that Image of his better done by him than Homer , of those that have been done by them both ? Yes , Eustathius ( as Mr. Ogilby hath observ'd ) where they both describe the falling of a Tree prefers Virgil's description . But Eustathius is in that , I think , mistaken . The place of Homer is in the fourth of the Iliads , the sense whereof is this : As when a man hath fell'd a Poplar tree Tall , streight , and smooth , with all the fair boughs on ; Of which he means a Coach-wheel made shall be , And leaves it on the Bank , to dry i' th' Sun ; So lay the comely Simoisius , Slain by great Ajax , Son of Telamon . It is manifest that in this place Homer intended no more than to shew how comely the body of Simoisius appeared as he lay dead upon the Bank of Scamander , streight , and tall , with a fair head of hair , and like a streight and high Poplar with the boughs still on ; and not at all to describe the manner of his falling , which ( when a man is wounded through the breast , as he was with a Spear ) is always sudden . The description of how a great Tree falleth , when many men together hew it down , is in the second of Virgil's Aeneads . The sense of it , with the comparison is in English this : And Troy , methought , then sunk in fire and smoke , And overturned was in every part : As when upon the mountain an old Oak Is hewn about with keen steel to the heart , And pli'd by Swains with many heavy blows , It nods and every way it threatens round , Till overcome with many wounds it bows , And leisurely at last comes to the ground . And here again it is evident that Virgil meant to compare the manner how Troy after many Battles , and after the losses of many Cities , conquer'd by the many Nations under Agamemnon in a long War , and thereby weak'ned , and at last overthrown , with a great Tree hewn round about , and then falling by little and little leisurely . So that neither these two Descriptions , nor the two Comparisons can be compared together . The Image of a man lying on the ground is one thing ; the Image of falling ( especially of a Kingdom ) is another . This therefore gives no advantage to Virgil over Homer . 'T is true , that this Description of the Felling and Falling of a Tree is exceeding graceful . But is it therefore more than Homer could have done if need had been ? Or is there no Description in Homer of somewhat else as good as this ? Yes , and in many of our English Poets now alive . If it then be lawful for Julius Scaliger to say , that if Jupiter would have described the fall of a Tree , he could not have mended this of Virgil ; it will be lawful for me to repeat an old Epigram of Antipater , to the like purpose , in favour of Homer . The Writer of the famous Trojan War , And of Ulysses Life , O Jove make known , Who , whence he was ; for thine the Verses are , And he would have us think they are his own . The seventh and last commendation of an Heroique Poem consisteth in Amplitude and Variety ; and in this Homer exceedeth Virgil very much , and that not by superfluity of words , but by plenty of Heroique matter , and multitude of Descriptions and Comparisons ( whereof Virgil hath translated but a small part into his Aeneads ) such as are the Images of Shipwracks , Battles , Single Combats , Beauty , Passions of the mind , Sacrifices , Entertainments , and other things , whereof Virgil ( abating what he borrows of Homer ) has scarce the twentieth part . It is no wonder therefore if all the ancient Learned men both of Greece and Rome have given the first place in Poetry to Homer . It is rather strange that two or three , and of late time , and but Learners of the Greek tongue should dare to contradict so many competent Judges both of Language and Discretion . But howsoever I defen● Homer , I aim not thereby at any reflection upon the following Translation . Why then did I write it ? Because I had nothing else to do . Why publish it ? Because I thought it might take off my Adversaries from shewing their folly upon my more serious Writings , and set them upon my Verses to shew their wisdom . But why without Annotations ? Because I had no hope to do it better than it is already done by Mr. Ogilby . T. HOBBES . HOM. ODYSS . LIB . I. TEll me , O Muse , th' Adventures of the Man That having sack'd the sacred Town of Troy , Wandred so long at Sea ; what course he ran By winds & tempests driven from his way : That saw the Cities , and the fashions knew Of many men , but suffer'd grievous pain To save his own life , and bring home his crew . Though for his crew , all he could do was vain . They lost themselves by their own insolence , Feeding , like fools , on the Suns sacred Kine . Which did the splendid Deity incense To their dire fate . Begin , O Muse divine . The Greeks from Troy were all returned home , All that the War and winds had spar'd , except The discontent Ulysses only ; whom In hollow caves the Nymph Calypso kept . But when the years and days were come about , Wherein was woven his return by fate To Ithaca , ( but neither there without Great pain ) the Gods then pitied his estate , All saving Neptune , who did never cease To hinder him from reaching his own shore , And persecute him still upon the Seas Till he got home . Then troubled him no more . Neptune was now far off in Black-moor land ( The Black-moors are the utmost of Mankind , As far as East and West asunder stand , So far the Black-moors borders are disjoyn'd . ) Invited there to feast on Ram and Bull. There sat he merry . Th' other Gods were then Met on Olympus in a Synod full , In th' house of Jove , Father of Gods and Men. And first spake Jove , whose thoughts were now upon Aegistus death , which he but then first knew , By th' hand of Agamemnons valiant Son , Who to revenge his Fathers blood him slew . Ha! How dare mortals tax the Gods , and say , Their harms do all proceed from our Decree . And by our setting ; when by their crimes they Against our wills make their own destiny ? As now Aegistus did Atrides kill Newly come home , and married his wise ; Although he knew it was against my will , And that it would cost him one day his life . Sent we not Hermes to him to forbid The murder , and the marriage of the wife , And tell him if the contrary he did Orestes should revenge it on his life ? All this said Hermes , as we bad him . But Aegistus , for all this , was not afraid His lust in execution to put . And therefore now has dearly for it paid . Then Pallas moved on Ulysses part , And said , O Father Jove , the King of Kings , Aegystus fate was fit for his desert , So let them perish'all that do such things . 'T is for Ulysses that I live in pain , Poor man , long absent from his friends , forlorn In a small Isle , the Centre of the Main ; Kept from his home doth nought but grieve and mourn . The Isle is beautifi'd with goodly trees . And in it dwells a Nymph . Her Fathers name Atlas , that all the depths of th' Ocean sees , And beareth up the Pillars of the same , And Heaven and earth to boot . His daughter 't is That with fair words and gentle courtesie Detains Ulysses . And her meaning is Forever there to have his company . Whilst he , alas ! even dies for very grief . To see the smoke of Ithaca he wishes , And would take that for some , though small relief . And yet you are not mov'd . Were not Ulysses ●is Sacrifices on the Trojan shore Both free and bountiful ? They were , you know , 〈◊〉 th' Argive Camp , I dare say , no mans more . Why therefore , Father , should you hate him so ? ●o her , the mighty Jove made this reply . Child , what a word is this that you let fall ? ●o I neglect Ulysses , or do I Ulysses hate , that amongst mortals all For wisdom and for piety excels ? Neptune that backs and shakes the earth , 't is he Whose breast with anger and revenge still swells Against him , for his Sons calamity , The God-like Polypheme , Cyclops the great , Whom on Thoosa , Phorcys daughter brave Neptune the King of Waters did beget , Embracing her within a hollow cave ; And him Ulysses has depriv'd of sight . For which , though Neptune do not him destroy , He crosses him with dangers day and night , And drives him up and down out of his way . But well , let us that are assembled now Bethink us how to bring him home . 'T is odds 'T will cool his rage . He has not strength enough T' oppose the power of all the other Gods. Then Pallas said , O Jove , of Kings the King , Since the blest Gods have thought good , and decreed Ulysses to his native soil to bring , Let 's Hermes send unto the Nymph with speed , In th' Isle Ogygia , to let her know Our sentence , that she may the same obey . And I to , Ithaca mean while will go , And cause his Son to call without delay The Common-Councel ; and to make him bold , To warn his Mothers Suiters to be gone , And feast no longer on his Herd and Fold , As they before had insolently done . To Sparta too , I 'll send him , and to Pyle T' enquire about his Fathers Navigation , That in the world by Travel for a while He may acquire a greater reputation . This said , upon her feet her shooes she binds , Ambrosian Golden shooes , that do her bear On land and water swiftly as the winds . And takes in hand her brazen-headed Spear ; A heavy , massie , and strong Spear , the same Wherewith , when angry , she the armed bands Of mighty men of War does eas'ly tame . That was the Spear she carried in her hands . Then from the high Olympus leapt she down T'Ulysses house , and stood in the Hall-door I' th' shape of Mentes that possest the Crown O' th' Taphian people , whom he reigned o'r . And thence beheld the Suiters in the Court Sitting upon the hides of beeves , which they Themselves had kill'd , and wanting other sport , Playing at Chess they pass'd their time away . Mean while their Officers and Serving-men Were busie mingling water with the wine , Others the meat divide , others make clean , Set up and rub the Tables till they shine . Telemachus now with the Suiters sate Fancying , in case his father should appear , Brought home by th' Gods or by some lucky fate , How then these knaves would slink away for fear ; And he again recover his estate , And in his own land rule without a Peer . He was the first that spi'd the Goddess , and Then presently he hast'ned to the door ; Receives her Spear and takes her by the hand , And both go in , she after , he before . You shall ( said he ) stranger be welcome here : But first let 's sup , and afterwards wee 'l find Sufficient time both for me to inquire , And you to tell your business and your mind . When they were come into the stately Hall , Her Spear within a case he sets upright ●a pillar , in which case the Spears were all , His father left behind going to fight . ●hen led her to a chair , which stood upon A dainty Carpet curiously wrought , ●nd put t' her feet a stool to rest upon , And for himself a handsom stool he brought : ●hen did a Maid in a fine golden ewer Bring water for their hands , and pours it on ●ver a Bason large of silver pure , And set a table to them , for both , one . ●rom others seats remoter than to fear Their rudeness might offend her , or that they Might peradventure listening overhear What he and she did of Ulysses say . Another sets on bread and other things To eat , such as in her charge were at home . But flesh of many sorts the carver brings , And the cup-bearers often go and come . Then came the Suiters in , and took their places All on a row . To each a table stands , And golden boul , one way look all their faces , The waiters bring in water for their hands . The Maids in baskets bring both bread and meat On which they lay their hands with great good will , And heartily and hastily they eat , And to the brim their cups the Servants fill . When they of hunger had pluckt out the sting , The lusty Suiters thoughts converted were To dancing , and to hear the minstril sing , Sports that are consecrated to good chear . To Phemius the minstril that was by Unwillingly , forc'd by th' unruly throng , They brought a Cittern , and he presently Began to play , and then to s●…g a song . But to the Goddess Pallas , in her ear Telemachus began to speak his mind , Not being willing any else should hear . Excuse me , Friend , that I say what I find . You see the care of these men what it is , Singing and dancing . And no wonder , since That which they spend is not their own , but his Whose bones lie somewhere naked far from hence Unburied , it may be on the ground , There rotting as he lies i' th' dew and rain , Or else at Sea , perhaps , if he be drown'd , The waves his body roll upon the main . If him at home the best of them should meet Safely arriv'd in Ithaca , he would Much rather wish , I think , for nimble feet Than to be rich in garments or in gold . But Oh! He 's dead , and of some cruel death ; And though some tell us he is coming home . 'T is comfortless , for he 's bereav'd of breath . To Ithaca I ne'r shall see him come . But let this pass , and tell me truly now Your own , your Fathers , and your Countries name , And further I desire you 'll let me know , Whence are the Mariners that with you came Unto this Town , and tell me this likewise Where rideth the good ship that brought you to 't . For verily I can no way devise How you should come on horsback or on foot . And tell me were you never here before , Nor saw my Father whilst he here abode ? For strangers came to visit him good store As having much converst with men abroad . I 'll clearly speak ( said Pallas ) t'every thing . My Father was Anchialus , and I Me●tes , my City Taphos , and I King ; My people to the Oar themselves apply . At present bound I am to T●misè For Brass ; and Iron I carry with me thither . Under mount Neion , not near Ithaca My Ship at Reithrus rideth safe from weather . As for your Father , we were mutual Guests , ( Ask the old Lord Laërtes ) from our youth . With one old Maid alone his meat to dress , He lives at 's Country-house , he 'll tell you truth . There creeps he in his Vineyard up and down . And I came hither now , 'cause I was told By some , his Son Ulysses was in Town . But 't is not so . The Gods do him withhold From his dear wise , and native Country still Within an Island , where the Savage men By ●orce detain him , much against his will : But all in vain . He shall return agen . For I presage , and come it shall to pass , That am no Prophet , nor Birds understand , Though he were tied there with Chains of Brass , He shall get loose and see his native Land. But say , are you indeed , that are so grown , His Son ? Your heads and eyes are like ( I mark ) For we were well to one another known , But 't was before he did for Troy imbark With other Princes of the Argive youth ; But never saw him since . That I 'm his Son ( Said he ) my Mother says But who in truth Knoweth who 't was that got him ? I think none . If I might chuse my Father , I would be His Son that groweth old on 's own estate . But whom they tell me is my Father , he Of all men is the most unfortunate . Then said the Goddess , Howsoe'r that be , The Gods will never nameless leave your kind , That are the Son of fair Penelope , And so well fram'd in body and in mind . ●ut say , What Feast is this , and who these be . You have no cause to feast . Their conversation ●leases me not . 'T is rude , unmannerly . What is 't a Wedding . or is 't a collation ? ●riend , since you ask ( said he ) take the whole Story , This house was rich , my Father being here , But th' unkind Gods have taken hence that glory : For where he is , a word we cannot hear . ●èss had I griev'd , if he his life had lost With other Arg●●e Lords under Troy wall , ●r ( the War done ) 'mong ▪ ●hose that love him most . Then had he had a noble Funeral , At which th'Achaean Princes would have been , And th' honour had redounded to his Son. But now alas ! devour'd by Harpies keen , Unheard of and unaskt-for he is gone , Leaving me here behind to sigh and grone . Besides , the Gods have given me other care Bitter enough . 'T is not for him alone My heart is rent . There other mischiefs are . How many Lords within these Is●es do sway Same , Dulichium , Ithaca , and Zant , So many Suitors duly every day For marriage with my Mother the house haunt . Whilst she can none put off , and will none marry , They spend my corn and wine , and cattle kill , And eating here and drinking still they tarry , And me perhaps at last they murder will. Then Pallas said , Is 't so ? 'T is time indeed Your Father hither were come back agen , Having so long been absent hence , with speed To lay his hands upon these shameless men . Oh! that just now within the gates he stood Of th'outer Court , I would desire no more , Arm'd with two Spears , Buckler , and Helmet good , Such now , as I have seen him heretosore . From ●phy●● he took our house in 's way , Where first I saw him merry drinking wine . For he had been with Ilus , him to pray To give him for his shafts a medicine , Wherewith to make them all they wound to kill . But he refus'd , fearing the powers above . And 't was my Father gave t' him for good will : For why , he did him very dearly love . If such as then , Ulysses should appear Amongst the Suiters now , short liv'd , I ●row They'd be , and have but bitter wedding chear . But when he shall come home , Gods only know , Or whether you shall see him any more . Mean while consider by what means you may Get the unruly Suiters out of door , That so oppress you , and your house annoy . And first observe what I shall you advise . Convoque the People to the Market-place ; Protest the Gods against their injuries , And let the whole Assembly know your case . Say , if they needs will wed her , let her go Back to her Father , who the match should make , And offer for her what is fit ; and so Which of them she likes best him let her take . And for your self , I think it your best way , In a good Bark of twenty Oars abroad , T' enquire what men can of your Father say , Or what some lucky signe from Jove may bode ▪ Go first to Pyle , enquire of Nestor ; Then To Sparta . Ask of Menelaus , whom Of all which had at Troy commanded men The Gods t'Achaia brought the latest home . If of his safety and return you hear , How much soever they waste your estate , Indure their riot yet another year . If dead , come back , and fairly celebrate His Rites , and give your Mother whom she will For Husband . Then bethink you , how you may By open force , or howsoever kill These shameless Suiters that your means destroy , Be fool'd no more . You 're now at mans estate . Aegistus shew Orestes Father . He Aegistus slew . Who does not this relate With honour to Orestes memory ? And you , my Friend , you are a goodly man. Take heart . Gain honour . I must now be gone ; My crew with patience no longer can Stay for me ; therefore think what 's to be done . Your counsel ( said Telemachus ) is such As might become a Father to his Son. I 'll not forget it . Though your hast be much , Stay yet a while ; be not so quickly gone . Wash and take food , and then go merrily ; And with you a fair Present from me take , Whereby to keep me in your memory ; Such as kind friends to one another make . Then said the Goddess , Now I cannot stay . As for your Present I will not deny it , But take it at my coming back this way , How much soe'r you mean t' oblige me by it . This said , she mounted from him to the Sky In likeness of an Eagle , to his wonder , Who thought it was some God , and grew thereby Bolder , and on his Father more did ponder . And streightway to the Suiters went , who were Now come again into the house , and seated A Song which Phemius then sung to hear , Containing how the Grecians retreated Unfortunately from the Trojan shore By Pallas doings whom they had offended . Penelope that heard it and was more Concerned than they all streightway descended . She entred not but in the door did stand Vail'd with a Scarf which on her head she wore , Having a waiting-woman on each hand , And to the singer thus said , weeping sore . Phemius y'have better Songs , why sing you then This sad one ? Fitter 't were the deeds to tell Of mighty Gods , and mighty deeds of men , Which sure would please the Company as well . Sing one of those , and let them hear and drink Give over this . You touch my interest , And wound my heart in forcing me to think Upon my husband , of all Greeks the best . Then said Telemachus , Good Mother why Should not the Singer chuse what Song to sing , Whose part it is to please the Company ? It is not he that does the evil bring . 'T is none of Phemius fault , but th' Act of Jove Who deals to all men , all things as he please . Should he not sing the Songs that men most love The new'st ? The Greeks sad passage o'r the Seas ? Be patient , many more besides u●y●●●s , Come short ●om Troy by one fate or ano●her , No● are you th' only wi●e her husband misses . Many men else are lost . Therefore good Mother Go to your w●…k again above , and see Your 〈…〉 censuring of Songs Unto us men , and specially to me , To whom the greatest power here belongs . Then to her Chamber up she went again With her two Maids , and there began to weep , Being for her dear husband in great pain , And wept till Pall as clos'd her eyes with sleep . Men while the Suiters into clusters ran , And one t'another his thoughts uttered With noise enough . But there was not a man That did not wish to have her in his bed . Then to them spake Telemachus ; D' ye hear Proud Suiters of my Mother , let 's I pray Give ear unto the Singer , and forbear Clamour . To morrow is the Council day , There I shall warn you publikely , no more To haunt my house , but each man home to go , And there to feast by turns on your own store ; And if you be not willing to do so , But your own means to spare , shall think it best To feast your selves on one mans substance all , And ruine his estate , go on and feast While I upon the Gods for vengeance call . O that the mighty Jove would so ordain , That all mens actions might be repaid As they deserve ! Then should you all be slain Within my doors . After he this had said , The Suiters bit their lips , and silent mused At the strange boldness of Telemachus , And at the Language which the Youngman used , To which none answer'd but Antinous . The Gods ( quoth he ) have taught you a high strai● Of Language , and undaunted Oratory . But if their meaning were that you should reign Here , o'r us all , I should be very sorry . Telemachus repli'd , Think what you will. If Jove consent , why should not I be King ? What harm is it ; with wealth my house to fill , Besides the honour it will with it bring ? In Ithaca there many Princes be , You 'll say , would be as glad to rule as I. No matter , whosoe'r be King , not he , But I am King in my own Family . Who ( said Eurymachus ) shall have the hap To reign in Ithaca is hard to guess , It lies yet folded up within Joves lap . None shall , Telemachus , you dispossess Of house , or land , or goods , by violence , As long as there in Ithaca be men . But tell me who that was , that now went hence , Where he was born , and where he dwells , and then His errand , whether business of his own , Or some news from Ulysses brought perchance , And went so soon away , t' avoid being known . He was no mean man by his countenance . Then said Telemachus , My Father 's dead , We never shall again see one another . With Messengers I trouble not my head , Nor Soothsayers that do but sooth my Mother . The man my Fathers old acquaintance was , Mentes Anchialides , and his Town Taphos , and he thereof the ruling has . His people for their Trade by Sea well known . Thus said he , though he doubted not at all But 't was some God. Mean while the Suiters staying For th'evenings coming on , to dancing fall , Or listen to the minstrel's Song and playing . The evening came , the Suiters went away , Telemachus went also to his bed In a warm stately Chamber , where he lay Ranging the many cares he had in 's head ; Euryclea a Torch before him bore , Daughter of Ops , now old , but at the time Laertes did her purchase heretofore For twenty Oxen , she was in her prime . He honour'd her as if sh 'had been his wife ; But from her bed perpetually forbore , T' avoid suspition , and domestick strife . Sh 'had nurst Telemachus , and lov'd him more Than did the other Maids , and now she stands To light him . He unlocks the door , goes in , Takes off his Coat , puts it into her hands , She foldeth , brusheth , hangs it on a pin . Then forth she went , and by a silver ring Pulls to the door . And there all night he lay Remembring Pallas words , and pondering Upon the business of the following day . LIB . II. SOon as the Rosie Morning did appear , Telemachus himself array'd and shod , Puts on his Sword , and takes in hand his Spear , And out he went appearing like a God. And streight unto the Cryers gave command , To call the People to the Publike place . The People met . And then with Spear in hand He to them takes his way ; and followed was By two white Dogs . Then takes his Fathers Throne ; His Elders gave him way ; all on him gaze . For why , the Goddess Pallas of her own Had let Authority upon his Face . The first that spake was old Aegyptius , Stooping with age , of great experience : One Son of his whose name was Antiphus , Went to the Siege of Troy , but coming thence He died in the Savage Cyclops jaws , When with Ulysses he was in his den . Euronymus one of the Suiters was ; The others with their Father dwelled then . But still he grieved was for Antiphus . The tears ran down his cheeks , and weeping he Rose up , and said unto th' Assembly thus , Ye men of Ithaca , I pray hear me ; Since we to Ulysses sent with Ships , We ne'r convoked were to Parliament . What need have young or old men of our Lips ? And who is he that now doth us convent ? Has he informed been of some Invasion , And unto us the same would first report ? Or on some other Publike great occasion Would give us Counsel ? The Gods bless him for 't . Telemachus then presently up stands , Though well contented with his Fathers praise . The Crier puts the Scepter in his hands . And to Aegyptius first he speaks , and says , Here am I , that the people have convok'd . Nor do I any news or counsel bring . But by my private suffrings am provok'd . Which here I offer t' your considering . Is it not grief enough , my Fathers loss , That ruled like a Father to us all , But that I must yet bear a greater cross , To see his house to utter ruine fall ? My Mothers house the Suiters daily fill , And of the best of you they Children are . She wedded must be with her Fathers will. But to her Father go they do not dare . But in my house continually they stay , And Sacrifice my Beeves , and Goats , and Sheep , My wine exhaust , and much they cast away . For why , Ulysses lost is on the deep . And I my self unable to defend . But shall I so be still , or once be able To bring upon these men unjust their end , Whose injuries no more are tolerable ? Take it to heart . Think how 't will taken be By other States . Fear from the Gods some change , That are not pleas'd with such iniquity , And may in closer order make you range . By Jove I you adjure , and Themis , who Convokes Assemblies , and revokes again , Forbear these evil deeds your selves to do , And of your Sons the liberty restrain . Leave me to suffer misery alone . Hurt none but me . Unless my Father have In hatred of you some great evil done , And for revenge these men such power you gave . But better 't were for me , that you than they Should spend my Treasure and my comings in . For if among so many men it lay , Begging I might from them the value win . But for my case no help can now be found . So said Telema hus in choler high , And from him threw the Scepter to the ground . Nor could fotbear to left fall tears and sigh . The People piti'd him , but silent sat . None but Antinous durst answer make . Telemachus , said he , too passionate You are , and too much liberty you take . The Peoples hatred you would very fain Draw to the Suiters , and procure them shame . But from your Mother cometh all your pain ; And therefore her , not us you ought to blame . Three years are gone and past , the fourth is this , Since she her Suiters baffled has with Art , Putting each one in hope by Messages , And Promises that he had gain'd her heart . Moreover , setting up a Beam to weave , Suiters ( said she ) since dead Ulysses is , Stay yet a little while , and give me leave To make an end but of one business . I must for old Laertes make a Cloath , Which in his Sepulchre he is to wear . T' offend the wives of Greece I should be loath . For to accuse me they will not forbear ; But say I very hasty was to wed , If I go hence and not provide a shroud Wherein Laertes may be buried . Out of such wealth , that might have been allow'd . Her Suiters all were well content . And then All day she wove , but ere she went to bed , What she had wov'n , she ravell'd out agen . Three years her Suiters thus she frustrated . In the fourth year her women her betraid , And in we came , whilst she the web undid . And then to end it she could not avoid . Since now her purpose could no more be hid . To your complaint the Suiters answer thus , ( Take notice of it you and all the rest ) Send back your Mother to Icarius . There let her marry whom they both think best . But if she think to vex us longer yet , Caring for nothing but for Pallas Gifts , To have the reputation for wit , And skilfulness in curious work and shifts , Wherein the Achaean wives she doth excel , Both old and young , Trro , Alcmen ' , Micen ' , Although with us she hath not dealed well . But if to use us so she longer mean , So much the longer with you we shall eat . Which to Penelope will be a glory . But we consume shall so much of your meat , If long we stay there , that you will be sorry . For so long as she dodges with us thus , No whither from your house will we depart . Then to him answered Telemachus , Antinous , I ne'r shall have the heart To send my Mother hence against her will. Abroad my Father is , alive or dead . That I her Father should repay , were ill , For forcing her to leave her husbands bed . And from the Furies I shall suffer worse . For if I force her from my house to go Whether she will or not , she will me curse . And men will of me be revenged too . If it displease you that she stayeth here , You have your remedy ; you may go home And , ev'ry one make all the rest good chear By turns , and into my house never come . But if you needs will feed on me alone , I can but to the Gods , for vengeance call , And reparation for what is done . Which may enough be to destroy you all . This said , two Eagles coming were in fight , And when they were the Market-place just o'r , Th'Assembled heads surveying , stopt their flight , And on their broad and levell'd wings they soar . Then having torn themselves both neck and cheek , They to their right wing rise and fly away . What this should mean th' Assembly was to seek . And to them thus did Alitherses say . Hear me ye men of Ithaca ( said he ) And you the Suiters that are most concern'd . Destruction is rouling toward ye , Although it be not by your selves discern'd . Ulysses from his Friends will not be long . And now from Ithaca far off is not , Seeing what daily done is in the throng . And how to kill the Suiters lays his plot . Nay many more beside the Suiters may Of their misfortune chance to have their part . If they desist not soon and come away . I speak not this at random but on Art. For all must come to pass I told him then , When with the Argive Lords he went to Troy , That after twenty years he should agen Return with pain , his men all cast away . Then said Eurymachus , Old man go home , And there to your own Children prophesie , Lest to them any harm hereafter come . A better Prophet for these things am I. Under the Sun be many Birds that fly , And yet not all of them do fortunes tell . Ulysses far hence dead is certainly I know not where . I would thou wert as well . For then you would give over to enflame Telemachus , who but too angry is ; In hope to get some Present for the same , If you will give it . But I tell you this , If any old man with his wisdom dare To set against us any young man here , He shall be sure himself the worse to fare . And when 't is done he shall be ne'r the near . We 'll set a Fine upon your head so wise , Which you to pay will not be well content . I my self will Telemachus advise His Mother may be to her Father sent , To make the match , and on the Dower agree , Such as becomes him to his Daughter dear . Till that be done no hope at all I see The Suiters should desist . For they not fear Telemachus , as haughty as he is , And full of words ; and much less do they care For such deceitful Prophesies as this , For which you only the more hated are . Mean while Telemachus his Goods decay , And he shall never make them up again While she persists her Suiters to delay , And make us all expect her love in vain . And 't is her vertue makes us thus to strive Amongst our selves who shall her favour win . For many other Ladies we could wive , And be sufficiently delighted in . Then said Telemachus , No more will I This matter to you press , or to the Woo'rs . You and the Gods know all , I do not lie . But I demand a Bark of twenty Oars . For I intend to travel for a while , To hear what men can of my Father say . To Lacedamon I will go , and Pyle , Or seek from Jove some notice of his way . And if alive he be and coming home , Though to my cost , I 'll stay another year ; If dead he be , then back again I 'll come , And Rites of burial will give him here Splendid and well becoming his estate , And let my Mother her own liking take . Having thus spoken , down again he sate . And then Ulysses old friend Mentor spake , With whom Ulysses left his house in trust . Hear me , Ye Ithacesians , said he . Let no King ever be hereafter just , Nor to his People soft and gentle be , Since you Ulysses have so soon forgot , That ever rul'd us like a Father kind . But I the Suiters so much accuse not , Although on force and fraud they set their mind . ( For 'gainst Ulysses goods which they devour They stake their heads in hope he 'll ne'r come As you , that many are , and have the pow'r [ home ) To check them sit as if you all were dumb . And then rose up Leocritus and spake , Mentor , said he , more busie much than wise , That would about a Supper quarrel make . Ulysses were he here I 'd not advise To seek by force the Suiters to remove . For though he much be wish'd for by his wife , She would not of his coming well approve ; But he the sooner be depriv'd of life . And you the people now may hence retire . Mentor and Alitherses will provide A Bark for what place ever he 'll desire . And if at Ithaca he mean t' abide , No news he will hear of him a great while . But never t'Ithaca shall come agen If he to Lacedaemon go or Pyle . This said , dismiss'd and scatter'd were the men . And to Ulysses house the Suiters went , Telemachus to the Sea-side , and pray'd , O God that gavest me Commandement To pass the Seas canst not now be obey'd . I am both by the Town and Woo'rs delai'd . Then in the form of Mentor , Pallas came , And standing by Telemachus , she said With such a voice as Mentor's seem'd the same . If in you you retain the Spirit brave Your Father had to make his word his deed , Then also the assurance I shall have To tell you in your Voyage you shall speed . But if Ulysses Son you be not right , For ought I know you may this labour spare . Few Sons exceed or reach their Fathers might , But commonly inferiour they are . But since in you I see your Fathers Wit , I hope your Voyage shall have good success . Therefore no more with th'Woo'rs in Council sit , Expect from Fools to have no more redress , That see not their own end that is so nigh . Nor shall you long be forced here to stay . For with a good Ship furnish you will I , And with you will my self go all the way . Mean while go you into your house agen , And put up store of Wine and of cold meat , And good bread , which the marrow is of men . I 'll for you Mariners together get . In Ithaca are good Ships old and new Good store , of which I will go chuse you one , The best of all that come within my view And make it ready that we may be gone . This said , to ' th' house return'd Telemachus . The Woo'rs in killing Cattle were imploy'd , And streight unto him went Antinous , And laughing , took him by the hand and said , Telemachus , bold and brave Orator , Fear from us neither evil word nor deed . Eat and drink merrily as heretofore , We 'll see you furnished with what you need Both Ship and Men , and see you soon convei'd To Pyle , that of your Father you may hear . Telemachus then answered and said , Antinous , can I be merry here ? D' ye think that yet too little was the wrong The Suiters did me , my estate to waste , When I perceiv'd it not , as being young ? But since I grown am , and my childhood past , And somewhat know , and more hear others say , I 'll do my best to bring them to their end , Whether yet I go to Pyle or here do stay . And yet to go to Pyle I do intend , And think my passage will not be in vain . For I go like a Merchant not a Guest , As if to me no Ship did appertain . It must be so . The Suiters think it best . This said , his hand from his hand he snatch'd out . And then the Suiters that were in the Court , Some give him evil words , and others flour , And one another with him make good sport . He 'll come from Pyle with Succours , God knows what ( Said one ) or Sparta , which shall on us fall . Or poyson bring from Ephiré ; and that Put in the Temperer shall kill us all . Who knows ( then said another ) if he go , But he his Fathers fate may also have Whilst seeking him he wanders to and fro ; Which would to us no little trouble save . His goods amongst us we should soon divide , And to his Mother leave his houses free And him she chuses to lie by her side . Thus they derided him . Then down went he Into a large and high rooft room where lay In Chests packt up great store of cloth of Gold , And Garments very many rich and gay , And many Barrels of sweet wine and old , Which for Ulysses were preserved there When he returned to his native Soil . In the same room many brass Vessels were , And many Barrels of sweet smelling Oyl . And double were the Locks upon the door , Whereof the Nurse Euryclea had the Key . Telemachus call'd for her , and says to her , Come Nurse , this night I am to go away . Fill me of wine twelve Pitchers of the best Next to that which you for my Father save , And fine flour twenty measures a● the lea●● , In good thick leather satchels let me have , Quickly . For when my Mother is a bed To Lacedemon and to Pyle I go , That of my Father , if alive or dead There any news be , I the same may know . Euryclea then wept and sob'd , and said , Dear Child , why will you go from hence so far Alone ? Your Mother you will make afraid , Of whom so dearly you beloved are . Your Father far off is already dead , And by the way the Suiters seek to kill you , And share your goods amongst them by the head . I pray stay here and do not go . Why will you ? Nurse , said Telemachus , be of good chear . 'T is by the Counsel of a God I go . And I require you solemnly to swear You 'll not my going let my Mother know . Telemachus to th' Suiters went agen , And Pallas in his likeness to the Town , For his transporting to procure him men , From house to house she goeth up and down . And of Noemon borrowed a Bark , Who not unwillingly it to him lent . And now the Sun was down , the Streets were dark , And down to the Sea side the Goddess went. And the good Ship into the Sea they hale , And in it stow all that was needful for 't . The Mariners were there together all , And ti'd the Ship at far end of the Port. Mean while the Suiters merrily carouse , And Pallas then their fancies to confound , From the Sea-side went back into the house , And from their hands the Cups threw to the ground And with the love of sleep possest their eyes , And made them nod and let their eye-lids down . And not long after from their seats they rise , And for that night took lodging in the Town . Then like to Mentor both in Form and Voice , Telemachus he calleth out of doors . Your men are ready at the Port , she says , There they expecting you sit with their Oars . Then out they went , and Pallas led the way , And found the Rowers ready on the Beach . Telemachus then said , Come back I pray , To th' house with me , our Victual thence to fetch . Which well put up I there have ready laid . But nothing of it does my Mother know , Nor any else but I and one old Maid . Then with Telemachus to th' house they go , And to the Ship at once bring all away , And stow it as Telemachus thought fit . Pallas and he embark without delay , And at the Stern they both together sit . And now the Mariners their Tackle ply . First in the midst they set the Mast upright , And it unto the Ship with strong ropes tie , And then their Sails they hoise up to their height . Which Pallas with a lusty gale from West Kept full all night . The Ship the Sea then gores . The water swiftly running from her brest By both her sides wounded and broken roars . And then unto the Gods they offer Wine , And to them all were praying for a while , But specially unto their Guide Divine . Then ●all'd all night , and were next morn at Pyle . LIB . III. UP from the Sea the Sun leapt to the Sky , To hold the light up before Gods and men . Telemachus with all his Company Unto the Town of Pyle arrived then . Then Nestor had a Sacrifice in hand To N●ptune , and upon the Sea side stood , And with him store of people on the sand . Black Bulls he eighty one had to him vow'd . Nine seats there were , five hundred to each seat , And to the same nine Bulls appointed were . The Entrails broil'd upon the coals they eat , The Thighs to Neptune burnt to ashes were . The Ship then came within the Port to land , And disembarqu't , upon the shore they staid With furled Sails the Ship did by them stand . Then Pallas to Telemachus thus said , Telemachus , by no means bashful be . For wherefore did you undertake this task , But of your Father to hear certainty ? To Nestor then directly go and ask , If of Ulysses any thing he know . He 'll tell you truly . He 's too wise to lie . Mentor ( said he ) I 'm young , and know not how With one so old to answer and reply . Telemachus ( said Pallas ) do not fear . You 'll somewhat prompted be by your own brest ( You never by the Gods neglected were ) The God that loves you will supply the rest . Then up to Nestor they directly went , And Pallas foremost . All about him there They found upon the Sacrifice intent , ( His Sons and Lords ) to hasten the good chear . Some broaching , and some roasting were of meat . And presently about the Strangers come , And with their hands salute them , and intreat To sit . And then Pisistratus went to 'em , Saluted them , and took them both by th' hands , And for them ( since there was no empty seat ) Laid Sheepskins with the Wool upon the sands ; And of the Entrails gave them part to eat . And to her hand held up a Cup of Wine . To Neptune ( said he ) offer up your Vow , For he expresly is the Pow'r Divine , That we to worship be assembled now . And having drunk , give it to this mans hand , That he may also give the Gods their due , For all men of the Gods in need do stand . And I thought fit to give it first to you , 'Cause you are th' elder , th' other young as I. Then Pallas from his hand receiv'd the Cup , And pleased was to see his Equity . And then to Neptune sent her Prayers up . Neptune ( said she ) have to my Prayer regard . First Nestor and his Sons with Honour bless , And of his people th' Hecatomb reward . And give Telemachus and me success . Thus prayed she , and gave for what she pray'd . And to Telemachus then gave the Cup. And he to Neptune the same Prayer said . The meat being ready now and taken up , And into Messes cut , themselves they feast . And when of hunger extinct was the force , Then to his Guests Nestor his speech addrest . Friends , said he , now we time have to discourse . Tell me who are you , whence d' ye cross the Main ? Is it for Traffick ? Or d' ye pleasure take , As Pyrates walk at Sea , to and again , Others to spoil to set your lives at stake ? To this Telemachus with confidence ( Which into him the Goddess did inspire , The better to obtain Intelligence , And reputation to himself acquire ) Answer'd : O Nester Nelëiad●s The Glory of the Greeks we hither came From Ithaca on no State-business , But of my Father to seek news from Fame . Unblest Ulysses who at Ilium Together with you fought before the Town . Of th' other Chiefs we hear what is become . But where Ulysses di'd is still unknown . Whether as Land he ●●ain were by the Foe , Or by the Sea devoured he hath been . But at your knees we hither come to know , What you since then have heard of him or seen . Wandring about , born to calamity . Let no respect , or pity mitigate Your Story , howsoever sad it be . Nothing but naked truth to me relate . And I beseech you for my Fathers sake , If he before the Town of Troy did well Perform the Service he did undertake , That nothing but the very truth you tell . O Friend , said Nestor , since you bring again To memory our miseries at Troy , Under Achilles first by Sea , what pain We suffer'd then ; and after when we lay And sought before King Priam's Royal Seat What we endured , what Great Men we lost . The doughty Ajax , and Achilles great , That were the Chief of all the Argive host . The valiant Patroclus , and my Son Antilochus , both valiant in fight , And if an enemy were put to run Before him , he could hardly scape by flight . But numberless were our sad chances there ; No mortalman can count them one by one . And if you five or six years should stay here , You 'ld , weary be of asking , and be gone . Nine years we plots contriv'd to take the Town , Which Jove made prosperous with much ado . Ulysses had for plotting the renown . For none compar'd himself your Father to . If it be true you are Ulysses Son ; And I confess , hearing you speak your mind , And stedfastly your person looking on , Much respect for you in my self I find . While we together were at Troy , we never In Council or Assembly disagreed , But what was for the Argives good we ever Endeavour'd what we could to get decreed . But when of Troy we had destroy'd the Town , And back unto our Ships again were come , Then Jove upon the Greeks began to frown , Intending to them ill returning home . For few there were amongst them just or wise , But on themselves they drew down their own fate . Which made the Goddess Pallas to devise To set the two Atrides at debate . Then of the People they a meeting call At almost Sun-set , and the people came ( Having their heads with wine disorder'd all ) Th' Atrides told them why they call'd the same . Where Menelaus votes to cross the Seas , And each man to his Country to repass . 〈◊〉 this advice his Brother did not please . To stay there yet a while his counsel was . ●…d first a Hecatomb to Sacrifice , The Goddess Pallas anger to appease . ●…t Agamemnon therein was not wise . Men cannot change the will o' th' Gods with ease . ●hile they contending were with words unmeet , One part arose resolv'd to stay all night , ●…d in the Morn to go aboard the Fleet , And each one towards his home to take his flight . ●…d shipt our Captive Women and our Prey . One half we were , and came to Tenedus . ●…e other half with Agamemnon stay . And Pallas then again divided us . ●…d one part back to Agamemnon went. But I with all my own Ships homeward fled . Knowing that Jove to the Greeks evil meant ) So did the Son of Tydeus Diomed. 〈◊〉 ●esb●s to us Menelaus came , Where we which way to go consulting staid ●…us within , or else without the same . And for direction to the Gods we praid 〈◊〉 the wide Sea t'Enboea they bid sail , That we in safety be the sooner might . ●…d sent us therewithal a lusty gale Wh●ch brought us to Gerestus when 't was night . ●…d there to Neptune we burnt many Thighs . On the fourth day the Ships of Diomed 〈◊〉 Argos came . The same Wind stai'd i' th' Skies Till I at Pyle was safe delivered . 〈◊〉 came I home , sweet Child , and cannot tell Which of the Greeks came safe home , and which not . ●…t what has since been told me I know well ( And so far as is reason you shall know 't . ) ●…e Myr●●ydons , they say came safely home , Conducted by stout Neoptolemus . ●…d Philoctetes very well did come Unto his Fathers house Pallantius . ●…omeneus to Crest brought all his men That were not slain at Ilium in fight . How Agamemnon , when come home agen , was butchered , I need not to recite . Nor how he came , nor of Aegistus plot , Nor yet how bitterly he smarted sor't . 'T is good , you see , to have a Son begot , That can revenge his Father in that sort . And you , my friend , that tall are and well made , Be valiant , and get 'mongst men good dame . Telemachus then answered and said , O Nestor , but my case is not the same . Sharp the revenge was of Atrides Son , And far and wide will matter be for Songs , But from the Gods such power I have none To be revenged of the Suiters wrongs . O Friend ( said Nestor ) since I have been told , That many who your Mother seek to marry , Without your leave do with your house make bol●… And spending of your substance daily tarry , Is it because you are therewith content ? Or are you forc't to bear such injury Because your people are against you bent , Provok't thereto by some Divinity ? But who knows but at last they may be paid For all the Injuries which they have done , And insolence , by the Achaeans aid , Or peradventure by your self alone ? For if of you Pallas as careful were , As carefully she did your Father guide At Troy ( a God to man ne'r did appear So plainly as she there stood by his fide . ) If Pallas were so kind to you , you 'ld see The Suiters quickly would forget to wooe . Then said Telemachus , 'T will never be , Although the Gods should give consent thereto Telemachus , said Pallas , what a word Have you let fall ? A man may be with ease Though far off , to his native Soil restor'd By any of the Gods , if so he please . And I at home had rather lose my life Fighting than sitting as Atrides di'd , Slain by Aegistus and his own bad wife , Basely by them in whom he did confide . And yet the Gods unable are to save A man from death , although he be a friend , Whose end the cruel Fates determin'd have . Then said Telemachus , Let 's make an end Of this discourse . Ulysses latest day Determin'd by the Gods already is , And I to Nestor somewhat else will say ; For three mens Ages do but equal his . O Nestor , I would fam informed be How Agamemnon was of life depriv'd . And Menelaus , where mean while was he ? And how Aegistus had the Plot contriv'd . Was it that Menelaus too long stai'd , Aegillus ventur'd on a better wight ? I 'll tell you all the truth ( then Nestor said . ) And yet what you your self have guess'd is right . For why , if Menelaus coming home Aegistus in the house alive had found , He never had at Argos had a Tomb , But eaten been by Dogs above the ground , And Fowls of Prey Nor had he had the pity Of th'A●give women , nor lamented been , But lien had i' th' fields far from the City . For why , a viler act was never seen . For when at Troy we ended had the strise , Long time it was before we came away . Then Siege laid he to Agamemnons wife , And secretly hidden in Argos lay . And she at first refus'd , and counsel took Of a Learn'd man , whom Agamemnon left Going to Troy his wife to overlook , But soon Aegistus him of life b●ref● . For in a desert Island he him kill'd , And left him for a booty to the Kites , And then unto Aegistus she did yield , And richly were perform'd the wedding rites . Then on the Altars many Thighs they burn , And with them Rich mens baubles , and gold stuff . For why , for so unhop't for a good turn , They thought they could not thank the Gods enough . Now coming Menelaus was and I , And were as far come as to Sunium , When Phrontis , his good Steers-man chan●'d to die , The best that in a storm e'r Ship brought home , And hindrance of his coming this was some To bury him . But when he put to Sea , And was with all his Ships in safety come Under the windy Mountain of Malea , Then an ill passage for them Jove provided . The wind then whistled , and the water danced , And into two parts was the Fleet divided ; And one part to the Coast of Creet advanced . Where Cydons dwell , near Jarda● rivers mouth . There in the Sea standeth a stone upright That breaks the water when it rolls from South , So that it comes to Phaestus without might ; And there the men came in and sav'd their lives . But all the Ships upon the Rock were split . The other part the wind to Aegypt drives With Menelaus . Five ships were in it . Whilst Menelaus did in Aegypt stay , And visit Princes , and their gifts receiv'd . Aegistus made the Argives him obey , And Agamemnon of his life bereav'd . And sev'n years in Mycene reigned he . But then Orestes came , whom they not knew , From Athens to them unexpectedly , And there the slayer of his Father slew . And feasted th' Argives at the Funeral Of him and her . That very day did come King Menelaus , his Ships laden all From Aegypt with his costly Presents home . And you , my Friend , take heed you do not stay Too long abroad , leaving your goods among So many Knaves that waste them every day , And will consume them utterly ere long . But go to Menelaus who came last , And wandring has among much people been . A Bird could hardly so much Sea have past In a years time , as wandring he has seen . Therefore to Sparta go with Ship and Crew . Or if by Land , my Coach is ready for ye . Also my Son shall go along with you And ask of Menela●…s all his Story . He 's wise . Besides the truth h●●l nothing say . This said , the Sun was down , and dark the Sky . Ne●tor , said Pallas , you before us lay That to which we have nothing to reply . Now slit the Tongues , and let wine temper'd be , That we may offer to th'Immortals all . The light is gone , and need of sleep have we . So Pallas said , and they to offering fall . The Waiters then brought water for their hands , And young men to them all brought temper'd wine . The Tongues lay on the fire Each one up stands And offers wine unto the Powers divine . And when the Offering was at an end Telemachus and Pallas were about To go aboard , and there the night to spend . But Nestor on the other side cri'd out , The Gods forbid that you should lie aboard As if I were a man so rude or poor As not good bedding for a friend t' afford . Since then I have of Rugs and Bedding store , And many Sons alive with me at home , That able are my friends to entertain , And 't is Ulysses Son that 's to me come , Surely this night he shall with me remain . O Nestor , then said Pallas , that is right . And at your house to lodge for him 't is best . But at the Ship I needs must lie this night , His purpose to make known to all the rest . Amongst them there no old man is but I , The company t' encourage that expect Telemachus . Not with Authority . But my advise they 'll follow for respect . The next day with the Caucons I must be About an old and not a little debt . And then that he may Menelaus see , With strong swift horses on his way him set . This said , the Goddess Pallas went away In likeness of an Eagle to the Skies . The people star'd , and knew not what to say , And Nestor wondring saw it with his eyes . And took Telemachus by th' hand , and said , A good man you will be Telemachus And valiant , that are by a God convoy'd : And this same God that guided you to us , Is none but Pallas daughter of great Jove , That did at Troy your Father always guide . Let me and mine , O Goddess , have your love , And amongst men a Noble Fame and wide . A Heifer on your Altar shall be laid That ne'r bare yoke , a yearling from the field ; And gilt shall be her horns . So Nestor prai'd . And Pallas hea●ing , to his Pray'r did yield . And Nestor to his house then led them all , Both Sons and Sons-in-Law , and being there , They sat on Chairs and Couches in the Hall. Then Nestor bids one fill the Temperer With Wine that aged was eleven year , From out a Vessel first uncover'd then ▪ And when the Wine and water mixed were , Then Nestor pray'd and offered . And when The Offrings to the Goddess ended were , The rest unto their lodgings went away . Telemachus by Nestor stai'd was there , And in a soft and costly bed he lay . And near unto him lay Pisistratus , Who of the Sons of Nestor was the last , And Nestor in the inmost part of th' house , Where , by the Queen his wife , his bed was pla●… ▪ Soon as Aurera did the day restore , The old Knight Nestor rose up from his bed , And sat upon the Bench before the door , O●… marble white and smooth that glistered . His Father used to sit there before , King Neleus , but that since he was dead , And that King Nestor now the Scepter bore There sat he now , and to him gathered Were all his Sons . Echephron , Stratius , Perseus , Aretus , Godlike Thrasymed . Pisistratus . ( Dead was Antilochus . ) Along with them Telemachus they led . Then to his Children Nestor spake and said , Do quickly , Sons , what you shall from me hear . A Vow I made to Pallas must be paid , Who did to me so visibly appear . Let one of you unto the Pastures hie And bid a Herdsman bring a Heifer home ; One to Telemachus his Ship quickly And bid his Mates , save two , all hither come . Another bid the Gilder hither come , To gild the sacred Heifers horns with speed . The rest stay here to look to things at home , That all things may be ready that we need . Seats , dry wood , and fair water . So said he . Then busie were they all . The Heifer came , And all Telemachus his Company . The Gilder came , Laerces was his name , And every tool that to his Art belongs , And necessary is , had in his hands ; His Anvil , and his Hammer , and his Tongs . And Pallas also now amongst them stands . Then fell the man to work on Nestors Gold , And so elaborate it was when done , That it might please the Goddess to behold . Then came in Stratius and Echephron , And by the horns they led the Heifer in . The Bason and the Ewre , and Barly white Aretus brought ; and with an Axe full keen Stood Thrasymed ready the Beast to s●ite . Then Nestor prai'd , and from the Heifers head Cut off some hair , and into th' fire it threw Then prai'd the rest ; and Barly sprinkled Upon the fire , and Thrasymed then slew The Heifer with his Axe , and cut in twain The tendons of the neck , and down she fell ▪ And Nestor's Wife and Daughters shout amain To see the sacred act performed well . Pisistratus then cuts the Victims throat , And up they held it to let out the blood Into a Pail which Perseus thither brought , And to that purpose ready with it stood . The life together with the blood out●lies . Then from the Body they the Bowels draw , And next cut off the Shoulders and the Thighs . As is of Sacrifice the Ri●ual Law. And them slit into two parts they display , And cover them all over with sweet fat . Shoulder on Shoulder , Thigh on Thigh they lay . And Nestor on the Altar burneth that . And with it on the fire black wine he poured . By him a spit was ready with five points . The fire the Thighs , the men th' Entrails devoured , The rest divided was in smaller joynts To rost on Spits . Telemachus the while Into the Bath retired , and was there Well bathed , and anointed with sweet Oyl By P●lycaste Nestor's daughter dear . And in a Robe and Coat clad gloriously , And came as if no mortal he had been Into the Hall , and sat down Nestor by . The meat now ready straightway was brought in . Then in the young men came to fill them wine . When they with flesh and wine were satisfi'd , Then to his Sons , said Nestor , Children mine The Horses to the Coach see quickly ti'd . Away they go , and to ●he Coach they set The Horses swift ; and in it bread and wine A Maid laid in ; and with it choi●est meat , Which none but God-fed Kings eat when they dine . Up to the Seat then went Telemachus ( The Seat was large and capable of two ) And after him went up Pisistratus , And Whip and Reins he took his hands into . Toucht with the Whip , the Horses take the way , And all the day long made their Harness shake . The Sun went down , dark were the Streets . Then they At Pherae were . And there their rest they take . There Diocles , Orsilochus his Son , Son of Alphaeus them did entertain , And with fair Gifts presented them each one . But soon as Morning did appear again , Their Horses to the Coach again they tie , And from the Porch drive them into the way . Toucht with the Whip again away they fly . The Sun now down , and ended was the day . LIB . IV. ANd then to Lacedaemon come were they , And drove up to the House of Menelaus . At home they found him . For there on that day A double Wedding celebrated was . One , of his Daughter ; fair Hermione , Whom he before at Troy had promised Of Neoptolemus the Wi●e should be . And on this day the same accomplished . And her he sent unto the Myrmidons Where reigned he . To Pthia she was brought . And then the second Wedding was his Son's , Whom on a woman bond he had begot . And Megapenthes nam'd . ( For Helens bed Fruitless was after fair Hermione . ) And he Alector's daughter married . Of Lacedaemon Citizen was he . And now they merry sat that bidden were , Making good chear , and hearing Voice and Fiddle , And wondring at two Tumblers that were there . That moving to the time stood in the middle . Mean while by th'Horses th'utter Gate without Telemachus stood and Pisistratus . Then Ete●neus by chance came out , A careful Servant of Menelaus . And having seen them , in he went agen , And being near to where his Master sate , O King ( said he ) there are without two men Like Great mens Sons with their Coach at the Gate ▪ Shall I take out their Horses ? Or shall I Tell them where they may lodged be elsewhere ? At this Atrides grieved , made reply , Eteoneus , sure once you wiser were . Have we not oft by strangers heretofore In our necessity relieved been ? And I pray God it may be so no more . Go , loose the Horses , and the men bring in . This said , he went again with Servants more . Takes out the Horses . Ties them to the Mangers , And throws before them Provender good store . Sets up the Coach , and then brings in the strangers , Who at the beauty of the house amazed . ( For bright it shined as the Moon or Sun ) And when they had sufficiently gazed , To where the Bathing-room was walked on . After they were well washed and anointed , And cloathed with soft nappy Cloak and Coat , That they should near him sit the King appointed , And near unto his Throne their Chairs were brought . A Maid the Golden Bason and the Ewre To wash their hands over a Caldron brings . ( The Caldron also was of silver pure ) Another on the Table laid good things . Another Bread. The Carver also cuts Of every sort of meat the choicest bits , And them on trenchers on the Table puts . And Menelaus pointing to it sits . And heartily invites them to fall to . Eat now , said he , we shall have time enough When you have supp'd to ask you where and who . Your Ancestors are not obscure I know . Such Children are not got by wretched men . And as he spake he took from his own Mess As much as both his hands could comprehend Of good Chine-beef , and gave it to these Guests . And then they laid their hands upon their meat . But when their hunger and their thirst was gone , Telemachus that near sat to his seat Whisper'd Pisistratus , You , Nestors Son , Do you not mark the splendour in this house . Of Brass , Gold , Amber , Silver , Ivory ? Such sure the house is of Olympius , So many and so glorious things I see . But Menelaus heard him . Let , said he , No mortal man with Jupiter compare . His house decays not , nor goods wasted be . What men compare with me I do not care . For why , my Goods I paid for very dear With pain and peril in my coming home , And wandring up and down at Sea eight year Before I could into my Country come . I was in Cyprus and Phoeaicia , Came to the Cydo●s and Erembians , To Aegypt and to Ethiopia , And to the sertile grounds o' th' Libyans . Where ev'ry year the Sheep three times do breed , And all the Lambs fall horned from the Dam. Nor master nor his man there stands in need Of Cheese or Milk , or tender flesh of Lamb. While I my Goods amongst them wandring got , I lost my Brother by his Wife betrai'd . And therefore in my riches glory not . And all this to you have your Fathers said . Absent , I lost my house , and much rich stuff . Had I my fellows sav'd I led to Troy , I 'd been content with the third part thereof . So all to all I 've little cause of joy . For all my Friends at Troy lost griev'd was I , And sometimes wept , yet sometimes also not . For quick of tears is the satiety . But one there is , when he is in my thought I neither food nor sleep desire to take . For all the while we were besieging Troy , None suffer'd so much for the Argives sake As did Ulysses , nor so oft did pray . And more perhaps he is to suffer yet . Long stays he , and whether alive or dead He be , I can from no man notice ge● , Nor from my sorrow be delivered . Mean while as for a Son of life berest La●rtes weeps . So does Penelope . Telemachus whom young Ulysses left , Spends his best age in pain and misery . This said , Telemachus before his eyes Held up his Purple Robe , the tears to hide Drawn from him by his Fathers Miseries . And Menelaus when he that espi'd Consider'd whether best it were or no To tell him first what he had heard or seen About his Father , or what he would know To let him ask . But Helen then came in Like to Diana in great Majesty . Adreste came in with her with a Chair . Alcippe a soft Carpet layed nigh . Her Basket brought in was by Phylo fair . A● Thebes in Ae●ypt it was given her By Polybus his wife Alcandre , when King Menelaus travelling was there , And Polybus gave to him Talents ten Of Gold , and Lavers two of Silver fine , And two three-sooted Caldrons of good Brass . Then by Alcandre t'Helena Divine A silver brim guilt Basket given was With fine and curiously-spun thred prest full With Distaff on it more thred yet to spin Beady invested with soft Purple wool . This was the Basket Phylo then brought in . Then Helen sat , and by her Husband told What thitherto had past , I know , said she , King Menelaus ; now I them behold The Guests that are come to you , who they be . But shall I tell you what I think or no ? I 'll tell you true . I never yet saw one So like another , as this man is to Telemachus , Ulysses only Son. Whom when with other Greeks to Ilium He went to setch away this Monky me By bloody War , he left a Child at home . Then Menelaus spake . Since you , said he , Have put it in my mind , I think so too . His eyes , his feet , his hands , his head , his hair ▪ Are like Ulysses his , who I 'd tell you now What m●sery for me he suffer'd there , But that it makes him weep and hide his eyes , Then to Atrides said Pisistratus , The truth to you , O King , I 'll not disguise . This is Ulysses Son Telemachus . But jealous of his tongue and fearful is Before a man experienced and wise , Lest he should say something at first amiss , And lay his weakness open to your eyes . Nestor sent me along with him for guide , Because he so much longed you to see , And hear what of his Father was betide , And by you holpen and instructed be . Unhappy is the Child whose Father 's gone And this is now Telemachus his case . For of Ulysses news he can hear none , Who to defend him left none in his place . How , how ! then said Atrides , I have here The Son of one that I esteemed most , And for my sake suffer'd and did more there Than any other in the Argive Host. To whom I meant , had we come safely home , To shew more kindness than to any-one Of all the Greeks . Assoon as we were come I had to Argos brought him and his Son ; Built them a City ; made both but one State , And laid the Cities round about us waste ; And often there with one another safe ; And only death our friendship had displac't . But by the Gods these thoughts are rendred vain . They have Ulysses from his Country kept . This said , from tears they could no more abstain . Joves Daughter Argive Helena then wept , And Menelaus and Telemachus . Nor could Pisistratus his tears restrain , But on his Brother thought Antilochus , That by the fair Aurora's Son was slain . And him remembring , to Atrides spake . Atrides , oft have I heard Nestor tell , ( As oft as we did of you mention make ) That you 'mongst men in wisdom do excel . I pray you think not I take any pleasure To act at Supper-time the rites of mourning . For that another time we shall have leisure ; Unless we look no more to see the Morning . Not that I weeping for the dead condemn , Or cutting off of hair . It is a debt We owe to our dead friends . And one of them My Brother is , whom I cannot forget . He was not of the Greeks the meanest man. For swift he was of foot and bold in fight ( Which you than I much better witness can ) To kill his Foe in battle or in flight . Dear friend , Atrides answer'd , you have said What might an older man have well beseemed To say and do ; and Nestor's stock bewrayed , Whose wisdom is of all mens most esteemed . 'T is easie to discern the race of one To whom a happy life the Gods shall grant , As unto Noble Nestor they have done , Long life , and Sons discreet and valiant . Let 's put off for the present tales of sorrow , And to our meat again our minds apply . Bring water for our hands . Betimes to morrow We 'll talk of this Telemachus and 〈◊〉 This said , Asphalion came in with water ▪ They wash'd , & on the meat their hands they lai'd , But in the mean time Helena Joves Daughter An Antidote into the wine convei'd . An Antidote that vertue had to keep The man that drank it mixed with his wine So as for all that day he should not weep , Nor for what ever should befal him whine : No though his Father or his Mother di'd , Or Friend or Brother slain were in his sight By cruel enemies that them envi'd . Such was of Helens Medicine the might , Which t' her in Aegypt Thon's wife given had , Where many Drugs of wondrous vertue grow , Some here , some there , and some good , and some bad ▪ For all men there the Art of Physique know . For why , from Paean sprung are all those men . The Antidote put in , she bad the wine Be born about . And then she said agen , King Menelaus offspring of Gods divine , Descended from the Gods are also these . And Jove good fortune gives sometimes to one , And sometimes to another , as he please . For he can do whatever can be done . Feast then , and merrily together sit , And please your selves with Stories . I 'll tell one , And which as to the time , is not unfit , Of what at Troy was by Ulysses done . I will not tell you all the pranks he plaid , But only how he came into the Town , With canvas Mantle o'r his shoulders laid , Bloody with stripes , from no hand but his own 〈◊〉 And by the name of Dectes there did pass , And as a slave went freely up and down , When such man in the Fleet at all none was . And was to every one but me unknown . I question'd him , and he at first was shy . But when I bath'd him and anointed had , And cloth'd , and tane an Oath of secresie , He told me what designe the Argives had . Then having gotten much Intelligence , And many of the Trojan people slain , He safely to the Fleet departed thence Leaving their Wives lamenting there in vain . But I was glad . For changed was my mind , And griev'd by Venus t' have been made so mad , To leave my Child Hermione behind , And my good Husband when no cause I had . Then Men●laus said , Your Story , Wife , Is to the purpose . Countries I have seen Many ; and oft with Heroes in my life In Councels sitten ; but was never in The place where any like Ulysses sat . I' th' Wooden Horse , I 'll tell you what he did . ( No man did ever such a thing as that ) The Princes of the Army there lay hid Death and destruction bearing into Troy. Some Daemon then that was no friend to us , Made you come forth our Counsel to destroy . And with you also came Deiphobus . And thrice about the Wooden Horse you went , And called to us ev'ry man by name , And our Wives voices so did represent , As not to be discerned from the same . I' th' midst Ulysses , Diomed , and I Heard well your call as we together sat , And ready were to go forth , or reply ; But by Ulysses hindred were of that . But Anticlus had answered certainly , Had not Ulysses when he heard her call , Laid hand upon his mouth immediately , And held , till you were gone . That sav'd us all . 'T was much ( then said Telemachus ) but this Was not enough the man alive to keep Though made of steel , whose end determin'd is . But now , O King , the time is come for sleep . Then Helen to her women order gave To see their Beds made ready , and lay on Fair Pu●ple Rugs , and under them to have Soft Blankets , and fine Coverlids upon Before the house in Chambers o'r the Gate . But in the Inmost of the Palace lay King Men●laus with his Royal Mate , And rose again together with the day . And when he had himself attir'd and shod , And hung his trusty sword had by his side , Out of his Chamber came he like a God And to Telmachus himself appli'd . Telemachus said he , what bringeth you To Lacedaemon o'r thé Sea so wide ? Publike or private bus'ness ? Tell me true . Telema●hus unto him then repli'd . To you , King Menel●● , I am come T' enquire what of my Father is be●ide . My house is full of Enemies at home , That me consume ; and there resolve t' abide . I' th' fields they fruitless make my husbandry . My st●●k they eat , and would my Mother wed . This made me come to know the certainty Whether my Father be alive or dead . Whether you saw him after he left Troy Wandring abroad . ( For he was born to woe . ) Or of him any thing heard others say . Let tenderness hide nothing that you know . If in the Argive Host he useful were I● Counsel or in Battle , when need was , Tell me the truth be 't never so severe . To this , much griev'd , answer'd Menelaus . Yes , yes ( said he ) there many enter'd be Into a strong mans house while he 's away . And are in hope to dwell there constantly , Though not so valiant , as he , be they . As when a Stag and Hind entring the Den Of th' absent Lion lulls his whelps with tales Of Hills and Dales , the Lion comes agen And tears them into pieces with his nails ; So shall Ulysses all those Suiters slay . Oh that the Gods , Apollo , Pallas , Jove , Amongst the Suiters set him would one day , Such as when with Philome●id he strove , And threw him flat , and made the Argives glad . If such as then Ulysses should be there , Short would their lives be and their wedding bad . But to the matter whereof you would hear , I can say nothing upon certainty , And my own knowledge . But what I was told By Proteus . And tell I will no lie , Nor any thing of what he said with-hold . Before the Land of Aegypt Pharos lies , An Island , and therein a Haven good Against whatever wind shall chance to rise . And ready to depart my ships there stood . A days sail distant stands it in the Main ; But 'cause the Hecatomb I offer'd not , The Gods a long time did me there detain . For they are angry when they are forgot . There twenty days together we were pent , Though fain we would have put again to Sea ; And our Provision had quite been spent , But that I then met with Idothoë . She daughter is of Proteus . And he A Herdsman old of Neptune is , and has The charge his Sea-calves kept and fed to see . His daughter met me when alone I was . My Company their dinner to provide , With Angle-rods were fishing on the strand . Then said she to me standing by my side , Why stay you here and nothing take in hand To help your self , as if a Child you were , Or negligent , or loved misery , Suffring your self to be so long pent here ? Or can you no way find to be set free ? What God you be soever ( answer'd I ) Thus much unto you I must plainly say , That in this Isle I stay unwillingly , And for my freedom to the Gods I pray . But tell me you ( for Gods know every thing ) What God is it that to this place me ti'd ; And what it is that must me from it bring . I 'll tell you then , said she , and nothing hide . By an old Sea-God haunted is this Isle , Call'd Proteus , that nothing says untrue , Servant to Neptune . Whom if by some wile You could but catch and hold , he 'd answer you To all you ask . And he my Father is . He 'll tell you how to get your Ships to Sea ; And how you shall get home . He knows all this , And what 's there done . So said Idothoë . But how ( said I ) is't possible for man Upon a God Immortal to lay hold , When he foreseeing it avoid it can , If how to do 't he be not by you told ? I 'll tell you ( said she ) how it may be done . Hidden in the Curls of the Sea each day Brought in by Zephyrus , he lands at Noon , And on the sand himself to sleep will lay . About him will his footless Sea-calves lie , And of the brine abominably smell . And thither bring you in the morn will I , And how to place your selves instruct you well . For three more must come with you lusty men , Whom you shall chuse from out your company . The old Sea-God his flock will number then , And having done , i' th' midst of them will lie , Just as a Shepherd lies amongst his sheep . Now waver not , but bold and constant be . Assoon as you shall see he is asleep , Lay hold on him , and keep it constantly . For he in divers shapes will with you struggle . He will be any Serpent that he please . Himself he 'll into Fire or Water juggle . Therefore hold fast , left he your hands disseize . When of himself he shall contented be In his first form the matter to debate ; Take off your hands , and set the old God free . Then of your business him interrogate , What God it is that hath your hurt contrived . How you shall put to Sea. Which way go home . This said , into the Sea again she dived . Then full of thoughts back to my Ships I come , And supt . And when we supped had 't was night . Then slept we by our ships upon the sand . But when Aurora had brought back the light , Then went I with my three men to the strand , And prayed to the Gods ; my men I chose , Such men as for the purpose fit I thought . Idothoë then from the Sea arose , And in her hand four Sea-calves skins she brought All raw , her Father thereby to betray . And with those skins upon us on the shore Scrap'd hollow by her , like Sea calves we lay . And there our lodging had been very sore , ( For so abominably do they stink , That no man near them can endure to lie . Is it good lying with a Whale d' ye think ? ) But that she for it had a remedy . Ambrosia she with her brought , and laid The same unto our Noses one by one , Which the ill savour of the Fish allai'd . And thus we lay expecting till 't was Noon . Then all at once the Sea-calves came ashore , And there themselves they bedded orderly . At noon came Proteus , and counts them o'r , And first were counted my three men and I. Then lay he also down . And by and by He fell asleep . Then we unto him ran , And laid hands on him with a hideous cry . And he to shew his wondrous Art began . A shaggy Lion first he seem'd to be ; And then a Dragon ; then a Leopard ; And then a Boar ; then Water ; then a Tree . But still we kept our hold , and prest him hard . He weary was at last , and then he said , Atrides , how came you by so much skill To hold me thus ? What God has me betrai'd ? What needed you to vex me ? What 's your will ? What need , said I , have you from me to hear , That bound am to this Isle , and know not how To put to Sea , nor what God holds me here , When you can tell me ( for Gods all things know . ) Then back , said he , to Greece you cannot come , Till you to Aegypt do return again , And pay to all the Gods a Hecatomb . That done , you shall pass safely o'r the Main . Thus Proteus said . But that I must go first Back into Aegypt , an ill and long way , My heart to hear it ready was to burst . 'T is hard , said I , but I 'll do all you say . But tell me of the Argives first , if they With their good Ships came all in safety home , That I and Nestor left behind at Troy. How many by the way they lost , and whom . Some of them scap'd , said he , and some are lost . But of the Princes lost are only twain In their return . ( Upon the Trojan Coast You know who di'd . ) And one the Gods detain . First Ajax ships by winds were laid aground At Gyrae , Rocks that on the Deep look down , And 'gainst the Sea protection there had found , However Pallas did upon him frown , But that a high provoking word he spake . I 'll pass , said he , although the Gods say no. And Neptune then the Rock he sat on brake . Both he and it into the water go , Where , when he had drunk brine enough , he di'd . Your Brother also safely past the Sea , And came to Argos . ( Juno was his Guide . ) And when he was come near to Mount Malea , Forc'd by soul weather he disbarked , where Thyestes formerly his age had spent . But now his son Aegistus dwelled there . The Gods then chang'd the wind , and homeward went. Full glad he was , and kiss'd the ground for joy , And from him fell the tears abundantly . Aegistus that long sought him to destroy , Had plac'd a man on purpose to descry Th' arrival of the Fleet ; whom he had hired To watch upon a Hill a year together , For Talents ten of Gold that he required , And tell him when the Fleet from Troy came thither . The Watchman saw them , and t' Aegistus went And gave him notice of their coming in . Aegistus then t' effect his bad intent , Chose twenty lusty men , and them within An Inner-room he placed out of sight . And a great Supper bids his men provide ; Then down went , Agamemnon to invite , With Horses and with Coaches to th'Seaside , And brought him up to Supper in great state . Then rose the Traytors that in ambush lay , And killed him as he at Supper sate . Not any man alive went thence away That with Atrides or with him took part . When of his Story he had made an end , To break with pity ready was my heart . In streams down on my cheeks the tears descend . I wished never more to see the Sun , And weeping on the sand my self I roll'd . But when my Lamentation was done , Then Proteus said again , Your weeping hold . Tears are no remedy . But make baste home . There lives Aegistus , or if he be slain Already by Orestes , you will come To his Interment . This chear'd me again . And then I asked further of him this , Since you have told me what 's become of two , Tell me , the third that stays abroad , who 't is , Alive or dead ; though that will grieve me too . It is ( said he ) Ulysses . Whom I saw In th'Island where Calypso dwells , o' th' Shoar Weeping , who fain would come to Ithaca , But with him neither has a Ship or Oar. And you , O Menelaus , shall not die In Argos ( for 't is otherwise decreed ) But be convey'd t'Elyzium . For why , Of Jupiter you wedded have the Seed . There humanes lead their lives in greatest ease . No Snow nor Frost there is . Refreshed there They are by Zephyr's rising from the Seas . And Joves Son Rhadamanthus dwelleth there . This said , into the Sea he went agen . But I with thoughts confused in my head Returned back unto my ships and men . And soon as we had sup'd the night was spread . Then back again into the Nyle we go , And offer'd to the Gods a Hecatomb ; When we their anger had appeased so , For Agamemnon there we rais'd a Tomb. When this was done , for Argos we set sail , And quickly to our native Soil we came . Th' Immortal Gods gave us a lusty gale , And all the way continued the same . Telemachus , yo 've heard all I can say . But must not therefore streightway take your leave . Until th' eleventh or twelfth day you must stay , The Presents I intend you to receive . A Chariot you shall have and Horses three , And a fair Cup emboss'd to offer wine , That in your Vows you may remember me . Then said Telemachus , I here have li'n Long time already . And my men at Pyle Are weary of expecting me . Else I Could stay a year , and never all that while My mind have on my house , or Family . So much I taken am with your discourse . But let my Present be some Monument : To Ithaca I 'll never carry horse , They for the Plains are more convenient . Large Plains , which you have here in many places , And where store is of Wheat , and Rice , and Lote . In Ithaca there is no ground for races , Nor Pastures good enough to feed a Goat . In th'Isles about it , gallop can no Horse . In th' Isle it self , nor gallop , nor be fed . When he had made an end of his discourse , Atrides smiling on him stroak'd his head . 'T is spoken , said he , like a gallant man , And that descended is of Noble blood . I 'll give you other Presents ( for I can ) In place of these , that shall be full as good . A Monument kept in my Treasury , Of massie silver a fair Temperer , The work of Vulcan , which was given me At Sidon , by the King , when I was there . Whilst they together thus discoursing staid , The bidden Guests , fat sheep , rich wine bring in , And bread their Wives upon the Tables laid , And about Supper busie were within . And now the Suiters at Ulysses house Were throwing of the Stone and Darts . And by Antinous sat and Eurymachus Chief of the Woo'rs . Then came Noemon nigh . Unto Antinous he spake , and said , When will Telemachus return from Pyle ? My Ship I lent him , and am now afraid , I shall have need of her my self the while . For over into Elis I must pass . Twelve Mares of mine there go , and with the same Twelve unbroke Mules , their Foals , at grass . And some of them I would fetch home and tame . At this they star'd . For never dreamed they That in good earnest he would go to Pyle , But in the fields would with some Herdsman stay , And there from us conceal himself a while . Antinous then askt , When parted he ? What Company went with him hence ? His own Servants and Husbandmen ( for that might be ) Or youngmen of the best account i' th' Town ? And tell me further , was it willingly You lent your ship ? or were you forc'd thereto ? To this Noemon did again reply , I lent it willingly . What should I do ? Who would not yield to such a man's request ( When he has need and asks ) as well as I ? And with him went of Ithaca the best , And Mentor chief of all the company . If he it were not , 't was some Deity . For ( which is strange ) I saw him yesterday Before the Sun was mounted half the Sky . Yet went the ship the night before away . This said , he went his way . Antinous And th' other sate there yet , and wondered . The Suiters left their sport , sat down , and thus Antinous the Case then opened , And in an angry tone , with fiery eye , 'T is true , said he , Telemachus has done A work to us of great indignity . We thought he never could that way have gone . We many are , and men . Yet he a Boy Has got a Ship , and of our men the best . Bu● may Jove him , before he us destroy . Give me a good ship , e'r we be opprest , And twenty able men . And in the Strait 'Twixt Ithaca and Same I will lie , And for their coming back from Pylus wait , And entertain him with hot coming by . The Suiters all were pleased with the Plot , And then they ' rose together and went in . But Medon had heard all . Which they knew not . For he without the Court was , they within . And to inform Penelope he went , And when she saw him coming in a door , Medon , said she , what are you hither sent To bid my Maids trouble themselves no more , With how the Suiters they shall entertain ; But only for themselves make ready meat ? Lest when they hither come to sup again , It prove the last that they shall ever eat . Telemachus his wealth you wasted have , As if your Fathers never told you how Ulysses with them did himself behave That never did unkindness to them shew In Deed or Word . Although a liberty Kings often take , one man to love or hate Above another , without telling why . But he cause of offence to no man gave , But of good turns received heretofore Your nature altogether senseless is . O Queen , said Medon , would it were no more . But I must tell you somewhat worse than this . The Suiters have conspir'd to kill your Son ( Which Jove avert ) as he is coming home . For he to Pylus is and Sparta gone T' enquire what of his Father is become . This said , Penelope was stricken dumb , And filled were with tears her eyes . But when Her voice at last again was to her come , She spake to Medon , and him asked then . Medon , said she , why went my Son away ? What need had he upon the Sea to ride ? Meant he his name amongst men to destroy ? And Medon to her then again repli'd , I cannot tell . Perhaps encouraged By some o' th' Gods , or Presage of his own T' enquire about his Father whether dead , Or on what Coast he is by fortune thrown . This said , her tears she could no longer hold , And lets her self sink down upon the Sill. Then came her Maids about her , young and old . Did ever Gods , said she , bear such ill will To any woman as they bear to me ? Why deal they with me worse than with the rest ? O my dear Husband ! What a man was he ! All manly vertues lodged in his breast . Through Hellas and through Argos known was he . Of him the Gods unkind me first berest . And now away my Child must taken be That to sustain the House at home was left . Sluts that you are , and of his going knew , Why was it not to me discovered ? For had I of it been inform'd by you , I had him staid , or he had left me dead . To Dolius let one or other go ( The Servant which my Father gave to me , And with Laertes at the Lodge is now , And of my Garden has the custody ) And tell him what the Suiters are about . That he may to Laertes tell the same ; And he unto the people may come out , And them against these wicked men inflame ; Then spake Euryclea . Dear Child , said she , Kill me , or let me live as you think best ; No longer shall the truth concealed be . I knew all this . So did none of the rest . I furnish'd him with all that he commanded , Sweet Wine and Flour . But first he made me swear I would not tell you till it was demanded , Or that the same by others told you were ; For fear lest with much weeping hurt you take . But wash , put on clean Garments , and up go Into your chamber , and your Prayers make To Pallas , who your Son to save knows how . The griev'd old Man , why should you further grieve ? Hated is not Arcesius his seed By all the Gods. For I cannot believe But some of them will help them in their need , And both their Houses and their Lands protect . This stop'd her sobbing , and her weeping staid . Then went she up , her self she wash'd and deckt , And to the Goddess Pallas thus she prai'd . O Goddess , if you well accepted have The Victims by Ulysses sacrificed Upon your Altar here , his Son now save , And bring to nought what th'Wooers have devised . Her Prayer granted was . Then shouted they . The Suiters heard it in the Hall , and one T'another said , 'T is for her Wedding-day . She knows not we intend to kill her Son. Thus said they , but upon no ground at all . Alcinous then spake . Madmen , said he , Such words as these what mean you to let fall ? What if within they should reported be ? Come rise , thus ; gently , and the work effect To which we all have given our consent . Then did he twenty able men elect , And down unto the water-side they went. And first of all they laid their ship afloat , And in it with white Sails the Mast they laid , And fit their Oars . Then in their Arms were brought . The Mast then rear'd was , and the Sails displaid . Then went they t'Anchor in the open Sea , And staid till night . And then aboard they eat . Then to her Chamber went Penelope Grieving , and tasting neither drink nor meat , Casting about whether more likely 't were Her Son should scape the Suiters hands , or die . Just as a Lion that enclosed were With Toils about , would cast which way to fly . When her sad reck'ning s●eep had blotted out , Dissolv'd her strength , and closed had her eyes , Pallas another bus'ness went about . She made an Idol in a womans guise , Like to the Daughter of Icarius Wife of Eumelus ( at Pher● dwelled he ) And sent the same unto Ulvss s house , T' allay the sorrow of Penelope . In at the Key hole then the Idol goes Into her Chamber , and stood at her head . Penelope , said it , amidst such woes How can you sleep ? But now be comforted . You must no longer weep nor grieved be . For from the Gods you no such cause shall have . For of your Son the safe return you 'l see . To this Penelope then answer gave . Sister , said she , 't is strange to see you here . You come but seldom . For far off you dwell . And now you bid me weeping to forbear , When how much cause I have you cannot tell . A good and noble Husband I have lost That had a Lions heart within his brest . Hellas and Argos of his valour boast . What Vertue is there that he not possest ? And now my Child at Sea is in a Tub , And has no skill in Fight or Parlament . I fear extremely left he meet some rub . For him more than for th' other I lament . What may befall him on the Sea I dread ; And what at Land , if e'r to Land he come . For many Foes he hath that wish him dead , And wait to kill him as he cometh home . To this again repli'd the Idol dim , Take courage , be not frighted for your Son. He has a Guide that taketh care of him . A better would be wished for by none . 'T is Pallas . For of you she pity takes . And what I said , I said by her Command . Penelope again this Answer makes , Who ere you be , answer one more demand . Is my poor Husband yet alive , or no ? Then said the Idol , That I do not find . Nor will I tell you what I do not know . Then through the Key-hole went , and turn'd to wind . Then wak't Penelope , and joyful was T' have had a dream so evident and clear . Then o'r the humid Plain the Suiters pass , Destruction to Telemachus to bear . 'Twixt Ithaca and Same , middle way , There lies an Island , and but small it is , Yet hath it on each side a good safe Bay. There watch'd the Wooers . 'T is call'd Asteris . LIB . V. UP rose Aurora from Tithonus bed , Before the Gods and men to bear her light . The Gods were then to Counsel gathered , And Jove amongst them , of the greatest might . And there before them Pallas open laid The painful life Ulysses did endure . O Jove , and all ye blessed Gods ( she said ) Henceforth his people let no King enure To gentle Government , but keep them down , And to their honesty no longer trust , That of Ulysses are forgetful grown , Whose Government so gentle was and just . And now ●●e pent up lieth in an Isle Where dwells Calypso ; and to come away Has neither Ship nor men , and all the while Weeping for sorrow forc'd he is to stay . The Suiters also seek to kill his Son , And lie to meet him in his coming home . For why , to Pyle and Sparta he is gone , To hear what of his Father is become . Why Child ( said Jove ) why say you this to me ? 'T was you that sent Telemachus away . And you consenting were to our decree , Ulysses should come back and th'Wooers stay . Go you and bring Telemachus from Pyle , And send the Suiters home that lie in 's way . And Mercury ( said he ) go you the while And tell the Nymph Calypso what I say . The Gods in Councel sitting order'd have , Ulysses shall return to Ithaca . And first upon a Raft himself shall save , Without a Convoy , in P●…acia In twenty days ; and there be honoured , And to his Country richly sent away , With Brass and Gold , and Garments furnished , More than his share had mounted to at Troy , Though he had brough● it thence all safely home . For why , by Destiny ordain'd it is That to his friends he honourably come . No sooner Jupiter had spoken this , But that his Shooes upon his feet he binds , A●brosian , Golden Shooes , wherewith he flies On Land or Water , swi●●e● than the winds . Then takes the Rod wherewith upon the eyes Of Mortals , he lays on or takes o●● sleep , And with his Rod in hand jumpt down to th'Hill Pie●ius , and thence into the Deep . And over the wide Sea he passed , till At last he was arrived at the Is●e Where was the Nymph Calypso resident . And like a Cormorant was all this while That hunts the Fishes . Then ashore he went. And coming to her Rock found her within . Upon the hearth a fire was of sweet wood . There did she sing , and as she sung did spin . About the Cave many sair Trees there stood . Beech , Poplar , and the Cypress of sweet smell ; And many Birds , Hawks , and Sea crows , and Owls Within their branches used were to dwell ; And ( such as haunt Sea-water ) other Fowls . The Rock it self with Vines was covered , And Grapes abundance hanging were thereon . Four Springs arow four ways clear water spread . Sweet Meadows were about it many a one Stuck full of Violets and Flowers gay , Which , though a God , he saw with admiration , And for a little while he there did stay Pleas'd with the beauty of the habitation . And then into the spacious Cave he goes . At the first sight Calypso knew him well . For perfectly one God another knows , How far soever they asunder dwell . Ulysses ●ow was gone out to the Shore , To look upon the Sea that kept him in , To sigh and weep as he had done before . At Hermes coming he was not within . To Hermes seated in a glistering Chair The Goddess fair Calypso then begun , Tell me beloved Hermes your affair . If it be possible it shall be done . Come nearer , and with food you self restore . Then sets she him a Table , and lays on Of Nectar and Ambrosia good store . Then Hermes took his Food , and having done , Goddess ( said he ) since me ( a God ) you ask , You may be sure I tell you shall no lie . Jove sent me gainst my will. For such a task Who undertake would , think you , willingly ? For first a horrible long Journey 't is ; And then no Town to bait at by the way On Hecatomb or lesser Sacrifice . But what God is there dares Jove disobey ? There is , said Jove , a man that staid is here Of th'Argives that besieged Ilium The most unhappy . There they staid nine year . The tenth they took it , and were coming home . But by the way they Pallas had offended . And she against them raised stormy weather , In which Ulysses Mates their lives all ended . But he himself by storms was driven hither : Him Jupiter would have you send away . For he is destin'd not to die from home , Nor any longer from his Friends to stay , But back unto his house and Country come . Calypso troubled at it answered , Malicious ye Gods , and jealous are , That think much Goddesses should Mortals wed . See but how hardly did Orion fare , After Aurora was become his wife . How angry at him , O ye Gods , were you , Until Diana took away his life , With Shafts invisible before 't was due . And so when Ceres with Iāsion Themselves delighted with the gift of Love. How soon it was by th' other Gods made known , And with a Thunder-bolt he slain by Jove ! And now they angry are with me . And why ? Because I taken have a man to bed Who in the Sea had perish'd , had not I Receiv'd him in my house and cherished . For when his Ship with Thunder Jove had split , And all his Company away were cast , Him on the Mast unto the Rudde●… 〈◊〉 , The wind and waves brought 〈◊〉 at the last . And here I him receiv'd and lov●… 〈◊〉 , And meant to give him Immortality . But since Jove will not let him with me dwell , And I cannot resist him , Farewel he . But o'r the Sea I shall not him convoy . For in my power I have no Ship , no● men That have the art to walk in liquid way . Prompt him I will how to get home agen . 'T is well , said Mercury , send him now hence . The manner how , is left unto your will. Be wise , and do not Jupiter incense Lest he upon you bring a greater ill . This said , away went Mercury . And she Unto Ulysses went to the Sea-side . Himself lamenting sitting there was he . And when she came his eyes were not yet dri'd . For now he lov'd the Nymph less than before , And lay with her a nights unwillingly . A days he weeping sat upon the shore , And on th' unbounded Sea oft cast his eye . Then to him said the Nymph , Poor man , alas , No longer weep , but fall your work unto . For on a Raft you are the Sea to pass , And I will tell you what you are to do : Cut down great Trees , and them together joyn With bands of brass , and on them make a Deck ▪ And on it I will lay both Bread and Wine And water fresh , hunger and thirst to check . And Garments I will give you , and a Wind , That you my safe go home and speedily ; Unless the Gods be of another mind . For stronger they and wiser are than I. At this Ulysses troubled was and said , I looked for a Convoy me to wa●t : For on this Sea a man would be afraid Though in a Ship ; much more upon a Raft , I will not therefore pass upon a Raft Unless to do me no more hurt you swear . And when he had said that , Calypso laught , And of his head she stroaked down the hair . You are ( said she ) a true bird of the nest , As by your answer very well I see . By Heaven and by Earth I do protest , And Styx , which is the greatest Oath can be , I 'll never any thing hereafter do That shall procure you hurt in any case . And what at present I advise you to , I would my self do , were I in your place . For why , the Fates I also must obey , And in my brest no iron heart I bear . This said , he turn'd and homeward took her way , And on her steps Ulysses follow'd her . When they were come together in the Cave , She made him sit where Hermes sat before . And meat and wine the best that Mortals have The Maids upon the Table laid good store . Before Calypso they laid other meat , Ambrosia and Nectar , food divine . There face to face they sit , and drink and eat . When she refresh'd him had with meat and wine , Noble Ulysses ( said she ) you that long so To see your House and Wife without delay , If what you were to suffer you did know Before you there arrived , you would stay And live with me here , and Immortal be . Nor than that Wife for whom you take such care Less fairer or less wise can you think me . Women with Goddesses cannot compare . Goddess ( said he again ) I know all this . Penelope I not compare with you In form or stature . For she mortal is , And you Immortal . Yet ( though this be true ) I cannot chuse but wish my self at home . And though I were to perish in the Deep By th'anger of the Gods , and never come , I 'd rather suffer that , than always weep . For patience long since I learned have Sufficiently in tempest and in fight . This said , they both in one part of the Cave To sleep went , where in Love they took delight . And when the morning was again displai'd , Ulysses cloath'd himself with Cloak and Coat . The Nymph her self in a great Robe arrai'd Of dainty stuff with Gold all over wrought , Which on her loins a golden Girdle ti'd , And cover'd with a golden Scarf her head . And how Ulysses o'r the Sea so wide Should safely pass , she there considered . Then puts a Plainer and an Axe in 's hand Two-edged , with a Hast of Olive tree . Then shew'd him where the greatest Trees did stand ; And all the way before him walked she . And when they were arrived at the Wood , Beeches they find , Poplars , and Fir-trees high Already dry , that lie light on the Flood . Calypso to her Cavern back did hie . Mean while Ulysses twenty Trees brought low , And hewed them , and plain'd them skilfully , And laid them on the ground all in a row , At corners square , and of one length they lie . And then with Wimbles back Calypso came . Then pierced them , and set them one to one . And with strong joynts and nails fast bound the same . And by the time that all this he had done , As a good ship as broad it was and long . Then for his Decks he placed stoops upright On every side , and many to be strong ; And laid upon them planks at equal height . Then made his Mast , and set it up on end , His Rudder , and a place to sit and guide , And laid on boughs from waves it to defend , And all his Cordage made of good Cow-hide . And then with Levers set his Raft afloat . Four days in making of the Raft he spent . When he had done , and all his work had wrought , Upon the fifth the Nymph away him sent . But first she bath'd him , and with cloaths arrai'd Fine and persum'd . Then wine of pleasant taste One Goat-skin full upon the Raft she laid , And one of Water , greater , by it plac't . And Sweet-meats , and good Flesh of ev'ry kind . And after he his Sails had hoist and spread , She fill'd them with a warm and chearful wind . Then he astern sate down and governed . And on Bootes look'd and Pleiades , And on the Bear , which people call the Wain , Which dogs Orion rising from the Seas . But she her self ne'r dives into the Main . This Bear she bad him leave on the left hand . Then seventeen days he sail'd , on th'eighteenth day He came in sight of the Phaeacian Land In that part where it nearest to him lay . Which look'd as 't were upon the Sea a skin . But now by Neptune , who returning was , Ulysses Raft from Solymi , was seen . For o'r those Mountains Neptune was to pass . Who wounded at the sight , with anger keen , Thus said unto himself , What , what , I find While I in Ethiopia have been The Gods about this man have chang'd their mind . The Isle Phaeacia is near at hand , In which he destin'd is himself to save . But yet , I think , before he be on Land He struggle shall with many a lusty Wave . Then with his Trident he the Sea enraged , And made a Night of Clouds the Sea upon , And 'gainst Ulysses all the Winds engaged . And from their Quarters they came out each one , Eurus , and Notus , Zephyr , Boreas Each one a mighty Wave against him roll'd . And then Ulyss●s heart near broken was , And with himself , himself he thus condol'd . Ay me , what will become of me at last ! I fear the Nymph Calypso all this knew , Who told me then , that as I homeward past I should meet danger . Now I find it true . With what thick Clouds Jove cover'd has the sky ! In what a tumult is the Sea ! And how On ev'ry side the Winds the Water ply And storm ! My death ( I see ) is certain now . Thrice , four times ( Argives ) happy were you , who For Agamemnon's sake were slain . Would God I At Troy in Battle my life lost had too , I' th' show'r of Spears about Achilles Body . Then had I had a noble Funeral , And great among the Greeks had been my Fame , But now a wretched death will me befal . For ever will unhear'd-of be my name . This said , he dash'd was 'gainst a point of Land , Which with great force whirled the Raft about . And then the Rudder flew out of his hand ; And he into the water was cast out . Of divers Winds then follow'd one great blast , And Sail and Tackle o'r broad far off bears , And in the middle breaks in two the Mast , While he was in the Sea o'r head and ears . At last he rais'd his head above the pickle ( His heavy Cloaths a while had hindred him ) Then from his hair into his mouth did trickle The brine , which he spits out , and falls to swim . And when he had his Raft recovered , And plac'd himself i' th' midst ; then both together The Wind uncertainly them carried From place to place , now hither and now thither ▪ Just as the wind in harvest blows Pease-straw Upon the plain field whilst it holds together ; So on the Sea without a certain Law Ulysses Raft was driven by the Weather . In this distress by I●o he was seen A Sea Nymph and Immortal she was then , Though Woman ( Cadmus Daughter ) she had been . And now in Figure of a Water-hen , She sat upon the Raft and to him spake . What meaneth Neptune that he hates you so ? Do what he can your li●e he shall not take ; Do what I bid you . Off your Garments throw , And quit the Raft . And to Phaeacia Swim with your hands . And there you s●●ll find● rest . For so it is ordain'd by Fatal Law. Here take this Scarf . Apply it to your breast . And fear not death . But when you come to Land Throw 't in the Sea as far off as you can . Then turn . This said , she put it in his hand , And diving there alone she left the man. Ulysses grieving to himself then says , What is it now I am advis'd unto ! Ay me ! Some other God now me betrays To quit my Raft . I know what I will do . For since my refuge is so near at hand , Such Counsel I will not too soon obey . But do what does with greatest reason stand . Upon my Raft I mean so long to stay As it shall hold together and be one . But when the Wind has broken it in pieces I 'll swim ; since better counsel I have none . While with himself consulting was Ulysses , Neptune with wind the Water sets upright Into a high and formidable wave , And threw it on the Raft with all his might , Which all the parts thereof asunder drave . Just as the wind scatters a cock of hay , So scatter'd was Ulysses Raft of Trees . Whilst he on one of them astride did stay , And of his Garments there himself he frees . Then Ino's Scarf applies he to his breast , And on the troubled Sea himself he laid With open arms . To Swim he now thought best . Which Neptune seeing , thus unto him said , Go wander now upon the Sea in woe , And do not make account that this is all . This said , away to ●…ae did he go , Where many men that need him , on him call . When he was gone Pallas the Winds did lay All but a lusty gale of Boreas , And broke the Waves before him all the way , That to Phaeacia he might safely pass . Two nights and days perpet●al he ●wam , And was of drown●ng all the while afraid . But when the morning of the third day came , The Air was calm , and all the Winds allai'd . And now unto the I●le he was so righ , That from a high Wave he could see the shore , And glad he was . As when about to die ●…'n has a man long time by sickness sore , Is by the Gods recover'd suddenly , Glad a●e his Children ; So Ulysses was To see the so-much wish'd-for Land so nigh , And thither made what haste he could to pass . When he was gotten so near to the shore That one might hear another when he calls , Torn by the Rocks he heard the water rore . ( Loud is the Sea when on hard rocks it falls . ) There neither haven was nor place to Land , But upright Banks and Cliffs , and Brows of stone . And every where too deep it was to stand . And now again quite was his courage gone , And speaking to himself he said , Ay me , This is the Island . Jove has brought me to 't , That what must help me only I might see , But not upon it ever set my foot . There is no landing here Rocks high and steep ▪ And unaccessible are all about . The Sea below so ●ugged is and deep , That from it there will be no getting out . If I'should cry , some mighty wave , I fear , Against some rugged Rock will carry me , And make me find but woful landing there Amongst so many sharp stones as there be . But if I swim a●ong the Coast to find Some Port or Beach though stormy to land on , I fear I shall again by some great Wind Far off from shore into the Sea be blown ; And there by some great Fish devoured be ( For many such are fed by A●phitrite ) Which Neptune may command to swallow me . For well I am acquainted with his spite . While he thus doubted , came a mighty wave That cast him to the Bank amongst sharp stones ▪ But for the Counsel Pallas to him gave , He torn his skin and broken had his bones . A Rocher with his arms he then imbrac't And held it till the wave roll'd back again ; And thought the danger of it now was past . But then the same wave bore him to the Main . As looks a Polypus when he is drag'd From out his hole , stuck full of stone and sands ▪ So , when Ulysses left his hold , were shag'd With broken skin all over both his hands . And now , had not Athena giv'n him wit He perisht had . For up his head he puts ▪ Above the briny Sea , and having spit He with his stretched arms the water cuts . And swam along the shore ; but kept his eye Continually upon the Land , to see ▪ If any landing place he could espy . At last before a Rivers mouth came he ; And knew it was a Rivers mouth . For there Within the Land smooth water might be seen , And 'twixt the Rocks a pause there did appear . And here Ulysses thought fit to go in . And in his mind unto the River spake . Hear me , O King , from Neptunes rage I fly , And of a Man distrest some pity take , That at your knee and Stream here prostrate lie . Th' Immortal Gods their Suppliants respect , When they before them humbly lay their want . What e'r your name be , do not me neglect That am afflicted , and your Suppliant . This said , the Stream stood still and sav'd the man. But weary were his knees and arms . And Brine Abundance from his Mouth and Nostrils ran . And all his body swell'd was . And in fine Speechless and breathless was he like one dead . But when he came unto himself again The Scarf he to the Stream delivered , Which carried it again into the Main . And Ino took it then into her hand . Then on a Bulrush-bed himself he laid , And glad he had escaped , kiss't the Land. But fearing still unto himself he said , Ay me , what will become of me at length ! For in the Rive● if I spend the night , So much already wasted is my strength , With Frost and Dew , I shall be killed quite . If up the Hill I go into the Wood , And in some Thicket there lie warm and sleep , I fear I shall for Beasts and Fowls be food . At last concludes into some wood to creep ▪ A Wood there was unto the River nigh ; Two Thickets in it were ; of Olive one , The other was of Phylia close by , So ●win'd they were together that nor Sun , Nor Wind , nor Rain to th'ground could find a way . Between them of dry leaves a bed made he , And over head and ears there close he lay . For leaves there were enough for two or three , To keep them warm although cold weather ' t were . As when a man takes up a brand of fire In Country-house , few neighbours dwelling near , To warm himself withal if need require ; So buri'd in dry leaves Ulysses lay . And then Athena closed up his eyes With sound and gentle sleep to take away ▪ Sad thoughts suggested by his miseries . LIB . VI. THere slept Ulysses . But Athena went ▪ Unto the people of Phaeacia , Who once dwelt near a Nation insolent , The great Cyclopses in Hyperia , And by the odds of strength were there opprest . But by Nausithous transplanted were To Scheria , that they might live at rest . Who built them Houses , and a City there , And fortifi'd the same with strong Walls round , And Temples built , and gave them shares of land . But he departed was , and under ground . And now Alcinous had the Command . His house it was the Goddess went unto , And int'a Chamber gay ( where lay abed A Godlike Maid asleep ) with less ado Than could a gentle wind have entered . This the Kings Daughter was Nausicaa . Within the door shut close , on each side one , Two of her Waiting-maids asleep she saw , And as the Graces fair to look upon . Then standing at Nausicaa's Beds-head , In form of Dymas Daughter , there she stai'd , Who of her age was , and most favoured , And to Nausicaa she spake , and said , Careless Nausicaa , what do you mean , When to your Wedding-day you are so near , To let so many Garments lie unclean ? You would be glad your self fair cloaths to wear , And give to them that are to lead you out . For even such things as these procure good fame Amongst the people that dwell round about . Your Parents also take joy in the same . Come therefore , to the River let 's be gone By break of day ; For I will with you go , And help , that you the sooner may have done . I 'm sure your Wedding is not far off now . For sought you are in Marri'ge by the best Of all the Town where your were born and bred . Go early to your Father and request You may with Mules and Coach be furnished . That Aprons , Gowns , and Mantles you may bear Unto the washing place . For far 't is to 't , And for your person so 't is comelier Than to be seen to go so far on foot . This said , the Goddess up to Heaven went , Where is the dwelling of the Gods in bliss . A pure and undecaying Firmament Which by no wind moved or shaken is , Nor wet nor slabber'd is with showr of rain , Nor clouded , nor approach'd unto by snow ; But Bright and shining always doth remain . Here dwell th'Immortals , and no sorrow know . Thither went Pallas . Then Nausicaa Awak'd , and through the House went to relate Unto her Parents what a Dream she saw . Her Mother by the fire side spinning sate With distaff laden with fine purple-wool . Her Father going out , she met i' th' Hall Call'd by the Lords sitting in Councel full , And waiting for him to consult withal . And to him said , Pray Father shall not I Allowed be a Coach your Clothes to bear ( Which in the house sulli'd and spotted lie ) Unto the River-side to wash them there ? For you your self when you to Councel go Would gladly have your Garments clean & sweet . Your five Sons , whereof two be wedded now , Would fain with clean clothes at the Dancings meet . So said Nausicaa . But to her Father To talk of Wedding she forbore for shame . Yet what she thought on he could eas'ly gather , However she distembled had the same Dear Child ( then said her Father ) you shall have Both Mules and Coach with handsome covering . Unto his Servants then command he gave To see it done . And out the Coach they bring , And to it set the Mules . Then came her Mother , And laid in things to eat , of relish fine , And such-as eaten are with bread , much other ; And in a bag of Goat-skin pleasant wine . When in the Coach the Garments all were plac't Nausicaa went up into her seat , And with her took ( when their toil should be past ) A curse of Oyl to help wash off the sweat . Then out , with whip and reins in hand did drive . And then with strained limbs and clatt'ring feet The Mules soon at the River-side arrive , And pasture for them there was very sweet . And there the Mules first they unharnassed , Then pusht them off to graze on the Bank-side . The Clothes in Pits with water covered They tread , and who should fastest tread , they vi'd . Then on the Beach the Garments wet they spread Upon the cast-up Pibbles one by one . Then washed they and dri'd themselves , and sed ; And left the Garments drying in the Sun , And after they with food were satisfi'd , It came into their minds to play at Ball , And spend the time so till the clothes were dri'd . The tune Nausicaa sung for them all . As when upon Mount Erymanthus high Or on Taygetus stands Artemis , And many Rural fair Nymphs playing by . But she than all the rest much taller is ; And the wild Boars and Harts delights to see , But more her Mother Leda to see her . For though they fair were all , yet fairer she ; So shew'd Nausicaa and her Maidens there . And when 't was time that they should homewards go , And that the Clothes into the Coach were laid , And Mules set to , Athena thought on how Ulysses should awake and see the Maid , And be conducted by her to the Town . Nausicaa then throws the Ball and misses ; The Ball unto the River falleth down . Then shout the Maids . At that awakt Ulysses . And sitting up unto himself he said , Ay me , where am I now ? 'Mongst men unjust , And such as of the Gods are not afraid ? Or good and godly men , whom I may trust ? But female are the voices which I hear . Are they some Nymphs that haunt the Mountains high , Or keep the Meadows green , or waters clear Or are they Mortals whom I am so nigh ? But why go I not out my self and see ? Then with strong hand he wringed off a bough ? With many leaves upon it from a Tree , To cover what became him not to show . Then as a Lion confident and bold , Howe'r it blow or rain with fiery eyes Comes from the Mountain to a Herd or Fold , And on the Flock at last his fortune tries ; So came Ulysses boldly from the Wood Stark naked , fore'd to 't by necessity , And in the presence of the Maidens stood . The sight was terrible and made them fly . Nausicaa fled not , but hid her eyes . Off stood Ulysses with himself to weigh Whether to speak from thence was the more wise , Or else himself before her feet to lay . To stay there right at last resolved he , Lest she should take his coming near her ill . Then said , O Queen , I beg upon my knee That you with patience hear my Prayer will. You are a Goddess , or of Humane race . If Goddess , you can then no other be Than Artemis Jove's Daughter . In your face Such beauty is ; in height such Majesty . If mortal , and of Humane race you be , Thrice happy are your Parents and your Brothers How glad in the Processions they will see , How much they are more grac'd by you than others . For such a branch I ne'r saw with my eyes On mortal stock . To see 't I am amazed . But once a Palm at Delus saw arise In the same manner , and long on it gazed . ( For that way went I once well followed , Which the first cause was of my trouble sore ) And then , as I do now , I wondered , For I had never seen the like before . T' approach unto your knees I was afraid , Or shew my self . But such is my estate . For twenty days upon the Sea I strai'd , And here in storms was thrown ashore by Fate From th' Isle Ogygia last night , and fear I am to suffer yet more misery , And that the Gods will persecute me here . And since my landing you the first I see . Now pity me , O Queen , and shew we where The City stands . And t'hide my nakedness Give me some rag if there be any here . And may Jove you with all you wish for bless , A Husband and a House , and Concord good . For man and wife to live in Unity Is the great'st blessing can be understood . It joys your friend , and grieves your enemy . Nausicaa then speaks , and to him says , You seem to be a good man and discreet . But Jove on good and bad such fortune lays , Happy or otherwise , as he thinks meet . And since distress is fallen to your share , You must contented be to suffer it . But seeing to this place arriv'd you are , You shall have Rayment , and what else is fit . The City I will shew you , and the name The people of this Isle are called by . Phaeacians they are call'd . And I am Daughter of him that has th' Authority , Alcinous the King. And then she cri'd Aloud unto the Maids to make them stay . Why ( said she ) run you so away and hide ? D' ye think the man will carry you away ? For why , no Enemy can come in hither , The Gods so with the Sea have wall'd us in . Nor stranger dwells here . But by evil weather To come to land this man hath forced been . Let 's do him good . From Jove come Beggars all . And welcome to them is what e'r they get . Our givings to him will be very small . Go therefore set before him Wine and Meat , And wash him in the River , in such part As cover'd is from wind . And then they did ( When they had given one another heart ) Set him in such a place as they were bid . And gave him th'Oyl to scour his skin withal , And by him a good Cloak and Coat they laid , And then they bad him to his washing fall . Ulysses answer'd then , and to them said , Stand further off , I pray fair Maids ; for I My body naked am asham'd to show . Then stand they off , and tell their Mistress why . ( For washing he must have put off his bough . ) Then washed he his head andshoulders wide , And with his hand from 's head stroak'd down the brine , And with the Cloathes that laid were by his side Arrai'd himself , that comely were and fine . Then Pallas to him came , and made him look Taller and broader than he was before ; And from his Hair the colour gray she took , And made it like the Hyacynthine flower . As one by Vulcan or Athena taught Gold upon Silver skilfully had spread ; So Pallas on Ulysses beauty wrought , And graceful Majesty upon his head . Then sat he on the Sands . Nausicaa Then said unto her Maidens , Do you hear , How poor he look'd the first time we him saw . And now how like a God he does appear . And by the Gods , it may be , he was sent To dwell amongst the people of this place . With such a Husband I could be content ( If he would stay ) and think it no disgrace . Go Maids and set before him Wine and Meat . Away they went , and did as she them bad . And he fell to , and heartily did eat . For long before he nothing eaten had . Then harnessed the Mules and set them to , And folded and put up the Garments all . Nausicaa went up with Maidens two . And then unto Ulysses did she call . Rise , Stranger to the City let us go , That I may send you to my Fathers house , Where all the best Phaeacians you 'll know . But hear you ( for I think you cautelous ) . Whilst in the Fields the Coach is on the way , Amongst my Maidens follow it apace . But when you see it near the City , stay And that you may well understand the place , A Tow'r there is , you 'll see it , for 't is high . There 'twixt two Havens is a narrow way , You 'll see it by the Masts , for Ships there lie . Near it the people meet o' th' Market-day . And there a Temple fair of Neptune stands , Of free-stone from the Quarry hewn and fit . For the Phaeacians imploy their hands On Shipping , and no other Art but it . For Bows and Arrows they care not a pin , But for such things as serve to pass the Seas . Ships , Cordage , Oars they take their pleasure in , And spend their time and labour upon these . I am afraid these men will censure me , And say ( for Censurers are many here . ) This handsome and tall fellow who is he , That 's with Nausicaa , from God knows where ? Where did she find him ? Must he marry her ? From some far Country he is landed here Wandring by Fortune , or a Traveller . For sure I am no such man dwelleth near . May be some God from Heav'n descended is , And to live with her always hither come . So , then to wed a Stranger better 't is , Since she thinks none is good enough at home . For many seek her , and the best men here . So will they say , and 't will to be my shame . For if another that had done it 't were , I should my self condemn her for the same . For 't is unseemly a sair Maid to see , That subject is t' her Parents Government , Converse with any man , unless she be First married , or their Parents give consent . And therefore , Stranger , if you mean to be Convoyed by my Father to your home , Do as I tell you . Near the way you 'll see A Grove of Poplars . When you thither come You 'll find my Father's Vineyard , from the Town As far as one that Holla's heard can be . And when you thither come , there sit you down Till at my Fathers house you think are we . Then to the City go ; ask where does dwell Alcinous . For you shall meet with none , Though but a Child , but can inform you well . So well his house is known to every one . And there go in , and on , until you find My Mother . Whom you 'll by the fire side see Spinning ; and Maids at the same work ●●hind The Pillar under which sits working she . My Fathers Chair by the same Pillar stands Where , when he drinketh , like a God he is . Pass by it to my Mother , and your hands , If you mean to get home , lay on her knees . If once her favour you can but obtain , You need not fear , but you your friends shall see , And to your house and Country come again . This said , her Whip upon the Mules laid she . The Mules start swiftly from the Rivers side , For nimble was the motion of their feet . But she for those who went asoot , did guide The swiftness of their pace as she thought meet . When they were come t'Athena's Sacred Grove , The Sun went down ; and there Ulysses stai'd And to the Goddess , Daughter of Great Jove , That he might good reception find , he prai'd . Hear me Jove's Virgin-Daughter , hear me now , Since still you did refuse to help me then , When Neptune sought at Sea my overthrow , Grant that I may be welcome to these men . Thus prai'd he , and was by Athena heard , Though to him face to face she would not come , But of her Unkle Neptune was afear'd , That ne'r forgave him till he was at home . LIB . VII . WHilst there he pray'd , Nausicaa went on , And stai'd her Coach the utter Gate without , And like to Gods her Brothers came each one , From out the house , & her stood round about . The Mules they freed , th' Apparel they took in , Nausicaa streight to her Chamber went ; Eury●edusa made a fire therein ; Who ta'ne by Rovers on the Continent Was given to the King Alcinous , That like a God was honour'd by ●he Nation Of the Phaeacians at home . And thus She of Nausicaa had the Education . A fire she made her , and her Supper brought . Ulysses then into the City went. Pallas of Air made him such a Coat , As he could not be seen ; lest insolent And sturdy Towns-men should him mock and jea● , Or ask him Questions , who , what , or why . But when he was unto the Gate come near , Pallas appeared to him openly , Like a young Maid with Pail upon her head . Ulysses then spake to her , and said thus : Sweet pretty Girl , will you be pleas'd to lead Me to the house of King Alcinous ? For I a stranger come and no man know , Nor ever in my life was here before . Yes ( then said Pallas ) I will you it show , For 't is the next unto my Fathers door . Go softly , thus , and I will lead the way , For our folk Strangers do not well indure , But in good Ships their honour wholly lay , And the wide Sea to pass themselves enure . For Neptune given to them has this gift , That their good Ships fly like to thought or wind . This said , the Goddess led with motion swift ; And on her steps he treading went behind . And through the people so he past unseen . For why , the Goddess allas , for good will , A wondrous mist of Air had wrapt him in . Then looking at the House he there stood still . The Havens and the Ships he wondred at ; The Market-place , and Walls so thick and high . Then Pallas said , Alcin●us house is that . There sup the King and Queen now merrily . Though you a Stranger be , fear not , go in . The bold than fearful always better speed . And first of all the House you 'l find the Queen . Arete is her name . Both from one seed Descended are she and Alcinous , In Periboea Child of Eurimedon . The God o' th' Seas begot Nausithous Who two Sons had ; Alcinous was one . The other was Rexenor , who no Son But one fair Daughter only left behind . Arete was her name . Besides her none . Alcinous and she in Wedlock joyn'd . And he to her so much respect doth bear , As no man living to a Wife bears more . And honour'd is by all her Children dear . The people like a Goddess her adore , And bless her when she comes into the street . And loving to them all is also she . For a wise woman is she and discreet . When they fall out she makes them to agree . If you her favour can but once obtain , You need not fear but you your friends shall see , And safely to your Country come again . And when she this had said , away went she O'r Sea , to Marathon in Attica ▪ T'Erectheus house . And he now was to enter Into the house . But long he laid the Law U to himself before he would adventure . Entring he saw the Walls lin'd round with brass , And fring'd about with colour of the sky . The door within golden all over was , And all ●ppear'd like Heaven to the eye . The Door-posts Silver g●…●…hold , The Lintle-tree upon them silver too . The Sill was b●ass , the Ring to pull it , Gold. And by the Door great Dogs were standing two . Of silver one , the other was of Gold , As Watch before the Royal Gate to stay , Immortal Dogs that never can grow old . And round about them all , Thrones every way , All cover'd with a dainty Stuff and fine , The work of Womens hands . There us'd to eat The King and Lords , and drink and make good che●● . His Riches was a never-dying Teat . About the Altar were set Boys of Gold That to the Guests , assoon as it was night , With burning Torches they the Light might hold . For now the Sun had born away his light . Fifty Maid-servants were at work within , Some at the Mill were grinding wheat for bread , And others with their Distaves sate to Spin , And others Cloth were weaving with the thread . Like to the Leaves of a high Aspen-tree Their fingers went. So much they did excel In all the works , that taught by Pallas be , The Women that in other places dwell ; As do these men all other men surpass In all things that belong to Navigation . For Wit and Art more Pallas given has To them , than Women of another Nation . Close by the House a dainty Orchard is Four-square and senc'd with hedge and pale about , Of Pear , Pomegranate , Apple , Olive-trees , And Fig-trees ▪ For the season ne'r goes out Summer nor Winter , for by Zephyrs some Are made put forth , and others ripened ; Pears after Pears , Apples to Apples come ; Grapes are by Grapes , Figs by Figs followed . And in it was the Vineyard of the King. Grapes in some places by the Sun were dri'd , In others stai'd till Vintage ripening . Upon some Vines no flower yet was spi'd . And Grapes on some to blacken now began . Green beds of Herbs there were on ev'ry side ; And through it from two Springs the water ran , And to and fro the one did winding glide . The other to the House his stream did bear , And under ground was to the Town convey'd , And rose a Fountain for the people there . And when Ulysses had all this survey'd , Then went he in , and found them in the Hall Sitting at Supper , and to Mercury There offring up of Wine . Which last of all At Bed-time men do offer usually . And on he went up to the King and Queen , And both his hands upon her knee did lay . Pallas had kept him in the Mist unseen . But thither come the Mist streight fell away . Amaz'd they were when first they saw the Man ▪ And like to men that had been stricken dumb . Ulysses then ●'Arete thus began . O Queen Arete , to your knee I come , And to the King and those that with you sit . May the Gods grant you all much happiness , Long life , and your Possessions to transmit T' your Children , and your Honours still possess ; And may you me send presently away Unto my House ▪ Long absent I have been . This said , he sat down by the fire . And they Said nothing , such amazement they were in . At last old Echineus spake , that knew Both what in former times ▪ and now was fit . O King Alcinous is 't good think you To let the Stranger in the Ashes sit ? We silent sat to see what was your will. Pray make him rise , and to a Chair him bring , And bid the Squire to temper Wine and fill , That we to Jove may make our Offering . Who with poor strangers keepeth Company . And bid the Maid before him set such meat As she within has in her custody . This said , Alcinous rose from his seat , T'Ulysses went , and took him by the hand , And to a Chair him led where sat his Son L●●da●as , to whom he gave Command To give him place , although he loved none So dearly as he lov'd Laodamas . Who next unto him us'd to sit at meat . Then by a Maid brought in a Bason was And Ewr of Gold , to wash ere he did eat . Another Maid before him layed bread , And other good things on his Table laid , And heartily thereon Ulysses fed . Alcinous then to the Squire said , Temper the Wine , Pontonous , that we Wine-Offering to Jove may offer up , In whose protection all Suppliants be , And round about presented be the Cup. Then went about the Wine from one to one . And when the Sacred Offering was over , Then said Alcinous , Since we have done , Let 's go to bed , and soon as we discover Aurora rising , hither come again , And make unto the Gods a Sacrifice , And this our Stranger farther entertain , And how to send him to his house advise , That safely he may go , and joyfully , And swiftly to the place where he would be , How far soever hence his dwelling lie , Nor on the Sea delay or trouble see Until his Native Country he be at . But what his Fate is after he is there , B●t good or evil he must suffer that . But if it be some God that sitteth here , 'T is only our Devotion t' approve . For to that end Gods let themselves be spi'd , To sit with men at Holy Feasts they love , And not themselves in Caves like Gyants hide . To this Ulysses said , O King , lay by That thought of yours . With Gods I 'll not compare , For Body or for Mind . Of Misery If man can boast , to boast 'mong them I dare . For I more Tokens can produce of Wo Than any man that shall with me contend Though all I tell not that I can . Yet so I fain would of my Supper make an end . No Creature is so fierce as is the Gut , And so loud barketh , when it is forgot , That out of mind it never can be put , But will be heard whether one will or not . So 't is with me that am afflicted sore , Yet still my belly bids me eat and drink , And forget all I had endur'd before , And on my misery no more to think . And so , since now I hunger to go home , Forget not with a Ship me to supply To morrow . For were I once thither come I could be well contented there to die . When this was said , he was by all commended . He speaks discreetly , let him then , said they A speedy conduct have . When all was ended , The rest unto their Houses went away . Only Ulysses staid , and by him sate The King and Queen . Tables removed were , And all that to the Supper did relate . The Queen then mark'd what Garments he did wear , And that she and her Maids had made them , knew . Stranger , said she , Who are you ? Whence ? and more , The Garments you have on , of whom had you ? Had you them on then when you came ashore ? Grievous ( said he ) O Queen is your Command , That calls again ( when past it is ) my pain . Yet will I answer make to this demand . An Island lieth far hence in the Main , ●gygia 'tis call'd . Calypso there The Daughter fair of Atlas lives alone , Nor God nor Man she has to dwell with her ; And I by Fate upon that Isle was thrown . ●or Jove my good Ship had with Thunder split ; My fellows in the Sea all perished . ●●t I the Rudder had , and held by it . And thus nine days and nights I wandered , And thrown was on that Isle the tenth at night . Calypso there received me and fed ; ●●d Immortality have had I might , If I had with her there inhabited . 〈◊〉 I to that would never give consent . Yet there by force I stayed seven years ●or want of Ship and Men ) in discontent , Washing the Clothes she gave me with my tears . 〈◊〉 eighth year come , she did my going press . Whether by Joves command I cannot say , Or whether 't were because she lov'd me less . Then on a Raft of Trees I came away . Bread and sweet Wine upon the Deck she laid , And Garments gave me fair , and a good Wind. And good for seventeen days the weather stai'd . On th'eighteenth near your Coast my self I find . And glad I was , though still unfortunate . For more I was to suffer by and by . For Neptune rai'sd against me in his hate , A Storm of Winds with furious Waves and high . And then I forced was the Raft to quit . The Trees asunder floated here and there , The Storm so broken had and scatter'd it . Then swam I. Gainst the rocks the waves me be● And falling off , they cast me back again . Again I swam , and to the River came . And there I saw the landing smooth and plain . And from the Wind defended was the same . There landed I half dead , and now 't was night , Then up I went and in a Thicket lay Cover'd with leaves abundance dry and light . And slept till almost spent was the next day . For then the Sun was setting . There I hear The Voice of Women playing by the Brook. And going out I saw your Daughter there , That like a Goddess come from heav'n did look . To her I made my Pray'r in this distress . Wisely she answer'd and beyond her age ( For th'younger commonly consider less ) And gave me food my hunger to asswage . Of her I had the Garments I have on . Nay stranger ( answered Alcinous ) 'T was in my Child an indiscretion , That she not brought you with her to my house . To this Ulysses answered and said , 'T was not her fault we came not both together . She bad me . I would not , but was afraid What you and they would think that saw me 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For jealous and mistrustful mortals be . To this again Alcinous repli'd , ●rom such ill thoughts I always have been free . O Jove , and Pallas make you here abide . Such are you , and our thoughts so well agree , That you Nausicaa should have for Bride , ●f you would with me live here willingly , And for you House and Wealth I would provide . ●ut 'gainst your will I will not make you stay . ( From such iniquity the Gods me keep ) To morrow shall be ready your Convey , And till then go you to your bed and sleep . And here be men , that when the Wind shall fail , Can row you on how far soe'r you 'll go . Their hands can do as much as any Sail , Although beyond Euboea they must row . For farther no Phaeacian ever went. But thither once they carri'd Rhadamant , Of Tityus to see the punishment , Son of the Earth that terrible Giant , Yet that long Voyage cost them but a day Going and coming all the way at ease . But you your self , when you are on the way , Will see how stoutly our men plough the Seas ; This said , Ulysses joyful was , and prai'd , Make all this good O Father Jove ( said he ) The Glory of the King will be displai'd , And quickly in my Country I shall be . Whilst they together thus discoursing stai'd Arete bad the Maids to make his bed , And see fair purple Rugs upon it laid , And under them soft woolly Blankets spred . Then went away the Maids into the Porch , And made his Bed , and soon came back agen , And stood before Ulysses with a Torch . Come Stranger , said they , all is ready . Then Ulysses to his Bed went willingly . Alcinous in a room lay far within , Where formerly he used was to lie , That was prepared for him by the Queen . LIB . VIII . SOon as Aurora was again espi'd , The King Alcinous rose from his bed . Up rose Ulysses and came to his side , And to the Publike place the King him led , To sit in Councel with his Princes there , And being there they lat together nigh . Pallas the while that did great favour bear , T' Ulysses welfare always had an eye , In likeness of Alcinous his Squire ( Who by his Office did the Councel call ) Their favour for Ulysses to acquire , Went through the Streets , and there unto them all Said one by one , Make haste . To Councel go , A Stranger new come to the King you 'll see That like a God Immortal is in show . This said , unto the Councel-House they flee . And filled was the House , and ev'ry Sear , And of his person all admir'd the Grace . For Pallas made him had more tall and great , And laid more Majesty upon his face . To make him welcome to those men she meant , And gain him honour at their Exercises When they should put him to experiment . Alcinous unto them then arises . Hear , said he , Princes of Pheacia , This Man ( who 't is , or whence , I cannot say , Cast here ashore ) till then I never saw . Since 't is our Custome , grant him a Convoy . For no man yet unto my house did come By force of weather wandring on the Main , Lamenting and desiring to go home , That can affirm he sought our help in vain . Come then , let 's launch a good new Ship , and chuse Out two and fifty lusty Youths to row . And let them ready have their Oars to use , And to my House , when that 's done , let them go . And you the Princes thither come with me , That we may well the stranger entertain . And let the Singer too sent thither be , To give us sometimes of his Art a Strain . This said , the Princes to his house he led . The Squire unto the House the Singer sent . The fifty two as they were ordered Down to the Haven where the Ship lay went. The Ship they launch , and up they set the Mast ; And then the Yards and Sails they hoised high ; Their Oars , where they be placed should , they plac't . This done they let her in the water lie . Then also to the House went these men up . The Porches , Court , and Rooms with men were fill'd Some old some young . The King to make them sup , Two Kine , eight Swine , & twice six fat Sheep kill'd , These flay'd and dress'd , and to the Tables brought , Came in the Singer , whom the Muses kind Had taught to sing divinely . But , could not Or would not him preserve from being blind . Pontonous the Squire then led him in , And set him by a Pillar in the Hall , And hung his Fiddle o'r him on a Pin , And how to reach it shewed him withal . Sets him a Table and a Basket by , And a great Bowl of Wine before him plac't To drink as often as he should be dry . And when their thirst and hunger was displac't The Singer sung the Song in most request , How once Ulysses and Achilles great In high and bitter Language did contest When at a Sacred Feast they sat at Meat . And how King Agamemnon pleased was , To see the two best of the Greeks fall out . For Phoebus told him so 't would come to pass When he at Pythos asked him about The Issue of the Fleet design'd for Troy. This Song Demodocus sung to them then ; Which to Ulysses was of little joy ; But he his tears to hide before those men Before his eyes his Cloak of Purple drew . And when the Singer ceas'd , his eyes he dri'd , And from before his face his Cloak withdrew , And of the Wine perform'd the Sacrifice . And when the Lords call'd for the Song anew , ( For they to hear him took no small delight ) His Cloak again before his eyes he drew , And as before again he sob'd and sigh'd . Alcinous , none else , observed it , And well enough could hear him sigh and groan . For he the nearest there did to him sit , And would not to the Princes makeit known . But speaking to them all said only this , Since you with feasting are well satisfi'd , And Musick ( which to Feasts annexed is ) Let now our mens activity be tri'd , That when the Stranger is where he doth dwell , He to his Friends and Countrymen may tell How much we do all other men excel At Wrestling , Buffets , Leaping , Running well . Then went the King and Princes out a door ; The Squire then took the Singer by the hand , And hung the Fiddle where it hung before , And him led out amongst the rest to stand . Unto the Place they went ; and follow'd were By people numberless the sport to see . And many lusty Youths amongst them there , Stood out to shew their great ability . Out stood Elatreus , and Acroneus , Eretmeus , Thoon , Nautes , and Prymneus , Ambasineus and Amphialus , Proteus , and Ponteus , and Anchialus . Ocyalus , warlike Euryalus , And he that of them most their eye did please ( Except the first Son of Alcinous ) For Countenance and Shape Nauholides . And then Alcinous his three Sons rise , Laodamas , Halius , Clytoneus . And first they all contended for the Prize Of who at Running could his Feet best use . Then start they all at once , and swiftly run As if they flew . And here the Victory The Kings Son Noble Clytoneus won , And past them all a lands length very nigh . Euryalus at Wrestling was the best . Amphialus at Leaping Victor was . Elatreus surpassed all the rest To throw the Stone . At Cuffs Laodamas . When all was done Laodamas up stood . Come friends , said he , let us the Stranger try If he at any of these Games be good ; For in his person no defect I●…py . His Thighs , his Knees , his Arms , his Neck are strong●… Nor over-aged yet he seems to me . Only he hath indur'd the Sea so long , As for that cause he may excused be . For than the Sea nothing more potent is To break a man how strong soe'r he be . Go , said Euryalus , 't is not amiss T' invite him to it , and his mind to see . Then to Ulysses said Laodamas , Come Stranger , Father . Pray , your vertue sho●… . 'T is no dishonour for you in this place To shew your skill at any Game you know , As long as Feet and Hands continue strong Come try , and cast your careful thoughts away . Your Convoy ready is . 'T will not be long Before you shall be set upon your way . Laodamas ( then said Ulysses ) why To these your Games invite you me in scorn , Upon whose heart so many sorrows lie , And am to nothing with much haraship worn , And publikely a uppliant now sit , And to the King and People grief profess ? Think you that Pastimes for such men are fit , As from their Country wander in distress ? Then spake Euryalus , uncivilly . No , no , said he , I do not think you are Much us'd to Pastimes of Activity , But rather one that of a Ship takes care That Merchant-men from place to place convays , And mindful of your fraught are , and can tell Which are to sudden wealth the nearest ways , What Merchandize will not , and what will sell , And in such boisterous Games has little skill . Ulysses frowning on him then repli'd , My friend , such words are indiscreet and ill . The Gods their Gifts as they think fit divide . To one , of Beauty they deny the grace , But give him Language steddy and discreet , Whereby he honour'd is i' th' Publike Place , And men gaze on him going in the street . I another they have giv'n a fair aspect , Like that o' th' Gods , but have deni'd him wit. So find I in your person no defect ; Only you want the Grace to say what 's fit . Your words have put me into passion . In these your Games you say no skill have I. I thought my self inferiour to none Whilst on my youth and hands I could rely . But tamed now my strength is with much woe Wandring at Sea and often hurt in fight . Yet of your Games I 'll make a trial so , Weak as I am . So much your words me bite . This said , he took up a much greater stone Than that which the Phaeacians had flung Nor hollow as a Coyt , his Cloak still on . And when above his head he had it swung , Swiftly away the Stone flew with a hum , Which made the brave - Phaeacian Seamen couch , As o'r their heads they heard it singing come , And out went all the other marks by much . For Pallas in the likeness of a man Did set a mark at where the stone did light , And said the diff'rence be discerned can By feeling , though a man had lost his sight . And to Ulysses , said she , Do not fear That any man i'th'Town shall out-throw this . Ulysses very glad was this to hear , And that amongst them stood one friend of his . Then of himself , began to speak more high . Come Youths throw first as far as I have done , And then as far or further throw will I. And for the other Games come any one Since your sharp words provok't me have thereto , Buffets , or Wrestling , or to run the race , And see if you at these can me out-do , Any of you except Laodamas . For I to him am come as to a friend Of whom I hope for succour in my need . He were a fool that with him would contend Without whose help his business cannot speed . But of the rest not any I refuse ; And will contend with them for Mastery . For I know all the Games the best men use . To use the Bowe none abler is than I. When many of us had a mind to kill Some noted Foe , and all at once did shoot , Though every one of us had the same will , My Arrow was the first that found him out . At Ilium in trials of the Bowe None found I better than my self but one . 'T was Polyctetes . Of those that are now I think my self inferiour to none . With those of former tim I 'll not compare , As Hercules , or Eurytus that durst Challenge Apollo . Apollo took a care That Prize should not be plai'd , & kill'd him first , As far as other men can shoot an Arrow , So far I able am to dart a Spear . But lodging I have had at Sea so narrow That I may be out-run by some man here . So said Ulysses ; and all silent sat Except the King , who thus unto him said , Stranger , there 's no man here offended at The words you say . For open you have laid Your Vertue , when you were thereto constrain'd By the unjust reproaches of this man. For such it is as by none can be stain'd , But those that nothing say discreetly can . And hear me farther what I have to say , That t'other Hero's you the same may tell , Who with you and your Wife shall feasting stay , In what from other men we bear the bell . For Cuffs and Wrestling , not much praise we merit , But our good Ships and Feet are wondrous swift . And these Gifts from our Fathers we inherit , Dance , Song , Feasts , Fiddle , and of Garments shift , And Baths , and Beds . Dance you that dance the best Before the Stranger , that his friends among He may say how much we exceed the rest Of men , in Ships , in Running , Dance , and Song . Fetch out the Fiddle . Then the Squire went in To fetch the Fiddle . And the Judges rise In number nine , who had elected been By publike vote , of Games to hold Assize . And order took for large room in the middle , And made it to be plained well and even . When this was done , then brought out was the Fiddle , And by the Squire was to the Singer given . Then came the Youngmen that had learn't to dance , And of their age were yet but in the flowr , And to the middest of the place advance . Their feet play up and down like drops in show'r , Such sparkling feet Ulysses ne'r had seen . The Singer as he played sung the Song Of Mars and Venus , and what love had been Held secretly between them all along . And how in Vulcan's house they us'd to meet ; And what he gave her ; how the prying Sun As they imbrac'd each other chanc'd to see 't , And told her Husband Vulcan what was done . How Vulcan to his Forge in anger went , And on his Anvil hammer'd out strong Chains , Which neither could be broken , nor relent . And when he made an end had of his pains , Into the Chamber went where stood his bed . His Net o' th' Bed-posts , and the Beams he threw Like Spider-webs about a Chamber spread ; And then to go to Lemnos made a shew . So subtile were the Chains and finely wrought , They could by none , although a God , be seen . How Mars to watch his going failed not . When Vulcan was gone out , then Mans went in . How Venus enter'd in , new come from Jove , And by him sat . Mars took her by the hand , And to her said , Let 's go to bed , my Love. Vulcan is now at Lemnos gone a land . And how they went to bed and made the Net Fall down upon , and hold them as they lay . And how they knew no way from thence to get , But must till Vulcan came to free them stay . How Vulcan from hard by came quickly in . For back he came before he was half way . For by the Sun advertis'd he had been , And angerly turn'd back without delay ; And roaring , to the Gods , he said , D' ye see What work is here , and how unseemly ' t is ? And how Jove's Daughter does dishonour me Because my Limbs are maim'd , and whole are his ? I grant he 's fair , nor doth as I do halt . Ought she to love him therefore more than me ? For that my Parents is , and not my fault . But come ye Gods all , and their Posture see . I hate the sight , yet they must not therefore Hope e'r the sooner for that , to be free . The Net will suffer them to move no more , How keen soever on their love they be . And till her Father shall the Dow'r repay Which for the Girl although incontinent , I paid him down , 'cause fair , she was and gay , There they shall lie . This said , the Gods streight went To Vulcan's house . Neptune and Mercury , And with them with his Silver Bow , Apollo , And many others . But ( for modesty ) No Goddess could perswaded be to follow . Assoon as they perceived had the craft , Which standing in the door they had survey'd , At first aloud they altogether laught . And by and by to one another said , I see that evil works do ill succeed . The slow has gotten of the swift the better . Vulcan of Mars the God of greatest speed . And that by Arts which make his Ransome greater . And how Apollo did the Question put To Mercury , if he content would be In such strong chains with Venus to be shut , While all the Gods are standing by and see . How Hermes said , O Phoebus , that I were In Mars his place , and did with Venus lie , And thrice as many Chains about us there , Though all the Gods and Goddesses stood by And how the Gods at this laught out again , Save Neptune only , who did never cease T' importune Vulcan and his wrath restrain , And that he would the God of War release ; And that himself would pay him what was due If Mars did nor . How Vulcan said agen , If Mars should fly , shall I imprison you ? Unsure the Suretiship is of fled men . And that again Neptune replying said , Though Mars should run away , yet I will not . And how that Vulcan at the last obey'd , And Mars and Venus out of prison got , And he to Thrace went , but to Cyprus she ; Where she a Temple and an Altar had , And by the Graces that her Servants be Bath'd and Anointed was and Godlike clad . These of the merry-Song were the Contents . Ulysses was well pleased with the same . And of the rest delighted was the Sense . Alcinous then called out by name Laodamas and Halius to dance . None else for either of them was a match . And they into the midst themselves advance The one to throw a Ball , th' other to catch . One threw 't up high reclining on his hip ; The other of the same the downfal watch't , And taking from the ground a lusty skip , His feet above ground , in the a●r it catch't . When this was done , they laid aside the Ball , And danc d with often changes on the ground , Applauded much by the Spectators all , Who with their praises made the place resound . O King ( then said Ulysses ) what you said Of how your men pass all the world beside In Noble Dance , can never be gainsaid . I see it to my wonder justifi'd . The King well pleased to the Princes spake . A worthy man the stranger seems to me . Let 's think , upon what Present him to make . Twelve Princes in Phaeacia there be , And I the thirteenth am . Let 's ev'ry one Bestow on him a handsome Cloak and Coat , Besides a Talent of pure Gold. That done Let it be all together to him brought , That he at Supper may sit chearfully . And you Euryalus go speak him fair . For what you said before was injury . Go therefore with some Gift your fault repair . This said , to fetch the Gifts they sent the Squire . Then said Euryalus , O King , since 't is , That also I Present him , your desire ; I will for reconcilement give him this My Sword , with Scabberd all of Ivory , And silver Hilt. The Present is not poor . And giving it , O Father though ' ( said he ) I said amiss , pray think upon 't no more . And may the Gods restore you to your Land , Since absent from your Friends you live in pain . Ulysses took the Sword into his hand , And to Euryalus thus said again , And you my Friend , may you still happy be , And of this Sword for ever need have none , Which reconciling you have given me . And as he speaking was he put it on . The Sun now set , the King no longer tarri'd , But with the Lords went to his house to Sup. Along with them the Squires the Presents carri'd Unto the Queen Arete to lay up . Alcinous then said unto the Queen , Let a fair Chest be streightway hither brought , And for the Stranger see there be laid in A comely and a well wash'd Cloak and Coat , And of warm water let a Bath stand by , That washing he may see the Presents there , And sit at Supper the more joyfully , And hearken to the Song with better chear . And I will give him this my Cup of Gold , That offring up unto the Gods the Wine , As often as he doth the Cup behold , He may both for his own health pray and mine . This said , the Maids commanded by the Queen , Set up a Caldron with a triple foot , Then make fire under , and pour water in . Keen was the fire , and soon the water hot . Mean while the Queen came in , and with her brought A curious chest , and into it laid in The Gold , and with it every Cloak and Coat , That by the Princes given him had been . And then unto Ulysses said , Take care You bind it fast , lest you be rob'd by one Or other , whilst aboard you sleeping are , Lest any thing should missing be and gone . And when she thus had him admonished , Ulysses of the Chest pull'd down the lid , And girt it with a Cord of various thred , Thereby to know if any it undid . For that trick he by Circe taught had been . A Woman then unto Ulysses said , There stands your Bath . Which way you please go in . Then went he in , and not a little joy'd . For after he had left Calypso's house Warm and sweet water he had never seen , But roll'd by Neptune always was in ●ouse ; But had with her carefully treated been . When him the Maids wash'd and anointed had , Out from the Bath he came amongst the men With a clean Cloak and comely Garments clad . To th' Door the bright Nausicaa came then , And to Ulysses said , Stranger farewel , And may you safely at your Land arrive . Remember that into my hand you fell , And owe to me that you were kept alive . O ( said Ulysses ) Daughter of the King , To you the Ransom of my life is due . And if the Gods me to my Country bring , As to a Goddess I will pray to you . This said , he went and sate down by the King. And now the Meat in Messes some divided , Others the lusty wine were tempering , And by a Squire the Singer in was guided ; And at a Pillar in the midst made sit . Ulysses half a Chine of Pork and sat Cuts off , and in the Squires hands putteth it , And said unto him , Give the Singer that . Singers through all the world have reputation , And well respected be in ev'ry land . The Muses teach them Song , and love the Nation . Then went the Squire and put it in his hand . Demodocus receiv'd it and was glad . Then fell they to the Meat before them laid . When Thirst and Hunger overcome they had , Unto the Singer then Ulysses said , Demodocus , you all men else excel . The Muses sure did teach you , or it was Phoebus himself . For you have sung so well The Acts that did 'twixt Greeks and Trojans pass , And all related that they did at Troy , Or suffer'd there , or when they homeward came , As if your self beheld had their annoy , Or had from some Spectator heard the same . Stand forth , and sing now of the Horse of Wood Made by Epeius , but by Pallas help't , Stufft by Ulysses full of Warriours good , Which in Troy-Town destruction to it whelp't . If this you sing in order as 't was done I 'll make make the World with your just praises ring . Then at the Gods Demodocus begun , And how the Fleet went off the shore did sing ; And how they fir'd their Tents ; and how the Lords Of Greece , i'th'Councel of the Trojans sate Inclos'd and hidden in the Horse of boards , That by the Trojans was setch'd in in state . The Trojans sitting round about debate . And many a foolish speech they uttered . And on three points they there deliberate . And voted what the Gods determined . The three points which were most insisted on Were whether they should cut the Horse in twain , Or throw it down the Rock it stood upon , Or let it to appease the Gods , remain . I'th'end they all resolved on the last . For by the Fates it was determined That Ilium should then be layed waste , When o'r its Walls a great Horse entered , And in his belly brought the enemy . And how the Argives from the Horse came out , How divers ways they went and cruelly Killed and burned as they went about . Ulysses then , like Mars , with M●…elaus Unto Deip●obus together hie . And for a while , there sharp the Battle was ; But to Ulysses fell the Victory . This sung Demodocus . And then upon Ulysses cheeks the tears ran down apace . As when in fight a woman looketh on , And sees her Husband fallen on the place , That ●ought had for his Town and Children dear ; There sprawleth he , she o'r him falls and cries , But back and shoulders is well basted there , And carri'd captive by the Enemy . As wofully as then this woman wept , So wofully Ulysses now sheds tears . But from the King it was not secret kept , Who sitting next him all his groaning hears . And speaking to the Princes sitting by , Let us , said he , Demodocus release . His Song not pleaseth all the Company . It makes the Strangers sorrow to increase , And brings some grief or other to his mind . Then let him hold ; that we and he together May in this meeting equal pleasure find . The cause we met here was his coming hither , That we might give him Gifts and send him hence . A Guest is as a Brother to be us'd , As all men know that but pretend to sense . And you my Guest you cannot be excus'd , If vou not answer truth to all I ask . Say what 's the name your Parents call you by . You must no longer now keep on your Mask . Children new-born not long unnamed lie . Tell me your Land and City where it is , That my good Ship may know where you would be ; For in Phaeacia no Steersman is Nor Rudder as in other Ships you see . Whither men bid them go they understand , And pass in Clouds concealed o'r the Main , And where the Havens be in every Land. No fear they have of perishing or pain . And yet my Father to me once did say , That with our Convoys Neptune was offended , And that one day our good Ship to destroy As it returned homewards he intended . And from men hide our City with a Hill. But whether that shall be performed now , I cannot tell . It lies in Neptunes will , And not concerneth you at all to know . But tell me now what Lands you wandring saw , What Nations , and what Cities you came to ; What kind of people , Civil , or without Law , Civil or kind to Strangers , Godly or no ▪ When you heard sung the woful Fate of Troy , Why did you weep ? The Gods that built the Town Decreed thereat much people to destroy , And that their Fate should be sung up and down . Lost you some Kinsmen there or near Ally , Which might in time of danger you bestead ? Or some good friend ? A wise friend standing by Is worth a Kinsman in a time of need . LIB . IX . TO this Ulysses said , Renowned King Alcinous , methinks delightful 't is To sit as we do here , and hear one sing , And specially so good a Voice as this . I , for my part , do never more rejoyce , Than when I see men sitting at their meat Chearful , and listening to a pleasant voice , And see the Cups go osten , and retreat . This is a thing that I love best ; but you Had rather hear the dangers I have past , Which fright me yet , and do my pain renew . But which shall I tell first ? which next ? which last ? For they be many . First my name I 'll tell , And place , that whensoe'r you thither come You may there lodge , although far off I dwell , And am uncertain of my getting home . I am Ulysses Laertiades , And far and wide I am reputed wise 'Mongst men that love subtile conveyances , And known I am by Fame up to the Skies . My place is Ithaca , in which is store Of Wool. Mount Neriton is cloath'd with wood ; A goodly Hill , and many Islands more 〈◊〉 close about it , yielding store of food . Dulichium , Same , and the woody Zant , On th' East of Ithaca are s●ituate . Another Island , which is called Ant , Lies Westward of it , but is low and flat . Rocky is Ithaca , and upeven ground ; But breedeth able men . Nor have I known The man that to his own minde ever sound A Country that was better than his own . From mine Calypso kept me in a Cave T' have been her Husband ; so did C●rce too : But neither of them my consent could have , So much could love of my own Country do . For though far off I might have better Land , Yet should I from my Kindred absent live . But now 't is time to let you understand What passage to me Jove was pleas'd to give . From Tray to Ismarus we first were blown Within an Isle , Cicons the Natives are ; And soon we plundered and burnt the Town , And of the Plunder each man had his share . The Wives we prisoners made , and to the Sword We put the men : And then without delay I did command them all to go aboard ; But they , Fools as they were , would not obey For they to kill , eat , drink , themselves apply , Beeves , sheep & wine , which they had on the beach . Cicons mean while to Cicons so loud cry , That to the Continent their voices reach . And presently came others , numberless As leaves in Summer ; stout and men of skill , To fight on Horsback with much readiness , Or else on foot , according as they will. Jove had decreed us mischief , and the hour Was come : And just before our Ships we fought ; Spears were our Weapons , which with all our Power We lanced on both sides with courage stout . Whilst the Sun mounted we resisted well , But after Noon they pressed us so sore , That with the falling Sun ou● courage fell ; And then in haste we thrust our Ships from shore . From out of every Ship six men we lost : And then with heavy hearts our Sails we ho●se , And grieved for our Fellows left the Coast ; But first to ev'ry of them called thrice Whom slain by th' Enemy we left behinde . Then Jove with Clouds both Land and Water vails , And night came on us with a furious winde From the North-part of Heav'n , and tore our Sails In three's and four's , and all our Ships were tost Hither and thither , side-ways with the blasts , And one anothers way hindred and crost . Then took we in our Sails , and down our Masts , For fear of death , and laid them on the Decks , And with our Oars rowed our Ships to Land ; Two nights and days we stai'd , while grief did vex Each minde , and labour tired had each hand . But when the Morn had led forth the third day , We then set sail , and left their course to 'th winde , The which ( we sitting still ) did them convey According as the Steers-men had design'd . And I had safely come to Ithaca , Had not the North-winde with the tide o' th' Sea , When I was come to th' Cape of Malea , Forc'd us without the Isle of Cytheré . The horrid Winds now found me on the Main , And toss'd me into one anothers hand : Nine days together I endur'd this pain , Upon the tenth they cast me on a Land Where dwell a People call'd Lotophagi , That have and live upon a fruit full sweet ●th ' Continent . We went ashore ; there I Made them take in fresh water for the Fleet. Then having quickly sup'd , I chose out two Of my Companions to go and see What men they were ; with them I sent also A third , who went as Messenger from me . They quickly went ; but mingled with those men Who meant no harm , but gave them Lote to eat , Which made them hate returning back again , And suddenly their Country to forget : And with the people there resolv'd to stay , Forgetting home for love of Lote . But I Sent those that quickly fetched them away By force , and under hatches did them tie . The rest I ●ad unto their Ships ●o haste , Lest eating Lote they should return no more . Aboard they quickly come , and each one plac't In order , beats the grey Sea with his Oar. Then to the Land of Cyclopses we row ; Men proud and lawless , that relie for food Upon the Sky , and neither plant nor plow ; Yet have they Barley , Wheat , Wine very good , Unplow'd , unsown , fetch'd up by show'rs of Rain . They have no Courts of Councel , nor of Right . On huge high hills themselves they entertain , And in their rocky bellies pass the night . Each man gives Law to his own Wife and Brood . Nor do they much for one another care . Before the Port an Isle lies clad with wood , Not very near , nor from it very far . Wilde Goats in great abundance were therein : Because there dwell'd no men that might them kill , Nor wretched Hunters ever enter in , To tire themselves running from hill to hill . For the good Ship with the Vermilion Cheeks The Cyclopses have not , nor Art to make All that is needful for a man that seeks Trade , and to pass the Seas must undertake . The Island else they quickly might adorn . The Land is good ; to th' Sea sweet Meadows lie , And plentifully would yield Wine and Corn , If it were helped with good Husbandry . Anchors and Cables in the Port needs none , Nor any Rope to tie the Ship to Land ; And when the Master thinks fit to be gone , With the first Winde they take the Oar in hand . Within the entrance riseth a sweet Spring From ou● a Cave , shaded with Poplars tall ; Thither to shore our Ships we safely bring . Some God was Guide . Nothing we saw at all . Dark night it was , and nothing to be seen ; The Air about us thick , and from the Sky The Moon could not shine through the Clouds between , No● Waves , nor Isle appear'd to any eye . Then took we in our Sails , and went to Land , And waited for the coming of the day , And in the mean time slumbered on the Sand : But when we saw appear the morning gay , Admiring th' Isle , we walked to and fro , Whilst the Nymphs ( sprung from Jove Aegioch●s ) Refreshment on my Souldiers to bestow , Down from the Mountain brought the Goats to us . And presently from out our Ships we take Our Bows and Arrows keen , and came away , And of our Company three Troops we make ; Then shooting , soon we had a lovely prey . Our Ships were twelve , to which they equally Divide the Spoil ; for every Ship had nine , Save only mine had ten : Then merrily All day we sit and feast on Flesh and Wine . For we had Wine enough as yet unspent , Of that we got and brought away with us , Which ev'ry man had into Budgets pent , Then when we took the Town of Ismarus . Close by we saw the Land of Cyclopses , And smoke , & heard the voice o' th' men , & Sheep And Goats . 'T was night , and on the Sand o' th' Sea Our selves till morning we refresht with sleep . But when the Rosie morning 'gan t' appear , My Fellows I together call'd , and spake : You , my Companions , by the Ships stay here ; I with my Ship and Crew will undertake A trial of this people , whether wilde , And proud , and insolent their Nature be , Or whether they be men of nature milde , Godly , and loving hospitality . This said , I went aboard , and had my Crew Imbarque themselves . Aboard they quickly come , And sitting each man in his order due , With stroak of Oar they made the grey Sea foam . Arriv'd , we of a Cavern saw the door , Both high and wide , and sheep and goats there lay Abundance sleeping . It was shaded o'r With boughs that downward grew of Lawrel gay . Before it was a Court well fenc'd with stone And lusty Oaks , and many a Pine-tree high . I' th' Cave a Giant lodg'd , who us'd alone His sheep to feed , no other Cyclops nigh . It was a huge and ugly Monster , and Lookt not unlike a rocky Mountains head That does 'mongst other hills asunder stand , With a great Perriwig of Trees o'rspread . Then bad I my Companions to stay And guard the Ship , save that by lot a dozen I took of them along with me , and they , By chance , were the same men I would have chosen ▪ With me I took a Goatskin full of Wine , Pleasant and strong , by Maron given me , ●vanthes Son , Priest to Phoebus Divine , At Ismarus , to save his Family , Fearing the God in whose Grove he did live . For which sev'n Talents of pure beaten gold , And a large Silver Bowl he did me give Freely , besides twelve Budgets of Wine old , Pure , pleasant , precious drink it was , which none Knew of besides himself , his Wife and Maid ; Of the Men-servants that he kept , not one . Which when he drank , he usually allai'd With water pure , full twenty times as much . And when a man so temper'd had his Cup , Yet still the fragrant smell thereof was such , He hardly could forbear to drink it up . This Goatskin I took with me in a Cafe , Expecting of some great and gastly man , That knew nor Law , nor Right , to see the face ; And landing , quickly to the Den we ran . We entred in , but did not finde him there ; But gaze we did at ev'ry thing with wonder : Shelves full of Cheese as much as they could bear , Pens full of Sheep and Goats , each sort asunder , Old , younger , young'st ; all Vessels to the brim , Pans , Trays , and Milking-Pales were full of Whey . My men desir'd me not to stay for him , But make what haste I could to get away , And take some of his Cheeses from the shelves , And sheep from out the Pens , and then to go , And setting up our Sails to save our selves . But I would not , though 't had been better so . But I desir'd to see the man , and try If from him some good gift I might obtain ; But they with fear were ready for to die , And could not think upon him but with pain . Then kindled we a fire , and kill'd and fed On Flesh and Cheese , and for his coming staid . He came , and a great burthen carried Of wither'd Boughs , which at the door he laid . His Supper with this Wood he meant to d●ess , And threw it down w●th such a h●deous noise , As frighted us to th' innermost recess O' th' Cave ; there lay we , and supprest our voice . Into the Cave he comes , he and his Flock , All that was milch ; the Males he left without , Rams and He goats , and the Door with a Rock Stops up , which two & twenty Carts scarce mough● Bear above ground , and then to milking fell ; But first he sets unto each Ewe her Lamb , In order due , to see them suckled well , And each young Goat he puts under her Dam. Half of the Milk he turn'd to Curds , and put Them into Wicker-Baskets to set up : The other half he into Tankards put , For dr●nk to serve him when he was to sup . When he had ended all his business , He made a fire , and thereby spr'd us out . What are you , says he , whence d' ye cross the Sea● ? Is it on business , or d' ye rove about As Pyra●s walk at Sea , to and agen , And are content to set their lives at stake , So they may mischief do to other men ? Out hearts di●mai'd before , this language bra●e . We fear'd his hollow voice , and body great ; But yet I made him answer , and said thus ; We are Achaeans , making our retreat Homewards from Troy , out Winds have forced us Upon this Coast ( for Jove would have it so . ) We are a part of Agamemnons Bands , Whose glory for his sacking Troy , is now Renown'd both far and wide throughout all Lands . And now our selves we prostrate at your feet , Hoping for some good thing as Visitants ; Such as all men have commonly thought meet ; Or for the Gods-sake , as to Suppliants . As Suppliants we before you here do lie , With whom , and strangers , Jove still goes along . He is the God of Hospitality , To punish whosoever does them wrong . Thus I. But he replied with fell intent , Stranger , thou art a fool , or com'st from far , That counsel'st me to fear the punishment Of Jove , or for the blessed Gods to care . The Cyclopses care not at all for Jove Aegiochus , or any other Gods. For why , we stronger are than those above ; And if we strength compare , we have the odds . No no. 'T is not the fear of Jupiter Can me from thee , or these with thee restrain , Unless I please . But tell me truly where The Ship that brought you rides , and do not fain . This was to sound me . But I saw his mind , And a deceitful answer did intend . My Ship was wreckt by Neptune , and by wind Thrown 'gainst the rocks , at the Lands furthest end . Where all besides my self and these were drown'd . To this he answer'd nothing , nor said more ; But snatching up a couple from the ground , Knocks out their brains , like whelps against the floor . Then cuts them into joynts , and on them fed : Nor did he flesh , or bone , or entrails leave , Like hungry Lion on the Mountains bred . Then weep we , and to Jove our hands up heave To see such work , and have no remedy . When he with humane flesh his belly deep Had filld , and drunk the milk that stood him by , He laid himself along amongst his sheep , And slept . And then I saw I might him slay : 'T was but to draw my good Sword from my side , And gently on his brest my hand to lay , And to the hilts the Sword in 's body hide . Upon new thoughts that purpose I gave o're ; For certainly it had destroy'd us quite : So great the stone was that lay on the door , That to remove it was past all our might . So there we sighing staid for day : and when The Rosie-finger'd morning did appear , He made a fire , and milkt his flock agen , And the young Kids and Lambs new suckled were . When all his work was at an end , and past , Two more of my Companions he takes , And on those two he quickly breaks his fast , And for his Flock the way he open makes . For easily he took the stone away , And then again with no less ease he did Set up the same , and in its right place lay , Than of a Quiver one would do the Lid. His flock with noise he drives up to the hills , And in the Den leaves us to meditate How to revenge ( with Phoebus help ) our ills . At last within my brest this counsel sate . Near one o' th' Pens there lay an Olive-Tree , Straight , and the boughs cut off , which when 't was dri'd , D●signed was a Walking-staff to be Of the great Cyclops ; which when we espi'd , Of some good Ship we thought might be the Mast , Or of a Bark of twenty Oars or more , That Neptunes ●ugged waters might have past With a great burthen safe from shore to shore . Of this a fathom I cut off , and gave it To my Companions to ●aper it : They smooth'd and taper'd it as I would have it ; I sharpn'd it at point as I thought fit . Then in the fire the same I hardned well , And laid it by with Dung all cover'd o're , Which in the Cave from so much Cattle sell ; For sheep and goats there always were good store . From all my Company , who did not fear To help me thrust this Bar into his eye , I took out four by lot , and such they were As I my self did wish ; the fifth was I. At Ev'ning he returneth with his sheep , Into the hollow Cave he brings them all : Without , he neither sheep nor goat did keep , By Presage , or upon some Heav'nly Call. Then with the stone the Caves mouth up he dams , And milks his she-goats and his Ews each one ; And suckles all his young Kids , and his Lambs . But after he his work had fully done , Another couple of my men he took . Then having in my hand an Ivy Kan Of good black Wine , I thus unto him spoke : Cyclops , since you have eaten flesh of man , Here , drink this good black Wine upon 't , and see What excellent good drink we had aboard , Whereof I 've hither brought a taste to thee , Hoping you will some kindness me afford , And some assistance in our Voyage home . But so intolerably furious You are , that no man will dare near you come , Knowing how cruel you have been to us . When I had said , the good Wine he drank up , And was extremely pleased with the same : And straightway calling for another Cup , Tell me ( quoth he ) right now what is thy name ; And I will give thee that shall please thy heart . We Cyclopses have Vines that yield good Wine , Which from the Earth by ●ain from Heaven start : But this some branch of Nectar is divine . When he had said , I gave him Wine again . Three times I fill'd the Kan , and he as oft Drank't off . But when it came up to his brain , Then spake I to him gentle words and soft . Cyclops , since you my name desire to know , I 'll tell it you , and on your word rely . My name is Noman ; all men call me so , My Father , Mother , and my Company . To which he soon and sadly made reply , Noman I 'll eat you last , none shall out-live you Of all that here are of your Company ; And that 's the gift I promised to give you . And having said , he laid himself along With bended neck , sleeping and vomiting Gobbets of Humane Flesh , and Wine among . All he before had eaten uttering . The Bar with Embers then I covered , Till ( green as 't was ) with heat I made it shine ; And with few words my men encouraged , Left any should have shrunk from the designe . The Bar now hot , and ready to flame out , And ( though green wood ) yet glowing mightily , To him my Fellows carried , now stout , And set the point thereof upon his eye . But I my self erecting with my hand , Twirled the Bar about , with motion nimble , As Joyners with a string below do stand . To give a piercing motion with a wimble . So whilst the Brand was entring , I it turn'd . The blood that down along it ran was hot ; And with his Eye the Lids and Brows were burn'd , And all his Eye-strings with the fire did strut As when a Smith hath heat his Axe or Spade , And quickly quenches it while hot it is , To harden it , it makes a noise ; so made His great moist Eye the glowing Brand to hiss . He roared so as made the Rocks resound , And from his Eye , he pull'd with both his hands The burning Brand , and threw it to the ground ; And so a while he there amazed stands . And thence for more Cyclopses calls ; and they ( Who dwelt about in every hollow Cave ) Came in , some one , and some another way ; And from without the Den ask'd what he 'd have . What ails thee Polyphemus so to cry In dead of night , and make us break our sleep ? Goes any one about to make thee die , By force or fraud , or steal away thy sheep ? Then Polyphemus answered from his Cave , Friends , Noman killeth me . Why then , said they , We have no power from sickness you to save ; You must unto your Father Neptune pray . This said , they parted each one to his own Dark Cavern : Then within my self I laught To think how with my Name the Mighty Clown I so deceived had , and gull'd by craft . The Cyclops for the stone now groap'd about , Found it , and threw it down , though pained sore ; Thinking to catch us at our coming out , Sitting with Arms extended in the door . Such fools he thought us : but I formerly Had thought upon the course I was to take ; And all my cunning , and my Art to try , Since no less than our lives was now at stake , This Counsel 't was that in my brest then sat ; Male sheep there were within the Cave well fed , Fair , big , and deeply clad in wool and fat , And these , with twigs ta'ne from Cyclops his bed , I bound together three and three ; each three Bore one under the middlemost fast bound : One Ram , by far the best of all bore me Under his brest , my hands in deep wool wound . Thus hung we constantly , expecting day . The morning came , the Males to pasture hie , ( The Ews with strutting Udders bleating stay ) Their Master sitting there in misery , Laid's hand upon their backs as out they past , Ne'r thinking of their Bellies we were under . Mine heavy with his wool and me came last , To whom the Cyclops said , seeming to wonder , Why , silly Ram , art thou the last to come Out of the Cave , that formerly was ever The foremost to go out , and to come home , And foremost at the going to the River ; But now at last ? Is 't for thy Masters eye , Which Noman and his Fellows have put forth ? O couldst thou speak , and tell me where doth lie Hidden within , that Noman nothing worth , I soon would with his brains besmear the floor , And ease my vexed heart within me so , Which Noman hath within me wounded sore . This said , he let the Ram that bore me go . Got forth a little from the Den and Yard , I left my Ram , and set my Fellows free : Unto my Ships I brought part of the Herd , That to our Fellows we might welcome be , We that escapt : But they began to weep For those we left behinde us dead , till I Commanded them to fetch aboard more sheep , And after that their Oars again to ply . They brought in more , and each man takes his seat , And in due order , with his Oar in hand , The water grey into a foam they beat , And rowed us a little way from Land , As far as one that hollows can be heard ; So far I stood from shore , I hollow'd then ; Cyclops , Cyclops , why were you not afraid To kill and eat , as you have done , my men ? For since you strangers do so ill intreat , And of the Gods themselves no reck'ning make , You ought to have expected vengeance great , And that your wicked deeds should you o'retake . The Cyclops then provoked with this mock , Threw a great stone at us with all his might ; And first he swing'd round o're his head the Rock , Which just behinde the Rudder chanc'd to light ; And so much stir'd the water falling in , That what with th'eddy and'tide from the Main , Brought back to th'Land , and sure we dead had bin , But that I quickly thrust it off again . Then bad I my Companions to row Still further off , till we were out of fear . They pli'd their Oars again ; and we were now At twice the distance that before we were . And then again I to the Cyclops spoke , ( Though my companions would have hindred me ) Why ( say they ) will you still the man provoke ? How great a stone , how far he throws , you see , How near to Land we were , how near to die . If he but any one of us hear speak , A Rock will straightway from him hither fly , And knock our brains out , and our Vessel break . So said they ; but with me could nothing do , I was resolv'd to vex him bitterly . Cyclops , quoth I , if any ask thee who , What was his name that rob'd thee of the eye , Say 't was Ulysses , Prince of Ithaca , S●n to the old Laertes . He it was . At which the Cyclops howling answered , Ha , I see old Prophesies are come to pass . For Telemus Eury ●…d's that here Dwelled , and telling Fortunes went about , Told me I'should by name Ulysses fear , As he that one da● should my eye put out . B●t I some strong and in ●…y man expected Of Stature great , sho●…d come to do that deed , And never such a little W●…tch suspected , Nor ever did of being drunk take ●…d But come Ulysses nearer , that I may Give you a precious gift as you de crve , And also to my Father N●ptune pray . That you upon the Seas he would preserve . For I his Son , and he my Father is , And to my sight again restore me can ; He , and no other of the Gods in bliss , Nor any Pow'r on earth . So said the man. Cyclops ( quoth I ) I would I could as well Send thee now down to Pluto's ugly Den Depriv'd of life and Soul ●'th ' deepest Hell , As I am sure thou ne'r shalt see agen . Then held he up his hands to Heav'n and pra●…d , Hear me , O Neptune , if thy Son I be , And thou my Father truly , as 't is said , Grant that Ulysses never more may see His Native Soil ; or if perhaps by fate It be decreed he shall return again , Let him return both wretchedly and late , His ships and men lost , and at home meet pa●… ▪ His prayer granted was ; and then he threw A greater stone , first swinged o'r his head , Which by good chance above the Vessel flew , But almost to the shore us carried . When we were come into the Isle again Where all the rest of our Fleet then abode Expecting our return , in grievous pain , And wondring why we were so long abroad ; Then with our sheep we landed on the Beach , And 'mongst the Barks divided them with care , Their just and equal number unto each , That no Ship might be wronged of his share . On me my Fellows over and above Bestow'd a Ram , which on the Sand there right I made a Sacrifice to mighty Jove ; But in my Offrings he took no delight , And was contriving how to make away My Ship and Fellows , and destroy them quite . There on the snore we sat and spent the day With flesh and Wine , from morning unto night . All night we slept upon the shore ; and when The morning had again the day restor'd , I presently commanded all my men To loose the Ropes , and put themselves aboard . Aboard they go and beat the Sea with Oars , All for their Fellows which were eaten , sad . A●d forward to the Main we take our course , For that we had our selves escaped , glad . LIB . X. AT th' floting I●●e Aeolia we landed , Where Aeolus the Son of Hippotas Beloved of th' Immortal Gods commanded , His House was walled all about with brass . Th'ascent unto it was all one smooth stone . Twelve were his Children , six Sons & their Wives ; In Wedlock he had joyn'd them one to one , And with him in his house they led their lives . And made good chear ; all day the house they make To ring with mirth , and smoke with boil'd & roast , At night their Loyal Wives to Beds they take , Richly set out with coverings of great cost . A month he entertain'd me with delight , Askt me of Troy , and th' Argive Fleet , and ●ow The Greeks got home . And him I answer'd-right To ev'ry thing as far as I did know . And when I left his house , he was content T' assist me friendly in my Voyage back With a West-wind , and all Winds else he pent Into a tough and strong Neats-leather sack . ( For Jove had made him Master of the Winds , To hold their breath , or blow as he thought fit ) And with a silver string the Sack he bindes : No Wind could stir but as I order'd it . But all this did no good for want of wit. Nine days we sail'd sore-right , and came so nea● To th'Coast of Ithaca , that we could see 't By th' light of Beacons that were fired there . But then with weariness I fell asleep ; For I had ne'r till now the Helm let go , Nor sufferd any else my place to keep , I long'd to see my Native Country so . Mean while my Fellows to discourse begin , Thinking much Gold and Silver was ●…th ' Sack By Aeolus Hippotades put in , Which now to Ithaca I carri'd back . And , Oh did one unto another say , How much this man is lov'd where e'● he comes ! He brings from Troy a great share of the prey , Though we go empty-handed to our homes . Now Aeolus has giv'n him God knows what . Come quickly let us while we think upon 't , And sleeping ●e upon the Deck lies flat , Undo the Sack , and see how much there 's on 't . This wretched Counsel taken by the Crew , The Budget they undid , to see my store ; And then at once the surious Winds out-flew , And whistling , snatcht our ship away from shore . My Fellows wept , I studi'd which was best , To fall into the Sea and end my pain , Or patiently to live among the rest . I chose to live , as better of the twain , And hoodwinkt laid me down i' th' ship . At last● We sound our selves upon th' Aeolian shore On which th' unruly Winds our ship had cast , Just at the place where we set forth before : And there we landed , and short supper made With my Companions on the rocky shore . I one man with me , and a Herald take , And went up to the Porch before the Door Of th'Hall , where Aolus sat banqueting Amongst his Sons and Daughters . They admir'd . What Wind , said they , did you now hither bring ? We furnisht you for what place you desir'd . Some Devil crost you . Softly I repli'd . Of our misfortune other cause was none But my mens folly , who the Bag unti'd The whilst I slept ; you can repair what 's done . Their Father answer'd at another ra●e ; Hence Rascal , hated of the Gods above : I entertain none whom the Gods do hate . Away , I say , the Gods thee do not love . Thus sighing we were sent away . And though We were already tired with the Oar , To Sea we put , and forward still we row , Six days and nights entire , ne'r giving o're . Upon the seventh day we landed near To Le●●rig nia , the Royal Seat. Of L●m●●s and his Race . The Herds-men there , When from the field thay bring their sheep or neat , Hollow to those at home ; then they a-field Their Cattle drive . To one of little sleep The fire o' th' place doth double wages yield , By tending one day Cows , another sheep . For it is seated just 'twixt day and night . Into the Port we came , the which within On eath side was beset with Rocks upright , Whereof two made it narrow coming in . My Fellows with their ships were in the Port Near to the City . For the Sea was still , And not a Winde stirring of any sort . But I kept mine without , suspecting ill , And with a Rope had ti'd it to the Rocks . Then up a h●ll I went to look about , But could no signe espy of Man or Oxe . Then down I came again , and straight sent out T●enquire what kinde of people lived there . A Herald then and two men more I sent , Who as they going on the high-way were That from the woody hill to 'th City went , Met with the Daughter of Antiphates That was of Lestrigonians the King. She had fetch 't water from Artacies ; Artacies the name was of a Spring . They askt her of the King and of the People . Her Fathers house she shews . They thither hie , And finde the Queen there looking like a Steeple , And straight abhor'd her as a Prodigie . Then she her husband from the Market-place Calls home ; who straight intended to dispatch 'em , And laid his hands on one ; but in that space The rest escap'd by flight , he could not catch'em . But then he raised with a mighty shout The Town and Country , who in numbers great Liker to Giants than to men , came out , And with huge stones of a mans weight they beat My men and ships . A woful noise and wild I heard of dying men , and tearing planks . When they had slain my men , they them enfil'd , And carri'd them like Fishes hung in ranks . While they did this , I had no other hope To save my self , but quickly with my Sword ( My ship being ti'd to th'Rocks ) to cut the rope , And make what haste I could to get aboard . My Crew into the Ship leapt all at once , And row'd for life , till they got far enough From land , to stand in fear of throwing stones , And glad they had escaped , onwards row . The rest , both ships and men , all perished . Next at Aeaea Isle ashore we run , Where the wise Goddess Circ ' inhabited , Aeetes Sister , Daughter of the Sun And Perse Daughter of Oc●anus . There in a good safe Harbour quietly We rest our selves . Some God conducted us . There full of grief two days and nights we lie . Soon as the Morn had shewn us the third day , With Spear in hand , and Sword girt at my thigh , Up to a Mountains top I took my way , Some word of man to hear , or work to spy . Through the thick wood I saw a smoke arise About the place where th' House of Circe stood : Then with my self I did a while advise What I should do At last I thought it good To make my people all to dine , and then Safely with company to go or send . So back I came unto my ship and men . But by the way ( some God was sure my Friend ) A gallant Stag came by , whom heat and thirst Invited had down to the Stream Divine . At him I quickly threw my Spear , which pier●'t Both his sides thorow , close beneath the Chine . Down dead he falls . On 's neck my foot I set , Pluckt out the Spear , and laid it on the ground . To make a Rope , I Twigs and Rushes get , And his four feet together fast 〈◊〉 bound . Within h●s legs I place my head , and bear His body on my neck . 'T was hard to rise , Leaning with both my hands upon my Spear . He was too great to take up otherwise . I threw him down o' th' shore and chear'd my Crew . Friends ( quoth I ) though our present state be bad , Death shall not come , I hope , before 't is due . Come , let us ear and drink , and not be sad , This said , they straightway from the ship descend , And gaze ●po●'● , for 't was a mighty Beast : And when their wondering was at an end , They washt their hands , and drest it for their feast . And all the remnant of the day till night We made good chear with Wine & Ven'●on store . After the Sun had born from us his light , We laid us down to sleep upon the shore . But when the Rosie Morn appear'd again , I said to all my men , who grieved were : My Ma●es , although I have endur'd much pain , I must intreat you patiently to hear . We know not where is West or East , nor where The Sun does rise or set , nor where we be . To me does little hope as yet appear : And theresore we must go abroad and see . In a low Island , rising through the Trees , I saw a smoke when I stood on the Hill. Though I had utter'd no more words but these , They heard them with a very evil will. Of Cyclops and Antiphates they speak That had devour'd their Fellows formerly : And ready were their hearts with grief to break . They weep and whine , but without remedy . Of my Companions then two Bands I make ; Of one Eurylochus had the Command , The charge o' th' other to my self I take : And two and twenty men were in each Band. Who should go first abroad , and who should stay , We were content should be by Lot defin'd . To go , fell to Eurylochus . Away They weeping went , we weeping stai'd behind . Down in a Dale they Circes Palace found Built of square stone . The place was full of shade . Lions and Wolves about it lay o' th' ground , Whom Circe tame with Magick Arts had made : These fl●w not at my men , but laid their Noses Upon them lovingly , and wag'd their tails As Dogs salute their Masters . Circe's Doses So much above their Natures fierce prevails . Eurylo●hus i' th' Door stood with his Band. The Goddess Circe busie was within ; For she a wondrous fine work had in hand , Past art of man , and sung as she did spin . Then did Polites , whom I lov'd most dear Of all my Crew , speak out unto them all : My Friends , quoth he , somebody singeth there , A Goddess or a Woman Let us call . This said , they call , and she sets ope the Gate , Bids them come in . Fools as they were , they enter All but Eurylochus . Without he sate , Suspecting somewhat , therefore durst not venture . She places them , and sets before them food , Cheesecak●s of Cheese , and Honey , Flour & Wine ; But had mixt something with it not so good Of wondrous Vertue with an ill designe . For with a Wand , as soon as they had din'd , She drove them to the sties , and there them pent● ▪ For body , head , hair , voice , all but the minde , Right Swine they were , and grunted as they went. There to them threw she Acorns , Crabs and Bran , The things wherewith Swine commonly are fed . Eurylochus stai'd long , but not a man Came out to let him know how they had sped . Then back he comes : at first he could not speak , Though he endeavoured ; he grieved so , The sighs and sobs his words did often break , Till urg'd by us that long'd the truth to know . At last he said , Renown'd Ulysses , we Passing the woods as we commanded were , In a dark Vale a stately Palace see ; A Goddess , or a Woman , dwelleth there . We call'd , and straight she opening the Gate , Bids us come in . They ill advised enter All but my self . Alone without I sate , Suspecting fraud , and durst no further venture . Lost they are all : for if they could , I know Some of them would have come and brought me word , For I staid long enough . This said , my Bowe I took , and at my side my trusty Sword , And bad him guide me back the self-same way . Then fell he at my feet on both his knees , And weeping me intreats to let him stay ; Your life , quoth he , amongst the rest you 'll leese . To this I said , Eurylochus stay you Here at the ship ( since you are frighted so ) Eating and drinking with the rest o' th' Crew ; Necessity compelleth me to go . This said , I went along the shore , till I Was at the entrance of the Valley , where The house of Circe stood . Then Mercury Encountred me . In form he did appear Of a fair youth , whose Beard but now began In a soft Down to peep above his face , Which is the prime of beauty in a man. Alas , said he , what make you in this place 'Mongst trees and shrubs ? For I can tell you this , Your Mates at Circe's house are lodg'd in sties , They now are Swine ; you 'll of your purpose mis● . You cannot set them free though you be wise , But rather you will with them lie . But well , I 'll give you such an Antidote as you Need not to be afraid of any Spell ; And will besides , her purpose to you shew . To make you drink she 'll temper you a Cup , Which shall not ( for the Antidote ) bewitch you ; And when she sees that you have drunk it up , With her long Wand she presently will switch you . Then to her with your naked Sword in hand , As if you purpos'd to cut off her head . Then she will shriek , and weep , and trembling stand , And buy her life with proffer of her bed . You must not then refuse the Goddess love , If you intend your Fellows to restore : Yet make her swear by all the Gods above She never will attempt to hurt you more . Then gave he me the Herb. The Flow'r was white , The Root was black ; the Gods do call it Moly , And gather it , who have no stint of might . For men to think to finde it is a folly . Then Hermes parting mounted to the Sky , And I to Circe's house went on my way , And musing stood a while , but by and by I call'd , and she came forth without delay , And calls me in . I enter with sad heart ; There in a glorious Chair she made me sit Studded with silver-Nails , and carv'd with Art ; Then puts a low Stool to it for my feet , And brought the Potion in a Golden Cup , Which she had temper'd to her bad designe . And soon as ever I had drunk it up She switch'd and bad me go lie with the Swine . Then start I up with my drawn Sword , and make As if I purpos'd to cut off her head . Then did she shriek most fearfully and quake , And weeping to me these words uttered : Who , whence are you ? what is your Fathers Name ? That this drink worketh not , is very strange . If any else but tasted had the same , He soon had of his figure found a change . But you a stubborn heart have in your brest . Are you Ulysses , that should hither come , As Hermes told me oft , and be my Guest , When from the Trojan shore he sailed home ? Put up your Sword ; and that we may confide In one another better without dread , Let 's to my Chamber go , and side by side Compose the things we differ in a bed . Circe ( said I ) Oh how can I be kinde , When you to Swine my Fellows turned have ? And now you have me here , 't is in your minde To make ●…e tame , and keep me for a slave . I 'll not come near your Bed , unless before You take an Oath by all the Gods above You 'll never go about to hurt me more . This said , she swore , and I gave way to love . On Circe Waiting-women four attended To do the service of the house , and were From sacred Rivers , Springs and Groves descended ; Each had her proper work assigned her . One does the Chairs with coverings array ; Another does the Silver Tables spread , And on each one of them a Basket lay Of Gold , and into it she puts the Bread. The third does in a Silver Flagon mix The Wine and Water in a Silver Pot : The fourth to make a fire brings in the sticks , And for a Bath makes ready water hot . Circe her self the water tempered Into a just and comfortable heat , And pour'd it on my shoulders and my head , Washing my limbs , till I my toil forget . And when I ba●hed and anointed was , She put upon me a fair Coat and Vest , And led me in , into the dining-place , And to my Chair and Table me addrest . One Maid a golden Bason , with the Ew'r , To wash our hands over a Cauldron brings ; The Cauldron also was of Silver pure . Another loads the Table with good things : Another on the Table sets on bread , And then the Goddess Circe bids me eat . But other dangers running in my head , I had but little stomack to my meat . Which she observing said , Ulysses , why Do you thus sullenly your meat refuse , And like a dumb man sit ? D' ye think that I Intend against you some new Art to use ? Have I not sworn ? To which I answered , Oh Circe , how can I be pleas'd d'ye think ( When you my Fellows keep disfigured And pounded up in Hog-sties ) t'eat and drink ? If you mean well , set them at liberty , And in the shape of men before my eyes , That I may look on them , and they on me . With Switch in hand then out of doors she hies And opens all the Prisons ; out they come , And were to look to Pigs of nine years old . She drives them with her Wand into the room , And makes them stand there while I them behold . Then Circe went amongst them , and each one Smear'd with an unguent which straightway did make Their hair fall off , and undid all was done ; And presently a humane shape they take , Greater and fairer than they had before . They knew me all , my hand with theirs they prest . So glad they were , their eyes for joy ran o'●e . The whole house wept , and Circe with the rest . This past , the Goddess said , Ulysses , go And bring your Ship a-land , and let her lie ; Your goods within the rocky Caves bestow , And make haste back with all your Company . This pleas'd me well . Down to the Sea I hie Where my Companions I weeping finde ; But soon as I appear'd they presently About me came , their care now out of mind . As when from Pastures fat a Herd of Cows Well-fed return at evening to their home , Their Calves will not be kept within the house But play , and skip , and round about them come : So did my Fellows soon as they me saw Come skipping out o' th' ship , with no less joy ▪ Than if they had been come to Ithaca Their Native Country from the Town of Trey . Our joy ( said they ) Ulysses cannot be Greater when we at Ithaca arrive , Which we so wish for , than 't is now to see That you from Circe are return'd alive . But tell us , pray , how di'd our Fellows there . But first ( said I ) hale up your Ship to Land , And in the Rocks hide all that 's loose in her , And come with me to Circe out of hand . There shall you see your Fellows how they live ; In want of nothing that they can devise . To these my words my Fellows credit give ; Eurylochus alone thought otherwise . Wretches ( said he ) what mean you ? will you go ? Have you a longing to be Lions ●ame , Or Swine , or Wolves , and being transformed so , To live at Circe's house , and guard the same ? Remember Cyclops , and how all they sped That dar'd to put themselves within his Cave , By too much valour of Ulysses led . Bethink you well how you your selves may save . When I heard that , I drew my Sword , and meant , Although he were my Kinsman very nigh , T' have made his head fly . But of that intent I was made frustrate by the Company That interposing spake me fair , and said , Let him stay here , but we 'll go every man , While he looks to the ship , since he 's afraid . Thus having said , to march they straight began ; Nor staid Eurylochus behinde , for I Had so a●●righted him he went with th' rest . Mean while at Circe's house my company Were bath'd and oyl'd , and cloath'd with Coat and Vest. Feasting we found them in a stately Hall. But when we saw them , and heard every thing That had besaln them , suddenly we all Wept out so loud , as made the house to ring . Then Circe said , Ulysses why d' ye weep ? I know your suffrings both at land by men , And what you have endured on the Deep . Drink wine , eat meat , and merry be agen . Recruit your hearts with courage , till they be As strong as when from home you first set-out ; Put all your danger out of memory , Nor trouble more your weari'd minds with doubt , These words of Circe did our spirits chear , And made us willingly fall to our meat . Both then and ev'ry day throughout the year In Circe's house we freely drink and eat . But when the season was come round about , And months and days of th'year had made an end , Then my imparient Fellows call'd me out , And said , Strange man , do you no more intend To see your Country Ithaca ? Shall we For ever stay with Circe here ? Have Fates Decreed that you your house no more should see , But perish here together with your Mates ? This my Companions said , and said but right . Then what remained of the day we spent Eating and drinking merrily . At night They to their own beds , I to Circe's went ; Where prostiate at her knees , I press her hard To keep her word , and let me go my way ; My mind , said I , is going thitherward Now , and my Fellowsask me why I stay . Renown'd Ulysses ( answer'd Circe ) here Against your will with me you shall not stay . But ●re you go unto your Country dear , You must a Voyage make another way . You must to th house of Hades first repair : For with Tiresias the Prophet blinde You must consult concerning your affair . He knows what course the Fates have you design'd . Though blinde his eye , yet is his judgment clear . For why , to him Proserpina alone Hath granted to peruse Fates Register , And know the History of things not done . The Ghosts to him stand up when he goes by . At this my heart was ready ev'n to break , And in the bed long time I weeping lie , And turn'd , and wish'd for death . At last I speak : Circe ( said I ) who shall me thither guide ? Never man yet to Hell went in a ship . Then to me Circe presently repli'd ; Ulysses , let not that thought break your sleep . You need but set your Mast up , hoise your sail , And then sit still ; you shall not want a Winde : For Boreas to wast you will not fail . When you are come to th' Oceans end , you 'll finde The wooddy shore and Grove of Proserpine . There the tall Poplar , and soft Willow grows ; And there it is your Bark you must put in . Then go along the shore to Pluto's house . And you shall see where into Ach●ron Coc●tas falls , which is a branch of Styx , And with it also Pyriphlegeton , And a great Rock where the two Rivers mix . Close by that place make with your Sword a Pit A Cubit wide , and round about it pour Wine mixt with honey , and pure Wine after it ; Then water pure , and over all throw Flow'r . Such is the drink that 's offer'd to the dead . And further to them you must make a Vow , That when you be at home , and out of dread , You 'll gratifie them with a barren Cow. But to Tiresias you must alone Promise at your return to kill a Ewe All over black . The Ceremonies done Which to the dead by common law are due , Then of the Ram and Ewe let out the blood Into the pit ; their heads to Hell-ward place , And turn your back , and so go tow'rd the Flood . Then shall you see the Ghosts come out apace . Bid your Companions mean while to flay The slaughter'd Sheep . To Pluto must you , and To his Queen Proserpine your prayers say , Then sit down at the pit with Sword in hand . Let none come near the blood until you see T●resias the Theban Prophet come . 'T will not be long before he with you be ; He 'll tell you all the ways to bring you home . This said , Aurora had the light displai'd , And Circe cloath'd me with a Coat and Vest , And with a pure white robe her self arraid , With a Gold Girdle girt beneath her brest ; And put upon her head her Vail . Then I Went through the house to make my fellows rise , And gently said unto them severally , Let 's go ; for Circe now doth so advise . And well content they were . But safe away I could not bring them all . For there was one Elpenor , neither forward in a Fray , Nor yet of very much discretion ; Heated with Wine o'r night , himself to cool , Up to the houses top he went to sleep ; But wak'd with noise the rest made , like a Fool Ne'r thought of coming down the stairs steep Backward ; and so to th' earth he headlong sell , And broke his Neck-bone , & lay dead o'th'ground . And his Soul leaving him , went down to Hell. The rest came forth , and stood about me round . To these I said , You think without delay That we to Ithaca are going now ; But Circe bids us go another way , Of old Tiresias the minde to know , The Theban Prophet , who is now in Hell. This broke the very heart strings of my Mates ; They sob and tear their hair , but cannot tell How to avoid what 's once decreed by th'Fates . Then to our ship we weeping went. Mean space Circe a Ram and black Ewe there had ti'd Unseen to us , we found them on the place . For Gods , but when they list , cannot be spi'd . LIB . XI . WHen we were come unto the Sea-side , where Our Ship lay which we shov'd into the deep ; We rear our Mast , pull up our Sails , and bear Aboard with us one Male , one Female sheep . And so for Hell we stood , with fears in minde , And tears in eye . But the fair Circe sent To bear us company , a good fore-winde That kept our Sails full all the way we went. To Winds and Steerage we our way commend , And careless sit from morning till 't was dark ; Then found our selves at th' Oceans farthest end , Where up to Land the wind had forc'd our Bark . Here dwell the Cimbers hid in Clouds and Mist , Whom thou , O Phoebus , with thy golden Eye , No● coming from the Sky to Earth e're seest , Nor when from Earth thou mountest to the Sky ; But live , poor men , under a horrid night . Here seek we for the place of which the wise Circe had told us , and soon on it light , And thither fetcht the sheep for sacrifice . Then with my Sword i'th'ground I dig'd a Pit , And round about it Wine with Honey pour ; And round again pure Wine pour after it , Then water pure . O're all I sprinkle flour : And vowed to those feeble folk , to kill As soon as I to Ithaca should come A barren Heiser , and the Altar fill With many more good things I had at home , And promis'd to Tiresias alone A fat black Ewe , the best in all my Coats . When I my Vows and Pray'rs had ritely done , Of both the Victims straight I cut the throats . Their reaking blood stream'd down into the Pit ; Out come the Ghosts , Maids , Youths , decrepit Age , And tender Virgins , they all sented it ; And Warriours clad in goary Arms , all rage , And rushing out of Hell , with hideous cry , About the blood bustling they go and turn , Which not a little frighted me . Then I Bad flay the Victims , and their bodies burn , And say their Pray'rs to Pluto and his Queen . With Sword in hand I sat on the Pits brink , Resolv'd till I Tiresias had seen , That not a Ghost a drop of blood should drink . First came my Souldier Elpenor's Spirit , Which left the body just when we set sail , So that we had no leisure to inter it . His heavy fate I did with tears bewail . How now ( quoth I ) Elpenor ? art thou here Already ? Couldst thou me so much outstrip ? I first came forth , and left thee in the Rear . Hast thou on foot out gone my good black ship ? Then said Elpenar , Issue of Jove , Divine Ulysses , I had come along with th'Bark , But that the Devil and excess of Wine Made me to fall , and break my neck i' th' dark . I went to bed late by a Ladder steep ; At top o'th'house the Room was where I lay : Wak't at the noise of parting , half asleep Headlong I hither came , the nearest way . Now I adjure you by your Father , and Your VVife , and Son , and all his Seed to come ( For I assured am that you will land VVhere Circe dwells before your going home ) To see I have the Rites due to the dead . Fear th'anger of the Gods above , and burn My body with my arms , from foot to head , And cast on earth to cover o're my Urn. This done , for men hereafeer sailing by , Raise me a little Tomb of Earth by th' shore , That they may eas'ly see where 't is I lie . Lastly , upon it upright plant my Oar. All this ( quoth I ) I 'll do upon my word . Thus we discours'd amongst the shades . He stood While I continu'd with my naked Sword To keep the Sprights from tasting of the blood , Then came Auticlia my Mothers Ghost . Alive I left her when to Troy I sail'd To fight against it in the Argive Host. Now seeing her , exceedingly I wail'd . And though I grieved were to keep away My Mother from the loved blood ; yet still In the same posture patiently I stay , Till I might know Tiresias his will. Then came the Soul of old Tiresias , And of the Gilded-Staff he had in 's hand . Poor man ( quoth he ) perceiving what I was , What brought thee hither to this ugly Land ? Stand back a while , and take your Sword away , That I may drink , and the Unerring word Of Fate deliver to you . I obey , Retire , and up I put my trusty Sword. Then said the good old Prophet , You are come , Honour'd Ulysses , to inquire of me , What the Gods say about your going home . I tell you true , 't will not be easily . I think you 'll not escape at Sea unseen Of angry Neptune , who I do not doubt Will do his worst , and make you feel his spleen , For Polyphemus eye which you put out . Yet for all that , you may to Ithaca Safely return , if you can but command Your passion when in th' Isle Torinacia , An Island lying in your way you land . There feed the Kine of the all-seeing Sun , And Flocks of goodly Sheep . Hurt none of these , Then shall your Ship her course with safety run 〈◊〉 At length to Ithaca , though not with ease . But if you touch them , I denounce a wrack To your good Ship , and death to all your Crew . And though your self may happen to come back At last , and this unhappy Fate eschew ; 'T will be alone , and in a ship not yours ; Besides that , when you are returned home You 'll fall into the danger of the Wooers , Who for your Wives and Meats-sake thither come . But you will be reveng'd of these ; and when You shall have made away these Wooers , go With Oar on shoulder , to a Land where men Inhabit , that the brit y Sea not know , Nor ever mingle salt with what they eat , Nor ever saw the ship with crimson face , Nor yet those Wings which do the water beat ( Call'd Oars ) to make your good ship go apace . Now mark me well , when thou shalt meet a man Just at the end of Neptunes utmost bound , Bearing upon his shoulder a Corn san , Stick down thy lusty Oar upon the ground ; There Sacrifice to the Worlds Admiral , For new admittance , a Ram , Boar , and Bull ; Then home again , and offer unto all The Gods by name an hundred Oxen sull . Your death will not ungentle be , for which Age shall prepare you , and your Soul unglew Insensibly . Your people shall be rich Which round about you dwell . All this is true . Tiresias ( quoth I ) when he had done , 'T is well . My Mother yonder I espie Amongst the shades ; she knoweth not her Son ; What shall I do to make her know 't is I ? That ( quoth he ) I can tell you easily What Soul soever you admit to drink , To what you ask will make a true reply ; Those you put back , back into Hell will slink . The Prophet having thus my fate foretold , Into the house of Pluto back retir'd . I o're the blood my former posture hold , But let my Mother drink as she desir'd . She knew me then , and wept . My Son , said she , How came you to this place of ours so dark ? Th' Ocean and so many Gulphs there be 'Twixt you and us , that but with a good Bark No living man can pass Come you but now From T●oy , and all this while have wandring been You and your Company ? You have I trow , Your wife Penelope by this time seen . Mother ( said I ) the cause I came this way Was to ask counsel of Tiresias . Since I with Agamemnon went to Troy , In Ithaca or Greece I never was . But Mother , tell me pray you , how came you Unto this place ? was it by sickness long ? Or did Diana with a death undue Send you down hither to this feeble throng ? And tell me if my Father and my Son Remain as formerly in their estate ; Or that some Prince of Greece my wife have won , Supposing me now cast away by Fate . Tell me besides , whether Penelope Remain at home together with my Son , Assisting him to Rule my Family ; Or whether she be married , and gone . Your wife ( said she ) does still continue there ; For your long absence weepeth days and nights . Your Son still holds his own , and makes good chear ; Oft he invited is , and oft invites . Your Father from his Vineyard never budges ; Rich Coverlets and Bedding he refuses ; Ne're comes to th'Town ; in Winter with his Drudges To lay him down and sleep by th' fire he uses . In vile array in Summer-time he creeps , Till Vintage pass , about his Fruit-trees round , And visits them each one ; at night he sleeps On Bed of heaped leaves upon the ground Thus lies he griev'd and pining with the thought Of your sad fate , afflicted too with age . The like sad thoughts me also hither brought . I neither died by Diana's rage , Nor any long consuming Malady ; But very woe , thinking that you were dead , My Noble dear ulysses , made me die ; My Soul thus hither from my body fled . When she had spoken , I would very fain Have ta'ne her in mine arms ; three times I grasp'● At the beloved Shadow , but in vain . Mine arms I closed , but did nothing clasp . Sore griev'd hereat , I said unto my Mother , I am your Son , why do you fly me so ? Why may we not embracing one another , Although in Hell , give ease unto our woe ? Hath Proserpine , my sorrows to augment , Sent me a Phantome in my Mothers stead ? Oh no ( quoth she ) my Son , sh 'ad no intent T' abuse you . 'T is the nature of the Dead . We are no longer Sinews , Flesh and Bones ; We are Substances Incorporeal . All that 's consum'd i' th' Fun'ral fire : when once That 's done , it in it self stands several ; Flies like a Dream . No , go your ways to th'light , And tell all I have told you to your Wise , That she may know in this perpetual night The dead enjoy an everlasting life . When we had thus discours't , the Ladies came Sent out by Proserpine to taste the blood , ●aughters and Wives to Princes of great Fame , And round about me at the Pit they stood . But I to know each one that came to drink , Studi'd a while ; then thought this counsel best , With Sword in hand t' abide upon the brink , Whilst one was drinking to keep off the rest . There was not one but I enquir'd her name And Pedegree . All told me who they were . And first of all the well-born Tyro came , Who said Salmoneus was her Ancestor , And that of Cretheus she had been the wi●e , And on Enipeus had enamour'd been Once on a time whilst she remain'd in life , On Enipeus fair'st stream that e're was seen . Upon whose Bank Neptune that chanc't to spy her , On Enipeus sweet stream drew her aside , And at the Rivers mouth laid him down by her Between two Waves rais'd high , their deed to hide . When he Loves work had done , Thou shalt ( said he ) E're th'year be ended , bring forth-Children twain , Who Princes both of great Renown shall be . I Neptune am ; the Gods ne'r work in vain . See you that they be educated well Till they shall be at mans estate arriv'd . So go you home : my name you must not tell . This said , into the rowling Sea he div'd . Her time being come , she was delivered Of two great Boys , Neleus and Pelias , Who for the service of high Jove were bred . One King of Pyle , th' other of Iolcas was . The Noble Lady Tyro , besides these , Did many other goodly Children bear : Amatheon , and Aeson , and Pheres ; But these her Husband Cretheus Children were . Next came the Daughter of Aesopus ( who Through Theban fertil Plains and Meadows runs ) Antiope . Of Jove she boasteth too , That by him she conceived had two Sons ; Their names were Zethus and Amphion . They The Founders were of The●●s ; with Walls & Towers , And sev'n strong Gates they senc't it ev'ry way Against Invasion from all Neighb'ring Powers . Amphitrions wi●e Alcmena there I saw , That lov'd by Jove brought Hercules to life , And the King Cretheus Daughter Megara , That was the Mighty Hercules his wife . I saw there also the unfortunate Mother of Oed●pus , Jocasta bright , That blindly did a horrid act , by fate , Which the Gods pleasure was should come to light . Not knowing him , she marri'd her own Son ; Not knowing him , he his own Father slew : VVhen they perceived both what they had done , She hang'd her self ; her Furies him pursue . Chloris I saw , whom Neleus did wed For beauty , got by the Son of Jaseus ; And with great Dowre he gain'd her to his bed ; Her Father Amphion rul'd Orchome●us . She Queen of Pyle , by Neleus had three Boys : Nestor , Chronius , Periclu●i●us ; And one fair Daughter to make full their joys , Pero by name , for beauty wonderous . The Princes round-about were Suiters to her ; But Iphiclus had Neleus Cattle ta'ne , And Neleus was resolved to bestow her On him that could his Herds fetch back again . There was a Prophet undertook the Talk ; But ta'ne by Clowns , and into Prison pent , For answ'ring Iphiclus t' all he could ask Was freed , and did the thing he underwent . I saw the Wife too of Tyndareus there , Fair L●da ; she two Twins unto him bare , Pollux good Cuffer , Castor Cavalier : Twins , and alive , though under-ground they are ▪ And have obtained of their Father Jove Both to be Canonized Gods ; but so , As he that is to day in Heav'n above , Shall be to morrow amongst men below . Iphimedea , Alciaeus Wife I saw , that did two Sons to Neptune bear , Otus , and Ephialtes ; of short life , The greatest , and the fair'st that ever were Except Orion ; each at nine years old Between the shoulders was nine Cubits wide , And was in length nine Cubits four times told , And all the Gods in Heaven terrifi'd ; And threatned them with War , and Heav'n to storm . They Ossa set upon Olympus high , And Pelius on Ossa ; and so form Against the Sky a mighty Battery : And surely they had storm'd it had they been At mans estate . Their Beards were not yet grown ▪ Apollo kill'd them with his Arrows keen , E're on their Cheeks appeared any down . Phaedra and Procris there I also saw , And Minos Daughter ●riadne , whom Theseus was bringing towards Attica From Creta ; but he could not bring her home , Diana killed her in Dia Isle On Bacchus quarrel . There I did behold Mera and Clymene , and th'Woman vile Eryphile that her own Husband sold. To name the Ladies all I saw , would make My Tale to last all night . 'T is bed-time now Here or aboard , though not till you think fit ; Till you think fit , and give command to row . This said , the Company deep silence seiz'd , Delighted with the things they heard him speak , The Queen her self Arete no less pleas'd , At last resolv'd the silence thus to break . Princes , what think you of this man so rare , His look , his stature , and his Noble heart ? My Guest he is , but you have all a share In th' honour of this Visit. E're he part Make him a Present to relieve his need . Be liberal , have no respect to thrist ; For you the Gods from fear of want have freed With wealth abundant . Do not pinch your Gift . Old Echineus said , The Queen says right ; We shall do well her counsel to obey : But since in King Alcinous lies the migh , 'T is better first to hear what he will say . Then said Alcinous , It shall be so , Unless I bear the name of King in vain ; Let not the Stranger till to morrow go ; Till we prepare our Gift he must remain . As for his Passage we will all provide , And chiefly I that do the Scepter bear . To whom the wise Ulysses thus repli'd : Renown'd Alcinous that Reignest here , Though a whole year you should command my stay , It will not trouble me . Nay , that I 'd chuse , Since you intend to send me rich away : For I am sure I shall no honour lo e By coming richly home . Kings that have store Of wealth , are better commonly obey'd , And by their Subjects are respected more , Than those whose Treasuries and Chests are void . There be ( the King said ) many ▪ that can lie ; But there is form and sense in all you say : Both your own Fate you tell with Harmony , And of the Greeks with whom you went to Troy. I should be well content to sit up here All the night long , so you would undertake To tell me ev'ry thing that you saw there . To him Ulysses then did answer make : Renowned King Alcinous , you know There is a time for talk , a time for rest ; But since you long to hear , I 'll tell you now VVhom else I saw , and what Fate them oppres● . And first the saddest end of those that had Escap'd the fury of the Enemy , And in their Countries landed were and glad , VVere murther'd by a womans Treachery . The Female Ghosts scatter'd by Proserpine , Some one way , some another , thither came Atrides Soul , first of the Masculine ; And others with him , whose Fat●s were the same . No sooner he the blood had tasted , but He knew me , sorely wept , and would have cast His arms about my waste , but could not do 't : For now alas his strength was gone and past . I griev'd to see him , and thus to h●m said : King Agamemnon , what Fate brought you hither ? VVere you by Neptune on the Sea b●tra●'d , And hither sent by sury of the weather ? Or landing to finde Booty , met with Death ? Or else besieging of some Town were slain ? Or for ●a●r women were bereav'd of breath ? Then Agamemnon answer'd me again : Noble Ulysses , I lost not my life By Neptunes sury , nor in fight at Land For Boo●y or for women ; but my wife . Did basely kill me by Aegistus hand . A● my first landing he invited me , And slew me ●hen when I at Supper sate . Just as a man would kill a Cow , so he Kill'd me . There 's no such woful death as that . My Friends were butcher'd like so many Swine , Which when within a mighty rich mans Hall Numbers of men invited are to dine At Wedding , or at Feast , are made to fall . You very many men have seen to die In ranged Battle , and in single fight ; But never felt such pity certainly As you had felt , had you but seen this sight , How we 'mongst Tables on the ground did lie That ran with blood . But my heart most did ru● To hear Cassandra , Priams Daughter cry , Whom close beside me Clytemnestra sl●w . Then though I were at the last gasp , I trid If groaping I might finde my fallen Sword : But the curst woman pusht it from my side . I di'd , to close mine eyes she 'd not afford . Nothing so cruel as a woman yet Did nature e're produce ; a thought so ill In any other breast did never fit , As her own loving Husbands blood to spill . Yet this my Wife , to the Eternal shame Of all the Sex , not only of the bad , But ev'n of those that have no evil Fame , Be●rai'd my life , and of my death was glad . Jove meant to Atreus Seed ( said I ) great sp●ght By Woman-kinde . By H●llen first . At Troy For her sake many lost their lives in sight , And Clytemnestra now did you be●ray . Therefore ( said Agam●m●on ) never trust A woman more , although she be your own . Tell her not all you think . Somewhat you must ▪ And somewhat keep t' your self , to her unknown ▪ But you Ulysses need not fear your wife , Icareus Daughter , fair Penelope ; She loves you better than to take your life : A wife so wise will scorn disloyalty . When we for Troy set forth together , then She gave suck to your Son ; but he is grown A man by this time , and takes place with men ; Is rich , and one day shall his Father own , And he and you at home embrace each other . But I was not allow'd my Son to see ; But was first murder'd by his wicked Mother . Now hear ye , If you will be rul'd by me , Let no man know before-hand , when and where ▪ You mean to land in Ithaca . Beware Of suffering your Bark in sight t' appear . Remember still , Women unfaithful are . But tell me , have you nothing all this while Heard of my Son Orestes ? whether he At Sparta with his Uncle be , or Pyle : For dead he is not , I know certainly . Alas ( said I ) Atrides , How should I That wand'ring was at Sea , hear any news VVhether alive or dead he be ? Or why Should I with Tales uncertain you abuse ? Discoursing thus , and weeping , there we stood , VVhen Great Achilles Soul appear'd to us ; And with him also the two Spirits good Of stout Patroclus , and Antilochus . The Soul of Ajax , Son of Telamon , VVas also there , who ' m●ngst those Warriours tall ▪ The goodliest Person was , except the Son Of Peleus , who did much excel them all . Achilles drank , and presently me knew , And said , Ulysses , what brought you to Hell ? VVhat Plot upon the Dead you hither drew , VVhere none but shades of wretched mortals dwell ? Achilles ( said I ) I was forc't to come T' inquire of th' VVizard , old Tiresias , VVhat the Fates say about my going home , VVhether or no , and how 't will come to pass . For since I came from Troy I have not seen Nor Itha●a , nor any Grecian shore : For tost and crost at Sea I still have been ; But you are now as well as heretofore . Like any God we honour'd you at Troy , And here among the Ghosts you are obey'd . Death hath not chang'd your state . You still enjoy A Regal Power . To this Achilles said : Talk not to me of Honour here in Hell ; I 'd rather serve a Clown on earth for bread , Than be of all things Incorporeal That are , or ever shall be , Supreme Head. But tell me of my Son Neoptolemus , Whether he came to Troy , and how he sought ; And of my aged Father P●leus , Whether he keep his place , or be put out . For since much time his vigour hath decai'd , Some Foe , it may be , hath usurp't his place I● Pthia , and in Hellas where he swai'd , And put him with his people in disgrace . But were I now above , and strong as then When for the Greeks I ●ought at Ilium , And slew so many of their bravest men , And to my aged Fathers house should come ; If there I were , 't would not be very long Before I made some of their hearts to ake That go about to do my Father wrong , And would by force his Honour from him take . When he had done , I made him answer thus : Concerning Peleus ▪ I can nothing say ; But of your Son , stout Neoptolemus , I know enough ; 't was I brought him to Troy From Scyros Isle . In Councel always he First spake his minde , and never spake but well . Nestor , and I sometimes , and only we Th' advice he gave were able to refel . In fight he sought no shelter in the throng , But ever out he ran before the rest , To shew his courage and his strength among Those Foes that were in Troy esteem'd the best . The names of all he slew I cannot tell ; They are too many . But 't was by his Sword That Great Eurypylus in Battle fell , Of all the Trojan Aids the goodli'st Lord , Excepting Memnon . After , when we were Within the Wooden-Horse conceal'd , and I The power had of ord'ring all things there , I never saw your Son to wipe his eye , Or to wax pale , as many of us did . He ever longed to be set on land From out the hole in which we all lay hid ; And to his Hilt he often put his hand , And often to his Spear . And when at last We won and rifled had the Town of Troy , He home into his Country safely past , His ship well laden with his part o' th' prey . And which is more , he came off safe and sound , Though Mars each way threw deaths and wounds about Amongst the croud , he ne'r received wound Neither from them that shot , nor them that fought . This said , the swift Achilles Soul retir'd , Strutting into the Mead of Asphod●l , Proud of his Son , to hear what he desir'd . Then other grieved Souls their stories tell . Only the Soul of Ajax stood off mute And sullen , because I did from him bear Achill●s Armour in that sad Dispute , Where Pallas and the Trojans Judges were . I would I had not had that Victory , Which cost the life of him that was the most Admir'd by all , for form and Chivalry , Except Achilles , in the Argive Host. I gently to him spake . Ajax , said I , Forget that cursed Armour now at last ; And since you dead are , let your anger die : For why , the Gods determin'd had to cast Those Arms amongst us for a punishment , Offended with us , what e're was the matter , And us'd them as an Engine , with intent Our greatest Tower , which was your self , to batter . For whom the Argives did lament no less Than for Achilles , Thetis Son. Come nigh , And hear what I can answer , and suppress Your mighty heart a while . So ended I. To this just nothing he repli'd , but went Int ' Erebus 'mongst other Shadows dim ; Yet there , I think , he would have been content To speak to me , if I to speak to him . But I desired other Souls to see . Then Minos there , the Son of Jove I saw With Golden Scepter , dealing Equity To Souls that stood , and sate to hear the Law. Next after him I saw the Great Orion ; A mighty Club he carried in his hand ; And hunted the wilde Boar , and Bear , and Lion , Which when he lived he had kill'd on Land. There also saw I ●itius . He lay Upon his back , strerch'● out full acres nine . He the fair Leto had upon the way To Pytho injur'd ; Leto Jov●s Concubine . Two Vultures on his breast , on each side one Sate dipping of their Beaks into his Liver . He stirreth not , but lets them still alone ; And thus devouring it , they stay for ever . And Tantalus I saw up to the Chin In water cleas , and longing sore to drink ; But as he bow'd himself to take it in , Some Devil always made the water sink . Close o're his head hung pleasant Fruit , and ripe Pears and Pomegranats , Olives , Apples , Figs ; Which ever when he ready was to gripe , A sudden winde still whiskt away the Twigs . And Sisyphus I saw , who 'gainst the Hill With hands and feet a heavy stone doth roll ; But when unto the top he brings it , still The naughty stone salls back into the hole . Then to 't he goes afresh , with no less pain He heaves and sweats , and dusty is all o're ; And when 't is up , he labour'd has in vain , For still it serves him as it did before . Then Hercules I saw , I mean his Spright , For he is with th Immortal Gods above , And taken has to wife Hebe the bright , Daughter of Juno , and of Mighty Jove . The dead about him made a fearful cry , Like frighted Fowl. A Golden Belt he wore With wilde Beasts wrought , & slaughters cunningly , The like shall never be , nor was before . He saw , and knew me presently , and spake ; Renown'd Ulysses , why left you the light ? Alas , were you constrain'd to undertake This task , as I was , by a meaner Wight ? Who , though Joves Son I was , did me constrain Full many other labours t'undergo . But he thought this would put me to most pain , Th' Infernal Dog upon the Earth to show . I did it though , and drag'd him up to th'light , By Mercury's , and by Athenas aid . Having thus said , he vanisht out of sight 'Mongst other Phantoms . But I still there staid , Hoping more Hero's of th' old time to see ; And more had surely seen of Heav'nly Race , Theseus , Pirythous , whom t 'had pleased me , If longer I had dar'd to keep my place . For then , from out of Hell , with hideous cry , Thousands of Souls about me gathered , And frighted me ; but most afraid was I , Lest Proserpine should send out Gorgons Head. Then went I to my Ship and Company , And for a while our Oars at Sea we pli'd : But after we were on the Main , then we A fair Gale had , and past the Ocean wide . LIB . XII . THence over th' Ocean back we come away , And at the Isle Aeea we arrive . There are the Bowers of Aurora gay ; There 't is that Phoebus doth the day revive : And there we disimbark upon the Sand , And having slept a while , attend the day . When day was come , my Fellows I command To fetch Elpenors body dead away . With wood from off a Promontory near , Weeping , his body we to ashes burn Together with his Arms , and th' earth we rear ( To be a Monument ) upon his Urn ; And on the same we fix his Oar upright . These Ceremonies done , came the Divine Circe , that knew we landed were that night . Her Maids brought to us bread , and meat , & wint . And standing in the midst , Poor men ( said she ) That come from Hell , and thither must again ; Twice-mortals , take your food , and merry be With flesh and lusty wine , forget your pain . To morrow you shall sail again , and I Will to you all your dangers open lay , Lest you by some malicious subtilty , By Land or Sea , should perish by the way . This pleas'd us well , and all day long we sate Eating and drinking Wine , until 't was dark , And somewhat e're we saw it evening late , My Mates lay down to sleep beside the Bark . Then Circe led me by the hand aside , And askt me all that I had seen in Hell ; Nor any thing at all from her I hide . 'T is well , said she . Now hear what I you tell . First you must pass the Sirens , who invite All Passengers that Sail before the place To land . But whosoever lands , that night Of 's Wise and Children ne're more sees the face . These Sirens in a Meadow sit and sing , Where dead mens bones in heaps about them lie Rotting , and rivel'd skins lie scattering . Pass on , and their enchanting Musick fly . Command your Mates to tie you to the Mast ; And that if you make signes to be set free , They heed you not , but binde you still more fast , That you alone may hear their melody . Dam up your Fellows ears with chased wax . When you are gotten out of hearing quite , And have the Sirens far off at your backs , Another danger soon will come in sight . Two ways ●here are ; but which of them to take I 'll not advise you , both of them are naught . Your self upon the place your judgment make , Of which I 'll give you only a short draught . Two Rocks there be that with inclining brow Hang o're the Sea , which roaring runs between ; By th' name of Wanderers the Gods them know , Because in changed posture they are seen . Whereof the one does to such height ascend , That never any Birds that way take wing , Nor fearful Doves when they to Heaven tend , Ambro●ia to th' Immortal Gods to bring . One of these Rocks doth vanish now and then , But Jove still sets another in its stead . This way ne're ship did safely carry men , But dash'd was 'gainst the Rocks , and perished . The good ship Argo only pass'd that way To and from Co●chos safely ; yet that too Had perish'd , but that Juno did convey The same ( for love she bare to Jason ) through . The other Rock unmov'd , with pointed head , Pierceth the Clouds , and reaches to the Sky In Winter , and in Summer's covered , And wrapped up in Mists perpetually . Nor could a mortal man climb up unto 't , Although he were indu'd with twenty hands , And with as many nimble feet to boot , So smooth it is , and so upright it stands . I' th' midst o' th' Rock you 'll see a Cavern dark That looketh Westward . That way you must row . The mouth o' th' Cave is more above your Ba●k Than th' youngest man can shoot to with a Bowe . There 't is that Scylla dwells and barks : her voice Like to a Lions whelps voice is ; but she A mighty Monster is ; 't would not rejoyce A God , much less a man her shape to see . Twelve feet she has in all , and ugly ones . Six huge long necks ; and to each neck a head . And in each head for teeth sh' has rows of bones , And every row of them envenomed . Half of her body in the Cave she hides ; But all her Heads she putteth out , and watches For Dog-fish , Dolphins , and what Fish besides The Sea affords , and Whales she sometimes catches . Ne're did bold Sailer boast that pass'd that way , That he had scaped safely by her Den ; Or that a mouth of hers did want its prey , But from him snatch'd away some of his men . The Rock that 's opposite is not so high , But there the passage is exceeding narrow . For you , ●lysses , if you please to try , From side to side can eas'ly shoot an Arrow . Out of this Rock grows a great Sycamore , Under the which Charybdis hidden lies , And suddenly the water does devour , And suddenly again she makes it rise . Thrice in a day the water rises high , And thrice a day again the same doth fall . But when it falls , take heed you be not nigh ; Keep Scylla-side ; better lose six than all . When she had made an end : Goddess , said I , Tell me I pray you when I have got free From th' evil which Charybdis means me , why On Scylla I may not avenged be . Fie , fie , quoth she , are you at ●ighting still ? Dare you against the Gods oppose your might ? For Scylla is an everlasting ill . Row on apace , and save your selves by flight . 'Gainst such a Monster remedy there 's none , But row as fast as e're you can away . For if you stay to put your Armour on , She 'll stoop again , and take another prey . Row swiftly on , and to Cratais cry , That in her Belly the ●oul Monster bore , And she will keep her in as you go by , That she shall not assault you any more . Next at Thrinacia-Isle you shall arrive , Where feed the Suns broad-horned Kine & sheep . Sev'n Herds there be , in each one ten times five , As many Flocks , which Sols two Daughters keep , Phaetusa and Lampetio Divine ; Their Mother was Neaera that did bear And bring them up , and to them did assigne The keeping of their Fathers Cattle there . These if you suffer quietly to feed , You shall get home again , though with some pain ; But if you hurt them , know it is decreed Your ship and men shall perish in the Main . And though your self you save , your ship you 'll loose , And Mates , and in your passage finde delay . This said , the Rosie-finger'd morning rose , And Circe up the Island went her way . But I went to my ship , and call'd my Crew To come aboard . Aboard they quickly come , And sitting each man in his order due , With stroak of Oars they make the grey Sea foam . The Goddess Circe also was so kinde , As when we were gone off , and sails had spread , To fill them with a favourable winde . So sate we while the Steers-man governed . Then to my Mates with heavy heart I spake : Not one or two of you alone must hear What Circ● said , but all , that you may take Your own advice , since 't is a common fear . You must not hear the Sirens melody , But row with all your might till we be past . To me alone she gives that liberty , But so as first you binde me to the Mast. Binde me you must upright both hand and foot , And so as I may not the knot unknit : And if I wink upon you to undo 't , Then take more Cord and binde me faster yet . Whilst I my Fellows thus informing stood , The Island of the Si●…ns came in sight : For nimble was our ship , and the winde good ; But suddenly we were becalmed quite . Some D●…mon sure had laid the Waves asleep . Then took we in our Sails , and laid them by , And with our Oars in hand provokt the Deep , And in a milky path we forward ply . Then from a Ball of Wax I pinch a bit , Chase it , and into th' ears of one it put ; And so to all in order as they sit . Which soon was done ▪ ●he weather being hot . Then streight they rise and b●nde me to the Mast At th' arms and feet : the knot behind they tie ; And then upon their seats themselves they plac'd , And row'd till to the Island we were nigh . When to the Island we were come so nigh , As that a man that hollows may be heard , The Sirens knowing when we should come by , Had tun'd themselves , and had their Song prepar'd . Come , come , much prais'd Ulysses , come away , The brigh●est glory of the Greeks come near : No mortal man did ever come this way , That did not to our Musick lend an ear . Delight they sound , and wisdom carrid hence . Stay , stay your good black ship , ●orbear a while To beat the Sea ; please and inform your sense . Come , disimbark your selves upon our Isle . We know what feats of Arms were done at Troy Between the Greeks and Trojans all along . We know what 's done on th' whole earth every day . Come , come a-land , and listen to our Song , And this they sung with so much harmony And sweetness in their voices , that I fain Would have recovered my liberty , And to them winkt , to be set loese again . But 't would not be . My Mates regard my words , And not my winks , and sit still at the Oar. Euryloch●s and Perimede bring Cords , And binde me harder than they did before . When we had left the Si●ens at our backs So far as not to hear them any more , My fellows from their ears pull out the Wax , And me unto my liberty restore . We had not sailed far , when there appear'd An angry Sea before us all in smoke ; And thumping of the mighty Waves , we heard Upon the stubborn Rocks at every stroke . Besides , the Sea so mighty loud did roar , As with one dismal Hum it fill'd the Ear , And made my Mates each one let fall his Oar , So much their senses were benum'd with fear . Still stood the Bark . Then I among them go With gentle words , new courage to convey Into their failing hearts , to make them row ; And passing by , to every one I say : My Friends , we all have dangers past , And greater much than what we now do fear . Remember how from Polyphemus vast By my good conduct we deliver'd were . I do not doubt but you remember it . My counsel therefore also now obey . Row close along the shore , the Gods may yet Deliver us , but by no other way . But you that have the guiding of the ship , Steers-man , to you I speak , mark what I say , Steer her without the smoke ; for if she slip Aside , though little , we are cast away . This said , my Fellows speedily obey'd . Of th'Monster Scylla not a word I told ; Lest they should throw away their Oars , dismal'd , And for their shelter run into the Hold. But Circe's counsel I had quite forgot . I arm'd my self , and took into my hand Two Spears , though she expresly had said not ; And looking upwards at the head I stand . But she appeared not . I look'd so high And long upon the hideous Rock , my sight Began to fail , and now we were close by That dismal streight , which doth us all affright . Here Scylla stands , and the Charybdis dire Lies vomiting the Sea , which sings and dances Like water in a Kettle o're the fire , And vapours to the highest Rocks advances . But when the Sea it sucketh in again , It sounds like thunder in the hollow stone . And we could see the bottom very plain ; Sandy it was , and black to look upon . Whilst we our eyes upon Charybdis fix , And stand amazed at the horrid sight , Suddenly Scylla stoopt , and snatch'd up six Of the best men I had to row or fight . I from the ship that never stir'd my eye , Soon saw their sprauling arms and legs●… air , And heard them lamentably to me cry , And name me in their uttermost despair . As fishers in a Horn mix fraud and food , And from the Bank at th' end of a long Wand , To catch the Fry cast it into the Flood , Then pluck them up , and throw them on the land : So lifted were my Mates . Of my mishaps This was the saddest I did ever see , When she my men cham'd in her ugly Chaps , Roaring and holding out their hands to me . From Scylla we unto the Island row . Where feeding were Sols sacred Sheep and Kine . Before we landed I could hear them low ; Which brought into my minde the Prophesi● Of old Tiresias the T●●ban Bard , That counsel'd me this Island for to shun : Of Circe also I like counsel heard , And not to land i' th' Island of the Sun. Then speaking to my Fellows , Friends , said I , This Island sacred is to Sol ; this place Tiresias and Circe both bid fly , And not to disimbark in any case . For if we do , for certain they declare The greatest mischief that e're men befell : Therefore keep cut to Seaward , and beware Of landing here , and then we shall be well . But then Eurylochus to me began : You have , Ulysses , a hard heart , quoth he ; There is no labour but you bear it can ; Your limbs of stubborn steel composed be . But you consider not your Mates are tir'd With their continual tugging at the Oar , And that refreshment is and sleep requir'd , Which is not to be had but on the shore , But you would have us wander in the night , When in the night the greatest winds arise , The bane of ships ; and when depriv'd of light , To save our selves we can no way devise . What if great winds should blow from South or West , Which often happens , though their King not know Or not consent ? Therefore I think it best To night to sup ashore , to morrow row . So said Eurylochus , and was commended By all my Mates : and presently I knew One Daemon or another had intended To ruine me , together with my Crew . Then said I to Eurylochus , 'T were vain To strive against so many men alone . But you shall take an Oath that you 'll abstain From hurting of the Cattle of the Sun. Of Circe's meat there 's left us yet good store . This said , they took the Oath ; which having done , They put into the Harbour , and ashore They sup . And when their hunger now was gone , Their Mates remembring that in th' hollow Rock By th'monster Scylla were devour'd , they weep And wail , and with their hands they knock Their brests , and in that posture fell asleep . The Stars had climb'd a third part of the Sky , When with a Whirl-winde Jove together fetcht The Clouds from ev'ry part , and suddenly On Sea and Land a dismal night was stretcht . And when the Rosie finger'd morning came , Our Ship we to a hollow Cave advance , Wherein the Sea-Nymphs Seats and Couches have , And where they are accustomed to dance . Thither I call'd my Mates , and said again : Friends , we have meat and drink aboard , be wise , And from the Herds and Flocks of Sol abstain , Who heareth all we say , and all espies , To this did my Campanions all assent . But for a month there blew no other winde Than South and East ; so that we there were pent I'th'Island longer than we had design'd . My Mates , whilst they had bread and meat aboard , Forbore to meddle with the Sacred Kine : And fetch'd in what the Island did afford Of Fish and Fowl , to have wherewith to dine . Up I into the Island went aside , The Conduct of th' Immortal Gods t'implore , That some of them 't would please to be my Guide , And me unto my Country to restore . And in a place desended from the winde I wash'd my hands ; and then with tears and sighs Before the Gods I poured out my minde , And they a sweet sleep poured on my eyes . Mean time Eurylochus bad counsel gives To his Companions . All deaths , quoth he , Are ha●eful to what thing soever lives : But death by hunger is the worst can be . Let 's kill some of the fattest of these Cows , And sacrifice unto the Gods on high ; And to appease the Sun , let 's all make Vows To build a Temple to his Deity Enrich'd with Gifts . If not content with this , For a few Cows displeas'd he seek our death , For once to gape and die , far better 't is Than strive with hunger till we lose our breath . This said , my Fellows all his counsel take , And chase Sols sacred Herds , that graz'd hard by ; And then for recompence their Vows they make To build a Temple to his Deity . But when they made their Vows , Chaplets they wear Of tender leaves pluckt from the spreading Oak . White Barley they had none , the which men bear , When in their danger they the Gods invoke . After the Vow persorm'd , the Kine they flay , And take their Thighs and cover them with sat ; And one of them upon the other lay , To burn upon the Altar . After that , Their Offering of Drink they pour'd upon The Altar , as the Sacrifice they burn . It ought t' have been of Wine ; but having none , They pour'd on water fair , which serv'd the turn . When th' Entrails by my Fellows eaten were , And fire consumed had the Sacrifice , The rest they roast on Spits , and made good chear . Just then it was that sleep ●orsook my eyes . And back again I walk'd down tow'rds the shore . But coming near , perceiv'd the vapour rise Of roasted meat . Then to the Gods I rore , You give'me sleep , and take away my life ; So strange a thing my Mates the while have done . Swiftly Lampetio to Heav'n flies , And carries up the news unto the Sun. The Sun in choler all the Gods defies , Unless they right him of this injury . Jove Father , and you other Powers Divine , ●evenge me of Ulysses Company That have so insolently slain my Kine . It was my joy to see them in the Morn , And in the Evening , ●re I went to bed . Revenge me , O ye Gods ! of this their scorn , Or I 'll go down to Hell and light the Dead . No Phoebus ( answer'd Jove ) hold up your light For Gods and Mortal men to see their way . As for the men that did you this despight , Their ship at Sea with Lightning I 'll destroy . At this discourse in Heaven was Hermes by , And heard his Father make this sad Decree : And he again told all this History To th'fair Calypso , and she told it me . When to my Fellows I was come , I rate Them all full bitterly , and one by one ; But all in vain , for now it was too late : The Gods by Signes detested what was done , The skins did creep . the flesh o' th' Spits did low , Both raw and roast . Six days in th' Isle we staid Feasting on Phoebus Kine , the seventh we row ; For then the fury of the winde was laid . When we were out at Sea we fix our Mast , And up into the winde our Sails we draw , And had the Isle so far behinde us cast , That nothing else but Sky and Sea we saw . Then Jove , when far from Land he saw our ship , Just over it a dismal black Cloud hung , Which made it dark as night upon the Deep ; And then our good ship run not very l●●g . For presently from West a sudden blast Came roaring in , and vehemently strains And breaks the Cordage that upheld the Mast ; Which falling down , beats out the S●eerers brains . He drops into the Sea. The Mast hang● o're At Stern . The Yards lie cross the sink . And all the while both Heaven and Sea did rore With Thunder loud , which made our hearts to shrink . And by and by into the ship Jove threw His Thunder-bolt , which whirl'd it round about . It smelt of Sulphur rank ; and all my Crew Into the Sea it suddenly threw out . They like to Gulls from wave to wave were born , But I kept still aboard , till at the last The Rudder from a-stern the ship was torn , And fell into the Sea , and with 't the Mast. The Mast had hanging on it broken Ropes , Wherewith I bound them both together fast , And sate upon them as my latest hopes , Until the fury of the Storm was past . The storm now laid , th'wind came about to th' South , And carri'd me before it , till the Sun Next morning rose ; and then we were i'th'mouth Of dire Charybdis , just when she begun To swallow up the Sea. Then up leapt I , And on the spreading Sycamore laid hold . But to 't I could not climb ; the boughs so high I could not reach : And far off was the root . There by the hands I hung , expecting when Charybdis should cast up the Sea , and bring The Rudder and the Mast to th' top agen . Mean while , in th' Air I patiently swing . What time the Judge ariseth from his seat , Ending the brabbles of contentious men , And all come weary home to take their meat , Then came my Mast and Rudder up agen . And I into the Sea close by them drop . Then having soon recovered them , again I place my self a-stride , once more , a top ; And with my hands I rowed on the Main . If Scylla this had seen , undoubtedly I had been lost . But 't was the●grace of Jove , That all this while she did not me espy , But kept her self retir'd i' th' Rock above . Thus wandred I at Sea nine days out-right . O' th' tenth at night the Gods brought me to land In th' Isle Ogygia , where Calypso bright Receiv'd me with a charitable hand . But how she treated me , I need not say ; You and the Queen already know it well , From the Relation I made yesterday ; Nor do I love the same Tale twice to tell . LIB . XIII . THis said , all silent and delighted were . Alcinous then said , Ulysses , since You safely to me are arrived here , You shall not lose your way in going hence . But Princes you that daily with me sit , Drinking good Wine , and hearing Musique sweet , And given to the Stranger have what 's fit , I 'll tell you what yet farther I think meet . Garments he has a Chest-full , and good store Of Gold Plate , and of other Gifts he has . Take my advice . Let each man give him more , A Caldron , or a three-foot Pot of Brass . I know to each man 't will be too great largess , But by the Peoples Contribution We 'll make amends . The Town shall bear the charges . The motion pleas'd , and 't was agreed upon . Then went they ev'ry man to his repose , And soon as Morning did again appear , Aboard the Ship the Vessel they dispose . Al●inous himself directed where . And then into the Palace they return , And Sacrifice to Jove a well-sed Beast , The Thighs upon the Altar there they burn ; And with the rest they make themselves a Feast . Demodocus before them sung and plaid , Who for his Art was famous in the Town . Ulysses to the Sun lookt up , and staid Longing and wishing that it would go down . As one that hath at Plough been all the day , Hungry his Belly , feeble is his knee , Beholds the setting of the Sun with joy ; So glad Ulysses was Sun-set to see . Then to Alcincus and all the rest , Offer , said he , unto the Gods their Wine . I have already all that I request , And many Gifts , which may the Pow'rs Divine Make happy to me . Let me now depart , That I may see my dear Wife and my Friends . And blest may you stay here with joy at heart , Comfort your Wives , and obtain all your ends . And strong and worthy Children may you have ; Nor 'mongst the people trouble or disease . This said , they prais'd him all , and counsel gave The Stranger to conduct safe o're the Seas . Alcinous then call'd for Wine ; and bad Pontonous present it to each one , Until unto the Gods all offer'd had , That so Ulysses sooner might be gone . Ponto●ous brought Wine , and carri'd it From man to man ; and each man drank his Cup , Blessing the Gods in order as they sit . When all had drunk , Ulysses standeth up , And speaking to Queen Arete he said , Happy for ever may you be , O Queen , I take my leave . Be you for ever joy'd In King Alcinous as you have been , And in your Children and your people all . And when he this had said , away he went. Alcinous did then a Squier ▪ call , Whom with Ulysses to the Ship he sent . Arete to her women sent . One brought Fine bread and store of black wine of the best , Another brought with her a Cloak and Coat . Another brought , to lay them in , a Chest. Which by the Marriners were quickly stow'd Aboard the good Ship , with the wine and bread . And for Ulysses many Rugs they strow'd O' th' Deck , a stern , with linnen at his head . And then aboard he went. When he was la●n , Their Seats they take , and parted from the Strand , Re●lining dasht with Oars the liquid plain , While sleep Ulysses bound had foot and hand . As when four Horses gallop o're a plain The way runs swiftly by the Coaches side ; So did the good ship mount upon the Main , And to the Stern the water swiftly glide . A Hawk could harldly with it have kept pace , A Hawk that of all Fowl the swiftest flies ; So swiftly ran the ship on th' Oceans face , And with her breast the rising water slice ; Bearing a man for wisdom like a God ; That past had fearful Billows on the Deep , And many bloody paths of War had trod , The thought whereof was now remov'd by sleep , Above the Earth now risen was the Star Days Messenger , and brightest of the Sky ; The Ship was then from Ithaca not far . A Port there is , which from a Deity Is called Ph●rcys ; a Sea-Deity . Two jetting Rocks defend it from the wind , When once within a ship will safely lie . There needs no Cord a floting ship to bind ; At the Ports head grows a large Olive-tree , And near it an obscure and pleasant Cave , Where the Nereiades delight to be , And there they Bowls of Stone , and Beakers have . The Bees make honey there . Besides there be Long Beams of stone , whereon the Nymphs do weave ▪ Rich Pu●ple Garments , wonderful to see , And Fountains which their running never leave . Two Doors there are , one North , Men go that way ; The other to the South more Sacred is , Th'Immortals here go in , and none but they . The Gods have to themselves reserved this . All this Ulysses Convoy knew before ; And here the ship arrived safely lands , And half her length lay dry upon the shore . Such was the strength of those Ph●…acian hands . The lusty Seamen when they landed were , First took Ulysses sleeping as he lay Bedding and all , and to the Land him bear , And lay him from the Sea a little way . Then they unship his Goods , Gold , Vestures , Brass , Gifts given him by the Phaeacians ; Which at the foot of th'Olive-Tree they place , Out of the way , lest Passengers should chance To steal them while Ulysses was asleep . When this was done the Convoy stayed not , But rowed out the ship into the Deep ; Nor Neptune had Ulysses yet forgot , But said to Jupiter complaining then , What honour from the Gods can I expect , When the Phaeacians that are but men ( Although descended from me ) me neglect ? For though Ulysses I destroyed not , Because his coming home you had decreed ; Yet that he should be brought home thus , ne'r thought Asleep , and painless , and with so much speed , Enricht with Gold , and Brass , and Vestures store , As much as had come to his share at Troy. This the Phaeacians have done , and more ; In this licentiousness they take a joy . Then answered Jove . Neptune , what 's this you say ? The Gods neglect you not . It cannot be That are the eldest and of greatest sway Of any of them . If Man injure thee , To take revenge enough your own pow'r is . I will not hinder you , do what you please . To Jupiter then Neptune answer'd this . I could , O Jove , have been reveng'd with ease , But that I fear'd you would offended be . And now I 'll tell you what I mean to do . Assoon as I the ship returning see , I 'll fix it , that they may no more do so . Besides , their City with a Hill I 'll hide . O but ( said Jupiter ) were it my case , When from the City people all espi'd The ship hard by , I would a Rock there place In likeness of a ship not far from Land , To make men wonder , and then round about The City make a mighty Mountain stand . This said by Jove , the God of Seas went out To Sch●ria ( where the Phaeacians First planted were . ) The ship came swiftly on , And on it Neptune laid his mighty hands , And roots it in the Sea , turn'd into Stone . The Rowers t'one another say , What 's this ? Who hath our good ship fixed in the water ? And yet above the water still it is . Thus said they , but knew nothing of the matter , Then spake Alcinous . Perform'd ( said he ) Is what long since I heard my Father say , That Neptune angry was that Strangers we , Who e're they were , did to their homes convey , And threatned had with a great Hill to hide The City , and destroy the Passage-Boat . This by my Father then was Prophesi'd . And now , you see , at last about 't is brought . Therefore be rul'd by me Convoy no more , But let us unto Neptune Sacrifice Twelve chosen Bu●…cks , and his grace implore To set no Hill there . So did he advise . And then to Neptune they their Prayers make Standing at th' Altar , King and Princes all . And now Ulysses lying was awake , But to his mind the place could not recal . For Pallas had about him cast a mist , That at his coming he might not be know● ; But she her self instruct him as she list , Till he the Suiters all had overthrown . All things seem'd to him other than they were , Paths , Highways , Creeks , Havens , Trees and Rocks , And rising up he was he knew not where , And with his open hand his thigh he knocks . A● me ( said he ) whither am I come now ? To civil or to wild and lawless men ? Where shall I hide my Treasure ? whither go ? Would I were at Phaeacia agen . To other friends I might have gone from thence , And ●…thaca obtained a Convoy . Here for my Treasure I see no defence . Left here to others they will be a prey . I see the Princes of Phaeacia Are not so just as I took them to be ; They promis'd to set me at Ithaca , But have to some place else transported me . Jove that sees all , and punisheth the ill , Will be revenged also of these men . But come , my Presents number now I will The Seamen may have ta'●e some back agen . His Garments and his Plate then numbred he , And nothing missing was of all his pels . Then walkt he sostly along by the Sea Lamenting and bewailing of himself . And then came Pallas to him . She had on The Body of a Shepherd young and tender , As if she had of some Prince been the Son ; Lin'd was his Coat , the thred was fine & slender . With Dart in hand , and fine shooes on his f●et . ●lysses who beheld her was much joy'd , And forth himself advanced , her ●…cet . And first he to her spake , and thus he said : Joy to you be , and good-will towards me ; Save for me these my Goods , and save me too . You are the first I meet here ; at your knee I bow my self as men bow Gods unto . Tell me ( I pray you ) true , What Land is this ? What Town ? Th' Inhabitants what men ? An Isle , or of the Continent a piece ? To this the Goddess answered agen . Simple you are , or very far hence dwell , To ask what Country this is . For 't is not A place obscure ; for known 't is very well Both East and West , though but a little spot , And rugged ground , not fit for galloping ; Yet Corn it bears abundantly and Wine ; And is well watered both with Dew and Spring And nourisheth great Herds of Goats and Kine . Of wood of ev'ry sort there is good store . Though from A●haea far men say is Troy , Yet Ithaca is talkt of on that shore . These words unto Ulysses were great joy . And to the Goddess then he answered ( Falsly ; on Fables keeping still his hold , As one that always Plots hath in his head ) I have ( said he ) of Ithaca been told Fa● hence in Crete , and now am thither come With these my Goods , but leaving to my Child About as much as I brought out from home , And here I am alone , a man exil'd . For of Idomeneus I kill'd the Son Orsilochus , sor swiftness of his feet So excellent , there was not any one That could out run him in the Isle of Crete , Because I had refused a Command Under his Father at the Siege of Troy , And would command my own , he took in hand To have depriv'd me of my share o' th' Prey , Which to my dangers and my deeds was due . For which , by night with one Companion Near the High-way I with my Spear him slew , And in the dark escap'● when I had done . And to Phoenicia by Sea I went ; And hired with a good part of my Prey To Pylus or to Elis to be sent . But adverse winds forc't us another way . And wandring there arrived in the night . And streight into this Por●…we brought the Bark . Ne're thought of Food , though very well we might , But went ashore , and lay down in the dark , And there I slept . The Mariners mean while Take out my Goods and lay them on the shore , And back unto Sidonia they sail , And after that I never saw them more . At this the Goddess smil'd , and stroak'd his head , And in a womans shape before him stood , Of stature tall and like to one well bred , The cras● that catches you had need be good . You cannot though at home your wile● f●…go , And your fam'd Stories , though there be no need ; So close they stick to you from top to toe . But now no more of that . For 't is agreed 'Mongst Mortals you , amongst Immortals I For Counsel and Invention excel . Did you not know me that perpetually Have at your need assisted you so well ? And now am come to help you to secure The rich Phaeacia● Presents you have here , And tell you what at home you must endure ; Affronts and scorns , you shall find many there . Then said Ulysses , Difficult it is For any mortal man though very wise To know a God , that can their form dismiss , And when they will , put on a new disguise . When th' Argive Army was besieging Troy , Goddess I know how gracious you were then . But after ( the Town sackt ) we came away , And scatter'd had the Gods our ships and men , And I was wandring on the Ocean wide , I never saw you , never had your aid , Save at Phaeacia you were pleas'd to guide Me to the Town , and hasten me dismaid . But I beseech you ( for still do I doubt This is not Ithaca that I am at , But some place else , and that you go about With comforts feign'd my sorrows to abate . ) Tell me if this my Country be indeed . Pallas said then , Suspitious still you are . I cannot theresore leave you in your need , Since wise you be , and willing to beware . Another man that had been along away , Had straight gone home to see his Wife and Son ; But that for you is not the safest way , Nor had it yet been opportunely done . Know how she 'll take it first . She keeps within , And spends in weeping both the night and day . I know full well the Fates his coming spin , But that his Mates shall first be cast away . But with my U●kle N●…e had no mind To be at odds , that in such choler is ; For making of his Son the Cy●l●ps blind . But come , Fil shew you Ithaca . First , This The Port of Phorcys is , This the Olive-tree , There near it is the gloomy Cavern , where The Nymphs Naïades invoked be . And by you in that Cave much worshipt were . The Hill so cloth'd with wood is Neriton . This said , the Mist dissolves , and then Ulysses His Native Country joyful looks upon , And falling on his knees the Soil he kisses . And then to the Naïades he prai'd , Hail Daughters of High Jove Naïades , Ne'r to have seen you more I was afraid ; But oft we shall again , if Pallas please To give me life , and prosper my dear Son , Your Altar fill with Gists as heretofore . The Goddess Pall●s when his Pray'r was done , Answer'd , Let that thought trouble you no more . But come , let 's now see how your Goods to save , Now presently . 'T were well that they were laid Wi●hin some Rock at bottom of the Cave . Then went she in , and Caves in Cave survey'd . Ulysses brought into the Grot his Store , Garments , and heavy Brass , and Golden Plate ; Which Pallas plac'd , and laid a Rock o' th' door , And then in counsel both together sate The Suiters to destroy . Pallas first spake . Ulysses ( said she ) think on how you may Your just revenge of the proud Suiters take , That use your House and Substance as their prey ; That marry would your Wife by force . But she Still keeps them off with hopes and promises , Expecting your return continually , But than of Marriage think of nothing less . O , said Ulysses , But for your advice , I died had as Agamemnon did . But now , O Pallas , find out some device How of the Suiters best I may be rid . And by me stand inspiring courage stout , As when we pull'd Troys head-gear off her head . For then to master them I should not doubt Three hundred though they were . Then answered The Goddess Pallas , By you I will stand ; You cannot fight , but I shall of it know , And bring unto you such a lucky hand , That with their Blood and Brains the ground shall flow . Come , First ●'ll make you to men pass unknown , I 'll shrink your skin that 's now so fair and fresh , And from your head take off that hair so brown , And cover will with such array your flesh As men shall hate the sight of . Then your eyes I 'll shrivel up , that were so full and bright , That in this habit th'Woo'rs may you despise , Nor your wife know you standing in her sight . Then go you to the Master of your Swine That loves you and your Son and your Consort , And to direct you to him take this signe . He 's at Crow Rock , thither the Swine resort , And t'Arethusa's well . For why , the Oken Berries with that sweet water make them fat . Stay there till to him you your mind have spoken , And well inform'd your self of your estate . To La●edaemon I the while will go , To call your Son Telemachus away , Who thither went by Sea , that he might know What Menelaus there of you could say . Then said Ulysses , Goddess , since you could Have told him all your self , why did you not ? Meant you that also he be wandring should While other men stay feeding on his Lot ? Trouble not you your self with him , said she . I sent him and went with him with intent To shew him to the World abroad . And he At Sparta treated is to his content . 'T is true , the Suiters with a Ship are gone To wait for , and to kill him , by the way . But I believe before that that be done , Some will lie low that now your goods destroy . And as she spake , she stroakt him with her Wand . And rivell'd seem'd his skin ( which was before So sleek and fair ) as if it had been tann'd . And gray his hair , rivel'd his eyes all o're . And then she gave him an ill-favour'd Rag Torn , foul , and smutted filthily with soot , And over that the pill'd skin of a Stag , And Satchel full of holes then added to 't With twisted string . And up their councel brake . The Goddess Pallas thence to Sparta past , To bid Telemachus his leave to take Of Menelaus , and go home with haste . LIB . XIV . BUt he in rugged way , o're Mountains sleep , Through Woods obscure unto Eumaeus went , Whose Office was the herds of Swine to keep ; And of his Servants was most diligent And found him in the Porch before the Door . The house was handsome , and high-built and great , Nor to it was adjoyned any more , Well fenc'd from wind it was , and a warm seat , Built by himself on purpose for the Swine Of his good Lord Ulysses that was gone , With Stone that hew'n was from the rocky Mine , Besides those of Laertes and his Son. And with a quickset-hedge enclosed round , And Pales of heart of Oak the hedge without Set close together , and stuck deep i' th' ground . And thus the house was senced round about . Within the Court twelve lodgings were for Swine , And ev'ry one of them h●ld five times ten ; And there the female and the teeming ly●n . The males lay-out , but much diminisht then , For the proud Suiters eaten had the rest , Eum●us having sent in every day One of the fattest of the Herd and best , And yet three hundred and threescore were they . Near to the Swine four Dogs were ever lying , ●●ke to wild Beasts ; and by Eumaeus fed . Himself was feather to his foot applying , Made of a good Cow-hide well coloured . Three Dogs attending were the Herd . The fourth Convoying was a Swine unto the Woo'rs , The other three ran fie●cely bawling forth When they Ulyss●s saw come neer the doors . Ulysses wisely then his Staff le ts fall , And presently sits down upon the ground . But had Eumaeus not come in withal , An unbeseeming fortune he had found . Who letting fall the leather for his shooe , Running and rating came in to his aid ; And snatcht stones up abundance at them threw , And then he to Ulysses spake and said , Old man your self almost to death you brought By those accursed Dogs , and me to shame , As if my sorrow great enough were not , But that there must be added to it blame . While sitting here I for my Master weep , And feed his Swine for other men to eat , He somewhere swallow'd up is in the Deep , Or wandets up and down for want of meat . But come , Old man , into the Lodge let 's go , That when of meat and wine you have your fils , You may then tell me when●e you are , and who , And how much you have suffered of ill . This said , he led him in and made him sit , And under him he store of rushes laid , O're that a Goa●skin , thick with hair was it Of which a speckl'd wild Goat had been flaid . Ulysses glad to see the man so kind And very hearty , answered and said , May all your Pray'rs like entertainment find With Jove for whatsoever you have prai'd . Stranger ( then said Eumaeus ) it was never My custome any Stranger to neglect . The poor and Stranger are in Gods hand ever . Few are my Gifts , and but of small effect . For Servants of young Masters stand in fear ; And by the Gods my old one fast is bound From coming home . 'T was he that gave me here A house and fair possession of ground As much as fits a Master to his Swain , And helpt me too contentedly to wive , Which taketh off a great part of my pain . Also the Gods have made my labour thrive . How happy had I been if he had stai'd ! Accursed be that Helen and her Kin. For , for Atrides sake he Anchors wai'd , Himself much misery engaging in . Having thus said , he girded on his Coat , And fetcht in two young Pigs : not long he staid , But kill'd , sindg'd , jointed , roasted , piping-hot Before Ulysses with the Spits he laid , Then strows them over with the flour of Wheat , And in an Ivy Bowl he tempers Wine ; And sitting o're against him bids him eat . Eat , says he , Servants food , the lesser Swine . The great ones are the pamper'd Suiters fare . The blessed Gods hate evil works , and love Them that do well . But these men little care For mercy or for vengeance from above . Yet enemies and lawless men , when they Disbark upon anothers Land , and there With Prey their ship have laden , come away ; And of revenge stand always in great fear . But these men know not , nor by Voice Divine Assured are Ulysses now is dead ; Yet neither will go hence , nor have designe To seek by lawful ways his Wife to wed ; But stay and waste his Substance without hoe . For not a day went o're their heads that they Did Sacrifice one only Beast or two ; And wine abundance drink and cast away . Ulysses his estate and wealth was such , In Greece nor Argos , no Prince in Epire , Nor twenty had in Ithaca so much . And if to have it reckon'd you desire , Upon the Continent twelve herds of ●ine , Twelve herds of Goats , as many flocks of Sheep , As many Swine-houses replete with Swine , Which herdsmen of the Country there did keep . And here , upon the Islands farthest end There be eleven herds of Goats . Of these The Goat-keeper does ev'ry day one send , The best of all , the Suiters proud to please . And daily I the best of all my Swine . Thus said he . But Ulysses silent sate , Eating his meat , and drinking of his Wine , And plotting in his head the Suiters fate . When he had supt , Eumaeus to the b●im Fill'd up his Cup with wine . Ulysses then Glad that Eumaeus so well treated him , Drank , and the Cup deliv'ring back agen , Friend ( says he ) That so rich and valiant man Your Master that was for Atrides lost , If I have seen him , do you think you can Know him ? God knows I have seen many a coast , Then answer'd he , There is no Stranger able Nor with his VVife nor Son to get belief . The news they tell both take but for a Fable Invented by their want to get relief . Many poor men come to Penelope , And make her weep in vain with Tales untrue . And where you think you shall rewarded be VVith Coat or other Garment , so can you . But he 's devour'd by Beasts or Fowls at Land , Or Fish at Sea have on his body fed . And on the Shore his Bones lie clad in sand . But howso'ere it be , the man is dead ; And to his friends has sorrow left behind , But to me chiefly , who , go where I please Shall never such another Master find , Nor ever be again at so much ease , No , though I should unto my Country go And Parents that have got and nourisht me ; To see them though I wish , I long not so As I Ulysses long again to see . Whom though now absent I call by his name , He was so kind , and took such care of me , That of such small respect I feel some shame . A second Father he should called be . Friend , said Ulysses , since so hard it is To make you hope he will so soon be here , Know that I have not rashly told you this . What I have spoken I will also swear . If true , with Coat and Vest my news require ; If not , then not , although ill raid am I. Of him as of Hell-gate I hate the sight That can by want be made to tell a Lye. Know Jove the chief of Gods , and then the Host That hath provided for us this good Chear , And in Ulysses house doth rule the roast , Ulysses will be here sometime this year ; This Month expired , or the next begun , And be reveng'd of th' Wooers impudent That have dishonoured his Wife and Son. Then said Eumaeus , Leave this argument . For your good news nothing will be to pay . Nor will Ulysses ever come again . Drink wine , and no more on this subject say . I cannot think upon him without pain . And swear no more . True be it all you say . To me Laertes , and Pe●elope , And to Telemachus 't will be great joy , For whom my sorrows much augmented be ; He sprang up like a Branch to mans estate . I thought he would in Prowess prove no less Than 's Father was whom he did imitate In Wit and Figure and in Comliness . But now the Gods bereav'd him have of Wit. He 's gone to Pyle to hear what men there say About his Father , whilst the Suiters sit Waiting at Sea to kill him by the way . But him let 's leave a while with Pow'rs above Whether to let him die , or bring him back , VVaiting upon the pleasure of high Jove . And now of your own woes untie the sa●k , That I may know them . Tell me truly now Your own , your Fathers , and your Countries name . And further I desire you , let me know VVhence are the Mariners that with you came Unto this Town , and tell me this likewise , Where rideth the good ship that brought you to 't . For verily I can no way devise How you should come on Horsback or on Foot. Then said Ulysses , VVere we here alone , And meat and drink for so long us attend , And all the rest about their work were gone , The year would sooner than my Story end . Of Crete I am , and rich my Father was , And many Children more he had . But they Begotten were according to the Laws . But of a Concubine the Son was I. My Father was Cas●or Hylacides , That was for wealth in Crete much honoured , And for his Children , but lov'd me no less Than those he had begot in lawful bed . VVhen he was dead and gone , my Brothers proud Divide his state amongst themselves by Lot , And little of it they to me allow'd . But for all that a good rich wife I got ; My vertue won her . I no shun-field was , Nor from my stock degenerate she saw ( Though from me now my strength be gone alas ) But you I think can know Wheat by the Straw . For now with hardship I am much decai'd . Mars gave me Courage , and Athena Skill To beat up Quarters , and by Ambush laid With Stratagems my Enemies to kill . Of being sl●in I never had a thought , But formost still I leapt out with my Spear ; And of the ●oes to death I still one brought , Unless his feet than my feet swister were . And such I was in War. But Husbandry , And keeping home , though that bred children store , I ca●'d not for . But ships I lov'd to see , And War , Darts , Bows and Shafts I loved more . Yet horrible they be to other wights . For , for such things the Gods have temper'd me . Many things are there wherein one delights , Which to another man unpleasant be . Before the Greeks went to the Siege of Troy Nine times had I commanded on the Seas , And always our Success was good that way , And of the Prey I chose what did me please Beside my share . And wealth came in ●pace . Wise I was thought , and honour'd much in Crete . And when Jove had decreed Troy to de●ace , Id●meneus and I went with the Fleet , Or else we must our credit quite have lost . Nine years we fought , the tenth we took the Town . And setting up our Sails we left the Coast , And by the Gods were tossed up and down . But Jove determin'd me more trouble yet . For needs I would to Aegypt go and trade . A month I stai'd at home , ●hen forth I set With nine good ships , and an ill Voyage made . For when six days I feasted had my Crew , And to the Gods devoutly offer'd pa●t ; A good strong wind from the North-Heaven blew , And from the Coast of Crete we then depart . Smoothly we sail'd , safe our arrival was , Nor man nor ship had any harm at all . From shore to shore we did in five days pass , And in the Nile we let our Anchors fall . Then I my Fellows bad aboard to stay And guard the ships , and some to places high I sent to watch , but mov●d by lucre , they On plunder and on rapine had their eye . The fields they waste , and kill the men , and make Women and Children captives . Then the cry Arriving at the City , Arms they take , And next day early to the field they hie , With Horse and Foot then thundered the field . Their Armour lightned . My men frighted were . Some taken and made slaves ; some flying kill'd ; And all the rest ran scatter'd here and there , Then I ( though t 'had been better there t' have di'd , So many woes have since befallen me ) Pull'd off my Helmet , laid my Spear aside , And Buckler too , and kneel'd at the Kings knee . He rescu'd me , and home with him me brought Sitting by him that did his Cha●io● drive . Though in their heat many to kill me sought , Yet the King brought me to the Town alive . Seven years I there remain'd and riches got . For every man almost me somewhat gave . Then thither came a Merchant that had not His fellow in all Aegypt for a Knave . His house and riches in Phoenicia were , And he with Lyes entic'd me to his home ; With him I went. And there I staid a year . And when the Months and Days about were come , He set me in a ship for ●ybia ; And there together with our goods we sate , He cracking of the profit he foresaw , And I suspecting , though it were too late . With him I went. And when the ship was forth , We steer'd our Course without the Isle of Crete , For by good luck we had a wind full North. But Jove determin'd had we should not see 't . For when the Island we had legt behind , And nothing else appear'd but Sea and Sky , Jove fetcht the Clouds together with a wind Just o're the Ship , and dark 't was presently . And therewithal into the Ship he threw His Thunderbolt , which whirl'd it round about . It smelt of Brimstone rank . And all the Crew Into the Sea it suddenly cast out . And they like Gulls from wave to wave were ●ost . But Jove to save me , put into my hand The Ships tall Mast which with my arms I crost . And after nine days came at last to land . And in Thresprotia was cast on land ; And the Kings Son who chanc't that way to pass , Listed me up as I lay on the sand ; And by King Phedon well receiv'd I was . He cloth'd me with good Garments Coat and Vest. I askt him of Ulysses what he knew . As he went home ( said he ) he was my Guest , And what he then had gotten did me shew ; Of Brass and Iron and Gold there was so much , As might ten ages feed a man alone , The Treasure that he shew'd me there was such . But he , he said , was to Doaona gone , There at the Holy Oak to be advis'd ( Since he from Ithaca so long has been ) Whether 't were better to go home disguis'd , Or so as to be known when he is seen . The King to me in Holy Form did swear , That for the Conduct of Ulysses home , Both Ship and Mariners then ready were . But when I went from thence he was not come . A ship of that place in the harbour lay Ready to part . The King bad land me there . But they resolv'd were of another way ; Which made me yet more misery to bear . When of that Land they were got out of sight , To sell me for a slave they did agree . My Coat and Vest they take from me there right , And gave me the torn Coat and Rags you see . Late in the Ev'ning they were at the Land Of Ithaca , and bound me fast i' th' ship . But they to Sup thought fit upon the Sand , And leaving me , out of the Bark they skip . But from my Bonds some God sure set me free . Then down I went and to the Sea appli'd My breast , and round the ship swam speedily , And in a great thick Wood my self I hide . Sorry they were , and put to Sea again . To stay and seek me they lost labour thought . Thus by Jove's favour I alive remain , And to the house of a good friend am brought . Then said Eumaeus , I confess the Story ( Poor man ) of this your wandring and your pain , Has had the pow'r to make me very sorry . But of Ulysses what you say is vain . I not believe a word . What needed you , So wise a man as you appear to me , In vain to tell me any thing not true ; When I my self am sure 't will never be ? For all the Gods have shewn themselves his foes , That neither suffer'd him to fall at Troy , No● the War done , his best friends to compose His Body for the Grave . For either way He honorably buried had been To th' honour of his Son. But he is dead , Unspoken of , devour'd by Harpies keen ; And I despis'd sit here to see Swine sed . And never to the City come , but when Some news is brought unto Penelope , And she send one to call me . I come then , And many listning to the news I see . Some griev'd and wishing for his coming home . Some that seek nothing but shot-free to feed . And these men wish that he may never come . But I of what they say take little heed . Especially , since an Aetolian , As he from place to place for Murther fled , Came to my house , and I reliev'd the man , And after found that I was cozened . He said he saw him with Idomeneus In Crete , and that for certain he would come ( His Fleet much hurt repaired ) to his house , Rich , at the next Spring , or the next Autumn . Therefore , old man , since you are come to me , Think not your Story any thing avails , Nor that false hopes provoke my Charity . My Bounty looks on want and not on Tales . Pity , and fear of Jove my favours guide . Ulysses to this answers him , and saith , Since you trust not my Word , nor Oath beside , And in your breast resideth little faith , Let 's make a Bargain . If Ulysses come , Then a good Coat and Vest shall be my due , And a safe Conduct to Dulichium . If not , and that I told you prove untrue , Then make your Servants threw me from a Cliff High and upright , That others may beware To cosen men into a false belief Of things they know not , but uncertain are . Then said Eumaeus , Yes , 't were a fine deed , And noble , t' entertain a man with love , And with good chear relieve him in his need , Then kill him , and beg pardon then of Jove . But now I wish the Swine from field were come . For time it is of Supper to advise . And while they talk , the Swains the Swine bring home , And with great noise they pent are in the sties . Then did Eumaeus to his servants call , From out the Herd to choose one of the best His far-come friend to entertain withal , And mend their own fare also with the rest . 'T is long since others the work to us leave To feed the Swine they eat . Having said that , Out went he , for the Altar wood to cleave ; And they brought in a five-year-old Pig fat ; And laid it on the Hearth . Eumaeus there Remembring well the Gods ( for he was wise ) First from the fore-head clippeth off the hair , And in the fire the same did Sacrifice . Then did he all the Gods above invoke , That soon and safe Ulysses might arrive , Next that he takes a piece of the clef● Oak , And at a stroke did him of life deprive . Then others take the work into their hands , And with keen steel they quickly cut his throat . That being done , with many flaming Brands They sindge from head to tail his hairy Coat , And lay him open . Then Eumaeus came And folded up the fleshy Thighs in fat . And then into the Fire he threw the same . The rest they cut in lesser parts . And that They roast on Spits ; and being roasted well And takenup , on Chopping-boards they put it . Eumaeus then ( who thereat did excel ) As he thought fit , did into Messes cut it . But one Mess for the Nymphs and Mercury He set aside ; and over that he pray'd . The rest he set to each one severally . But to Ulysses the whole Chine was lai'd . Jove ( said Ulysses ) be to you as kind As you to me , and grant all your request . Friend ( said Eumaeus ) now your Supper mind , Such as it is . Gods give what they think best . Then to the Gods he offer'd the first cut , And fill'd a Bowl , and offer'd part of that . The Bowl then in Ulysses hand he put . Ulysses it receiv'd , and down he sat . Mesaulius then sets before him bread , Who thither brought from Taphos was to sell , And had been by Eumaeus purchased . Then heartily unto their meat they fell . And when to eat they had no more delight , Mesaulius took off the bread ; and all Prepared were for sleep . But cold the night And Moonless was ; besides much rain did fall . Ulysses to the Company then spake , Tempting Eumaeus ; and to get a Cloak From him , or from some other for his sake . Hear me Eumaeus ( says he ) and you folk , I have a Tale to tell . This foolish Wine To laugh and dance is able to provoke Grave men sometimes that have no such designe . And to speak that which better were unspoke . But out it shall , since I so much have said . O , that I were as young and ●…rong as when Before the Town of ●roy the Watch we laid , And lodged were amongst the reeds i' th' Fen , By Menelaus and Ulysses led , And me the third ; the wind at North all night , We ly●… with our Bucklers covered With rain congeal'd , our Armour all was white . And they slept well wrapt up in Cloak and Coat , Safe in their Bucklers from the freezing wind . But like a fool my Cloak I had forgot . I did not think I should such weather find . And when a third part of the night was gone , I nudg'd Ulysses ( who did next me lie . ) He felt me , and to him I made my moan . Noble Ulysses , I am like to die , The weather kills me , I have but a Coat . My Cloak some Daemon made me leave behind , And of such cold quite took away the thought . I cannot tell what remedy to find . No sooner said , but remedy he found ; For able was he both to shift and fight , And said unto me in a whisp'ring sound , Peace , lest we heard be by some other Wight : And then with Head on Eldow , Friend , said he , I dreamt we from the ships too far lie here . Let some to Agamemnon go and see , If he would have us rise and come more near . Then up rose Thoas Son of Andraemon , And down he laid his Cloak , the which I kept , And swiftly did to Agamemnon run . I' th' Cloak I wrapt my self and soundly slept . Were I as young and strong as I was then , Some one a Cloak would lend me for respect , Or else for kindness , 'mongst so many men . But now my Rags are cause they me neglect . Old man , then said Eumaeus , You have told Your Story well . Each word to purpose is . To morrow shake your Rags against the cold . Of what is needful now you shall not miss . Of Cloak and Coat there 's none of these has shift . But when Telemachus from Pyle comes back , From him you will have all you need , of gift . And then you neither Cloak nor Coat will lack . And be convey'd to what place you desire . With that he rose ; and woolly skins of sheep , And shaggle Goatskins neer laid to the fire . And there Ulysses laid him down to sleep . And over him a Cloak Eumaeus laid ; Both thick and soft it was , which he had kept And with it in sharp cold himself arrai'd . And thus Ulysses warmly cover'd slept . By him the young men lay . But to the sties Eumaeus went. For fit he thought it not To lie far from his Swine , and out he hies . Mean while Ulysses of his kindness thought , Eumaeus first of all his Sword puts on O're his great Shoulder . Then against the weather A thick warm Cloak . And again that upon A great Goats skin , the skin and hair together . And then with dart in hand , for his defence , ( 'Gainst men and Dogs ) well armed at the head , To where the tusked Swine lay parted thence , Within a Rock from wind safe covered . LIB . XV. ANd then to Laced●m●n Pallas went To urge T●lemachus his leave to take Of M●…laus , to whom she had him sent , And home again what speed he could to make . Telemachus , and Nes●ors Son she found Within the entrance of the house abed ; The Son of Nestor in a sleep profound . Sleep came not in Telemachus his head . Thought of his Father open kept his eyes . Then Pall●s to him said , Telemachus , To stay so long abroad you are not wise , Leaving your Goods with such men in your house , As lawless there your Substance do devour , Lest afterward you to no purpose come . Importune Menelaus with all your pow'● , Or else your Mother you 'll not find at home . Her Father and her Brethren bid her marry Eurymachus . Of all he bids most high . Take heed what Goods out of your house they carry ▪ You know what thoughts in Female brests do lie . They will their present Husbands house promote , But for their former Children little care . For he once dead , they have no longer thought Of how his Children after him shall fare . Therefore return you , and commit to some Maid of your own for faith and care well known , Such Goods as in your house you have at home , Until you have a good wife of your own . I tell you more ; remember what I say , The bravest of the Suiters lie in wait As you return , to kill you by the way , 'Twixt Ithaca and Same in the Streight . They 'll fail , I think , of what they go about , And sooner some of them their Graves shall find . But howsoever stear the Isles without . The God that keeps you will provide a wind . And when at Ithaca you are on land , Unto the Town your ship and fellows send , But go you to Eumaeus out of hand , Who , though he keep your Swine , is much your friend : Then Pallas mounted to the sky . And he Pisistratus awakens with his foot . 'T is time ( said he ) that on our way were we . Let 's to the Coach , and set the Horses to 't . Then said Pisi●tratus , Too dark 't is yet To travel with a Coach. Let 's therefore stay , 'T will soon be morning . Let 's our Presents get , And by Atrides self be sent away . For Guests use always to remember those By whom they have been entertain'd with love . This said , the morning by and by arose , And Menelaus toward them did move . Telemachus then puts on hastily His Coat and Cloak to meet him on the way ; And when they were to one another nigh , Telemachus first spake , and thus did say . O King , Atrides Menelaus , now , Ev'n now dismiss me , let me go my way . Then said Atrides , Ev'n now you shall go ; I purpose not to make you longer stay . For I conceive 't is not a good mans part , To make too much or little of his Guest , To hold him when he gladly would depart , Or press him to be gone e're he thinks best . In Hospitality this Rule is true , Love him that stays , help forth the going Guest . Stay then and take my Gift along with you , And your Break-fast of what we have the best . For he that will a great days Journy make , Will find both joy and profit in his meat . And if to visit Greece you pleasure take , I 'll with you go , and with you I 'll retreat , And to the Argive Cities be your Guide , And be Presented by each Princely man With whomsoever we at night abide . Two Mules , a Gold Cup , a brave Pot or Pan. Then said Telemachus , I needs must go , ( My Father seeking left my self I lose ) I have left none my Goods to look unto , And rob'd my Treasure may be by my foes . When that was said , forth Menelaus goes , To give unto his Wife and Maids command For Break-fast of what then was in the house . Then Boetheides who lodg'd near at hand Came in ; and , bidden by Atrides , cleaves The wood , makes fire , lays down the roast . Him to his bus'ness then Atrides leaves . And down came to his Treasure of great cost , He , and his Son , and Wife Helena . There Within a Room lin'd with sweet-smelling wood . A Temp'rer to his Son he gave to bear Of Silver pure , which 'mongst the Vessels stood . And from a Chest where Robes for Matrons were She took up one , with great variety Wrought by her self , which she her self did bear , Shining and bright as any Star i' th' Sky . And forth unto Telemachus they come . Then said Atrides , Jove grant your request , And safely may you t' Itha●a come home . See here my Gift , of all I have the best . 'T is massie Silver gilt about the brim , By Vulcan made ; but then it was possest By th' King of Sidon . I had it of him When by the way from Troy I was his Guest . Then Helen said , This Gift too take from me , Of Helens handy-work a Monument , To give to her that your dear Wife shall be . Think it mean while as to your Mother sent , Then gave it to Telemachus his hands . I' th' Coach Pisistratus then placed all , And at the goodly Gifts amazed stands . Atrides then led them into the Hall , And made them sit , and while they sitting were , A grave Maid-servant from a Golden E●…re , To wash their hands pours on the water clear Over a Bason all of silver pure . One Tables sets , another lays on Bread , And from their store many good things brings out . The Messes Boetheides severed . Atrides Son the Wine delivered out . When their desire of Food was satisfi'd , Up rose Telemachus and Nestor's Son , And to their Coach they the swift Horses ti'd , And in the Coach were , ready to be gone ; And were already got the Court without , But after them Atrides followed , And in his hand a Gold Cup he brought out Of wine , and standing at the horses head , Brave Youths ( said he ) to Nestor me commend , That as a Father was to me at Troy. Farewel , and may you to your Journeys end With safety travel and arrive with joy . Then said Telemachus , All this I 'll say , I wish at home I may so treated be Within my Fathers house at Ithaca , Besides the Presents you have given me . As he said this , an Eagle dexter flew And seis'd a great white tame Goose grazing near . ●he standers-by shouted and cri'd , Shue , shue . But yet away the Eagle bore him clear . And none but with the sight was well content . Then to Atrides said Pisistratus , This Prodigy , unto you is ●…sent From Jupiter ? or is it sent to us ? While what to answer he was taking care , Helen prevented him . I will , said she , First tell you what hereon my own thoughts are , And to my mind by th' Gods infused be . You saw the Eagle come down from the Hill , Where nature placed him to dwell and breed , And kill that Goose : So shall Ulysses kill The Suiters that upon his Substance feed . Or , it may be , already there he is Devising for the Suiters some ill end . O Gods , then said Telemachus , that this Were so indeed ! To you then should I send As to a God my Vows . This said , away They whip their willing Horses through the Town , Which on the plain their Harness shake all day , And were at Pheres when the Sun went down . There Diocles Ors●ochus his Son , ( Ors●ochus by Alphaeus begot ) Dwelt , and of entertainment want was none , Nor acceptable Presents were forgot . And when the Morning had her self arrai'd , Again they put their Horses to the Coach , Which when the Whip they felt once , never stai'd , Till to the Town of Pyle they did approach . Then said Telemachus to Nestors Son , You promis'd , I your Father should decline . But since we here are , how can that be done ? And therefore let us both our Counsels joyn . Friends you and I , and friends our Fathers were ▪ One age we have ; this Voyage is some tie . Draw me not from my ship , but leave me here , Lest th' old man force me at his house to lie In kindness , when I have such need to go . This said , Pisistratus considered What to make good his promise he should do . And then this Counsel came into his head . Turn off ( said he ) the Coach to the Sea-side , And Menelaus Gifts a Shipboard stow , And get aboard . Your small stay here I 'll hide . So your departure shall my Father know . For sure I am , if he know you are here , So violent he is , he 'll hither come , And call you to his house and stay you there , And be a hind'rance to your going home . And though away you 'll not be empty sent , Yet will he doubtless very angry be . This said , unto his Father home he went. Telemachus then bad his Company To see prepar'd all things for Sayling fit , And go aboard ; aboard went also he . The Rowers on their Seats in order sit . Thus they about their going busie be . Then came a Stranger that a Prophet was , And fled from Argos then for Homicide And by descent was of Melampus race , And stood near to Telemachus his side . For this Melampus once had dwelt in Pyle And rich , but fled by Neleus opprest , And bound he lay in Prison for a while . But afterward he got himself releast , And brought to Neleus his H●rds again , And had his Daughter Pero for reward . But left her with his Brother to remain For wife . And then did ▪ Pyle no more regard . But went to Argos , where a wife he got , And Children twain had , first Antiphates . And he the valiant Oicleus begot , And Oi●●eus begat Amphiareus , That was belov'd by Pallas and by Jove , And yet he lived not till he was old . He di'd at Thebes , betrayed by his love , That him discover'd for a Chain of Gold. Al●maeon and Amphilochus he got . But Mantius , Melampus second Son Cleitus and Polyphides then begot . Cleitus was fair , but Children he had none . Aurora snatch'd him from the Earth when young . For Mortals he in beauty did excel , And placed him th' Immortal Gods among . And Polyphides Phoebus loved well ; And to him gave the Gift of Prophesie . And since Amphiraus was dead and gone , To foretel any thing with certainty Upon the whole earth like him there was none . Displeased by his Father Mantius , At Hyperesia he prophesi'd . His Son it was , call'd Theoclymenus , That then stood by Telemachus his side , When he the blessed Gods was praying to . And said , Since worshipping I find you here , By him you worship , tell me truly who You are , your Father who , and dwelling where . Stranger , then said Telemachus , I dwell At Ithaca , born there ; my Fathers name Ulysses if he live ; but who can tell ? And to hear news of that , I hither came . Then answer'd Theoclymenus , And I From Argos Town for killing of a man , Pursued by his Kin , and ●ore't to fly . Take me aboard that only save me can . Welcome you are , then said Telemachus . Aboard let 's go , where you shall have such chear As we can make , and hath contented us . Then took and on the deck he laid his Spear ; And up into the Ship he went , and at The Stern he plac'd himself , and close by him The Stranger Theoclymenus down sat . Then bids Telemachus the ship to trim . And straight the Mast upright they set and bind ; And hoise their Sails with ropes of good Cow-hide ; And Pallas sent them a good strong fore-wind , And swiftly did the ship the Sea divide . The Sun was down , and doubtful was the light , When he to Pherae came and passed by . And then by Elis coasted he all night , And came unto the Tho● Islands nigh ; And thought upon the Suiters in his way . Ulysses and Eumaeus supping sat . And when their hunger they had put away , The Tables gone they leasure had to chat . And then Ulysses had a mind to know Whether Eumaeus rather had he stai'd I' th' Lodge with him , or to the City go , And to the Company he spake and said , Hear me Eumaeus and you all his Friends , I stay here helping to consume your meat . My mind me to the City rather bends . For Bread and Wine there begging I shall get . But I must then entreat you to provide Some good man to go with me . Being there , Necessity it self will be my guide To find the houses where there is good chea , And if I go unto Ulysses Doors , Unto Penelope I can tell news , And make my self well known unto the Woo●rs And they to give me meat will not refuse . I can do any service that they will , ( Thank Mercury to whom I owe that good ) Few be they can compare with me for skill To make a Fire , o● to cleave out Wood , To roast and carve Meat , or Wine to give out , Or any thing that Great Mens Servants do . Ay me ( Eumaeus said ) Poor man , what thought Is this of yours ? D' ye long to perish so ? As you must do , if y●… among them stay . Their insolence is known up to the sky . You are not like their Servingmen . For they Are young , and are apparell'd handsomely With Coat and Vest. Their heads and faces shine With Unguents sweet . Stay therefore here with me . There 's none that at your staying doth repine . Nor I , nor any of my Company . Telemachus when he comes home agen , Shall give you Garments , a fair Coat and Vest , And good shooes also to your feet , and then See you convoy'd to what place you think-best . To this Ulysses answered , and said , O that Jove lov'd you but as well as I ! You have me from a wretched wandring staid . The Belly brings to men much misery . Then said Ulysses , Since I am to stay , Say of Ulysses Parents , if you know His Father and his Mother , whether they Be both remaining yet alive or no. To this Eumaeus said , La●rtes lives , But wofully and weary of his life ; Still for the absence of his Son he grieves ; But more lamenteth the death of his Wife . The loss of her was that first made him old . She di'd for grief , thinking her Son was dead . As sad a death it was as can be told - May we from such death be delivered . While she was living , though she grieved were , When cause there was I could have a●kt her mind Freely . For why , with her own Daughter dear She brought me up , and never was but kind , This Daughter Ctimene , when come of age ( For she the youngest was ) to Same went To a rich man given in marriage . But I well clad in Coat and Vest was sent ( And shooes upon my feet ) into the field , For she a purpose had to do me good . But now the time does no such kindness yield . And yet the blessed Gods provide me food . For they so well have multipli'd my Swine , That we have still enough of meat and drink , And wherewithal to make a poor man dine , Although the Suiters ●iot make them shrink . But since this woe ' Pe●elope befel , 'T is harsh to her to hear of business . Yet Servants need her both to ask and tell All that belongeth to their Offices , And also sometimes , may be , need they had I' th' house to eat , and carry somewh●t home Of that whereof Servants are most part glad , And which unto their Lodges never come . Ho , said Ulysses , since it doth appear You were a Traveller when but a Boy , Tell me , I pray , what your Adventures were , And what your sufferings were upon the way . Was your Town plund'red by the Enemies , And you brought hither as a part o' th' prey ? Or been by Thieves ( for you were no ill prize ) As you kept Sheep or Cattle , brought away ? Then said E●…s , Since to hear the Story Of how I hither came it is your pleasure , Sit patiently , the Wine there stands before ye . For sleep and joy the long nights give us leasure . It is not good too soon to go to bed . For too much sleep is but a weariness . The rest that will may go , and ( morning spread ) Drive forth the Swine ; which is their business . Mean while let us sit here , and drink , and chat , And Stories of our sad Adventures tell . For much contentment there is ev'n in that , To them that suffer'd have and come off well . But to my Story now . An Isle there is Under the Tropique of the Sun , not great , Call'd Syria , but very fertile 't is , Well stor'd with Kine , and Sheep , and Wine and Wheat . Where Famine never enter'd nor Disease Amongst the people . When a man was aged , Dian ' and Phoebus made him die with ease , And gentle shafts the pain of death asswaged . Two Towns it had . Their Laws were not the same ; But of them both my Father was the King. Phoenician Merchants , Rats , then thither came , And in their Ships did many Baubles bring . There then was in my Fathers house a Maid Phoen●cian born , that well could ●ow and spin ; As washing Clothes ●●e at the Seas-side staid One of these Merchants sooth'd her into sin . ( For good work women may be made do that If flatter'd well ) And then he askt her name , And whence she was . And truth she told the Rat. From Sidon ( said she ) a rich Town I came , And Daughter am of wealthy A●ybas . But Taphian Thieves took me by force away , As homewards from the field 〈◊〉 going was , And sold me to this man with whom I stay . Then said the Merchant-man that did her wive , Will you to Sidon home return with me , And see your Parents ? They are still alive , And rich as heretofore . I will , said she , If you and all your company will swear , At Sidon you will set me safe ashore . And when all sworn , and agreed on it were , The woman spake again , and this said more : If any of you see me in the street , Or at the Well , speak not at all to me , Lest any of the house should chance to see 't , And tell my Master . Jealous he will be , Put me in Bonds , and seek you to destroy . Buy quickly what you buy , and ready be And secret When you mean to go away , Then send a privy Messenger to me . For all the Gold I can l●y hand upon I 'll bring , and somewhat else Boat-hire to pay . For I the charge have of my Masters Son , Much profit he will yield if brought away . Playing without I 'll take him by the hand And lead him to the Ship Much worth he 'll be Transported into whatsoever Land And home again ( this said ) returned she . A year it was before these Merchants went. Mean while they buy and lade the Ship. And when They had their ●raught straightway a man they sent To bid the Maid make haste away . And then A man unto my Fathers house they sent , A crafty Merchant with a Chain of Gold And shining Amber , on which were intent My Mother and her Maids . They much behold , And take into their hands , and for it bid . Mean while the man a nod gave with his head . The woman quickly understand him did ; And by the hand me out a door she led . Aboard went he . The woman lookt about , Saw standing on the Tables many a Cup Left by my Father and his Guests gone out . And presently she three of them rook up . Out went she leading me that simple was . The Sun went down , and dusky was the way , And to the ship we unpursued pass To th'Haven where the Merchants Vessel lay . And then go they , and with them we aboard . And sa●l'd before the wind six days and nights . And to us Jove a fair ga●e did afford Diana on the s●v'n●h the woman smites . And suddenly i●to the Sink she fell And her they throw into the Sea for chear To fishes . But the rest arrived well At Ithaca . Laertes bought me there . You see now how I hither came . Then said Ulysses , Truly you have past much woe . But Jove in part your sorrows hath allai'd , That in a good mans house a● ease are now , That gives you meat and drink with a good will. With him you live a happy life . But I Have longer wandring been , and must be still . Thus 'twixt themselves did they say and reply , Then went to sleep . The night was almost past . And with the Morn Telemachus was nigh . Quickly his Mates take down the Sails and Mast , And row the ship to land , and there her tie . Then on the Beach they quickly break their fast . And with fresh water temper their old Wine . And when desire of meat and drink was past , I 'll ( said Telemachus ) go to my Swine , But to the City will return at night , Next Morn I 'll feast you with good flesh and wine , Your labour in my Passage to requite . And then said Theoclymenus divine , What will you do mean while ( I pray ) with me ? Unto your Mothers house must I go too , Or to some other man commended be ? Then answered Telemachus , No , no. To bring you to my house in vain it were . My Mother in my absence you 'll not see . She seldome to the Suiters doth appear . At top o'th'house at work still sitteth she . But I will recommend you to another In Ithaca of best repute ; his name Eurylochus , and best he loves my Mother . And what my Father did would do the same . But folded up it lies yet in Joves lap , Whether he first shall marri'd be or dead . As he this said , there did a Faulcon hap ( Apollo's Bird ) to fly above his head Dexter , and in his pounces held a Dove . And as he plumed her the feathers fell Scatter'd as they descended from above ( Which Theoclymenus observed well ) Betwixt Telemachus and the Ships side , And to Telemachus said secretly , This from the Gods is , and doth good betide Both to your self and your Posterity . I knew that it portended at first sight , No family but yours was here to reign . O , said Telemachus , that that were right , Such love , such gifts you then should from me gain , As men that saw you should your fortune bless . Pyraeus then his friend was standing by . To him he then his Stranger did address : You are my best friend of the company , Unto your care this Stranger I commend To be well treated till I come again . Though long you stay ( said he ) I do intend The best I can your friend to entertain , And with some Gift . Then to the ship he goes , He and his Mates . They on their Benches sit . Telemachus then putteth on his shooes , And takes a Spear that for his hand was fit . The Ship about they to the City row . Telemachus pursuing his designe , On foot unto Eumaeus forth did go , His faithful Servant , Master of the Swine . LIB . XVI . Eumaeus and ulysses risen were , And men , for Dinner , sent out to fetch hogs , And fi●e was made . ulysses chanc'd to hear One tread without , and whining of the Dogs That barked not . And to Eumaeus said , Some one of your acquaintance now comes in . I hear his feet . The Dogs are well appai'd . These words scarce said , Telemachus was seen . Eumaeus , who then temp'ring was of wine , Le ts fall his Cups , and meets him at the door ; Kisses his head and hands and both his eyne , And presently with tears his eyes run o're . As when a loving Father sees his Son That had been ten years absent , and for whom He had lamented long , come home alone ; So glad was he Telemachus was come , And hug'd him as one that had scap't but than From death , and weeping said , O are you come ? I never thought to see you more , sweet man , Since first I knew to Pyle you went from home . But come , come in dear heart , that I may fill My self with looking , you 're not ost among Your Herdsmen in the field , but almost still I' th' City , in the Suiters dismal throng . Yes , said Telemachus , for why , I come To see you , and to ask about my Mother , Whether she still remaining be at home , Or gone be with a Suiter one or other , Leaving her Husbands Chamber and his Bed With Cobwebs hung for want of furniture . No , she yet stays ( Eumaeus answered ) And great the grief is which she doth endure ; And day and night the tear fall from her eyes , Telemachus went in . His Father there To give him place did from his Chair arise . Sit still , said he , I 'll find a Seat elsewhere In my own house . This man will one provide . This said , he past unto another Seat , To which Eumaeus a Wool-fell appli'd With Rushes under it . Then brought in meat , Trenchers of meat roasted the day before , And in a Basket sets on bread of Wheat , And in an Ivy Tankard Wine good store . And o're against Ulysses takes his seat . Then on the meat prepar'd their hands they laid . When Thirst and Hunger nothing more requir'd , Telemachus unto Eumaeus said , And thus about his new-come Guest enquir'd , Father ( said he ) I pray you tell me now His own , his Fathers , and his Countries name . And farther I desire you let me know Where are the Mariners that with him came Unto this place . And tell me this likewise , Where rideth the good ship that brought him to 't . For verily I can no way devise , How he should come on Horsback or on Foot. To this Eumaeus answered agen : He says himself that he was born in Creet , And seen the Cities has of many men , Wandring about . For Jove so thought it meet . Thesprotian Rats got him aboard their Ship , And forced were in Ithaca to land . There he found means to give them all the slip . So came to mine , and from mine to your hand . I give him you , as you think best to use . To this again Telemachus replies , That which you say , Eumaeus , is bid news . How to receive him I cannot devise . I am too young to save him with my hands , If injury be done him by the Wooers . And at this time my Mother doubtful stands , Whether to stay within my Fathers doors , And with the people her good name maintain , Or with that Suiter wed and go away , That to her shall afford the greatest gain . But since the Stranger at your house doth stay ; I 'll give him Garments a good Coat and Vest , A Spear in 's hand , and good Shoes to his feet , And him convey to what place he thinks best . Or if to keep him here you think it meet , I 'll hither for him Garments send and food , That he no charge be to your Family . To set him with the Suiters 't is not good For me nor him , they so unruly be . He 'll be derided there , and I shall grieve , But 'gainst so many men what can be done ? The strength of one man cannot him relieve . Ulysses then made answer to his Son , O Friend ( said he ) it bites my heart to hear What of the Suiters in your house you say , How 'gainst your mind they proudly domineer . Is it because you willingly give way ? Or that your people by Divinity Adverse are to you or your Government ? Or are your Kindred that should stand you by In Quarrel and in Battle , discontent ? O , were I young and of the mind I am , Or that I were the Great Ulysses Son , Or he himself , and wandring hither came , I 'd have my head out off by any one , If I were not reveng'd upon them all . And though they were too hard for me alone , I 'd rather in my own house fighting fall , Than daily see such ugly things there done . Strangers abus'd ; Maids tous'd ill-favourdly , And Corn and Wine consumed without end , And to no purpose foolishly . For why , They never shall arrive where they intend . Then said Telemachus , No word o' th' Gods Hath me deprived of the peoples love , Nor any Brother is with me at odds , Nor any other cause I know but Jove . How many Lords within these Isles do sway , Same , Dulichium , Ithaca , and Zant , So many Suiters duly every day For Marriage with my Mother my house haunt . Whilst she can none put off , and will none marry , They spend my Corn and Wine , and cattle kill , And eating here , and drinking still they tarry , And me perhaps at last they murther will. But what they shall do none but God can tell . But Father go you to Penelope , And let her know I am arrived well . And let no other person know but she . And after you have told her tarry not . Make haste . At your return I shall be here . For many are they that my death do plot . True , said Eumaeus , but not ill it were To let Laertes know it by the way , Who when his grief but for Ulysses was , Did oversee his Workmen all the day , But since by Sea to Pylus you did pass , He neither oversees his Husbandry , Nor eats his meat , as still he did before , But groaning and lamenting wofully Live●● ▪ Telemachus did thus reply , The case is hard . But grieved though he be , Let him alone ; go not out of your way . For first I wish my Father here to see , If in my choice to have my wishes lay . But pray my Mother thither send a Maid , T●●ell Laertes secretly the news . When to him thus Telemachus had said , Eumaeus on his feet ti'd on his shooes . Ulysses and his Son now left alone , Came Pallas to them . At the door she stood . But by Telemachus she was not known . Gods are not known but by whom they think good . Ulysses knew her . Fair she was and tall , And of a grave wise Matron had the look ; And by the Dogs perceiv'd was . For they all Whining and terrifi'd the place forsook . A signe t'Ulysses she made with her brow . Then he went forth , and she unto him spake . Son of Laertes , wise Ulysses , now Your Son with your designe acquainted make . And when you have the Suiters fate contrived , Go to the City both . 'T will not be long Before I at your Combate be arrived , And give you my assistance in the throng . Then stroakt him over with a wand of Gold , And presently his Rags were Cloak and Coat . His Cheeks were plump . His Beard black to behold . To which his goodly locks unlike were not . This done , the Goddess mounted to the Skies . Ulysses to the house again retir'd . But from him then his Son turn'd off his eyes . So much this alteration he admir'd . He thought it was some God , and to him said , You are some God descended from the Sky . Your colour 's better , better you arraid . Save us . Our Gifts shall on your Altar lie . And then Ulysses said , God I am none . What all you with the Gods me to compare ? For I your Father am whom you bemoan , And for whom you have had such pain and care . And then embrac'd and kiss'd his Son , and wept , So that the ground he stood upon was we● , Though hitherto his eyes he dry had kept , But by his Son believ'd he was not yet . You 're not ( says he ) my Father , but some Spright That flatters me into more misery . Of mortal men there 's none that has the might To do such things without a D●ity . A God indeed can mans decay redeem . You were but now an old man ill arrai'd . And now like one new come from Heaven seem . To this Ulysses answered and said , Telemachus be not amaz'd too much . Other U●ysses you shall never see . I am the man , although my luck be such , As after twenty year not known to be . The change you see was by Athena wrought , That made me what she list ( for she can do 't ) A Beggar old , or Youth in a fine Coat , And handsome Cloak , and other Garments to 't . For easie 't is for Gods , on mortal men To lay on glory and the same displace . This said , Ulysses sat him down And then Telemachus his Father did embrace , And then they b●th together wept and sob'd . As Eagles or as Vultures when they see Their Nests by Country ▪ people spoil'd and rob'd , And young ones ki●l'd before they fledged be ; So wept these tw● , and w●eping there had staid Perhaps ●nth the closing of the day , But that Tel●…hus t' Ulysses said , Father , how came you t' Ithaca I pray ? Where are the Seamen that set you a shore ? For sure I am you could not come by land . In a good Ship , s●…●…he , I was brought o're From th' I●le Phaeacia , and left o' th' Sand. That ●…ple , Strangers all that thither come , Con●oy unto the place where they would be . And wh●n I was d●…ous to go home , At Ithaca asleep they landed me Enrich● with Presents , Garments , Gold and Brass . And in a Cave I hidden have the same . And , as I by Ath●… ●…ei'd was , The Suiters ●at● to weave I hither came . Tell me how many now they are . That we Consider may if we two and no more Shall be enough to get the Victory , Or must we of some else the aid implore ? O Father ( said his Son ) you are renown'd For a good Counsellour , and man of might . But very hard the thing is you propound , That two men should against so many fight . They are not only ten , or two times ten , But many more . Their number ( let me see ) From out Dulichium two and fifty men ; And with them lusty Serving-men twice three . From Same chosen men come twenty four . Twenty from Zant , and twelve of Ithaca . Medon the Squire , a Fidler , and what more ? Two Cooks that of a Feast had learnt the Law. 'T will be but ill revenge to fight them all . Therefore I think it best to look for aid , And some good Neighbour to assist you call . To this Ulysses answered and said , Consider then and cast it in your mind , Whether we two , Pallas and Jove to boot Will serve , or must we other Succours find ? Then said his Son , O Father , that will do 't . Those ●riends indeed would serve us very much . Immortals against Mortals have great odds ; Higher they stand , and of themselves are such , As would too hard be for all●th'oth●r Gods. Yes , said Ulysses , if the Woo'rs and I Come but to Battle once , 't will not be long Ere such good aids will have the Victory , And make an end of this unruly throng . But you Telemachus go early home To morrow morning ; mingle with the rabble . I after you will with Eumaeus come Like to a Beggar old and miserable . Where if you see me us'd ill-favour'●…ly , Thrown at or pull'd about the house by th' heels , As unconcern'd , endure it patiently , What pain soever thereby your he●rt feels . But yet with gentle words you may persuade them . For sure I am they will not you obey , The Gods Immortal have so stupid made them As on themselves to bring their fatal day . But now to what I say attentive be . When Pall●s shall me prompt , I 'll with my head Make you a Signe . Assoon as that you see , Let th' Arms in th● Hall away be carried . And say ( if any Suiter●… ask wherefore ) The fire hath hurt them , and they are not now Such as Ulysses left them heretofore , When with the Greeks t' Ilium he did go . Or say , For fear some Quarrel should arise By th' indiscretion of one or other , You thought the counsel would not be unwise , To take them thence . One drawn Sword draws another . But two Spears , two Swords , & two Shields keep still , To take in hand when we the onset make . Jove from mistrust and Pallas keep them will. And farther from me this instruction take . As I your Father am , and you my Son , Of my return a word let no man hear , Father , or Wife , or Servant any one . To speak of it in company forbear . But let 's of the Maid-servants you and I Endeavour what we can to know the mind . And your Men-servants also I would try , From whom you honour or dishonour find . Father , then said Telemachus , you 'll see , I am not lose of tongue . But 't is not good The men to question . 'T will lost labour be , Because without the house they have their food , Though there they havock of your substance make . Do as you please . 'T is a long business Of ev'ry one of them account to take . Inform your self of th'womens wickedness . I would not willingly go up and down To ev'ry Lodge , what there is done to see . For our work done , theirs will be better known , If you with Signes from Jove acquainted be . Thus they discours'd . The Ma●iners mean while Had brought into the Haven of the Town The Ship that brought Telemachus from Pyle . Then drew it up to land , the Sayls pull'd down . The Presents unto Clytius they bear , And to Penelope a man they sent , That of her Sons arrival she might hear , And how unto Eumaeus Lodge he went , And sent the Ship to put her out of fear , Left she should for his absence longer weep . Eumaeus was for the same bus'ness there . He from his Lodge , the other from the Deep . He told the Queen th' arrival of her Son. And to her Maids the other told the same . And when they both their Messages had done , Back to Telemachus Eumaeus came . At this the Suiters vext , lookt down and sad , And out o' th' Gates together went , where they Amongst themselves a consultation had , And to them thus Eurylochus 'gan say . 'T is very strange , Telemachus is come . We thought he never should return agen . But since 't is so , to call our Fellows home , Let 's hire and man a Boat with Fishermen . His words scarce out , Amphinomus comes near , And turning towards th' Haven them espi'd Furling their Sails , and laughing said , Th●… are here , You need not any Messenger provide , Some God sure told him of them , or else they Saw the ship coming by , but were too slow To overtake her . This said , they away Down to the waters ▪ side together go . And up unto the land the ship they hale ; Their Servants what was in her bear away . And then to consultation they sall , Nor with them suffer'd any else to stay . To them Antinous began and said , The Gods Telemachus have strangely kept . Our Scou●s from Morn to Night o' th' Mountains staid , Nor on the land by night we ever slept , But rowed up and down until 't was day . We thought he could not scape in any wise . And yet some Daemon brought him has away . Come , let us how to kill him here devise : For whilst he lives our work will not be done . Crafty he is , and can his purpose hide , Nor have we yet sufficiently won The people of the Town with us to side . The multitude to counsel he will call , And ranting tell them that we go about To murther him , and so enflame them all , That from our Country they will cast us out , And make us beg our bread . Which to eschew Let 's kill him in the Fields , or in the Way ; Divide his goods amongst us as is due ; His Houses to his Mother leave we may , To give to him with whom she means to marry . If this you like not , but that he shall stay , And have his Fathers state , then let 's not tarry , But each man to his own house go his way And there contend who shall the best endow her , And in her favour the superiour be . Or let the Fates dispose the happy hour To whom she has a mind to . So said he . Then spake Amphinomus the Noble Son Of the rich Nisus Aretiades , Amongst the Wooers inferior to none , And best of all Penelope did please . Telemachus ( said he ) I would not kill . 'T is dangerous to slay the Royal Blood. But let us first of Jove enquire the will. If he Command , I 'll do 't ▪ and say 't is good . If he forbid , I wish you to desist . So said Ar●phin●mus , and 't was thought fit . And presently the Council was dismist . And then into the house they go and sit . And now Penelope resolv'd ●'appear Before her Suiters sitting in the Hall. For to her Son she knew they Traytors were . Medon that with them was had told her 〈◊〉 . Down to the Hall she went , and in the Door Having a Woman at each hand , the ●aid , And proud Antinous rebuked sore . Antinous , you Traytor impudent ( she said ) In Ithaca the Glory you have got Of Wit and Eloquence . You are beli'd . Madman , what ail you my Sons death to plot , And to his Strangers here to shew such pride ? Poor Strangers have their Pasport from the Gods. To do them wrong is great Impiety . And worse between themselves to be at ods . You know your Father hither once did fly , Fearing the People who●… he had offended . Joyning with Tophian Thieves to make a prey Of Thesprote Cattle , and were here defended Against the Thesprotes , though our friends were they . They slain him had , and seised his estate , But that Ulysses saved him , and now For to requite him what d' ye , O ingrate ? You eat his cattle , and his Wife you wooe , And kill my Son , and daily me molest . Desist , I tell you , and the rest perswade To leave these evil courses , you were best . To this Eurylochus then answer made . Icarius Daughter , wise Penelope , Fear not . None shall lay hands upon your Son , As long as I am living and can see , Who does , his blood shall on my Spear down run . His Father oft has set me on his knee , And given me good Wine , and good meat rost . Afraid of any Woo'r you need not be . Telemachus of all men I love most . Of death from Gods hand none can warrant you . But as for us you may securely sleep . So said he , and yet then his death did brew . Away went then Penelope to weep , And wept till Pallas came and clos'd her eyes . And to Ulysses and his Son at night Eumaeus came . A Swine they sacrifice . And then did Pallas from the Sky alight , And with her Rod return'd Ulysses old , And ill arrai'd , for fear he should be known T'Eumaeus or Penelope , and told By them to others , and abroad be blown . Telemachus then to Eumaeus said , Eumaeus , are you come ? what news from Town ? The Suiters are they come that me way-laid ? Or do they for me still look up and down ? Then said - Eumaeus , I did not enquire , Upon my Message only was my mind . That done , to make haste back was my desire . But there I chanc't a Messenger to find , Sent by your Mates-to tell Penelope , And he the news t' your Mo●…er first did tell . I saw a ship that new came in from Sea , But whether that were it , I know not well . Aboard were many Arms and many men . And though I were not sure , I thought 't was it . Telemachus on 's Father smiled then , But so as that Eumaeus could not see 't . Then came their Supper in , which they fell to . A Supper good they had , and were well pleased . And when their hunger had no more to do , With gentle sleep their fear and care disseised . LIB . XVII . SOon as the rosie Morning did appear , Riseth Telemachus ; his shooes puts on ; And takes into his hand his heavy Spear ; And hasteth to the City to be gone . And said unto Eumaeus , Father , I Am going to the City , there to see My Mother , that will never cease to cry , And sob till in her sight I standing be , But the poor Stranger guide you to the Town , With broken meat and wine himself to feed , Such as he gets by begging up and down . I cannot maintain all men that have need . Tak 't how he will. For I love to speak plain . Then-said Ulysses , Sweet Friend , nor would I Here in the Country willingly remain . For Beggars wants great Cities best supply . Here at the Lodge no service I can do . And now to learn of others am too old . With this man to the City I would go , But warm me first I would . For very cold This Morning is . I fear this hoary frost . Far hence the Town is , and my Garments thin ; And which I reason have to fear the most , My rags will to the air betray my skin . Telemachus then speedily went home , With mischief to the Suiters in his head . And when he to the Palace-gate was come , T' a Pillar sets his Spear , and entered . Euryclea was cov'ring Chairs i' th' Hall , And saw him first , and straight unto him went ; And then the other women-servants all Declared with much kissing their content . Then like Diana or fair Ap●rodite , Penelope came shedding tears of joy , And on his shoulders laid her arms milk-white , And kist his head and eyes , and thus did say : Telemachus my dear Child , are you here ? I never thought again your face to see , Since of your Father news you went to hear At Pyle by Sea , without acquainting me . But tell me what at Pyle they of him say . Mother ( said he ) pray let me take my breath , My thoughts in great disorder are to day ; I come but now from out the jaws of death . But with your Maids go to your Chamber now , And in your fairest Garments you array , And to th' Immortal Gods all make a Vow A perfect Hecatomb to them you 'll pay , If Jove be pleas'd our losses to restore . But I unto the Market-place must haste , To treat a Stranger whom I sent before , And till my coming with Piraeus plac't ▪ Penelope then to her Chamber went , And put her self into her best array . Her vows to all th' Immortal Gods she sent A perfect Hecatomb to them to pay , If J●ve be pleas'd her losses to restore . Telemachus in hand then takes his Spear , And with two Dogs at 's heels went out a door ; And Pallas made him like a God appear . The people all admir'd him as he came ; The Suiters all about him gathered , And spake him fair , while in their hearts they frame Plots and devices how his blood to shed . But he his seat amongst them quickly quits , To Mentor and his Fathers antient friends Altherses , Antephus , with them he sits , And there the time discoursing with them spends ▪ Piraeus not long after cometh in , And brings his Stranger with him to the place , Who there a very little while had been But that Telemachus hard by him was . Then said Piraeus to Telemachus , Send of your women some to fetch away The goodly Presents you left at my house . No , said Telemachus , let them yet stay , I know not yet th' event of our affairs . If th'Wooers kill me and my Goods divide , I rather had they should be yours than theirs . If I kill them , and God be on my side , Then send them , and I 'll take them joyfully , And brought away the Stranger with him home . And by and by the Suiters thither hie . And when they all into the house were come , On Couches and on Chairs their Cloaks they lay , And presently into their Baths they go . And bath'd and oyl'd again themselves array , And sat them down . And Supper ready now , A Maid then water in a Golden Ewre To wash their hands over a Bason brings . The Bason also was of silver pure . Another on the Tables lays good things , That in her keeping were , and sets on Bread. Penelope sat spinning in the door . And then they heartily fell to and sed . And when desire of meat and drink was o're , Unto her Son Penelop● then spake . I will , said she , upon my bed lie down , Though there I ever weeping lie awake , Since he went with Atrides to Troy-Town , Since you would not vouchsase to let me know The news you heard , before these men came in . Mother ( said he ) the truth I 'll you now . We went to Pyle , and Nestor we have seen . And lovingly we entertained were . For as a Father entertains his Son Come home from far ; so were we treated there , And welcome to his Children every one . But that Ulysses was alive or dead , He met with no man that could tell him true . But us to go to Sparta counselled , And said , If any , Menelaus knew . And us with Coach and Horses did provide ( Where we saw Helen , bane of Greece and Troy ) He also sent his Son with us for Guide , And thither come receiv'd we were with joy . Atrides of my coming askt the reason . I told him all the truth . He answer'd then , Oh ho , into the strong mans house by Treason Are entred many weak and heartless men . As when a Stag and Hind entring the den Of th' absent Lion , lulls his whelps with tales Of Hills and Dales , the Lion comes agen And tears them into pieces with his nails ; So shall Ulysses all these rascals slay . Oh that the Gods Apollo , Pallas , Jove , Amongst the Suiters bring him would one day , Such as when with Ph●lomelide he strove , And threw him flat , and made the Argives glad , If such Ulysses once amongst them were , Short would their lives be , and their wedding bad . But of the matter , whereof you enquire , On my own knowledge I can nothing say , No● will with rash conjectures you beguile . I told was with Calypso he doth stay ( By Proteus an old Sea-God ) in an Isse , And would come home , but wants both ship & men To pass him o're the broad back of the Main . This said , we took our leaves , a fair gale then Quickly convei'd us o're the liquid plain . After Telemachus had spoken thus , Penelope her heart was ill at ease . And then spake to her Theoclymenus . Wife of Ulysses Laertiades , This man ( said he ) knows not , hear me . For I Joves mind foresee . Jove first , and then the Ghost That takes the care of this blest family , And dwelling in it doth maintain the rost , You know Ulysses is now in this Isle , Sitting or creeping , and observes these Wooers , What evil deeds they do . And he the while The Destiny contriveth of the doers . I saw the same at Sea by Aug●ry , And said unto Telemachus no less . Oh that the Gods would make it true , said she , I 'd so reward you that men should you bless . While they together thus within discourse , The Suiters were gone out to throw the Stone , And Darts upon the Green before the doors As they at other times before had done . Now Supper-time drew near . Sheep home were brought From ev'ry field . Then Medon to them spake , ( Who ●mongst the Suiters had most favour got ) Come in , says he , and care of Supper take . For of these Games , I see you have your fill . In supping early damage there is ●one . Agreed they were ; none thought the motion ill . They then into the Hall went every one . On Couches and on Chairs their Cloaks they throw , Great Sheep , fat Goats enough they sacrifice And franked Swine , and from the Herd a Cow. Mean while Eumaeus to the City hies , Ulysses with him , to whom thus he said , Come Father , let us to the City go , Since 't is my Masters will. You should have stai'd If my advice you would have hearken'd to , But the Commands of Masters are severe ; The time o' th' day already is much spent . And though it will be late e're we be there , I fear , e●…e it be night you will repent . And then Ulysses to Eumaeus said , I hear , I understand , I pray go on . Only of rugged way I am afraid , Give me a good strong staff to lean upon . Then on his shoulder he his Scrip did throw ; Given he had a great Staff to his mind , And they two to the Town together go , Leaving the Swineherds and the dogs behind . Ulysses like a Beggar old and lame , And all his Rayment ragged was and wretched . But when they near unto the fountain came , From which the Citizens their water fetched , The fountain sweetly streaming and well made B'Ithacus Neritus , Polector Kings , That sheth from a high and chilling shade , Where in a Poplar Grove arise the Spring● , And there an Altar is , and on the same The Passengers to th'Nymphs pay offerings . When we were there , Melanthus to us came , And Goats , the fattest of his Herds , he brings . Whither now goest thou with this Beggar here , This trouble-feast , who begging scraps and snu●●● , ( Not Swords and Kettles ) many blows shall bear Of flying foot-stools , and get many cuffs . Would thou wouldst give him me my Lodge to keep And lead my Goats afield with a green bough , And live on Whey , and my Goat-houses sweep , And his great knee unto such service bow . But hang him , he has such a custome got Of Idleness with begging of his food , That labour for his living he will not . But this I tell you , and 't will be made good , When he within Ulysses house appears , Many a footstool in the Hall will fly From out the Suiters hands about his ears . This said , he pass'd and kick'd him going by . Ulysses still stood firm upon the path , Thinking to strike him with his great Staff dead , Or otherwise to kill him in his wrath . But in the end his wrath he conquered . Eumaeus then held up his hands and pray'd : Nymphs of these Fountains , Daughters of Grea● Jove , If the fat Gifts here by Ulysses laid Upon your Altars were receiv'd with love , Grant that he may come safely home again By some good Spirit to his house convai'd . Then ( to Melanthius said he ) all in vain Will be your triumph , and your pride allai'd , Wherewith you to the Suiters daily go , And Knaves remain the Cattle to abate . Then said Melanthius again , O ho ! How boldly does this Dog , this Raskal prate . Whom one day I shall from hence ship away , And make of him somewhere abroad good gain . Would th' Wooers , or Phoebus , but as surely slay The Son , as 't is t' expect his Father vain . When this was said , away he went apace , And coming to the Suiters in the Hall , Against Eurymachus he took his place , Whom best he loved of the Suiters all . And there the waiters set before him meat . The Women of the Pantry brought him bread . Ulysses and Eumaeus were not yet Arriv'd , but near , for close they followed , And of the Fiddle they could hear the din. Ulysses said unto Eumaeus then , 'T is a fine House Ulysses dwelled in , And eas'ly known from those of other men , The Court with Wall and Hedge is fenced strong , Having strong Gates , with two Locks great & fast . Some Feast here is ; I hear the sound of Song , And Fiddle , which with Feast the Gods have plac't . Then answered Eumaeus , 'T is well guest , And other things you mark as well as this . But let us now consider what is best , In that which at this time our bus'ness is . Go you in first , and put your self among The Suiters ; or if you think better so , I 'll first go in , but do not you stay long , Lest you of one another take a blow . I hear , I understand . Go you in first . The Seas and Wars have taught me patience . Of all my suffrings this is not the worst . Of blows and throws I have experience . And may the Suiters henceforth have the same . The Belly forceth Mortals to much Woe . But there is no force can the Belly tame . It sets the good Ship on the Sea to go Which t'one another evil fortune bears . While they discoursed thus before the door , Ulysses Dog held up his head and ears , Argus by name , that had been long before Well lookt to , ere Ulysses went to T●oy . They with him cours'd the wild Goat , Deer , and Hare ; But all the while his Master was away , The Servants of his keeping took no care . But on the Dung before the Doo● h● lay , Which there was heap'd to m●…ure Fields ●…as , From many Mules and Cattle fal● away . There lay the old Dog Argus full of Fle●s . And as Ul●sses near was ●ouch'd his ears And ●auned with his tail , but could not rise , And which Eumaeus did not see , the tears Ready to fall were from Ulysses eyes . And then U●…s to Eumaeus said , This is a very well-shap'd Dog I see . 'T is strange ●o 〈◊〉 ●im on a Du●gh●l said . I know not whether also swi●t he ●e . Or for his beauty only was he ●ed , As Lords make much of Dogs for being fine , And at their Tables see them cherished . Then answered the Master of the Swine : The Master of him is of life bere●t . If now he were the same for shape and deed He then was when Ulysses here him left , You 'ld quickly see he had both strength & speed . There was no B●ast he once saw in the Wood That could escape him . For not only swift , But also at a Sent was very good . But now himself scarce able is to lift . For why his Master being dead and gone , He was not left unto the Womans care . And when the Master is not looking on , Men-servants of their duty careless are . For half the vertue taken is away Of whosoever is to service ti'd . This said , into the house he went his way . And Argus having seen his Master , di'd . Telemachus , the first that saw him enter , Unto ●●m●odded to come to his Seat. A Chopping-board was near him by adventure . He took up that , whereon to eat his meat . And near Telemachus he plac'd the same . A Waiter sets before him flesh and bread . And after him Ulysses also came Like an old Beggar torn and tattered . And said 〈◊〉 Eumaeus , Give the Beggar this , And bid him go and try the charity Of all the rest ; and tell him hurtful 't is For Beggars to have too much modesty . ●…us then streight went unto the Guest , And said , Telema●bus doth give you this , And bids you try your fortune with the rest , For modesty to Beggars hurtful is . And then Ulysses to Eumaeus says , God bless Telemachus and make him great , And always grant him that for which he prays . And then with both his hands receiv'd his mean And as the Fiddle with the Feast gives o're , Ulysses when he eaten had his meat , Sate quiet on the Sill and said no more . But still amongst the Woo'●s the noise was great . Then Pallas comes and stands Ulysses by , And bids him try the Suiters as they sat Which of them had , which wanted charity , Though they the same men would be for all that . Then rising up , before the first he stands , And to the right hand onward still he goes To every one , and holds up both his hands , Like one that well the Art of begging knows . They gave him meat , and wondred at the man , And one another askt , Who is 't , and whence . And then Melanthius to speak began : I saw him , said he , but● little since Brought hither by the Master of the Swine . But who he is , his kinred , and his place , It is not in my power to divine . This said , Antinous in cho●er was . O Noble Master of the Swine , said he , What made you here to introduce this Guest ? Think you that yet too few the Beggars be , That you must needs invite this trouble-feast , Your Lords estate the sooner to eat up ? Good as you are ( says he ) you say not right . No man a Stranger e're call'd in to Sup , And him on no acquaintance did invite , Unless he were a man that most men need , Prophet , Physitian , or Armourer , Or Fidler at a Feast ; for when men feed A Song doth add delight unto the chear . These use to be invited ev'ry where . Who ever call'd a Beggar in to eat ? But to the Servants you still cruel were , And of them all you me the worst did treat ▪ But I care little whilst Penelope Alive is , and Telemachus her Son. Telemachus then had him silent ●e . Eum●us ( said he ) let him now alone , He loves to quarrel , and set others on . Then to Antinous he turn'd and spake , Is this as from a Father to his Son , To bid me , make my Guest my house forsake ? I 'll never do 't . Give him what Alms you will , Nor shall my Mother , nor I , nor a man , Nor woman that here dwelleth take it ill . But eat than give , it seems you better can . Then said Antinous , These words are great , And passionate , but spoken without need . If thus we all go on to give him meat , He may himself three months together seed . This said , his Footstool to his foot he drew . Ulysses with his Scrip went to the Sill , ( For it was full ) meaning to beg anew . And first he tries Antinous his will. Give a poor Stranger ( says he . ) You appear Amongst the Achaeans here to be the best . For like a King you look , and reason 't were You should in bounty exceed all the rest . And I abroad your goodness will make known . I could for riches once with most compare , And kept a great and free house of my own , And askt what want you , ●an , not what you are . And many Servants had , ●nd things that p●…s For happiness amongst us ●…ls all , Till t'Aegypt I by Knaves perswa●dd was To Sail. I' th' Nile we let our Anchors fall . There I my Fellows bid aboard to stay , And guard the ships ; and some to places high I sent to watch . But mov'd by lu●…e they On Plunder and on Rapine had their eye . The fields they waste , and ●…he men , and make Women and Children ●…ves . Then the cry Arriving at the City , Arms they take And next day early to the fields they hie With Horse and Foot The●●●nd'red the Field , Their Armour lightned My men frigh●●d were . Some taken and made slaves , some 〈◊〉 kill'd , And all the rest ran scatter'd here and there . To th' King of Cyprus I was made a Gift , Dmetor by name , the King of Aegypt's Guest . And to come hither thence , I made hard shi●● . Then said Antinous , Stand off you 're best . What Devil to molest us sent this Rogue Unmannerly , that with such impudence To beg presumeth here , and to cologue ? S●and off . Or ill at ease I 'll send you hence . They that have given have done foolishly , And at another's cost been charitable . No wonder in such super●u●●y . Ulysses then retired from the Table . O , O , said he , I had but little skill , That from the Aspect have inferred wi● . Not give ( I see ) a ●rum of salt you will To a poor man that humbly alketh it . Antinous at this enrag'd at th' heart , Look'd on Ulysses angerly , and said , To part hence safely thou not likely art ; Since to my face thou dar'st me thus upbraid . This said , he threw the Footstool at his head , Which touch'd his shoulder , but remov'd him not . Then to the S●ll himself he rendered , Shaking his head with vengeance in his thought . Ulysses then unto the Suiters spake . A man ( said he ) not much is griev'd a blow In fighting for his Kine or Sheep , to take . But he did for his Belly at me throw . If any care the Gods of poor men have , Antinous before he marri'd be , Is like enough to go into his Grave . Antinous replies , Sit quietly And eat your meat , lest taken by the heels The Servants hale and drag you out o' th' Gate , Or use you worse , your tongue so runs on wheels . At this the rest all discontented sate , And one among the rest unto him said , Antinous , it was unjustly done To use a Stranger so . The Gods arraid In poor mens habits mens deeds look upon , And notice take , who well does , and who ill . Telemachus was grieved at the heart For what was done , but did no tear distil , But shook his head , and hop'd to make them smart . When what had pass'd was told Penelope , Apollo strike him to the heart , said she . If I my wish had , said Eurynome , No Suiter of them all the morn should see . Then said Penelope again , 'T is true , They all be enemies , and mean us evil . But he the fiercest is of all the Crew , And rageth in the house like any Devil . A Stranger in distress comes to the door , Whom want constrained had to beg his bread . The rest all give him somewhat of their store , But he a Footstool throweth at his head . While she thus and her Women talking were , Ulysses supping sat upon the Sill. I fain ( said she ) would have the Beggar here . Fetch him Eumaeus , talk with him I will. I 'll ask him if Ulysses he have seen , For many men and Cities knoweth he . Eumaeus then made answer to the Queen : If once the Suiters would but silent be , You would be pleas'd his History to hear . Three days and nights he stai'd with me an end . And of his suffrings much he told me there When new arriv'd ; but came not to the end . As when a man that knows the Art of Song , Sings lovely words with sweet & well-tun'd voice , The man that hears him thinks not the time long ; So I in his strange story did rejoyce . He said Ulysses was his Fathers Guest , In th' Isle of Crete where reigneth Minos race . Himself ( he said ) with many woes opprest , The Fates at last him tumbled to this place . And that he heard Ulysses is hard by , And that into Thesprotia he 's come Alive and well ; enriched mightily ; With Treasure which he now is bringing home . Then said Penelope , Go call me hither The Beggar , I my self will ask him all . And mean while let the Suiters chat together Where they think best without or in the Hall. For merry they must be , since they feed here , And their own Corn and Wine and Cattle save , And with our Cattle make themselves good chear , And on our Corn and Wi●e no mercy have . For such as was Ulysses here is none , That should defend us from their injuries . But were he h●ther come , he , and his Son , Would bring destruction on these enemies . This said , it chanc'd Telemachus to sneeze . She laught , and for the Beggar calls agen . You see Eumaeus , Jove with me agrees , And certainly slain shall be all these men . Go call the Beggar , and say this from me , If I find true what he shall to me say , He shall with Coat and Vest rewarded be . Eumaeus to the Beggar went his way . And when he near him was , Father , said he , Pe●elope desires to speak with you . About Ulysses she inform'd would be , And said , If she find all you say be true , She clothe you will with a fair Coat and Vest , Which you stand most in need of . But for food By begging in the Town you 'll get it best , Where they relieve you will that shall think good . Ulysses to Eumaeus answered , P●nelope I quickly can inform . For he and I have jointly suffered . But from the Suiters I much fear a storm . Their insolence is known up to the Sky . Just now a Footstool one threw at my head , When given him no cause at all had I , Nor could I by her Son be succoured . Therefore intreat P●nelope to stay Untill the Sun be set and Suiters gone , And by the fire-side hear what I can say . You see what-wosul Garments I have on . Then back Eumaeus went with his excuse , And came without him to Penelope . How now ( said she ) does he to come refuse ? They that are bashful but ill Beggars be . Not so , O Queen ( said he ) he is discreet . He prays you stay till setting of the Sun , Fearing some danger from the Woo'rs to meet . And for you also then 't will best be done . I see ( quoth she ) the Stranger wants not wit. For in the world never so many men Contriving mischief did together sit . So said Penelope . Eumeus then Went down and put himself into the throng , And to Telemachus said in his ear , I have been absent from my Swine too long . I go , and to your care leave all things here , And chiefly of your life to have a care . Many there are that bear you evil mind , And how to take your life contriving are . But may they first their own destruction find . Then said Telemachus , And so 't will be . Farewel . But I advise you first to dine . The bus'ness here leave to the Gods and me . Then din'd he and went back unto the Swine , Next morning with more Victims to return . And full he left the Hall and Court with men , Who there themselves to Song and dancing turn . For less than half the day remained then . LIB . XVIII . THen came a Beggar to Ulysses Gate . The man to see to was both great and tall , Though but a lither fell w. Down he sate Boldly within the Porch before the Hall. He had a greedy Gut , and named was At first Arnaeus , then Irus ; for he went On errants oft , when ever there was cause . The Wooers favour made him insolent . This Beggar thought to drive Ulysses thence . Dost see those Princes how they wink at me , And by the heels would have me pluckt thee hence ? Though to do that I should ashamed be . Go from the door Old man lest I should do it . Up therefore quickly and be gone ; arise Before that with my fists I force you to it . Ulysses frowning answer'd in this wise : Strange man , I neither do thee harm , nor say Thee any ill . Here 's room for thee and me . I do not envy you the meat which they Shall give you here , how much so e're it be . Envy not other men ; I think you are As well as I a Beggar ; but forbear To threaten me too much . You 're best beware , Old as I am , lest I your lips besmear And breast with blood , and so have better room . For to Ulysses house I 'm confident Th●u never wilt be able more to come . This made the Beggar more impatient . O ( says he ) how the Raskal prates ! 'T were well To beat the Raskals teeth out , while his Tongue Thus runs on wheels , till to the ground they fell . Let these see fight the Old man with the Young. Whilst in great heat they quarrell'd at the door , They by Antinous observed were , Who laughing said there never came before Such sport to th' House . The Beggars standing there Will go to cuffs , I pray let 's hold them to it . Then up they start , and round about them stand . There are o' th' fire good puddings full of suit , Of these , let him that conquers lay his hand On which he will. So said Antinous , And have the priviledge , and none but he To beg within the Porch before the house , And of our talk at meat a hearer be . The motion pleas'd . And then Ulysses spake : The match is hard , an Old man 'gainst a Younger , Yet this my belly bids me undertake . And I 'm acquainted more with blows than hunger . But I must first intreat you all to swear Not to help Irus , nor a heavy hand To lay on me , but both of us forbear , And justly 'twixt us both as Neute●s stand . When all had sworn , then said Telemachus , Stranger , if thou dare combat with this man None else shall do thee hurt . Antinous , Eurymachus , and I defend you can . This said , Ulysses cover'd kept his gear , But shew'd his shoulders wide , & his strong thighs . His large brest and his brawny arms appear . And Pallas standing by inlarg'd his size . At which the Suiters greatly wondered , And one unto another softly said , Irus has pull'd an old house on his head . And Irus then was mightily afraid . But yet by force the Servants brought him out , His flesh still trembling on his limbs with fear , Shew not thy self a Coward and a lout ; Nor fear a man worn out with many a year . For if he get the better , thou shalt go Unto King Takim , and there by his Law Thy nose and ears , and privy parts also Shall be cut off , and dogs shall eat them raw . This made him quake more yet . Into the lists They brought him so . Both ready were to fight . Ulysses then thought how to use his fists , Whether to beat him down or kill him quite . But not t' offend the Suiters thought it best To strike him gently . And when they were near Irus did hit Ulysses on the brest . Ulysses Irus struck just under th●ear . He broke the bones , at 's mouth the blood gusht out . He fell , squ●akt , shed his teeth . The Suiters were With laughter almost dead , that stood about . Ulysses drag'd him to the utter-gate , And set him to the hedge , as 't were a Signe , And put a Staff in 's hand . As there he sate . Ulysses bad him keep out Dogs and Swine . Think not thy self quoth he , of Beggars King ( That art a very wretch ) and wandering Souls . This said ; ore's head he threw the twisted string By which his Scrip hung rag'd and full of holes . Then sat him down i' th' Porch . The Suiters enter All laughing in , and as they passed by Greatly congratulated his adventure . Stranger , said they , Jove and the Gods on high , Grant thee whatever thou shalt most desire , That hast reliev'd us from the Raskal there . We 'll send him to King Takim in Epire. And glad Ulysses was his praise to hear . Antinous a Haggas brought fill'd up With fat and blood , and to 't Amphino●…s Two loaves of bread , and with 't a gilded Cup Of lusty wine , and said unto him thus : Hail , Father , Stranger , Rich and Happy be As ere you were ; though many miseries Oppress you now . He answer'd him , I see Amphinomus , you prudent are and wise . So was your Eather . Nisus was his name . Prince of Dulichium , both rich and wise . You are his Son , as I am told by Fame ; Therefore I will a little you advise . There 's not a weaker Creature lives o' th' ground , Or goes , o● c●eeps upon it than a man Who whilst he 's strong , and all his limbs are sound , He makes account that fa●l he never can . But when the Gods shall have decreed him woe , He less indures it than another can . Such is the nature Jove has as●●gn'd to This weak and short-liv'd Creature called Man. For I my self was rich , and lived in Great plenty , and was very insolent , Bold on my strength , my Father , and my Kin , Therefore let no man be too confident . But rather quietly God's Gifts enjoy . These Suiters here bring this into my mind Who of an absent man the Goods destroy , And that at last unto their cost they 'll find . For this I tell you ( mark well what I say ) That he will soon , nay very quickly come , And that will be to some a heavy day . Pray God that at his coming you keep home . This said , he drank , and to Amphinomus Return'd the Cup , who shook his head in vain . For not long after by Telemachus Amongst the rest of th'Wooers he was slain . Then Pallas puts Penelope in mind T' appear unto the Wooers , that she might Before her Son and Husband honour find , And further bring the Suiters thoughts to light . Penelope then laught not knowing why . Eurynome ( said she ) my mind says go , And shew your self before the Company . Which heretofore I never thought to do . I hate them , yet I mean to go to th' door , And bid my Son their company to shun And mix himself with those ill men no more . Dear Child , said the old woman , 't is well done . Go tell him whatsoever you think fit , But wash away the tears first from your eyes , And ' noint your Cheeks ; they must sometimes remit And hide their grief that will be counted wise . You have your wish , your Son now is a man. Penelope then answered her again ; Restored be my beauty never can ▪ ' Nointing and washing now are all in vain . The Gods , Eurynome , then took away All beauty from me when Ulysses went With Agamemnon to the Siege of T●●y ; Such words afford me now but small content . Call Hipp●d●mia and A●●●nne . For why , I am asham'd my self alone Amongst so many men in sight to be . They shall go with me , on each side me one . But when th' old woman was gone out , and staid , Then Pallas pour'd sweet sleep upon her eyes , And on her face a greater beauty laid , And also made her limbs of larger size , And whiter than the purest Ivory . Having so done the Goddess rise to th'Skies . Her Maidens coming made a noise , and she Awak'd , and with her hand she strok'd her eyes . I 've had ( said she ) a very gentle sleep . O that Diana such a gentle death Would send me presently , nor let me weep My life out , nor with sorrow give me breath , Sorrow for my dear Husband , best of all The G●e●ian Princes , and that said , then down She goes to th Porch before the door of th'Hall With her two Maids , she would not go alone And so stood at the door within their sight , But with her Scarf her Cheeks a little shaded . A Maid stood at her left hand and her right . When we appear'd Love all their hearts invaded . Her speech then to Telemachus sh'addrest , Telemachus ( said she ) your Wit 's less now Than when you were a Boy . 'T was then at best . And backward more and more it seems to grow . Now you are tall , and come to mans estate , And ' counted are the best mens Sons among , Of your discretion you begin t' abate . Why else d' ye let your Stranger suffer wrong ? If you your Guests thus treat , what think you , can Men say of you , that 's good or honourable ? You 'll be reproach'd and scorn'd of every man , And taken for a man unhospitable . Mother , said he , you well may angry be ; And yet I better know what 's good and ill Than heretofore . But these men hinder me . I cannot without help , do all I will. The Quarrel 'twixt my Guest and Irus was None of the Suiters act , by chance it rose , As they sate begging , from some other cause , And Irus only bare away the blows . O Jupiter ( I wish ) and all the Gods , That all your Suiters were in Irus case , ( Who yonder sits like one that 's drunk , and nods ) Either here right or in some other place , Unable to go home . Penelope And her lov'd Son so talkt . And then Eurymachus , if all the Lords ( said he ) Which now through Arg●s bear rule over men Should see you now , more Suiters you 'ld have here ( For you do far , all Woman-kind surpass ) And come betime to taste of your good chear . None such for fair and prudent ever was . No , no , said she . For when Ulysses went With th' Argive Princes to the War of Troy , The Immortal Gods took from me my content , And with it all these Ornaments away . Were he come home that took a care of me , I should more honour have and beauty so . But now I lead my life in misery , The Gods some evil on me daily throw . My Husband when he parted hence to fight For Agamemnon 'gainst the Trojans , laid At taking leave on my left hand his right , And all those words of counsel to me said : Expect you cannot ( Wife ) that we that go Over the Sea unto the Siege of Troy Shall all come safe away . The Trojans know How t' use the Dart and Bowe too , as men say ; And are good Horsmen also , and can see All their advantages in ranged field . Therefore I know not what my luck will be , Either to come again , or to be kill'd . My Father and my Mother I therefore To you commend , to see them cherished , As they are now , or ( in my absence ) more . And when Telemachus is grown , then wed . Take whom your self like best , and leave this house . This said , he parts . Ay me the time is come I must embrace a Marriage odious , And I must leave this my most blessed home . Suiters were wont when they a woman woo'd Of Noble Parentage , to please her all They could , and strive who most should do her good ; Mine daily eat and drink me up in th'Hall . This said , Ulysses was well pleas'd to see His wife draw Presents from them , and was glad , And th'Wooers by her over-reacht to be With her fine words , when other thoughts she had . Then said Antinous : Penelope , Fair and wise daughter of Icarius , Receive what e're by us shall offer'd be . It is not good , good Presents to refuse . Yet till you chuse some one whom you think best To be your Husband , we resolve to stay , And be each one of us your constant Guest , And never absent from your house a day . And with Antinous they all agree , Who her presented with a fair , large , rich And divers-colour'd Robe , with four times three Buckles of pure and beaten gold , and which As many clasps of Gold had joyned fit . Eurymachus his Present was a Chain Of Gold and Amber-Beads alternate . It Shin'd bright as is the Sun-shine after rain . Eurydamas two Pendants gave , of which Each had three Gems and polisht very bright And both for Art and Workmanship were rich , Reflecting to the eye a lovely light . Pysandrus Son of Poly●terides Gave her a costly Necklace . All the rest With some good Gift endeavoured to please The fair and wise Penelope the best . This done , unto her Chamber up she went With her two Maids that did her Presents carry . Th'Woo'rs with dancing and with merriment , ( Their wonted pastime ) for the Ev'ning tarry . The Ev'ning came , and then the Lamps were lighted , And Torches , and the Fir-staves long lain dry , Which to that purpose had with Tools been fitted And ready lay to light the Company . The Lights the Maids took up by turns and bore them . Then said Ulysses , Maidens , if you please , To save your pains , I 'll bear the Light before them . I 'm us'd to labour and can do 't with ease Though they should stay and sit up till to morrow . You may go up unto the Queen and there Sit and spin with her , and divert her sorrow . At this the Wenches 'gan to laugh and jeer . And one of them ( Melantho ) him revil'd With bitter words . Her Father Dolius hight . Penelope did treat her as her Child And in her company did take delight . But yet she could not put away her grief . The Wench was fair , and too familiar was VVith Prince Eurymachus , one of ●he chief Of all her Suiters . And this woman ' t was . And thus she said , Sure ( Stranger ) thou art mad That wilt not here nor elsewhere go to bed . Is it because thou too much wine hast had ? Or is 't a humour in thy nature bred To pra●… so boldly in such Company ? Thy Victory o're Irus may pe●haps Have made thee wild . A bet●e● man than he May chance to send thee hence with bloody chaps . Ulysses looking ●ourly answered , You b●tch , T●l●●a●hus shall streight-way know These words . He 'll cause thee to be tortured . They fearing he would do 't , away they go . Ulysses ready stood to take in hand A Torch when bidden ; casting in his mind How he might safely carry on the grand Mischief against the Woo'rs he had design'd . And Pallas yet not suffer'd them to keep Themselves in any bounds of modesty , But fix Ulysses anger yet more deep . Eurymachus then said to th' standers by To make them laugh , Ulysses to disgrace , Hear Sirs I pray , what now comes in my thought . The man comes opportunely to this place , 'T is sure some God that him has hither brought To give us greater light . For from his head Methinks I see arise another flame Besides the flame the Torch gives , and so spread Upon his bald pate doubled has the same . Then says t'Ulysses , Man wilt thou serve me To pluck up Thorns & Bry'rs , and Trees to plant ? Thou shalt have meat enough , and clothes , and see , And shooes , and whatsoever thou shalt want . But since thou hast been us'd to idleness I doubt thou ne'r wilt labour any more , But rather feed thy carcass labourless , And wandring choose to beg from door to door ▪ This said , Ulysses answer'd him agen : Eurymachus , if we two were to try Our labour , in alarge green meadow , when The days are long , the weather hot and dry , With equal S●thes from morning unto night ; Or with two equal oxen fed and strong Were fasting put to plow to try our might Which of us labour could indure most long ; Or if an enemy to day should land , And I a helmet had sit for my head , And Target , and two fit spears for my hand , Then you should see whether I sought or fled , And not reproach m' of sloth or poverty . You are too cruel , and you do me wrong And think your self a man of might to be , Because they weaker are you live among . But should Ulysses come and find you here You 'ld think the door ( though it be very wide ) As you are running out too narrow were . So glad you 'ld be your heads to save or hide . To this E●rymachus with bended brow , And furious eye , answer'd , Wretch that thou art , And dar'st so saucily to prate . How now ! 'T will not be long before I make thee smart . 〈◊〉 it because thou too much Wine hast had ? Or is 't thy nature always to be bold ? Or is 't t' have beaten Irus makes thee mad ? This said , upon a Footstool he laid hold , And threw it at him , but it hit him not . Ulysses sunk on 's knees , the stool flew o're His head , and a Cup-bearer next him smot On the right hand , and down he falls o' th' floor . Much the disorder then was in the room , And one unto another next him said , I would this Beggar hither had not come , But somewhere else before had perished . For what ado about a Beggar 's here ? The pleasure of our Dinner all is lost . Then said Telemachus , Can you not bear ( Madmen ) your wine and chear both boil'd & ●ost ? When fill'd , why do you not go home and sleep ? Go when you will , I drive you not away . ●he Suiters at this boldness bit the lip , And thought it strange , but yet did nothing say . Then said Amphin●mus , Let 's not fall out With any man for speaking truth , nor be ●…ude and unkind . Cup-bearers , bear about To every man the Cup of Charity . And so go each man home , for now 't is late ( Leaving the Stranger with Telemachus , Whose Guest he is ) and our selves recreate With gentle sleep each one in his own house . Then Meleus to each man presents a Cup , Whereof unto the Gods they offer'd part . When this was done each one his wine drank up , And then unto their houses they depart . LIB . XIX . ULysses in the house remain'd ; and staid Contriving how the Suiters to destroy . And streightway to Telemachus he said , Carry the Armour in the Hall away . And tell them gently ( if they ask wherefore ) The fire has hurt them , and they are not now Such as Ulysses left them heretofore When with the Greeks he did to Ilium go . Or say , for fear some quarrel might arise By th' indiscretion of one or other , You thought the counsel would not be unwise To take them thence . One drawn sword draws another . Telemachus then calls his Nurse , and said , Euryclea , shut all the rooms up fast . Be sure to keep within door every Maid , Till I my Fathers Arms have elsewhere plac't . The smoke does spoil them all . But I will now Free them from soot . I 'm glad ( said she ) at last To see your husbandry . But I would know Who 't is shall light you when the Maids are fast . My Guest ( says he ) this Stranger whom you see . For here he seeds , and nothing has to do . How far soever hence his dwelling be , I think 't is reason he should help me too . The Nurse did what commanded she had been . They laid up Helmets , Bucklers , Swords & Spears ; And Pallas with a Lamp came in unseen , And up and down the Light before them bears . Then ( Father ) said Telemachus , I see The walls , beams , roof , and all the pillars shine Like any fire , and certainly there be Within the house some of the Powers Divine . Peace ( said Ulysses ) be not curious , The purpose of the Gods you cannot find . Go you to bed . I must go through the house To find the Womens and your Mothers mind . Telemachus then to his Chamber went In which before he wonted was to lie , Leaving his Father in the house , intent On how ( with Pallas ) to make th'Wooers die . Forth comes Penelope into the Hall More than Diana , more than Venus fair , Her Maids upon her were attending all , And set down for her a most stately Chair Made by I●malius of silver plate , And Iv'ry turned , white as any snow , And Footstool thereto fix'd . And there in State Sat down the fair Penelope , and now The Housmaids enter in and take away The Tables , and the Bowls , the Cups , and Bread Which ( th'Wooers gone ) about the room still lay ; And having made a fire there , went to bed . Melantho then Ulysses bitterly Rebuk'd again . Art thou here ( said she ) still , To peep at th'Women in the night , and spy What they are doing ? An 't may be hast the will To sstay all night . Go quickly . Get thee gone Th' ast supt . Lest thou be driven out of door With brands of fire . To this new insolence Ulysses answer'd gentlier than before . Why d' ye pursue me thus ? Is it because I am not fine , but have ill Rayment on ? The time has been I rich and wealthy was , And Beggars I did much bestow upon . Not looking on the men , but on their want . And many Servants had . Of that which makes Men called Rich , I knew not any scant . But Jove not only Riches gives but takes . Think therefore that your Beauty will decay , Or of your Mistress you may lose the grace , Or that Ulysses may come back one day . And though he ne're return unto his place , His Son Telemachus knows all you do ; Knows better now what 's good , and what is worse . Then be hereafter modester . Go to . Penelope o'reheard all this discourse . Bold Bitch ( said she ) I know what deeds you 've done , Which thou shalt one day pay for with thy head . Did not I tell thee when the Woo'rs were gone That I to speak with him had ordered ? Eurynome , I 've much to say , said she , Unto this man. Set here a Chair , that so Sitting I may hear him , and he hear me . For there are many things I 'd from him know . Ulysses sat . Penelope began . The Question I will ask you first is this . What is your name , and who your Parents be , And further tell me where your Country is . When she had said , Ulysses thus replies , O Queen , through all the world your prayses ring . Your vertues known are up unto the Skies , No less than of some great and happy King , That maintains Justice , and whose fertile ground Bea●s store of Wheat and Barly and whose Trees Are charg'd with fruit , and all his sheep stand sound , And under him a valiant people sees . And therefore ask me what you will beside . My K●● and Country to my self I 'd keep . For then my grief I can no longer hide , Or think thereon , but ready am to weep . Which here would be no seemly thing to do . For why , your Mads might peradventure think , And you your self , it may be think so too , My tears came not from sorrow but from drink . Strarger ( said she ) my Beauty , Form , and Worth T●…Immortal Gods took from me then away When first Ulysses with the Gre●ks went forth To that abominable Town of Troy. But were he here , that had the care of me , I should more honour have , and beauty so . But now I lead my live in misery . The Gods upon me troubles daily throw . For all the Lords that in these Islands be , Same , Dulichium , and woody Zant , And Ithaca it self , Suiters to me , My house continually together haunt . And there devour my Cattle , Corn and Wine , So that of Strangers I can take no care , Nor can my self dispose of what is mine , Nor Messengers receive that publike are . But longing for my Husband sit and pine . They press for Marri'ge , I to put it by . Then came into my thought ( some Power Divine Sure prompt me ) to set up a Beam. So I A Beam set up , and then began to weave . Suiters ( said I ) since dead Ulysses is , Stay yet a little while and give me leave To make an end but of one business . I must for old Laertes make a Cloth , Which in his Sepulchre he is to wear . Toffend the Wives of Greece I should be Ioath . For to accuse me they will not forbear . They 'll say I very hasty was to wed , If I go hence and not provide a shroud Wherein Laertes must be buried , Out of his wealth . That might have been allow'd . My Suiters all were well content . And then All day I wove ; but ere I went to bed , What I had wov'n I ravel'd out agen . Three years my Suiters I thus frustrated . In the fourth year my women me betrai'd ; And in they came while I the Web undid . I could the wedding now no more avoid , But I was rated by them much and chid . What I am next to do I cannot tell ; My Father and my Mother bid me marry ; My Son is weary , and takes not very well That th'Woo'rs devouring him should longer ●arry . But for all this I long to know your Stock . For sure you come not of the ●abled Oak , Nor are , I think , descended from a Rock . To this Ulysses answering thus spoke : Wife of Ulysses , since you so much press To know my Kindred and from whence I come , Although the telling grieve me , I 'll confess , For I have now long absent been from home . In the wide Sea a fertile Island lies , Innumerable therein are the men , Creta by name . Many diversities There are of Tongues ; and Cities nine times ten . There dwell Achaeans and Cydonians , And antient true Creatans , Tribachic●s , And also D●richs and Pelasgians , Who divers Dialects together mix . And Cnossus the prime City was of these Where Minos reigned ; the great Minos that , Who often used with great Chronides Familiarly of old ●o sit and chat . Minos my Fathers Father was , and he De●calion begot . Deucalion First got Idome●eus , and then got me . He went to Troy. My name is Aitho● . There 't was I saw Ulysses . He came in As he went homeward , and with much ado T'Amphisus . For by winds he fore'd had ●een This place , though no good Port , to p●t into . Then streight went up , Idomeneus to see , With whom he had acquaintance , as he said . 'T was ten days after that , or more , that he For Troy with th' other Greeks his Anchors wa●'d . I entertain'd him kindly with my own . Gave him a handsome Present too , and then I made him to be feasted by the Town Upon the Publike Charge himself and men . Twelve days the wind continued at North , VVhich kept the Fleet perforce within the Bay. On the thirteenth th'wind changed , and came South , And then they set up Sail and steer'd for Troy. 'T was so like truth , she wept . As when the Sun Dissolving is the Snow upon a Hill , Innumerable s●reams of water run , And the low Rivers of the valley fill : So wept the for her Husband sitting by ; Who griev'd and piti'd her , but never wept ; As hard as horn or iron was his eye , And by designe himself from tears he kept . After with weeping she was satisfi'd , Stranger , said she , I 'll ask you somewhat now By which most certainly it will be tri'd , If you my Has●and as you say did know O● en●ertain'd him , and his company . What kind of person was he , and how clad ? How serv'd ? To this Ulysses made reply . Though twenty year ago it be , and bad My memory ; yet what I can recall , I will relate . He wore a purple Vest Unshorn , and lin'd . Before embroider'd all . Two clasps of Gold. And in it was exprest A Hound that did between his forefeet hold A Faun that sp●all'd and labour'd to get free . Which was so lively done , and all in gold Performed was , that wonder 't was to see . His Coat ( I markt ) so soft it was and fine As is the fold of a dry Onion , And as the Sun , did gloriously shine And women gaz'd upon him many a one . Such were his Garments , but I know not whence He had them . You know better that than I ; Whether he so apparell'd went from hence , Presented by some of his Company , O● given to him somewhere by some Guest . For he was much beloved far and near , And of th'Achaears all esteem'd the best . Amongst the Greeks he harldly had his Peer . And I him gave , a Purple double Vest ; A Sword and Coat edged with fringes trim , And brought him to his ship . Amongst the rest A ●●rald was ; and I 'll describe you him . Round shoulder'd was he , curled was his hair , Swarthy his face , Eurybates his name . Ulysses to him much respect did bear , Because their thoughts for most part were the same . When he had done , she could no longer hold , But wept again , and sorer than before ; For the found true the tokens he had told . But when this show'r of tears was passed o're , Stranger ( said she ) I piti'd you before ; Now as a f●iend you shall respected be . 'T was I gave him th' Apparel he then wore And the Gold Buckles , to remember me , But I shall never see him more at home ; In an unlucky hour he cross'd the Main To that accursed Town of Ilium . Then thus Ulysses answer'd her again : O Noble Wife of Laertiades , Blemish no more those your fair eyes with tears , For your Ulysses . Set your heart at ease . Not that your sorrow as a fault appears . What Woman that her Husband of her youth , And to whom Children she had born had lost , Could choose but grieve and weep , although in truth She could not of his Vertue greatly boast ? But that you would give ear to what I say . I say Ulysses is not far from home ; He 's in Thesprotia hence a little way Alive , enrich'd with Presents he is come . His ship and men all perisht in the Main , Then when he left the Isle T●●inacie , Because Sols Sacred Kine his men had slain , Hurled they were by Jove into the Sea. Ulysses only scap'd ; for sitting fast Upon the torn-off Rudder by the Waves , After much labour came to land at last In th' Isle Phaeacia . There his life he saves . Much honour there and precious gifts he got . They ready were to have convey'd him home Safely to Ithaca , but he would not ; Else long ago he might have hither come . But he thought best to travel longer yet , And pick up Presents which way e●e he went , Before his going home much wealth to get . For at designing he was excellent . Phidon himself King of Thesprotia Swore to me this ; and that both Ship and men ▪ VVere ready to convey him t'Ithaca , His Country . But he could not stay till then . For now a Vessel ready to set forth Stood for Dulichium . But he she●'d me all Ulysses Treasure , which might serve , for worth Ten ages to maintain a man withal . But he ( he said ) was gone o're to the Main , There at Do●ona with Jove's Oak t' advise How to return to Ithaca again ; As he was openly , or in disguise . So then he 's safe ; and soon he will be here . He cannot from his house be long away . And which is more , I will not doubt to swear , And witness call the Gods to what I say . Hear Jove , of Gods the best , and high'st ; and th●… The Guardian of the house that we are in . Ulysses shall come to this place you know , E're this month end , or when the next comes in . Penelope than answer'd : Stranger , Oh That this would so fall out , you then should see Such friendship from me , and such gifts also , That men should bless , and say you happy be . But , Maids , go wash his feet , and make his bed , Lay on warm Rugs and handsom covering , His limbs to cherish till the day be spread . Then wash and ' noint hi●… that my Son may bring And set him in the Hall at Dinner by him . For he that wrongs him shall not be allow'd To come into my house another time . How angry at it e're he be , and proud . Stranger , by this I mean to let you see I better know to entertain my Guest Than many women do , though poor he be , Far from his home , and in vile Garments drest . To this Ulysses answer'd her again , O Noble wife of Laertiades , Since I left Crete , on Shipboard I have lain . Soft and fine bedding give me little ease . Many a night have I past without sleep , And often slept have on a homely Couch , The custome I have so long kept I 'll keep . Nor shall your Maidens my feet wash or touch Such as wait on you , but if there be any Old woman here that hath endured much , As I have done , and years have lived many , I am content my feet be wash'd by such . Then said Penelope , Ne're man came here VVithin my house from forein Countrey yet So prudent as you are , whose answers were To every thing so wise and so discreet . There is a woman such as you desire , That nurst and brought up that afflicted man , Though she be very weak , she 'll make a fire , And wash your feet , but nothing else do can . Rise Euryclea , wash the feet of one That 's like your Lord Such feet and hands were his , VVoe makes men old as well as years that run . So said Penelope . And th' old woman rise . And weeping held her hand before her eyes . O my dear Child , O Jupiter unkind ! VVho more devout , who burnt to him more thighs , Or fatter , or doth lesser favour find ? He prai'd to live so long that he might see Painless , the education of his Child Telemachus , but granted 't will not be . He now perhaps is where he is revil'd And mockt by women in some great mans Hall , As thou , O Stranger , hast been scorned here , And wilt not suffer any of them all Either thy feet to wash or to come near . I 'll wash your feet as I am bidden by Penelope , and for your own sake too . It is not her command alone . There lie Thoughts on my heart that urge me thereunto . Poor Passengers come hither very many , But one so like Ul●sses never came . For Person , Voice , and Feet I ne'r saw any Come to this house that had so near the same . Ulysses answer'd , Woman , so they say All that have seen us both . It may be so . She with her Kettle bright then went her way For water wherewithal her work to do . Cold water she brings in , and pours on 't hot . Ulysses sate by th' fire , but turn'd that thigh That had the scar to th'dark , that she might not Find it and force him ●'appear openly . She was not long about him when she spi'd The Scar a Bore had made above his knee When he was hunting on Parnassus side , At 's Grandsires in his Unkles Company . His Grandsire was Autolycus , that was His Mothers Father nam'd Anticlia . He in Hermetique Arts did most surpass , And to his Daughter came to Ithaca , That newly of a Son was brought to bed . Euryclea laid the Child upon his knee . Autolycus , you are to give , she said , The Name . How shall it named be ? Then said Autolycus , Since I of many Both men and women have incur'd the blame , A fitter name I cannot think on any . Therefore I say , Ulysses be his name . And when he 's grown a man send him to me , To Mount Parnassus , whither if he come , He shall of what I have , partaker be , And from me go not ill contented home . And this the cause was that he thither went. Autolycus and 's Sons there take Ulysses By th' hand , expressing very great content . Antithea his Grannam his head kisses And both his eyes . Autolycus appoints His Sons to have the Supper very good . A Bullock sat they kill , flay , cut in joynts , Roast , and in Mesies distribute the ●ood . And so they feasted till the day was done . And when 't was dark parted and went to sleep . But when Aurora had proclaim'd the Sun Which ready was above the Hill to peep , Then to Parnassus up the Hunters go , The Hounds before went searching out the sent . Autolycus his sons were there also . Ulysses with them ; next the Dogs he went. And in his hand shook a longshaded Spear . The Dogs drew tow'rd a wood . So close it was That neither rain nor wind e're entred there , Nor yet the beams o' th' Sun could through it pass . And heaps of wither'd leaves there lay therein . Within this th●cket lay a mighty B●re . Only the noise of Hounds and men came in , When they were very near , and not before . The Bore rusht cut , and fire was in his eye , ●…led his neck . Ulysses ready was . The Bore first wounded had Ulysses thigh . The Spear did through the Boars right shoulder pass . Slain was the Bore . And of Ulysses wound His Unkles to●k the care , and skilfully They caus'd it to be closed up and bound , And wi●h a Charm the blood stopt presently . His wound soon cured very glad they were And him with many Gifts send glad away . At home they ask , and he relateth there . The Story of the hunting of that day . Euryclea on the wound had said her hand , And well assured was 't was none but he . Which made the water in her eyes to stand . And now her joy and grief one passion be . Her Speech stuck in her Throat ; her hand le ts fall Her Masters soot . That down the Kettle threw . The water runneth out about the Hall ; And knowing now what she but thought was true , You are Ulysses , said she , O my dear . And tow'rd Penelope she lookt aside , As if she meant to say , Your Husband 's here . But Pallas that did mean the truth to hide Still made the Queen to look another way . And he with one hand stopt the Nurses breath , With th' other held her fast to make her stay . Why Nurse , said he , mean you to be my death ? Since at your brest I nourished have been , And none but you knows me in this disguise ; These twenty years I here was never seen . Let none else know it in the house . Be wise . For this I tell you , and will make it true , That of the women some I mean to slay . VVhen by my hand the Gods the Woo'rs subdue , If you bewray me , you shall fare as they . Then said Euryclea , VVhat needeth this ? You know my heart can hold like stone or brass . And who is honest , who dishonest is I 'll tell you , if your purpose come to pass . No Nurse , then said Ulysses , tell not me . You need not . I shall know them ev'ry one . Permit all to the Gods , and silent be . For they best know what best is to be done . Then out she went more water to fetch in , The first being spilt . He washt and 'nointed was . And covered the place where th'wound had been . And nearer to the fire his Chair he draws . Then to them came Penelope , and said , Stranger , I 'll ask you but a little more . 'T is almost bed-time , and when we are laid , Our grief in gentle sleep is passed o're . But all the day my tears are my delight , Or of my womens work the care I take . And after I am gone to bed at night A thousand dismal thoughts keep me awake . As Philomela sitting in a tree Mourns with a lamentable voice and shrill For Itylus , and turneth restlesly , Whom Zethus Son did by misfortune kill : Just so my mind divided is in twain ; Whether to keep my Servants with my Son , And my dear Husbands bed , and here remain , Or marry one o' th' Suiters , and be gone . To marry and be gone I could not yet , My Son too young was yet to rule th' estate . And now grown up , it makes him vex and fret To see them daily feast within his Gate . I 'll tell you now a dream ; expound it you . I 've twenty Geese feeding i' th' yard without . A mighty Eagle from the Hills down flew , And brake their necks ; dead they lay all about . The Eagle straightway mounted out of sight . I dreaming wept . To see them at the trough , Feeding on steeped wheat , I took delight . And to bemoan me Ladies came enough . And then methought the Eagle came again , And on a Beam which through the wall did start He sat , and said in humane Language plain , Child of Icarius trouble not your heart . The thing you see is real , not a dream . The Geese the Wooers , I the Eagle was , And now return'd and sitting on the Beam , I am your Husband , and will bring to pass The death of all your Suiters . Then wak'd I , And went into the Court my Geese to see , And found them all there feeding heartily , Unhurt , and well as they were wont to be . Woman , then said Ulysses , no man can Expound this Dream but as himself has done , That says and does . Ulysses is the man. The Suiters will be killed every one . Then said Penelope , Dreams are without Such order as to make a Judgment by ; And at two Gates , men say , they issue out , The one of Horn , th' other of Ivory . Th●se that pass through the Horn , to men of skill , Never say any thing but what is sooth ; But find a word of truth you never will In those that come through th' Elephantine tooth . But I much fear that my Dream came this way . For I have promised to quit this place , And come already is th' unlucky day That must determine who shall gain my grace . Twelve Axes here Ulysses set a row Like twelve Boats laid along upon their sides ▪ And at a distance standing with his Bowe , Through ev'ry one of them his arrow glides . And this shall to my Suiters be the Prize . He that most easily shall bend the Bowe , And through the Axes all his Arrow flies , Leaving this blessed house with him I 'll go . Then said Ulysses , Let the Suiters try If they can bend the Bowe , and thorow shoot Through th'Axes if they can , for sure am I , Ulysses will be here before they do 't . Stranger , said she , whilst you discourse , my eyes To sleep will never be enclin'd . But since The force of Nature on all Mortals lies , I up into my Chamber will go hence , There is my Bed , washt nightly with my tears Since first Ulysses went to cursed Troy , Wailing my Husbands absence wak'd with fears ; And yours in what part of the house you 'll say . This said , unto her Chamber up she went , And with her all her Maids . And there she lies . And for her Husband did afresh lament , Till Pallas threw a sweet sleep on her eyes . LIB . XX. ULysses in the Court lay out adoors On a Cow hide ; and on him skins of sheep New kill'd and s●crificed by the Woo●rs . There lay he , but he could not fall asleep . 〈◊〉 a Rug laid on him too . Out came the Maids that wont were to commit With the proud Wooers gigling and laughing so , And pleasing one another with their wit , As made Ulysses in his mind to cast Whether to start up quick and kill them all , Or let them now go on and take their last Farewel of those they had to do withal . As when a Bitch stands by her Whelps and spies A Stranger coming near will bark and grin ; So at this sight of their debaucheries Ulysses heart provoked barkt within . Hold heart , said he , when Cyelops eat my men , Thou didst endure till counsel set thee free ; The danger now is less . Hold out agen . And so it did , though he lay restlesly . As one that has raw flesh upon the fire , And hungry is , is ever turning it ; So turneth he himself with great desire 'Gainst th'Wooers to devise some mischief fit . Then Pallas came and standing at his head In Womans shape , O wretched man , said she , What makes you toss and turn so in your bed ? The house is yours , your Wife and Son here be . Then said Ulysses , I was casting how I might alone these Suiters insolent , That always here are many , overthrow ; And if I kill them , then again invent How to escape and save my self by flight . To this the Goddess answered , and said , Another man would trust a meaner wight , Though mortal , and rely upon his aid . But I a God immortal am , and say , Though fifty Bands of men should us oppose , You should their Herds of Cattle drive away . Enjoy securely therefore your repose . A torment 't is to watch all night , to one That is already drencht in misery . Sleep then . This said , sweet sleep she threw upon His eyes , and from him mounted to the Sky . And now Penelope awak'd and sat On her bed weeping ▪ Having wept her fill , She to Diana pray'd , and said , O that You would now shoot your Arrow and me kill , Or that some great wind me away might bear , And o're a Rock throw me into the Main , Ne'r to be heard of , or as th' Daughters were Of Pandareus , whose Parents both were slain By th' Gods. But Venus th' Orphans nourished . With Butter , and with Hony , and with Wine . Jun● with form and wit them furnished . Diana gave them stature . Artifice Divine Pallas them taught . Then Venus went to Jove To get them Husbands ; for best knoweth he The Issue of Conjunctions in Love , Whether for better or for worse they be , While Venus absent was on that affair , By Harpies foul away they carried be . And giv'n for slaves to th'Furies in the Air. Oh that the Gods would so dispose of me ; Or else Diana send me under ground , That I may with Ulysses be , and not To please another meaner man be bound . Grief all day long is but a woful Lot , And sleep is some amends . But unto me It evil Dreams along with it doth bring . This night my Husband seem'd i' th' bed to be ; No Dream I thought it , but a real thing . This said , the Morning fringed had the Sky . Ulysses musing lay upon his bed With closed eyes , and thought she certainly Knew who he was , and stood at his beds head . Then rose he , and his sheep ▪ skins bare away , And Rug into the house , but the Cow-hide He carri'd out , and then to Jove did pray : Hear Jupiter , with lifted hands he cri'd . O Jove and Gods , if by your will Divine , Tost both at Sea and Land , I hither came ; By fatal word within , without by Signe , To me now presently confirm the same . Jove heard his Pray'r , and straight it thundered . This made Ulysses glad . Then spake a Maid The fatal word . Twelve Maids to furnish bread Were ●o grind wheat continually imploy'd . Eleven their work had done and went to bed . The weakest still staid grinding , and thus prai'd : Jove who without a Cloud hast thundered , Grant me poor Maid my wish , and then she said , O Jove that Fa●her art of Gods and Men , Let never more these wicked Suiters tast Meat in this house , nor ever come agen That pain me thus . This Supper be their last . Ulysses with this word , and with the Thunder Well pleased was , and thought assuredly . With Pallas help the Suiters to bring under , And many though they were to make them die . Then th' other Maids came in and made a fire Within the Hall. And then too from his bed Telemachus rose , puts on his attire , And Sword and shooes . His Spear with brazen head He took into his ha●d , and stood i' th' door , And to the Nurse Euryclea he spake : What meat , what lodging had this Stranger poor ? Or was there nonè that care of him did take ? My Mothers nature ( wise as she is ) is such H●ghly to honour men of less desert ; But for this Stranger perhaps cares not much . Then said Euryclea , She has done her part ; Wine he has had as much as he thought fit . She askt him if he had a mind to eat . He answer'd , that he had no appetite To bread at present , nor to any meat . She bad her Maids set up a standing bed . But he , as one in love with misery , Would none of that , nor bed , nor coverled , But on the ground resolved was to lie , And make his Scrip the Bolster for his head ; And for a Bed to take a raw Cow-hide , And sheepskins with the wool for coverled Without the door ; and we the Rug appli'd . This said , Telemachus with Spear in hand To Council goes , and his Dogs follow'd him . Then Euryclea gives the Maids command The rooms of th' House to dress up and make trim . Rise Maids , said she , sprinkle and sweep the Hall , Lay Cushions on the Chairs , with Sponges make The Tables clean , the Temp'rer and Cups all ; And see of water that there be no lack . Go to the Spring , and fetch fair water thence Quickly . You know to day is Holiday . The Suiters will not now be long from hence . So said the Nurse . The women her obey . For water to the fountain went twice ten . The rest did diligently work within . 〈◊〉 The Maids that went for water came agen ; And the proud Woo'rs by that time were come in . And then came in the Master of the Swine Eumaeus , three Swine frankt and fat he brought , There to be ready 'gainst the Suiters dine . In all his Swine-sties better there were not . And he unto Ulysses kindly spake : Stranger how fare you 'mongst the Wooers here ? Do they more pity now upon you take Than formerly ; or still deride you there ? O , said Ulysses , that the Gods would give These men what to their insolence is due , Who in a house not theirs so lewdly live , As if no modesty at all they knew . Then came Melanthus from a place hard by . He had the charge o' th' Goats , & brought the best . And spake unto Ulysses spightfully : Art thou here still to beg , and to molest The Company ? D' ye mean before you go To taste my fingers ? Is there no good chear In other places 'mongst the Greeks , and so You mean to dwell continually here ? Then came a third , that charge had of the Kine , Philoetius by name , with him he brought A Heiser and more G●ats , on which to dine , Over the water , in the Ferry-boat . Philoetius askt Eumaeus in his 〈◊〉 Who 's this , that 's ●●w come ●●ther , & from whence , What Countryman , and what his Parents were ? For , for his person he may be a Prince . God can make Princes go from Land to Land And beg , when he will give them misery . This said , he took Ulysses by the hand , And spake unto him kind and lovingly : Father , I wish you as much happiness As ever you enjoy'd before . But now , I see you are in very great distress . O Jove ! What God so cruel is as thou ? Though born thou wert , yet pitiest not to see The torments of mankind . To think upon Ulysses makes me weep . It may be he Thus begs somewhere , with such apparel on , Or else he 's dead . O then I am undone . He set me o're his Herds when but a Boy ; But infinite they 're grown since he is gone , Or man would quickly all Cow kind destroy . But mine the Suiters force me to bring in For them to eat , and ne're regard his Son. The Goods to share already they begin Of th' owner , that so long now has been gone . And I devising was what I should do , To take my Ca●tle with me and be gone , And one or other Prince to give them to . But that I thought would be unjustly done , For they Telemachus his Cattle were . Again , I thought it labour very sour To stay and keep my Masters Cattle here For others in his absence to devour . So here abide I , and my self I flatter With hope to see Ulysses one day come Back to his house , and the proud Suiters scatter . Thus laid the Ma●●er of the Kine . To whom Ulyss●s said , Honest you seem and wise . I therefore will a secret to you swear By 〈◊〉 on high you shall see with your eyes Ulysses ( 〈◊〉 you wish to see him ) here , And all these domineering Suiters slay . Then , O , said he , that Jove would have it so . For I should let you see in such a fray Quickly how much these hands of mine can do . Eumaeus also did like Prayer make To see Ulysses there . So ended they . While they discours'd , the Suiters counsel take How they might make Telemachus away . Then o're their heads an Eagle flew on high Sinister , with a fearful Dove in 's foot . Then said Amphinomus , Let 's lay this by , And think of Supper , for we cannot do 't . The Suiters all approv'd of what he said , And in they went , and there on Bench and Se● Within Ulysses house their Coats they laid , And set themselves to kill and dress their meat . Then from the Herd they sacrific'd a Cow , And many well-grown sheep , and goats well fed , And many a very fat and pamper'd Sow Th' entrails they rosted and distributed . Eumaeus gave out Cups , Philoetius bread , Melanthus from the Temp'rer fill'd out wine . The Suiters on the meat before them fed With Stomachs good , and drank the blood o' th' Vine . Telemachus Ulysses in the Hall Hard by the threshold sets , and there he sat On an ill-favour'd stool at Table small , And gave him his just share of th' entrails fat , And for him fill'd a great gold Cup with wine . Sit here , said he , and fare like other men . Fear neither blows nor scoffs . The house is mine , Ulysses is the owner of it . When He first possessed it , he gave it me . And you my Mothers Suiters , mock no more , But keep the peace as long as here you be ; For else perhaps arise may trouble sore . At first the Suiters knew not how to take Telemachus his words , and silent were , Admiring that such threatning words he spake , So many men provoking without fear . But by and by Antinous said thus , Since Jove appeared has in his defence , Let 's put these threats up of Telemachus . Else we should quickly spoil his eloquence . So said Antinous . But Telemachus Car'd not at all for any thing he said . When peace within doors was concluded thus , In other Rites o' th' Feast they were imploy'd . The Hecatomb they bear throughout the Town Into Apollo's shady Grove divine . The upper-joynts in Messes they divide ; So fill'd their Tables and sat down to dine . The portion of Ulysses was no less Than other Suiters had , nor more . For why , Telemachus had order'd every Mess Should equal be , and men serv'd equally . Amongst the Suiters was a very Knave , Ctesippus was his name , a rich mans Son ; And therefore hop●d Penelope to have This man to th'Wooers made a motion . Hear me you Suiters of Penel●pe : This Stranger here is equal made to us , And therefore reason 't is that also we Should love the Strangers of T●lemachus : Lo , here 's a Gift I 'll give him , that he may Bestow it , is 't please him , on him or her That empts the Chamber pots , or giv 't away To any of Ulysses Bond-men here . With that he hurled at Ulysses head A Cows-foot , but he turn'd his head the while , And from the stroke himself delivered . Then smil'd Ulysses a Sardanique smile . Telemachus his anger could not hide . 'T is well , said he , you did not hurt him here . For else , believe it you had surely di'd O' th place , run through the body with my Spear , And never found a wife here , but a g●ave . Therefore give over th●s behaviour wild . Of good and bad I now some kn●wledge have ; And do nor always take me for a Child . What 's past I bear , the havock of m●…attle , My Corn and Wine consumed lavishly . T is hard for one with many t' enter battle . Use me no longer as an Enemy . For fighting to be stain I 'd rather chuse , Than see my Guests or Servants harshly us'd , My women , as they pass about the house , To be so basely tug'd , touz'd , and abus'd . This said , a while the Suiters silent were ; But not long after , Agelaus spake . Let 's not , said he , against a truth so clear Struggle , and what is said in ill part take ; Nor harshly use the Stranger any more , Nor any Servant of Telemachus . But yet I have a silly word in store For him , and for his Mother , and for us . Whilst there was hope Ulysses might come home , The Suiters had done best at home to stay , Expecting him , and not have hither come . But since there 's none , to 's Mother he should say , Take one of them for Husband ; which you please , And most shall give you . So shall he enjoy His Fathers means , and eat and drink at ease , And she with her new Husband go her way . To this Telemachus replying says , By Jove , and by my Fathers misery , Who now is lost and dead , or somewhere strays Far off from Ithaca , it is not I That do my Mother keep from marrying Whom she thinks good . I do advise her still To take the man that shall most Treasure bring . But I 'll not make her do 't against her will. So ended he . Then on the Suiters faces Pallas sets up a laughter not their own , Nor to be stopt ; their Senses she displaces , Their meat was bloody , & their hearts were down . What is 't poor men , said Theoclymenus , Your heads and faces are wrapt up in night ; You weep and groan ; the Walls & Beams of th' house To me seem bloody ; and left there is no light . The Hall and Porch , methinks are full of Sprights Ready to go to Hell ; the Sun has lost His place in Heaven , nor are there any lights ; And dismal darkness hath the House ●ngrost : At this they laught . Then said Eurymachu● , This Stranger is not very well , let him By those that wait be guided from the House To th'Market-place . For all within is dim , I am , said Theoclymenus , not blind . I can go to the Market-place alone . I have both eyes and ears , and feet and mind . With these I can go hence . Guide need I none . And go I will. For evil is hard by , Which none of you the Suiters shall escape That have so much abus'd the Family . This said , he parts , and left the Woo'rs to gape On one another , and with insipid jests To vex Telemachus , and themselves please , And all upon Telemachu● his Guests . The words that one of them then said were these : Telemachus , of all men you 're least able To make an entertainment or a Feast . For first you for this Beggar set a Table , Who eats and drinks as stoutly as the best , But can no work do , nor has any force ; A very burthen to the earth . And this A Prophet would be , and loves to discourse Of Ill to come . My counsel therefore is That you would put these Strangers both aboard Some ship , and send them into Sicily . They that way may some profit you afford . Thus said the Woo'rs , but little cared he , But silently the signe expecting stood His Father should have giv'n of falling on . Penelope mean while sat where she could Hear plainly what was said by ev'ry one . And now the Suiters merry Supper made , And laughing sat , and fed on much good cheat . But After-Supper worse none ever had . For of the wrong themselves beginners were . LIB . XXI . PEnelope the Suiters strength to try Who soon'st could bend her Noble Husbands Bowe , And through the Axes make his Arrow fly , And whom she was to marry now to know , To a high Chamber up the stairs she went , Wherein Ulysses precious goods did stand . There hung upon a Pin the Bowe unbent The well made Kev she carri'd in her hand . This Bowe was g●ven h●m by Iphitus At Sparta But U●ysses with him met First at Messena . For it fell out thus . Ulysses then was there about a debt . Messena . men thei ships had put ashore At Itha●a , and thence had ta'ne a Prey Of sl●eep , wh●●n was in number fifteen score , And with the Shepherds carri'd them away . Th● was the ●au . Ulysses thither went. 'T was a long way ▪ and he scarce past a Boy . But by his Father and the Lords was sent Task ●epara●●●● for this a●●y . But Ip●●tus twelve Mares had lost Each one A young Mule had that f●llow'd he behind ( Which of his ●eat● were the occas●on ) And at Messena these he thought to find . But as he was re●… back aga●n , And came into the house of He●●ules , That 〈◊〉 first d●d him e●tert●●n , And after , killing ●im his Ma●es 〈◊〉 s●ize . Th●● was the man that to Ulyss●s gave The Bowe . And from him had a Sword and Spear . But Hercules had sent him to his Grave , ●re they had tasted one anothers chear . This Bowe he carried not to Ilium , No● ever had made use of it in sray . But often had it 〈◊〉 his hand at home . For only as a Monument it lay . Penelope now standing at the door , Quickly the Bolt strook ba●k with her great Key . The Valves fly open suddenly and roar : As when a great Bull roars , ●o r●ared they . Penelo●e went in , and up she stept Upon a board whereon were standing Chests , In which 'mongst odours sw●e● the clothes were kept , The costly Ga●ments , Robes , and Coats and Vests . Thence to the Bowe she reach● and from the Pin She took it as it hung there in the Case . And sitting down , her lap she laid it in . Aloud she wept , and tears ran down apace . And when she long enough had weeping been , The Bowe she did unto the Suite●s bear , And Qui●er with it full of Arrows keen . The Axes by her women carri'd were . Then with her S●arf she shaded both her cheeks , Having a Waiting-woman on each hand . Unto her Gallant Suiters thus she speaks : Hear me you lusty Suiters that here stand Using this House not yours , continually To eat and drink in , at anothers cost ; And for it do pretend no reason why , But as contenders who shall love me most . Lo here ; to him I make my self a prize , Who this good Bowe with greatest ease shall bend , And whose aim'd Arrow through these Axes flies . With him from this most blessed house I 'll wend. This said , E●m●●us th'Axes and the Bowe By her command unto the Suiters bears ; And as he went , his eyes for grief o'reflow . Nor could Philoetius abstain from tears . For which Antinous gave them this reproof : You foolish Clowns , what ails you to shed tears ? Has she not for her Husband grief enough ? That you must add your sorrow unto hers . Sit silently , eat and drink quietly . Or if you needs must weep , go weep without . Leave the Bowe here , the Suiters strength to try , And that it may be carried round about . Not that I think there 's any man among Us all can bend it as Ulysses could ( For I remember him though I were young ) So said he , though he thought he bend it should , And also shoot through th' Axes every one , Though he were only the first to be shot . For he the other Suiters had set on , And was the first contriver of the Plot. Telemachus then to the Suiters spake , Sure Jove , said he , bereav'd me has of sense . My Mother tells me she 'll a Husband take , And leaving me depart with him from hence ; And I here merry am that should be sad . But be 't as 't will , the Game must now begin , For such a wise as ne're Achaia had , Nor in Mysen ' or Argos was e're seen , Nor Pyle , nor Ithaca , nor in Epire. But what need I set forth my Mothers praise ? You know 't your selves . Therefore I you desire To put off all excuses and delays . And I my self will be the first to try This mighty Bowe , whether I can or no , And through the Axes make the Arrow fly . 'T will grieve me less to let my Mother go ; ●ince I have strength to bend my Fathers Bowe , Why should I doubt of governing his State ? And from him presently his Coat did throw And Sword , and then fell to delineate The ground whereon the Axes were to stand . On one long line he set them all upright . The Woo'rs admir'd the justness of his hand ; For why , the like was ne'r done in his sight . Then went he to the Sill to try the Bowe . Thrice he essaid it and was near it still , And thrice again relenting let it go . Once more had done it . But 't was not his will. For then his Father checkt him with a wink . Alas , then said Telemachus , must this Be all my strength ? Too young I am I think . Come , let one take the Bowe that elder is . This said , the Bowe and Arrow he laid by , And to the Seat went where he ●…t before . Then said Antinous , The Bowe let 's try In order as we sit . Let him therefore Try first , whose Table next the Cupboard is , And so to the right hand up one by one . The other Suiters all approved this . Leiodes was the first ; so he begun ; His place was low'st . He to the threshold wen● To try his force . But to his tender hand And feeble arms the Bowe would not relent . Then down he laid it there , and lets it stand ; And to the Suiters spake : This Bowe says he , I cannot bend , some other tak 't in hand . It 's like of many Lords the death to be , VVhen by the strongest it comes to be man'd ▪ For better 't is to die than live and miss The hopes you hither come for ev'ry day . And what is 't any of you hope but this , That you Ulysses Consort marry may ? But when he shall this Bowe have understood , Let him some other Lady wooe at ease Amongst th' Achaea●s whom he shall think good , And let Penelope take whom she please . This said , the Bowe and Arrow he set by , And to the Seat went where he sat before , And by Antinous was angerly Assoon as he had spoke , rebuk'd therefore . VVhat say you ? That this Bowe the death shall be Of many Lords ? Why so ? 'Cause you have not The strength to bend it ? Others have , you 'll see , But you for bending Bowes were not begot . Then to Mel●●theus he turn'd and said , Let fire be made , and a great Chair set by 't , And let upon it Cushions be laid , And let us have good sto●e of Tallow white T' anoint and warm and supple make the Bowe , And ●…y if we perh●ps may bend it then . Fire . Chair , and Cushions came a●d greace enough , But to no purpose ; too we●k were the men . Antinous yet and Earyma●h●● Gave 〈◊〉 not over ; these two were the best Of all the ●uiters th●t ca●e to the house . No hope at all remained f●● the rest . Eu●…aeus and Philoetius then went out Together ; after them Ulysses went , And when they were the Gate and Court without , Himself unto ●hem to discover ●eant . And fair he spake them : Master of the Kine , And you Eumaeus , Master of the Swine , Shall I keep in , or speak a thought of mine ? To speak it out my heart does me encline . What 〈◊〉 Uly●●es should c●me suddenly Brought by some God , and stand before this rout , On whose side , his or theirs would you then be ? What your mind prompts you to speak freely out . Then answer'd him the Master of the Kine , O that the Gods above would have it so . You 'ld see the vertue of these hands of mine . The Master of the Swine then said so too . When now the hearts of both of them he knew , He spake again and said , 'T is I am he , That after twenty years return to you ; And know you longed have this day to see . Of all my Servants I find only you That wish me here . If therefore it shall please The Gods by me the Suiters to subdue , I 'll give you wealth enough to live at ease , And Houses near me , and shall wedded live , And Brothers of Telemachus shall be . And that you may assuredly believe Ulysses speaks it , you a signe shall see . With that he pull'd his Rags beside his thigh , And lets them see the place the Boar had ●ent Then when upon Parnassus Mountain high He with his Unkles Sons a hunting went. And then they fling their Arms about Ulysses , And kiss his hand and shoulders , weeping sore ; And he again embraced them with kisses , Nor had till Sun-set weeping given o're But that Ulysses hinder'd it . Give o're , said he , Your weeping , lest that some one come out hither , And tell within what here without they see . Go in , but one by one , not all together . First I 'll go in , and then come you . Now mark . I 'll pray the Suiters I the Bowe may try . If to my motion they refuse to hark , Give it into my hand as you pass by . And you Eumaeus bid the women shut The House-doors all , nor suffer any one O' th' men without the House his head to put . And though within they hap to hear men grone , That they stir not , but ply their business . The utter-Gate Philoetius lock you fast , That to the House there may be no access . This said , into the Hall again he past , And after him his Servants . Now the Bowe Was in Eurymachus his hand by th' fire . He warm'd and rub'd , and did what he could do . But for to bend it he was ne're the nigh● . At this he v●xt , and took it heinously , And , O , said he , 't is not for my own part I troubled am , but for the Company . 'T is chiefly that , I take so much to heart . Nor is it for a wife that I complain ; For in Achaia Ladies be enough , But that we hope Penelope to gain , Although we cannot bend Ulysses Bowe . Th●●●aid Antinous , 'T will not be so . This day unto Apollo sacred is , And not a day for bending of a Bowe . Therefore to lay it by is not amiss . And let the Axes stand still as they do ; ( For 't is not like they will be stoln away ) And so go in and offer Wine unto The God. The Bowe may till to morrow stay . And bid Melanthus in the morning bring Goats of the sattest , and whereof the savour May from Apollo of all Archers King , For bending of the Bowe procure us favour . They all agree . Into the house they went. The Officers for hands the water ho●… ; The Waiters fill the Cups , and them present . And when they drunk had each man what he would , Then spake Ulysses to the Suiters thus : Hear me , ye Suiters , what I have to say , Antinous , and you Eurymachus , For to you two 't is chiefly that I pray . Since you the bending of the Bowe remit To th' Gods to give to whom they please ; & they To morrow doubtless will determine it , Let me now of the Bowe make an essay . That I may know whether my strength be spent , And what I could before now cannot do . Whether I still be firm or do relent With hardship , and with want of looking to . These words of his made all the Suiters mad With fear that he indeed would bend the Bowe . Antinous gave him language very bad . Thou wretched Stranger , is it not enough That of our Feast thou hast an equal part , And that of our discourse ( and none but thou Stranger and Beggar ) made a hearer art ? 'T is wine that makes thee not thy self to know . For wine serves all men so that drink too much . Wine hurt Eurytion the Centaur great . His carriage in Perithous house was such Among the Lapithae sitting at meat , That angry with 't they were , and all arose , And with sharp iron cut off both his ears , And with the same they pared off his nose . A way the cause of his own harm he bears . From that day on , Centaurs and men are foes . Themselves men hurt by wine immoderate , So if you bend the Bowe , your ears you 'll lose . For you 'll find here no prating Advocate . But to King Takim forthwith you shall go , And he will of you make a cruel end . Therefore sit still , and let alone the Bowe ; Nor with men younger than your self contend . Then said Penelope , I 'd have you know , Antinous , that you do very ill To wrong Telemachus his Guest . What though He bend the Bowe , d' ye think I take him will For Husband ? I am sure you think not so . Let none of you be sad with fear of that . Then to her said Eurymachus , No no ; That 's not the thing that we be troubled at . 'T is of our Honour that we jealous be . For how will men and women , think you , prate , But that such Suiters wooe Penelope As could not bend Ulysses Bowe , but that A Beggar that past by by chance could bend it ? Which unto us will be no little shame . Who ( said she ) live on others means and spend it , Should not stand much on Honour and on fame . Besides , this Stranger is well made and tall , And of a great man says he is the Son. Give him the Bowe to try his strength withal . For this I 'll promise him , and see it done . If he do bend it , I 'll on him bestow Good Clothing and a handsom Coat and Vest , Shooes to his feet , Dart , Sword with edges two , And send him to such place as he thinks best . Then spake to her Telemachus her Son : Mother , to give the Bowe or to deny 't , Is in my pow'r , and hinder me can none In Elis , or Achaia , or here right From giving it unto this Stranger here , If I think fit . But Mother , pray go now Up to your Chamber , and look to your work , And leave to us to dispute of the Bowe . She mused on , and thought his counsel wise ; And being in her Chamber sore did weep . For th' absence of her Husband , till her eyes By th' Goddess Pallas closed were with sleep . Eumaeus now had brought the Bowe about , And come it was to where Ulysses fat . The Suiters all at once then cried out , Swineherd , Rogue , Lout , what meanest thou by that ? If the Gods please to favour our designe , Thou shalt be slain and carried out of sight , And there devoured be by thy own Swine . This put Eumaeus into a great fright . Telemachus then roar'd on th' other part , Bear on the Bowe ( t' obey all is not best ) I 'll pelt thee ( though that thou my elder art ) With stones home to thy Hogsties like a beast . For I the stronger am . O that I were But so much stronger than these Suiters all , I soon of some of them the house should clear . They laught at this , and bated of their gall . Eumaeus then took up the Bowe agen , And gave it to Ulysses in his hand . This done , Euryclea he called then . It is , said he , Telemachus command To lock the doors all ; and that if you hear Noise in the house of blows , or groaning men , Let none go forth , but at their work stay there . This said , Euryclea went in agen , And lockt the doors . Philoetius likewise Went silently and shut the utter-Gate , And with a Ship rope that lay by , it ties , And coming back sits where before he sate ; And lookt upon Ulysses , who to know What work the worms had in his absence made , This way and that way turning was the Bowe . At this the Suiters one t'another said . This Beggar surely has no little skill 〈◊〉 Bowes or in Bowe stealing , or of 's own He has one lik't , or make one like it will , He doth examine it so up and down . Another said , As he shall bend the Bowe , ●o let him find , as he is begging , Alms. So mockt they . When he view'd it had enough , And holden it a while had in his palms , He bent it . As a Fidler does not spend Very much labour the sheeps gut to strain ; So he , Ulysses his strong Bowe to bend , Did put himself to very little pa●n Then with his left hand he the string essaid . It sounded like the singing of a Swallow . The Suiters then began to be afraid , And mighty claps of Thunder straightway follow . Joves Token very welcome was t'Ulysses . Then to the Bowe he set a shaft , and there Sitting , shot through the Axes , not one misses . The rest of th'Arrows in the Quiver were . Then turning to Telemachus , he said , I have not sham'd you , nor have miss'd one Axe , Nor long a bending of the Bowe I staid . You see then that the Woo'rs me falsly tax . But now 't is time for After suppering Ere day be done , and taking such delights , As Cups , Discourse , and pleasant Musique bring ; For these of Feasting are the common rites . Then to his Son with 's eye he beckoned . Telemachus that well him understood , With Spear in hand and Helmet on his head , Came unto him , and close by his Chair stood . LIB . XXII . ULysses then himself delivereth Of his soul Rags , and leaps up to the Sill : With ●owe in hand and Arrows tipt with death , And spake to th'Wooers , boasting of his skill Suiters , said he , this Match is at an end . Jov● speed me now . Another Mark have at , Which none ere shot at yet . Apollo send Me luck to hit . As he was saying that , T' Antinous the Shaft he did address , Who had the Cup in 's hand about to drink . Than of his death he thought of nothing less . For one amongst so many who would think , How strong soever , durst do such a thing ? The Arrow pierc'd his neck from throat to poll . The wound receiv'd , he turns round staggering ; The blood stream'd out ; away he threw the Bowl ; And overturn'd the Table with his feet ; Both bread and meat lay scatter'd in the Hall. The Suiters bustle and in clusters meet , Of this great man amazed at the fall . Then one of them unto Ulysses said , Stranger , this was ill shot ; thou killed hast The greatest man in Ithaca . Thou 'st plaid Thy last prize . To the Crows thou shalt be cast . But yet they held their hands ; for why , they thought 'T was done by misadventure , not contriv'd . For proud and foolish they perceived not The fatal hour was to them all arriv'd . Then said Ulysses with a sullen eye , Dogs , dead you thought me , and spent my estate ; With you my women you compell'd to lie ; And would have wedded , whilst I liv'd , my Mate . No ●ear you had neither of Gods on high , Nor of revenge from any mortal man ; But now a vengeance to you all is nigh . At this they frighted were and looked wan ; And each one peept about what way to take To save his own life , if he could , by flight . None but Eurymachus 〈◊〉 ' Ulysses spake . If you Ulysses be , you say but right . Much harm is done you both in house and field ; But this Antinous Author was of 't all ; He set us on , and here lies justly kill'd . For wedding of your wife his care was small . His care was how to make himself here King ( Which Jove not suffer'd him to bring to pass ; ) And to destruction how your Son to bring He chiefly thinking and designing was . And since that he deservedly is stain , Spare your own people ; we 'll repair what 's done . And what is spent we will make up again , And recompence with twenty Cows each one ; And Brass and Gold till you be satisfi'd . If not , there 's no man can your anger blame . To this Ulysses with a ●our look repli'd Your whole estates , and added to the same How much soever you can elsewhere get Too little is to bind me to desist , Until the Suiters shall have paid their debt . Two ways before you lie , take which you list , To fight or flie , if you will death avoid . But fly , I think you cannot . So said he . Eurymachus then to the Suiters said , The man will not lay down his Bowe you see ; But since 't is in his hand , and Arrows by , And stands upon the threshold of the door , His shafts will fly at us continually , And till we all be slain will not give o're : Let 's therefore take up Tables for defence Against his shafts , and ( Sword in hand ) run all Unto the door at once and drive him thence , And people of the Town together call . This said , his Sword with double edge he drew , And thunder'd him with words . But howsoever A deadly shaft first from Ulysses ●lew That enter'd at his brest and stuck in 's liver . Down fell his Sword , he turns himself quite round , And throws his blood about him every way ; ●icks down the Table , meat and Cup , to th'ground . And with his brow beating the floor he lay ; And sprawling made the Seat shake with his feet ; And endless darkness lay upon his eye . Then rose Amphinomus and death did meet . He thought from thence to make Ulysses fly . But by Telemachus prevented was , That slew him with his Spear upon the place . From back to brest the well-thrown Spear did pass ; Down with a thump he falls upon his face . Telemachus i' th' body left the Spear . For why , he had good reason to mistrust Amongst so many Swords , if he staid there , He might be killed by some blow or thrust . Then to his Father as he by him stood , To fetch down Arms , said he , 'T will do no harm , Two Spears , a Buckler , and a Helmet good , And both Philoetius and Eumaeus arm . Run quickly , said Ulysses , while there be Arrows remaining , le●t they force me shou'd To quit the door . Then quickly up ran he Unto the room wherein the Armour stood . Eight Spears , four Bucklers , and four Helmets good He took , and to his Father came again . And first he arm'd himself , and ready stood . The two good Servants themselves armed then . Ulysses Arrows till they all were gone Kill'd each his man , and one by one they fall . But when they all were spent and left was none , He sets his Bowe to lean against the wall . Over his shoulder he his Buckle● cast , And puts his well-made Helmet on his head . The two Spears with his hand he griped fast . And then his posture he considered . There was i' th' wall a certain window high , By th' S●l● whereof a way lay to the Street , To which he ●ad Eumaeus have an eye , And near it stand . But one way was to it . Then Agelaus to the Suiters said , Why does not some man to that window hast , And to the people cry aloud for aid , That so this Shooter may have shot his last . Then said Meldntheus , No , no , t is in vain ; The street-door and the Court-gate stand so close , That one good man the place may well maintain Against how many s'ever them oppose . But well , I 'll fetch you Armour ●o put on , And weap●…s I will bring you out of hand . For where they by Ulysses a●d his Son Were laid , I know the room and where they stand . Then up he went. Tw●…ve Buckl●rs he brings thence . As many Spe●●s , as many Helmets too ▪ The Su●●ers then prepar'd for ●heir defence ; And now Ulyss●s knew not what to do . But to ●elema●hus he turn'd and said , Th'●ll women sure , o● else Melanth●us has For th'Wooers gotten Arms and us betrai'd . No , Father , answer'd he , my fault it was . The door I left u●…kt and but put to , Which some body observ'd . Eum●…us now Go lock ●t fast W●thal consider who , The women or Melanth●●s serv'd us so . Wh●… thus they talk , Melantheus went once more To fetch down Arm● ▪ 〈◊〉 saw him then , And told Ulysses , ●im we thought before To be the man , is 〈◊〉 go 〈◊〉 a●en . Shall I go now and kill him ( if so be I can ) or bring him hither to you , to endure What you think fit for all his villany ? Then said U●ysses , We two will be sure Telemachus and I , to keep these men From going out , and therefore go you two And bind his hands and feet together . Then Betwixt his body and his legs put through A Rope , and at his back tie boards : And so Close to a Pillar hoise him up on high Unto the beams of th' house , that he may know His fault , and feel his pain before he die . Then up they went , and stood without the door On each side one . Melantheus was within At the far end , looking for Armour more . And after there he long enough had been , Out with a Helmet in one hand he came , A Buckler in the other , great but torn . La●rtes in his youth had born the same , But now with lying it was mouldy worn . As he came out they seiz'd him suddenly , And in again they drag'd him by the hair ; And then his hands unto his feet they tie , And up they hoise him as they bidden were . This done , Eumaeus said unto him jeering , In that soft bed , Melantheus , easily You will observe the Mornings first appearing , That for the Woo'rs your Goats may ready be . Then armed both , and locking up the Door , And breathing courage to Ulysses come . So that upon the threshold there were four ; But many were the Suiters in the room . Then down unto Ulysses Pallas came In Mentor's shape , to whom Ulysses said , You are my friend , and our age is the same ; For old acquaintance let me have your aid . Though thus he said , he thought it Pallas still . The Suiters clamor'd . Agelaus spake : Mentor beware , the course you take is ill Against us all Ulysses part to take . For 't is our purpose when these two are slain Father and Son , that you the next shall be , And of your rashness suffer shall the pain , And with his Substance your own mix will we . Nor shall your Sons , Daughters , or Wife live here . Pallas was angry at these words of his , And chid Ulysses then , and askt him where His Courage was . And what , said she , is this The man that bravely sought nine years at Troy , And kill'd in fight so many gallant men , And he whose prudence did the Town destroy ; And whines so at his coming home again ? Come hither Milk-sop , says she , stand by me , And how your old friend Mentor shall require The kindness you have shewn him , you shall see . Yet presently she would not end the fight . For further yet she would the courage try Both of Ulysses and Telemachus . And in a Swallows shape she up did fly , And sat upon a black Beam of the House . Mean while the Suiters by Ag●laus , Amphimedon and Demopt●lemus , Eurynomus , Pisandrus , Polybus The best of all the Suiters in the House , ( For many had been killed with the Bowe ) Encourag'd were . Friends , said he , let 's be bold , And at them all our good Spears let us throw . So shall we make the man his hands to hold . Mentor with theirs , his fortune will not mix , He and those hopes are gone . Upon the Sill There are but four . Let 's throw at once but six , That if Jove please , we may Ulysses kill . When he is gone , the rest we need not fear . The Suiters all approved this advise . And then they lanced ev'ry man his Spear ; But Pallas made it fall out otherwise . For from the Beam she soon blew here and there The flying staves , whereof one hit the door ; The two side posts , and the walls wounded were . When of the Spears the danger was past o're , Then said Ulysses , Now our turn it is To cast our Spears at this unruly rout ; That not content with former injuries Do what they can to take our lives to boot . This said , and taking aim , their Spears they threw . Ulysses killed Demoptolemus . Telemachus Euryades then slew . Eumaeus with his Spear kill'd Elatu● . Pisandrus by Philoetius was slain . The Suiters then to the rooms end retreat , And to the four gave time to take again The Spears that in the wounds were sticking yet . Again they lanced ev'ry man his Spear . The Swallow on the Beam still puts them by ; And by the door , walls , posts receiv'd they were . Telemachus and Eumaeus only Had little scratches ; one upon the Wrist . Eumaeus on the shoulder . But the skin Scarce broken was . And both the other mist. And then the four amongst the throng threw in Their Spears again . And then Ulysses slew Eury am●● And by Telemachus Was sla●n Amphi●edon . Eum●us threw , And killed Polybus Ph●●oetius Then smot Ctesippus and through pierc'd his brest , And over him insulting thus he said , Bold Prater that in love art with thy jest , And to say any thing art not afraid , For the Cows foot t' 〈◊〉 thrown take that . Ulysses kill'd too Damasto●ides . Telemachus Le●ocrat●s laid flat With Spear in hand . When they had killed these , Pallas aloft held forth her frightful shield . And then as Cattle stung with a gad-fly , In heat of Summer run about the field , So round about the Hall the Suiters flie As when the Vultures stoop down from the Hill Upon the Fowl ; these couch close to the plain , Threatned with heavy Clouds , they slay and kill , These cannot fly away , nor turn again ; So they upon the Suiters fiercely fall , And winding with them as they shift their ground , They killing went. All gore-blood was the Hall , And made with thumps and groans a dismal sound . Leiodes then kneel'd at Ulysses feet To beg his life . I came , said he , as Priest , And told them their behaviour was unmeet , And always gave them counsel to desist . But nothing that I said would they obey , And of their own destruction Authors are . There 's not a woman in the house can say I did amiss . Must I like these men fare ? To this Ulysses with a sour look said , Did you come with the Suiters as their Priest ? Then surely for them you have also prai'd , That of my coming home I should have mist , That with these men you daily might here board Your self , your wife , and children . Therefore die . With that he took up Agelaus Sword , Which when he di'd fell from him and lay by . And with it at a stroke cut off his his head . But Phemius the Minstrel scaped free . For thither he came not for meat or bread ; The Suiters forc'd him of necessity . He had his Fiddle in his hand , and stood Within the door , and studi'd what to do , Whether unto Ulysses go he shou'd , Or out a door unto the Altar go ●'th ' Court , whereon with many a sat beast Ulysses oft devoutly had serv'd Jove . And having paus'd , at ●ast he thought it best To go t'Ulysses and his mer●y prove . Then down he laid his Fiddle on the floor , Between the Temp'rer and a studded Chair , Then went and sell upon his knees before Ulysses , and thus to him made his prayer . Save me ●lysses , and consider that If you me s●●y , ●t after you will grieve . I am a Singer , but was never taught . For Song to me ●he Gods did freely give . I sing to Gods and men , and have the skill To sing to you as to a God. Therefore Of cutting off my head lay●…y the will. Bes●…es , 〈◊〉 can tell you more ; I was not 〈◊〉 her drawn with smell of roast . But many men and strong brought me by fo●ce . Telemachus that knew this was no boast , Cri'd out , Hold Father , ' t●s not our best course To slay the innocent , and I w●uld ●ain Save Me●on too , that lov'd me from a Boy , And took care ●f ●e , if he be not slain By coming in your or your Servants way . Under a Seat 〈◊〉 himself had laid . And wrapt him●el● up in a raw Cow-hide , And hearing what T●…achus had said , Skipt nimbly ou● , ●●s C●w skin cast aside , And falling at Telem●… his 〈◊〉 He to him said , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here I stand . Fo●●ear I pray 〈◊〉 to you Fath●● be A means that also he may hold his hand . For whilst his anger 'gainst the Suiters staid , That wasted have his goods , and him despis'd , Killing each way about him , I 'm afraid He might perhaps kill me too unadvis'd . Ulysses hearing answer'd thus agen , Take courage man. There is no danger nigh . And this remember and tell other men That Justice better thrives than Knavery . Go now into the Court and stay without Both you and Phemius , that I may do The bus'ness in the house I am about . Then out into the Court away they go . And on the Altar of the God they sat Looking about , still searing to be slain . Ulysses to be sure that none remain Alive , and under Seats or Tables squat , Searcht well the Hall , and found they all were dead . As fishes on the shore lie out , and by The heat of Phaethon be murdered , So did the Woo'rs one on another lie . Then to Telemachus Ulysses said , Tell Euryclea I would speak with her . Telemachus his Father straight obey'd , And scraped at the door that she might hear . Nurse ( says he ) Mother of the Maids come out . My Father to you somewhat has to say . She heard him well , and presently without More words the door she open'd with her Key . And found Ulysses standing 'mongst the dead Besmear'd with blood . As when a Lion has Upon a Cow at pasture newly fed , With goary brest and chaps ; so dight he was , Th' old woman there beholding so much blood , And Carcasses so many lying dead , At such a mighty work amazed stood ; And was about to whoop , but hindered Was by Ulysses . Hold , said he , within Your joy , and let it not appear in vain . To glory over dead men is a sin . These men the Gods , and their own sins have slain . For neither from above they fear'd the Gods , Nor men respected good or bad beneath , And therefore now have felt the Heav'nly Rods , And brought upon themselves untimely death . But tell me Nurse how many women be That me dishonour and do wickedness . Fifty , said she , do serve Penelope , And learn to work and wait , no more nor less . Of these there twelve be that are impudent , And care not for me , nor Penelope . Telemachus was young ; the Government To him of Maids might not well trusted be . But now I 'll to my Ladies Chamber go , Where she 's asleep . Some God has clos'd her eyes . To tell her you are here . But he said , No ; First call those women who do me despise , And have behav'd themselves dishonestly . Euryclea obeys , and goes her way , And call'd those women ; Come away , said she , Telemachus i' th' Hall does for you stay . Mean while Ulysses call'd Telemachus Unto him , and his saithful Servants two , Trusty Eumaeus and Philoetius ; Hear me , said he , what I would have you do . Make these lewd women carry hence the dead , The Chairs and Tables in the Hall make clean , And when that bus'ness they have finished , Into the Court make them go forth agen , Into that narrow place 'twixt th' house and hedge , Till they forget the Suiters Venery , Make them of your sharp Swords to feel the edge , And for their stoln unclean delight to die . Then came the women down into the Hall Wailing , and tears abundantly they shed , And presently unto their work they fall . Into the Porch they carry out the dead . Ulysses giving order standeth by . Telemachus then and Phtloetius , Also Eumaeus do with shovels ply The Pavement dawb'd with blood , and cle●nse the house , Scraping together dust and blood ; and that The women also carry out adore . But when this bus'ne●s now an end was at , There rested for them yet one bus'ness more . They brought them thence into the narrow place , From whence there was no hope at all to fly . You , said Telemachus , for the disgrace Done to me and my Mother , must not die An honest death . This having said , he stretcht Between two Pillars high a great strong Rope , That with their feet the ground could not be reacht . Hung there , they sprawl'd awhile , but could not drop . Then down they drag'd Melantheus ; and his Nose And Ears with cruel steel from 's head they tear ; And b●ake his Arms and Legs with many blows ; And to the Dogs to ear they threw his Gear . Their work now done , they washt their hands & feet , And to Ulyss●s in the Hall they went , Who having found the place not very sweet , For Br●mstone ca●…d to take away the sent . Eurycl●a , said he , fetch Brimstone hither , And F●●e , and also wake P●n●lope ; And bid he● Ma●●s come to me all together , Bu● hasten them to come . Then answer'd she , Dear Child , 't is well said . But first let me go And bring you better Cloaths , a Coat and Vest. These Rags become you not . Then said he , No. Bring me fire first , and after d● th● rest . Then fire she brough and Brimstone presently , Wherewith he aired both the Court and Hall. The Nurse then up goes to the Rooms on high To call the Maids . T'Ulysses they came all . They weep and sob , and all embrace Ulysses , And kiss his head and shoulders , shake his hand ; And he again saluteth them with kisses . Weeping for joy they all about him stand . LIB . XXIII . TH' old woman to the upper Rooms ascended , To wake Penelope , and let her know Her Husband was return'd . Her joy amended Much had her pace , and well she ambled now . And standing at her head , Rise Child said she ; The Gods at last have granted you your wishes . Come down into the Hall , where you shall see The so long by you wisht-for man Ulysses . The Suiters he has killed ev'ry one , Who needs the Stewards of his house would be , In despight of Telemachus his Son ; And live upon his Substance lavishly . To her again Penelope thus spake : The Gods , Euryclea , sure have made you mad . The Gods can wise men fools , and fools wise make : The Gods have done you hurt , more wit you had . You do me wrong , that know how little sleep I have enjoyed since he went to Troy. I never so well slept since , but still weep . And now you come and wake me with a toy . Be gone , if 't had been any Maid but you I should have sent her not well pleas'd away . But to your age some more respect is due . Go down again into the House you may . Dear Child , said she , I mock not , for 't is true . Ulysses is i' th' house . That Stranger 's he . Telemachus and no man else him knew . And known to others would not let him be , Till they these proud and naughty men had kill'd . Penelope then starting from the bed Embrac'd the Nurse ; her eyes with tears were fill●d . And as yet doubtful still she questioned . Euryclea is all this true you say ? Is he indeed come home ? Be serious . How could he the proud Suiters all destroy , He being but one , they many in the House ? Nor saw , nor askt I , but I heard the groans Of dying men ; for up we all were shut Within our doors , and lookt up all at once ; And of our lives into a fear were put ; Till me your Son Telemachus call'd out To come t'Ulysses . In the Hall he stood . And there in heaps the slain lay him about , That like a Lion stood besmear'd with blood ; You would have joy'd to see him . Now they lie I' th Court all in one heap . But busie he Is airing of the house , a great sire by ; And for to call you hither has sent me . But come , that in each other you may joy . For now at last your wishes granted be ; Ulysses come ; your Son is past a Boy ; And their revenge upon the Woo'rs they see . Nurse , answer'd she , triumph not out of Season . For to be glad to see him in the house , You know there none is that have so much reason , As I have and our Son Telemachus . But 't is not truth you tell me . What you say Will come at last to nothing else but this , It was some God that did the Suiters slay , Hating the sight of what they did amiss . There never man came to them that can boast He parted from them without injuries . So by their wickedness their lives they lost . Ulysses may have perisht for all this . Euryclea to this again repli'd , Dear Child , what words are these that from you come ? Ulysses ●●ards ●th ' Hall at the fires side , And yet you say he never will come home . But well , I 'll tell you now a surer signe : When I was washing of his legs and feet , I saw where th'wound was giv'n him by the Swine ; And had then told you had he thought it meet . But with his hand for that cause stopt my breath . Come , I will lay my life on 't willingly . If it be false put me to cruel death . To this , Penelope did then reply , The purpose of the Gods , wise though you be , You know not , Nurse . But I 'll go to my Son , And there upon the place with him I 'll see What men are slain , and who the deed has done . Then down she went consulting in her brest , Whether at distance it were best to try , Or else directly go unto the Guest , And there receive and kiss him presently . But when into the Hall she entred was , Where sitting was Ulysses in the light Of a good fire , she went and took a place , That was to where he sat just opposite . Ulysses lookt o' th' ground expecting what His wife would say , but long time she spake not . But gazing on her husband mute she sat , As one that 's in a trance , and has no thought . But by and by surveying him she thought 'T was he . But seeing him so ill arraid , Her mind was chang'd . She thought that he 't was not . Telemachus his Mother chid , and said , Mother , hard-hearted Mother and unkind , Why sit you at such distance from my Father , And have so little care to know his mind ? When many Questions you should ask him rather . Another woman would not keep off so From her own Husband that away had staid Twenty years long , and suffer'd so much woe , But at their meeting somewhat would have said . Son ( said she then ) I am astonisht so , I cannot speak , nor look him in the face . But whether he Ulysses be or no , I shall be certain in a little space , For we have signes between us of our own , Which we shall soon know 〈◊〉 mother by , That to none living but our selves are known . Ulysses to his Son then smilingly Said , Let ( Telemachus ) your Mother try me , Perhaps she know me better will anon . The cause why now so little she sets by me , Is that I have ill-favour'd Garments on . But now-let you and I look well about . Who kills one man , unless great friends he have , Must leave his Kin and Country , and go out . But we have kill'd both many men and brave . Therefore consider what is to be done . Father ( said he ) let that be your own eare . So wise as you are men say there is none . Our hands to do your pleasure ready are . Why then I 'll tell you what is best to do . Put on your Coats ; and let the women all Into the Hall in their best Garments go ; The Minstrel play ; and they to dancing sall ; That he that stands without , or dwelleth nigh Unto the house , or travelleth that way , When he shall hear such mirth and melody , May think , This surely is the Wedding-day . That so before this slaughter Fame have spread , Depart we may from hence into the field , And 'gainst the people of the Town make head , And take such counsel more as Jove shall yield . When this was said , the men their Coats put on . The Damsels dress themselves , the Minstrel sung And plaid upon his Fiddle , and each one To dancing fell , with it the Palace rung . And one that heard this as he stood without , Said to another by him , She is Marri'd . Fie , Fie , she could no longer now hold out . So said he , ignorant how things were carri'd . Mean while Ulysses bath'd and oynted is B'Eurynome , and also richly clad With a fair Robe and Coat . And beside this , Taller and greater Pallas made him had . And varnished with black his curled head . As one by Vulcan and Athena taught Gold-upon Silver skilfully had spread ; So Pallas on Ulysses beauty wrought . Then from the Bath he like a God came in , And sat him down before his wife again ; And with her to discourse did thus begin . Woman ( said he ) to speak to you is vain . Above all women hardned is your heart . What woman else that had her Husband seen After twice ten years absence thus apart From him to sit , contented would have been ? Make me a Bed , Nurse , what should I do here ? Man , said Penelope . Nor mightily I magnifie nor scorn you . What you were When you went hence , full well remember I. But go , Nurse , make for him the bed that he Himself fram'd , by the Chamber-door without . Thus said she , but to try if that were he , Yet griev'd him to the heart , and made him doubt . Woman , said he , who has remov'd my bed ? It cannot be but by a force Divine . With my own hands 't was wrought and finished , To th' end thereby it might be known for mine . I' th' Court an Olive-tree stood great and tall , Thick as a Pillar . I about it made A Chamber . Of good stone I made the wall . And cutting off the boughs the roof I laid . And in the wall a good strong door I form . When this done , I cut up by the root , And smóoth'd with Iron Tools a lusty Corm , And setting it upright fixt the bed to 't , And pierc'd the wood with wimbles where 't was meet , And laid on Silver , Gold , and Ivory . A purple-thong unto the door I fit . This is the signe for you to know me by . Whether it still remain I cannot tell , Or ta'ne away and down be cut the Tree . This said , and she the signe remembring well , The tears rowl'd from her eyes . Thus weeping she Acknowledgeth and runneth to Ulysses , About his neck her milk-white arms she lay● , And both his shoulders and his head she kisses , And , O Ulysses , be not angry says , The Gods have giv'n you wisdom , but deni'd To satisfie our youth with mutual joy ; Take it not ill I have you thus far tri'd ; Since horrour hath possest my mind alway Lest some deceitful man ( for such there be Too many in the world ) should hither come , And ●latt'ring bring me into infamy . Helen of Argos would have staid at home And not gone with th' Adulterer of Troy , Had she consider'd that th' Achaea● Lords Might chance to come and fetch her thence away Again into her Country with their Swords . This speech inflam'd his love , and wet his eyes . As a man shipwrackt swimming for his life , Rejoyceth when the Land he near him spies ; So welcome was Ulysses to his wife . She hung upon him still , nor had let go Till Morning but for Pallas , who would not Let Phaeton and Lampus , th'Horses two That draw the Morn , be set to th'Chariot . Then said Ulysses to Penelope , O Wife ! my trouble 's ended are not yet ; For still there many more remaining be ; Long time 't will be ere to the end I get . Tiresias did tell me this in Hell , When I went thither , of his Ghost to know Whether I with my Mates should come home well Or not to Ithaca again , and how . But come , 't is bed-time , let us satisfie Our selves with sleep . Then said Penelope , Your bed made ready shall be presently . But since you mention'd have the Prophesie , Tell me what said Tiresias . I know You 'll tell it me one time or other , why If you will may you not tell me it now ? To this Ulysses did again reply , Because you long to know 't , I tell you then , Tiresias advise● me to go ▪ With Oar on shoulder to a place where men Inhabit that the briny Sea not know , Nor ever mingle salt with what they eat , Nor ever saw the ship with crimson face , Nor yet those wings which do the Water beat ( Call'd Oars ) to make the good ship go apac● . Now mark me well . When you shall meet a man , Just at the end of Neptunes utmost bound Bearing upon his shoulder a Corn-fan , Stick down your lusty Oar upon the ground . There sacrifice to the worlds Admiral For new admittance a Ram , Boar , and Bull. Then home again , and offer unto all The Gods by name a hundred Oxen full . Your death will not ungentle be , for which Age shall prepare you , and your Soul unglew Ins●nsibly . Your People shall be rich Which round about you dwell . All this is true . Then said Penelope , If this be all , Since your old age the Gods will happy make , The sorrow yet to come can be but small . Whilst thus this couple t'one another spake Mean while their bed with cov'rings soft was clad . The Maids return'd i'th'Hall before them stand . Eurynome a Torch to light them had , And carri'd it before them in her hand . Then parting left them under Marriage-Law . Telemachus and the good Servants two , When they had to the Dancers said Hola , Unto their Beds within the Palace go . Ulysses and Penelope their joy Converted had into a new content ; She to Ulysses telleth the annoy She suffer'd from her Suiters impudent ; What havock they had made of Cows and Sheep , And many Barrels of her Wine had wasted . And he to her , what hurt o' th' Land and Deep He done and suffer'd had . While his Tale lasted Well pleas'd she was , and had no list to sleep . He told her how the Cicons he had beaten ; How Lo●e from love of home his men did keep ; How Cy●lops his Companions had eaten ; And in revenge how he had made him blind ; How , to convey him home he did obtain Of Aeolus a leather-bag of wind , Which breaking Prison blew him back again , And how in 〈◊〉 he lost ▪ His good ships all but one , in which he was ; Told her the w●●es of Ci●●● ; what the Ghost In Hell , said to 〈◊〉 , of ●re●●a● , To whom he went his fortune for to know , In a black ship ; and with his Mother there Discoursed ; and saw many a one laid low , That in the 〈◊〉 Host had been his Peer ; And how he heard the tempting Sir●●s ●ing 〈◊〉 con●ort , and ●●●p'd safely by ; and how By 〈…〉 , 〈◊〉 ●…iting , And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he did ●●●ely row ; How to 〈◊〉 he came , and how 〈◊〉 ●ep● him in a Care , where 〈◊〉 To be his wife did pro●●●e to bestow Upon him Youth and 〈◊〉 . Now to 〈◊〉 he came , where he Much honour'd was , and thence by Sea did come 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 liberality With 〈◊〉 and Gold and costly Vest●res home . And at these words sleep se●●ed on his eyes . When 〈◊〉 thought 〈◊〉 satis●●d With bed and sleep , ●●e makes the morning rise , And day from 〈◊〉 now no longer hide . 〈◊〉 rose , and speaking to his 〈◊〉 , We ha●e , 〈◊〉 ●e , both of us had much ●o ; You for ●y absence weeping out your li●e , And I , because the Gods would ●a●e it 〈◊〉 ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we now again ●●●ted be , Look to the goods with●● . My ●ol● ▪ I 'll ●●ll Partly with booty from the Enemy , And many also my Friends give me will. Now to my grieved Father I must go , And therefore with your Maids go up again . ●or ere the Sun be up , the Town will know That in my House the Suiters all are slain . Do not so much as look out , or enquire . This said , he puts on Arms. To Arm also His Son and his two men he did require . Then they got up , and there stood armed too . Then open'd they the door and forth they went. Ulyss●s ●ed the way Daylight was spread . But Pallas out a Town them safely sent Into the Field , and undiscovered . LIB . XXIV . MEan while unto the house came Mercury . A Golden Rod he carri'd 〈◊〉 his ha●● , Wherewith he lays asleep a Mortal eye , And opens it again with the same Wand . And at the bloody-heap he calls away . The Suiters Souls . They all about him fly . And as the Rod directeth them the way , They follow all , but screaming fearfully . As in some venerable hollow Cave , Where Bats that are at roost upon a stone , And from the ledge one ●hance a fall to have , The rest scream out and hold fast one by one ; So screaming all the Souls together fly . And first pass by Oceanus his Streams , Then by Sol's Gate , and Rock of Leucady ; And then they passed through the Town of Dreams , And in a trice to th'Mead of● Asphodel . And saw the Soul there of Peleiades ( For there the Souls of wretched Mortals dwell ) And of Patroclus and Nest●rides . The Soul of Ajax Son of Telamon Was also there , who 'mongst those Warriours tall , The goodliest person was , except the Son Of Peleus , who did much excel them all . To these Atrides Soul came from hard by , And theirs whose death had joyned been with his And by Aegistus hand were made to die . Then to Atrides said Achilles this . Atrides we thought you of all the Host That came to fight against the Town of Troy , Had been by the High Gods beloved most ; For in the Army you bore greatest sway . Yet afterwards the first you were to fall T 'had better been Commanding t' have been slain . Then had you had a noble Funeral , And Tomb , whereby your glory might remain . But now you di'd a miserable death . To this Atrides Soul thus answered , Happy were you at Troy to lose your breath With other Argives that there perished Fighting about you in your dusty Bed Stretcht out , your feats of Horsmanship forgot , But fighting we all day continued , And till we gain'd your Body ceased not . Nor had we ceased then , but for the storm . And then we bare your Body to the Fleet , And there the blemishes thereof reform With water fair and warm , and Unguents sweet . The Greeks about you wept , and cut their hair ; Your Mother and her Nymphs then come & roar'd , The Achaean Army was in such a fear , That they were ready a'l to run aboard . But Nestor , whose advice most currant was , Cri'd , Stay you Argives , this is not the noise Of Armed foes , but Th t is now doth pass With all her Nymphs ; of them this is the voice . Then they all fearless staid . And the Nymphs stood Mourning , and clothed him with Garments meet . The Muses nine in turn with voices good Singing , made all the standers by to weep . And seventeen days both Gods and men we mourn On the eighteenth we Sheep and Cattle slay . And then in Godlike Cloaths your Body burn With many Unguents sweet that on it lay . Both Foot and Horse many the Pile sustain , And loudly shout , and Vulcan makes an end . Only the Bones and nothing else remain , Which with pure Wine and Unguents sweet we blend , Your Mother sent the Urn , by Vulcan made , But given her by Bacchus , and therein Noble Achill's your white bones we laid , Mixt with Patroclus you delighted in . By yours , the ashes of Antilochus , Whom next Patroclus was to you most dear , We placed in an Urn apart , and thus Over you all one Monument we rear , High to be seen from Sea by them that now , Or shall hereafter sayling be that way . Your Mother also to the Gods did vow T' have noble Prizes for the Lords to play . At Princes Sepultures I oft have seen Propos'd rich Prizes to provoke the strife Of noble minds , but that like these had been , I never any saw in all my life . So after death renown'd your name will be . But what am I the better , to whom Jove Did for my pains a wretched death decree ( Such was the pleasure of the Gods above ) B'Aegistus and my own wives bloody hand ? Thus they to one another talkt in Hell. There Mercury came to them with his Band Of Woo'rs that in Ulysses Palace fell . Of these Atrides knew Amphimedon , ( For he in Ithaca had been his Guest ) And speaking to him first , he thus begun . Amphimedon what all'd you and the rest , To come to this dark place so in a throng , The flow'r of Ithaca , of equal years ? If purposely a man should seek among Your people all , he should no● find your 〈◊〉 Were you by Neptune drowned in the Main , And hither sent by fury of the weather ? Or landing to find Booty were you slain ? Or fighting for fair women were sent hither ? Come tell me freely ; I have been your Guest . Know you not I t' your Fathers , house did come With Menelaus , Ulysses to request That he would go with us to Ilium ? Then said Amphimedon , I know it all , And how we all deprived were of life , I 'll tell you true , and manner of our fall . Ulysses absent , we all woo'd his Wife . She none deni'd , nor any married , But casting how of life us to bereave , To set a Loom up came into her head , As if she somewhat did intend to weave . She sets it up , and did begin to weave Suiters ( said she ) since dead Ulysses is , Stay yet a little while and give me leave To make an end but of one business . I must for old Laertes make a Cloth Which in his Sepulchre he is to wear . T' offend the Wives of Greece I should be loath . For to accuse me they will not forbear . They 'l say I very hasty was to wed , If I go hence and not provide a shroud . Wherein Laertes must be buried . Out of his wealth that might have been allow'd . The Suiters then were all content . And then All day she wove , but ere she went to bed , What she had wov'n she ravell'd out agen . Three years her Suiters she thus frustrated . In the fourth year her women her betrai'd ; And in we came while she the Web undid . She could the Wedding now no more avoid . The Robe when it was finished and done She washed clean , and it before us laid . As bright it shin'd as either Moon or Sun. And then ill Fortu●e brought Ulysses home To th House where dwelt the Master of the Swine . And thither too Telemachus did come From sandy Pylus safely through the brine . And both together there our death contrive . That done , they both unto the City come . Telemachus the first was to arrive . The Master of the Swine brought th' other home . Like an old Beggar with a Staff in 's hand , Apparell'd in such miserable gear , That , that was he , we could not understand , Nor no man else , although he elder were . We mock , we rare him , throw things at his head . He patiently endured all his harms , Until by Jupiter encouraged From our the Hall he took away the Arms ; And in an upper Chamber lockt them fast . Then craftily he bids his Wife to send To us his mighty Bowe , our strength to taste . Th's the beginning was of our ill end . For much too weak to bend the Bowe were we . But when it was unto Ulysses brought , Fearing by him left it should bended be , We all at once cri'd out , Hold , giv 't him not . Only Telemachus cri'd , Let him try . And then 't was put into Ulysses hands . Ulysses bent it very easily . Then leapt he to the Sill , and there he stands ; And round about he lookt upon us grim ; And first of all he shot Antinous , At whom he took his aim , and killed him ; And with his Arrows , after , more of us . And one upon another down we fall . 'T was plain , some present God there gave him aid . For then he follow'd us about the Hall Till all on heaps at last he had us laid . Of Groans and Blows it made a dismal sound . And thus , King Agamemnon , died we . Our Bodies yet there lie upon the ground . Our Friends yet unacquainted with it be . That else would wash our wounds and us lament , Which to the dead are Ceremonies due . Then said Atrides , O vertue excellent Of your fair Wife . Happy Ulysses you , That with great valour have her repossest . My wife Tyndareus Daughter was not such . Your consorts fame will be hereafter drest In noble Songs , and the Sex honour much . But my wives name shall stand in Ballads vile , And sung in filthy Songs the Sex disgrace . Thus they discoursing were in Hell. Mean while Ulysses cometh to Laertes place . About it many Lodgings were ; wherein His necessary Servants all were laid ; And there they fed , and sat , and slept . But in The house it self one old Sicelian Maid , That of his person always had the care . Ulysses then , lest Supper they should lack , Said to his two good Servants , For our fare You must again unto the Town go back , And fetch a Swine the fattest in the sties , Mean while I 'll to the Vineyard go and try Whether my Father know can with his eyes , After so long an absence , that 't is I. This said , his Servants armed homeward hie ; And to the Vineyard goes Ulysses then . But Dolius he there could not espy , Nor any of his Sons or of his men . His Sons and Servants all abroad were gone For thorns to mend the hedges of the ground . Laertes in the Vineyard all alone Placing of earth about a Plant he found . On him he had a ●oul Coat full of patches , And ugly Leather-Boots , those patcht also ; But good enough to save his legs from scratches . Gloves of the same against the Briars too . A Goatskin Headpiece he had on to boot . Ulysses when he saw him in this plight Worn out with age and so much sorrow to 't , Under a Tree stood weeping out of sight . And then bethought him whether it were best T' embrace and kiss him , and directly say , I am Ulysses , or first talk in jest , And give him time his person to survey . Resolv'd at last , his Father he goes nigh , Who with his head down , d●g'd about a Plant. Old man , said he , your skill is good . For why , Your Garden neither Art nor care does want . Nor Plant , nor Fig , nor Vine , nor Olive-tree , Nor so much as a Leek but prospers here . One thing there wants ( I pray not angry be ) You look not to your self . Ill Cloaths you wear , And also pale and yellow is your hue , Which cannot be imputed to being aged . 'T is not because you do no work that you ●e little sets by that has you engaged . There 's nothing in your aspect of a Slave . The look and stature you have of a King , And the appearance of a King would have , If you , what 's due to age had ev'ry thing . Whose Servant are you , and who owns the ground ? And say if this be Ithaca or no. For this man whom upon the way I found , Is not so wise as certainly to know . I as●t him of a friend that I had here Whether alive he were or dead . But he Whether he dead , or living still he were , Unable was at all to answer me . My house a Stranger on a time was at , Which of all Strangers I did love the best ; That said he came from Ithaca , and that Laertes was his Fathers name . This Guest I entertain'd as kindly as I could With Viands good , whereof I had good store . And gave him Talents ten of well-wrought Gold , And beside that I gave him these Gifts more : A Pot for temper'd Wine of Silver bright ; Twelve Carpets fair ; twelve Robes ; twelve Coats that were All lined through ; and twelve more that were light ; And four Maid-Servants , both well taught and fal● , Such as he from a greater number chose . Then said Laertes , Ithaca this is , Now held by wicked men . But you will lose Your Presents all , and of requital miss . But had you found my Son Ulysses here , He would have kept of Amity the Law , And well required both your Gifts and Chear . But say , how long it is since you last saw And entertain'd my Son , if yet he be ; But he at Sea devoured is by Fish Far hence , or else to Beasts and Fowls is he Somewhere , poor man , at Land become a dish ; Neither his Father nor his Mother by , To wind him and to shed tears o're his bed ; Nor yet his Wife weeping to close his eye , Which are the honours due unto the dead . Tell me also your dwelling and your name , Your Parents and your City what they be ; And where the good ship lies in which you came , And what men with you came in company . Or with some Merchants in their ship , and they Departing hence have left you here alone ? To this Ulysses answering did say , I 'll answer to your Questions each one . My City 's Alyba● , and of the same A●●eidas is the King. His Son am I , And called am Eperitus by name . Far hence at the lands end my ship doth lie . And since Ulysses from me went away , 'T is now five years , and with good ▪ Aug●ry That we should meet again another day , And joy in mutual hospitality . This said , L●ertes overcome with woe . Took up the scalding dust with both his hands , And pour'd the same upon his head of snow , And sobbing thick and weeping there he stands . Ulysses heart up to his nos●rils swell'd With pity to behold his Fathers 〈◊〉 , And to him leapt ; and 's arms about him held , And said , The man you weep and mourn for so Am I , come after twenty years again . Give over sobbing now ; for ( though inhas●● ) . I tell you must , The Suiters I have ●lain , And made them of their crimes the fruit to taste . Then said Laertes , If indeed you be My Son Ulysses , let me see some signe To know you by for certain . Then said he , Behold the wound received from the Swine On Mount Per●assus , when I thither went T'Autolycus my Mothers Father , to Receive the Gifts he promis'd me . You sent Me thither , and so did my Mother too . I 'll tell you too what Trees you gave me when I walking once was with you there . And I A●●t you of all the Trees the names ( for then 'Twixt man and Boy I was . ) And severally As I the Trees names askt , you told the same . Pear-trees thirteen ; Apple-trees half a score ; ●ankles fifty ( to th' Vines you gave that name ) All of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their season Berries bore ; And forty Fig-trees . Th' old man knew it all ; Embrac'd his Son , and with abundant joy Fainted , and sinking ready was to fall , But that his Sons embraces were his stay . Then coming to himself he said , Jove Father and you Gods ( Gods there are yet . ) The S●iters for their evil deeds have paid , But now I fear the Town will on as set , And with themselves make all the City rise In 〈◊〉 . Then said his Son , Fear not Of that we 'll by and by advise . 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 are gone To get a Supper ready at your house . This said , into the house they come away , And find 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 At work to cut out meat and Wine allay . Mean while 〈◊〉 o●l'd and ●athed is , And by his Maid in seemly Garments clad , And 〈◊〉 standing by him added this , A larger stature than before he had . As of a God his presence did appear . Ulyss●s seeing him admir'd , and said , Father , you greater now are than you were , Some God has Beauty on your person laid . Then said Laertes , O ye Gods on high , Jove , Pallas , and Apollo , had I been Such as I was at Neritus , when I Stormed the Town , and armed had come in , When you and the proud Suiters were in fight , I had made many of them bend the knee . And you would have rejoyced at the sight . So to his Son Ulysses talked he . Supper brought in , they sit ; and then came in Old Dolius , sent for , from his Husbandry , And his Sons weary . Working they had been . The Nurse had bidden them come speedily . They wondered to see Ulysses there . But he to Dolius then gently said , Pray for a while your wondring to forbear . We hungry are , and long have for you staid . Then Doiius embraced him , and said , Since long'd for you are come , and unexpected , And to us by the Gods have been convey'd ; All hail ; and by the Gods be still protected . But tell me if Penelope yet have The news received of your coming home , Or shall we send her word ? That labour save ( Repli'd Ulysses ) for she knows I 'm come . This said , he sat him down . His Sons also With decent words Ulysses entertain , And lay their hands in his . That done they go And by their Father sat them down again . Now Fame divulged had the Suiters fate ; And people howling came in ev'ry way . And gather'd were about Ulysses Gate , To setch the bodies of the dead away . And those that out of Ithaca had liv'd , To Fishermen they gave to carry home . And staying on the place , though sorely griev'd , Amongst themselves they into counsel come . Eupeithes Father of Antinous That first of all slain by Ulysses was Spake first , and weeping for his Son , said thus . See how much mischief this man done us has . He carried hence our Ships and ablest men ; And lost them all , as one that had design'd Our utter ruine . Coming back agen He killed hath those whom he left behind . Come then , let 's to him quickly , lest mean while He should pass over the wide Sea , and get Protection at Elis or at Pyle , And we so sham'd as we were never yet . 'T will be a scorn to our Posterity To let the murder of our Children so Stay unreveng'd , and put up cowardly . For my part , to my Grave I 'd rather go . Come quickly then , lest we prevented be . This said , the people for him pity had . Then came in Medon , who had scaped free , And Phemius that scap'd to ●●and was glad . And Medon to th' Assembly spake , and said , Ulysses of himself could not have done This mighty deed without th' Immortals aid . I saw when present I was looking on , A God stand by that him encouraged , In Mentors shape he plainly did appear ; And then about the room the Suiters fled , And fell before Ulysses in their fear . Next him spake Alitherses , who alone Saw Fore and Aft. Hear me , you men , said he . Of this great slaughter I accuse can none But ev'n your selves that gave no ear to me , Nor yet to Mentor . We you counselled The licence of your Children to take down , That spent the Substance , and dishonoured The Wife of him that was of such renown . My counsel therefore to you now is this , Not to proceed , lest on your selves you bring More mischief yet , and of your purpose miss . So said he then , but little profiting . For more than half with alalaes up start , And cry aloud , To Arms , go on , proceed . But quietly sat still the lesser part , That with Eupeithes Judgment disagreed . When they had clad themselves in glist'ning brass , Without the Town they came to Randezvouze In open field . Eupeithes Leader was , Seeking revenge where he his life shall lose . Then Pallas to her Father came , and said , O Father , King of Kings , what do you mean , The War shall last between them , or be staid ? To this her Father answer'd her agen . Child , why d' ye ask me that ? 't was your request , The Suiters for their Insolence should pay . Do what you please , but yet I think it best , When you have done , that Peace for ever stay ; And ever reign Ulysses and his race . Which to confirm , Oblivion I 'll send Of former Acts the image to deface . Then gladly Pallas did from Heaven descend . When now Ulysses and his Company Removed had their hunger with good chear , Ulysses said , Some one go forth and see Whether the Ithacesians be near . And then one of the young men standing there Went forth and saw them as he past the Sill ; And turning back , Arm , said he , they are here ; And then they all put on their Arms of Steel . Ulysses and his Son and Servants , four , Six Sons of Dolius . And the old men Laertes were and Dolius two more . Aged they were , but necessary then . Then arm'd , Ulysses leading , out they go . And Pallas both in person and in voice Resembling Mentor in came to them too . Ulysses seeing her did much rejoyce . And looking on Telemachus , he said , Telemachus this Battle will declare Who Courage has , who not . Be not afraid . That you dishonour not your stock beware . Father , said he , you shall see by and by , You need not be ashamed of your Son. Laertes this discourse heard joyfully And to the Gods cri'd out in passion , O ye kind Gods , and happy day is this ! O joy ! My Son and Grandson are at strife Which of the two the most Courageous is , And ready to buy Honour with his life . Then Pallas to Laertes said , My Friend , Son of Arcesius , whom the Gods do love , With all your force your Spear now from you send . But pray first unto Pallas and to Jove . He praid , and threw his Spear , which th'Helmet smot Of old Eupeithes , and went into 's head . Down dead he fell ; the Helmet sav'd him not . His Armour rattled , and his spirit fled . And then fell on , Ulysses and his Son , Upon the foremost both with Sword and Spear , And surely had destroy'd them ev'ry one , Had not Jove's Daughter Pallas then been there . She to the People call'd aloud and said , Hold Ithacesians . The Quarrel may Without more blood be ended . They afraid Of th' Heavenly voice began to run away . Ulysses yet not ceased to pursue The Captains of his foes , till from above In Thunder Jove his sooty Bolt down threw . Then Pallas said , Beware ; offend not Jove . And glad was then Ulysses to give o're . By Pallas were propounded terms of Peace In Meutor's shape ; and each part to them swore . And thus it was agreed the War should cease . FINIS . THE CONTENTS . LIB . I. IN a Council of the Gods ( Neptune absent ) Pallas procureth an Order for the restitution of Ulysses . And appearing to his Son Telemachus in humane shape , adviseth him to complain of the Suiters before the Council of the Lords , and then to go to Pylus and Sparta to enquire about his Father . LIB . II. Telemachus complains in vain , and borrowing a Ship goes secretly to Pyle by night . And how he was there received . LIB . III. Nestor entertains him at Pyle , and tells him how the Greeks departed from Troy ; and sends him for further information to Sparta . LIB . IV. His entertainment at Sparta , where Menelaus tells him what befel many of the Greeks in their return ; that Ulysses was with Calypso in the Isl● Ogygia , as he was told by Proteus . LIB . V. The Gods in Council command Calypso ( by Mercury ) to send away Ulysses , on a Raft of Trees ; and Neptune returning from Aethiopia , and seeing him on the Coast of Phaeacia , scattered his Raft ; and how by the help of Ino he swam ashore , and slept in a beap of dry leaves till the next day . LIB . VI. Nausicaa going to a River near that place to wash the Clothes of her Father , Mother and Brethren , while the Clothes were drying played with her Maids at Ball ; and Ulysses coming forth is fed and cloath'd , and led to the house of her Father King Alcinous , where being received , the Queen after Supper taking notice of his Garments , gave him occasion to relate his Passage thither on the Raft . LIB . VII . Alcinous entertains him , and grants him a Convoy ; and both he and the Lords give him Presents . LIB . VIII . The next days entertainment of Ulysses , where he sees them contend in Wrestling and other Exercises ; and upon provocation took up a greater stone than that which they were throwing , and over-threw them all . And how the King asked his name , his Country , and his Adventure . LIB . IX . Ulysses relates , first , what befel him amongst the Cicones at Ismarus . Secondly , amongst the Lotophagi . Thirdly , how he was used by the Cyclops Polyphemus . LIB . X. Ulysses his entertainment by Aeolus , of whom he received a fair Wind for the present , and all the rest of the winds tied in a Bag ; which his men untying , flew out , and carried him back to Aeolus , who refusea to receive him . LIB . XI . His Adventure at Lestrigonia with Antiphates , where of twelve ships he lost eleven , men and all . How he went thence to the Isle Aeaa , where half of his men were turn'd by Circe into Swine ; and how he went himself with the other half , and by the help of Mercury recovered them , and stayed with Circe a year . LIB . XII . Ulysses his descent into Hell , and discourses with the Ghosts of the deceased Heroes . His passage by the Sirens , and by Scylla and Charibdis . The Sacriledge committed by his men in the Isle Thrinacia . The destruction of his ship & men . How he swam on a plank nine days together , and came to Ogygia , where he stayed seven years with Calypso . LIB . XIII . Ulysses sleeping is set ashore at Ithaca by the Phaeacians , and waking knows it not . Pallas in form of a Shepherd helps to hide his Treasure . The ship that coveyed him is turn'd into a Rock ; and Ulysses by Pallas is instructed what to do , and transformed into an old Beggar-man . LIB . XIV . Ulysses in form of a Beggar goes to Eumaus the Master of his Swine , where he is well used , and tells a feigned story , and informs himself of the behaviour of the Wooers . LIB . XV. Pallas sends home Telemachus from Lacedaemon with the Presents given him by Menelaus . Telemachus landed , goes first to Eumaeus . LIB . XVI . Telemachus sends Eumaeus to the City to tell his Mother of his return . And how in the mean time . Ulysses discovers himself to his Son. LIB . XVII . Telemachus relates to his Mother what be had heard at Pyle and Sparta . LIB . XVIII . The fighting at Fists of Ulysses with Irus . His admo●ition to Amphinomus . Penelope appears before the Wooers , and draws Presents from them . LIB . XIX . Telemachus removes the Arms out of the Hall. Ulysses discourseth with Penelope . And is known by his Nurse , but concealed . And the hunting of the Bore upon that occasion related . LIB . XX. Pallas and Ulysses consult of the killing of the Wooers . Ulysses makes himself known to Eumaeus and Philoetius . LIB . XXI . Penelope bringeth forth her Husbands Bowe . Which the Suiters could not bend , but was bent by Ulysses . LIB . XXII . The killing of the Wooers . LIB . XXIII . Ulysses maketh himself known to Penelope , tells her his Adventures briefly ; and in the morning goes to Laertes , and makes himself known to him . LIB . XXIV . The Ithacesians bury the Wooers , and sitting in Council resolve on revenge . And coming near the house of Laertes , are met by Ulysses , and Laertes with Telemachus and Servants , the whole number twelve , and overcome , and submit . FINIS . ERRATA . EPist . page 4. line 20. for of Poet , r. of the Poet. Lib. 1. page 11. l. 7. for m●an , r. men . p. 13. l. for Father , r. Fathers . p. 14. l. 1. between to and Ulysses , put in Troy. p. 17. l. 36. for you , r. he . p. 19. l. 7. for as , r. and. p. 20. l. 35. put out yet . p. 60 l. 1. for he r. she . l. 11. put o it you . p. 65. l. 15. for cry , r. try . p. 76. l. 9. after air , put in had . p. 110. l. 1. for at , r. art . p. 144. l. 5 for night r. wight . p. 148. l. 27. between have and dangers , put in many . p 18● ▪ l. 30. for O●●lochus , r. Orsilochus . p. 184. l. 31. for and , r. am . p. 185. l. 8. for Tho , r. Thoae . p. 221. l. 20. for rise , r. rose . p. 225. l. 21. for see , r. see . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A44271-e110 that is , The Side that Won the Gods approved most , But Cato better lik'd the Side that lost . 
A44266	----	Homer's Iliads in English by Tho. Hobbes ; to which may be added Homers Odysses, Englished by the same author. Iliad. English Homer. 1676 Approx. 796 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 201 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A44266 Wing H2550 ESTC R2521 12780203 ocm 12780203 93808 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A44266) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 93808) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 983:47) Homer's Iliads in English by Tho. Hobbes ; to which may be added Homers Odysses, Englished by the same author. Iliad. English Homer. Hobbes, Thomas, 1588-1679. [12], 384 p. Printed by J.C. for William Crook ..., London : 1676. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. The edition of the Odyssey mentioned in the title was published in 1675. Table of contents: p. [3]-[6] Advertisement: p. [7]-[12] Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2004-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-11 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-12 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2004-12 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Homer's ILIADS IN ENGLISH . By THO. HOBBES of Malmsbury . To which may be added Homer's ODYSSES Englished by the same Author . LONDON : Printed by J. C. for William Crook , at the Green Dragon without Temple-bar . 1676. THE CONTENTS . LIB . I. THe discontent and secession of Achilles . LIB . II. The Dream of Agamemnon . The tempting of the Army , and the Catalogue of Ships and Commanders . LIB . III. The Duel of Menelaus and Paris , for the ending of the War. LIB . IV. The Articles broken by the Trojans . And the first Battle . LIB . V. The first Battle continued , wherein Pallas strengtheneth Diomedes to supply the absence of Achilles . LIB . VI. The first Battle yet continued . The other Gods forbidden by Jove to assist . LIB . VII . The Greeks enclose their Ships with a Wall and Ditch . The Duel betwixt Hector and Ajax . LIB . VIII . The second Battle ; and the Trojans stay all night in the Field . LIB . IX . The Greeks deliberate of going home , but are staid by Diomed and Nestor . And Embassadors sent with Gifts to reconcile Achilles , in vain . LIB . X. Encounter of the Scouts by night . And the surprize of Rhesus . LIB . XI . The third Fight . Agamemnon wounded . The Greeks beaten to their Camp. Diomed , Machaon , Ulysses , and Eurypylus wounded . Patroclus is perswaded by Nestor to obtain of Achilles to be sent to the aid of the Greeks in Achilles his Armour . LIB . XII . The fourth Fight ( Hector having enter'd the Argive Camp ) at the Ships . LIB . XIII . Neptune encourageth the Greeks . LIB . XIV . Juno by the help of Venus layeth Jove asleep , whilst Neptune assisteth the Greeks . LIB . XV. Jupiter awakes , and sends away Neptune . Hector chaseth the Greeks again to their Ships , and fireth one of them . The Acts of Ajax . Which is the fifth Battle . LIB . XVI . The sixth Battle . The Acts of Patroclus , and his Death . LIB . XVII . The seventh Battle , about Patroclus his body . LIB . XVIII . The grief of Achilles . And new Armour made him by Vulcan . LIB . XIX . Achilles reconciled to Agamemnon goes forth to Battle . LIB . XX. The eight Battle , and the Gods permitted to assist . LIB . XXI . Achilles with great slaughter pursues the Trojans to Scamander , and takes twelve alive to kill at Patroclus his Tomb. LIB . XXII . The death of Hector , and lamentation in Troy. LIB . XXIII . The Funeral-Games for Patroclus . LIB . XXIV . The Redemption of Hector , and his Funeral . BOOKS Printed for William Crook at the Green Dragon without Temple-bar . I. THe Compleat Vineyard , or an excellent way for planting of Vines in England , and how to make Wine of their Grapes . By W. Hughs , price 2 s. II. The Compleat Measurer , or a new exact Way of Mensuration . By Tho. Hammond , price 1 s. III. Jesuites Morals . Folio , price 10 s. IV. Bacon's Natural History . Folio , price 8 s. V. Boccalins Parnassus . Folio , price 8 s. VI. Clarks Praxis Curiae Admiralitatis . Octavo , price 2 s. VII . A Description of Candia , with an account of the Siege and Surrender of it . Octavo , price 1 s. VIII . The Deaf and Dumb Mans Discourse ; A Treatise of those born Deaf and Dumb : to which is added the Rationality of Beasts , particularly of the Elephant , shewing the wonderful understanding of that Creature . Octavo , price 1 s. 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Camera Regis , A short view of London , containing the Antiquity , Fame , Wall , River ▪ Gates , Tower , Cathedral , Officers , Courts , Cu●stoms , Franchises , of that City . Octavo . 4. A Sermon Preached at the Bishop of Chiche●ster's first Visitation . By W. Howel , Ministe● at Fittleworth in Sussex . Quarto . 5. The Potable Balsam of Life , described by Dr. P. Belon . 6. The Historians Guide , in two parts , First , th● Recovery of lost time , being a Chronology from the Creation to this time , Translated out 〈◊〉 Italian . Second , Englands Remembrance● being an Account of the Actions , Exploits ▪ Battles , Sieges , &c. happened in any of hi● Majesties Dominions , from 1600 to 1675 ▪ Octavo . ILIAD . LIB . I. O Goddess , sing what woe the discontent Of Thetis Son brought to the Greeks ; what Souls Of Heroes down to Erebus it sent , Leaving their bodies unto Dogs and Fowls ; Whilst the two Princes of the Army strove , King Agamemnon and Achilles stout . That so it should be was the will of Jove , But who was he that made them first fall out ? Apollo ; who incensed by the wrong To this Priest Chryses by Atrides done , Sent a great Pestilence the Greeks among ; Apace they di'd , and remedy was none . For Chryses came unto the Argive Fleet , With Treasure great his Daughter to redeem ; And having in his hand the Ensignes meet , That did the Priestly Dignity beseem , A Golden Scepter and a Crown of Bays , Unto the Princes all made his request ; But to the two Atrides chiefly prays , Who of the Argive Army were the best . O Sons of Atreus may the Gods grant you A safe return from Troy with Victory ; And you on me compassion may shew , Receive these Gifts , and set my Daughter free ; And have respect to Jove's and Leto's Son. To this the Princes all gave their consent , Except King Agamemnon . He alone , And with sharp language from the Fleet him sent ; Old man ( said he ) let me not see you here Now staying , or returning back again , For fear the Golden Scepter which you bear And Chaplet hanging on it prove but vain . Your Daughter shall to Argos go far hence , And make my Bed , and labour at the Loom , And take heed you no farther me incense , Lest you return not safely to your home . Frighted with this , away the Old man went ; And often as he walked on the sand , His Prayers to Apollo up he sent . Hear me Apollo with thy Bow in hand , That honour'd art in Tenedos and Chryse , And unto whom Cylla great honour bears , If thou accepted hast my Sacrifice , Pay th' Argives with thy Arrows for my tears . His Prayer was granted by the Deity ; Who with his Silver Bow and Arrows keen , Descended from Olympus silently In likeness of the sable night unseen . His Bow and Quiver both behinde him hang , The Arrows chink as often as he jogs , And as he shot the Bow was heard to twang , And first his Arrows flew at Mules and Dogs . But when the Plague into the Army came , Perpetual was the fire of Funerals ; And so nine days continued the same , Achilles on the tenth for counsel calls ; And Juno 't was that put it in his head , Who for the Argive Army was afraid : The Lords to Counsel being gathered , Up stood Achilles and thus to them said , We must I think ( Atrides ) run from hence , Since War and Plague consume us both at once , Let 's think on how to stay the Pestilence , Or else at Troy resolve to leave our bones . Let 's with some Priest or Prophet here advise That knows the pleasure of the Gods above , Or some that at expounding Dreams are wise , For also Dreams descend on men from Jove : That we may from him know Apollo's minde , If we for Sacrifice be in arrear , Or if he will for Lambs and Goats be kinde , And to destroy us from henceforth forbear . Achilles then sat down , and Chalchas rose , That was of great renown for Augury , And any thing was able to disclose That had been , is , or should hereafter be ; And guided had the Greeks to Ilium ; Achilles ( said he ) since you me command To tell you why this Plague is on us come , Swear you will save me both with word and hand . Of all the Greeks it will offend the best ; Who though his anger for a while he smother , Will not , I fear , long time contented rest , But will revenged be some time or other . Chalchas ( reply'd Achilles ) do not fear , But what the God has told you bring to light : By Phoebus not a man shall hurt you here , As long as I enjoy my life and sight ; Though Agamemnon be the man you dread , Who is of all the Army most obey'd . The Prophet by these words encouraged , Said what before to say he was affraid . 'T is not neglect of Vow or Sacrifice That doth the God Apollo thus displease ; But that we do his Priest so much despise , As not his Child for ransome to release . And more , till she be to her Father sent , And with a Hecatombe , and Ransomless , The anger of the God will not relent , Nor will the Sickness 'mongst the people cease . This said , he sat . The King look'd furiously , And anger flaming stood upon his eyes , While many black thoughts on his heart did lye ; And to the Prophet Chalchas thus replies . Unlucky Prophet , that didst never yet Good fortune prophecy to me , but ill , And ever with a mind against me set Inventest Prophecies to cross my Will ; And now again you fain would have it thought , Because I would not let Chryseis go , The Gifts refusing which her Father brought , Therefore this Plague was sent amongst us now - With Clytemnestr● she may well contend For Person , or for Beauty , or for Art. Yet so , to send her home I do intend . For of our loss I bear the greatest part . But you must then some prize for me provide . Shall no man unrewarded go but I ? This said , Achilles to the King reply'd , Atrides , that on booty have your eye , You know divided is , or s●ld the prey Which never can resumed be again . But send her home . When we shall have sack'd Troy Your loss shall be repaid with triple gain . No , said Atrides , that I never meant ; D' ye think 't is fit that you your shares retain ? And only mine unto the God be sent , That unrewarded none but I remain ? I thought it reason th' Argives should collect Amongst themselves the value ( how they list ) And give it me before they did expect This Prize of mine should be by me dismis● . If they 'l do that , 't is well . If not , I 'le go To your , or Ajax , or Ulysses tent , And take his prize , and right my self will so , Wherewith I think he will not be content . But since there 's time enough to speak of this , Let 's ready make a Ship with able Row'rs , And th' Hecatombe , to go with fair Chryseis , And ( to direct ) one of the Counsellors ; Ajax , Idomeneus , Ulysses , or Your self may go , Athilles , if you please , And do the bus'ness you are pleading for , And if you can th' offended God appease . O impudence ( Achilles then reply'd ) What other of th' Achaeans willingly Will when you only for your self provide , Go where you bid , or fight with th' enemy ? Against the Trojans I no quarrel have . In Pthia plundring they were never seen , Nor ever thence my Kin● or Horses drave , Nor could ; the Sea and great Hills are between . Only for yours and Menelaus sake , To honour gain for you we came to Troy , Whereof no notice ( Dogshead ) now you take , But threaten me my prize to take away ; Which by my labour I have dearly bought , And by th' Achaeans given me has been . And when the City Troy we shall have got , Your share will great , mine little be therein . For though my part be greatest in the pain , Yet when unto division we come , You will expect the greatest part o' th' gain , And that with little I go weary home . Then farewel Troy. To Sea I 'le go again , And back to Pthia . Then it will be seen When you without me shall at Troy remain , What Honour and what Riches you shall win . Go when you will , ( said Agamemnon ) fly , I le not entreat you for my sake to stay . When you are gone more honour'd shall be I , Nor Jove ( I hope ) will with you go away . In you I shall but loose an enemy That only loves to quarrel and to fight . The Gods have giv'n you strength I not deny . Go 'mongst your Myrmidons and use your might . I care not for you , nor your anger fear , For after I have sent away Chryseis , And satisfi'd the God , I 'le not forbear To fetch away from you the fair Briseis , And that by force . For I would have you see How much to mine inferior is your might , And others fear t' oppose themselves to me . This swell'd Achilles choler to the height . And made him study what to do were best , To draw his Sword and Agamemnon kill , Or take some time his anger to digest . His Sword was drawn , yet doubtful was his Will. But Juno , that of both of them took care , Sent Pallas down , who coming stood behind Achilles , and laid hold upon his Hair. Whereat Achilles wondring in his minde , Turn'd back , and by the terror of her eyes Knew her ; but by none else perceiv'd was she . Come you ( said he ) to see the injuries That are by Agamemnon done to me ? So great ( O Goddess Pallas ) is his pride , As I believe it cost him will his life . I hither came ( Athena then reply'd ) To put an end to this unlucky strife . From Heaven I hither was by Juno sent , ( That loves you both , and of you both takes care ) Drawing of Swords and Blood-shed to prevent . But as for evil words you need not spare . For the wrong done you he shall trebly pay Another time . Hold then . Your Sword forbear . I must ( then said Achilles ) you obey , Though wrong'd . Who hears not Gods , the Gods not hear . This said , his mighty Sword again he sheath'd , And Pallas up unto Olympus flew . Achilles still nothing but Choler breath'd , And Agamemnon thus revil'd anew . Dogs-face , and Drunkard , Coward that thou art , That hat'st to lead the people out to fight . Nor yet to lye in ambush hast the heart , And painfully watch in the field all night . But thou to take from other men their due ( Safe lying in the Camp ) more pleasure hast . But fools they are that ruled are by you , Or else this injury had been your last . But this I 'le say , and with an Oath make good . ( Now by this Scepter , which hath left behind The stock whereon it once grew in the wood , And never more shall have nor leaf nor rind , And by Achaean Princes now is born By whom Jove's Laws to th' People carried be . ) You hear now what a great Oath I have sworn : If ere the Achaeans shall have need of me , And Agamemnon cannot them relieve . When Hector fills the field with bodies slain , And Agamemnon only for them grieve , They my assistance wish for shall in vain . This said , Achilles threw the Scepter down That stuck all over was with Nails of Gold ; And Nestor rose , of Pyle that wore the Crown , Wise and sweet Orator and Captain old . His words like Honey dropped from his tongue . Two ages he in battle honour gain'd . For all that while he youthful was and strong , And with the third age now in Pyle he reign'd . What grief t' Achaea coming is , said he , O Gods , what joy to Priam and his Seed , How glad will all the Trojans be to see You two that all the rest in pow'r exceed , With your own hands shed one anothers blood ! I elder am , do then as I advise . For I conversed have with men as good , That yet my counsel never did despise . Perithous and Dryas were great men , And Polyphemus and Exadius , Such as for strength I ne'er shall see agen ; And so were Caeneus , and Theseus . The strongest of mankind were these , and slew The strongest of wild beasts that haunt the Wood. These strong men I convers'd withal and knew ; And with them also I did what I cou'd . With these no other could contend in fight . Yet they from Pyle thought fit to call me forth Far off ; nor ever did my counsel slight . Think not therefore my counsel nothing worth . Atrides take not from him , though you can , The Damsel which the Greeks have given him . Forbear the King ( Pelides . ) For the man Whom Jove hath crown'd is made of Jove a limb . Though you be strong , and on a Goddess got , Atrides is before you in command . Atrides , be but you to peace once brought , T' appease Achilles I will take in hand , Who is ( while we are lying here ) our Wall. To this Atrides answered again , I nothing can deny of this at all . But he amongst us thinks he ought to raign , And give the Law to all as he thinks fit . But I am certain that shall never be . He well can fight ; the Gods have granted it , But they nere taught him words of infamy . Then interrupting him Achilles said , I were a Wretch and nothing worth indeed , If I what ever you command obey'd . I will no more to what you say take heed . But this I tell you , if you take away The Damsel which is mine by your own gift , I do not mean for that to make a Fray Amongst the Greeks , or once my hand to lift . Fetch her your self Atrides , but take heed Against my will you nothing else take there . Try ; that th' Achaeans may see how you speed , And how your black blood shall run down my Spear . Thus in disorder the Assembly ends . Achilles to his own Ships took his way , Patroclus with him and his other friends . And Agamemnon then without delay Lanched a Bark , and in go Row'rs twice ten . Aboard the Maid and th' Hecatombe they lay . Ulysses went Commander of the men . And swiftly then the Ship cuts out her way . And then Atrides th' Army purify'd , And threw into the Sea the Purgament . Then sacrific'd o'th'sands by the Sea side A Hecatombe . To Heaven went up the sent . And busie were the people . But the King Still on his quarrel with Achilles thought , And how Briseis from his Tent to bring . For what he threatn'd he had not forgot . But sent Talthybius and Eurybates T' Achilles Tent to fetch Briseis thence . ( Two publick servants of the King were these Ordain'd to carry his commandements . ) If he refuse ( said he ) to let her go , I 'le thither go my self with greater force And take her thence , whether he will or no. Which , angry as he is , will vex him worse . The Messengers , though not well pleased , went Unto the Flee● o' th' Myrmidons , and there They found Achilles sitting by his Tent. Well pleas'd he was not . And they silent were , And stood still , struck with fear and reverence . Achilles seeing that , spake first , and said , Come near . To me you have done no offence . Go you Patroclus and lead forth the Maid , And give her to these men , that they may be To Gods and Men , and to th' unbridled man My Witnesses , when they have need of me To save th' Achaeans , which he never can . For what can he devise of any worth ? Or how can he the Greeks in battle save ? This said , Patroclus led Briseis forth , And to Atrides Messengers her gave . She with them went , though much against her heart . Achilles from his friends went off and play'd . And sitting with his face to th' Sea apart Weeping , unto his Mother Thetis said , Mother , though Jove have given me so small A time of life , I could contented ●e , Had I not been dishonoured withal , And forc'd to bear such open injury . Thetis in th'inmost closets of the Deep , Sat with the old God Nereus , and heard . And not enduring long to hear him weep , Above the Sea like to a Mist appear'd , And by him sat , and stroak'd his head , and said , Why weep you Child ? What is 't that grieves you so ? Tell me , speak out . Of what are you afraid ? Come , whatsoever 'tis let me it know . Mother ( said he ) 't is not to you unknown , When we took Thebe , and had brought away The Captives and the Riches of the Town , Chryseis sell t' Atrides for his prey . And how her father Chryses came to th' Fleet With Ransome great his Daughter to redeem , And having in his hands the Ensigns meet Which did his Priestly dignity beseem , A Golden Scepter and a Crown of Bays , Unto the Princes all made his request . But to the two Atrides chiefly prays , Who of the Argive Army were the best . O Sons of Atreus , may the Gods grant you A safe return from Troy with Victory ; And you on me compassion may shew , Receive these Gifts , and set my Daughter free ; And have respect to Jove's and Leto's son . To this the Princes all gave their consent , Except King Agamemnon . He alone , And with sharp language from the Fleet him sent . Away the Old-man goes , and as he went , Against the Greeks he to Apollo pray'd ; Who heard him , and the Plague amongst them sent , Which dayly multitudes of men destroy'd . Of which the Prophet , being ask'd the cause , Said , ' was for th' injury to Chryses done . I mov'd to send her back . Then angry was Atrides , though beside Atrides , none . And though he too has sent her now away , Yet what he threat'ned he has brought to pass . His Officers from me have forc'd my prey , And Agamemnon now Briseis has . And now , if ever , let me have your aid , If you have holpen Jove with word or deed ; ( For in my Fathers house you oft have said , That heretofore you stood him in great steed , When other Gods to bind him had decreed , Juno and Neptune , Pallas and the rest , You to him came and from his bonds him freed . For up you fetch'd Briareus the best Of Titans all , whom men Aegaeon call , The Gods Briareus , with a hundred hands , And set him next to Jove . No God at all Then durst to Jupiter approach with bonds ) Put Jove in mind of this , and him intreat The Trojan hands to fortifie in fight , And to repel the Greeks with slaughter great , That in their goodly King they may delight , And Agamemnon count what he hath won By doing such dishonour to the best Of th' Argives , and that has such service done . Ay me , ( said Thetis ) would you could here rest Unhurt , ungriev'd . For I have born you to Short life . And not far from you is your Fate . And grievous 't is to be dishonour'd too . But I to Jove will all you say relate When I go to Olympus . Till then stay , And angry though you are , from war forbear . To Blackmoor-land the Gods went yesterday , And twelve daies hence agen they will be there . This said , the Goddess went away , and left Her Son Achilles with his Anger striving , For that he had been of his prize bereft . And then Ulysses at the Port arriving Of Chryse , first his Sails he furl'd , and stow'd Them on the Deck together with the Mast ; And with their Oars their Ship ashore they row'd , And out their Anchors threw ; and ty'd her fast , And on the Beach the men descending laid The Victims in good order on the Sand. When this was done , they disimbark'd the Maid . And then Ulysses took her by the hand , And brought her to the Altar , where the Priest Her Father stood , and to him spake , and said , O Chryses see , Atrides hath dismist Your Daughter , and this Hecatombe hath paid . By Agamemnon we are hither sent The same to offer , and t' Apollo pray , That he accept it will , and be content The Sickness from the Greeks to take away . This said , he put Chryseis to his hand , And he with great contentment her receiv'd . Then all with Salt and Barley ready stand , And Chryses pray'd with hands to Heaven upheav'd . Hear me Apollo with the Silver Bow , That dost in Tenedos and Cylla reign , And heardst my Pray'r against the Greeks , hear now , And from them send the Pestilence again . When Chryses had thus to Apollo pray'd , Then pray'd they all ; and Salt and Barley threw Upon the Victims ; which they kill'd and slay'd . But from the Altar first they them withdrew . And then the Thighs cut off they slit in twain , And round about they cover them with fat , And one part on the other laid again . The Priest himself came when they had done that , And burnt them on a fire of cloven wood ; And as they burning were pour'd on black Wine . Young men with Spits five-branched by them stood . When burnt the Thighs were for the Pow'r divine , And Entrails eaten , the rest cut in joynts Before the fire they roasted skillfully , Pierc'd thorow with the Spits that had five points ; And took it up when roasted thorowly . When ended was their work , began the Feast ; Where nothing wanting was of what was good . And having thirst and hunger dispossest , And filled with sweet Wine the Temp'rers stood . Then round the Cups were born ; and all day long Sitting they celebrated Phoebus might , And magnifi'd his goodness in sweet Song , And he in his own praises took delight . But when the Sun had born away his light , Upon the Sands they laid them down to sleep . And when again Aurora came in sight , Again ●hey lanch their Ship into the deep . A good fore-wind Apollo with them sent . Then with her breast the Ship the water tore ( Which by her down on both sides roaring went ) And soon arrived at the Trojan shore . And there they drew her up again to Land , And ev'ry man went which way he thought best . Achilles yet not able to command The anger that still boyled in his breast , No longer would the Greeks at Councel meet , Nor with them any more to battle come ; But sullen sat before his Tent and Fleet , Wishing to see the Argives beaten home . Twelve times the Sun had risen now and set , The Gods t' Olympus all returned were ; Thetis her Sons complaints did not forget , But up she carried them to Jupiter . Upon the highest top alone sat he Of the great many headed Hill , and laid One hand on 's breast , th' other on his knee . And in that posture thus unto him said , O Father Jove , if for you I have done Service at any time by word or deed , Repay it now I pray you to my Son Whom Agamemnon hath dishonoured . Short time the Fates have given him to live . Atrides taken from him hath his prey . Now Victory unto the Trojans give Till Agamemnon for his fault shall pay . Thus prayed she . But Jove made no reply . Nor took she off her hands ; but pray'd anew O Jove my Prayer grant me , or deny , That I may know what power I have in you . Then Jove much grieved , spake to her , and said , 'Twixt me and Juno 't will a quarrel make . For she before the Gods will me upbraid , When she shall know the Trojans part I take . But go , lest she observe what you do here . I 'le give a Nod to all that you have spoken , That you may safely trust to and not fear . A Nod from me is an unfailing token . This said , with his black Brows he to her nodded Wherewith displayed were his Locks divine ; Olympus shook at stirring of his God-head ; And Thetis from it jump'd into the Brine , And Jupiter unto his house went down . The Gods arose and waited on him thither : But unto Juno it was not unknown That he and Thetis had confer'd together , Who presently to Jove her husband went , And angry him rebukt with language keen . You that still in my absence tricks invent , What God hath with you now in counsel been ? Though unto me you hate to tell your mind . Juno ( said Jove ) you must not hope to hear All whatsoere it be , I have design'd . But what I mean shall come unto the ear Of all the Gods , you first of all shall know . But what from all together I shall hide Ask me no more , I will not tell you , though My Wife you be . Juno then thus reply'd . Harsh Chronides , what words of yours are these ! To ask you questions I 'le henceforth forbear , And quietly let you do what you please . But one thing I must tell you that I fear . Thetis I fear has gotten your consent , For her Sons sake the Argives to oppress . Suspect you can ( said Jove ) but not prevent , Which doth but give me cause to love you less . Though it be true , 't was I would have it so . Therefore sit still and do as I would have you , Lest when my mighty hands about you go , Not all the other Gods in Heav'n shall save you . Then Juno silent sat with grief and fear ; And all the Gods i' th' House of Jove did grieve . But Vulcan the renown'd Artificer Stood up his Mother Juno to relieve . O what will this come to at last , said he , If you for mortals thus shall be at odds ! The tumult than the chear will greater be . What pleasure can be this unto the Gods ? And though my Mother wiser be than I , Yet thus much I 'll not doubt her to advise , That with my Fathers Will she would comply , That no such quarrel may hereafter rise . For by the roots he can the World pluck up . Therefore I pray you Mother speak him fair ; He 'll soon be pleas'd . Then filled he a Cup Of Nectar sweet , and bore it to her Chair ; A●d to her said , Mother , I pray you hold , And do no more my Fathers choler move . I● you be beaten I shall but behold , And grieve I am not strong enough for Jove . ● would have helpt you once , when by the foot He threw me down to Lemnos from the skie . ●ll the day long I was a falling to 't , Where more than half dead taken up was I. ●nd there by th' Sincians I was taken up . When Vulcan had his History told out , ●is Mother on him smil'd , and took the Cup , And to the Gods he Nectar bore about . ●nd then the Gods laught all at once outright To see the lame and sooty Vulcan skink . ●nd all the day from morning unto night Ambrosia they eat , and Nectar drink . ●pollo played , and alternately The Muses to him sung . When night was come , ●hen gently Sleep sollicited each eye , And to his house each God departed home . ●nd Jupiter went up unto the bed Where he at other times was wont to lye When sleep came on him , and laid down his head To take repose ; and Juno lay him by . ILIAD . LIB . II. THe Gods , and Princes of the Argive Hoast Slept all night long . Jove only waking lay , And many projects in his mind he tost , To grace Achilles , and the Greeks annoy . At last a Dream he call'd . False Dream , said he , Go , hye to Agamemnons Tent , and say , Distinctly as you bidden are by me . Bid him bring up his Army now to Troy ; For now the time is come he shall it take . The Gods no more thereon deliberate , But all consented have for Juno's sake , No longer to delay the Trojan Fate . Then with his errand went the Dream away , And quickly was at Agamemnons Tent. And finding him as fast asleep he lay , Up presently unto his head he went. And in the shape of Nestor to him spake . Sleep you , said he , Atrides ? 'T is not fit For him from whom the people counsel take , That sleep all night upon his eyes should sit . But Jove looks to you . Listen then to me . For 't is from Jove that I am to you come . He bids you lead the Army presently Up every man to th' Walls of Ilium . For now the time is come you shall it take . The Gods no more thereon deliberate . But all consented have for Juno's sake , No longer to delay the Trojan Fate . And therefore when you wake forget it not . This said , the Dream departed . And the King Believ'd it as an Oracle , and thought To take Troy now as sure as any thing ; Vain man presuming from a Dream Jove's will , Who meant to th' Greeks and Trojans yet much wo , And with their carcasses the field to fill Before the Greeks should back to Argos go . The King awak't , and sat upon his Bed , Puts on his Coat and a great Cloak upon , Handsome and new ; his Dream still in his head ; And then his Silver-studded Sword puts on . And then he took his Scepter in his hand Which formerly his Ancestors had born , And went to th' Ships whereof he had command . And to the Gods with light then came the Morn . Then Agamemnon bids to Counsel call . The Cryers call'd , the Greeks together went. But first he had with the old Captains all Consulted what to do at Nestors Tent , And said he dream'd that one like Nestor spake To him and said , Atrides 't is not fit For one of whom the People Counsel take That sleep upon his eyes all night should sit . But Jove secures you . Listen then to me , For 't is from him that I unto you come . He bids you lead the Army presently Up every man to th' Walls of Ilium . For now the time is come you shall it take . The Gods thereon no more deliberate , But all consented have for Juno's sake , No longer to delay the Trojan Fate . And therefore when you wake forget it not . This said , the Dream went off again , and I How to th' assault the Army may be brought ▪ As far as we can safely fain would try . I 'le first give them advice to go away , As if there were no hope to gain the Town● But you must then be sure to make them stay . This said , King Agamemnon sate him down , And Nestor rose . Captains of th' Hoast , said he , This Dream had it been told b' another man , Feigned and foolish would have seem'd to me . But since the King is th' Author ( if we 〈◊〉 ) Let us perswade the people to take Arms. And having said , began to lead away . And now the People coming were in swarms . For as the Bees in a fair Summers day Come out in clusters from the hollow rock , And light upon the flow'rs that honey yield ; So to th' Assembly did the People flock , And bristling stood with expectation fill'd When they sat down , it made the ground to sigh . The Lords nine Cryers then amongst them sent To make them silent , or to drown their cry , And from the press their chairs to defend . With much ado at last they silent were . Then Agamemnon took into his hand His Scepter ( which was made by Mulciber For Jove to carry when he did command . Jove gave it afterward to Mercury ; And Mercury to Pelops gave the same . From Pelops it went down successively To Atreus , and to Thyestes came . From him it came to Agamemnons hand , Who many Islands and all Argos sway'd . ) And leaning now upon it with his hand , Unto the Princes of the Army said . Servants of Mars , Commanders of the Greeks , O what great trouble Jove involves me in ! Disgracefully to send me home he seeks , Although he told me I the Town should win , And now ( when I have lost so many men ) It seems to play with men he takes delight . What Towns has he destroy'd , and will agen Destroy still more to exercise his might ? For both to us and our posterity 'T will be a great disgrace to go to Troy ▪ With so great multitudes , and baffled be , And nothing done again to come away . If we and they should on a Truce agree , And one by one they muster up their men ; And we should count how many t●ns we be , And make one Trojan fill out wine for ten , Many a Ten would want a man to skink . So much in number we the Town exceed . But when upon their many A●ds I think , I wonder less that we no better speed . Nine Years are gone ; our Cordage spoil'd with rain ; Our Ships are rotted , and our wives at home , And Children dear expect us back again . Nor know we of the War what will become . Come then and all●agree on what I say , Let 's put to Sea , and back t' Achaea flie . We shall not win the Town although we stay . This said , the Army with applauses high Consented all ( save those that had been by In Counsel of the Princes of Achaea ) And moved were like to the billows high That rolled are by some great Wind at Sea. Or as , when in a field of well-grown Wheat . The Ears encline by a sharp wind opprest ; So bow'd the heads in this Assembly great When their consent they to the King exprest . Then going to the Ships cry'd Ha la la. Great dust they raised , and encouraged Each other to the Sea his Ship to draw , And cleans'd the way to th' water from each bed ; And streight unpropt their Ships ; and to the skie Went up the noise . Then Juno sent away Pallas . Pallas ( quoth she ) the Greeks will flie , And Helen leave behind , for whom at Troy So many of the Greeks their lives have lost , And stay'd so long in vain before the Town . And then will Priam and the Trojans boast , Unless you quickly to the Ships go down . Go qu●ckly then , try if you can prevail , With hopeful words to stay them yet ashore , And take away their sudden list to sail ▪ And let the Ships lye as they did before . This said , the Goddess leapt down to the ground , From high Olympus , and stood on the sand Where lay the Greeks . Ulysses there she found Angry to see the people go from Land. Ulysses , said she , do you mean to fly , And here leave Helen after so much cost Of time and blood , and shew your vanity ; And leave the Trojans of their Rape to boast ? Speak to each one , try if you can prevail With hopeful words to stay them on the shore , And take away this sudden list to sail , And let the Ships lye where they lay before . Ulysses then ran t' Agamemnons Tent , And took his staff ( the mark of chief command ) And laying by his Cloak to th' Ships he went Amongst th' Acheans with that staff in 's hand . And when he met with any Prince or Peer , He gently said , Fear does not you become . You should not only you your self stay here , But also others keep from flying home . Atrides now did but the Argives try , And those he see● most forward to be gone Shall find perhaps least favour in his eye . For of the Secret Counsel you were none . Deep rooted is the Anger of a King , To whom high Jove committed has the Law , And Justice left to his distributing . But when a common man he bawling saw , He bang'd him with his staff , and roughly spake . Be silent , and hear what your betters say . For who of you doth any notice take In Counsel or in Martial Array ? Let one be King ( we cannot all be Kings ) To whom Jove gave the Scepter and the Laws To rule for him . Thus he the people brings Off from their purpose , and to counsel draws . Then to th' Assembly back again they pass'd , With noise like that the Sea makes when it breaks Against the Shore , and quiet were at last . Thersites only standeth up and speaks . One that to little purpose could say much , And what he thought would make men laugh , would say . And for an ugly fellow none was such 'Mongst all the Argives that besieged Troy. Lame of one leg he was ; and lookt asquint ; His shoulders at his breast together came ; His head went tapering up into a point , With stragling and short hair upon the same . Ulysses and Achilles most him ha●ed , For these two Princes he us'd most to chide ; And Agamemnon now aloud he rated , And thereby anger'd all the Greeks beside . What is 't Atrides ( said he ) stays you here ? Your Tent is full of Brass ; Women you have The best of all that by us taken were , For alwaies unto you the choice we gave . Or look you for more Gold that yet may come For ransome of some prisoner whom I Or other Greek shall take at Ilium , Or for some young maid to keep privately ? But Kings ought not their private ease to buy With publick danger and a common woe . Come women of Achaia , let us fly , And let him spend his gettings on the Foe . For then how much we help him he will know , That has a better than himself disgrac'd . But that Achilles is to anger slow , That injury of his had been his last . This said , Ulysses straightway to him went , And with sour look , and bitter language said , Prater , that to thy self seems eloquent , How darest thou alone the King t' upbraid ? A greater Coward than thou art there 's none 'Mongst all the Greeks that came with us to Troy. Else 'gainst the King thy tongue would not so run . Thou seek'st but an excuse to run away . Because we know not how we shall come off As yet from Troy , must you the King upbraid , And at the Princes of the Army scoff , As if they too much honour to him paid ? But I will tell you one thing , and will do 't . If here again I find you fooling thus , Then from my Shoulders let my Head be cut , Or let me loose my Son Telemachus , If I not strip you naked to the skin , And send you soundly beaten to the Ships With many stripes and ugly to be seen . This said , he basted him both back and hips . Thersites shrug'd , and wept , sat down , and had His shoulders black and blew , dy'd by the staff . Look'd scurvily . The people that were sad But just before , now could not chuse but laugh . And , Oh said one t'another standing near ; Ulysses many handsome thing has done , When we in Councel or in Battle were , A better deed than this is he did none , That has so silenced this railing knave , And of his peevish humour stay'd the flood , As he no more will dare the King to brave . And then to speak Ulysses ready stood . Where Pallas like a Crier did appear , And standing by him silence did command , That also they that sat far off might hear . Then spake he , with the Scepter in his hand . The people , O Atrides , go about To put you on an act will be your shame , Forgetting what they promis'd setting out , Not to return till Troy they overcame . But now like Widow-women they complain , Or little Children longing to go home . To be from home a month , it is a pain To them that to their loving Wives would come . To Sea they 'ld go though certain to be tost By many a sturdy wind upon the same . But they have now lyen here Nine Years almost ; I cannot therefore say they are to blame . But certainly after so long a stay 'T is very shameful empty back to go . Let us at least abide till know we may Whether what Chalchas said be true or no. For this we all know and are witnesses ( Excepting only those that since are dead ) When we from Aulis went to pass the Seas , And by contrary winds were hindered , That there we to the Gods did sacrifice Upon an Altar close unto a Spring , That of a Plane-tree at the root did rise ; And how we saw there a prodigious thing . A mighty Serpent with a back blood-red From out the Spring glided up to the Tree , The boughs whereof were ev'ry way far spread . On th' utmost chanc'd a Sparrows nest to be . Young ones were in it eight , with th' old one nine ; The old one near the Nest stay'd fluttering , And grievously the while did cry and whine . At last the Serpent catcht her by the wing . And when the Serpent had devour'd all nine , He presently was turn'd into a stone ; That we might see from Jove it was a Signe Of what should afterward at Troy be done . We were amaz'd so strange a thing to see , Till Chalchas rose and did the same explain . This is a certain Sign from Jove , said he , That he intends to do the like again . For as the Snake devour'd nine birds in all ; So nine years long we shall make war at Troy , And after nine years Ilium shall fall . But in the tenth year we shall come away . This then said Chalchas ; and all hitherto Is come to pass . Therefore Achaeans stay , Since nothing here remaineth now to do , But overcoming the old Town of Troy. This said , the people made a mighty noise ( Which bounding from the Ships was twice as great ) Sounding of nothing but Ulysses praise . And up then rose old Nestor from his Seat. Fie , Fie , ( said he ) why sit we talking here ? VVhere are your Promises , and whither gone Our Oaths and Vows ? To what end did we swear ? VVhere be the hands that we rely'd upon ? VVhat good will 't do to sit upon the Shore , How long soever be our time to stay ? Hold fast , Atrides , as you did before The power you have ; and lead us up to Troy. A man or two you safely may neglect , Though they dissent and secret counsel take . For they 'l be able nothing to effect , Before to Argos our retreat we make , And know if Jove have spoken true or no. For when we went aboard to go for Troy , Jove light'ned to the right hand , which all know A sign of granting is for what we pray . Let none of you long therefore to be gone , Till of some Trojans wife he hath his will , And ta'ne a not unfit revenge upon The Trojans that have Helen us'd as ill . But he that for all this is fiercely bent On going home , and thinks that counsel best , And laies hand on his Ship , let him be sent Down into Erebus before the rest . But you , O King , think well , and take advice First into Tribes the Army to divide , And Tribes again into Fraternities , That Tribe may Tribe , and Fellow Fellow aid . The Leaders and the Souldiers then you 'll know Which of them merits praise , and which is naught . And if the Town you do not overthrow , VVhether on us or Jove to lay the fault . To this Atrides answer made and said , O Nestor , Father , you exceed all men In giving Counsel . VVould the Gods me aid VVith Counsellors such as you are but ten , The Town of Priam we should quickly win . Nor had we now so long about it staid , If Jupiter had not engag'd me in A quarrel with Achilles for a Maid . But if we come but once more to agree , The evil day from Troy will not be far . Now take your food that we may ready be , And able to endure the toil of war. Let ev'ry man now sharpen well his Spear , His Buckler mend , and give his Horses meat , And look well to his Chariot every where , That we may fight all day without retreat . For we shall fight I doubt not all day long , And never cease as long as we can see . Of many a Shield sweaty will be the Thong , And Spear upon the hand lye heavily ; And many Horses at the Charret sweat . But he that willingly to avoid the fight Shall stay behind , or to the Ships retreat , His body shall be food for Dog and Kite . This said , the People pleas'd with what was spoken , Approv'd the same with Shouts , as loud as when Betwixt great waves and rocks the Sea is broken . Then from the Assembly they return agen . And at their Ships they sacrifice and pray Each one to th' God in whom he trusted most , That he might by his favour come away Alive , with whole Limbs from the Trojan Hoast . But Agamemnon sacrific'd a Steer To Jove , of five years old , and to the Feast Call'd such as in the Army Princes were , Or held to be for Chivalry the best , Nestor , Idomeneus , two Ajaces , And the Son of Tydeus Diomed , The sixth Ulysses Laertiades , And Menelaus thither came unbid . For well he knew his brother would be sad . About the Victim then the Assembly stands , And in their hands they Salt and Barley had . Then pray'd Atrides holding up his hands ; Great , glorious Jove , that dwellest in the Sky , O let not Phoebus carry hence the day Till Priam's Palace proud in ashes lye , And Hector sprawling in the dust of Troy , And many Trojans with him . So pray'd he . And Jove was with his Sacrifice content . But unto all his Pray'r did not agree , Intending still his labour to augment . When all had pray'd , they Salt and Barley threw Upon the Victim which they kill'd and slay'd . But from the Altar they it first withdrew . The Thighs they slit , and 〈◊〉 upon them la●d . And burnt them in a fire of cloven wood ; The Entrails ore the fire they broyled eat , The rest they rost on Spits that by them stood ; And when they rosted were , sell to their meat . When the desire of meat and drink was gone , Nestor stood up , and to Atrides said , Let us no longer leave the work undone , Which Jupiter himself has on us laid . Let 's call the Greeks together out of hand , That we may make them ready for the War. Atrides then to th' Cryers gave command T' assemble them . They soon assembled are . And then the Princes went into the field , And them in Tribes and in Fraternities Distinguished . And Pallas with her Shield , ( An undecaying Shield and of great price , Rais'd at the brim with orbs of beaten Gold An hundred , worth an hundred Cows at least . ) With this the Goddess went , to make them bold , Courage inspiring into ev'ry breast . And now their hearts are all on fire to sight , And vanisht is the thought of their returning . And such as of a Mountain is the sight Upon whose top a large thick Wood stands burning ; Such ( as they marching were ) the splendor was , And seemed to reach up unto the Sky , Reflected from so many Arms of Brass Bright and new polished unto the eye . As when of many sorts the long-neckt Fowls Unto the large and flow'ry Plain repair Through which Caysters water gently rolls In multitudes high flying in the Air , Then here and there fly priding in their wing , And by and by at once light on the ground , And with great clamour make the Air to ring , And th' Earth whereon they settle to resound ; So when th' Acheans went up from the Fleet , And on their march were to the Town of Troy , The Earth resounded loud with hoofs and feet . But at Scamander's flow'ry bank they stay , In number like the flowers of the field , Or leaves in Spring , or multitude of Flies In some great Dairy 'bout the vessels fill'd , Delighted with the milk , dance , fall and rise . The Leaders then amongst them went , and brought Them quickly into Tribes and Companies , As ev'ry Goat herd quickly knows his Goat Whether it be another mans or his . And Agamemnon there amongst the rest Was eminent . Like Jove in head and face ; Belted like Mars ; like Neptune's was his breast . Such beauty Jove upon the man did place . NOw , Muses , ye that in Olympus dwell , ( For Goddesses you are , and present were , And all that pass'd at Troy can truely tell , And we can nothing know but what we hear . ) Who of the Greeks at Troy commanded men ? The common Souldiers you need not name . For I should never say them ore agen , Although I had as many tongues as Fame . Boetia , wherein contained be Eteonus , and Schoenus , and Scolus , Aulis , Thespeia , Graea , Hyrie , Harma , Eilesius , and Mycalessus , Erythrae , Elion , Ocaliae , Hylae , Eutresis , Thisbe , Peleon , Plataea , Aliareus , and Copae , Coronia , Glisse , Thebe , Medeon , Onchestus Neptune's Town , Nissa divine , And Midias , and utmost Anthedon , And Arne that great plenty has of Wine . The which in all made fifty Ships . And those Commanded were by Archesilaus , And Prothoenor and Peneleos , And Leitus , and with them Clonius . The Seamen in each one to sixscore rose . Aspledon and Orchomenus besides Did set forth twenty good black Ships to Sea. Ascalaphus and Ialmenus were guides , Begot by Mars upon Aslyoche . The Towns of Phocis , Crissa , Panopea , And Cyparissus , Python , and Daulis , And on the brook of Cephisus Lilaea , And Anemoria , and Hyampolis , And other Towns o' th' bank of Cephisus , Made ready forty good Ships for the Seas , Ruled by Schedius and Epistraphus The Sons of Iphitus Naubolides . The Locrians the lesser Ajax led , Of King Oileus the valiant Son. ( For he was lower more than by the head Than th' other Ajax Son of Telamon ) A linnen Armour he wore on his Breast . But understood as well to use a Spear , Or better , than could any of the rest That in the Army of th' Achaeans were . There went with him from Cynus and Opus , From Bessa , Scarphe , Thronius , Aygiae , Tarphe , Calliarus , Boagrius , Forty good Ships well fitted for the Sea. Th' Euboeans were by Elephenor led , That dwell in Chalcis and Eretriae , Cerinthus , Dion ( that holds high her head ) Carystus , Styra , and in Istiaea . And by the name Abantes they all go , Goodmen , and that in battle use the Spear , And love to pierce the Armour of a foe . And these on forty Ships embarqued were . From Athens ( who Erectheus people were ) Aurora's Son , by Pallas nourished In her own Temple , in which ev'ry year Many good Bulls and Lambs are offered , Under Menesteus fifty Ships did pass , Who for the ord'ring of a battle well Of Horse or Foot the best of all men was , Save Nestor , who in age did him excel . From Salamis came to the Trojan Shore , And by the greater Ajax govern'd were , The Son of Telamon , twelve good ships more , And lay at anchor to th' Athenians near . Argos , Tyrinthe , Troezen , Asme , And Epidaurus , and Hermione , Mases and Aegina , and Eione , Amongst them all put fourscore Ships to Sea. Of which there were three Captains , Diomed , Euryalus , and Sthenelus . But they By Diomed were chiefly governed . For him they all commanded were t' obey . And from Mycenae , Corinth , Cleonoe , And Orthe , and Hyperesiae , From Sicyon , and Araethuree , And Gonoessa , and from Helice , Pellenae , Aegium , and all that Shore , An hundred Ships were laid upon the Seas ; And with King Agamemnon passed ore , And his peculiar command were these . Amongst them he puts on his Armour then , Proud that he was of all the Hero's best . For of his own he thither brought most men , And chief Commander was of all the rest . From Sparta , Pharae , Messa , Brysiae , From about Otylus , with those from Laus , Helos , Amyclae , and from Aygiae , Went thirty good black Ships with Menelaus . Which from his Brothers forces stood apart , And he amongst them heart'ning them to fight , And breathing courage into every heart . For to the Trojans he bare greatest spight . Pylus , Arene , Cyparisseis , Amphigenia , Aepy , and Thryus , ( Whereat a Ford i' th' stream Alpheus is ) Elos , and Pteleus , and Dorius . ( Here 't was the Muses met with Thamyris The Thracian Fidler which their Art did slight , And said their Skill was not so good as his , And they depriv'd him both of Art and Sight ▪ ) The number of the Ships those Towns set forth , In all amounted to fourscore and ten ; And led were by a Captain of great worth . 'T was Nestor the command had of these men . From Phene , Ripe , and Orchomenus , And from Enispe , and from Stratiae , Tegea , Mantinea , Stymphalus , And those that dwelled in Parrhasia , ( Arcadians all , and in sharp War well skill'd ) Came sixty Ships by Agapenor led , And ev'ry Ship sufficiently fill'd . But then the Ships Atrides furnished . The men of Helis , and Buprasium , And all the ground enclos'd by Hyrmine , Myrsinus , Olene , Alisium , Amongst them all put forty Ships to Sea , Led by Amphimachus and Thalpius , Diores , and Polyxenus the Son Of martial Agasthenes , and then Ten good Ships were commanded by each one . Dulichium , and th'Isles Echinades , Sent forty Ships . Meses Commander went The Son of Phyleus , who for his ease Liv'd from his Father there in discontent . Ulysses also brought out twelve good Ships From Ithaca , Neritus , Ceph'lonia , From Same , and from Zant , and Aegylips , And from Epirus , and Croaeylia . Th' Aetolians with Thoas Andraemon's Son Sent from Pylene , and from Chalcis , and From Olenus , Pleuron , and Calydon Sent forty Ships , whereof the sole command In Thoas was . For Oeneus was dead , And Meleager ; all the Royal race . Andraemon's Son their men to Troy to lead By suffrage of the Cities chosen was . From C●ossus , Gortys ( in the Isle of Creet ) Lictus , Miletus , Phaestus , Rycius , Lycastus , and some others went a Fleet Of eighty Ships with King Idomenus . And valiant as Mars M●riones . And nine good Ships went with Tlepolemus ( That was the Son of mighty Hercules ) From Lindus , Camirus , Ialissus . For Hercules Tlepolemus begat On Astyochia whom in war he won , And for her many Cities had laid flat . But after Hercules was dead and gone , Tlepolemus now grown a man , and bold , Licymnius ( his Fathers Uncle ) slew By th'Mothers side , a branch of Mars , but old . Then cuts down Trees , and rigs a Navy new , And many men together gathered , And wandred till to Rhodes he came at last , And there dwelt in three Tribes distributed . Fear of his Kindred made him go in haste . And mightily in little time they throve , And ev'ry day in wealth and power grew , And favour'd were continually by Jove . For dayly he unto them riches threw . From Syme went with Nireus Ships three , Nireus that was the fairest man of all ( Achilles alwaies must excepted be ) But weak was Nireus , and his number small . From Casus , Carpathus , and Nisyrus , Calydnae Islands , and the Isle of Cous Went thirty Ships . Two Sons of Thessalus The Son of Hercules commanded those . And the Pelasgique Argives sent to Sea From Trechis , and from Hellas , and Halus , From Pthia , and the Port of Alope , Commanded by the Son of Peleus , Fifty good Ships of Myrmidons , which some Acheans , others Hellens use to call . But these would not to any Battle come . For sullen sat ashore their General , Because Briseis they had forc'd away , Which when he won Lyrnessus , was his prize , And did Epistrophus and Mynes slay . There ●ate he then , but shall again arise . From Inon , Phylace , and Pyrasus , From Pteleus , and Antron on the Sea Went forty Ships with Protesilaus , Which he commanded while alive was he . But he was dead . For as he leapt to land From out his Ship , he was the first man slain Of all th' Acheans by a Trojan hand , And left his wife to tear her hair in vain , His house at Phylace half finished . His Souldiers chose Podarces in his place , His younger Brother , who at Troy them led . A Captain good ; but th' Elder better was . And they that dwelt about Bo●beis Lake Iaolcus , Boebe , Pherae , Glaphyrae , Put all together Ships eleven make . Under Eumelus there were put to Sea. From rugged Olizon and Meliboea , The towns Methone and Thomacia sent Seven Ships of fifty Oars apiece to Sea , And Philoctetes their Commander went. But him the Achaeans left in Lemnos Isle , In cruel torment bitten by a Snake . And of his Ships Medon took charge the while . But better care of him the Greeks will take . From Tricca then , and from Methone steep , And from Oechalia ( Seat of Earitus , ) Thirty good Ships to Troy went ore the Sea , By Machaon led and Podalirius , Two skilful Sons of Aesculapius . From chalky Titanus Hyperia , and Astirius , and from Ormenius , Eurypilus did forty Ships command . And from the Towns Argissa and Gy●tone , From Olo●s●on , Orthe on the Hill , With those that sent were from the Town Elone , So many went as forty Ships did fill . And had two Leaders . Polypoetes one , Son of Perithous the son of Jove , And gotten by him was the day whereon He and the Lapiths 'gainst the Centaurs strove , And drave them from the Mountain Pelion . The other Leader was Leontius , Whose Father was Capaneus , who the Son Was of the valiant Lapith Coeneus . The Aenians and Perrhiboeans bold Did two and twenty good black Ships set out , From hollow Cyphus , and Dodona cold , And other habitations about . The pleasant River Titaretius , That into Peneus runs , but doth not mix , But glides like Oyl at top of Peneus . For Titaretius is a branch of Styx . These Gouneus led . Then the Magnesians sent From Towns upon the banks of Peneus , And sides of Pelion mountain eminent , Forty good Ships under swift Prothous . These were the Leaders of th' Achean forces . O Goddess tell me now who was the best In Battle of the Leaders , and whose Horses In swiftness and in force excell'd the rest . Eumelus his two Horses did surpass ( Though they were females ) all the rest for speed . Their colour , age , and stature equal was , Sprung in Pieria from Apollo's Breed . That terrour drew about as swift as wind . ) 'Mongst Greeks the greater Ajax had no Peer , ( For now Achilles had the War declin'd , Whom none in Prowess equall'd or came near , Nor other Horses could with his compare . ) But at his Ships he discontented staid , And full of spight which he t' Atrides bare , Whilst on the Beach idle his Soldiers plaid At who can furthest throw a Dart or Stone . The Horses loosly wandred here and there Amongst the people , and had Riders none , Or upon Lote and Cinque●oil feeding were . But the Achaeans to Scamander march'd Swiftly as when a fire runs ore a Plain Which Phoebus had with a long Summer parch'd , And going made the ground to groan again , As when Jove angry lasheth Arimy , Which men say of Typhaeus is the bed , The earth therewith is made to groan and sigh , So groan'd the ground when they to Troy were led . Then Jove unto the Trojans Iris sent , Who old and young were then at Priams gate Assembled with the King in Parliament . Over their heads stood Iris as they sate . Her voice was like to that of Priams Son Polytes , that was watching at the Tomb Of old Aesuites , there to wait upon The coming of the Greeks to Ilium . Old man ( said he ) you love to hear men preach As in a time of Peace . But now 't is War. The Greeks no more lye idle on the Beach , But at your Gates , and numberless they are , As sands by the Sea-side , or leaves in Spring . And to the City now they bring the War. Hector to you this counsel now I bring . Within the City many people are To aid you come of divers Languages . Let them that hither led them lead them here , Arm , and command them each one as he please . When she had done , dismist the people were . Hector to open all the Gates commands , And with great clamour Horse and Foot come out . Before the City a high Pillar stands , To which the field lyes open round about . And Battiea called was by men ; Which 'mongst the Gods another name did bear , Myrinna's Sepulcher . And there agen The Trojans and their Succours muster'd were . The Trojans were by Hector led . The best In battle , and in number most were these , With Spear in hand , and Brass on Back and Breast . The Dardans were commanded by Aeneas , ( Anchises Son ; but Venus was his Mother ; Amongst the Hills of Ida got he was ) And joint Commanders with him were two other , Brave men , Archilochus and Acamas . And of Zeleia the Inhabitants , Which of Mount Ida lyeth at the foot , And on the River of Aesopus stands , Under command of Pandarus were put , Son of Lycaon , and that well knew how To make an Arrow in the Air fly true . Phoebus himself had given him a Bow , And how to use the same none better knew . Th' Adrasteians and the men of Apaesus , Of Pityeia and Tereia Hill. Were by Adrastus led and Amphius , Two Sons of Merops , that had mighty skill In Prophecy , and both of them forbad Themselves to venture in the War at Troy. But Fate a greater power with them had , And made them go , but brought them not away . The People of Percosia , and they That dwell upon the Banks of Practius , Arisbe , Sestus , Abydus , obey The orders of their Leader Asius The Son of Hyrtacus , whose Chariot By Horses great and black as any coal , And on it he to Ilium was brought . And of Selleis race each one a foal . Larissa was Pelasgique by descent . Under Pylaeus and Hyppothous , Two stout Pelasgique Leaders these were sent , Who both the Grandsons were of Teutomus . The Thracians on this side Hellespont , Were led by Piros and by Achamas . O' th' Cycons who do these oppose in front Troezenus Son Euphemus Leader was . From Amydon that standeth on the side Of Axius the fairest Stream that flows , The Poeons came . Pyrechmus them did guide , And arm'd they were with Arrows and with Bows . The Enneti in Paphlagonia , From whence proceedeth of wild Mules the race , Parthenius Brook and the Town Coronia , Cytorus , Sesamus , and the high place Of th' Erithins , and of Aegyalus The charge was given to Pylomenus , And of the Halizons t' Epistrophus , But not alone ; joyn'd with him was Dius Of Alybe , where is a Silver Mine . The Leaders of the Mysians were Chromis , And Enomus . Both of them could divine By flight of Birds , though they foresaw not this That in Scamander Stream they both should dye , Slain by Achilles who there massacred Many a Trojan , many a good Ally , Which to the Sea the River carried . The Phrygians from Ascania , far off , Were led by Phorcys and Ascanius ; And Battle lov'd . But the Commanders of The Maeones , Mesthles and Antiphus The two Sons were of old Pylomenes , Both of them born upon Gygaea Lake , ( At th' foot of Tmolus dwell the Maeones . ) Amphimachus and Nastes charge did take Of those of Caria , people of rude tongue ; And of Miletus , and the Hill Phtheiron , And of the Towns that seated are among The windings of Maeander , and upon Mount Mycale . And Nastes carry'd Gold Unto the Battle , like a Child or Sot ; Wherewith his Life he did not buy but sold. For slain he was ; his Gold Achilles got , And left him lying at the River dead . The Succours by the Lycians sent to Troy , By Glaucus were and King Sarpedon led . Far off they dwelt , and a long march had they . ILIAD . LIB . III. WHen both the Armies were prepar'd for fight , The Trojans marched on with noise and cry . As in the air of cackling fowl a flight , Or like the Cranes when from the North they fly , The Army of Pygmaean men to charge , And shun the Winter , with a mighty cry Fly through the Air over the Ocean large ; So swiftly march'd the Greeks , but silently Resolved one another to assist . And such a dust between both Hoasts did rise , As when upon the Mountains lies a Mist , Which to a stones cast limiteth the eyes . ( Which good for Thieves is , but for Shepherds not ) So great a dust the middle space possest . When they were near to one another got , Came Alexander forth before the rest . A Leopards skin he wore upon his Shoulders , Two Spears in hand , his Sword girt at his side , Bow at his back , and brave to the beholders ; And any of th' Achean hoast defi'd . And glad was Menelaus to see this . As when a Lion finds a lusty prey , A wild Goat or a Stag , well pleased is , And hungry seizes him without delay , Although by Hunters and by Hounds pursu'd ; So glad was Menelaus him to see . And soon as he his person had well view'd , Arm'd from his Charret to the ground leapt he . Assured ( as he thought ) revenge to take But soon as Alexander once saw that , He fled into the throng , as from a Snake Seen unawares , trembling and pale thereat . Then Hector him with words of great disgrace Reprov'd and said , Fine man and Lover keen , Ca●oler , that confidest in thy face , I would to God thou born hadst never been , Or never hadst been married . For that A great deal better had been of the twain , Than to be scorn'd of men , and pointed at For one that durst not his own word maintain . O how the Greeks are laughing now to see That so absurdly they themselves mistook , Supposing you some mighty man to be That are worth nothing , judging by your look . Was 't you to Lacedemon pass'd the deep , And fetch'd fair Helen thence ( the bane of Troy ) And now when it concerns you her to keep , You dare not in her husbands presence stay ? For you would quickly know what kind of man You have bereav'd unjustly of his wife . Neither your Cittern , nor your Beauty can , Nor other gifts of Venus save your life . Were not the Trojans fearful more than needs , You had a Coat of stones by this time had , A fit reward for all your evil deeds . This answer then to Hector , Paris made . Hector , since your reproof is just ( said he ) And your hard language ( as when helpt by Art A Shipwrights Ax strikes deep into a tree ) Like riggid Steel has cut me to the heart . If with Atrides you would have me sight , Ob●ect not Venus favours ( 't is unfit The Gifts of the immortal Gods to slight ) But make the Greeks and Trojans both to sit . And in the midst set me and Menelaus , And which of us shall have the Victory , Helen be his , and all the Wealth she has , And 'twixt the Greeks and Trojans Amity . Let this be sworn to , that we may remain At Troy in quiet , and the Greeks repass To Argos and Achaea back again . At this brave proffer Hector joyful was ; And stepping forth the Trojan Ranks kept in With both his hands o' th' middle of his Spear . And to shoot at him then the Greeks begin , And many took up stones and hurling were . But Agamemnon with a voice as high As he could raise it , to the Greeks cry'd , Hold. Throw no more Stones , let no more Arrows fly . Hector to us has somewhat to unfold . This said , they held their hands , and silent were And Hector both to Greeks and Trojans spake . May you be pleased on both sides to hear The motion I from Alexander make . Let Arms ( said he ) on both sides be laid by , And in the midst set him and Menelaus . And which of them shall have the Victory , Be Helen his , with all the wealth she has . And let the rest an Oath on b●th sides take The Pacts agreed on not to violate . When this was said , then Menelaus spake . And both the Armies with great silence sate . Hear me too then , said Menelaus , who By Alexander have been most offended . If you 'll do that which I advise you to , The quarrel he began will soon be ended . Which of us two shall fall in single fight , Let him dye only , and the rest agree . Bring forth two Lambs , one black , another white , To th' Earth and Sun a Sacrifice to be . Another we will sacrifice to Jove . And let the old King Priam present be , ( His proud Sons think themselves all Oaths above ) That what is sworn he may performed see . No hold is to be taken of an Oath Which Young-men make , whose likings change like wind . But Old-men can foresee what 's good for both . 'T is good for both that makes a Contract bind . These words did to both Armies sweetly sound ; They thought the worst was past ; and up they ty'd Their Horses ; and their Spears stuck in the ground , With spaces left between them , but not wide . Then Hector to the King two Heralds sent , To fetch the Lambs , and Priam to implore To take the Oath . From Agamemnon went Talthybius to the Fleet to fetch two more . Mean while to the fair Helen Iris came , So like t' Antenor's wife Laodice , King Priam's daughter , that she seem'd the same . Quickly she found her ; for at work was she Upon a double splendid Web , wherein Many a cruel Battle she had wrought The Trojans and th' incensed Greeks between , That for her own sake only had been sought . Come Nymph , said Iris , see one Battle more Between the gallant men of Greece and Troy. They fight not altogether as before , But silent sit , and from their Arms away . Shields are their Cushions , planted are their Spears ; Paris and Menelaus only fight . Save these two no man any Armour wears ; And you his Wife are , that has greatest might . Thus Iris said , and her inspir'd anew With love to Menelaus as before . Then ore her Head a milk-white Scarf she threw , And out went weeping at the Chamber-door , But not alone ; two Maidens follow'd her , Fair Aethre Pittheus child , and Clymene . And quickly at the Scaean Gate they were , Where Priam sate ; and in his company Were the old Lords Lampus and Clytius , And Icetaon , and Ucalegon , Antenor , Thymet's , and Panthous , Whence both the Armies they might look upon . Old men they were , but had brave Captains been , And now for consultation prised were . Assoon as Helen came into their sight , They whisper'd one another in the ear , I cannot blame the man that for her strives . Like an Immortal God she is . Yet so , Rather than we should hazard all our lives , I should advise the King to let her go . Thus said they one t'another . But the King Call'd her and said , Daughter , sit down by me , ( Not you , but the Immortal Powers bring Upon the Trojans this calamity . ) And tell me who that great Achaean is . I see some higher by the head than he , But comelier man I never saw than this , Nor liker to a King in Majestie . O King ( then answered Helen ) to whom I Of all men owe most reverence and fear , Would I had rather chosen there to dye , Than to your Sons ill counsel given ear , Leaving my House , my Child , and Brothers two , And all my sweet companions for his sake . But since I cannot what is done undo , Unto your question I 'll now answer make . The man you point to Agamemnon is , A good King , and a valiant Man in fight , And Brother to the Husband is of this Unworthy woman me that did him slight . And Priam then the man admiring said , Happy Atrides , great is thy command , Whose Soldiers though now very much decay'd , In such great multitude before us stand . At a great fight I was in Phrygia , And brought to Otreus and Mygdon aid Against the Amazons . I never saw Till then , so many for a Fight array'd , As were the Amazons , upon the Banks Of Sangareus , and yet they fewer were , Than are contained in the brissled Ranks Of th'armed Greeks that stand before us here . Again Ulysses coming in his sight , Tell me ( said he ) sweet Daughter , Who is this He wants the head of Agamemnons height , But at the Breast and Shoulders broader is . His Arms lye still upon the ground ; but he In no one certain place himself can keep , But through the Ranks and Files runs busily , Just as a 〈◊〉 runs in a Fold of Sheep . To this Jove's Daughter Helen thus replies . Ulysses 't is , the old Laertes Son Of Ithaca ; to counsel and devise , In all the Army like him there is none . O Helen ( said Antenor ) you say right ; On your affair he once came into Troy With Menelaus . I did them both invite To sup with me ; and in my house they lay . I them compar'd . When at their Audience They both stood up , Atrides taller seem'd ; Sitting Ulysses won most reverence , And was amongst the people most esteem'd . And when they were Orations to make , Atrides words went easily and close . For little he , but to the purpose spake , Though th'younger man. But when Ulysses rose , Upon the ground a while he fix'd his eyes , Nor ever mov'd the Scepter in his hand ; You would have thought him sullen or unwise , That did not yet his bus'ness understand . But when his voice was raised to the height , And like a Snow upon a Winters day His gentle words fell from him , no man might With him compare ; so much his words did weigh . Then Priam seeing Ajax , askt agen , What Greek is that , that taller by the Head And Shoulders is than all the other men ? And Helen to the King thus answered , Great Ajax . Who of th' Argives is the Sconce , And he o'th'other side Idomeneus , Who was the guest of Menelaus once , And lodg'd at Lacedemon in his house . And now I see the rest , and could them name . But Castor I and Pollux cannot see . Two Princes are they , and well known by Fame , And by one Mother Brothers are to me . Did they not pass the Sea ? Yes sure they did Come with the rest ; but are asham'd of me . And in the Argive Fleet lye somewhere hid , And will not of my shame partakers be . Thus Helen said , because she could not tell Whether her Brothers were alive or dead . But dead they were ; and ( where they both did dwell ) In Lacedemon they were buried . The Heralds now the two Lambs had brought in , That for their Sacrifice appointed were , And full of noble Wine a great Goats skin . Idaeus with the Golden Cups stood near , And pray'd the King to go down to the Plain . There stay for you the Greeks and Trojans both ; A Peace agreed on is ; but all in vain Unless you also go and take the Oath . For Paris must with Menelaus fight , And he must Helen and her wealth enjoy Upon whose side the Victory shall light ; The Greeks return ; and Peace remain at Troy. These words to th' Old mans heart came cold as Ice . But streight he bad his Coach made ready be . The Servants made it ready in a trice , And up into 't Antenor went and he ; And past the Scaean Gate into the Plain . And when they came near to Scamander Banks , From out the Coach alighted they again , And stood between the adverse Armies Ranks . Then Agamemnon and Ulysses came , And to the Contract for the Greeks did swear . And Priam and Antenor swore the same . The Heralds mix the Wine with Water clear ; And poured water on the Princes hands . Atrides at his Sword a Knife did wear , And as he near unto the Victims stands , Cuts with it from their foreheads locks of Hair , Which by the Heralds were distributed , Till ev'ry Leader part had of the hair . The Ceremonies being finished , Atrides to the gods then made this Prayer . O mighty Jove , the Monarch of the Gods , O glorious Sun with thy all-seeing Eye , O Streams , O Earth , O you that hold the Rods Beneath the Earth , scourges of Perjury , Hear me , and be you witnesses of this . If Menelaus be by Paris slain , Let Helen and the wealth she has be his , And to Achaea we return again . If slain by Menelaus Paris be , Let Helen with her wealth to Greece be sent With some amends made for the injury , To be of th' wrong done an acknowledgment . If such amends the Trojans will not make , I will pursue the War , and here abide , Till I the Town of Ilium shall take , Or till the Gods the quarrel shall decide . This said , the Victims with his Knife he slew . And sprawling there upon the place they lay . Then into Golden Cups the Wine they drew , And pour'd it on the Lambs . Then prayed they Both Greeks and Trojans ; Jove , and Pow'rs divine , Who first to break this peace shall go about , As poured on the Victims is this Wine , So they , and their Sons Brains be poured out . Thus prayed they . But Jove that Pray'r did slight . Then Priam said , To Troy return will I. It cannot please me to behold the Fight . For none but Gods know which of them shall dye . And then into the Charret went again He and Antenor , and drave t' Ilium , And with them carried their Victims slain . Then in Ulysses and great Hector come , And having measur'd out the Lists , wherein They were to fight , then the two Lots they drew For who to throw his Spear should first begin . And then the Greeks and Trojans pray'd anew . O glorious Jove , whom all the Gods obey , Let him that of the War the Author was Be slain , and all the rest firm peace enjoy . Then mighty Hector shook the skull of brass . The Lot that was the first drawn out , was that Which gave to Paris the right to begin . Then down upon the ground the people sate In order as their Armours plac'd had been . And Paris arm'd himself , and first puts on His Leg-pieces of Brass , and closely tyes , That silver'd over were at th' Ancle-bone . And then his Breast-plate to his Breast applyes . Lycaons Breast-plate 't was , but ev'ry whit As just upon him sat , as it had done Upon Lycaon when he used it . And next to this his good Sword he puts on . And then his broad Shield and his Helmet good . And last of all a Spear takes in his hand . And in like Armour Menelaus stood . Then come they forth , and in the Lists they stand . And one did on another fiercely look . ( The people stupid sat 'twixt hope and fear . ) And when they come were nigh , their Spears they shook . But Paris was the first to throw his Spear , And threw , and smote the Shield of Menelaus , But through the Mettle tough it passed not , But turn'd , and bended at the point it was . Then Menelaus was to throw by Lot. But first he prayed . Grant me , O Jove , ( said he ) That this my Spear may Alexander slay , Who was the first that did the injury . That they who shall be born hereafter may Not dare to violate the Sacred Laws Of Hospitality . Having thus said , He threw his Spear , which Paris Shield did pass , And through his Breast-plate quite , and there it staid ; But tore his Coat . And there he had been dead , But that his Belly somewhat he drew back . Then with his Sword Atrides smote his head Which arm'd was , and the Sword in pieces broke . Then Menelaus grieved at the heart , Looking to Heaven did on Jove complain . O Jove that of the Gods most cruel art , Broken my Sword , my Spear is thrown in vain . Then suddenly laid hold on Paris Crest , And to the Greeks to drag him did begin , And Paris then was mightily distrest , Choakt by the Latchet underneath his Chin. And to the Greeks had drag'd been by the Head , If Venus to his aid had not come in , Who broke the string and him delivered . Atrides conquest else had famous been . Then to the Greeks the empty Cask he threw . But Venus snatcht him from him in a Mist. And whither she convey'd him none there knew . A God she is , and can do what she list . When Paris to his Chamber was convey'd , His Chamber which of Perfumes sweetly smelt , Then puts she on the form of an old Maid That Helen serv'd when she at Sparta dwelt . And in that shape went to call Helen home , That stood with other Ladies of the Town Upon a Tow'r . When she was to her come , She gently with her finger stir'd her Gown . Helen ( said she ) Paris has for you sent , And on his glorious bed doth for you stay , Not as a man that came from Fight , but went To Dance , or from it were new come away . Helen at this was mov'd , and mark'd her Eyes , And of her lovely Neck did notice take , And knew 't was Venus though in this disguise ; And troubled as she was , thus to her spake . Venus , why seek you to deceive me still , Since Menelaus has the Victory ? Though I have wrong'd him , he receive me will , And you come hither now to hinder me . Whither d' ye mean to send me further yet ? To Phrygia or to Moeonia , That there I may another Husband get ? You shall not me to Alexander draw . Go to him you , and Heaven for ever quit ; Grieve with him ; have a care the man to save , And by his side continually to sit , Till he his Bride have made you , or his Slave . I will not to him go ( for 't were a shame ) Nor any longer meddle with his Bed , Nor longer bear the scorns , nor mocks , nor blame Which from the wives of Troy I suffered . Then Venus vext , Hussie ( said she ) no more Provoke my anger . If I angry be , And hate you as I loved you before , The Armies both will to your death agree . This said , the beauteous Helen frighted was , And with the Goddess went , who led the way , And by the Trojan Wives did quiet pass Unto the house where Alexander lay . I' th' Roomes below at work her women were . But up went Helen with the Goddess fair . And when to Alexander they were near , The Goddess unto Helen fetcht a Chair . Then sat she down , and look'd at him again . You come from Battle . I would you had there , And by my former Husbands hand , been slain . You brag'd you were his better at a Spear . Go challenge him again , and fight anew . But do not though , for fear you should be kill'd . But rather when you see him , him eschew , Lest he should leave you dead upon the field . To Helen Alexander then reply'd . Forbear ; though he have now the Victory By Pallas help ; there are Gods on our side , And they another time may favour me . Let 's go to Bed , and in sweet Love agree . Your Beauty never did me so much move , At Lacedemon , nor in Cranae ; Where the first blessing I had of your Love. This said , to bed they went , first he , then she . Atrides then sought Paris in the throng O' th' Trojans and their Aids ; but could not see Nor hear of him the company among . They would not have conceal'd him though they might ; But had to Menelaus him betray'd . So hateful to the Trojans was his sight . Then stood King Agamemnon up and said , Hear me you Trojans and your Aids . 'T is plain That Menelaus has the Victory . Let Helen therefore rendred be again , And pay your Fine . 'T is Right , the Greeks all cry . ILIAD . LIB . IV. MEan while the Gods at Counsel drinking sat . Hebe the Nectar carry'd up and down . And Jove amongst them present was thereat , And sitting had his eyes upon Troy Town . Then Jupiter puts out a word , to see What Juno would unto the same reply . Two Goddesses assistants are ( said he ) To Menelaus , but sit idly by , Pallas and Juno ; but on th' other side Venus gives Paris aid , and really Has helpt him when he thought he should have dy'd . Though Menelaus have the Victory . But let us now think which the best will be , To suffer war to make an end of Troy , Or let Troy stand and make them to agree , And Helen with Atrides go her way . Juno and Pallas that together sat , Grumble and plot ; Pallas her spite kept in . But such of Juno was the choler , that Had she not spoke , her heart had broken been . Harsh Jove ( said she ) what do you mean by this ? Shall I with so much sweat , and labour spent , And Horses tyr'd , now of my purpose miss ? Do. But the other Gods will not consent . Devil , said Jove , what hurt is done to you By Priam and his Sons , that you should so Fiercely the ruine of the Town pursue ? I think if you in t ' Ilium should go , And eat up Priam and his Children all , And every Trojan in the Town beside , Man , Woman , Child alive within the wall , Your anger will at last be satisfi'd . Do as you please . It shall breed no contention 'Twixt you and me . But then remember this , When I to raze a City have intention That yours , and greatly in your favour is , To let me do 't without Plea or Request ; Since to give you your will I loose my own . For Ilium I love above the rest , Though under Heav'n be many a goodly Town . For I by Priam and his people still Have honour'd been , my Altars richly serv'd With Wine and Sacrifices to my will , Which is the honour to the Gods reserv'd . To this the Goddess Juno then reply'd , Three Cities I prefer before the rest , Argos and Sparta , and Mycena wide . Destroy you may which of them you think best , If you see cause ; I 'll not stand in your way . Or if I do , what mends can I have so ? For since your Pow'r does mine so much outweigh , It will be done whether I will or no. But you ought not t' undo what I have done . For I a Goddess am , and have the same Parents , of whom you boast to be the Son. And further of your Wife I bear the name , Whom Mortals and Immortals all obey . Then let us not in such things disagree . But I to you , and you to me give way . For of our two minds all the Gods will be . Let Pallas to the Army streight be sent To make the Trojans first the Peace to break . And Jupiter to do so was content , And did ( as he was bid ) to Pallas speak . Pallas , said he , down to the Armies go , Let not this Peace be by the Trojans kept . When Pallas heard her Father Jove say so , Glad of the Errand , from the Sky she leapt . Just like a falling Star , which Saturn sends To Armies or unto Seafaring men ; Which change of Fortune , commonly portends . The Goddess through the Air descending then , Splendid and sparkling on the ground did light . The Armies that were in the field array'd , Both Greeks and Trojans wondred at the sight ; And one unto another next him said , This bloody War will sure return again , Or else the Peace be surer made than ' t is . But which o' th' two Jove has not yet made plain , Who both of Peace and War disposer is . Pallas the form took of Laodocus Antenor's Son , and went into the throng O' th' Trojans to inquire for Pandarus . At last she found him his own Troops among , That were of Lycaonia the Bands , And from Zeleia led by Pandarus To Ilium . There Pallas by him stands Like to Antenor's Son ; and to him thus : Lycaon's Son , saies she , dare you let fly A Shaft at Menelaus ? For I know The Trojans all would thank you , specially Paris the Son of Priam , and bestow Great Presents on you if you should him kill . Shoot at him then , and to Apollo pray The God of Archers that he help you will. And vow a Hecatombe of Lambs to pay , When to Zeleia safely you come home . For there your people to Apollo vow . When this was said , the vain man overcome , From off his Shoulders taketh down his Bow ( Which did a lusty Goats-head once adorn , Which with a Shaft he killed had among The Rocks , and taken from his head the Horn , Which was no less than sixteen handfuls long . And to a Fletcher gave it to be wrought , Shaven , and Polisht , and Guilt at the hand . ) This Bow he bent ; and lest the Foe should know 't , He crouched down , and laid it on the sand . But lest the Greeks should rush on him , before He ready were to shoot , they that stood near , Before him with their Bucklers stood good store . And being now delivered of that fear , From out the Quiver takes an Arrow keen , And new , well wing'd to carry mischief true , Which shot before that time had never been . But yet his Vow before his Arrow flew . Phoebus ( said he ) if I Atrides slay ; Assoon as I shall to Zeleia come , I vow unto your Deity to pay Of my first yeaned Lambs an Hecatombe . Then to his breast he drew the leather string , And to the Bow return'd the Arrow head . Out leapt the Shaft , and as it went did sing Amongst the throng , as pleas'd mans blood to shed . And ( Menelaus ) now the Gods you blest , And chiefly Pallas that before you stood ; And turn'd the deadly Arrow from your breast , About as much as a kind Mother cou'd From her Childs face divert a busie fly ; And made it on the Golden Buckle fall , Where of his Breast plate double was the ply . And though it past through Buckle , Plate and all , And Girdle which his Coat unto him bound , The Shaft into his Body penetrated , And made ( though not a great one ) yet a wound , The force it went with being much abated . Yet out the blood ran . As when Ivory Is stain'd with Crimson , to adorn the Cheeks Of the proud Steeds , and please the Drivers eye , Many a Cavalier to have it seeks . The Dame that stain'd it then holds up the price , And keeps it by her as a precious thing ; So lovely seems the Colour to her eyes , As to be sold to none but to a King. So look'd his body when the streams of Blood His Iv'ry Legs and Insteps did defile . But Agamemnon stiff with horror stood ; And so did Menelaus for a while . But when he saw the Arrow Barbs appear Above the Nerve , his courage came again . But Agamemnon not yet out of fear , Did on the Trojans Perjury complain . Brother ( said he ) and took him by the hand , Dear Brother , 't is the Oath that has you slain , Making you thus before the Trojans stand . But sure I am the Oath cannot be vain , Confirmed with so great solemnity . They shall ( though late ) pay for it with their lives . ( For Jove nere fails to punish Perjury ) Both they themselves , their children and their wives . For I well know the fatal day will come To Priam and to Priam's people all . Jove will his black Shield shake ore Ilium , And for this ugly action make it fall . This ( Menelaus ) is a thing to come . But what if of your wound you chance to dye ? The Argives streight will think of going home . How by the Greeks then scorned shall be I ! How proud will Priam and the Trojans be , When Argive Helen shall be left behind , And your bones rotting in the ground they see , Without effecting what they had design'd ? Some trampling on you Grave perhaps will say , Would Agamemnon thus would alwaies vent His Choler , as he now has done at Troy , Now gone with empty Ships back to repent , Leaving his Brother Menelaus here . Then should I wish the earth would swallow me . But Menelaus to displace that fear , Fright not the Army Brother , thus said he . Not mortal is the wound . 'Twixt me and death My Armour and the Clasps stood , all of Brass ; Besides a good tough Girdle underneath . Pray God't be true ( said he to Menelaus . ) But we must send for a Chyrurgeon To mitigate with Lenitives the pain . Talthybius ( said he ) call Machaon , And having found him quickly come again . Tell him he must to Menelaus come , Who by a Foe is with an Arrow shot , Trojan or Lycian , I know not whom , That with great grief to us has honour got . This said , the Herald went , and look'd about Amongst the Troops of Tricca which he led . Nor was it long before he found him out With many Targetiers environed . You must ( said he ) to Menelaus come , Who by some Foe is with an Arrow shot , Trojan or Lycian , I know not whom , That ( with great grief to us ) has honour got . 'T is Agamemnon calls you . Then they pass Together through the Hoast , and hastened Till they were come where Menelaus was With many other Lords encompassed . There Machaon the Arrow first pulls out . ( The Barbs were broken as they came away ) Then took he off his Armour and his Coat . Then sucked he the wound the blood to stay ; And laid on Unguents to allay the pain . Mean while the Trojans arm'd were coming in . And then the Greeks were forc'd to arm again . And Agamemnon's vertue now was seen . He did not at their coming sleep nor start , But speedily prepared for the fight , And of a Chief Commander did the part , His own Commanders first to disaffright . His Horses and his Chariot he sent off . T' Eurymedon the Son of Ptolemy The Son of Pirus he gave charge thereof , And bad him with it alwaies to be nigh , To use when labour tired had his Knees . Through the great Army then on foot he went , And where them hasting to the Fight he sees , He gives them in few words encouragement . On Argives , and be sure Jove never fights Against good men for such perfidious knaves , But leave them will for food to Dogs and Kites , And to their Foes their wives and children Slaves . But where he saw the Soldiers negligent , His admonition was then severe . Fie Argives , what d' you fear ? To what intent ▪ Stand you thus s●aring like a ●●rd of 〈◊〉 ? Just like so many Deer that had been chased Ore some great Plain looking about they stay , So stand you here like frighted Deer amazed , Till to our Ships come down the Troops of Troy , To try if Jove will help you there or no. Thus he commanding went the Hoast throughout . And when the martial Cretans he came to , Where armed stood Idomeneus stout . ( Meriones the Rear led , he the Van ) And Agamemnon lo●k'd on them with joy ; And to Idomeneus thus began . Of all the Greeks that me assist at Troy I value you the most , both in the War And otherwise . And when at Feast we drink , Other mens Cups by measure stinted are , But yours , as mine , stands alwaies full to th'brink . The King of Creete reply'd , I shall , said he , Continue still your good Confederate , As heretofore I promis'd you to be . But go , and th' other Leaders animate , That we may with the Trojans quickly fight . Then wo be to them , sure they are to die Who of the Gods and Sacred Oaths make light . Then on went Agamemnon joyfully ; And came to th' Quarters of the Ajaxes , There armed both compleat , and followed With a huge multitude of Greeks he sees , And ready to the Battle to be led . As when a Shepherd from a Hill espies A full-charg'd Cloud march tow'rds him in the Deep , It seems as black as Pitch unto his eyes , And makes him seek a shelter for his Sheep ; So black the Squadrons of the Ajaxes , And horrible with thick and upright Spears T' Atrides seem , and well it did him please , And both of them he thus commends and chears . O Ajaxes expect not I should bid You hearten up your Army for the fight ; 'T is done so well already there 's no need . O Jove , Apollo , Pallas , that I might Find all the other Leaders such as you , We should not need from Argos long to stay Ere we the Town of Priam should subdue And rifle . And this said , he went away , And came to Nestor , who was ordering His Troops and Bands of Horse and Foot , each one Against the Enemy encouraging . And with him stood Alastor , Pelagon , Haemon , and Chromius , skilful men in War. I' th' Front the Charrets and the Horsmen were . The most and best Infantry placed are ( A Hedg unto the Battle in the Rear . ) The middle Ranks were filled up with those , Upon whose courage he did least rely . For these would fight because they could not chuse ; Since they could neither back nor forward fly . And Nestor to the Horsmen spake . Let none , Said he , before another go , to shew His Manhood or his Skill . But all go on At once . To single is to weaken you . Further , If any of you should have need To mount into anothers Chariot , There let him use his Spear ; but still take heed That with the Horses Reins he meddle not . Our Fathers have before us us'd these Laws , And thereby many Cities level laid . Thus Nestor taught them . Glad Atrides was , And with great approbation to him said , O Nestor , that your Arms were but as strong As is your Mind ! But they 're decay'd by age . Or could you give your age to some man young , And with the youngest of the Foes engage . Atrides ( then said Nestor ) so wish I. Would I were as when Ereuthalyon I slew . But Gods gifts come successively . I then was young ; and age is now come our But as I am I 'le ride amongst my horse , And as becomes an Old-man , give advice , While they that may presume upon their force , With Spear in hand charge on their Enemies . Atrides pass'd on to th' Athenians That by Menestheus commanded were . And by these stood the Cephalonians Ulysses Bands . Neither of these did hear The clamour of the Battle new begun , But stood unmov'd , because they did expect Some greater Troop of Greeks should first fall on . For this Atrides grievously them check't . Menestheus ( said he ) Son of a King , And you the crafty man Ulysses , why When you your men should to the Battle bring , Stand you here shrinking from the Enemy ? You hear the first when there will be a Feast , And stay for no man. For your Messes are Greater than other mens ; your Wine the best , And without stint . And therefore in the War You should strive who should be the first to fight . But now though ten Troops were before you there , You would not be displeased with the sight . These words came harshly to Ulysses ear , And with a frowning look , What 's this ( said he ) Are we not making all the haste we can ? Telemachus his Father you shall see By and by fighting in the Trojan Van , And that this reprehension needless was . But Agamemnon smiling then reply'd , ( Seeing his Censure did not kindly pass ) Noble Ulysses , I meant not to chide , Nor to direct you , that so skilful are . For we are both of us of the same mind . What 's said amiss I shall again repair . But let it now away go with the wind . Then on he went and came to Diomed , Whom mounted on his Chariot he found With Capaneus Son accompanied , And other Lords that him encompass'd round . Ay me , Tydides , wherefore stand you thus , As if you for some Bridge did look about . You do not as your Father Tydeus , Who still before his fellows leaped ou● . So said they that had seen him at the War , Which I did not , but take it upon fame , Which him above the rest preferred far . But certain 't is he to Mycena came With Polynices to desire their aid Against the Thebans . And they willingly Had granted it , but that they were afraid . For Jove forbad them by a Prodigy . Then to the Brook Asopus back they went , Which doth the Theban Territory bound . To Tydeus the Greeks a letter sent To enter Thebes , and terms of Peace propound . To Thebes he went , and with Eteocles He found the chief o' th' Thebans at a Feast . And at all manly Games the Prize with ease , By Pallas help , he carry'd from the best . And when for spight they sent out Fifty men With Maeon Haemon's Son , and Lycophon To murder him as he went back agen , Slain by Tydeus they were all but one . For he sav'd Maeon ( warned by the Gods ) Such Tydeus was , but left a Son behind That less could do , but for words had the odds . But valiant Diomed Reply declin'd , Who gave t' Atrides what respect was due . The other answer'd him with language rude . You say , said he , what you know is not true . We than our Fathers there more manhood shew'd . For we with fewer men proud Thebes did gain , By Jove's help , and Observances divine , Whilst the Cadmeans for their pride were slain . How from our Fathers then do we decline ? But streight reprov'd he was by Diomed. My friend ( said he ) are you more griev'd than I ? VVould you not have the Army ordered ? Atrides both i' th' loss and victory Is most concern'd . Let us of Battle think , And down he leapt , assoon as that was said , In compleat Arms , with such a sudden chink , As might a constant man have made afraid . As when the Billows of the Sea rais'd high By some great wind go rolling to the Shore , And follow one another to the Dry , There stop'd and broken are , and foam and roar : So then the Greeks up to the Trojans come , Obeying each his Leader silently . ( You would have thought them , though so many ) dumb , In glittering Arms , and glorious to the eye . On th' other side the Trojans made a noise , Like Ews a milking kept off from their Lambs When in the field abroad they hear their cries , And they again bleat back unto their Dams . But did not one another understand ; For few there were whose Language was the same . Some were of one , some of another Land , And most of them from far off thither came . Pallas the Greeks , Mars Trojans favoured . Then Fright came in , with ( Mars his sister ) Strife , Little when born , but grew until her Head Was in the Clouds ; for she grows all her life . But when the Armies were together near , Then Man to Man came close , and Shield to Shield , And mingled in the Front was Spear with Spear , And horrible the noise was in the field ; Wh●lst some insult , and others groaning dye . And th' earth they stood on cover'd was with blood . As when great Torrents from the Mountains high Pour down into the Valley a great flood ; The Streams through thousand Channels falling roar ; The trembling Shepherds hear it to the Hills . So much the noise o' th' Battle the Air tore , And all the Region with terror fills . A Trojan was the first man that was slain , Echepolus Son of Thalysias . He smote was with a Spear into the Brain ; Antilochus the man that smote him was . His Armour ratled on him as he fell , As if some Tow'r had fall'n . But then Elphenor ( To strip him of his Arms that hoped well ) Dragging him off was killed by Agenor . For whilst in stooping he his Flank unhides . Agenor quickly his advantage spyes , And pierc'd him with his Spear through both his Sides . Then down he fell , and darkness seiz'd his eyes . And then about his body rose great strife , And one upon another falling on , Anthemon's Son , a fair youth lost his life , Slain by great Ajax Son of Telamon , And Simoisius called was by name , 'Cause born upon the Bank of Simois , Whither from Ida both his Parents came To view their Flocks , lest ought should be amiss . But had no joy of him . He was unblest To be the first that came in Ajax way , Who smote him with his Spear quite through the breast . There dead he fell , and by the River lay . As when a man has fell'd a Poplar-Tree Tall , streight and smooth , with many fair boughs on , Of which he meant a Cart-wheel made shall be , And leaves it on the Bank to dry i' th' Sun ; So lay the comely Simoisius Slain by great Ajax Son of Telamon . At Ajax then a Spear threw Antiphus , Bright-armed Antiphus , King Priam's Son. Death the Spear carries , but of Ajax misses , And deadly wounds the Groin of Leucus bold , And well beloved Soldier of Ulysses , Who dragg'd the dead , but now le ts go his hold . Ulysses angry that his friend was slain , Went out before the rest , and coming close To th' Trojan front , some fit revenge to gain . Democoon , King Priam's Son he chose , ( A lawful Son where Nature is the Law ) The Trojans when they saw him look about , Into the shelter of the Ranks withdraw . Then soon his Spear Democoon pickt out . And through both Temples forward went the head . Then heavily he falls , his Armour chinks , His Eyes with endless night are covered , And Hector with his Trojans from him shrinks . The Greeks then shouted , and drew off their slain , And on the Trojans pressing further were . But then Apollo cryed out amain From Pergam Tow'r , O Trojans , what d' ye fear ? Go on upon the Greeks ; no more give way . Their Bodies neither are of Stone nor Steel , Nor able are the force of Brass to stay . No less than you the wounds it makes they feel . Nor fights Achilles here , but angry lyes , And wishes that the Greeks were overthrown . So Phoebus . 'Mongst the Argives Pallas flies , Through Ranks and Files encouraging each one . And then Diores slain was with a stone , By Pyros whom the Thracians obey'd . Crusht of his Right Leg was the Ankle-bone , And in the dust upon his Back was lay'd Unto his fellows holding up his hands . Ready to dye he for assistance cries . Piros comes quickly in , and ore him stands , And wounds him in the Belly . Then he dies . But Thoas then slew Pyros with his Spear , That pass'd his Breast till in his Lungs it stopt . Then coming in he drew his Sword , and there His Belly ript till out his Bowels dropt , But to disarm him could not stay , because So many Thracians about him stood . Then back retir'd he , and well pelted was , Leaving two Leaders wrapt in dust and blood , One an Epeian , th' other Thracian , And many others lying by them dead . This Battle was well fought . Although a man Through both the Armies safely had been led By Pallas , and protected by her Shield , He had no want of courage seen that day , So many Greeks and Trojans in the field Depriv'd of Life by one another lay . ILIAD . LIB . V. ANd Pallas now t'ennoble Diomed Amongst the Greeks , with force did him inspire , Whereby his heart and hands were strengthened ; And on his Shield and Helmet stood a Fire Bright as th' Autumnal Star above his Head And Shoulders flaming . And straightway he runs ( Set on by Pallas and encouraged ) Into the throng , where were the two good Sons Of Dares , who was Vulcan's Priest. Well skill'd They both were in the War. Idaeus one , The other Phegus . These seeing him i' th' field On foot , and not far from them , and alone , Met him ; and Phegus threw , but hit him not . For ore his shoulder flew the Spear in vain . Then Diomedes threw , and Phegus smote , Clean through the Breast . When Phegus thus was slain Down leapt Idaeus from the Chariot ; But durst not by his Brothers body stay . For if he had , the like Fate he had got . But Vulcan in a smoak took him away , Not willing that his Priest should childless dye . Tydides to the Ships the Horses sent . To see these two , one slain , the other fly , To the proud Trojans very hearts it went. But Pallas then took Mars by th' hand , and said , Mars , bloody Mars , to what end stay we here ? Let 's Neuters be . For I am much afraid We both shall too much anger Jupiter . This said , she led him out , and set him on Scamander bank . And then the Trojans fled Before the Greeks . Each Leader killed one , Pressing them at their backs uncovered . Then Dalius first his Charret turn'd about , And open lay to Agamemnon's Spear , Which in at 's Back , and at his Breast went out . Down fell the Alizonian Charioteer . Idomeneus slew Phaestus with a thrust , As up into his Charriot he went ▪ The Spear at the right shoulder pa●●ed iust , And back again unto the earth him sent . And Menelaus slew Scamandrius , That well the Art of Hunting understood . I' th' Hills and Woods none was more dexterous . But Dian ' , and his skill did him no good . For Menelaus pierc'd him back and Breast Between the Shoulders with a deadly Spear , And down he tumbled of life dispossest , His eyes with endless darkness covered were . Meriones slew Ph●riclus the Son Of Harmonides the great Architect That ( but by Pallas ) taught had been by none . But of his Art unhappy was th' effect . 'T was he that built those Ships for Alexander , That brought with him so much ill luck to Troy , And to himself , and to his chief Commander ; Not knowing what the Oracles did say . But he , as from the Fight he fled , was here Ore taken by Meriones , and slain . At his right Buttock entered the Spear ; And at his Groin the point came out again . Meges Pedaeus slew , Antenor's Son , Though not his Wives , yet was his Wife so kind T' Antenor , that she bred him as her own , And lookt upon him with a Mothers mind Him Meges overtaking as he fled Slew with his strong sharp-pointed Spear , which lighting Behind upon the noddle of his Head , Forward he fell the senseless weapon b●●ing . And then Eurypylus Euaemon's Son Hypsenor slew , new made Scamander's Priest , That from him , but not fast enough , did run . Eurypylus shav'd off his Hand at th' Wrist . For at his Shoulder though he aim'd the stroak , The quick Sword finding there the Brass resist ▪ Slipt down unto his hand with force unbroke , And there in streams of blood his Soul dismist . Mean while Tydides like a man enraged Ran up and down the field . One could not know With whom and where he was in fight engaged , Whether amongst the Greeks , or with the Foe . As when a Torrent falling from the Hills Distends it self with fury on the Plain , And suddenly the River overfills , Supply'd by Jove with mighty showers of Rain , And beareth down the Bridges as it goes , No fence of Vineyard can against it stand ; But all the husbandry of men orethrows , And uncontrolled passes ore their land : Tydides so brake through each Trojan band , And made them fly before him as he went. And Pandarus then took his Bow in hand , And a sharp Arrow from it to him sent . Which pass'd through the right shoulder of his Coat Of Mail , and fetcht the blood , and with great joy Trojans ( cry'd he ) no more stand so remote . For wounded is the stoutest foe of Troy , And long he cannot the sore pain endure , Unless my faith in Phoebus be in vain . Thus said he bo●sting . For he thought 't was sure The wound was mortal , and Tydides slain . Tydides to his Charre did then retreat , And Sthenelus alighting on the ground ( For sitting he was on the Charret-seat ) Drew out the cruel Arrow from the wound . And out the blood gusht . Then Tydides pray'd , O Pallas , Jove's all-conquering Child , said he , If ere you did me or my Father ayd , Within my Spears reach let me this man see , That with his Arrow me prevented has , And boasting says , I have not long to live . Athena to his wish indulgent was , And to him did more strength and courage give . Fear not ( said she ) to go into the throng , And charge i' th' thickest of the Enemies . For I have made thee as thy Father strong , And taken have the mist off from thy eyes , That thou mayst see who Gods are , who are men . If any God oppose thee , give him way , Except if Venus thou encounter , then Spare her no more than Mortals in the Fray. This said , away the goddess Pallas went , And Diomed went to the fight again , And though before he were upon it bent , His courage now was trebled by his pain . As when a Shepherd sees a Lion come , And wounds him slightly as he leaps the Pen ; Then leaves his Sheep , and frighted runneth home , And dares not in the field appear agen ; The Lion now made fiercer than before , Laies all his Sheep one by another dead , And back again the Pen once more leaps ore : So rag'd amongst the Trojans Diomed. Astyno●s there , and Hypenor dy'd ; One through the Breast he pierced with his Spear ; And th' others Head did from his Neck divide With his broad Sword. And slain he left them there . And overtook Abas and Poly●ide Sons of Eurydamas , who could tell what Upon a Dream should to a man betide , And slew them both . No Dream had told him that . Thoon and Xanthus then he followed Phaenops two Sons , gotten when he was old , And of them both the vital Blood did shed . Th' Estate to strangers came to have and hold . Then Chromius and Echemon he slew , Two Sons of Priam in one Chariot , Whom from the seat unto the ground he threw , And till he had disarm'd them left them not . But to the Ships he sent away the Horses . Aeneas seeing how he disarray'd Before him as he went the Trojan forces , Sought Pa●darus , and having found him , said , Lycaons Son , where are thy Shafts and Bow , And Skill , wherein the Lycians yield to thee ? See you the man that rages yonder now ? Aim a Shaft at him whosoere he be . For many valiant Trojans he has slain . ( Unless he be one of the Gods above Neglected by us ) 't will not be in vain . Shoot boldly then , but first invoking Jove . Then Pandarus replying , to him said ; 'T is Diomed as far as can be guess'd . His Horses , and his Shield I have survay'd . And pleated Horse-hair hanging at his Crest . Though it be he , as I believe it is , Yet sure some God does on his Shoulders sit . For else of killing him how could I miss , When I his Shoulder with my Arrow hit ? For I one Arrow shot at him before , And verily believ'd I had him slain . His Armour all besmeared was with gore , But slew him not . Now here he is again . I did not on a Charret hither come , Although Lycaon have eleven new , With handsome Curtains to each one , at home , And Horses fit to draw them not a few . The old Knight too advis'd me earnestly That when to Battle I the Trojans led , I from a Charre should charge the Enemy ; But to his counsel I not hearkened . ( Wh●ch I repent . ) It came into my head That when within Troy Walls we should be pent , My Horses , which were us'd to be well fed Would there be useless wanting nourishment . This made me come without a Chariot , And march ( as far as 't was ) to Troy on foot . And trust unto my Bow which helps me not , But faileth me as often as I shoot . For two of them I have already shot , Tydides and Atrides , and good store Of blood have drawn from both , though killed no● , But made them fiercer than they were before . In an ill hour sure I took down my Bow To fight for Hector and the Trojan men ; But if I safely to my Country go , And to my House and Wife get back agen , Let any man that will cut off my Head , If presently my●Bow I do not burn , That never yet my hopes has answered . For why not , when it doth not serve my turn ? To Pandarus Aeneas then reply'd , No , say not so , but first let 's to him go . For by th' encounter soon it will be try'd Whether he be indeed a God or no. Get up into the Seat , and you shall see The vertue of my horses on the plain , And if some God with Diomedes be , How nimbly they will fetch us off again . Come take the Whip and Reins in hand , and I Descend will from the Chariot and fight . Or if you please , when to him we are nigh I 'll hold the Whip and Reins , and you alight . No , no ( said he ) keep you the Reins in hand , The Horses us'd thereto will you obey . To me , it may be , they will restive stand , And to the Foe themselves and us betray . Let me alight and meet him with my Spear . This said , they mounted both ; and coming on Towards Tydides both observed were By Sthenelus Capaneus his Son , Who warning to Tydides gave . I see Two mighty men to fight us coming on , Of which I know th' one Pandarus to be , The other Venus and Anchises Son. Come up into your Charret and retire . But frowning he reply'd , I 'll ne'r do that . It not becomes the Children of my Sire , When they should fight to Double nor to Squat . I loath to sit upon a Chariot , And as I am I will attend them here . For of my strength deprived I am not , And Pallas has forbidden me to fear . I doubt not but to kill them both , or one . If both , your Reins unto the two Wheels tie , And to Aeneas Horses quickly run , And seize their Reins , lest frighted they should flie . Then send them to the Ships , brave Steeds , well bred ; Of heavenly race they are , and got by those , Which Jove to make amends for Ganymed , Was pleas'd to give unto his Father Tros . Anchises privily convey'd to these , Six Mares , and had a Colt by ev'ry one ; Whereof he gave two to his Son Aeneas . To take these Horses now were bravely done . While they were talking , th' other two came nigh , And then said Pandarus , O Diomed , Since my swift Arrow could not make you die , I come to try now how my Spear will speed . And as he spake the Spear flew from his hand And pass'd his Shield , but in his Armour staid . Y' are hit , said he , and long you cannot stand . But Diomed , nothing at all dismaid , No no cry'd out , your Spear is thrown in vain . But I believe before we have done here , That one of you , if not both , will be slain . And as he spake he at him threw his Spear . Which at his Nose close by his Eye went in , And struck his Teeth our , and cut off his Tongue . And out again it pass'd beneath his Chin. For Pallas from above it downward flung . There dead he lay . Aeneas to defend His body to him came with Spear and Shield , And 'bout him went , resolv'd the man to send To Hell , that should oppose him in the field . Tydides then took up a mighty Stone Which two men scarce could bear such as are now . But Diomedes swinging it alone , The same with ease did at Aeneas throw , And hit him on the Huckle bone , wherein Into the Hip inserted is the Thigh . And torn was by the rugged stone the skin , And Tendons broken which the Joint did tie . Then down upon his knees and hands he fell , And taken from him was his sight with pain . That Venus saw him lying thus 't was well ; Else by Tydides he had there been slain . For then came Venus down , and with the lap Of her Celestial Robe him covered , Lest any of the Greeks should have the hap To kill or wound him as from Earth he fled . But Sthenelus remembring well his Order , Ty'd his own Steeds up to his Charret-wheels , And led them out o' th' tumult and disorder , And to Deiphilus that was at 's Heels , ( His Friend ) he gave the Horses of Aeneas To carry them unto the Argive Fleet. But took Tydides Horses , and with these To try went if Tydides he could meet . But he in chase of Venus now was gone ( Knowing that she a tender Goddess was , And for the War Commission had none , Nor had as Pallas any Shield of brass . ) And had when he came to her wounded her . For through her Robe , though by the Graces made , Without resistance quickly pass'd the Spear , And at her Wrist did her fair Hand invade . And from the Wound out sprang the Blood Divine . ( Not such as men have in their Veins , but Ichor . For Gods that neither eat Bread nor drink Wine Have in their Veins another kind of Liquor , And therefore bloodless and immortal be ) And Venus screaming then lets fall her Son. But by Apollo's hand preserv'd was he , Convey'd thence in a Mist perceiv'd by none , For fear he should be by some Argive slain . To Venus then Tydides whoop'd , and said , Away Jove's Daughter , from the War abstain . Go practise how to cosen VVife or Maid , For I believe if here you longer stay , ( So many such as these mishaps there are ) That you therein will have but little joy , And troubled be when men but talk of VVar. This said , away she went , not knowing where She was ; and great the pain was of her hand . But Iris from the Fight conducted her , And set her hard by Mars upon the sand . For there by Pallas placed he had been . His Horses and his Charret by him staid Hid in a Mist by man not to be seen . And Venus there before him kneeling said , Dear Brother , let me your good horses have , To bear me to Olympus from the Fray ; This cruel wound mad Diomed me gave , And would wound Jove if he came in his way . Mars presently his Horses to her lent . Venus and Iris mount into the Seat. Iris the Reins held , and away they went. The time they spent in going was not great . When they were there , Iris the Steeds unty'd , And set them up , and gave unto them meat , Ambrosian meat , till they were satisfy'd , Such as immortal Horses use to eat . But Venus fell into Diones lap , Her Mother , who imbrac'd her lovingly , Stroakt her , and said , How came this sad mishap ? Who us'd you thus ? What a rash God was he ? What more could he have done , if he had found You doing somthing openly amiss ? It was a man , said she , gave me this wound , Tydides ; and for nothing else but this ; I sav'd my Son Aeneas from his hand , My dearest Son , whom he was going to slay . And now the War is all ( I understand ) 'Twixt Greeks and Heaven , not 'twixt Greeks and Troy. Daughter ( reply'd Dione then ) 't is hard . For we the Gods that in Olympus dwell Many from men as ill as you have far'd , And many no less wrongs have put up well . Otus and Ephialtes Neptune's Sons In a brass Dungeon once imprison'd Mars , And kept him in the dark there thirteen Moons . There like he was t' have staid till now , for scarce Could Hermes set him free with all his Art And Juno's help . And when to liberty He was restor'd , he took it in good part , Though with his chains he gall'd was cruelly . When Hercules shot Juno in the Breast , Though wounded sore , yet she reveng'd it not . And Pluto by the same man shot did rest Contented , and no reparation got . But to the house of Jupiter he went , And got the Arrow pluck'd out from the wound By Paeon ; who with gentle Plaisters sent The pain away , and made his Shoulder sound . But though no God of any wound can die , Yet of Amphitryon the peevish Son ( Who little cares at whom his Arrows flie ) Great mischief oft unto the Gods has done . But Pallas 't is that thus has wounded you , Though with Tydides Spear . Fool as he was What 't is to wound a God he never knew . Not long such wicked deeds unpunish'd pass . Such men when they return from painful War Shall seldom set their Children on their Knee Pleas'd with their half form'd words . Let him beware Lest he provoke some stronger Deity , And then Aegilia Diomedes Wife Awake the houshold with her Lamentation , And cry , Tydides thou hast lost thy life , O my dear Husband , best of all the Nation . This said , she wip'd the Ichor from her hand , And streight her hand was well , the pain was gone . Then Juno by , and Pallas jeering stand . And Pallas thus to Jupiter begun . Shall I say what I think ? O Father Jove , Venus some Argive Dame has courting been To take the Trojans part whom she doth love , And stroaking her , her hand scratcht with a pin . Jove smil'd at this , and then to Venus said , Daughter , I gave you no command in War. That charge on Mars and Pallas I have laid . Of Nuptials and Love take you the care . While they were thus discoursing , Diomed Did with great speed and rage Aeneas follow , To gain his Armour and his Blood to shed , Knowing he was in th' hands now of Apollo . Undaunted then , with Shield before his Breast , And Sword in Hand , struck at Aeneas thrice , And thrice again Phoebus his rage represt . But at the fourth time gave him good advice . Retire ( said he ) Tydides , and beware You not your self think equal to the Gods. They sway the Heavens , on Earth men creeping are . 'Twixt Mortals and Immortals there 's great odds . Tydides then retir'd a little way , Not knowing what harm might from Phoebus come . And Phoebus thence Aeneas did convay T' a Temple of his own in Pergamum . There Leto and Diana cur'd his wound . And then an Image Phoebus like him made , And in like Arms , and set it on the ground , For which the Foes each other then invade . And there they one anothers Bucklers hew . To Mars Apollo speaking , VVhy , said he , Mars , bloody , murdering Mars , why suffer you Tydides at the Battle still to be ? Mad as he is now , he with Jove would fight . From Venus hand he made the blood run down , And then at me he flew like any Sprite . This said , he sat o' th' top of Pergam Town ▪ And Mars the Trojan Bands encouraged , Taking the shape of valiant Acamas . VVho to the VVar at Troy the Thracians led . And as he through the armed Ranks did pass , Children of Priam what d' ye mean , said he ; Shall the Greeks follow killing us to Troy ? Fall'n is Aeneas the great man whom we Like Hector honor'd ▪ Come , let 's if we may This good Commander rescue , Thus said he . Sarpedon likewise Hector sharpned . VVhere Are now your Kin you said enough would be Troy to defend ? I see none of them here . Like Hounds about a Lion off they stand . VVe your Confederates the Fight maintain . The labour lyeth all upon our hand ; And I my self amongst the rest would fain Make tryal of this mighty man in fight . At least I shall , as doth a friend become , My peoples courage all I can excite , Since they are here , and very far from home ; And though from me the Greeks can nothing get , Neither to carry nor to drive away . But you to th' Trojans have not spoken yet So much as to defend their Wives in Troy From being taken in the Argives net , And plund'red be the stately Town of Troy. When chiefly you on this your heart should set , And your Confederates perswade to stay , And not the fault on one another lay . So said Sarpedon . Hector therewith stung , Upon his Charret could no longer stay , But armed down unto the ground he sprung . And 'mongst the Trojan Ranks and Files he goes , Into their hearts new courage to inspire . And then they turn'd their Faces to their Foes . Nor did the Argives from their place retire . And then , as when on Ceres sacred floor The winnowed Chaff lyes heapt together white , So white the Troops of Argives were all ore With dust their Horses rais'd had in the Fight . And then the Trojans boldly marched on , And Mars to aid them dark'ned had the Field , As he was bidden by Latona's Son , When Pallas from the Greeks remov'd her Shield . And from the Temple fetcht Aeneas out Alive and whole , and bold , and made him stand Amongst the Troops , that joyful stood about . But other work now lying on their hand , ( Made them by Mars and Strife ) no time had they To ask him questions . But encouraged The Argives were by th' Ajaxes to stay , And by Ulysses and by Diomed. For of the Trojans they were not afraid . But as a Cloud that resteth on a Hill , Which in calm weather there by Jove is laid , Till boisterous winds arise it resteth still . Then up and down went Agamemnon there , My friends , said he , be bold , and fight like men . Of one anothers censure stand in fear . Of them that do so fewer perish then Of those that fly and never think upon The loss of fame . This said , he threw his Spear And smote Aeneas friend Democoon , Who was unto the Trojans no less dear Than if he one of Priams Sons had been . For with the foremost he was still in fight . And at his Buckler went the Weapon in , And through both that and Belt it passed quite . And mortal in his Belly was the wound , And with his Armour ratling down he fell . Aeneas then two Greeks laid on the ground . The Sons of Diocles , descended well . For of th' immortal and fair stream Alpheus , Orsilochus a great King was the Son. And he the Father was of Diocles , And he Orsilochus got and Crethon ; Brave men , who when they came to mans estate With Atreus Son , his honour to regain , To Ilium sayl'd , and there they met their Fate , And never to their Country came again . As when two Lions in the Mountains bred And Woods obscure , come down into the Plain , And Sheep and Cattle in the field leave dead , Until at last by Hunters they are slain ; So fell these two men by Aeneas kill'd , And like two Fir-trees straight lay on the Sand. And Menelaus then with fury fill'd , With Helmet on his Head , and Spear in Hand , Advanced boldly to Anchises Son. In hope to have deprived him of breath . And Mars himself it was that set him on To bring him by Aeneas hand to death . Antilochus then Nestor's valiant Son Fearing lest Menelaus should be slain , Resolv'd he should not fight with him alone , And all their toil at Ilium make vain , Went after him , and overtook him as They ready were to fight , but nothing done . Aeneas then as valiant as he was Retir'd , eschewing th' odds of two to one And when they had brought off the Bodies slain , And left them in their fellow soldiers hands , Unto the skirmish they return'd again , And slew the Prince of Paphlagonians Pylaem●nes . Atrides threw the Spear Which near the Shoulder pass'd into his Neck . By Nestor's Son slain was his Chariotier , Mydon by name that did his Horses check , As he his Charret turning was to fly , Antilochus him wounded with a Stone On th'Elbow , and benum'd his Hand , whereby The sense he had to hold the Reins was gone . The Reins fell down , and then with Sword in hand Antilochus divides his Head in twain , And headlong fell he where it chanc'd the Sand Was very deep , and there he did remain With Head and Shoulders sticking in the sands . But upright in the Air were both his Hips . The Horses laid him flat . Which by the hands Of Nestor's Son convey'd were to the Ships . Hector saw this , and in came with great cry , Whom Bands of lusty Trojans followed . Mars and Bellona marching furiously Against the Argives to the Fight them led . Bellona brought in Tumult and Affright . And Mars a mighty Spear had in his hand , And sometimes after Hector went i' th' fight , Sometimes before , and oft did by him stand . Tydides when he saw him was affraid , As when a man in haste has lost his way , And running on is at some River staid , That 's deep and swift , he runs as fast away : So he retir'd . And to his Argives said , No wonder 't is if Hector valiant be ; One God or other alwaies gives him aid , And near him stands from death to set him free . Now Mars comes with him like a mortal wight . Retire . But turn your Faces to the Foe , Forbearing still against the Gods to fight . This said he , but the Trojans near were now . And Hector there had slain two men that sat Together , Mnestheus and Anchialus , Both Warriors good . But Ajax griev'd thereat ( The greater Ajax , Telamonius ) Darted his heavy Spear at Amphius . Rich was he both in Lands and Goods , and dwelt At Paesus . And fought here for Priamus . But by the Spear which pass'd quite through his Belt Upon his Belly took a mortal wound . And as he fell , Ajax ran fiercely in To strip him of his Armour on the ground , And stript him had , had he not hindred been . For from the Trojans came a shower of Spears , Whereof his Shield received not a few . Then to be hemm'd in by the Foe he fears . His own Spear he recover'd and withdrew . Whilst they in stubborn war thus toyling were , Unlucky fate Tlepolemus brought on To charge Sarpedon ; and when they were near Together come , Jove's Grandson and his Son , Tlepolemus said then , What need had you Unskilful in the War to tremble here ? Jove's Son men say you are , but 't is not true . No such weak men by Jove begotten were ; But such as Hercules is said t' have been Couragious as a Lion ; with few men In but six Ships this strong Town he did win , And rifled it , and safe went off agen . But you are weak , your men a great part dead , And can but little help afford to Troy. And though from Lycia you were strengthened , I mean to send you now another way . To this Sarpedon answered , 'T is true That Hercules sackt Troy , because the Steeds Laomedon kept back that were his due , And gave him evil language for good deeds . But you from me shall present death receive , For which I shall have honour truly paid , And you your Soul shall now to Pluto leave . And this Sarpedon had no sooner said , Than from their hands their Spears together started . Tlepolemus clean through the Neck was struck , And from him presently his life departed . But from Sarpedon Jove kept such ill luck ; Yet on his left Thigh he receiv'd a wound . For through it went the Spear close by the bone . Sarpedon by his friends born off the ground Was plac'd apart where Battle there was none , Tormented with the Spear still in his Thigh . To pull it out they all had quite forgot . In so great haste they were , the Foe so nigh , The time so little , and the Fight so hot . Mean while Tl●polemus his body dead The Greeks fetch'd off . The wise Ulisses then Within himself a while considered ▪ Whether to charge Sarpedon or his men . But since by Fate Sarpedon was to die By other , and not by Ulysses hands , Athena made him lay that purpose by , And turn his anger on the Lycians . Alastor then he slew , and Coeramus , Alcander , Prytanis and Noemon . And Halius he slew , and Chromius , And many Lycians more had overthrown . But mighty Hector now approached near In glittering Arms , and brought with him Affright . But glad Sarpedon was to see him there ; And when he was come up unto him quite , Himself lamenting thus to Hector said , Leave me not Hector to the Greeks a prey , But let my Body in your ground be laid , Since I my Country must no more enjoy , Nor my beloved Wife and tender Son. So said Sarpedon . Hector not replies , But to the Enemy he passeth on ; And as he goes the ground with blood he dyes . Under a Beech sacred to Jupiter Sarpedon placed was upon the ground , And gently Pelagon pull'd out the Spear ; The pain hereof put him into a swound . Lost was his sight ; but by a gentle wind And cool , that from the North upon him blew , He soon recover'd both his Sight and Mind , And all the company about him knew . To Mars and Hector still the Greeks gave way , And still their Faces to the Trojans were , But for to charge none durst advance or stay . For Diomed had told them Mars was there . Now tell me Muse , who slain by Hector was ? Trechus , Orestes , Tenthras , Helenus , ( Whose Father Oenops was ) and Oenonaus . And last of all wealthy Oresbius . In Hyla on Cephissis Lake he dwelt , The richest pasture of Boeotia , And known was by the gayness of his Belt. This slaughter of the Greeks when Juno saw , She then to Pallas spake . Pallas ( said she ) If we let Mars still play the madman here , Our word to Menelaus false will be , That he from Troy return should Conqueror . Let 's courage take , and try what we can do . Pallas contented , 't was agreed upon . And Juno ready made her self to go , And quickly the Coach-wheels Hebe sets on . Eight spokes each wheel had , and were all of Brass , And fixed round about at th'Axle-tree . The Axle-tree it self of Iron was . The Circle Gold , and wonderful to see . But arm'd it was above with Pla●es of Bras● . The Naves on both sides were of Silver white , With Gold and Silver Wire extended was The Seat , which had two Silver rings and bright . In which the Beam of Silver fastned staid . At th' other end the Golden Yoke she ti'd , And on the Yoke the Golden Reins she laid . And Juno then no longer could abide , But to the Coach her self the Horses brought , From quarrels so impatiently she staid . Pallas threw off her Robe , and took Joves Coat , And with the same she there her self arraid . And then her Breast with Armour covered , And on her Shoulder hung her frightful Shield , Wherein Strife , Force , Flight , Chase were figured , With all the Horrour of a soughten field . And in the middle stood out Gorgoes head . Then put she on her Golden Helmet , that Ten thousand mens heads might have covered , And to the Charret up she went , and sat , And her great heavy Spear takes in her hands The Spear wherewith , when she displeased is , She scatters of proud Kings the armed bands , Then Juno with the whip was not remiss . And of it self flew open Heaven-gate , Though to the Seasons Jove the power gave Alone to judge of Early and of Late . And out the Goddesses their Horses drave . Jove on the highest of Olympus tops Sitting alone they found , and none him nigh . The Goddess Juno there her Horses stops , And spake unto him thus , his mind to try . Pray tell me Jove if you contented be , That Mars thus raging in the Field remain . For what unseemly work he makes you see , And of brave Greeks how many he has slain , While Venus at my grief stands laughing by , And pleased is Apollo with the sight , And set him on . But I could make him fly ( But that I fear your anger ) from the Fight . Do 't then , said Jove ; not you , but Pallas ; she Accustom'd is to vex him more than you . Ju●o took this Commission willingly . Feeling the whip away her Horses flew , 'Twixt Heav'n and Earth , and went at every strain As far as coming one can see a Ship That from a Hill looketh upon the Main , So far the Horses of the Gods can skip . Arriv'd at Troy , on ground they set their feet , And Juno there her heavenly Steeds unty'd Where Simois doth with Scamander meet . And with Ambrosia Simois them supply'd . Then swift as Doves , to give the Argives aid They went to where they saw the greatest throng . There was Tydides , and about him staid Many as Lions valiant and strong . And Juno there in shape of Stentor stood , And spake as loud as any fifty men . Argives , said she , Cowards , for nothing good , Although you make a goodly show . For when Achilles went before you to the Fight , Out at their Gates the Trojans durst not peep , So much they of his Spear abhor'd the sight . But from your Ships you scarce now can them keep . When Juno thus the Greeks encouraged , To Diomed went Pallas ; whom she sound Hard by his Horses sitting , wearied , And cooling in the open air the wound Given by Pandarus ; which with the sweat Under his Belt afflicted him the more . And lifting up his Belt , some ease to get , He from the wound was wiping off the gore . As at the yoke Athena leaning stood , Like him ( said she ) your Father left no Son. A little man was he , but Warriour good . Though I not bad him , he went boldly on . And when to Thebes alone I bad him go Ambassador , and with the Theban Lords To sit at Feast , and not provoke the Foe , And at their Table to forbear harsh words , Yet he his native Courage still retained , And them defy'd at manly Exercises , And from them all the Victory he gained , And won , by my assistance , all the Prizes . But when I you , as I did him , defend , And bid you boldly with the Trojans fight , You are affraid , or weariness pretend . Of Tydeus sure the Son you are not right . Tydides to her then replying said , Daughter of Jove , ( Pallas I know you are ) 'T is not that I am weary or affraid , That I stand here abstaining from the War , But in obedience to your own command , Who gave me leave if Venus in the Wars I met , to wound her ; but not lift my hand 'Gainst other Gods. Now in the field is Mars , And domineering fights on Hectors side . And that 's the cause why I from fight abstain , And others by my Counsel here abide . To this the Goddess then reply'd again , Nor Mars nor any of th'Immortals spare That shall advance against you in the field . And for your safety trust unto my care , And know you are protected by my Shield . But first to Mars drive up your Horses close , And strike the Blockhead with your Spear in hand , That fights sometimes for these , sometimes for those , And with the Trojans now you see him stand , And yet to help the Greeks he promis'd me And Juno , but a little while before , And now amongst the Trojans fighteth he , And thinks upon his promises no more . This said , they mount into the Chariot , And Sthenelus descending left his Seat. The Axtree groaned under them . Why not ? A great man he , she was a Goddess great . And then to Mars directly they drive on , Who had but newly slain great Periphas , Of old Ochesius the valiant Son , And far the best of all th' Aetolians was . Athena then puts Pluto's Helmet on , Lest she by Mars should be discovered . When Mars there saw Tydides all alone , He Periphas forsook who there lay dead ; And turn'd to meet Tydides on the way ; And when to one another they were near , Mars making full account the man to slay , Over the Yoke thrusts at him with his Spear . But Pallas with her hand the point supprest , And made it light beneath the Seat in vain . Tydides then to Mars a Spear addrest , Which had he been a Mortal had him slain . For Pallas in his Belly stuck the Spear , And presently the same pluckt out again . Mars roar'd as loud as if in battle there Fighting had been nine or ten thousand men , And frighted both the Armies with the noise . Then like a black Cloud which some Wind makes rise , He left th' unlucky field and went his ways , And in a little time was in the Skies . And sitting down hard by his Fathers Throne , Shew'd him the blood that from the wound did flow , And grievously lamenting made his mone . Father , said he , do you such work allow ? That we the Gods such harm from Mortals take , While some for Trojans , some for Argives fight , And partial be for one anothers sake , The fault is to be laid on you by right . For you brought forth this mad pernicious Maid , Whose study is her malice to effect , When by us other Gods you are obey'd . And this you saw , but never would correct . 'T was she that on the Gods set Diomed , Who wounded Venus first , then flew at me . And there in pain I lien had 'mongst the dead , Or crippled been , had not my feet been free . Uncertain Mars ( then Jupiter reply'd ) Of all the Gods most hateful to my sight , That quarrel lov'st to make , but not decide . Thou hast thy Mother Juno's nature right , That oft provokes me with her peevish tongue , And by her order , I think , this was done . But in this pain I 'le not detain you long , Seeing you are as well mine as her Son. But had another got you , you had sure To Pluto and th' Infernal Gods be sent . This said , to Paeon he commits his cure : And Paeon presenly about it went. As quickly as the Milk is turn'd to Curd , When with a proper Rennet it is mixt , And with a Housewifes hand together stir'd ; So quickly was the wide wound clos'd and fixt . Then bath'd he was by Hebe , and new clad ; And that he so came off was well content . Juno and Pallas when they driven had Mars from the Battle , up t' Olympus went. ILIAD . LIB . VI. THe Gods to neither side assistance yield , But on his own hand each mans fortune lies . Now here now there they skirmish in the field Betwixt the Streams Xanthus and Simoeis . And first great Ajax killed Acamas , And for his fellows opened a door For slaughter 'mongst the Files and Ranks to pass , And caus'd thereby the loss of many more . And by Tydides Axylus was slain , That at Arisbe dwelt near the High-way , Rich , and the Greeks did often entertain . But none of them would save him in the Fray. For slain he was by Diomedes there . Together with his Squire Calestus , That by him sat and w●s his Charioteer . Euryalus then slew Opheltius And Dresus . After Pedasus he runs And Aesepus sons of Bucalion , Who by Abarbar●a had two Sons , But he for Father had Laomedon . And th' eldest was , but not in Wedlock got . And Twins the Sons were of Bucalion . But from Euryalus they scaped not , Nor long they lay there with their Armour on . Then Polypoetes by Astyalus , Pidytes by Ulysses , and by Teuc . Er Areton , and by Antilochus Ablerus , by Atrides Elateus Was slain , that the Pedasians led From the delightful Bank of Satnius . And Leitus Phila●us slew as he fled . Enrypylus then slew Melanthius . And then Adrestus taken was alive By Menelaus . For his Horses frighted , Whilst to the Town they labour'd to arrive , Upon two Branches of a Tree they lighted , And brake the Charret pole off at the head . The Horses loose away ran tow'rd the Town , As did the rest that from the Battle fled . Adrestus headlong from the Seat fell down , And by him with a Spear Atrides stood . Adrestus then laies hold upon his Knee . Save me , said he , my Ransome will be good . At any rate I shall redeemed be . My Father wants nor Iron , nor Brass , nor Gold , And any thing to set me free will give , When he of my condition shall be told , And that I am your prisoner and live . This said , Atrides was thereto enclin'd , And ready for to send him to the Ships . But Agamemnon came and chang'd his mind Before he had confirm'd it with his lips . Brother , said he , what makes you be so kind To any of these men ? Is it because You did at home the Trojans faithful find , And that they had well served Menelaus ? No , no , we must no quarter give at Troy , Nor spare the Child yet in his Mothers womb , But utterly the Nation destroy , And pluck up by the root proud Ilium . Then Menelaus pity'd him no more , But violently push'd him from his Knee , Wherewith he backward tumbled ore and ore , And soon by Agamemnon slain was he . Then Nestor to the Greeks with voice as high As he could raise it , cried out , Let none Yet on the Spoil and Booty set his eye , But follow killing now , plunder anon . The dead will stay till back again we come . The Greeks by Nestor thus encouraged , Had chas'd the Trojans unto Ilium . But that by Helenus was hindered . For standing near to Hector and Aeneas , Since all the work , said he , lyes on your hand , And you in Fight and Counsel chiefly please Both Lycians and Trojans , make them stand . About them go , and put your selves between The Gates and them , lest followed by the Foe They should be by their loving Wives there seen , And th' Argives stand triumphing in our woe . And when you once have them encouraged , Aenaeas and my self will with them stay , And fight against the Greeks , though wearied . But Hector to the Town go you away , And bid your and my Mother take with her The eldest Trojan Matrons , and make haste To Pallas Temple , and present her there With the best Robe she has ; and having plac't It on her Knee , vow to her Deity ( If she protect our Wives and Children will And City from this raging Enemy , And take off Diomed ) that you will kill Twelve Heifers at her Altar . For in fight He has the great Achilles much outdone , Who never did the Trojans thus affright , Although they say he is a Goddess Son. Then Hector armed leapt down to the ground , And with two Spears about the Army goes , Courage inspiring to the Trojans round , And streight they turn'd their Faces to the Foes . The Greeks retiring then no longer fought . Some God from Heav'n descended was they thought , And t' Hector and the Trojans aid had brought . Then Hector to the Trojans cried out , Trojans and Aids , said he , be sure to stay And play the men , whilst I to Ilium Return , and cause them to the Gods to pray , And to them sacrifice an Hecatomb . And as he walkt the edges of his Shield By turns his Ankle and his Neck did smi●e . Tydides then and Glaucus on the field Met one another , and prepar'd to fight . Tydides speaking first , Brave man , said he , Who are you ? Let me know your Name and Race , That dares so boldly thus advance on me . I never yet in Battle saw your Face . Men mortal to provoke me thus none dare , But they whose Parents are condemn'd to wo. But if some God come down from Heaven you are , Do what you will I 'll not return a blow . Licurgus Son of Dryas chas'd the Train Of Bacchus with a Goad at Nyssa , where The Maenades threw from them on the plain Their Ivy twined slaves , and fled for fear ; Bacchus himself leapt into Thetis lap , Trembling and frighted , and the Goddess kind Receiv'd him and defended from mishap . But for this act Jove struck Licurgus blind , Who dy'd soon after . For the Gods above All hated him . And that 's the cause that I Dare not the anger of the Gods to move . But if thou mortal art , come near and die . O brave Tydides ( Glaucus answer'd then ) To what end serves it you to know my race ? As with green leaves , so fareth it with men ; Some fall with wind , others grow in their place . But since you ask me ( though it be well known ) My pedegree at large I shall you tell . Within a Creek of Argos stands a Town Call'd Ephyre . There Sisyphus did dwell . The subtile Sisyphus who Glaucus got . Glaucus the Father of Bellerophon , Than whom a fairer person there was not , Nor valianter in all the Land , not one . But Praetus sought to take away his Life . For so enamour'd of him was the Queen Anteia , who of Praetus was the Wi●e , That she a Suiter to him oft had been . But still in vain . For he would not consent . The fury of her Love then turn'd to Hate . And spitefully , she to her Husband went , And weeping bitterly down by him sate , And to him said , O King , resolve to dy Your self , or else Bellerophon to kill , For he attempted has my Chastity , And would have ly'n with me against my will. The King incens'd , to kill him did intend , But loath to do it there , he thought it better Unto the King of Lycia him to send ( Who was Anteia's Father ) with a Letter , Wherein he had declar'd his cruel mind , And many waies to bring it to effect . He ignorant of what was then design'd , The Kings commandement did not neglect . To Lycia he went , and coming thither , In favour with the Gods , was honoured And treated like a God nine days together . O' th' tenth his Letter he delivered . The Letter read , the King him first imploy'd The terrible Chimaera to assail , That by the Monster he might be destroy'd . A Lions Head it had and Dragons Tail , And in the midst the Body of a Goat ; A flame of burning fire was its Breath . Bellerophon with this foul Monster fought , And put it ( by the aid o' th' Gods ) to death . The next Adventure that he set him on Was th'Expedition 'gainst the Solymi . The third when from the Amazons he won ( Those Martial Females ) a great Victory . And as he came from thence the King had laid An Ambush for him on the way in vain , Of choicest Lycians whom he destroy'd , That not a man of them return'd again . The King receiv'd him then , believing now That he descended was of Heavenly Race , And gave him half his Pow'r and Land enough , And with his Daughters Marriage did him grace . Bellerophon by her had Children three , Two Sons , Isandrus and Hippolochus , And one fair Daughter call'd Laodamie , On whom by Jove Sarpedon gotten was . Her Father by the Gods forsaken then Liv'd up and down in the Alean Plain , And shun'd the conversation of men . At Solym Battle was Isander slain . But of Hippolochus the Son am I , And he of Noble Ancestors descended . To Troy he sent me , and especially Unto me th' Honour of my Race commended , Than which in Ephyre none Nobler is , Nor in the Land of Lycia more renown'd . And Diomedes joyful to hear this Turn'd his Spears point and stuck it in the ground , And to him kindly spake . There is , said he , Between your Ancestors and mine of old A mutual bond of Hospitality . Bellerophon , as I have oft been told , Was by my Grandsire Oeneus freely treated , And stayed with him twenty days and nights , And when again he from his house retreated , They Tokens gave of Hospitable Rites ; Oeneus to him a Belt most glorious , Bellerophon to him a Golden Cup. Which I not with me brought , but in my house When I came thence I safely left lockt up . My Father I remember not . For he Left me too young when last he went from home . Henc● forth my Guest in Argos you must be , I yours in Lycia , when I thither come . Mean t●me let 's one anothers Spear decline ; For many Trojans more I have to kill , Unless I crost be by some Pow'r divine . And of the Achaeans kill you whom you will. And that our Friendship may the more appear , I will present you with these Arms of mine ; And you to me present the Arms you wear . This said , they lighted and their hands did joyn . But Glaucus surely here bewitched was , Or cursed by the Gods , that had forgot His Arms were Gold , and Diomed's but Brass . An hundred his , nine Beeves the other bought . Hector was now come to the Scaean Gates . To him the Trojan Wives and Daughters run To ask their Husbands and their Brothers Fates , But to those questions he answer'd none . But to the Temples bad them go and pray , Inquire no more for what you will lament . Then to the Royal Palace went his way . For great the danger was and imminent . On every side within were Galleries Magnificent , of square well-plained Stones , With Fifty Lodgings for the Families ( One by another ) of King Priam's Sons . And for his Daughters twelve Appartments were ( In the same Court , but on the other side ) To lodge his Sons in Law when they were there , Of the same Stone in like form beautifi'd . Here Hecuba , as she conducted home Laodice her beautifullest Daughter , Met her Son Hector that was newly come In dusty bloody Armour from the Slaughter . And took him by the hand , and to him said , Why come you from the fight ? Have we the worst , And you come to sollicite Jove for aid , And after that is done to quench your thirst ? A little Wine will much the strength sustain Of one that labour'd has as you have done . No , no , from Wine ( said he ) I must abstain , Lest I forget and leave my work undone . Besides , to Jove I dare not offer Wine With bloody hands , lest I should him incense . But , Mother , go you to Minerva's shrine With other Ladies , and with Frankincense ; And of the Robes in your perfumed Chest Take with you that which in your judgment is Amongst them all the largest and the best , And lay it down upon the Goddess knees . And vow that at her Altar you will kill Twelve yearling Heisers of the best you have , If at your Prayer condescend she will Your Children with your selves and Troy to save , And from the Fight this Diomed remove . To th' Temple presently go you away . But I to Paris now must go , and prove If he th' advice I give him will obey . Then Hecuba into the Chamber came Where many divers-colour'd Vestures lay , The work of many a Sidonian Dame , Which then from Sidon Paris brought to Troy , When thither he from Sparta Helen brought . Of these , to give the Goddess , she took one The largest and most curiously wrought , And that like to a Star in Heaven shone . And when unto the Temple come they were , Theano opened the door ; for she ( Antenor's Wife ) was Pallas Priest. And there She took the Robe , and laid it on her Knee . Then prayed she ( whilst with a mighty cry They to the Goddess lifted up their hands . ) Pallas ( said she ) Daughter of Jove most high , In whose protection ev'ry City stands , Great Pallas , break the Spear of Diomed , And overthrow him at the Scaean gate , That at thy Altar may be offered Twelve yearling Heisers ; and commiserate The Wives and Children and the state of Troy. Thus prayed they ; But Pallas would not hear . To th' House of Paris Hector went away That was unto his own and Priams near , Built by himself the Citadel within , With all the Art the Trojans understood . There Hector with his Spear in hand went in , That was in length eleven Cubits good , And pointed at the Head with polisht Brass , Fastned into the staff with a Gold Ring . Busy about his Armour Paris was , And Helen work to th' Maids distributing . Here Hector Paris chid . Is this , said he , The fittest time to manifest your spite Against the Trojans , when the Enemy Under our Walls is killing them in fight ? When none but you the cause is of the War And Tumult , which surrounds the Town of Troy. I think it would become you better far To rate those men that from the Battle stay . Brother , said Paris , What you say is right . But hear me too . I stayed not behind Because I to the Trojans bear a spite , But from their Slanders to avert my mind . And now my Wife too has persuaded me , Who of my self was ready to be gone . Not sure to any side is Victory . Stay only while I put my Armour on . Or go . I 'll follow you and find you out . Thus he . But Hector to it nothing said . And to be gone his Face he turn'd about . But Helen saw about to speak , and staid . Brother ( said she ) though I unworthy am To call you so , I would I had been thrown Into the Sea the same day that I came Into the world , so many shames to own . Or that this Husband sensible had been , As men of Honour should be of ill fame ; But that 's not now , nor ever will be seen , He one day will ( I fear ) repent the same . But Brother ( pra'ye ) sit down and rest a while , That with the toil of Battle weary are ; The cause whereof am I the Woman vile , That with me brought to Troy this cruel War. Unlucky day that brought me first acquainted With Alexander to our Infamy , Which through the world hereafter will be chanted , And make us loathsom to posterity . Helen ( said Hector ) now I cannot stay , The Trojans of my presence stand in need . But bid you Alexander come away While I am in the Town , and that with speed . For hence unto my house I must go home To see my Wife , my Child and Family , An 't may be never back again shall come , But by the hands of the Achaeans dye . This said , home Hector went , and there was told His Wife Andromache at home was not . For with the Nurse the Battle to behold , Into the Tow'r on Scaea Gate was got . Then Hector of the women askt again , Is she gone to some Sister or some Brother ? Or to the Goddess Temple in the Train Of those that thither waited on my Mother ? To this one of the Women said again , She neither went to Sister nor to Brother , Nor to the Goddess Temple , in the Train Of those that thither waited on your Mother . But when I know not who inform'd her had That th' Argives did the Trojans overpower , With her young Son and Nurse as one that 's mad Ran to the Gate , and up into the Tower. Then back went Hector passing the same Streets Through which he went when he came from the fight , Where in the way Andromache he meets That now was running home in great affright . The Daughter she was of Eetion , Who of Cilicia the Scepter carried , And dwelt at Thebe in Hypoplacion . But unto noble Hector she was married . Now Hector met her with their little Boy That in the Nurses arms was carried , And like a Star upon her bosome lay His beautiful and shining golden Head. Scamandrius he called was by Hector , Astyanax he named was in Troy. Because his Father was their sole Protector , The people from his Honour nam'd the Boy . Then Hector smiling look'd upon his Son. And to him weeping said Andromache , My Dear , You 'll by your courage be undone , And this your Son a wretched Orphan be . The Greeks at once on you alone will fall , And then a woful Widow shall be I , And have no comfort in the world at all , But live in misery and wish to die . Father or Mother they have left me none , For by the great Achilles he was slain When he the goodly Town of Thebe won . But from disarming him he did refrain . Together with his Arms he did him burn , And with such Rites as did a Prince become . And having put his Ashes in an Urn Bury'd the same , and ore it rais'd a Tomb. The Mountain-Nymphs Daughters of Jupiter Planted about it many Elmen-trees . My seven Brothers all were killed there . In one day by Achilles slain were these , As they defending were their Kine and Sheep . My Mother with the Booty he brought hither , And her he at the Ships did pris'ner keep Until her friends her Ransome had sent thither . Then to her Country back they sent my Mother , Who shortly after there fell sick and di'd . Now Hector you my Father are and Brother , Husband and Mother . In you I confide . For pities sake then on this Turret stay , Lest Fatherless your Son , I Widow be . And set your armed people in array , And those that aid you at the Sycamore-tree , Where to the City easiest is th' access . For there it was the Argives thrice fell on Led by Idomeneus , and th' Ajaxes , The two Atrides , and Tydeus Son. Whether they had some God for their Director , Or had observ'd some weakness in the place I know not . And to this replyed Hector , Dear Wife , this might be done . But what disgrace Shall I be in ? How will the Trojans scoff Both Men and Women , and deride my fear , If on the Tow'r they saw me standing off When others fighting with the Argives were ? Besides by Nature I am framed so , I am not able to abstain from sight , But must be 'mongst the foremost , when the Foe Invades my Fathers Honour in my sight . And yet I know the evil day will come , That Priam and his people perish must , And utterly destroy'd be Ilium , And all her stately Buildings lye in dust . Yet am not griev'd so much to think upon The sate of Troy , of Priam , of my Mother , Or all my Brothers , as for you alone When by a proud Achaean one or other You drag'd are weeping into Slavery , And when t' Achaea he has brought you home , To fetch in water you imploy'd shall be , And made to labour at anothers Loom . And one that sees you weeping , there will say , This Woman was the Noble Hectors Bride , The bravest man of all that fought for Troy , And of your tears bring back again the Tide . But dead may I be first and buried Before I see you drag'd or hear you cry . And when he thus had said , his arms he spread The Child to take , who terrifi'd thereby , And unacquainted with a glittering Crest And Horses Mayn that nodding at it hung , Turn'd his face crying to the Nurses breast , And with his little arms close to her clung . Which made his Father and his Mother smile . Then Hector on the ground his Helmet laid , And took the Child and dandled him a while , And then to Jove and all the Gods he pray'd . O Jove and gods , Grant that this Son of mine No less in Troy may honour'd be than I , Nor from his Fathers vertue ere decline , But hold the reins of Ilium steadily . That men may say when he hath slain his Foe , And bringeth with him home his Spoil to Troy , In Battle he his Father doth out do , And fill his loving Mothers heart with joy , This said , he gave the Child t' Andromache , Which she receiving hug'd , and laugh'd and cry'd . Which Hector with compassion did see , And thus with gentle words his Wife did chide . Dear Wife , do not afflict your self for me . No man can die before his hour is come ; And when 't is come , put off it cannot be By weak nor strong . Therefore I pra'ye go home , And tend your work , and give your Women theirs , And sit still at your Spindle and your Loom , And leave to men these Martial affairs , And me that have the charge of Ilium . Then up he takes his Helmet and departs , And homewards she ; but often turn'd her head . At home with grief she fill'd her womens hearts , And made them mourn for Hector not yet dead . Nor Paris at his house did longer stay Than he must needs his Armour to put on , And up and down the streets went every way , To see if he could Hector light upon . As when a Horse i' th' Stable pampered , And used to be washed in the River His Headstal breaks , or be delivered From that which held him by what means soever ; Then proudly he sets up his Tail and Head , And bears the Plain , and with the wind he makes His Mane play in the air dishevelled , Then to the Pasture known the way he takes : So from his house went Paris through the Streets With shining Arms , and Courage at his heart ; And quickly with his valiant brother meets , Turning from where he and his wife did part . And first to Hector Paris thus began . Brother I fear I 've made you stay too long . No ( he reply'd ) your courage no man can Accuse , but such as mean to do you wrong . But when you , out of humour , will not fight , The Trojans that much suffer for your sake Speak all the ill they can of you in spight . Which when I hear , it makes my heart to ake . But now let 's go . If ere the Pow'rs Divine Displace th' Achaean Host , and give us Peace , That freely to them we may offer Wine , Your quarrel with the Trojans soon will cease . ILIAD . LIB . VII . THis said , they went together to the Fight , For Paris now no more the War declin'd , And welcome to the Trojans was the sight , As to a weary Rower a good wind . There Paris slew Menesthius , the Son Of the great Clubman Areîthous Of Arne . And by Hector overthrown And struck clean through the Neck was Eionus . Iphinous the Son of Dexias As to his Charre he mounted to have fled , By Glaucus through the Shoulder wounded was , And to the ground again fell backward dead . When Pallas saw the Argives fall so fast , She from Olympus leapt to Ilium : Apollo then to meet her made great haste , That saw her from his Tow'r in Pergamum . And when they were together at the Beech , He for the Trojans , for the Argives she , Apollo to her thus addrest his Speech : Daughter of Jove , what great necessity Brought you to Troy ? Was it to please your mind , Or give unto the Greeks the Victory ? For well I know to Troy you are not kind . But for the present be advis'd by me . Let th' Armies both give over fight to day , And fight it out hereafter till they know What end the Fates assigned have to Troy , Since you and Juno needs will have it so . Your Counsel's good ( said Pallas ) and the same I thought upon . But tell me how to do it . For to that end I from Olympus came . Tell me but how , and I 'll consent unto it . Why then , said Phoebus , Hector I 'll excite In Duel all the Argives to defie ; And they some one will choose with him to fight , And both the Armies quietly stand by . This counsel was by both agreed upon ; And known to Helenus by Augury , To Helenus that was King Priam's Son. And he to Hector did himself apply . Hector , said he , will you do that which I That am your Brother shall advise you to ? Go to th' Achaean Army and defie The best of all the Argives ; Boldly go ; For in this Combat you are not to die : The Gods have told me so , Then never fear . Then to the Front came Hector joyfully , With both his hands o' th' middle of his Spear To keep the Trojans back and make them stand ; And streight King Agamemnon seeing it , Unto the Argives gave the like comand . Then on the ground both Greeks and Trojans sit . Phoebus and Pallas flew up to the Tree , The high Beech-tree that sacred was to Jove , I' th' likeness of two Vulturs , thence to see How the two Armies looked from above . As when a West-wind ruffled has the Main , It black and horrid to the eye appears ; So lookt the Greeks and Trojans on the Plain , Grifly and dark with Helmets , Shields and Spears . Into the midst between them Hector stept . You Trojans and well-armed Greeks , said he , Since 't was Jove's will our Oath should not be kept , But that the War continued shall be Till either you shall win the Town of Troy , Or we your Army and your Ships confound , Fighting till one another we destroy ; I to you Argives somewhat will propound . The best of all the Greeks are present here . Let one of them come forth and fight with me , On these conditions ( witness Jupiter ) If by his hand I slain in Combat be , Let him do with my Armor what he will , But send my Body into Ilium . But if Apollo grant me him to kill , His Armour I will have and carry home , And in Apollo's Temple dedicate . His Body to the Ships shall rendred be , That on his Urn the Greeks may elevate A Mount of Earth for Passengers to see Upon the Shore of Hellespont , and say , Here lies a valiant Greek by Hector slain Long since , when th' Argives were besieging Troy. My honour thus for ever will remain . So Hector said . The Greeks all silent were . For shame the Challenge they could not refuse ; And to accept it ev'ry one did fear . But Menelaus then his Valour shews , And rising up in anger thus he said , Women of Argos what a shame is this That you should all of Hector be affraid ! What now become of all your threatning is ? There , ( dust and water , heartless , nameless ) sit . My self I 'll arm ( for I perceive no odds ) And will this sturdy Champion Hector meet . For Victory comes only from the Gods. This said , he rose and arm'd himself ; and there Depriv'd of life had Menelaus been ( So much too weak he was ) by Hector's Spear , But that the Princes starting up came in . And Agamemnon seizing on his hand , Why Menelaus are you mad , said he , In fight you cannot against Hector stand , How much soever you concerned be . Avoid him in the Field as others do . Achilles who than you much stronger is , Strong as he is , considers Hector too , And cooler grows as oft as he him sees . Therefore , good Brother , sit still at your Troop . Some other we 'll oppose to Hector's might , That , haughty as he is , shall make him stoop , And thank the Gods if safe he come from fight . To this good counsel yielded Menelaus . Whereat his Servants not a little joy'd , Came in , and soon by them unarm'd he was , And to the Greeks then Nestor rose , and said , O how unwelcome will this Story be To Greece , and Peleus King o' th' Myrmidons , Who at his house the names enquir'd of me Both of your selves , your Fathers , and your Sons . If he should know how much you Hector dread , How oft would he hold up his hands , and pray The Gods to send him down amongst the dead , And from his body take all sense away ! O that I were as young as I was then When war was 'twixt Arcadia and Pyle , And at the Walls of Pheia stood the men Ready for bloody fight in Rank and File ! Amongst them stood one Ereuthalion , And of the great man Areîthous Upon his Shoulders had the Armour on , Who Clubman commonly surnamed was , Because he used neither Bow nor Spear , But with an Iron Club the Battles brake . Lycurgus slew him though he weaker were , ( When at advantage great he did him take ) By craft , not strength . For in a narrow way He watch'd him at a turning with his Spear , And on a sudden took his life away , So that the Club had nothing to do there . Then took he off his Arms , and wore the same In Battle when there was occasion , But gave them when old age upon him came To this his Squier Ereuthalion . Who wearing them our Army did defie , At which when others trembling stood and shook Although the youngest of them all was I , Great as he was , the man I undertook , And slew him by the Goddess Pallas aid , The strong'st and tallest that I ever slew , As when upon the ground he stretcht was laid , The place he covered did plainly shew . If I were now as young and strong as then , The Greeks for Hector soon a match should find , Though none of you that are their bravest men To try your fortune with him have a mind . Thus Nestor th' Argive Lords did reprehend , And nine of them in number ( all that durst In single fight with Hector to contend ) Armed , and Agamemnon was the first . And next the strong and valiant Diomed , And then the greater Ajax , then the less , Then King Idomeneus , of Creet the head , And with him his good Squire Meriones , Who as the God of Battle valiant was , Besides Eurypylus Euaemon's Son , And of Andremon the stour Son Thoas , And wise Ulysses last of all made one . So many Greeks durst Hector undertake . Bring in your Lots , said Nestor then , and we Will in a Helmet them together shake . And who by Lot our Champion shall be S●all please us all , but please himself much more When back again he cometh from the fight . Then brought they in their Lots ; which ore and ore He shook in Agamemnon's Helmet bright . Mean while the people lift their hands , and pray , O Jove , let now the Lot to Ajax fall , Or that on Diomedes light it may , Or on Atrides our great General . The Helmet shaken threw out Ajax Lot , Which th'Herald took and carried about To th' Argive Princes , but they own'd it not , Till to the hand of Ajax it was brought , Who sign'd it had , and into th'Helmet thrown . He took it , and a while consider'd it ; And when he was assured 't was his own , Rose up , and lets it fall before his feet . And to the Princes said , This Lot is mine , And glad I am , and hope for Victory . But send your Pray'rs up to the Pow'rs divine , While I put on my Arms ; and silently , So that ( at least ) the Trojans may not hear . Or ( now I think on 't ) plain and openly . For I see nothing that I need to fear . I am not forc'd to fight unwillingly , Nor rashly undertook the enterprize . For I was born and bred in Salamis , And hope I am not so weak or unwise . Assoon as mighty Ajax had said this , The people looking up to Heav'n pray'd . O Jove , said one , grant Ajax Victory , Or if you be inclin'd Hector to aid , Then let their strength and glory equal be . When Ajax had his Arms put on compleat , He walkt away with a Majestique pace , As Mars goes to the War. His strides were great , And scornful smiles with terror in his face . And as he went he shook his mighty Spear , Which joyfully the Argives did behold ; But by the Trojans lookt on was with fear ; And Hector at the heart himself was cold . But was ashamed back again to fly , Since he provok'd him had into the field . And Ajax now was come unto him nigh , As from a Tower looking ore his Shield . By Tychius of Hyla made it was , And cover'd with sev'n fat Bulls hides well tan'd , And over them an eight of shining Brass , And at his Breast he held it with his hand , And threatning said , Hector I 'll make you see , That in the Army many yet remain , Though from us angry gone Achilles be , And discontent from Battle now abstain , That fear not Hector . Do the worst you can . Ajax ( said Hector ) I am not a Child Nor Woman to be threatned , but a Man That understands the bus'ness of the Field , And can my Buckler bear from ●est to Right , And have whereon in Battle to rely , And how to guide my Horses in a fight , And move my feet to Mars his Melody . But no such cunning will I use with you . My Spear I 'll send unto you openly . And at that word the long Spear from him flew , And pierc'd his Target to the seventh ply . But there it staid . Then Ajax threw his Spear , Which Hector's Shield , Armour & Coat went through . But Hector shrunk his Belly in for fear . For else it pierced had his Belly too . Then from their Shields the Spears they plucked out , And them no more at one another threw , But came unto each other close and ●ought . And like two Lions on each other flew . And Hector made a thrust at Ajax Shield Which entred not , resisted by the brass : But Hector's Shield to Ajax Spear did yield , Which pierc'd it through ; and so far in did pass , That grazing on his Neck it fetch'd the blood . But Hector not dismaid took up a Stone . Ajax took 't on his Shield and firmly stood , And with his hand took up a greater one And rougher , which did Hector's Buckler tear , And with the weight unto the ground him threw , But up again Apollo did him rear . Then both of them ( the Combat to renew ) Their Swords were drawing . But the Heralds then Idaeus and Talthibius came in , The sacred Messengers of Gods and men , And put themselves the Combatants between . Troy's Herald then Idaeus to them spake . Good Sons , belov'd of Jove , give over fight . For all men of your Valour notice take . And now 't is late ; we must submit to Night . Idaeus ( then said Ajax ) let these words From Hector come , from whom came the Defie . 'T was he that Challeng'd all the Argive Lords . Let him give over first , and then will I. Then Hector spake . Ajax since you , said he , The Gods indued have with Strength and Wit , Let for to day the quarrel ended be . Hereafter let the Gods determine it , And give which side they please the Victory . For now 't is late . To Night we must submit . That you the Greeks may cheer , and specially Your own friends , and companions at your Fleet : And I the Trojans from their fear relieve , And Wives , that for my safe return do pray . But come , let 's t'one another Tokens give , That Greeks and Trojans seeing them may say , These two men fought and sought each others death , Yet parted friends . This said , he to him gave His Belt with his good Sword and Iv'ry Sheath ; Ajax to him his shining Girdle brave . Thus parted , Ajax to the Argives went ; And Hector back into the Troops of Troy ; Who mightily rejoyc'd at the event That past all hope they saw him come away . The Lords conducted him to Ilium , The Greeks to Agamemnon Ajax led . And when they all unto his Tent were come , He for them sacrific'd a Bull well fed . Which flay'd , divided , roasted , taken up The Carvers into Messes cut . This done King Agamemnon and the Princes sup . The Chine at Ajax Table was set on . And when their thirst and hunger was subdu'd , Nestor whose counsel still had been the best , What further was to be consider'd shew'd , And to the Princes all his Speech addrest . Atrides , and you other Princes know How Mars with Argives strowed hath the Plain , And sent their Souls down to the Powr's below , Whose bloody Bodies in the Field remain . To morrow therefore let us cease from War , And early in the Morning fetch the dead , And burn them somewhere from the Ships not far , That t' Argos back they may be carried , When we depart from hence ; that their Bones may By their own Friends and Children buried be . Let 's raise a Mount upon the Shore of Troy , One for them all , for Passengers to see , And fortifie our good Ships with a Wall , And Turrets in it , and a Ditch without , Lest unawares the Trojans on us fall , And Gates for Charrets to go in and out . Mean while the Trojan Lords at Counsel were Loud and discordant . Then Antenor said , Trojans and Aids I pray to me give ear , For of the worst I greatly am affraid . Let Menelaus have his Wife again , And all the goods she brought with her . Take heed ; Against our Oath we shall but fight in vain . Then let her go , or never look to speed . Antenor ( then said Paris ) this is not The best advice you could have given , or ( If what you say dissent not from your thought ) You are not now so wise as heretofore Thus much to you . But to the Trojans this . Her wealth I le render , with more of mine own . But my Wife Helen I will not dismiss . And when he that had said again sat down . Then Priam rose : Trojans and Aids , said he , Now take your Supper as you us'd to do , And Sentinels set such as careful be ; To morrow I will send Idaeus to The Greeks with Paris answer , and to try If they from Battle for so long will cease , That we may burn our slain men quietly , And fight again hereafter when they please . This said , the Trojans to their Suppers went. Next Morn Idaeus found the Argive Lords Together met at Agamemnon's Tent , And coming in ; unto them said these words . Atrides , and you Argives all , I come With Terms from Paris , and by Priam sent , On which you may depart from Ilium , And end the War , if thereto you consent . The wealth which he with Helen brought ashore ( I would before he brought it he had dy'd ) To Menelaus he will give and more . But his wife Helen shall with him abide . Besides , the People have commanded me To ask you if you will the War suspend , Until our dead fetcht off and burned be , And after fight till Jove the War shall end . So said Idaeus . The Greeks silent were A while . At last Tydides rose and spake . Let not the Greeks so much the Trojans fear As Helens goods , or her herself to take At Alexander's hands . The hour is come ( As any Child may manifestly see ) That must orethrow the State of Ilium . So said Tydides , and much prays'd was he . Then Agamemnon answer'd to Idaeus , You hear what th' Argives say . I say the same . As for the dead men burn them if you please ; They 're good for nothing , I contented am . And of this Truce let Jove a witness be . This said , to Jove his Scepter up he heav'd . Idaeus back to Troy went speedily The Answer to relate he had receiv'd . Mean while the States of Troy in Councel sat , And there their Heralds coming back expected . Idaeus then went in , and told them that The offer made by Paris was rejected . But that a Truce was granted for a day . Next Morn the Trojans early as they cou'd Went some to th' field to fetch their dead away , And others to the Hill to fetch down wood . So did the Argives some to Ida go For wood , and others to the bloody field . But could not then distinguish friend from foe . But by and by the Sun began to guild Scamander Plain ; then washt they off the gore And dust , and laid their dead men upon Carts . But Priam had forbidden them to roar , Or cry outright , though grieved at their hearts . When they had burnt them , back they went again . The Greeks too , when they had consum'd with fire And done their lamentation for the slain , Unto their Ships did back again retire . But this th' Achaeans did at break of day , And rais'd one mighty Monument for all . And the incursion of the Foe to stay , Their Navy they inclosed with a Wall. With Turrets high and a great Ditch without , ( Upon the sides whereof sharp Pales they fix ) And Gates for Charrets to go in and out . And all the day thus toyling were the Greeks . Mean while the Gods together sat above , And wondring lookt upon this work of men ; And Neptune then addrest his Speech to Jove . What mortals will the Gods consult agen ? See you not what a Wall the Greeks have rear'd , And what a ditch about it made , said he , The same whereof 'mongst people will be heard As far as the Sun-beams extended be ? Yet to the Gods they Hecatomb gave none . Whereas the Walls that I and Phoebus rais'd About the City for Laomedon Obscur'd by this no longer will be prais'd . Then answer'd Jove . Neptune , I never thought That such a word would e're have come from you That have the pow'r to bring their work to nought . A lesser God might have complain'd , 't is true ; But of your pow'r Aurora sees no bound . Stay only till the Greeks be gone away ; Then break their Wall , and throw it to the ground , And hide the place with Sand. Thus talked they . The Sun now set , and finisht was the Wall. The Greeks went back then each man to his Tent , And many good fat Beeves they made to fall ; And Wine they had great store from Lemnos sent . For Ships abundance laden were come in , Which by Euneus ( th'Hero Jason's Son Got on Hypsiphile ) thither sent had been , For which the Army barter'd . Hides gave one , Another th'Ox it self , another Brass , One Iron , and another gave a Slave , Beside what by Eunëus given was To th' two Atrides of free gift to have . When Supper ready was they all sat down , And all night long the Feast continued , Greeks in their Tents , and Trojans in the Town . And all night long aloud Jove thundered , Meaning no good to th' Greeks . Then pour'd they on The ground the offer'd wine , Jove to content . And no man durst to drink till that was done . And when they had well drunk to sleep they went. ILIAD . LIB . VIII . THe Morning now was quite display'd , and Jove Upon Olympus highest top was set : And all the Gods and Goddesses above By his command were there together met . And Jupiter unto them speaking said , You Gods all and you Goddesses d'ye hear , Let none of you the Greeks or Trojans aid ; I cannot do my work for you . Forbear . For whomsoever I assisting see The Argives or the Trojans , be it known He wounded shall return and laught at be , Or headlong into Tartarus be thrown , Into the deepest pit of Tartarus , Shut in with Gates of Brass , as much below The common Hell , as 't is from Hell to us . But if you will my pow'r by trial know , Put now into my hand a Chain of Gold , And let one end thereof lye on the plain , And all you Gods and Goddesses take hold ; You shall not move me howsoere you strain . At th' other end , if I my strength put to 't , I 'll pull you Gods and Goddesses to me Do what you can , and Earth and Sea to boot , And let you hang there till my pow'r you see . The Gods were out of countenance at this , And to such mighty words durst not reply , Till Pallas said , Well known , O Father , is Your mighty Pow'r . But do not us deny , When we so many Argives falling see , To show we have compassion , and grieve . And though in fight we no Assistants be , Yet let us somtimes counsel to them give , Lest in your anger they be all destroy'd . Dear Child ( said Jove ) it goes against my mind . I would not have my Orders disobey'd . 'T is granted though . For I 'll to you be kind . This said , he set his Horses to his Charre , Hard hoof'd , swift-footed Horses two . Like Gold Their Mains profound well-combed shined farre . Then arm'd himself , and on the whip laid hold . No sooner had the Horses felt the Whip , But up they start , and 'twixt the Earth and Sky The winds themselves with swiftness they outstrip , And came unto the top of Ida high To Gargarus , and there Jove took them out , And hiding them with air on th'Hill sate down , And as he sat he cast his eyes about With great content upon the Fleet and Town . The Argives at their Tents short Break-fast make , And arm'd themselves assoon as they had done The Trojans , for their Wives and Childrens sake , ( Though fewer ) arm'd and made haste to be gone . Then open'd were the Gates , and to the Field Out came they Horse and Man ; and being met , They Man to Man came up with Shield to Shield , And Spear to Spear ; and on each other set . Some groan'd , some vaunted , mighty was the din Of those that kill , and those that falling cry . And this condition they continued in Until the Sun had mounted half the Sky . Then Jove took up a pair of Scales of Gold , And weigh'd the fates of both the Nations , And equally suspended them did hold ; But not so equal were their inclinations . For th' Argive Scale sat still upon the ground , While th' other lifted was up to the skies . Heaven and Earth did then with Thunder sound , And Jove threw Lightning in the Argives eyes . Then all the Greeks amazed ran away . Idomeneus and Agamemnon ran ; Nor either of the Ajaxes durst stay : Except old Nestor they fled ev'ry man. And Nestor too had fled , had he known how : For of his Horses Paris one had shot , And pierc'd his Forehead just above the Brow Into the Brain , so that his Chariot Now useless was , and the Horse troublesome . Then cuts he th'Harness ; but so long did stay , That Hector now was almost to him come , And th' Old man surely had been cast away , But that Tydides saw him in this pain , And terribly t' Ulysses cryed out , Whither d' ye fly Ulysses ? Come again , Help to defend old Nestor ; face about . While he said this , Ulysses still ran on , Not minding what he said . And Diomed , To succour Nestor , to him went alone , And with him stood before his Chariots head , And said , O Nestor , youthful is the Foe That cometh on , and you now very old , Your Charioteer not strong , your Horses slow , Come up into my Charret , and behold My Trojan Horses how well they can run When there is cause t' approach or shun the fight . From Venus Son Aeneas I them won , A man of much experience in flight : Send back your Horses , and with mine we 'll go And fight the Trojans . 'T will not be amiss To let the mighty Champion Hector know , A Spear as mad is in my hand as his . This said , both Sthen'lus and Eurymedon With Nestor's Horses went to Nestor's Tent : Nestor and Diomed , both mounted on Tydides Charret , up to Hector went. And when they were to one another near , At Hector Diomedes threw in haste , And miss'd of him , and kill'd his Charioteer ; Clean through his Breast the Spear well driven past . Down dead he fell , but Hector lets him lye , And turns aside to seek a Charioteer The place of Heniopeus to supply . And Archeptolemus then being near , ( Call'd up by Hector ) on the Reins laid hold . Then mighty work and slaughter there had been , And Trojans shut like Lambs within a Fold In Troy , but that it was by Jove foreseen . For in a Clap of Thunder Jove down threw His Bolt at Diomedes Horses feet . And th' Earth with Sulphur flaming looked blew . Nestor himself astonish'd was to see 't ; Le ts go the Reins , and down the Horses fell . And Nestor then to Diomedes said , 'T is Jove ( you see ) that doth our force repel , And Hector ( for this day ) intends to aid . Another day to us he will be kind , If he see cause ; for no man can him tie , Nor able is to make him change his mind . And therefore now our best course is to flie . 'T is true , O Nestor ( said Tydides then ) But what a pain then at my heart will lie , When Hector speaking to the Trojan men , Shall brag he made Tydides from him flie ? Then should I wish the Earth would swallow me . Though Hector saies so ( Nestor then reply'd ) Believed by the Trojans 't will not be , So many of them by your hand have dy'd . And at this word his Steeds he turn'd about . A show'r of Spears then from the Trojans flies , Who them pursued with a mighty shout . Then Hector loud unto Tydides cries , Ho! Diomed , by th' Argives honoured Above the most , serv'd with a greater Mess , And higher Seat , and Wine unlimited , You will hereafter be esteemed less . Unmanly Diomed. Fly , Baggage , fly . You ne'er shall come within the Wall● of Troy To fraight your Ship with Women here ; for I Intend to send you first another way . This said , Tydides was a while in doubt Whether to turn or no and Hector meet , And thrice to turn his Horses was about , And Jove thrice thund'ring turn'd them tow'rd the Fleet , Shewing that he the honour of that day Had granted to the Trojans . Hector then Pursu'd them close , and roaring all the way , Trojans , said he , and Aids now play the men . For sure I am that Jove is on our side , And give us will the Victory this day . And fools they are that in their Wall confide ; For through their Trench our Horse shall find a way . When we are at the Ships let one or other Have fire to burn them ready , and then fall Upon the Men confounded in the smother . This said , he did upon his Horses call . Xanthus , Podargus , Aethon , Lampus , see You pay now what you owe me for your meat Laid in your Mangers by Andromache , Who alwaies served you with pleasant wheat , And steep'd sometimes ( when she thought fit ) in Wine ; And very oft ( though I her Husband be ) Your dinner was made ready before mine Now , now pursue the Argives lustily , That Nestor's Shield of Gold I may obtain , Nor of Tydides Armour must we fail By Vulcan wrought . If we but these can gain , The Argives will this very night hoise Sail. At Hectors speech Juno upon her Throne Unquiet sitting made Olympus shake . For mov'd she was with his presumption , And looking upon Neptune to him spake . Neptune , said she , are you not stir'd at this ? You know at Aegae , and at Helice Their liberality abundant is . And sure I am you wish them victory . What! Cannot we who with the Argives side , If we our pow'rs together join in one , Drive back the Trojans and abate their pride , And leave Jove here to sit and chafe alone ? Juno ( said Neptune griev'd ) these words are bold . I 'll not rebel . For we shall have the worst ; And so we have by Jupiter been told . Thus Neptune and the Wife of Jove discourst . And now between the Walls and Ships , the place With Horses and with armed Men was fill'd , And crammed were within a narrow space By Hector that was Master of the Field . And had not Agamemnon been inspir'd By Juno to put courage in his men , The Argive Ships had certainly been fir'd , And never had the Greeks gone back again . Then 'mongst the Ships he went , and stayed at Ulysses Ship , which was the middlemost Of all the Navy , and the tallest ; that He might be heard to both ends of the Host , Both to Achilles and to Ajax Tent , Clad in th' Imperial Robe that all might see 't . For these two being the most confident , Had plac'd themselves at th' utmost of the Fleet. And with a mighty voice to th' Argives cry'd , Disgrace of Greece , meer outsides , where are now Your Brags , that any of you durst abide An hundred Trojans , and yet dare not show A Face to Hector who our Ships would fire ? But this was said at Lemnos in your Wine , Which rais'd your language than your nature higher ; But cooled now the Battle you decline . Was ever King afflicted as I am , O Jove , or lost a Victory so near ? And yet at all your Altars as I came , My Sacrifices duly payed were , In hope that I the Town of Troy should sack . But grant at least , O Jove , that we may come Our selves into Achaea safely back , And not be here destroy'd at Ilium . This said , Jove grants them safely to depart . And from him presently his Eagle came ▪ And brought the tender issue of a Hart , And near unto his Altar dropt the same . The Argives when they saw the Bird of Jove , Were to the Fight again encouraged , And who should first repass the Trenches strove . And he that first came forth was Diomed. And much before that any of the rest Had any slain , he killed Agelaus , Whom with his Spear he pierc'd from Back to Breast , When from him he his Charret turning was . Then Agamemnon came , and Menelaus , And then the greater Ajax , then the Less . The sixth the King Idomeneus was , And with him came his Squire Meriones . And next Eurypylus Euaemon's Son. The ninth was Teucer with his Bow unbent . Hid with the Shield of Ajax Telamon His mighty Brother to the Field he went , Which Ajax li●ting , Teucer chose his man , And having at him aim'd , and shot , and kill'd , As Children to their Mothers , back he ran , And hid himself behind his Brothers Shield . How many were the men he killed thus ? Orsilochus , Ophlestus , Lycophon , And Melanippus , Daetor , Ormenus , And Chromius , and last Amopaon . All those lay dead together on the Sands . When Agamemnon saw what work was done By Teucer's Arrows on the Trojans Bands , He to him came , and said , O valiant Son Of Telamon , so so your Shafts bestow , Unto the Argives all an honour be , And to your Father Telamon ; For though Unto your Mother marry'd not was he , Yet has he still maintain'd you as his own . And if it please Jove and the Pow'rs divine To make me once the Master of this Town , Your share shall be the next set out to mine , And to your honour shall receive from me A Tripod , and two Horses with the Charre , Or if you will , your bed shall honour'd be With some fair Woman taken in the war. Teucer to this then answer made and said , Of this encouragement no need have I. Since we came forth I have no time delaid , But done as much as in my pow'r did lie . Eight Shafts already have gone from my Bow , And in as many Trojans fix'd have been . Of this mad dog I miss I know not how . Then took he out another Arrow keen , And aim'd at Hector , but he hit him not , But wounded on the Breast Gorgythion Who on fair Castianira was begot , And of King Priam's valiant Sons was one . Who falling on his knees hung down his head ▪ Just as a Poppy charg'd with fruit and rain , So had his Cask his Head ore burthened . And Teucer then at Hector shot again . And miss'd again . Apollo put it by . But Archeptolemus his Charioteer He missed not . Hector scap'd narrowly , And Archeptolemus expired there Shot through the Breast . Hector was sorry , but Lest him ▪ Cebriones chanc'd to be nigh , And in his hands Hector the Reins did put , And from his Charret leapt down suddenly ▪ And took a heavy Stone into his hand . Teucer the while again his Bow had bent , But drawing did so long , and aiming stand , The Stone from Hector th'Arrow did prevent . And near the Shoulder on the Breast him struck . And broken was the Bow-string with the blow , And his benummed Arm all sense forsook , And sinking on his Knees he dropt the Bow. Then Ajax stept before him with his Shield . Mecistheus and Alastor him convey'd Unto the Argive Ships from off the Field , Grievously bruised , groaning and dismaid . The courage of the Trojans now renew'd , They chas'd the Argives back unto their Wall , And till the Trenches they had past , pursu'd , And Hector at their heels the near'st of all . As when a Hound pursueth a wild Bore , Or Lion , and presuming on his Feet Pinches his Hanch or Side , and then gives ore , Not daring if he turn the Beast to meet ; So Hector chasing them still slew the last . And many of them had the Trojans slain Ere they the Trenches and the Pale had past . But being in they there themselves contain . And comfort one another all they can , And to the Gods and Goddesses they pray , Lifting their hands to Heaven every man , And Hector then turn'd off and went his way . Which Juno seeing , unto Pallas said , Daughter of Jupiter do you not see What Greeks one mad man Hector has destroy'd ? Shall we sit still in this extremity ? To Juno then Athena thus reply'd , Had not my Fathers wits been at a loss , This furious Hector by the Greeks had dy'd . But he my counsel alwaies loves to cross . He has forgot how oft his Son I sav'd Oppressed by Euristheus tyranny . For alwaies when his Fathers help he crav'd , Down to the Earth from Heaven sent was I. But had I known as much as I do now , When for the Dog he went to Pluto's gate , He had for me till this time staid below , And by the odious Styx for ever sate . But now he hates me . And by Thetis led , He must Achilles honour . But my hope is , The time will come I shall be favoured By him again , and call'd his dear Glaucopis . But make you ready now your Chariot , While I put on my Arms ; that we may see If Hector will thereof be glad or not , Or if some Trojans rather shall not be Left dead for Dogs and Vulturs to devour . Then Juno to her Charre the Horses brought . To Jove's house Pallas went , and on the floor Threw down her long Robe , and put on Jove's Coat . And then her Breast with Armour covered , And on her Shoulder hung her fearful Shield . Then took her heavy Spear with Brazen head , Wherewith she breaketh Squadrons in the Field . Then open of it self flew Heaven-gate , ( Though to the Seasons Jove the power gave Alone to judge of early and of late ) And out the Goddesses the Horses drave . Then Jove to Iris said , Go , to them speak . Tell them an ill match they will have of me . I 'll lame their Horses and their Charret break , Unto the ground they both shall tumbled be ; And with my Thunder wounded shall be so , That ten years after they shall not be well . For I would have Glaucopis well to know What 't is against her Father to rebel . But Juno is so us'd to cross my will , That towards her my anger is the less . Then Iris went her way from Ida hill , And near Olympus met the Goddesses , And as she bidden was did to them speak , What fury 's this ? Whither d' ye go , said she . Jove will your Horses lame , your Charret break , And to the ground you both will tumbled be , And with his Thunder wounded will be so , That ten years after you will not be well . For you Glaucopis he will make to know What 't is against your Father to rebel . But Juno is so us'd to cross his will That he affronts from her can better bear ; But Pallas , at your hands he takes it ill That you should dare against him lift a Spear . Iris , her errant done , no longer stay'd , And to Minerva thus said Juno then , Jove shall no more for me be disobey'd , By taking part in War with mortal men . But let One live , and let another die , As by the chance of War it shall fall out , And let him do what he thinks Equity . This said , her Chariot she turn'd about . The Horses by the Seasons freed and fed , The Charret was set up against the Wall. The Goddesses themselves then entered , And took their places in the Councel-Hall With th' other Gods. And Jove himself from Ide T' Olympus came , and lighted from his Charre , And Neptune from the same his Steeds unty'd , And set them up , and of them had a care . The Charret he set to the Altar near Cover'd with Linnen fine . Then to his Throne , His Throne of Gold mounted the Thunderer , And made Olympus shake as he sat down . But Juno and Athena silent sat Together by themselves from Jove apart And discontent . But Jove knew well for what ; And answer made to what was in her heart . Juno , said he , and Pallas , why so sad ? Your fight against the Trojans was not long . And more you had been vexed if it had ; So much for th' other Gods I am too strong . The danger scarce begun was when you fled . But had you dar'd the Battle to maintain , You had been by my hand so thundered , You never had t' Olympus come again . Juno at this and Pallas grumbling sate , And Pallas from replying did abstain , Although no less the Trojans she did hate . But Juno was not able to contain . O cruel Jove , said she , what words are these ? Must we unto our friends be so ingrate , Because we know you can do what you please , As not the Argives to commiserate ? We are content since you will have it so , No longer in the War to give them aid : But let us give them counsel what to do , Lest in your anger they be all destroy'd . Juno ( said Jove ) to morrow you shall know If you 'll be pleas'd the Battle to behold , How many martial Greeks I 'll overthrow . For Hector shall not be by me controul'd Until Achilles be fetch'd back again , And at the Argive Ships the Battle be About the Body of Patroclus slain . For so it is ordain'd by Destiny . And for your anger Juno I not care , Though to the end of Earth and Sea you go , ( Where pent Iapetus and Saturn are In horrid darkness ) and complain ; yet so I will not for your anger care a jot . For you are grown extremely insolent . Thus Jupiter ; and Juno answer'd not . Then down the Sun into the Ocean went , Drawing upon the Fields a cloudy Night , Which gave the Trojan Army no content , But to the Greeks more welcome was than Light. The Army Hector call'd to Parliament , And led them to a clean place free from blood , And there they all on foot about him throng . Hector unto them giving Orders stood With Spear in hand eleven Cubits long . Hear me you Trojans and you Aids , said he , I thought we should have now the Greeks destroy'd , And lodged in the Town with Victory . But this my hope is by the Night made void , Nor can we help it . Let us now provide ( For Supper ) Beeves and Sheep , & Wine and Bread From Troy ; and let the Horses be unty'd , And care be taken that they be well fed . Then fetch in wood , and fires abundance make , That with the flame lightned may be the Sky , Lest th' Argives in the dark advantage take , To go aboard and safe to Argos fly . Let them imbark at least in haste , and bear Along with them their wounds uncured home , That others who shall see 't may stand in fear , And say , This 't is to fight 'gainst Ilium . And let great Boys and old Men all night wake Upon the Walls and Tow'rs , and Guards be set , And every Wife at home a great fire make , Lest into Troy the Foe by Treason get . This ( valiant Trojans ) let be done to night . To morrow I shall further order give . I doubt not but to put these Dogs to flight By th' help of Jove , and Ilium relieve . But while 't is Night have on your Guards a care , To morrow early arm your selves for fight . For to the Argive Ships I 'll bring the War , And trial make of Diomedes might , If from the Ships he drive me shall away , Or with my Spear I him shall overthrow And send his bloody Armour into Troy. To morrow he his strength will better know . I would I were as certain not to die , And of old age live still free from the sorrow , As Phoebus and Athena do , as I Am sure we shall defeat these Greeks to morrow . Thus ended he . The Trojans full of joy Their sweating Horses soon took out and fed , And some were sent into the Town of Troy , To bring in Beeves and Sheep , and Wine and Bread , While others fetcht in Wood. Then to the Sky Arose the pleasant vapour of the Rost. The Trojans confident of Victory Sat chearful at their Arms throughout the Host. As many Stars as in a Heav'n serene Together with the Moon appear i' th' Night , When all the tops of Hills and Woods are seen , And joyful are the Shepherds at the sight : So many seem'd the Fires upon the Plain . A thousand Fires , and at each fifty men , That by their Horses there all night remain Expecting till Aurora rose agen . ILIAD . LIB . IX . THus Watch the Trojans kept . But at the Fleet Distracted was with fear the Argive Host , And their Commanders ; as when two Winds meet , The Sea between them into heaps is tost . And Agamemnon grieved at the heart , Bad th'Heralds forthwith to th' Assembly call The prime Commanders ev'ry one apart , And not make proclamation once for all ; And some of them himself he summoned . When met were all the Leaders of the Greeks , They sat them down with hearts discouraged , And tears ran down on Agamemnon's Cheeks . As Springs of Water issue from a Rock , So fell the tears from Agamemnon's eyes . And to th' Assembly thus he weeping spoke . My friends what help can any man devise ? Jove told me I should conquer Ilium , And unto Argos safe return agen , And now deceiv'd me has , and sends me home With shame when I have lost so many men . And thus he loves to do to shew his might . Therefore my Counsel Argives all obey : Let 's hoise our Sails and save our selves by flight ; For we shall never take the Town of Troy. This said , the Princes long time silent sit . At last Tydides rising thus reply'd , King Agamemnon so far as 't is fit In such a publick place I must you chide . Take it not ill , because not long ago You me with want of courage did upbraid Before the Greeks , as old and young well know . Jove giv'n you has the Right to be obey'd , And grac'd you with the title of our King , But has deny'd you a couragious Spirit , Which now is the most necessary thing . You think too meanly of your peoples merit ; As for your self , if you will needs away , Go. That 's your way . Your Ships there ready lye That from Mycene brought you unto Troy , But leave the rest their fortune here to try . If none else stay , yet Sthenelus and I Will not give over fighting till we know To what side Jove will give the Victory . The Gods ( I 'm sure ) will favour to us show . This Speech the Lords commended very much . Then Nestor rose and to Tydides said , There is not of your age another such , For Counsel wise , in Battle not affraid . None will deny but what you say is right ; But you have not said all you could have done ; And no great wonder , since for age you might ( So young you are ) have been my youngest Son. Yet the advice you given have is best ; I that am elder what wants will supply , Adding thereto what you have not exprest , To take from Agamemnon all reply . For none but such as have no Law , nor Kin , Nor House , in civil discord can delight . But let us first our chiefest work begin , And make the Youngmen keep good watch all Night . And let them all from you ( Atrides ) take Their Orders . For you are our General . And for the Princes a good Supper make , And all the eldest Captains to it call . It best becomes you that can do it best . For in your Tents of Wine you have good store , And eas●ier provided than the rest , So many Ships you have to bring in more . Hear their advice , and do what you think fit . Good Counsel now we need the most of all , Since our insulting Foes so near us sit . By this nights Counsel we must stand or fall . Thus Nestor said , and 't was agreed upon . The Captains of the Watch then streight went forth ; First Thrasymedes that was Nestor's Son ; And after him six Captains more of worth , Ascalaphus , and then Ialmenus , Then Aphyres , and then M●riones , And Lycomedes , and Deipyrus : The seven Captains of the Watch were these . And with each one an hundred Spearmen went Betwixt the Pale and Wall , and supped there . And the old Leaders t' Agamemnon's Tent , And by him nobly entertained were . But when they had an end made of the Feast , Nestor his Counsel further open laid , Which formerly had alwaies been the best ; And looking t' Agamemnon thus he said ▪ King Agamemnon I 'll with you begin , And with you end , since you the Scepter bear , And in your care it lies to lose or win . You chiefly should good Counsel give and hear . Hear then what now is my opinion , Than which a better I think you 'll not find , Nor is it now the first time thought upon . But heretofore I was of the same mind , When from Achilles you Briseis took , And I advised you to let her stay , Though my good Counsel then you could not brook , But to your own great heart too much gave way , Dishonouring the man of greatest might In all the Army , and most honoured By all the Gods , and contrary to Right Taking the Prize which he had purchased . So that the bus'ness we have now to do Is how to reconcile him if we can , What Gifts to give him , who shall with them go , And with sweet language pacifie the man. This said , Atrides penitent reply'd , O Nestor , all you charge me with is true , And for Achilles sake ( 't is not deny'd ) Jove does th' Achaean Army now subdue . He whom Jove loves worth a whole Army is . But since I made Achilles discontent , I 'll make amends for what I did amiss , And send a noble Present to his Tent. I 'll name the Gifts I 'll give him one by one . Seven fire-new Trevets . Talents ten of Gold. Twenty black Cauldrons . Twelve Steeds that have won Each one their Prizes , and yet are not old . A man that hath so many and so fleet I think not poor , but Gold may quickly win , When I consider with their nimble feet How many Prizes they have brought me in . And Women seven , the best of women kind For Beauty and for works of Houswifery . And unto these Briseis shall be joyn'd , And I 'll be sworn she goes untoucht from me . And all this shall be sent him presently . Hereafter , if we win the Town of Troy , Let him before the prey divided be , Come in and carry to his Ship away As much as it can bear of Gold and Brass . And twenty Trojan women which he please , Helen except . But if it come to pass That safe to Argos we repass the Seas , My Son in Law he shall be if he will , And as my Son Orestes honour'd be ; Within my house three Daughters I have still , Iphianassa and Laodice , And fair Chrysothemis , take which he list And to his Fathers house convey . For I On setling of estate will not insist , But of my own do that sufficiently . Seven Cities he shall have : Pherae divine , Enope , Ire , and Cardamyle , And Pedasus that fertile is of Wine , Anth●ia , Aepia , all on the Sea Of sandy Pyle ; and rich in Sheep and Kine The people are , and will his Laws obey , And Tribute pay as to a Pow'r divine . All this I 'll give his anger to allay . And this content him may if any thing . Inexorable none but Pluto is , But hated for 't . I am the greater King , And elder man ; he should consider this . Thus Agamemnon . And then Nestor said , The Gifts , O King , no man can reprehend . The next thing to be thought upon and weigh'd , Is whom we shall unto Achilles send . I think that Phoenix ought to lead the way , Then Ajax and Ulysses , and with these The publick Heralds two , Eurybates And Odius , and here no longer stay Than to bring water for our hands , that we May first send up our Prayers unto Jove , That our Embassage may successful be . This said by Nestor all the rest approve . When water was brought in they wash'd and pray'd ; The Youngmen fill'd the Temperers with Wine ; And round about the full Cups were convey'd , And offer'd up unto the Powers divine . When they had offer'd , and drunk what they would , And parting were from Agamemnon's Tent , Old Nestor to instruct them how they should Achilles best persuade , out with them went. And one by one advis'd them what to say , Especially Ulysses . Then they went Saying their Pray'rs to Neptune all the way Until they came unto Achilles Tent. Who sitting , in his hand had a Guitarre To pass the time , and sung unto the same The noble Acts that had been done in Warre By th' ancient Heroes men of greatest fame . Patroclus sat before him looking when He should have done . Ulysses then led in Ajax and Phoenix . And Achilles then Leapt up as one that had surprized been . And them receiving kindly to them said , Welcome my friends , what ere your bus'ness be . To see you I am not a little joy'd , Although th' Achaeans have provoked me . And to his friend Patroclus order gave . A larger Temperer ( said he ) set up , For these the dearest friends are that I have . Pure be the Wine , and give each man a Cup. Patroclus did so . And sets on a Pot Upon the flaming fire , and puts into 't A good Sheeps Chine , another of a Goat , Besides the Chine of a fat Bore to boot . The Blood boyl'd out Automedon it takes And holds it to Achilles to divide , Who of it many equal portions makes . Patroclus makes a fire of wood well dry'd ; And when the flame was spent , the Coals he rakes Till they lay even ; Then the meat he spits And rostes ; and when 't was roasted up it takes , And on clean Dresser-boards the same he sets ; And brought ( in Baskets ) to the Table Bread ; And by Achilles was set on the Meat . Who when he saw the Table furnished Over against Ulysses took his Seat. And bad Patroclus sacrifice , who then The first cut took and threw into the fire , And freely to their meat then ●ell the men . But when of food they had no more desire , Then Ajax Phoenix jog'd , which was the signe When to begin , for which Ulysses staid . Ulysses then fill'd up his Cup with Wine , And speaking to Achilles , thus he said . All health t' Achilles . Noble is your fare , And by Atrides treated well we were . Your Tables plentifully furnisht are . But that 's not it for which we now are here . Our Ships in danger are to be destroy'd ; The Trojans are encamped near our Wall. Unless you condescend to give us aid , By Hector they are like to perish all ▪ Who threatens he will set them all on fire , And is encourag'd to 't by Signs from Jove . To see the morning rise is his desire , And feareth neither Men nor Pow'rs above . And like a Dog enrag'd , and looking grim , Assures the Trojans he our Ships will burn , And either put us for our lives to swim , Or never to Achaea to return . I am affraid the Gods perform it will , And so to perish here will be our fate . Rise then ; if but a little you sit still , All you can do for us will come too late . And then I am assured you will grieve ( When remedy there can be none ) in vain : Therefore , while yet you can , the Greeks relieve ; Your Fathers Counsel call to mind again . My Son , said he , ( when you took leave for Troy ) May Juno and Athena strengthen you . But this one Lesson take from me . I pray Remember still your Anger to subdue . Decline all contestation of the Tongue , And let your Conversation gentle be . So shall you win the hearts of old and young In the Achaean Host. Thus counsell'd he . Though you have this forgot , yet now be friends , And since he sorry is , forget th' offence And take the Gifts he offers for amends , Which we esteem a worthy recompence . I 'll name the Gifts he offers one by one . Seven fire-new Trevets . Talents ten of Gold. Twenty black Cauldrons . Twelve Steeds that have won Their sev'ral Prizes , and yet are not old . A man that has so many and so fleet I think not poor , but Gold will quickly win , When I consider with their nimble feet What Prizes to Atrides they brought in . And seven fair Women best of all the kind For Beauty and for works of Housewifery , And unto these Briseis shall be joyn'd ; And swear he will , she is from blemish free . And all this shall be sent you presently . Hereafter if we take the Town of Troy , You may before the Prey divided be Come in and carry to your Ship away As much as it can bear of Gold and Brass ; And twenty Trojan Women which you please , Helen except . But if it come to pass That safe to Argos we get ore the Seas , His Son-in Law you shall be if you will , And as his Son Orestes honour'd be . Within his house three Daughters he hath still Iphianassa , and Laodice , And fair Chrysothemis , take which you list , And to your Fathers house convey her ; he On setling of estate will not insist , But of his own do that sufficiently . Seven Cities you shall have . Phaerae divine , Enope , Ire , and Cardamyle , And Pedasus that fertile is of Wine , Antheia , Aepia . All on the Sea Of sandy Pyle ; and rich in Sheep and Kine The people are , and will your Laws obey , And Tribute pay as to a Pow'r Divine . All this he 'll give your Anger to allay . And though Atrides and his Gifts you hate , Honour'd you are by th' other Argives all , And should have pity of their sad estate , Who in such numbers before Hector fall . Whom you may have the honour now to kill ; For now he will your Spear no longer shun , But stand you in the open field he will ; For 'mongst the Greeks he thinks there 's like him none . To this Achilles answer'd , and thus said , Ulysses ▪ I perceive I must be plain . For if I be not so , I am affraid I shall be put to speak my mind again . But to prevent more importunity , What once I say I 'll do . Those men I hate Whose Tongues and Hearts I find to disagree , As much as I abominate Hell-gate . I will no more perswaded be to fight By Agamemnon or by any Greek , Since they my labour do so ill requite , And they that fight , and fight not fare alike . For good and bad are equal when they die . Then for my pain and danger in the Wars , What more than any other man have I ? With me as with a Bird i' th' field it fares , That to her unfledg'd young ones bringeth meat . She has it in her mouth and hungry is , Yet she forbears and gives it them to eat . With the Atrides twain my case is this . In blood by day I lead a weary life , And sleepless am the great'st part of the night . And why ? That Menelaus may win his Wife Achilles must against the Trojans fight . I did so ; and from Troy twelve Cities won Upon the Shore i' th' Land eleven more , And all the Prey I sent to Atreus Son , Wherein of precious treasure was great store . A small part he divided 'mongst the Host. Somewhat he gave for honour to the best ; But to himself made sure to keep the most . And firm is whatsoere he gave the rest . From none but me his gift he takes away . I am content , and let him keep her still . And her enjoy . But why then came to Troy Atrides with such strength ? What was his will ? Was it not only for fair Helens sake ? What then must no man love his Wife but they ? Yes , all men of their own Wives much should make , If they have either wit or honesty . And I love mine as well as he loves his , Although she be my Captive . But since she By Agamemnon from me taken is , Ne'er think ( Ulysses ) to prevail with me . He shall not twice deceive me . But provide ( Ulysses ) that your Ships not burned be . I know a Wall , a Ditch pal'd , deep and wide Is made by Agamemnon without me . But all this will not Hector long keep out . But with the Greeks when I went to the fight He never durst to show his face without The Scaean gate , save once . And then by flight He scap'd . And since I am no more his so , To morrow to the Gods I 'll sacrifice , And lanch and lade my Ships , and homewards go . And you shall see me ere the Sun shall rise Upon the Hell●spont if you think fit . And how my lusty Myrmidons can row . And so ( if Neptune please ) the Wind may fit , As in three days we may to Phthia go , Where Treasure plenty I behind me left : And now shall carry thither Gold and Brass , Iron and Women fair , although bereft Of her that giv'n me by Atrides was . Tell him all this , and speak it openly , Lest other Greeks put up the like disgrace . As for my self , though impudent he be , He dares no more to look me in the face . I will no more in Battle or Advice With Agamemnon joyn . Let him be glad He could deceive me once . He shall not twice . There let him rest . The Gods have made him mad . I hate his Gifts . And him I value not . Though he would twenty times as much bring forth As now he has , or to him shall be brought , Or all that 's at Orchomenus is worth , Or Thebae that Aegyptian Town that can Send twenty thousand Charrets to the field , And all provided well with Horse and Man , Yet so I will not t' Agamemnon yield ; No , nor for Gold as much as here is sand , Till he has smarted for this injury , Nor any Wife will I take at his hand Though she should fairer much than Venus be . Nor though she could like Pallas work , or better , I 'll not his Daughter take . Bid h●m bestow her Upon some Prince he thinks more worthy . Let her For Husband have a King of greater power . For if the Gods to Hellas bring me home , Peleus will there provide me of a Wife . Kings Daughters not a few there are ; of whom I shall chuse one , and with her lead my life , And with my Father live contentedly . For all the wealth of stately Ilium , Which they enjoyed in tranquillity When yet the Argives were not hither come , And all Apollo's sacred Treasury Laid up at Pytho is not price enough The Life of any man though poor to buy . Horses , and Kine , and Sheep , and Houshold-stuff May be recover'd , but mans Life can not . My Mother Thetis told me has my end , That if I fight 'gainst Troy 't will be my lot To dye there , but that Fame would me commend . But on the other side assured me , That if 'gainst Ilium I warred not , But back to Phthia went , my Fate would be Long time to live , and after be forgot . And I advise you and the rest to sail Assoon as may be to your native Land ; For you will not at Ilium prevail , Since Jupiter protects it with his hand . And now go tell the Princes what I say , That they may better counsel take to save Their Ships and Men by Sea , because the way Which now they take no good effect will have . Let Phoenix , if he will ( not else ) stay here . This said , th' Ambassadors were mute , and sorry They from him could no better answer bear Than a denial flat and peremptory . At last unto Achilles Phoenix spake ; If you , said he , resolv'd are to be gone And leave the War for Agamemnon's sake , In what estate shall I be here alone ? When you to Agamemnon first were sent , You were a Child and understood not War , Unable to say clearly what you meant , Which the first principles of Honour are . And by your Father I was with you sent To show you how you were to speak and do . So that if you to go be fully bent , You need not doubt but I shall be so too , And should be though I were as young as when I Hellas left , and from my Father fled Amyntor Son of Orminus , who then A Concubine had taken to his bed . My Mother , to the end to make her hate In such a way the old mans company , Was with me oftentimes importunate To court her , and I did thereto agree , And got her love . Which when my Father knew , He fell into a mighty passion , And many bitter curses on me threw , And pray'd the Gods I ne'er might have a Son. His Pray'r by Pluto and by Proserpine Was heard , and I no longer would abide At home ; but cross'd a while was my designe , By Friends and Nephews that my purpose spy'd , Who pray'd me and retain'd me with good chear ; Many good Kine they kill'd and lusty Sheep , And many Swine were dayly sindged there , And much Wine spent , and nightly watch they keep By turns nine Nights together ; and fires twain , One in the Court against my Chamber-door , Another in the Porch they kept in vain . For on the tenth the Court-wall I leapt ore , And undiscerned to King Peleus fled Who us'd me as a Father would his Son , His only Son far off begot and bred ; Enrich'd and gave me the Dominion Of the Dolopians , who are a part Of Peleus Realm . Now no man like you is , Divine Achilles , whom I love at th' heart , And joy that I have brought you up to this , Though painful to me were your Infancie , Who not at Feast nor in the House would eat , If first I did not set you on my Knee , And into little pieces cut your meat . And often on my Breast you puk't your Wine . But since I knew my Line with me would end , To take you for my Heir was my design Who in my feeble age might me defend . Master your heart Achilles . For you know The Gods , though stronger and more fear'd than you , With Incense and with Pray'rs are made to bow , Although from men they not receive their due . For Prayers of high Jove the Daughters are ; Though lame their feet , and squinting be their eyes ; And follow wrath ( though she runs faster far ) And to the hurt it does , give remedies , And cure all those that show them due respect . But when an angry man they cannot move That reconcilement alwaies will reject , They call for Judgment from the●r Father Jove . Therefore , Achilles , give respect unto These Goddesses the Daughters of high Jove , As other mighty men and Princes do . Had not Atrides to redeem your love Offer'd you Presents great , and promis'd more , I never had advis'd you to agree To save their Ships from burning on the Shore . Till that were done you could not blamed be . But since he does so amply make amends , And chosen has good men to intercede , Who are of all the Greeks your greatest friends , Refuse them not the grace for which they plead . Such was the Heroes custom heretofore , When one had done another injury , The damage they had done first to restore , And then with Gifts and Pray'rs buy Amity , But I will tell you how it came to pass At Calydon long since , not yesterday . War 'twixt the Curets and th' Aetolians was , These to defend , the other to destroy . For Oeneus having got his Harvest in , To all the Gods made a great Sacrifice ▪ Only Diana had no part therein , Forgot she was ; he did not her despise . But she in anger sent a great wild Bore , That wasted and made havock of his field , And up by th'roots his goodly Fruit-trees tore . This Bore Meleager Son of O●neus k●ll'd , Assisted by the Youth of many a State That to the Chase with Men and Hounds came in . Between them then Diana rais'd debate About who was to have the Head and Skin . While Meleager with them went to War , The Curets never durst approach the Wall , Although they were the greater number far . But when with Choler swelled was his Gall , ( Which often happens to a man though wise ) He kept his Chamber and abstain'd from fight , Offended with his Mothers injuries , And of all company eschew'd the sight , But Cleopatra Con●ort of his Bed , Child of Marpissa , who ( by stealth ) was Bride Of Idas , who at that time carried For Strength the reputation far and wide . This Idas Child was Meleager's wife . But Idas rashly for his dear wife's sake Against Apollo did engage his life , And him at Bow and Arrows undertake . But Cleopatra then surnamed was Halcyone , that was not so , before Her Father with Apollo sought , because She did her Mother's death so much deplore . With her now grieving Meleager lay , And angry at the Curses of his Mother ; Who to the Gods continually did pray Against his life for killing of her Brother ; And from her eyes the tears ran down her Breast , And often with her hand the ground she smote , Making to Pluto and his Queen request To kill her Son ; which they rejected not . Mean while the uproar heard was at the Gates , And thumping of the Towr's of Calydon . To Meleag●r then came Priests and States Intreating him his Armour to put on , And save the Town , and offer'd for his pain , As much good Land ( to take it where he would , One half for Wine , the other half for grain ) As fifty able Oxen labour could . Then came his Father ratling at his door , His Brothers , and his angry Mother too : But he persisted in his will the more ; His dearest friends could with him nothing do . But when the cry and danger now was nigher , And on the Tow'rs the Curets mounted were , And ready now to set the Town on fire , Then Cleopatra to her Husband dear Shew'd th' Image of a Town won by the Foe How butcher'd are the men , the houses burned , Their Wives and Children drag'd away ; and so Her Husband's heart again to pity turned . Then went he and repell'd the Enemies , Though what they promis'd him they never gave . But that 's not it to which I you advise ; But first the ships , and then the Greeks to save ; But not without these gifts to go to War : For more unto your honour it will be To give them aid when satisfi'd you are , By Agamemnon for the injury . Thus Phoenix said . Achilles then repli'd , Such honour I seek none . Jove honours me , Since by his will I at my ships abide , And will do till I dead or strengthless be . No more molest me for Atrides sake , But stay with me , and equal to me reign , And such as are my friends for your friends take , And do not loose my friendship his to gain . Stay then this night , and take your lodging here ; My answer t' Agamemnon these will carry ; Assoon as morning shall again appear We 'll talk of whether we shall go or tarry . And as he spake those words , he winkt upon Patroclus to give order for his bed , That he himself prepare might to be gone . Amongst them then great Ajax spake and said , Ulysses come , our labour here is lost ; Let 's carry back his answer , such as ' t●s To Agamemnon and the Argive Hoast , Who us expect ; since obstinate he is , And can a thought so savage entertain , Unkind and unregardful of his friends , When others for a Son or Brother slain Can be contented to receive amends , And let the man that slew him live in rest , Assoon as they have paid for their misdeed . But you Achilles harbour in your breast An everlasting anger without need , And hurtful to your friends no less than Foes , For 't is but for one maid he took away ; And for her now he seven on you bestows , And much beside your anger to allay . Regard your house . We your domesticks are , Nearer than any of the Greeks beside , And in your honour more concern'd by far . Thus Ajax said . Achilles then repli'd , O Ajax , noble Son of Telamon , I not deny but all you say is well , But always when that man you mention , My choler rising makes my heart to swell . He made me has to th' Argives despicable , As if I were a Fool or Inmate who Of honour in a Town is incapable , And with the Publick nothing has to do . Go therefore let Atrides know my mind . I will no more against the Trojans fight , Till Hector at my Tents and Ships I find , And th' Argive Fleet be flaming in my sight . But if he come unto my Ships , I think , Keen as he is I shall his fury stay . This said , unto the Gods above they drink , And then they with his answer went away . Patroclus then gave order for a bed With woolly Cov'rings soft and Linnen fine For Phoenix , where he lay ti●l day was spread . But with Achilles slept a Concubine , Fair Diomeda whom he brought away From Lesbos when he had that City sackt , And in another part Patroclus lay . Nor he a beautiful Bed-fellow lackt Fair Iphis whom Achilles gave him when He newly rifled had the Town of Scyros , And now th' Ambassadors were come agen , And to them store of people flock'd , desirous To hear the news , and Wine unto them brought . But Agamemnon first inquir'd and said , Ulysses , will he save the Fleet or not , Or is his choler not to be allay'd ? And he Achilles answer then related . The man , said he , retains his anger still . And now 't is greater rather than abated , And says , to morrow put to Sea he will. And your Alliance and your Gifts rejects , And says he would advise us to go home . Since Jupiter himself the Town protects , He says in vain we stay at Ilium . And bids you order take to save the Fleet. Thus said he , as these know as well as I , Ajax and both the Heralds men discreet , Who all the while he spake were standing by , And Phoenix too . But he lies there all night , That ore the Sea together they may go , If Phoenix will , assoon as it is light ; But forc't is not whether he will or no. When thus Ulysses ended had his story , All silent were a while and much dismai'd With his denial flat and peremptory . At last Tydides to them spake and said , O King Atrides , we have done amiss With Gifts and Prayers thus to seek his aid , That proud before , by this made prouder is . Let him go when he will. Be not afraid , But let 's refresh our selves to night with Bread And Wine . For that gives men both strength & heart , And see your men i' th' morn imbattelled , And at the head of them do you your part . This said , the Princes of the Hoast admir'd The gallant Speech of valiant Diomed : And every one unto his Tent retir'd , With a good will to sleep , and went to bed . ILIAD . LIB . X. ALl night the Princes of the Argives slept , Save Agamemnon , who could take no rest , But with unquiet thoughts was waking kept , And casting for his safety what was best . And frequent as the Lightning flashes are When Jove is making Rain or Hail i' th' Skies , Or somewhere punishing the proud by War ; So frequent then were Agamemnon's sighs . And when the fires he saw upon the Plain Made by the Foe , and th'Acclamation And Shouts he heard , he wondred . But again When he his Ships and People look'd upon , Then by the roots he pluck'd off from his Head Handfuls of Hair , and sigh'd and groaned more ; And thought it best then to be counselled By Nestor how he might himself restore . And rising up his Coat he first puts on , And to his smooth white feet his Shoes he ty'd ; And then above his Coat , he cast upon His Back a great and tawny Lions hide . And Menelaus too that waking lay And trembling in his bed all night , for fear The Greeks that for his sake were come to Troy Should fall into some great disaster there , Rose up and to his Brothers Tent went in . A Spear he had in 's hand , and armed was , Having upon his back a Leopards skin And on his Head a Helmet good of Brass . And said to Agamemnon , Brother , Why So early up ? Have you a mind to send Into the Army of the Foe some Spy ? I fear you will not find so bold a friend As thither dares to go i' th' night alone . Brother ( said Agamemnon ) you and I Must better counsel take than we have done , Since Jove now favoureth the Enemy , And takes in Hector's Sacrifice delight . For so much harm so soon was never done As he to us has done in one days fight ; Yet nor of God nor Goddess is the Son. His this days Acts the Greeks will ne'er forget . But go you to the Princes quickly . Run . Call up Idomeneus the King of Creet , And the great Ajax Son of Telamon . While I call Nestor up and bring him to The place which is appointed for the guard , T' instruct the men with what they have to do , Because his Counsel they will most regard . For by his Son the Watch commanded is , And with him we Meriones have join'd . Then Menelaus farther askt him this ( That he might fully understand his mind ) When they are call'd , what next is to be done ? Must I stay here till you come back again , Or after you about the Army run ? No , no , said he , where you are now , remain . But going call upon each one aloud , And by the name he from his Father takes , And praise them all , let them not think you proud ; Pain is no shame when 't is for our own sakes . This said they part , and Agamemnon went To seek out Nestor ; whom he found abed , And all his Armour by him in his Tent , His Shield , two Spears , and Helmet for his Head , And Belt of many Colours finely wrought , Which alwaies he was wont in War to use When he his people unto Battle brought . No Labour would he on his age excuse . Now raised on his Elbow , Who , said he , Are you that walk abroad when others sleep ? Stay there I say and come no nearer me , Until your name you tell , at distance keep . Seek you some Officer or Camerade ? I Agamemnon am , said he , your friend Whom Jove to bear such miseries hath made As while I live will never have an end ; And in my bed no sleep at all I take For fear of some unfortunate event . Unsetled is my Heart , my Limbs all shake , And in this plight I wandred to your Tent : And now I pray you , since you waking lye Come with me to the Watch ; for since the Foe Unto our Wall encamped is so nigh , They charge us may by night for ought we know . To this old Nestor answer made and said , Think not Atrides Jove will all things do As they are now in Hector's fancy laid ? For harder work he would be put unto If we Achilles can but once appease . But go , I 'll follow you , and call upon Tydides and Ulysses if you please , Ajax the less , and Meges Phyleus Son. I wish some other man of nimbler feet Were to great Ajax sent to make him rise , And to Idomeneus the King of Crete , Whose quarter from this place a great way lyes . But Menelaus I intend to chide , That sleeps and leaves the work to you alone . 'T is no fit time within his Tent t' abide , But to the Princes should himself have gone . To Nestor Agamemnon then reply'd , O Nestor , he is often negligent , And often I have pray'd you him to chide . Yet 't is not sloth ; but my Commandement He always looks for though there be no cause . And yet to night he has prevented me . For up and arm'd before me now he was ; And when he came I sent him presently To call up Ajax and the King of Creet . And at the Watch we both of them shall see , Where I appointed have the rest to meet . Nestor again reply'd . 'T is well , said he , The Greeks will of him have a better thought , And readier obedience he will find . This said , he put himself into his Coat , And ty'd his Shooes on , and his Cloak well lin'd , And took his Spear in hand . Then on they went Amongst the Argive Ships upon the sand . And when they came unto Ulysses Tent , To call and waken him , they made a stand . And Nestor with his voice stretcht to the height Call'd to him by his name . Ulysses streight Came forth and said , Why come you in the night ? Your bus'ness sure must be of mighty we●ght . O Laërtiades , said Nestor then , Take it not ill . Such is our misery . But come with us to call up other men , That we may Counsel take to fight or fly . Ulysses then return'd into his Tent , And on his shoulder hung his painted Shield ; And with them first to Diomed he went Whom they found armed in the open field , His Soldiers sleeping lay about him round , And on his Buckler each one had his head , The Butt-ends of their Spears sixt in the ground , Whereof the points like Lightning glittered . But he himself slept on a good Cow-hide , His Head upon a gaudy Carpet laid . Then Nestor came and standing at his side Awakt him with his foot and to him said , Awake Tydides , hear you not how nigh The Trojans are encamped to the Fleet ? This said , Tydides leapt up suddenly , And when he raised was upon his feet , Nestor ( said he ) unhappy restless man That aged as you are take not your ease , When younger men there are that better can Call up the Argive Princes if they please . 'T is true ( said Nestor ) I have at my Tent Sons of my own , and others can command , Who might upon such Errands have been sent , But that upon the very brink we stand Of Life and Death . And since you pity me , Call little Ajax up , and Phyleus Son. For young you are , and can do 't easilie . Tydides then a Lions skin puts on Tauny and reaching to his heels , and then Into his hand he took a heavy Spear , And out he went and called up those men . When to the Watch they come together were , The Captains of the Watch were not asleep , But all were sitting at their Arms awake . As Dogs that guarding are a Fold of Sheep Hearing the noise the Hounds and Hunters make When in the Woods they chace some savage beast , And nearer still and nearer hear the cries , They doubt the worst , and cannot take their rest , But list'ning stand and sleep forsakes their eyes ; So watchfully spent they the tedious night , And ever when of Feet they heard the tread 'Twixt them and Troy , that way they turn'd their sight ; So much they Hectors coming on did dread . When Nestor coming by , observ'd them had , So , so ( said he ) brave Lads , continue so , And give no cause to Hector to be glad . He and the Princes then together go ( All that to Counsel had been made to rise Except Meriones and Nestor's Son Whom they thought worthy with them to advise ) And part the Ditch , and sitting down upon The place to which they were pursu'd before By Hector , who retiring thence lest clear The ground from dead mens Carkasses and Gore , Of what they next should do consulted there . First Nestor spake . Who dares ( said he ) to go Unto the Trojan Camp that lies so near , And kill , or bring thence some outlying Foe ? Or what they shall resolve upon to hear ? Whether ( since they have worsted us ) to stay So near us or retire into the Town . If this he do and safely come away , He to himself acquire will great Renown , And by each one that has of Ships command , He for his service shall be well requited . Each one an Ewe and Lamb shall give him , and He to our publick Feastings be invited . This said , they paus'd a while , but by and by Tydides rising spake . Nestor , said he , To go into the Trojan Camp dare I. But 't would be best some other went with me , More hope and courage is where there are two ; What one observeth not the other may . A man alone can little see or do , And single Judgments see but little way . At these words many with him would have gone , Ajaxes both the greater and the less And stout Antilochus old Nestor's Son , And Menelaus and Meriones . But most of all Ulysses long'd to see What projects in the Trojan Camp were laid . For none adventure farther durst than he . Then to Tydides Agamemnon said , Tydides , whom I love , now chuse your man ; Regard not Birth nor Scepters , but the cause . Take him that you th●nk best assist you can . And this he said in fear for Menelaus . To this Tydides answer made agen , Since of my fellow I the choice must make , Ulysses I prefer before all men , And him for my assistant I will take ; So much in diligence he doth excel , And so much care Athena of him has , That I believe we both should come off well Though through a flaming fire we were to pass . Then said Ulysses , Speak no more of me Nor good nor ill . The Argives know me well . Let 's go . Two thirds o' th' night are spent you see , As any man that sees the Stars can tell . Then put they on their Arms. And Thrasymed Gave Diomed a Sword ( who had forgot To bring his own ) and to defend his Head A leather Cap without crest , call'd a Pot. Meriones unto Ulysses gave His Bow and Quiver , Sword and Dogskin Cap Pleated with thongs within his Head to save If need should be in Combat , from mishap . For 'twixt the leathers tough inserted were Guards of thick felt ; of Bores teeth was the brim . Eleon was the first that did it wear , But taken by A●tolycus from him . And given 't was unto Amphidamus , Which he to Molon gave that was his guest , And to Meriones then left it was , And now upon Ulysses head did rest . And being both thus armed , forth they went And by the way a Heron Dexter flew , A lucky signe and by Athena sent , As by the sound made by her wings they knew . Ulysses then unto the Goddess pray'd , Hail Virgin-Daughter of Almighty Jove , That all my labour seest and giv'st me aid , Now more than ever let me find your love . Grant me that I some good exploit may do To vex the Trojans , and come safe from thence . And then Tydides pray'd unto her too . Celestial Maid that with my Father went'st When he Ambassador to Th●b●s was sent With words of Peace , and coming back atchieved By your assistance and encouragement Such noble Acts as scarce will be believed , If you will aid me as you aided him , O Goddess , I will to you sacrifice A Heifer , and with Gold her horns I 'll trim . This said , their Suit the Goddess not denies . When their Devotion now was at an end , Away they went 'mongst Carcasses and Blood , Like Lions that on slaughter love t' attend . Nor Hector and the Trojans idle stood . But call'd a Counsel of the Chiefs , and said , Who 's he will undertake what I 'll propound , And for his pains be honourably paid , And for his Valour far and near renown'd ? I give him will two Horses and a Coach The best that shall be taken from the Fo , That will unto the Argive Fleet approach , And bring me word what they intend to do ; Whether their Ships they guard as heretofore , Or mean to quit the Siege at Ilium . And beaten thus haul down their Ships from Shore , And ere their work be finished go home . This said , they silent sat . But one there was Dolon by name , the Squire Eumedes Son That master was of store of Gold and Brass , A sorry fellow , but that well could run . Hector , said he , I 'll to the Fleet approach . Swear now by Jove , and hold your Scepter high , I shall Achilles Horses have and Coach , And I for you will be a faithful Spy. For down to Agamemnon's Tent I 'll go , Where they consult whether to Fight or Fly : For there their resolution I shall know . Then Hector held his Scepter up on high . O Jove , betwixt us witness bear , said he , No Trojan shall these Horses have but you , And yours they shall perpetually be . Thus Hector swore , although it prov'd not true . Upon his Shoulder then his Bow he hung . His Cap of Cat , a Wolfs skin was his Coat . And when he gotten clear was from the throng , With Spear in hand he ●ell into his trot . And first Ulysses heard the sound of feet . I hear one come , said he to Diomed , Perhaps a Spy that sent is to our Fleet , Or one that has a mind to strip the dead . 'T is best t' avoid him till he past us be . And then to follow him and drive him on . But lest he swifter be of foot than we , And to the City back again should run , Rise and be sure to turn him with your Spear . And when he was a lands length past them go●e They follow'd him . And he their feet did hear , And thought some Trojans had been coming on By Hector sent to call him back agen . But when they from him were scarce a Spears cast , He knew then they were Agamemnon's men , And frighted was ; and then his Feet mov'd fast . As two Hounds in a Wood obscure and dim Pursue a fearful Doe or Hare , just so Tydides and Ulysses hunted him When back into the Herd he could not go . When Dolon to the Watch was very near , Athena puts into Tydides head , That some man else might at him throw a Spear , And be thereby before him honoured . To Dolon then Tydides spake and said , Stay , or my Spear shall make you stay . For long I am assur'd you cannot death avoid . And as he spake the word his Spear he flung ; And miss'd on purpose , but it lighted near . Dolon affrighted pale and trembling stands , And in his head chatter'd his Teeth with fear . Then in they came and seiz'd on both his hands . And Dolon weeping then for Quarter pray'd , Great Ransome for me will my Father give , For Gold he has enough ; and will , he said , Give any price , when here he knows I live . Then to him said Ulysses , Do not fear , Nor think of death . But see you tell me true Upon what weighty bus'ness you are here , When others sleep , and at a time undue . Meant you to rifle any of the dead ? Or were you sent by Hector as a Spy , Or undertook the same of your own Head ? T' Ulysses Dolon then did thus reply . I was by Hector's promises set on , And should have had Achilles Chariot And Horses , if I to the Fleet had gone , And good intelligence to Hector brought Whether the Ships be guarded as before , Or that the G●●eks now beaten mean to fly , And weary of their labour watch no more . To this again Ulysses made reply , And smiling said , It was no small reward You aimed at . Achilles Horses say ye ? To rule them for a mortal man 't is hard . The Goddess ●hetis Son they 'll scarce obey . But tell me further ; When you came away Where you left Hector , where his Horses are , And where his Arms , where other Trojans stay To sleep or watch , and whether they prepare To go into the Town , or mean t' abide Alwaies so near our Ships as they are now . T' Ulysses Dolon then again reply'd , This also I will let you truly know . I Hector left at Ilus Sepulcher With other Lords in consultation , The rest about the Bonfires waking were . But certain Watch appointed there was none . But those Confederates that came from far Slept at their ease all night and watched not . For that they trusted to the Trojans care , Having no Wives nor Children with them brought . Ulysses then examin'd him again , How lye the Strangers ? Mixt with those of Troy Or by themselves ? Inform me and be plain . Nothing ( said Dolon ) but the truth I 'll say . Paeons , Pelasgians , Caucons , Leleges , And Cars lye by the Sea-side on the Sands , The rest near Thymbra quarter , and are these ; The Maeons , Mysia●s , Lycians , Phrygians . But there 's no need to tell you ev'ry thing ; For if upon our Quarters you would fall , There lye the Thracians new come , and their King Rhesus by name , and utmost lies of all . Such Horses yet I never did behold , Swift as the Wind , and than the Snow more white , With Silver cover'd is his Charre , and Gold ; Gold are his Arms and make a gallant sight , And fitter for a God than man to wear . But try now whether I say true or no , And send me to the Ships , or bind me here . Then said Tydides with a frowning Brow , Think not to scape though all you say be true . For if I let you loose , for ought I know You may return agen to Fight or View ; But hurt us cannot if I kill you now . As Dolon then beginning was to pray Tydides sword lighted on 's Neck so just , That from his Shoulders fell his Head away As he was speaking , and lay in the dust . And from him then they took his Cap of Cat , His Spear and Wolfes-skin Coat , and Bow unbent , And in his hands Ulysses took all that , And to Minerva up his Prayer sent . Hail Pallas , whom we pray'd to for success Before all other Gods , receive these Gifts , And us unto the Thracian Tents address . This said , the Spoils of Dolon up he lifts And laies them in a Tree ; and for a mark , They near the way laid store of Boughs and Reeds To find them coming back because 't was dark . Then with Tydides onward he proceeds , And ev'ry step on Arms or Blood they tread , And soon amongst the Thracians they were , That sleeping lay as if they had been dead , And by each one his Buckler and his Spear . Their Horses to the Charret-seats were ty'd . Thus in three Rows the Thracians were laid , Rhesus i' th' midst ; which first Ulysses spy'd , And to Tydides speaking softly said , See there the Horses , and see there the Man Rhesus , of whom we were by Dolon told . Untie the Horses ; or kill all you can , And I upon the Horses will lay hold . Tydides then made by Minerva bold Amongst them killing went , and never staid ( Like Lion fierce in a neglected fold ) Till he a dozen of them dead had laid . And whomsoever Diomedes slew , Ulysses following took him by the Foot And from the place a little way him drew , For fear the Steeds not yet accustom'd to 't Should boggle , tremble , and refuse to pass . To Rhesus last of all went Diomed , And kill'd him too . So he the thirteenth was . And panted as he slept ; for at his Head He dreamt Tydides all night standing was . Ulysses to the Horses went ; And now Seiz'd , and their Heads together tyed has . But for a Whip he made use of his Bow. And gotten forth whistled to Diomed To come away , who gave no ear thereto , But staying with himself considered What further hurt he might the Trojans do . To draw away the Charret by the Pole , Wherein the Golden Arms of Rhesus lay , Or thence upon his Shoulders bear the whole ; Or whether he more Thracians should destroy . While thus he studied Pallas by him stood . Contented be , said she , with what is done . To go unto the Ships I think it good , For fear you thither should be forc'd to run . Some other God awake the Trojans may . This said , that Pallas to him spake he thought , And from the Thracian Quarter came away , And on one of the Horses backs he got , And tow'rds the Ships at full speed then they ride , Ulysses with his Bow still switching on . But Phoebus with Tydides Pallas spy'd , And angerly call'd up Hippocoon . Who when he came and empty saw the ground Where th'horses stood , & dy'd with blood the field , And sprawling in their blood the Thracians found , Ay me , said he , they have my Unckle kill'd . The Trojans then in haste and frighted rise , And at the place in great disorder meer , And gaze upon the mischief with their eyes , But they that did it fled were to the Fleet. When flying they were at the Tree , where lay The Spoils of Delon , there a while they tarry , Until Tydides fetch'd them had away , And to Ulysses given them to carry , And mounted was upon his Horse agen . Agen Ulysses switch'd them tow'rds the Fleet ; And when they near it were , Old Nestor then Who was the first that heard the Horses Feet Cry'd out , The sound of Horses feet I hear ; I wish Ulysses 't were and Diomed. But somewhat else and worse it is I fear ; So many sad mishaps run in my Head. He scarce had spoken this but they came in . When they alighted were and welcomed With Hands and Speeches of their Friends had been , Then Nestor thus Ulysses questioned . Ulysses , Glory of the Greeks , said he , Whence are these Horses beauteous as the Sun ? Won from the Trojans ? But that cannot be . For such amongst the Trojans I saw none , Though I amongst them were in ev'ry fight . Or given by the Gods ? Which may be true . For both of you are gracious in their sight , And Jove and Pallas have a care of you . O Noble Nestor , said Ulysses then , Gods can give better Horses if they please . For richer much are they than mortal men . Tydides from a King of Thrace took these , Who was come newly to the Trojans aid ; And slain him has , besides a dozen more , And besides these a Spy that them betraid , By Hector sent , your purpose to explore . This said , Ulysses with much people went Triumphing , and the milk white Horses drave Over the Trenches to Tydides Tent. There sets them up , and Wheat unto them gave ; But Dolon's Spoils astern his Ship he plac'd , Preparing for Athena's Sacrifice . And then into the Sea they went and wash'd The sweat from off their Shoulders , Legs & Thighs , And after bath , and ' noint themselves with oyl , That done , they sit down to their meat and dine . And being thus refreshed from their toil , Unto the Goddess Pallas offer Wine . ILIAD . LIB . XI . AUrora rising from Tithonus bed Before both Gods and Men to hold her light , Eris from Jove the Signal carried Unto the Argive Fleet of bloudy Fight . And down unto Ulysses Sh●p she went That was the middlemost and high'st of all That heard she might be to Achilles Tent , And Ajaxes , that they might hear her call . At th' outsides of the Fleet they quarter'd were ; For they upon their Prowess most reli'd : Then Eris with her voice the Air did tear , And horribly to the Achaeans cri'd . Come quickly forth into the Field and fight ; Be bold Achaeans ; to the Battle come . Incourag'd thus the Greeks took more delight In staying at the War than going home . Fellows , to Arms , then Agamemnon cri'd , And to put on his Arms the first man was ; His Leg-pieces he down to th' Anckles ti'd With silver Buckles , Leg-pieces of Brass ; And then puts on an Armour on his breast , That had been given him by Cinyres ( His antient acquaintance and his Guest ) Whilst he preparing was to pass the Seas : For long before the Greeks for Troy set sail , Their purpose was at Cyprus known by fame , And thinking such a Gift might him avail , In kindness t' Agamemnon sent the same . The colour was by Pales distinguished , Ten Black , twelve Gold , and twenty were of Tin : And in it three black Serpents figured As if they creeping were unto his Chin. Their sides like Rainbows lookt which in the Sky Are shewn by Jove for men to wonder at . Then from his shoulder down upon his thigh He hung his Sword. Studded with Gold was that . Then took his Shield which finely varied was ; Bossed in twenty places with white Tin ; And round about them were ten Orbs of Brass ; And black the Circle was enclos'd within . There Gorgo painted was with killing Eyes , And with her standing Terror and Affright : His Belt of silver was , and to the Skyes Returned back agen the glittering light . Wound up lay on it painted a great Snake , Which had three heads , and crowned was each one , And last into his hand two Spears did take , Having his Helmet on his head put on . Thus Agamemnon armed was . And then Juno and Pallas both rais'd such a sound ( To honour him before the Greeks ) as when A man that 's slain falls suddenly to th' ground . Then every one unto his Chariotier Commandment gave upon the Ditch to stay And ready be . The foot all armed were , And forth into the Field were march'd away . But soon again the Horses with them stood . Then Jove amongst them Noise and Tumult sent ; And mingled was the Morning dew with Bloud , For on that day much bloud was to be spent . Upon a rising ground now Hector was , Aeneas with him , and Polydamas , And three Sons of Antenor , Acamas , Agenor , Polybus , and th' Army was . And Hector with a round Shield at their head . As when a Star does through the Clouds appear , And presently again is covered ; Sometimes i' th' Front was , sometimes in the Rear Giving command ; his Arms like Lightning show . As Mowers standing one Rank 'gainst another , A field of Barley or of Wheat to mow ; So Greeks and Trojans mow down one the other . On neither side thought any man of flight , But like to Wolves on one another fly In number equal ; and gave great delight To Eris , who ( and no God else ) was by . The other Gods stay'd on Olympus Hill , Within whose folds they dwell , and murmur'd at Their Father Jove for bearing such good will To Ilium . But he car'd not for that . And by himself he from them went ; and then Took pride to see the Greeks and Trojans fight , And look on killing and on dying men , And of their Arms to see the slashing light . Now all the while that mounting was the Sun , The number slain on both sides was the same . But when the Woodman half his work had done , And willingly unto his Dinner came , The Greeks then brake the Trojan Ranks , and on Fell Agamemnon , and Bienor slew , Both him and Ocles his Companion That drave the Horses which the Charret drew . He lighting and assailing him was slain ; And Ocles had no time his Spear to throw : For Agamemnon's Spear had pierc'd his brain , Passing both through his Helmet and his Brow. These there he left stript both of Arms and Coat , And Antiphus and Isus then drew near , Both Priams Sons , one legal , th' other not , Upon one Seat , and Isus Charretier . Once by Achilles taken were these men As they were feed●ng Sheep in Ida hills , And for their Ransome were set free agen ; But both of them now Agamemnon kills . For Isus Breast he pierc'd through with his Spear ; The other with his sword he overthrew , And seen him had when he was Prisoner , And that 't was Antiphus ( when stript ) he knew . As when a Lion with his mighty Teeth Crusheth the tender issue of a Hinde , Which the afrighted Dam stands by and seeth , And grieveth , but no remedy can finde ; And skipping in the Woods for shelter seeks To save her own life ; So the Trojans fled Pursu'd by Agamemnon and the Greeks , And thought not on their fellows they left dead . T' Hyppolochus then comes he and Pisander , Sons of Antimachus , a person noted For having Gold receiv'd of Alexander , And for it in the Common-Councel voted . And these two Agamemnon took alive . For by mischance the reins slipt from their hands ; And then they saw it was in vain to strive , And Agamemnon now before them stands . Then as they sat together on one Seat , Save us ( said they ) Atrides , let us live , For we redeem'd shall be with Ransome great , Our Father for us what you please will give . Are you Antimachus his Son , said he , That gave advice to murther Menelaus , Contrary to the Laws of honesty , When of the Greeks Ambassador he was , And with Ulysses sent into the Town ? You for your Father's evil deed must pay . Then from his Char Pisander he struck down ; With Breast pierc'd through upon his Back he lay . Hyppolochus was lighted and on foot , And with the sword of Agamemnon slain , Who cuts his Head off , and his Hands to boot . And then upon the Trojans prest again . And great the slaughter was of them that fled , And wonderful the Dust that raised was , And both the Field and Army covered , Forc'd up by Troops of Horses shod with Brass . As Boughs fall in a Wood that 's set on flame , And shaken by the violence of wind ; So fast unto the ground the Trojans came , When Agamemnon follow'd them behind . And many Horses made their Charrets rattle , Which empty ran about when no man drives . For they that drave them faln were in the Battle , A lovelier sight to Vulturs than their Wives . But Hector was by Jove set out of sight Of all this dust and slaughter and disorder : But Agamemnon still with all his might Pursuing killed , and to kill gave order . Then they that were encampt at Ilus Tomb Retir'd in haste unto the Sycamore , Half the Plain over towards Ilium , And after them Atrides coverd ore With Blood and Dust. But when the Trojans were Got back unto the Beech near Scaea gate , A while they for their fellows stayed there Who swiftly ran fearing to come too late . As when a Lion falleth in the Night Upon a herd of Kine , and one must die , And all the rest are put into a fright , So Agamemnon made the Trojans fly . And all the way he went the hindmost kill'd . And from their Chars some forward fell , and some Upon their Backs , and lay dead on the field . But when unto the Wall they near were come , Then Jove came down to Ida from the Sky With Thunder in his hand , and t' Iris laid , Go Iris quickly , and tell Hector I Command him Agamemnon to avoid As long as in the Front he raging is , And let the Fight by others manag'd be . But when he Agamemnon wounded sees And leave the Field , I 'll give the Victory To him , and he shall put them all to flight , And to the Fleet go killing all the way , Until the Sun be set , and dark the night . This said , away she went without delay ; And down from Ida came to Ilium , And finding him upon his Char , To you From Jove ( said she ) O Hector , I am come To warn you Agamemnon to eschew , As long as in the Front he raging is . And let the Fight by others manag'd be ; But when by Spear or Bow he wounded is And leaves the Field , he 'll give the Victory To you , and you shall put them all to flight , And to the Fleet go killing all the way , Until the Sun be set , and dark the night . Having thus said , she did no longer stay . Then Hector armed leapt unto the ground , And with two Spears well pointed in his hand Exhorting went about the Army round . Their Faces then the Trojans turn , and stand . The first that did advance Atrides was . But tell me Muse , Who first came in his way ? One of Antenor's Sons Iphidamas , That was brought up in Thrace ( though born at Troy ) By Cisseus who his Mothers Father was , From childhood till to mans estate he came , And made his Son in-Law . But then , because The coming of the Greeks was known by Fame , Was thence , although but new espoused , sent To th' aid of Priam and his Sons at Troy , And at Percopa landing t' Ilium went , And now was standing in Atrides way . First Agamemnon threw his Spear and mist. Iphidamas then at Atrides threw , And hit his Belt which did the stroke resist , For massy Silver was the Belt and true , And bent the po●nt as if it had been Lead . Then Agamemnon with his Sword came on , And smote him on the Neck , and laid him dead . Thus dy'd Iphidamas Antenor's Son. And much to be lamented was his case , That far from his espoused Virgin Wife Without receiving from her any grace Should fighting for his Country lose his Life . He given for her had a thousand Kine , And promis'd Sheep and Goats a thousand more . Now slain , and stript was of his Armour fine By Agamemnon and triumphed ore . But Coon then , Antenor's eldest Son Incensed by his Brothers death came in , And pierc'd Atrides Arm close by the Bone ( Unseen ) the Elbow and the Wrist between . Then cold was Agamemnon's heart with fear , But gave not over . For as 〈◊〉 drew His Brother off , He came on with his Spear , And with a thrust , beneath his Shield him slew , And ( on his Brother ) then cuts off his head . Thus these two Brothers finished their Fate . Atrides still the slaughter followed With Spear , and Sword , and Stones of mighty weight , Not giving over whilst the wound was warm . But when 't was cleans'd , and stayed was the Bloud , So cruel then the pain was in his Arm , That on the ground no longer stay he cou'd . Then mounted on his Chariot , he said , Drive to the Ships . For he was in great pain . And on the Princes then the charge he laid , The Fight against the Trojans to maintain . My friends , said he , 't is your part now to stay The fury of the Trojans from our Ships ; Since Jove not suffers me to fight all day . This said , the Chariotier his Horses whips . Which when they felt , away they swift●y went , And stain'd with Sweat and Powder of the Plain Brought wounded Agamemnon to his Tent , From off the Field bestrow'd with Bodies slain . Assoon as Hector saw Atrides gone , Now Trojans , Dardans , Lycians ( he cry'd ) Now charge the Greeks with resolution , For he is gone on whom they most rely'd , And Jove assures me that the day is mine . This said , like Hounds encourag'd by the Hunter Against a Lion or a tusked Swine , The Trojans boldly marched to th' encounter , And on them fell with Hector at the head . And as a down-right Wind the Sea , so he The Argive Ranks and Files disordered , And them that fled pursued furiously . But tell me Muse , whilst Hector Priam's Son By Jove assisted did the Greeks pursue , And great renown amongst the Trojans won , Who and how many were the men he slew . Assaeus first , and then Autonous , Oplites , Dolops , and Opheltius , And then Aesymnus , and Agelaus ; Then Orus , and the last Hipponous . All these were Princes in the Argive host . But look how many are the drops of Dew , When into th' Air the Sea by Winds is tost , So many private Soldiers Hector slew . And then incurable their loss had been , And fled had to their Ships the Greeks dismai'd , Had not Ulysses then the same foreseen , And to Tydides not far from him said , Tydides , to what purpose stand we here ? Come hither man and stand close to my side . To let our Ships be lost great shame it were . Tydides to Ulysses then repli'd . Yes , yes Ulysses I will with you bide , Though we shall take but little pleasure here . For Jove I see inclineth to their side . This said , he at Thymbraeus threw his Spear , Which lighting on his left Pap pierc'd him through . Ulysses slew Molion Priams man ; Upon the Field unstript they left these two . And then into the Trojan throng they ran , ( Whilst th' other Greeks from Hector swiftly fly ) Like two wilde Boars that turn upon the hounds That know they may upon their strength rely , And scatter 'mongst the Trojans death and wounds . And there two valiant Sons of Merops kill'd As they together on one Charriot sate . This Merops was in Prophecy well sk●ll'd , And bad them stay , and told them had their Fate . But the two forward Youths would not obey . But sed unto the War by Destiny Unluckily came in Tydides way , Where by his hand their Fortune 't was to die . Hippodama● was by Ulysses kill'd As also was ●ypirichus ; and now None knew who had the better in the Field But Jove , who looked on from Ida Brow. And then Agastrophus King Paeons Son Was by Tydides wounded in the Thigh , And would have fled , but Horses he had none . His man that held them for him was not nigh . Yet fought he 'mongst the formost till he di'd . This Hector saw , and towards Diomed His Horses turn'd , and to the Trojans cri'd , Come follow me , and they all followed . And Diomed assoon as he saw this , Though chill with fear , unto Ulysses said , To us this plaguy Hector rolling is ; But stand , and let him see w' are not afraid . This said , he straight at Hector threw his Spear , Which hit his Helmet , but glanc'd from the Brass , And never to his tender Skin came near . This Helmet giv'n him by Apollo was . But stun'd he was , and resting on his knees , He kept himself from falling with his hand . Dark are his eyes , nothing at all he sees , And for a while unable is to stand . But whilst Tydides on the plain advanced To get into his hand agen the Spear , Which from the place he aim'd at far was glanced , Hector was mounted , and his Senses clear . Tydides then upon him lookt and said , Thou Dog escapt an evil death thou hast ; And twice been saved by Apollo's aid . But sure I shall dispatch thee at the last : For of a God I also have the aid . But now to other Trojans I 'll go on Such as shall come into my way . This said , Away he went to strip King Paeons Son. And then as Diomed was taking from Agasrophus the Armour of his Breast , Paris that leaning stood at Il●s Tomb , To him an Arrow unperceiv'd addrest . Which hit him on the Foot above the Toes , And to the ground clean thorough went the Shaft . Then openly into the Field he goes , And coming nearer to him spake , and laught . Y' are hit , said he , Tydides . Wou'd it had Been on your Belly , that you might have died , The Trojans would of that be very glad , That are so often by you terrified . Proud boasting Archer ( said Tydides ) know If in your Armour you before me stood To try your Valour and your Force , your Bow And Arrows would not do you any good . You value such a Scratch as this too much . The Weapons of the strengthless blunted are : Mine is not so ; but whom it does but touch , His Wife lamenting tears her Cheeks and Hair : His Children Orphans are ; and red the ground Whereon he rotting lies ; and Vulters more Than Women standing by him will be found . Ulysses then that neer h●m was before Stept in ▪ and stood betwixt him and his Foes Whilst from his Foot the Arrow he pull'd out . 〈◊〉 to his Charret up Tydides goes , And lest the Field where he had nobly fought . And now Ulysses left was all alone , For from him all the rest were fled for fear . And then unto himself he made his moan . Ay me , said he , what now shall I do here ? Though many be the Foes , 't is ill to flie But yet since Jove saves all the rest by flight , It would be worse if I alone should die . But why dispute I when I ought to fight ? None but a Coward from the Fight will run . But he that Honour loves will stand his ground , And be content with what he cannot shun , Whether it be to give or take a wound . While thus Ulysses argu'd in his minde , Hector was near h●m , and enclos'd him had With Ta●getiers before him and behinde , Whereof they had no reason to be glad . At when the Hounds by Hunters are set on A wild Boar as he comes out from the Wood , He whets his Teeth , they from him will not run ; Even so Ulysses 'mongst the Trojans stood ; Where by him slain first Deiopites was , And Thoon then and Eunomus he kill'd ; And after these he slew Chersidamas As from his Char he lighted in the Field . Then leaving these , slew Charops with his Spear , Socus his Brother , Hippasus his Son. Then Socus to him came , and standing near Unto Ulysses with a Speech begun . Ulysses much renown'd for Craft and Pain , This day you either must the Honor wear Of having Hippasus his two Sons slain , Or lose your own life wounded by my Spear . Then threw his Spear and pierc'd Ulysses Shield . His Breast plate , and his Coat , and toar his Skin . But Pallas him preserv'd from being kill'd ; For to the Vital parts it went not in . Ulysses knew the wound not mortal was ; Made a step back , and then to Socus said , Fool that thou art , that wou'dst not let me pass On other Trojans hast thy self destroy'd , I do not think you shall this hour outlive , But from my Spears sharp point receive your death , And unto me more Reputation give , And leave your Soul unto the Pow'rs beneath . Then Socus turn'd himself about to fly . But overtaken by Ulysses Spear , That pierc'd him Back and Breast , he fell down dead . Then scornfully Ulysses did him jear . O Socus , gallant man at Arms , said he , By death prevented is your Enterprize ; Your eyes shall not by Parents closed be , But shall be pecked out by Crows and Pyes . Then from his Shield and Body he pull'd out The Spear which at him was by Socus thrown . The Bloud then from the Wound did freely spout . Which when the Trojans saw , they straight came down , And all together tow'rds him went the Rabble , Then he retir'd , and as he going was Thrice called out as loud as he was able For help ; and thrice was heard by Menelaus , Who t' Ajax said , Ulysses voice I hear , And like the voice of one that is distrest . He hem'd in by the Trojans is I fear , Come let us to him go , and do our best To fetch him off . For valiant though he be , I fear unless we aid him with great speed , He by the Trojans will be slain , and we Loose a good man , of whom we oft have need . Then up they went , and found him by the Foes Environ'd round . As when a Stag is shot By some young man , he swiftly from him goes Whilst strong his knees are and his bloud is hot . But when he by the Arrow tamed is , The Wolves feed on him in the gloomy Wood ; Then comes the Lion and the Prey is his . About Ulysses so the Trojans stood , Till Ajax with a Target like a Tower Came to his aid ; then sev'ral ways they fled . Ulysses now no longer in their Power Was from the Field by Menelaus led , And mounted on his Chariot agen . But on went Ajax , and slew Pandocus King Priams Son , and wounded three good men , Lisander , Pylartes , and Pyrasus . Then as a River coming to the Plain , And swell'd by Jupiter with showr's of rain More than the Banks are able to contain , Bears Oaks and Pines before it to the Main ; So Ajax charg'd the Trojan Troops . But this Hector knew nothing of . For far off now Upon Scamander Banks he fighting is , And to the ground doth many an Argive throw . There was the noise , there aged Nestor stood , And there Idomeneus , with their Steeds . And Hector that the use well understood Of Spears and Horses , there did mighty deeds . And yet the Greeks retir'd not ; nor had done If Paris had not with an Arrow smot Machaon on the shoulder to the Bone. Three-sorked was the Arrow which he shot . And mightily the Argives were afraid Since now the Foe prevail'd , he would be slain . To Nestor then Idomeneu● said , O Nestor to your Charret mount again , And with Machaon make haste to the Ships . A Surgeon many other men is worth . For many other men alive he keeps By making Salves and drawing Weapons forth . Then Nestor mounteth and the Horses whips , Which they no sooner feel than they are gone . And quickly brought unto the hollow Ships Machaon Aesculapius his Son. Mean while Cebriones the Charetier Of Hector saw the Trojans were distrest , And to him said , To what end stay we here Since yonder by the Greeks our Friends are prest ? 'T is Ajax that disorders them , I see , I know him by the largeness of his Shield . Now where they fighting are most furiously , Let us go down to that side of the Field . This said , he clackt his Whip , his Horses ran Unto the place where greatest was the Cry , Ore many a Shield , and over many a man , That gasping on the bloudy Field did lye . The Horses Bellies and the Charret-wheels And Axletrees with bloud were cover'd ore Forc'd up in drops by the swift Horses heels . And Hector rushing in , their Battles tore . But Hector still took heed of Ajax Spear . And sought in other places of the Field . But Ajax struck by Jupiter with Fear Amazed , at his shoulder hung his Shield ; And staring on the Foe a while he stood , Then turn'd and softly from them went away . As when a Lion coming from the Wood Down to a Pasture on a Cow to prey , Is hu'd by Dogs and Pesants in the night , And hungry sometimes goes and sometimes stands , But cannot have his Will for all his might , So many Spears are flying from their hands , And flaming Brands which put him in a fright ( Keen as he is ) then sullenly he goes Back to the Wood and comes no more in sight ; So then retired Ajax from his Foes . Or as an Ass in spight of many Boes Is got into the Corn , and there abides Though they upon him fall with Blows and Noise , And many Cudgels break upon his sides ( For he the force of Boys but little feels ) He hardly will be driven out though fill'd , And now and then kicks at them with his heels : So Ajax at the last went off the Field By Hector and the Trojans still pursu'd Upon his Shield received many a Spear ; Sometimes his Back sometimes his face he shew'd , So that they could not to the Ships come near . Thus he between the Greeks and Trojans stands While Spears abundance at him hurled were ; Some in his Shield stuck driven by strong hands , Some on the ground fell short and fixt were there . But then Eurypylus Euaemon's Son That saw him thus opprest came to his side , And wounded with his Spear Apisaon The Liver through ; and on the place he dy'd . But as he stript him lying on the ground Was shot by Alexander in the Thigh , And broken was the Arrow in the wound , And much increased was his pain thereby . Then went Eurypylus into the croud , And cry'd out to the Princes of the Host , Turn and save noble Ajax from this cloud Of Trojan Spears , or else he will be lost . This said , the best Commanders to him go with Spears advanc'd , and Bucklers turn'd before , And place themselves between him and the Fo. And then again the Fight was very sore . Mean while Achilles as he sitting was On high astern his Ship to see them fight Perceived Nestor and Machaon pass , And to Patroclus call'd with all his might , Come hither friend . Patroclus heard him call , For he was sitting in Achilles Tent , And ( which was the beginning of his fall ) Immediately rose up and to him went , And said , Achilles what 's your will with me ? Achilles then reply'd , Patroclus now The Argives , I believe , will bend the knee . For their condition never was so low . But go to Nestor and informed be Who 't is that he brought with him from the Fight . Machaon by his Back he seem'd to me , But of his Face I could not have a sight , So many Chars and Horses cross'd the way . This said , unto the Ships Patroclus went ; But at the Ships arrived now were they , Alighted and gone in to Nestor's Tent : The Horses by Eurymedon unty'd Were cooled by the Sea-side in the air , And of their sweat well cleansed were and dry'd , And in the mean time Ecameda fair That was the Daughter of Arsinous , And taken by Achilles was when he Conquer'd and sack'd the City Tenedus , And by the Greeks to Nestor giv'n ; and she To Nestor and Machaon setteth up A Table with a Black Foot smooth and fine , And on it set a Basket , and a Cup , And to each one before him set on Wine . The Cup with nails of Gold was studded ore ; Four ears it had , and two Doves at each ear , And those were Gold , and at the foot two more In posture such as if they feeding were . Nestor to Troy had with him brought this Cup. Another scarce could lift it from the Table When fill'd with Wine ; Though he to take it up , Old as he was , and easily , was able . And in the same the Woman made the Drink , With Goats-milk Cheese , & white flour sprinkled ore , And left it on the Board full to the brink . Then quenched they their thirst , and drank no more , But talking sat , to put out of their thought Their ill success . Now at the door o' th' Tent Patroclus was , and in by Nestor brought , And pray'd to sit , but he would not consent , But said , Achilles had me ask you who It is whom you brought with you from the Fight . And this already I can answer to . Machaon 't is that sits there in my sight . What need then is there of my longer stay ? Return I will with all the speed I can , For fear he should some blame upon me lay Though I deserve it not . You know the man. What makes Achilles ( aged Nestor said ) Of th' Argive wounded men to take such care ? He knows not how the Army is dismaid , Nor yet how many of them wounded are . Ulysses wounded is and Diomed , And Agamemnon , and Eurypylus , And this man whom I with me hither led . Achilles pity has on none of us ; Although our safety now lye in his hands . Intends he to sit still till Hector burn In spight of us our Ships upon the Sands , And ev'ry one of us kill in his turn ? For now my strength decayed is with age . O that I were as strong as I was then When War 'twixt us and th' Elians did rage , And we our Cattle fetcht from them agen , And slew Itymoneus that took our Kine . For I then went his Cattle to distrain , And take amends for those he took of mine . There he defending them by me was slain , And all his people from him ran away . And there we took of fifty Herds of Kine And of as many Herds of Goats a prey , As many Flocks , as many Herds of Swine , And Horses three times fifty , females all Of colour sandy mixt with sparks of light ; And most of them had Foals , and to the Wall Of Pyle I brought this booty all by night . My Father Neleus joyful was to see 't . For yet he thought I was for War too young . Next morn the Criers make the people meet , ( All those to whom the Elians had done wrong ) The Lords amongst them then divide the prey . Many there were that had been injured , And with their shares contented sent away , Though Pylus were not well inhabited . For Hercules not many years before Had kill'd the best of them . And Neleus then Had twelve good Sons , whereof he left no more Alive but me . This made th' Epeian men Despise our number small , and do us wrong . And Neleus now unto himself did keep The best Herd of the Kine , and from among The Flocks chose one that had three hundred sheep , And justly , since so great a loss had none . For he four Steeds unto the Games had sent Of value great , which all had Prizes won . But by Augias his Commandement , When for a Tripod they prepar'd to run , Together with the Charrs were there detain'd . The Charretiers related what was done . And Neleus then the best o' th' Prey retain'd ; And ev'ry man had of the rest his share . This done , unto the Gods we sacrifice . Mean while the Elians for War prepare , And two days after all together rise , And forth o' th' Town went they both Foot and Horse , And with them Molions two Sons , not yet Arrived at the age of Martial Force , And round about the Town Colone sir. Colone is a Frontier town between Elis and Pyle upon Alphaeus side ; Passing the Plain they were by Pallas seen . And she aloud unto the Pylians cri'd , To Arms you men of Pyle . Then in the night We put on Arms , and to the Field we hi'd ; And chearfully went ev'ry one to fight . My Horses only were convey'd aside . For Neleus thought I was in War unskill'd : But I at home could not be made t' abide , But with the rest on foot went to the Field , For on the Goddess Pallas I rely'd . Near to Arene falls into the Main A little Brook. All night by that we lay , And in the Morn betime we march'd again , And to Alphaeus came in half a day . And there to Jove his sacred Rites we paid . To Neptune and Alphaeus each a Bull ; An Heifer to the heav'nly martial Maid We gave ; and when the Bands of Foot were full , Then supt we in our Ranks , and armed slept . Th' Epeians still the Town besieging lay ; But seeing the War was now so near them crept , They rose ; then presently began the Fray. And there the first man that was slain I slew , Which Molius was Augias Son in-Law . He wedded Acameda had who knew As many Med'cines as the world ere saw . Him first I slew , and to his Charret mounted . Then fled th' Epeians scatter'd here and there : For he the best amongst them was accounted . And us they fled I follow'd with my Spear , And fifty Charrets took , and at each one Two men I kill'd ; for like a Storm I went ; Nor had I left to Molius any Son , If Neptune had not hindred my intent , That took them up and sav'd them in a Cloud . Great honour won the Pyleans that day ; For on the Plains we chac'd th' Epeians proud , Killing and gath'ring Armour all the way Until we came unto Buprasium , Alesium , and Rock Olere ; and there Advis'd we were by Pallas to go home . To Pylus then we went and welcome were . And thanks were given to the Gods , but most To Jupiter the greatest God. And then In general were thanked all the Host , And Nestor namely above other men . Thus I behav'd my self amongst the Greeks , Whereas Achilles sitting in his Tent Neglecting us his own contentment seeks ; Though if our Fleet be lost he will repent . But , O Patroclus , the advice was good Menoetius your Father gave you then When I at Phthia was and by him stood , By Agamemnon sent to levy men . To Peleus house Ulysses came and I , And there we found Menoetius and you . And you upon Achilles waited nigh , And Peleus to the Gods sat Cattle slew I' th' Court o' th' grass ( a Gold Cup in his hand ) And pour'd Wine on the burning Sacrifice . And you then saw us in the Gate-house stand , Though busie you were then to burn the Thighs . Achilles to us came and led us in , And made us sup , and Supper being done , To tell our bus'ness then did I begin , Which was to bring with us to Troy his Son. Both he and you desirous were to go ; And Peleus then unto Achilles said , Strive still to be the best , and let the Foe Be always of your Spear the most afraid . Then to you spake your Father , Son ( said he ) Achilles is a better man of War Than you , and higher in Nobility Of Bloud ; but you in age before him are . Give him good counsel therefore and suggest What 's for his good although he see it not : He will obey when for himself 't is best ; Thus he advis'd you though you have forgot . But do it now . For 't is not yet too late . Who knows but you may make him change his mind ? Or if he still continue obstinate , Or in some Oracle a scruple find , Or Thetis told him somewhat has from Jove , Yet let him send his Myrmidons with you , The Trojans from the Navie to remove , And give th' Achaeans time to breathe anew . But let him give you his own Arms. Then they ( When like unto Achilles you appear Leading fresh Forces ) fly will into Troy And rid th' Achaeans of their present fear . This said , Patroclus grieved went his way , And tow'rds Achilles Tent ran back apace Passing by where Ulysses Vessels lay . There were the Altars , there the Market-place , There were the Courts of Justice . There he met Eurypylus with th'Arrow in his wound , And from his head and shoulders dropt the sweat , And bled apace , but still his Sense was sound . Then pitying h●m Patroclus spake and said , Ah poor Commanders of the Achaean Hoast , Must we be all so far from home destroy'd ; And lye for Dogs-meat on the Trojan Coast ? But say Eurypylus , is there no way To keep off Hector , but must perish all ? Nothing I know ( said he ) can Hector stay , But in our flaming Ships we all must fall . For all the best of us here wounded lie , And still the Trojan power grows more and more . But , O Patroclus , cut out of my Thigh This Arrow head . For it torments me sore ; And with warm water wash away the blood , And Salves apply , the same that Chiron knew , ( The best of Centaurs ) to be very good , And taught Achilles , and Achilles you . For of two Surgeons in the Army , one As much need of a Surgeon hath as I , And Podaliriu● to the fight is gone . Patroclus to him then made this reply . How can this now be done , Eurypylus , Since to Achilles I must go with speed With Nestors Answer ? yet to leave you thus In torture , were but an ungentle deed . Then in his 〈◊〉 he bea●s him to his Tent , And there , upon a many Cow-hides spread Laid him , and with his Knife to work he went , And from his Thigh cuts out the Arrow-head . And in his hands he bruis'd a bitter Root ; And wash'd away the bloud ▪ when that was done , He cleans'd the Wound , appli'd the Med'cine to 't , And streight the blood was stop'd , the pain was gone . ILIAD . LIB . XII . THus was Eurypylus of pain releas'd . Mean while the Greeks and Trojans fiercely fought , Nor could the Argive Wall and Trench ( unblest , For on a Hecatomb they never thought ) Though made their Ships and Booty to defend , Keep Hector and the Trojans long time out . For very quickly cometh to an end Whatere without the Gods Men go about . I deed while Hector liv'd ; and angry lay Achilles at his Tent and would not fight , And standing were the Walls and Town of Troy , The great Wall of the Argives stood upright . But when the bravest Trojans once were slain , And many Greeks , and burnt was Ili●m That had almost ten years held out in vain , And what remained of the Greeks gone home , Then Neptune and Apollo both devise The Wall to ruine , and the Rivers all That in this spacious Mountain Ida rise Upon this Argive mighty work make fall . Aresus , Rhesus , Heptaporius , Aesepus , Rhodius , Scamander , and Besides these six , the River Granicus , And Simoeis , upon whose Banks of Sand Many a Shield and Helmet scatter'd lay , And many a Demi-God . These Rivers all Apollo turned from their wonted way , Directing them unto the Argives Wall. N●ne days perpetually they thither run , And Jove nine days together pour'd down rain , To th' end the work might be the sooner done . And Neptune with his Trident from the Main Before them went and wrenched out the Stone And Timber which had there been laid with pain The deep'st of all for the Foundation , And made it to the Sea all smooth again . And strow'd again with sand the ample shore . And made the Brooks in their own Chanels run No otherwise than they were wont before . But this not yet , but afterwards was done . For Hector had the Greeks with show'rs of Spears Constrain'd to quit their Walls and Tow'rs so high That rattled terribly about their Ears , And back unto their hallow Ships to fly . As when a Lion or a Boar beset With Hounds , and Hunters , this and that way tries ( Close as they stand ) through them by strength to get , And passing on their Spears prevails or dies , And as he goes still makes them to give way ; So Hector 'mongst his friends went here and there Exhorting them the Trenches to assay . The Horses when upon the Brink they were Boggl'd and whinny'd , and refus'd to pass . For broad it was and not to be leap'd ore ; And to descend into , too deep it was , And on each side bristled with stakes good store Fix'd by th' Achaeans to keep off the Foe , So that for Horse and Charres there was no way . But very willing were the Foot to go , And only to receive command did stay . And then to Hector said Polydamas , Hector , and you the Princes of our friends , We strive in vain to make our Horses pass Ore such great stakes so sharp'ned at the ends , Having above our heads the Enemy . Where ( though we could get down ) we cannot fight Though Jove unto our side inclined be , And to the Greeks should bear as much despite , As I , that wish their Name were rooted out . Yet if the Greeks , when we encumbred were For want of room , should turn and face about , And set upon us in the Ditch , I fear ▪ A man of us would not be lest alive To tell at Troy what is become of us . But if you mean to have the bus'ness thrive , Then hear my Counsel , Let us all do thus . Till of our Horse and Charrets we have need Let Servants hold them to the Trenches nigh , And we on foot fight ; for if Jove indeed Intend us Victory the Greeks will fly . Thus he advis'd ; and Hector thought it best , And from his Charret leapt unto the Sand Arm'd as he was ; and so did all the rest , And to their Charretiers they gave command All in their order near the Trench to stand . The Trojans in five parts themselves divide . And Hector of the first took the Command . But with himself he joyned two beside , Polydamas and stout Cebriones , And left a meaner man to hold his Charre . Of all the Trojan Hoast the best were these . O' th' second Party Paris had the care Joyn'd with Agenor and Alcathous . The third commanded was by Leaders three , First Helenus , and then Deiphobus , The third was Asius . From Arisbe he With mighty Horses colour'd like to flame Bred on the bank of Sellis came to Troy. The fourth Command unto Aeneas came ; And he likewise two Seconds had , and they Two Sons were of Antenor ( both well skill'd In War ) Archelochus and Acamas . Lastly , Sarpedon led into the field The Trojan aids ; and he assisted was By valiant Glaucus and Asterapaus . For of the Lycians which he led thither The ablest and the best men he thought these . And then with Bucklers joyned close together Away they march directly to the Foe , And to the Combat had a great desire . The Greeks ( they thought ) as fast as they could go Would presently unto their Ships retire ▪ But Asius would not his Horses leave And Man , without the Trench , as others did . Fool as he was himself so to deceive . Upon his Charret tow'rds the Ships he rid . But never came Triumphant back again For all his flaming Horses and his Charre , But by Idomeneus h●s Spear was slain . When Hector to the Ships had brought the War The Greeks had in their Wa●l a Gate whereat Their Horses to the Field were us'd to pass , And Asius with his Charret drave to that . Which now left open by the Argives was Their people chas'd by Hector to let in . And all his Party with a mighty cry Marcht after him as if they sure had been The Argives to their hollow Ships would fly . But were deceiv'd . For at the Gate they found Two mighty men that like two great Oaks stood With deep and large Roots fixed in the ground , That many Winds and Storms had long withstood . And Lapiths they were both ; Leontes one , The other Polypoetes gotten by Pirithous . Both saw them coming on , And staying on their hands and strength rely . The Trojans led by Asius came on With mighty noise , Orestes , Adamas , ( This Adamas of Asius was the Son ) Thoon , Iamenas , and Oenomaus , And ore their heads they held their Shields on high , For fear of Stones and Spears from off the Wall. The Greeks within to one another cry To save the Ships , the Tents , Themselves and All. But when they saw the Trojans went about To scale the Wall they roar'd and frighted were ; But the two Lapiths presently leapt out , And furiously fell on the Trojans there . As if two Boars the Men and Hounds withstood , You 'd often hear the Boughs before them snap While with their bended necks they tear the Wood ; So thick they did the Trojan Armours rap . For valiantly they fought , in part relying Upon their strength , and partly on the Showrs Of mighty Stones perpetually flying Upon the Trojans from the Wall and Tow'rs As thick as to the ground fall flakes of Snow When by a cold wind stirred is the Cloud , Their Weapons from their hands on both sides go , And Shields and Helmets crack apace and loud . But Asius at this vext to the heart Then spake to Jove , and clapping of his thigh , Ay me , said he , Thou too a Lyer art That mad'st us to believe the Greeks would fly ; Who like so many motly Wasps or Bees That in the hollow way their Houses build And for their young resist their Enemies , Till they repel them or themselves be kill'd , Still sharply fight and will not quit the place . Thus Asius said , but Jove unmoved sate , And none that day but Hector meant to grace . And as at this , they fought at ev'ry Gate . I cannot like a God relate it all , The flaming Stones that from the Trojans flew With fire divine up to the Argive Wall On ev'ry side . How th' Argives no way knew To save themselves but for the Ships to fight ; And how the Gods that with the Greeks took part Sate discontent in Heav'n and full of spight To see Jove so severely make them smart . But for the fight without , 't was first begun By the bold Lapiths , though but two they were . For Polypoetes Pirithous Son At Damasus threw first a heavie Spear , And through his Helmets brazen cheeks it went , And through the Bone into the Brain went on ; And when unto the Shades he him had sent , He killed Orminus and Pyloon . And then a deadly Spear Leontes threw , Which through the body pierc'd Hippolochus . And on Antiphates his Sword he drew And killed him , and then Iamenus , Orestes , Menon , one upon another . But whilst they stay'd to strip these and the rest ; Hector , Polydamas , and many other That of the Trojan Army were the best , Were at the Trench , and stood upon the brink The Wall to break , and set the Ships on fire . But as they stood a little while to think There came a Bird not suting their desire . An Eagle in his Pounces held a Snake , And over Hectors Soldiers carri'd it Alive , but that could yet resistance make , And by and by the Snake the Eagle bit . The Eagle smarting cri'd and flew away , And 'mongst the Trojans lets the Serpent fall , And there amazed they , and gaping stay To see Joves Prodigy before them crall . O Hector , said Polydamas , though you In Courts and Councils cross whatere I say , How good soere it for you be and true , Unless in ev'ry thing I go your way , ( Which is not well done , for your Counsel ought In Peace and War to have their Voices free , And never give advice against their thought , But always for the publick good to be ; ) Yet now I 'll tell you , if this Bird be sent Unto the Trojans as a Prodigy , 'T is not uneasie to foresee th'vent . For this I think the end of it will be : As th' Eagle in his Pounces bore the Snake , But could not to her young ones bear it home ; So if the Trojans this attempt shall make , They 'll back unto the City smarting come , And many good Companions leave behinde , Whom th' Argives to defend their Ships will kill . And this ( I think ) will any Augur finde That in 's profession has any skill . Then Hector sowrely looking thus repli'd . Polydamas , this counsel I like not ; You have a better which you from me hide . But if indeed it be your very thought , The Gods have sure depriv'd you of your Sense , That bid me not on Jove to set my rest , But feather'd Fowls , that fly I care not whence , Nor whither , right or left , or East or West . But we to Jove the greatest God will trust , That all the other Gods excells in might . He one B●rd has , that still observe we must , And that is , For our Country well to fight . But why are you so much afraid ? For though You ne're so many see before you slain , You of your self will have a care I know And not adventure where you may abstain . But if you stay or counsel other men To stay behinde , my Spear shall strike you dead . This said , he led them further on ; and then They all with mighty clamour followed . And Jove a mighty wind from Ida sent , Which to the Ships directly blew the dust , That to the Trojans gave encouragement , But to the Argives horror and distrust . Encourag'd thus unto the Wall they go And brake down Battlements , and Posts pluckt out , And Piles that had been planted by the Foe With Leavers strong they wring up by the Root . Thus at the Wall the Trojans laboured , And hope they had the same to overthrow . Before the Battlements the Argives spread Cow-hides , and thence threw stones on them below . The Ajaxes then ran from Tow'r to Tow'r Endeavouring to give the Argives heart , Some with sweet words , and some of them with sowr , According as they each one did his part . Fellows ( said they ) you that excel in War , And you that great strength have , and you that small ( For well you know , all men not equal are ) Now play the men , there 's bus'ness for you all . Fear not the clamour of this threatning man ; Indure this brunt , which if you overcome , As ( if Jove hinder not ) I know you can , We 'll course him to the Gates of Ilium . Thus they encouraged the Greeks . And now , As when great Jove to show his Armory Upon a Winters day sends down his Snow , Innumerable are the flakes that fly And cover Hills and Woods and Pastures green , And all the fruitful works of Husbandry , And cover would ( but that the Sea comes in ) Both Ports and Shores ; for there Snow cannot lye . The Wall with Stones resounded round about . Yet Hector ne're had broken Wall nor Gate But by the Greeks had still been kept without , Had not Jove sent ( the Trojans t'animate ) His Son Sarpedon . With his Shield of brass Lined with many folds of strong Cow-hide , And which with golden Circles strength'ned was , And two Spears in his hand to th' Wall he hi'd . And as a Lion that had fasted long Comes from the Hill upon a flock of sheep , Will try what he can do , for all the throng Of Men and Dogs that them are set to keep ; So boldly goes Sarpedon to the Walls With mighty hand the Battlements to tear . And as he going was to Glaucus calls . Glaucus , said he , what cause think you is there That we in Lycia more honour'd are Than other men , and lookt upon like Gods , And higher set at Feasts , and better Fare , And drink best Wine , and more Land have by odds ? Is 't not because we foremost are in fight ? 'T is not in va●n ( they 'll say ) our Princes have More honour , since they are of greater might , And their lives venture other men to save . Glaucus , if we could death eschew and age By running from the Battle cowardly , D' ye think I foremost would my self engage , Or ever counsel you to follow me ? You know the ways to death are infinite . Though we ne're fight we cannot always live . Therefore come on and let us bravely fight , And either honour gain or honour give . So said Sarpedon . Glaucus him obey'd ; And tow'rds the Greeks well followed they went. Then Mnesteus was terribly afraid . For to assault his Tower he saw them bent . And lookt about what Heroes he could spy On other Towers unto his aid to call . He saw th' Ajaxes two , and Teucer by , But too far off to hear . For at the Wall Of Shields and Helmets so great Thumping was That 't was impossible to hear him call . The Gates resounded no less than the Brass ; For fiercely they were fighting at 'em all . Then Mnesteus to the Squire Thootes said , Run quickly call the Ajaxes to me , Both , if they can be spar'd . I am afraid Against these men I shall not able be To keep my place . Keen Warriours they are ▪ But if they be themselves distressed there , Let Telamonius of this place take care , And Teucer use his Bow and Arrows here . Thootes then unto th' Ajaxes ran Along the Argive Wall , and to them said , Mnesteus entreats both of you , if you can , To come unto his Tow'r and give him aid . Keen Warriours ( he says ) these Lycians are . But if you be your selves distressed here Let Telamonius of the place take care , And Teucer use his Bow and Arrows there . This said , great Ajax said unto the less , Aeliades stay here a while , till I Deliver Mnesteus from his distress . That done , I shall be with you presently . Ajax and Teucer then together go Unto the Tow'r of Mnesteus with all speed , Pandion with them carry'ng Teucers Bow , And at their coming found him in great need . The Lycians like a black and lowring Cloud Ascended to the Wall and fiercely fought . The Greeks resist . The noise is mighty loud . And with a heavy Stone stood Ajax out That two men scarce could carry , such as now The Earth brings forth , and with the same he stroke Epicles on the Helmet such a blow As Head and Helmet both in pieces broke . Down like a Diver from the Wall fell he Headlong , and dead upon the ground he lay . At Glaucus Teucer lets an Arrow flee Which through his Arm unarmed made its way . Glaucus no longer able now to fight , Leapt from the Wall unseen unto the ground , For fear , if of his hurt they had a sight , The Greeks would make a Triumph of his wound . Griev'd was Sarpedon to see Glaucus gone , But not so grieved but that still he fought , And fixt a heavie Spear in Alcmaon , And with the same his life and all pluckt out . Sarpedon then tore down a Battlement , And wider for the Lycians made the way . But Teucer then an Arrow to him sent . But Jupiter to save his Son that day The Shaft unto his Shield and Belt directed , So that it passed not unto the skin . The Shield and Belt together him protected . And then with Spear in hand came Ajax in , And with a Push that pierc'd his Shield clean through His coming on a little while he stay'd . But with Sarpedon that could little do , That honour sought . Then to his friends he said , Ye Lycians what makes you thus remiss ? Can I make way unto the Ships alone ? Strong as I am , impossible it is . For many hands much better are than one . This said the Lycians heavier than before ( To please their Prince ) upon the Argives lay . The Greeks within their broken Ranks restore , And terrible the Battle was that day . For neither could the Lycians passage make Unto the Ships and break the Argives Wall , Nor Greeks compel the Lycians to forsake The battlements , so fiercely fought they all . As two men on the Confines of their ground At two ends of a measure tugging stand , Contending earnestly about their bound , And each of them would fain enlarge his land : So for the Battlement they striving stood , And wounded one another Back and Brest , And sprinkled was the Battlement with bloud , Nor was it certain yet who had the best . But as a woman that is fain to spin To find her self and Children sorry food , In one scale Wooll , in th' other Weight puts in Till they hang ev'n , so ev'n the Battle stood Till Hector came , to whom Jove chiefly meant To give the honour of the Victory . Then Hector up the Wall the formost went , And thence unto his Trojans loud did cry , Trojans come on , and break me down this Wall , And set the Argives hollow ships on flame . This said , he he heard was by the Trojans all , And streight unto the Battlements they came . Then Hector at the Gate took up a stone Great and sharp-pointed ; two men such as now Could scarce have lifted up so great a one : But Hector with one hand the same could throw ; For Jupiter to him had made it light . And as unto a Shepherd is a Fleece Of Wooll , that to be born needs little might ; So eas'ly born the stone by Hector is ; And standing at the Gate well fortifi'd With Planks well joyn'd , and two cross-bars within , And taking with his right foot back a stride Out flew the stone and at the Gate went in . The Gate then roar'd ; the Hinges broken were ; The Bars upon the ground asunder lay ; And pieces of the Planks flew here and there ; And to the Ships now open was the way . And Hector with a countenance like night Flew in . And fire appeared in his eyes : His Armour as he marched shined bright , And light reflected up unto the Skies ; And two good Spears he grasped in his Fist. And then the Greeks were mightily afraid ; For none except a God could him resist . And then unto the Trojans turning said , Now Trojans to the Wall. And presently Great numbers of the Trojans that way pass , And others at the Gate . The Argives fly Unto their ships . And great the Tumult was . ILIAD . LIB . XIII . WHen Jove had to the Ships the Trojans brought , He left them fighting there , and turn'd his face ( Thinking th'Immortals would no more have fought ) And lookt upon the fields and men of Thrace , And Mysians , and Hippomolgi ( men That live on Milk the goodly Mothers give Of lusty Steeds , and are more honest than The rest of Mortals , and do longer live . ) While Neptune from a hill in Samothrace Lookt down and saw the Greeks and Trojans fight . For thence of Ida hill and all the space 'Bout Troy and th' Argive Fleet he had a sight . And grieved was to see the Argives slain , And mightily offended was with Jove , And from the Hill in haste came down again , On foot ; and ever as his feet did move , Under the same the haughty Mountains shook , And the thick Woods , and unto Aegae came . Thither to come four steps he only took . There stands a Temple sacred to his name , Of glistering Gold and never to decay . And there he puts his Horses to his Char. Long Mains of Gold they had , and swift were they . And then in Gold himself array'd for War. And mounted on his Char ore Sea he drives . The Whales on both sides from the bottom rise The● King to see . The Sea her bosome rives , But not a drop up to the Axtree flies . Thus quickly to the Argives Neptune came . Half way 'twixt Tenedus and Imbrus is In the deep Sea a Cave , and in the same ( Lest coming back his Horses he should miss ) He sets them up and laid before them Meat , And ty'd them there with Foot-locks at their feet , Strong Locks of Gold , that loose they could not get . Then up he went unto the Argive Fleet , And there he found the Trojans like a Flame At Hector's heels with mighty noise and cry , Greedy and full of hope the Greeks to tame , And then in flames to make their Ships to fry . Then Neptune speaking to th' Ajaxes two In Chalchas shape , You two ( said he ) can save The Ships , if you but set your selves thereto . For of the Foe no fear at all I have In other parts . Defended they will be By other Greeks . The danger all is here Where Hector like a flame you leading see , That would be thought the Son of Jupiter . If you but think some God bids you resist , And stand your ground when Hector cometh on , And chear your fellows ; though Jove him assist , He quickly from your good Ships will be gone . This said , he on them both his Scepter laid . And presently themselves they stronger find ; Their Thighs and Legs and Hands much lighter weigh'd . And Neptune suddenly rose from the ground . Just as a Hawk from off a Rock flies at Some other Fowl ; so quickly Neptune rose . The lesser Ajax first observed that , And to the greater d●d the same disclose . Ajax ( said he ) this was some Deity That in the shape of Chalchas bad us fight . For 't was not Chalchas I am sure . For I As he went off had of his Legs a sight , And of his Feet and Steps . For marks there are To know a God by from a man. Withal I finde my self much more inclin'd to War. Methinks my hands and feet for Battle call . And so do mine ( said Telamorius ) And fain I would with Hector have about . While they together were discoursing thus , Neptune behinde them busie was about . Confirming those that to the Ships were gone A little to refresh themselves . For they Had long and painful labour undergone , And heavie at their hearts the danger lay When Hector and his Troops had pass'd the Wall , And of their safety were in great despair . But Neptune coming soon confirm'd them all , And gave them hope their Fortune to repair . To Teucer first he came and Leitus , To Deipyrus and to Meneleos , Meriones and stout Antilochus , And standing near addrest his Speech to those Fie ( Argives ) fie young men ; what shame is this ? Upon your hands I chiefly did rely To save our Ships . If you be so remiss , The day is come in which we all must die By Hector's hands . O strange ! I never thought The Trojans durst to th'Ships have come so neer That heretofore peep out o'th'Town durst not , But like to Hindes that hide themselves for fear Of Leopards , Wolves , and other Beasts of Prey . For so at first they did . But you 'll not fight For anger that the King had sent away Dishonoured the man of greatest might . But what though Agamemnon have indeed Dishonour'd Thetis Son , must we therefore . Give over fight ? Or rather with all speed Endeavour all we can to cure the Sore ? But howsoere , you that excuseless ●re , And of the Argive Army all the best , And Bodies have and Hearts well made for War , I needs must reprehend you . But the rest That weak or wretched are I cannot blame . Fond men , this negligence may bring forth yet Some greater ill . Then come away for shame . For never were the Greeks so hard beset . Hector has broken both the Bars and Gates , And now hard by our Ships he fiercely fights , And with great noise his Trojans animates . Thus Neptune the dismayed Greeks excites . At th' Ajaxes the Ranks stood firm and close , Nor Mars nor Pallas could a fault have spi'd . They chosen were the Trojans to oppose Whom Hector led . And standing side by side , Shield Shield , and Target Target , and Man Man Sustain'd , and Spear by Spear assisted was . So close they stood , and labour all they can Lest Hector to their hollow Ships should pass . And Hector with his Troops went swiftly on ▪ As when a Torrent swell'd with showers of rain Breaks from the hill a round and heavie stone , It makes the Wood resound , till at the Plain , Swift as it thither roll'd , it rolls no more ; So Hector marching made account to pass Through th' Argive Fleet and Tents to the Sea-shore . But at th' Ajaxes Battle stopt he was . And forced back a little to recoile , Resisted by so many Spears and Swords , And speaking to his Trojans stood a while , And Lycians , and Dardans in these words . Ye Trojans , Lycians , Dardans do not fly . I know they cannot long maintain the Fight , If we upon Jove's promise may rely , Who all the other Gods excells in might . This said , Deiphobus went tow'rds the Foe , Holding his Buckler out before him high , So that it cover'd him from Head to Toe . Meriones that on him had his eye , H●s Spear threw at him , which no harm did do . For though upon the Buckler sell the stroke , It carri'd not th' intended mischief through , But in the tough Bull-hides the Spear he broke . Then back unto the throng he went , and sum'd Both for the loss of the good Spear he brake , And of the Victory he had presum'd , And went to th'Ships another Spear to take . The rest fought on , and mighty noise there was . There Teucer with his Spear slew Imbrius The Son of Mentor , till the Greeks did pass The Sea to Troy he dwelt at Pedasus , And to Medesicaste there was wed . But when the Argives came to Troy , he then Dwelt in King Priams Court , much honoured Both by the King himself and by his men . But now by Teucer's Spear was slain . And as Upon a Hill a goodly Ashen Tree , Unto the ground ( cut from the roots with brass ) Brings down its boughs ; so to the ground fell he . To strip him of his Arms then Teucer goes ; Which Hector seeing , at him threw his Spear , And misses him ; yet not in vain he throws , But kills another man that stood him near , Amphimachus , that newly to the fight Was from the Ships come back t' assist the rest ; And scarcely of the Skirmish had a sight , When Hector's Spear he felt upon his breast . Then to Amphimachus came Hector near , Meaning h●s Helmet from his head to take . Which Ajax seeing at him threw his Spear That hit his Shield , but passage could not make . Yet with such strength the Spear fell on his Shield , That backward he was driven from the dead ; So that the Argives bore them off the Field . Amphimachus to th' Ships was carried By Mnesttheus and Stichius that led Th' Athenian Troops . But the Ajaxes two , One at the Feet , another at the Head , Bore Imbrius from off the ground into The throng of Greeks like hungry Lions two That carry in their Jaws a Goat which they Had snatched from the Dogs , and were to go Through many Shrubs to carry it away . Him they disarm'd , and to let Hector know it , The lesser Ajax cutteth off his head , And turning round with all his strength doth throw it , And unto Hector's feet 't was carried . Now Neptune for Amphimachus thus slain , Who from his Loins descended , vexed sore , Went to the Argive Ships and Tents again To chear the Greeks , and hurt the Trojans more , And with Idomeneus met as he went , That had a wounded friend brought from the fight , And streightway back again to go he meant To them that fought and help them all he might . And Neptune like unto Andremons Son Thoas , whose Father all th' Aetolians swai'd Like Jove in Pleuron and in Calydon , Unto Idomeneus then spake and said , O King Idomeneus , what is betide Of th' Argive threats that Ilium they would tame ? O Thoas ( then Idomeneus repli'd ) I know not any man that we can blame . There 's none of us but understands the War , Nor any that betray themselves with fear , Nor that for sloth to fight unwilling are . But Jove , it seems , will have us perish here . But Thoas , you that always heretofore Have fought so well , and set on other men , Still hold that purpose never giving ore . T' Idomeneus then Neptune said agen , Idomeneus may that man ne're come back , But in the Field lie for the Dogs a Prey , That at this time is negligent or slack . But now put on your Arms and come away , And quickly . For although we are but two , Yet since conjoyned force of men not strong Can do as much as one good man , let 's go . This said , up Neptune went into the throng . Idomeneus then goes into his Tent And arm'd himself , and took in 's hand two Spears , And out again he came like Lightning sent To men from Jove to fill their hearts with fears . And scarce come forth , he met Meriones That to his Tent was going for a Spear , And speaking to him said Idomeneus , Meriones my friend what make you here ? What are you wounded that you leave the Fight ? Or bring you me some news ? For I to hide My self from Battle here take no delight . Meriones then to him thus repli'd . O King Idomeneus unto your Tent I forc'd was from the Battle to come down , And thence to take a Spear of yours I meant , Since on Deiphobus I broke my own . A Spear then said Idomeneus , there are Twenty if you had need of them that stand Upright against the Walls which in this War I took from Trojans vanquisht by my hand . For when I fight I stand neer to the Foe . And that 's the cause so many Spears I have , And can so many Shields and Helmets show , And Armours for the breast great store and brave . Then spake Meriones ; And I said he Have many spoils of Trojans at my Tent , But fetcht from thence so soon they cannot be . For close up to the Foe I also went Amongst the foremost boldly . Which although The Argives take no notice of , yet you That how I still behav'd my self , well know Can bear me witness what I say is true . To him then thus Idomeneus repli'd , Meriones , this need not have been said , I know your courage were it to be tri'd , And men somewhere in ambush to be laid ( Where fear and courage are discerned best ; For there 't is seen who valiant are , who not . A Coward 's heart still panteth in his breast ; And nothing but on death he has his thought ; He cannot without trembling quiet sit , But dances on his Hams , and changes hue ; And cannot hold himself upon his feet ; And shakes his Chaps . These things a Coward shew . But in a valiant man there 's none of this . He quietly abides without afright , When in the danger he engaged is ; And longs for nothing but to come to fight ) If you amongst them had been there , I know None of them such a fault in you had found . Or if you had been hurt 't is sure enow , Nor in your back nor neck had been the Wound , But either in your belly or your brest . But let 's no longer talk like children here , Lest we be blam'd . I think it therefore best You now go to my Tent and take a Spear . This said , Meriones fetcht out a Spear , And with Idomeneus went to the Fight , As Mars , when in the Field he will appear , And with him his beloved Son Affright , And to th' Ephyrians and Phlegyans goes From Thrace to give one side the Victory ; So with Idomeneus unto the Foes Meriones went up couragiously , And to him said , Idomeneus where now O' th' left , or right side of the Trojan Host , Or in the midst shall we our force bestow To help the Greeks ? For now they need us most . Idomeneus then to him said agen , The middle of the Battle to maintain There ready stand enow , and able men , Teucer good Bowman and th' Ajaxes twain . Hector shall there of fig●●ing have his fill As greedy as he is . Though strong he be He 'll find it hard that way to have his will , And come unto the Ships with Victory , And burn them if Jove not with his own hand Throw in the Brands . He must be more than man , Whom Ajax is not able to withstand ; Not mortal , such as live by Ceres can , And may be killed with a Spear or Stone . For Ajax with Achilles may compare In standing fight , though able less to run . In that , Achilles him excelleth far . But now unto the Battle let us go And fall on at the left side of the field , And try what we are able there to do , And either Honour win or honour yield . This said , they went together to the Fight , And on them presently the Trojans sell. There was no place for Victory to light , So close they fought on both sides and so well . And such a mighty Cloud of dust they raise As when great Winds contend upon the Plain Is in dry weather raised from the ways , While one to kill another takes great pain . And horrid of the Squadrons was the sight , That brissl'd was all over with great Spears . Their Armours , Shields , and Helmets , with their light Dazled the eyes , and clamour fill'd the ears . Hard-hearted had he been that with dry eyes Had this affliction of the Heroes seen , That from the Sons of Saturn did arise , And but for their dissention had not been . For Jupiter for Hector was and Troy , And meant to honour Thetis and her Son ; But not th' Achaean Army to destroy . But Neptune moved with compassion To see the Argives by the Trojans slain , And angry with his Brother , secretly In likeness of a man rose from the Main T' incourage them and give them victory ▪ Though they were Brothers , 〈◊〉 Jove of the two The Elder and the Wiser was , so that Neptune against Jove's will durst nothing do In favour of the Greeks distrest , but what He thought might be effected privily . And thus the Saw from Brother unto Brother Of cruel War was drawn alternately , And many slain of one side and the other . And now half gray came in Idomeneus With lusty Cretans , and the Trojan frighted . For presently he slew Othryoneus , Othryoneus that was by Fame invited To purchase honour in the War at Troy , And promis'd , if Cassandra he might wed , From Ilium to drive the Greeks away . Which Priam to him granted if he sped . And in this hope , strutting he went to fight . There with his Spear Idomeneus him smote . The Spear upon his Belly just did light . And down he fell ; his Armour sav'd him not . Idomeneus insulting ore him spake . Othryoneus great praise you 'll win indeed If you can do what you did undertake . Come fight for us ; and you shall no worse speed . For if you for us win the Town of Troy , Atrides fairest Daughter yours shall be . Come with me to the Greeks that there we may Upon the Wedding-Articles agree . And then to be revenged Asius meant , And was on foot , although his Horses there Breathing upon his back behind him went. And at Idomeneus had thrown his Spear But that to throw he time enough had not ; Because the other made the greater hast , And with his Spear had hit him in the throat , And out again at 's neck the point had past . And there as some great Oak or Poplar-tree , Or Pine cut down , that by a Shipwright must Be saw'd in Planks falls down , so fell down he Grasping with both his hands the bloudy dust . The Charretier was so amaz'd thereat That he forgot to turn his Charre with fear , And quiet sate . Antilochus saw that , And going neerer , at him threw his Spear , Which through his Armour and his Belly went , And gasping fell to th'ground the Charretier . Antilochus to th'Ships his Horses sent , And by the Argives now possest they were . And then Deiphobus himself advanc'd And at Idomeneus he threw his Spear , Which grazing only on his Buckler glanc'd Unto the Argives that behinde him were . For as he saw it come he sunk , and hid His body all under his Shield of brass . Yet not from out his hand depart it did In vain ; for with it slain Hypsenor was . Deiphobus then crowing said , So , so , Asius does not go unreveng'd to Hell. And though the place unpleasant be , I know To have such company will please him well . Antilochus then to the Body came And kept the Trojans off from stripping it . Mecistes and Alastor bare the same Upon their shoulders to the Argive Fleet. Id●meneus still like a Fury went To kill more Trojans or himself be kill'd . And for the Argives thought his life well spent . Alcathous then met him on the Field , Who was a Suiter to Hippodamie Anchises eldest Daughter , and the best Beloved by her Parents both was she , And of her time exceeded all the rest In Beauty , and in curious Work , and Wit , And a fit Consort for the best of Troy. But Neptune now on purpose bound his feet , And from his Eyes though bright took sight away ; So that he could not fly , nor turn , nor fight , But fixed stood like to a Post or Tree ; And by Idomeneus with Neptune's might Pierc'd through the Armour , and the Breast was he , And through the Heart , as plainly did appear . For as he bleeding on the ground did lie , The beating of his heart did shake the Spear ; And Mars took from him all his Chivalry . Idomeneus then crowed mightily . Deiphobus ( said he ) is 't not enough That for your one man I have killed three ? If not , come on and take a better proof Of what the Seed of Jove in War can do . For Jove got Minos , and Deucalion he . He me , and I whole Ship loads bring of Wo To Troy , unto thy Father , and to thee . This said , Deiphobus considered Whether to stay and meet him hand to hand , Or see by whom he might be seconded . And at the Reer he saw Aeneas stand . For he not much good will did Priam bear , Who small respect unto his Vertue paid . To him Deiphobus approaching near , Aeneas , now ( said he ) you must us aid . Your Brother-law Alcathous is kill'd , Who oftentimes has fed you with his hand , And naked will be left upon the field B' Idomeneus , unless you him withstand . This said , t' Idomeneus they came away , And with him greedy were to enter fight . And he as boldly did their coming stay . Though two to one , they did not him affright . But as a Boar in unfrequented place , By Dogs and Men pursu'd , stands sullenly Knowing his strength , and locks them in the face Bristled his Back , and flaming is his Eye ; So for Aeneas staid Idomeneus , And to his fellows call'd ; Ascalaphus , Meriones , Antilochus , and Aphareus , Good men of War , and you Deipyrus , Come hither friends , said he . I coming see Aeneas towards me with mighty rage , A valiant man at Arms you know is he , And now is in the flower of his Age. Were I so young , and of the mind I am , I 'd honour win of him or he of me . This said they quickly all about him came ▪ Aeneas to repel or kill . Then he Call'd Paris to him and Agenor , and Deiphobus , the Argives to oppose . And all of them of Trojans had command , And with their Spears behinde him marched close . As when a Shepherd leads with a green Bough His Sheep from off the Pasture to the Brook , Is joy'd to see them follow him ; so now Aeneas in his Troops great pleasure took . No sooner they were come unto the ground Whereon Alcathous his Body was , But close they sought , and hideous was the sound Of Helmets , Shields and mighty Arms of brass . And there the two that far excell'd the rest Aeneas and Idomeneus would fain Have fix'd their Spears in one anothers Brest . First threw Aeneas , but he threw in vain . For by Idomeneus declin'd it was , And coming to the ground stuck trembling there . And then threw he and killed Oenomaus , And pierced was his Belly with a Spear . Who falling filled both his hands with dust . Idomeneus pull'd out again his Spear . But to take off his Arms he durst not trust Himself , so many Lances flying were . His Limbs and Feet not supple were and light To throw or shun a Spear . They now were past Their best , yet good were in a standing Fight . But could not from the Battle run so fast . And as he slowly walked off the Field , Deiphobus that alwaies bore him spight A Spear threw at him , but him miss'd , and kill'd Ascalaphus Son of the God of Fight . And on his hands into the dust fell he . But Mars yet knew not that his Son was dead . For in the Golden Clouds by Jove's decree With all the other Gods prohibited To meddle in the battle , quiet sat . About Ascalaphus the strife was all , And first Deiphobus his Helmet gat , But forc'd he was again to let it fall . For in the Arm he then receiv'd a wound Which by Meriones was to him sent , Who quickly took the Helmet from the ground . And with it back unto the Argives went. Deiphobus was by Polites ( who His Brother was ) born forth unto his Charre , And bleeding in his Charre the Town into . But still upon the Field went on the Warre , And Aphareus there wounded in the throat Was by Aeneas Spear , wherewith his Head On one side hanging Shield and Helmet brought Down with him to the Earth . There lay he dead . And Thoon by Antilochus was slain , That to him turn'd his back and meant to fly ; For by the Spear in two was cut the vein Which all along the Back to th' Neck doth lye . And down he fell . Antilochus stept in To strip him . But the Foes about him round Threw at him Spears , but never touch'd his skin , Although his Shield received many a wound . For he was well defended on each side By Neptune , who unto him bore good will , Because he ne'er would from the Fight abide , And 'mongst the Foes his Spear was flying still . But as his Spear at ore he aiming stood , He by Asiades observed was , Who to him came as near as well he cou'd And threw his Spear , whereof one half did pass Clean through Antilochus his Shield , and stuck Therein ; but th' other half fell to the ground . For Neptune him preserv'd from that ill luck . So scapt Antilochus without a wound . And Adamas retir'd into the rout . Meriones sent after him a Spear , Which entring at his hinder parts , came out Beneath his Navel , and above his gear , Where wounds most fatal are . Then down he falls , And like a Cow that by the Horns is ty'd By strength of Swains , a little while he sprawls , But with the plucking out the Spear he dy'd . And then the Son of Priam Helenus With a broad Sword in hand all Steel of Thrace Upon the Helmet smote Deipyrus , Who there fell down and dy'd upon the place . The Greeks took up the Helmet at their feet . And griev'd thereat was Menelaus so That up he went with Helenus to meet Shaking his Spear . The other draws his Bow. And on the Breast-plate hit was Menelaus . But off the Arrow flew like chaff which fan'd Is from the Corn. But th' other wounded was Just where he held the Bow quite through the hand ▪ And dragging Hand and Spear himself withdrew Into the Trojan Troops ; where from the wound . The heavy Spear his friend Agenor drew , And in a woollen bandage wrapt it round , VVhich in his hand a servant held hard by . And then Pisandrus went to Menelaus , Betray'd thereto by cruel Destiny . For to have slain him in great hope he was . And when they were to one another nigh , First Menelaus threw his Spear , but wide . At him Pisandrus then his Spear le ts fly . But passage being at the Shield deny'd , Beneath the brasen point in twain it crackt . Then to him with his Sword went Menelaus , And he to Menelaus with an Ax , VVhich cover'd with his Buckler ready was . And on his Helmet crest then fell the stroke . But he Pisandrus with his keen Sword hit Upon the Forehead near the Nose , which broke The Bone , and carry'd present death with it . His eyes unto the ground fell in the blood . Atrides kickt him as o' th' ground he lay , Then stript him of his Arms , and ore him stood Insulting , and reproaching those of Troy. Thus , thus ( said he ) proud Trojans , you 'll at last Be taught to quit our Ships , and have your fill Of bloody VVar , and pay for what is past . You thought , ye Dogs , too little was the ill , Against the Laws of Hospitality To steal away my Goods , and wedded VVife ; But further will ( if in your pow'r it lye ) Deprive the Argive Princes all of Life ; And burn their Ships , although no injury I ever did you . But I hope we shall Your greediness of fighting satisfie . But Father Jove , who ( men say ) art of all The Gods most wise , all this proceeds from you , That to the Trojans false and insolent More favour shew than to the just and true ; So that with Peace they never are content . Of every thing there is satiety . Of Sleep , of Love , of Dance , and pleasant Song . And all men else with war may cloyed be . Only the Trojans still for fighting long . This said , the Armour to the Ships he sent , And 'mongst the foremost Greeks again he fought . And there Harpalion unto him went ( Who t' Ilium was by his Father brought . But brought from thence again he never was ) And at him throws his Spear , and hits his Shield Right in the midst . But through it could not pass ; The stubborn Brass unto it would not yield . Missing his purpose he the field forsook , And fearing to be slain lookt still about , Until an Arrow keen him overtook , Sent from Meriones , that past throughout From Buttock unto B●adder . Then he sate Expiring 'mongst the Trojans his good friends , And lay like to a Worm benummed , that Upon the ground it self at length extends . The Paphlagonians of him had a care , And sorry for him carry'd him to Troy. His Father weeping followed the Charre , But how to be revenged saw no way . And Paris then with anger was possest , And 'mongst the Argives lets an Arrow fly . For of Harpalion he had been the guest , And well received in Paphlagonie . Amongst the Argives one Euchenor was The Son of Polydus an old Prophet That knew full well how things would come to pass Before the Town of Troy , and told him of it . You must , said he , at home by sickness die , Or going with the Greeks at Troy be slain . But for all that the Youngman valiantly Went with the Greeks ; but ne'er came home again , Though he behav'd himself with caution there In hope t' avoid both danger and diseases . But Paris shot h●m 'twixt the Cheek and Ear. And on his Eyes there Death and Darkness seizes . Thus keenly fought they here ; But Hector yet Knew not the Trojans that were fighting at The left hand of the Host were so beset , For if he had perhaps been told of that , He might have giv'n the Greeks the Victory ; Such courage N●ptune gave unto them there . And sometimes by his strength immediately In battle fighting they assisted were . But Hector yet was where he first made way , Breaking the Argive Ranks , and Wall and Gate , Whore of Protesilaus the good Ships lay , And those of Ajax next unto them sate ; Where low the Wall and sharpest was the Fight . Th' Epeians , Pthians , and Ionians , Boeotians , Locrians all oppose their might To Hector's , Trojans , Dardans , Lycians . And led were by good men . Th' Athenians By Mnestheus , Bias , Phidas , Stichius . Meges the leading had of th' Epians , And with him Amphion and Dracius . Medon and Meneptolemus brought on The Pthians . Medon was Ajaxes Brother , And of Oileus the natural Son , Not gotten by his Wife but by another . His Wife was call'd Eriopis . And he For killing of her Brother forced fled To save himself to th' Town of Phylacie , Where Meneptolemus was born and bred . And so the Phthian Leaders were these two , And 'mongst the chief of the Boeotians sought To keep the Trojans from approaching to The Argive Ships to burn them as they thought . But Ajax the swift Son of Oeleus Not all this while departed from the side Of Ajax Son of Telamonius . But as two Oxen which the ground divide Go tugging of the Plow with one consent , Till underneath their Horns their Foreheads sweat , So labouring in the field together went Yoakt , both the Little Ajax and the Great . But Telamonius was followed With good Companions , who when there was cause His mighty Buckler for him carried . The other destitute of followers was . For none but Locrians to the War he led , Who have no use of Bucklers when they fight , Nor Spears , nor Helmets that defend the Head ; But came to Troy with Bows and Arrows light . And in a standing Fight durst not abide . But from behind the Argive Ranks unseen , They Hector and his Trojans terrifi'd Incessantly with showrs of Arrows keen , Whilst from the Front with Spears they plagued were . The Trojans courage then was so allaid , That into Troy they all had run for fear , But that Polydamas to Hector said , Hector , you are a man uncounsellable . Because in deeds of Arms you so excel , You think your self in Counsel too most able , As if all vertues must in one man dwell . The Gods to some have given well to fight , And others with the Muses they have grac'd ; Others with Dance the people to delight ; And in the minds of others Wisdom plac'd . The fruit whereof by many is enjoy'd : It Cities saves , as they that have it know , VVhich quickly would without it be destroy'd , But what we are to do I 'll tell you now . The VVar now lyeth only on your hand : For since we past the VVall , some quite give ore , And armed as they were do idle stand , And th' Enemy than ours that fight are more . Therefore retire and call the Princes hither , That it may be determin'd by them all Upon mature deliberation , whether Upon the Argives at their Ships to fall ( If so it please the Gods ) or otherwise , Since Ajax there resolved is to stay , How with most safety we may hence arise . For they are in our debt for yesterday . So said Polydamas , and Hector thought The counsel not amiss , and streight obey'd . And armed from his Charriot leapt out , And standing on the ground unto him said , Polydamas , stay you , and here detain The Trojan Chiefs , while to the Fight I go , And give some Orders there ; I shall again Be with you quickly when I have done so . He mist Deiphobus and Helenus , And valiant Adamas Afiades , And Asius the Son of Hyrtacus , And went about the field to look for these ; Of which some wounded were retir'd to Troy , And some in Battle by the Argives kill'd . But found his Brother Paris in his way , Encouraging his men upon the Field . And spake unto him , in ill Language , thus , Unlucky Paris , fine man , Lover keen , Where are Deiphobus and Helenus And Adamas ? Where are they to be seen ? And what is of Othryoneus become ? And where is Asius ? Now certainly Down to the ground burnt will be Ilium , And thou a miserable death wilt die . So Hector said , and Paris thus repli'd . Hector , there was for such words now no cause . Sometimes perhaps you may me justly chide . I do not think a Coward born I was . For since unto the Ships you brought the War , We with the Greeks perpetually have sought , But those you miss slain by the Argives are , Save that Deiphobus was carri'd out , And Helenus , both wounded in the hand . Now lead us on to what part you think fit . We ready are to do what you command , As far as strength of body will permit . This said , his Brother reconciled was , And both went to where cruelly they fought About Cebriones , Polydamas , Orthaeus , Polyphoetes , and about Phalces and Palmes and the Children two ( Ascanius , Moris ) of Hippotion , Who Ilium but the day before come to , And now to th' Battle went by Jove set on . As when a storm of wind falls on the Plain The Sea erects it self in ridges white , And foaming rolls in order on the Main ▪ So to the Greeks with Helmets shining bright The Trojans one another followed In order with their Captains to the Fight , And Hector like another Mars at th' Head With Buckler round and strong , and Armour bright . His Buckler he before him held far out , That cover'd was his body with the same , And peeping under it he look'd about , And in that posture to the Argives came . And at the foremost Ranks went here and there To try if through them he could passage make ; But fast they stood , nor at it troubled were ; And Ajax seeing it unto him spake , Come neerer man. Why think you to affright The Greeks ? we are not so unus'd to War. Nor are we driven hither by your might ; But by the hand of Jove afflicted are . Hector , I know , to burn our Ships you think ; But we have hands as good the Ships to save , And Troy will● first , I think , int'Ashes sink . And shortly , I believe , you 'll wish to have , And pray to Jove and all the Pow'rs on high For Horses that run faster than Hawks fly , That from the Ships you may go speedily . This said , an Eagle Dexter presently Flew over them . And they Jove's Prodigy Received gladly with a mighty cry . Then thus to Ajax Hector did reply . Ajax , you love to prate and brag and lye ▪ O that the Son of Jove as sure were I , And had been certainly conceived by Juno Jove's Wife , and as a Deity Like Pallas and Apollo ne're to die , As I am sure great woe will fall this day Upon the Argives all and then be kill'd If for the coming of my Spear thou stay , And Dogs and Kites shall eat thee in the Field . This said , he led away . The Trojans shout . So do the Argives , and resolv'd to try The power of their Foes with courage stout . The noise on both sides went up to the sky . ILIAD . LIB . XIV . NOw Nestor with Macaon drinking sat And heard the Greeks and Trojans fighting roar , And to him said , Macaon , hear you that ? The noise is greater much than 't was before ▪ Let Hecamede ore the fire set water , And wash away the blood from off your sore , While I go hence and see what is the matter . But at the Wine sit you still as before . This said , he took up Thrasymedes Shield , And Thrasymedes ( his Son ) took up his , And with a good sharp Spear went to the Field , And going forth a shameful sight he sees . The Trojans chasing while the Argives flie , And down unto the ground was torn their Wall. And then as when a Wave is raised high By secret Gales , on neither side can fall , Until some certain and prevailing Wind Comandeth in the Air ; So Nestor stood , And with two thoughts distracted was his mind ▪ Sometimes to go t' Atrides he thought good , And sometimes to the Battle . But at last Resolved unto Agamemnon goes , Whilst Shields and Helmets , all the way he past Resounded in his ears with frequent blows . And as he went the wounded Chiefs he met , Ulysses , Agamemnon , Diomed. For far off from the Fight the Ships were set , And close unto the Shore lay at a head . Only the foremost hawl'd were to the Plain , And close astern of those was built the Wall. For with so many Ships they crost the Main , That near the Field they could not place them all . But side by side along the Shore they lay , And took up all the compass of the Bay. The wounded men , to look upon the Fray Helpt by their Spears went softly on the way , Griev'd at the heart , and met with Nestor there , Who with his coming made them more afraid . And when unto them Nestor was come near Then Agamemnon spake , and to him said , O Nestor , Glory of the Argive Nation , I am affraid that Hector will make good That which he promis'd once in his Oration Before the Trojans when he boasting stood . I never will to Troy come back , said he , Till I have slain these Greeks , and set on fire Their Ships And now performed it will be . O strange ! Do all the other Greeks conspire Against me with Achilles Thetis Son , And therefore are resolved not to fight ? 'T is plain , said Nestor , some such thing is done , Else Jove himself could not with all his might Have made such work . The Wall is broken down In which to save our selves we did confide ; And at the Ships they fight , nor was it known , Nor could it be observed on which side The Greeks that fighting were , were most distrest , So thick to th' ground in ev'ry part they fall . But let 's consult what course to take were best , If counsel can do any thing at all . But that we all should fight I 'll not advise . For what can wounded men in Battle do ? To Nestor Agamemnon then replies , Nestor , since now the War is brought unto Our Ships , and that nor Wall nor Trench does good , And much the Argives suffer'd have who thought Their Wall for all the Trojans would have stood , And all our hopes built on it come to nought . ( For though I know Jove once was to us kind , Yet now I see our ruine he designes , And pleasure takes in changing of his mind , And aids the Trojans whilst our hands he binds . ) Let 's all to what I saying am agree . The Ships that nearest lye to the Sea-side , Drawn down into the water let them be , And there till Night let them at Anchor ride . And if the Trojans then give over fight , We 'll fetch away the rest . For 't is less shame A danger to eschew , although by night , Than needlesly to perish in the same . Ulysses frowning on him then reply'd , Atrides , what a word have you let fall ? You ought of Cowards to have been the guide , And not of us Achaeans General . For we by Jove are fram'd for actions high , And to atchieve the Wars we undertake How dangerous soever , or to dye . And must we now the Siege of Troy forsake , And after so much labour lost go hence ? Peace , let no other Greek hear what you say . Who would have said this that had common sense , And whom so great an Army did obey ? Nor is , in how to fly , your counsel right . Must we our Ships draw down from off the Shore , And at the same time with the Trojans fight , Who now rejoice , but would do then much more ? And we that fight be utterly destroy'd ? For they that were at Anchor on the Main Would go their way the danger to avoid . Thus by your Counsel we should all be slain . Atrides to him then this answer gave . Ulysses your reproof is very smart ; Yet not command but counsel 't was I gave , And better I would hear with all my heart . And so you shall , said Diomed , and though Amongst you all the youngest man I be , Be not offended with it . For you know That born I am of a good family . For Portheus three worthy Sons begat ( In Calydon and Pleuron they all dwelled ) Melas , and Agrius , and Oeneus that The other two in deeds of Arms excelled . Of him my Father Tydeus was the Son , But in exile at Argos led his life , And of Adrastus's Daughters marry'd one , And great possessions had he with his Wife . And there a rich and noble house did keep . For Corn and Wine and Fruit he had much ground , And in his Pastures had great store of Sheep , And chiefly was for Chivalry renown'd . Therefore my counsel , if you find it good , You should not for my person take amiss , Since I dare fight and am of noble blood . The counsel I shall give you now is this . Let ev'ry man unto the Battle go , And place the wounded out o' th' reach o' th' shot , That they encourage may against the Foe , Those discontented men that fight would not . This said , they went together to the Fight . Which Neptune spying did not idle stand , But like unto an aged man in sight Came in and took Atrides by the hand . Achilles heart ( said he ) now leaps to see The slaughter of the Argives and the flight , And joys therein , so little wit has he . May death and shame upon him for it light . Atrides , do not all the Gods mistrust . For sure I am you 'll aided be by some , And see the Trojans fill the air with dust As from your Ships they fly to Ilium . This said , amongst the Greeks he went about , And loud , as if nine or ten thousand men Together on a Plain had made a Shout , He shouted , and the Greeks took heart agen . Now Juno standing on Olympus high Her Brother 'mongst the Argives saw with joy And Jove on Ida with an angry eye ; And in her mind consid'ring was which way To cosen him . And was resolv'd at last To go to Ida to him finely drest , And after she had by him been embrac'd To bind him fast , in gentle sleep to rest . Then went she to her Chamber , which her Son Vulcan had for her made with Door posts high , And solid Doors , which of the Gods not one Could open but her self , such mystery Was in the Lock and Key . Then went she in , And fast she lock'd the Door , and there alone She with Ambrosia cleans'd her dainty skin , Till not a speck unmeet was lest thereon . Then ' noints her self with sweet Ambrosian oyl , That as unto the House of Jove she went , The scent thereof diffus'd was all the while Throughout the space 'twixt th' Earth & Firmament . Then comb'd and pleared she her Golden Hair , And cloath'd her self with her Ambrosian Vest , And many Figures on 't embroid'red were , And with Gold Buttons button'd at her Breast . A hundred Tassels at her Girdle hung . And wore a precious Pendant at her Ear Of three rich Gems . And over all she flung A dainty Scar● by which they cover'd were . Then on her tender Feet she ty'd her Shoes . And when her self she fully had array'd ▪ From out her Chamber presently she goes , And Venus took aside and to her said . Sweet child I come a favour to request ; But tell me will you grant it , yea or nay . I fear you bear me ill will in your Breast , 'Cause I for th' Argives am and you for Troy. And Venus to her answer made and said , Juno Jove's Sister , do not from me hide Your mind , which to my pow'r shall be obey'd . Juno to Venus then again reply'd . Lend me Desire and Love by which you tame Both mortal men and the Immortal Gods. For to Oceanus I going am , And Tethys ( far from hence ) that are at odds . For when beneath the Earth Jove Saturn sent , I was by them receiv'd and cherished . But now with one another discontent They will not come together in one bed . If by this means I him can get within Loves arms again , no jar shall them divide , And I from both shall Love and Honour win . And Venus then again to her reply'd , Juno , Jove's Wife and Sister , your request Cannot by me , nor ought to be deny'd . And as she spake she from about her Breast The fine enchanting Girdle streight unty'd . Wherein embroyd'red were Love and Desire . Soothing , and Comfort , that sufficient were A Heart though very wise to set on fire . And to her hands she puts it , and said , Here , Take it . There 's nothing wanting that you need When you would have a man or God beguil'd . Put it but in your Bosome , you will speed . So Juno did , and as she did it smil'd . And to the house of Jove then Venus goes . But Juno ore Aemathia , and all Pieria , and all the Thracian Snows , And never on the ground her foot le ts fall . And from the mountain Athos ore the Deep , And came to Lemnos where King Thoas swaid . And there she met the gentle God of Sleep . And took him by the hand , and to him said , Sweet Sleep , to whom both men and Gods all bow , If ever with my Will you did comply , Deny not what I shall request you now . Diffuse sound sleep a while upon Jove's eye Assoon as he with Love is satisfy'd . And I will thank you for it whilst I live . And from my hand you shall receive beside , A Chair of beaten Gold which I 'll you give ; Vulcan my Son shall make it curiously , Together with a Foot-stool for your Foot. And Sleep to Juno then made such reply As if he were affraid and durst not do 't . Juno , said he , if 't were another God , Though Ocean the great Sire of them all , I durst upon his eyes have softly trod . But not on Jove's , unless he for me call . Your Order once ( like this ) I did obey Before , when Hercules Jove's mighty Son Went off to Sea after he conquer'd Troy. Mean while the strong unruly Winds set on By you , with mighty Blasts at Sea arose , And from his best friends hurri'd him in pain , And at the last threw him ashore at Coos . But Jupiter , when he awakt again The Gods at home he all tost up and down , And chiefly would of me have had a sight . Into the Sea then sure I had been thrown , But that I fled , and was conceal'd by night , Till of his anger blunted was the edge . For night great power has with Gods and Men And loth was Jove to break her priviledge . T' encourage him then Juno said agen , D' ye think Jove will as angry be for Troy As he was then for Hercules his Son ? But go . Pasiphae you shall enjoy ; She 's fair and young , and of my Graces one , And with you as a wife shall always stay . Content ( said Sleep ) but I will have you swear By Styx . Come , on the Earth now one hand lay , The other on the Sea , that witness bear May all the Gods below , that Juno will Give me the Grace Pasiphae to Wife , And that as Wife she shall dwell with me still , That love her dearly as I do my life . Then Juno , as she was required sware By all the Subtartarian Gods ( by name They Titans and the brood of Saturn are . ) And then together both from Lemnos came To Lectos , at the foot of Ida Hill , And ore the Woods upward their way they took . But out of sight of Jove there Sleep stood still ; And as they went the wood below them shook . Then Sleep went up into a high Fir-tree , And there he sat in likeness of a Fowl ( All cover'd ore with Boughs and Leaves was he ) Call'd Chalcis by the Gods , by us an Owl . Juno went on to Gargarus , where Jove Saw her and met her with no le●s desire Than when the first time to enjoy her love Without their Parents knowledge he lay by her . And Jove then standing by her very neer , What made you from Olympus come , said he , Neither your Charre nor Ho●ses have you here . Deceitfully then to him answer'd she , I going am upon a Visit now To th'Father and the Mother of the Gods Oceanus and Tethys ; who you know Did bring me up . For now they are at odds , And angry he abstaineth from her bed . But if I can , I reconcile them will. The Horses that me brought unharnessed Attend me at the foot of Ida Hill. But that I from Olympus hither came , Was that I would not such a journey take , And not make you acquainted with the same . This said , to Juno Jove again thus spake . You may , said he , at any time do that , But let us now with Love our selves delight . For never yet upon my heart Love sat For woman or for Goddess with such might . Not when upon the Wife of Ixion The wise Perithous I did beget ; Nor when the fair maid Danae I won That brought forth God-like Perseus ; nor yet ( When by Uropa I two Children got , Minos and Rhadamant both famous men ) For her ; nor Semele , when I begot Bacchus mans joy ; nor for Alcmena , when I Hercules begot my lusty boy ; Nor Ceres , Leto , nor your self till now . So much I long your Beauty to enjoy . Fierce Cronides ( then answer'd Juno ) How ? On Ida top , for some o'th'Gods to spy , And tell it to the rest to make them sport ? Then so ashamed of it shall be I , That I shall never after come to Court. You have a Chamber without Chink or Hole Made you by Mulciber my Son , whereat Neither the Sun nor any living Soul Can peep . Go thither if you will do that . And Jove to Juno then again repli'd . That Man or God shall see us do not fear ; With such a Cloud of Gold I will us hide , As to the Sun himself we 'll not appear . This said , within his Arms his Wife he caught Whilst under them the Earth made to arise Great store of Saffron , Hyacinth , and Lote . There pleased Jupiter with Juno lies , Closely concealed in a Cloud of Gold. Away went Sleep unto the Argive Fleet , And speaking there to Neptune said , Be bold , And help the Greeks a while . Jove cannot see 't . I clos'd his eyes as he by Juno lay . He 'll soon awake ; but help the Greeks till then , Who now before the Trojans dare not stay . This said , Sleep went amongst the Tribes of Men , And Neptune to the Argive Ranks , and cri'd , Shall Hector think to get the Victory Because Achilles is not on our side ? No. Of Achilles little need would be If every man would his Companion chear . But now the Counsel I shall give obey . Arm every man himself with a good Spear , And Shield , and Helmet strong , and come away , And follow me . I 'll lead you to the Field . Hector ( though bold ) my coming will not stay . But let the best man take the largest Shield , And to a weaker put his own away . This said , well pleased were the Argives all The wounded Princes arm'd themselves each one ; King Agamemnon first the General . Ulysses and Tydides then put on Their Arms , and every way the Field they range , Surveying Men and Arms ; and all along Make weak men with their betters Armours change , And give their heavie Arms to men more strong . Thus armed all and Neptune at the Head , Who with a great and long Sword in his hand ●ent brandishing as if 't had lightned To th'Fight they go ; no man durst him withstand . And Hector with the Trojans well array'd On th' other side came on . And then began Betwixt the Greeks that had the God for aid , And those of Troy led by a val●ant man A cruel fight . And high the Sea arose Up to the Ships and Tents . And presently With Alalaes the mighty Armies close ; And up unto the Heavens went the cry . So loud as now , the Sea did never rore When beaten 't was in t ' heaps by Boreas ; Nor Wind when in the Woods great Oaks it tore Up by the roots ; nor th' Wood when fir'd it was . And here did Hector first begin the fight , And at the greater Ajax threw his Spear , Which hit him ; but upon two Belts did light Which one upon another lying were , One of his Sword , the other of his Shield . Hector was angry that in vain he flung ( For he was in great hope he had him kill'd ) And now retired backward to the throng . Then Ajax in his hand took up a Stone , Of those to which the Greeks their Ships did tye ( For there amongst their feet lay many a one ) And at him as he parted lets it fly . And as a Top he made it flying spin . It but a little ore his Buckler slew , And hit him 'twixt his Buckler and his Chin Upon the breast , and to the ground him threw . As when an Oak is overthrown by Thunder ( Which known is eas'ly by the Brimstone-smell ) Men look upon 't with horror and with wonder ; So gazed they at Hector when he fell . And from his hands went out both Shield and Spear , And Helmet from his head ; and with great cry The Greeks rush on , and in fair hope they were To gain his body , and their Spears let fly . But all in vain . For by Polydamas , Divine Aeneas , and Agenor , and Sarpedon , and by Glaucus sav'd he was , Who all before him with their Bucklers stand . His friends then from the Battle him convey'd Unto his Chariot and Charioteer That close behide the Squadrons for h●m stay'd , And in his Charre tow'rds Ilium they him bear . But at the ford of Xanthus by the way They poured water on his face , and then In little time , as on the ground he lay , He breath'd and came unto himself agen . Then sitting on his knees he cast up blood ; And backward fell unto the ground again ; Upon his eyes again the darkness stood , For of the stroke remained still the pain . The Greeks assoon as they saw Hector gone , Took heart , and on the Trojans fiercer were . Then Ajax ( of Oileus the Son ) Slew Satnius Son of Enops with his spear . His Mother Nëis was a very fine Nymph of the River Satnius . Of the same , Enops upon the Bank sat keeping Kine , And on her got a Son call'd by that name . Him Ajax now struck through the Flank and slew . Then for the Body there was much ado . At him Polydamas a Spear then threw , Which Prothoenors shoulder pierced through . And on his hands into the dust he fell . To th' Greeks then boasting said Polydamas , I have not thrown in vain . I know full well That one Greek or another taken 't has To lean on as a Staff i' th' way to Hell. At this the Greeks were griev'd , but especially The heart of Telamonius did swell . ( For Prothoenor slain did neer him lie ; ) And with his Spear threw at Polydama● , Who nimbly leapt aside and it declin'd . But by Archelochus receiv'd it was Antenors Son , whose death the Fates design'd , Who having on his Neck receiv'd the wound , His Forehead and his Eyes , and Lips , and Nose Before his Legs or Knees came to the ground . Then Ajax took his turn , and at it crows . Polydamas , said he , was Prothoenor As good a man in your own estimation , As this man that was Brother to Antenor , Or Son ? For he is not unlike that Generation . This said he , though he well knew who it was . Then Promachus , as he drew off the dead Was killed by a Spear from Acamas . And in it Acamas then gloried . Argives , said he , great threat'ners as you are You vulnerable are as well as we , And no less subject to the chance of Warre . How quiet Promachus now lies you see , And so I hope ere long you all shall lie . My Brother not long unrevenged lay . T is good you see to have a Brother nigh . And when he this had said he went away . Peneleus then went to throw his Spear At Acamas , but Acamas was gone . But yet he threw and kill'd another there , Iliones of Phorbas th' onely Son , A man much favoured by Mercury . The Spear beneath his Eye-brow enter'd in , And to the ground fell down the bloody eye . The Spear went on unto the Brain within , Then sitting down with both his hands outspread The deadly Spear yet sticking in his eye , Peneleus with his Sword cuts of● his head Which to the ground with Helmet on did fly . Then looking up , he to the Trojans said , Tell this in Troy. And let his Parents mourn . For Promochus's Wife will not be joy'd , When we without her Husband shall return . This said , the Trojans striken were with fear , And lookt about each one which way to fly . Now tell me , Muse , Who and by whom slain were When they pursu'd the flying Enemy . Great Ajax first the Son of Telamon Killed the Mysian Leader Hyrtius Of Gyrtias the strong and valiant Son. Antilochus then killed Mermerus And Phalces . By Meriones were slain Hippotion and Morys . Teucer slew Prothon and Periphetes , good men twain . At Hyperenor then Atrides threw , And gave him on the Flank a cruel wound , And where the Spear went in , his Life went out , And suddenly he fell unto the ground , And on his eyes sate darkness all about . But he that far the greater number slew , The lesser Ajax was , Oîleus Son. 'T was hard to scape when Ajax did pursue ; For of the Argives all he best could run . ILIAD . LIB . XV. WHen flying they had past the Ditch and Wall , They at the Horses and the Charrets stay'd With loss of many men , and looking pale . And Jove awakt stood and the Field survay'd ; And saw the Greeks pursue , and Trojans fly , And Neptune with the Greeks , and Hector laid Upon the Plain , his Friends there sitting by , And not a little of his Life affraid . For gasping he scarce able was to draw His breath , and blood abundance vomited , Nor knew his friends . When Jupiter him saw , Offended his condition pityed . And then on Juno fiercely lookt and said , Juno , I see all this is done by you ; And if you for it with a whip were paid , 'T would be no more than for your work is due . Have you forgot how once you swung i' th' Air , And had two Anvils hanging at your feet , Your hand with a Gold Chain ty'd to my Chair ? Though sorry were the other Gods to see 't , Yet had I any seen but go about Your Manacles or Shackles to untye , I from the Sill of Heav'n had thrown him out , And strength'ess made him on the earth to lye . I was not so much griev'd for Hercules When Boreas set on by you , arose As he went off from Troy , enrag'd the Seas , And at the last threw him ashore at Coos . But I to Argos brought him safe again . And this I now repeat that you may try Whether you likely are to lose or gain , Abusing our familiarity . This said , the Goddess Juno struck with fear , By Earth , said she , and Heaven about i● spread , By Styx ( which is our greatest Oath ) I swear , And by your Life , and by our Nuptial Bed , I never did to Neptune speak a word , To hurt the Trojans , or the Greeks to aid ; But all he did was of his own accord , By pity only and compassion sway'd . And from henceforward I will him advise , Seeing what way you lead , the same to take . Then Jupiter with favourable eyes On Juno lookt , and thus unto her spake . Juno , if we were both one way inclin'd , Neptune would quickly with us both comply . Now if your words dissent not from your mind , Go 'mongst the other Gods , and presently Bid Iris and Apollo to me come . For Iris unto Neptune I will send To bid him leave the Battle and go home . To Hector and the Trojans I intend To send Apollo , to give Hector might , And cure him of his pain , that he may lead The Trojans on , and put the Greeks to flight , That Th●tis Son may see them scattered ; And he shall send Patroclus to the Field , Who shall the Trojans rout and kill my Son Sarpedon , and himself shall then be kill'd By Hector's Spear . And after that is done Achilles in revenge again shall fight , And by his hand stout Hector shall be kill'd Under the Walls of Troy , i' th' Trojans sight , And beaten be the Trojans from the Field , Till Troy by Pallas counsel taken be . Nor till I have performed all I said To Thetis supplicating at my knee , Let any God presume the Greeks to aid . This said , went Juno to Olympus high . As when a man looks ore an ample Plain , To any distance quickly goes his eye ; So swiftly Juno went with little-pain , And found the Gods at Wine together set . And at her coming in they all stood up . But Themis forward went and Juno met , And to her hand delivered the Cup , And said , You look as if you frighted were By Jupiter for something . But what is 't ? You know , said Juno , that he is severe ; And you shall hear the matter if you list Together with the other Gods , though bad . They will not all contented with it be ; But some of them will troubled be and sad . And griev'd was she , though speaking smilingly . Then Juno went up to her Throne , and sat ; And unto all the Gods spake angerly , How ! mad ( said she ) or foolish are we , that Are thinking how agen Jove's hands to tye , Who careless and unmov'd on Ida Hill Knows his own strength and does our Plots despise . And therefore what he sends , be 't good or ill , We 'll take it patiently if we be wise . Nor must the God of War on Jove complain , Or in Rebellion against him rise Because his Son Ascalaphus is slain . At this , with both his hands Mars clapt his Thighs , And to the Gods above complaining said , Pardon me Gods , I will revenge my Son , And 'mongst the Argives go and give them aid , Though I should lye amongst the dead . Then on He puts his Armour , and gives order to Terror and Flight his Charret to prepare , And then there had been twice as much ado T' appease Jove anger ere it came to war , If Pallas had not ( for the Gods afraid ) Pluckt off his Helmet , and set up his Spear , And pull'd his Buckler off , and to him said , Fool , Bedlam , What have you no Ears to hear ? You hear what news now Juno brings from Jove . And if you care not though your self be lost , Yet let the danger of us all you move . For Jove will leave both Greek and Trojan Host , And coming hither seize us one by one , And never ask who guilty is or not . Therefore give over vexing for your Son , For better men than he , by Gods begot , Already here have been and shall be slain . The Gods cannot preserve their Children all . This said , she brought Mars to his place again . And Juno to their houses went to call Iris and Phoebus . You must go , said she , To Jove on Ida. What you are to do , You will by Jove himself informed be Assoon as you his Presence come into . Her message done , Juno resumes her place , Iris and Phoebus down to Ida fly , And finding Jove , stood still before his face . Nor lookt he on them with an angry Eye ; For soon they did his Wives command obey . Then speaking first to Iris , Go , said he , To Neptune quickly , tell him what I say . Bid him no longer at the Battle be , But either go t' Olympus to the Gods , Or to the Sea. If he will neither do , Bid him consider if there be no odds As well in strength as age between us two . He knows that all the other Gods me fear , And for my coming dareth not to stay , As strong as to himself he doth appear . This said , swift-footed Iris went her way From Ida hill , and Jove without delay And swift as any Cloud before the Winds , Came down unto the Battle before Troy , And there amongst the Argives Neptune finds , And going to his side , I came , said she , To speak with you a word or two from Jove . You must not in the War a Party be . He bids you go up to the Gods above , Or down to th' Sea , where lies your own command . If you refuse , he threatens you with War , And bids you have a care 〈◊〉 his hand ; And th' Elder is , he saies , and stronger far , Which you your self he thinks will not deny , Since th' other Gods of him stand all in awe . Neptune to this replying first spake high . Good as he is , said he , it is not Law , Thus to usurp upon my liberty . For Sons and Heirs of Saturn we were three Begot on Rhea . Pluto , Jove , and I. By lot the Rule o' th' Waters came to me . To Jove the Government of Heaven fell , And of the Clouds , and the Ethereal Sky . To Pluto Darkness , and the rule of Hell. Earth and Olympus did as Common lye . Let Jove then with his share contented be , And not encroach on me . For well 't is known I hold not any thing of him in Fee , But live as he should do , upon my own . He should not unto me such language use , But to his Children that will be affraid , And dare not what he bids them , to refuse . Thus Neptune spake . Again then Iris said , Neptune , shall I this haughty answer carry To Jove ? And will you that I with it go As ' t is ? The Wise their minds oft vary ; And Fury on the Eldest wait you know . So she to him . Then Neptune thus to her . Iris , this word was spoken in good season . Much worth , I see , is a wise Messenger . But I was vext , because thus without reason ( When I his equal am by Birth and Lot ) Jove uses me as if I were his slave . Well . For the present , cross him I will not Though I be vext . That answer let him have . And further , That if he without consent Of me , Athena , Juno , Mercurie , And Vulcan , Troy shall spare , our discontent For th' Argives wrong , implacable will be . And when he this had said , he Fight forbears , Nor any longer 'mongst the Argives staid , But div'd into the Sea ore head and ears . Then Jove unto Apollo spake , and said , To Hector go ; for Neptune now is gone For fear of my displeasure ; had he stay'd , The Sons of Saturn of our War had known . 'T was wisely done of him my hand t' avoid . And better both for him and me ; but go , And shaking your great Shield the Greeks affright , And strengthen Hector and incourage so That he the Argive Lords may put to flight . And follow them down to the Hellespont , And make them for their hollow Ships to fight . What then is to be done ? I 'll think upon 't . For I intend not to destroy them quite . This said , Apollo left his Father Jove , And down he came to Troy from Ida hill Swift as a Falcon flying at a Dove , And Hector on the ground found sitting still , Not laid , but to his Senses come anew , And freely breathing , although very weak , And very well his friends about him knew . There Phoebus standing nigh did to him speak . Hector , said he , why sit you here alone ? O kindest of the Gods , said he , you know That Ajax wounded has me with a Stone , So that I am disabled with the blow , And once to day I thought I should have gone To Erebus with other shadows dim ; With such a force he threw the mighty stone . Then thus again Apollo answered him . Hector , I Phoebus am , and hither come From Jove , against the Greeks to give you aid , And ever have wisht well to Ilium . Lead to the Ships your Troops . Be not afraid . Hector at this encourag'd was again , And as a Horse at Rack and Manger fed Breaking his Headstal scudds upon the Plain , And high into the Air he holds his head , His Mane upon his shoulders plays with th' Air And proud is in his Freedom to behold The pleasant River and the Pastures fair , To which he had accustom'd been of old , And swiftly to the same is carried ; So swiftly now went Hector to each part , And in the Field his Troops enc●●raged , After Apollo once had giv'n 〈◊〉 heart . But as when Swains with Curs to chase a Ro Go forth into the Field , and with their cry Rouse a fierce Lion , they the Prey let go To save it self i'th'Woods or Rochers high , And both the men and dogs are forc'd to fly ; Just so the Greeks whilst they in Bodies fight , They save themselves ; but seeing Hector nigh They troubled were , and lost their courage quite . Then to them spake Thoas Andraemon's Son , Well skill'd at distance or at hand to fight Amongst th' Aetolians better there was none , And few compare with him for Counsel might . O strange , said he , what wondrous sight is this ! I verily thought Hector had been slain By Ajax hand . But see he risen is . Some God or other rais'd him has again , He kill'd us has already many men , And many more is likely now to slay . For Jupiter defends him now as then . But come , let 's all my Counsel now obey . Let us that most pretend to Fortitude Stay here imbattl'd to receive the Fo , And to the Ships send back the multitude . For thither , I think , Hector dares not go : This Counsel was approv'd , and then stood out Ajax , Idomeneus , Meriones , Teucer , Meges , and such as were most stout , And one Battalion was made of these Th' impression of Hector to sustain Till to the Ships the rest retreated were . And Hector with his Troops came on amain , Himself the foremost shaking his long Spear . Apollo march'd before him to the field Concealing in a Cloud his glorious Head , And carri'd in his hand a shining Shield Which whosoever laid his eyes on 〈◊〉 'T was made at first by Mulciber , and then Given to Jove when he came down to fight Against the Squadrons of rebellious men , To make them fly the Field at the first sight . Expecting Hector close the Argives stand , And loud and sharp on both sides was the cry , And many a Spear from every lusty hand , And in the Air Arrows abundance fly , And Spears ; whereof some flying home did kill , And others would have done but short they fell . As long as Phoebus did his Shield hold still , Many a Soul on both sides flew to Hell. When shaking it he made the Argives see it , They stricken were with fear , and suddenly Their heavie hearts fell down into their feet , And then they made all haste they could to fly . And as a Herd or Flock is frighted when A Wolf or Lion coming on they see , And no assistance have of Dogs or Men ; So th' Argives scatter'd before Hector flee . Then slain by Hector was Arcestlaus , And Stichius who the Boeotians led . The other a good friend of Mnesteus was ; Both killed were by Hector as they fled ; Aeneas Medon slew and Iäsus . Medon was little Ajax Bastard-Brother , And lived from his Father Oileus , By th'instigation of his Stepmother Eriopis , whose Brother he had slain . And Iäsus th' Athenian Leader was , But back to Atheas led them not again . His Father was Sphelus Bucalidas . Mecestes slain was by Polydamas . Polites Echius slew in the first fight , And Clonius by Agenor killed was ; And Deiochus by Paris in the flight Whilst from the Foe each one his Armour takes , The flying Greeks into the Ditch leapt all , And there encumber'd mightily with Stakes Were forced to retire within the Wall. Then Hector roared to the Trojans , saying , On to the Ships , and let the dead men lie . I 'll be his death whom ever I find staying , Nor shall he buri'd be or burned by His friends and kin , but in the Fields of Troy Be left for Dogs to tear and haul about . This said , unto the Ships he drave away By th' Trojans follow'd with a mighty shout . Phoebus before them march'd , and with his foot Into the Trench threw down the Earth again , And made an easie and plain passage through it As far as one a Spear can well hurl , when He hurleth for a wager . To the Wall The Trojans go , Apollo there again Before them is , and eas'ly makes it fall , As Children when themselves they entertain With making pretty things upon the Sands , Then comes into their heads another toy , And down they push this with their feet or hands ; So easily Apollo did destroy The Argives mighty work , and bring the fight Again unto the Ships . Where now they pray'd , And one anothers courage did excite . Nestor to Heaven held up his hands and said , O Jove , if you the Sacrifice accepted have Of any Greek before he hither came , And promis'd that the Army you would save , O , at our Prayer now perform the same . Let us not perish by the Trojans here . Thus Nestor pray'd , and then Jove thundered , Declaring that his Prayers granted were . At this the Trojans were encouraged , And by their hopes interpreting Jove's mind , Upon the Greeks with greater fury fall . As when a Wave is thrown by some great wind Into a Ship , so pass'd they at the Wall And to the Ships they went with Horse and Char. The Greeks into their Ships went up to fight And with long Spears made for a Naval War And pointed well with Brass , and shining bright . The Greeks and Trojans push at one another , These mounted stood upon their Charrets high , And higher on their black Ships stood the other . Patroclus that till now sat quietly ( Because the fight was only at the Wall ) And to Eurypylus his care appli'd And Med'cines fit to cure his wounds withal . And sat discoursing with him by his side , Now when he saw the Trojans were within , And of the Argives heard the woful cries , And saw the fear and danger they were in , With both his hands then clapped he his Thighs . Eurypylus , said he , I cannot stay ; For mightily encreased is th'affray . Your wound be dressed by your Servant may . But to Achilles I must go away . Who knows but I may win him at the last To help the Greeks ? This said , away he went , And left Eurypylus , and made what hast He could to get unto Achilles Tent. Mean while the Victory no way inclin'd . Neither the Greeks could make the Trojans fly , Nor yet the Trojans as they had design'd , Back from the Ships could force the Enemy ; But level hung the wings of Victory As when two Scales are charg'd with equal weight Made by the Art of Pallas curiously , The Beam lies level in the Air and straight . And at one time at divers Ships they fought . Directly unto Ajax Hector went , And there sharp fighting was one Ship about . Hector to burn , Ajax to save it meant . Here Ajax with a long Spear in his hand Killed Caletor , Hector's Brother's Son , As he was coming with a flaming brand To fire the Ship , and di'd before 't was done . This Hector saw , and to his fellows cri'd , Trojans and friends defend the body dead Of Clytius Son , and shrink not from my side . And as he spake his long Spear from him fled , Which ( aim'd at Ajax ) fell on Lycophron , A man that was to Ajax very dear , But born at Cythera , and Mastors Son , That having kill'd a man durst not stay there , But unto Ajax fled , and with him stay'd , Till now by Hector's Spear struck through the head He di'd . Then Ajax to his Brother said , Teucer , our friend Mastorides is dead . You know how much we honour'd him at home . 'T is Hector that has slain him . Where are now Your deadly Arrows ? And what is become Of ( Phoebus g●ft ) your so egregious Bow ? Which Teucer hearing quickly with him was With Bow and Quiver in his hand , and shot , And slew the Servant of Polydamas , That had the guiding of his Chariot Clitus by name , who while in vain he sought By driving to where hottest was the fight , From Hector and the Trojans thanks t' have got , The fatal Arrow on his Neck did light . Then down he fell . The frighted Horses shook The empty Charre . Then came Polydamas , And by the heads the capring Horses took , And sets Astynous in Clitus place ; And gave him a strict charge to hold them nigh , But not to come with them into the Fight . Then Teucer lets another Arrow fly At Hector , which if it had hit him right , He never at the Ships again had fought . But Jupiter was pleas'd to save him now , And brake the Bow-string . Then in vain flew out The Arrow , and into the dust the Bow. And Teucer to his Brother made his moan . Ajax , said he , is 't not a wondrous thing ? My Bow is started from my hand and gone , Some God or other broken has the String . Yet new 't was made this morning purposely To last all day . Teucer , said Ajax then , Cannot you let your Bow and Quiver lie , And fight with Spear in hand like other men , And give unto the Greeks encouragement ? No. Though the Gods above should in their hate To let the Trojans take our Ships be bent , Yet let us sell them at a lusty rate . Teucer then laid his Bow up in his Tent , And arm'd himself with Helmet and with Shield , And a good Spear , and back to Ajax went , And found him where he left him in the Field . When Hector saw that Teucer's noble Bow Was useless now , he to his Squadrons cry'd , Trojans and Lycians come on boldly now , For Teucer now his Bow hath laid aside . Jove brake the String . I saw it with these eyes . For easily it may discerned be To whom the hand of Jove intends the Prize , And to whom he denies the Victory . And now upon our side he is you see , And from the Greeks their courage takes away . Then to the Ships let 's go couragiously , And let the fear of death no man dismay . For why should any of us fear to dye ? When for his Country 't is , it is no shame . And if we make the Enemy to fly , Sav'd are his Wife and Children , Goods , and Name . Whilst Hector thus the Trojans did excite , Ajax unto the Argives spake , and said , We must now either put our Foes to flight , Or make account we shall be all destroy'd . If Hector here to burn our Ships should chance , Can you go home again ( d' ye think ) afoot ? He calleth on his men . 'T is not to dance , But fire our Ships if we will let him do 't . For us 't is better in close Fight to die Here all at once , or get the Victory Than here , God knows how long consuming lie And peck in vain at a weak Enemy . Thus Ajax rais'd the courage of th' Achaeans . Then Hector slew the Son of Perim●d , Stichius that had command of the Phocoe●ns . And Ajax slew Laoda●as that led The Trojan Foot , and was Antenor's Son. And Otus by Polydamas was slain , Otus that led the bold Ep●ians on , And was a friend of Meges . He again A Spear threw at Polydamas , and mist. For Phoebus kindness had for Panthus Son , And with a present wit did him assist To turn about and let the Spear go on . And Croesmus there receiv'd it on his Brest , And down he fell . Then Dolops Lampus Son ( Lampus that was of living men the best , And Grandchild of the King Laomedon ) To be reveng'd at Meges threw his Spear , Which pass'd his Shield , but in his Breastplate staid , The Breastplate which his Father us'd to wear With many Plyes of strong Mail overlaid , And given was to Phyleus by his Guest At Ephyre , wherewith in martial strife From deadly stroaks of Spears to save his Brest . And of his Son it now preserv'd the l●fe . But Meges Dolops hit upon the Head , And from his Crest struck off the goodly Main Which he but newly then had dyed red . But Dolops still the Fight did well maintain , Till Menelaus stole unto his Side , And struck him through the Shoulder with his Spear . No longer stood he then , but fell and dy'd , And both of them to strip him going were . And Hector then call'd out to all his Kin , And unto Menalippus specially , Who while the Greeks were absent lived in Percote , and took care of th'Husbandry . But when the A●give Fleet to Troy was come , He then return'd his Country to defend , And liv'd in Priam's house at Ilium , And proud the Trojans were of such a friend . And lov'd he was by Priam as his Son , And now unto him Hector spake and said , Have we for Dolops no compassion , Or to defend his body are affraid ? Come follow me . We must no longer play At distance with the Greeks , but either they Must utterly deface the Town of Troy , And kill us all , or we them all destroy . This said , away they both together went To save the Body of their Cosen dead , And A●ax with a contrary intent His Argives to the Fight encouraged . Argives , said he , to Honour have an eye , And of your fellows Censures have a care . For slain are alwaies more of those that fly Than those that of base flight ashamed are . This said , though of it no great need there was Amongst the Greeks , they presently obey'd , And at the Ships stood like an Hedg of Brass . But on came Hector not at all afraid . T' Antilochus then Menelaus said , Amongst us there is none that better can Both fight and run . Why should you be afraid To leap unto the throng and kill your man ? This said , away again went Menelaus . Antilochus leapt out before the rest And threw his Spear at Menalippus , as He coming was , and hit him on the Brest . No sooner was he fallen to the ground , Than to the Spoil Antilochus ran in . As quick as when upon a Deer a Hound Runs in , that by the Hunter kill'd had been . But soon as he saw Hector coming on , As valiant as he was he durst not stay ; But as some wild Beast that had mischief done Ere people could assemble , run away . The Trojans follow'd him with clamour loud , And Spears abundance after him they threw . But he ran on and got into the croud . But they unto the Ships the Greeks pursue . For Jupiter to make his promise good To Thetis , hitherto the Greeks dismaid , And in the Battle with the Trojans stood Until he had performed all he said . But meant to stay no longer with them , than To see some Argive Ship with fire to shine , And then to let the Greeks prevail agen . From the beginning such was his designe In aiding Hector , who now furiously Went on like Mars , or like fire in a Wood , With foam about his mouth , and fire in 's eye . And Jove himself came down and ore him stood To save him when he was hem'd in by Foes , And honour him , since 't was his destiny That not long after he his Life should lose , And by none but Achilles hand should dye . Now Hector looking where the best men stood And armed best , try'd first to break in there . Keen as he was he there could do no good ; So close they joyn'd to one another were , And stuck like great stones in a Tow'r or Rock That of the boyst'rous Winds and Billows high Which break upon it still endures the shock . Then Hector other places went to try , And through he pass'd . Then as a Wave high grown , When in foul weather forced by the wind Under dark Clouds , into a Ship is thrown The Mist and roaring Sails bring to the mind Of the poor Seamen nothing but to dye ; So frighted were the Greeks . But forward he Still went ; And as when in the Meadows by The Rivers side thousands of Kine there be , And th'Herdsmen see a Lion to them come , But with a wild Beast know not how to fight , Some go before them , and behind them some , The Lion falleth on them in their sight Between both ends , and killeth only one , The rest all fly ; So th' Argives all before He●tor and Jupiter dispersed run . But only one was killed and no more . And Periphetes 't was the worthy Son Of an unworthy Father Copreus , who , When any labour great was to be done By Hercules , did from Eurystheus go As Messenger to carry the commands . But Periphetes Vertue wanted none . His Feet were swift , and valiant were his Hands , A wiser man Mycena had not one . But slain he was . For as he turn'd to fly , He trod upon the edge of his own Shield , And overthrown upon his Back did lye ; And with a stab of Hector's Spear was kill'd . His friends , though many standing by him were , And griev'd to see him fall , did him no good . For ev'ry one now for himself did fear , And out of Hector's way kept all he cou'd . The Greeks retreated were no further yet Than to between the first and second Row Of th' Argive Ships ; but forc'd that place to quit , Near to their Tents themselves they rally now . Where Nestor them encouraged agen . Argives , my friends , be valiant now ( said he ) And if at any time now play the men . Of one anothers Censures fearful be . Besides , by what you should be moved most , Your Parents , Children , Wives , and Goods and Land , Whether you have them still or have them lost . I you conjure against the Foe to stand . This Nestor said , the Argives to exite : And Pallas from them took the Mist again , That they might see who did , who did not fight Both at the Ships and elswhere on the Plain . But Ajax Telamonius thought not good To stay with other Argives in the throng , But up into a Ship he went and stood With a Ship spear twenty two Cubits long . As when a man that taught has been to guide Four Horses at a time , and in his hand Holdeth their Reins while they go side by side , And people on the way admiring stand , He from one Horse unto another skips , And makes them run together to the Town ; So Ajax ore the Argives ranged Ships To save them , and the Tents ran up and down . And terribly unto the Argives cry'd To play the men . Nor Hector 'mongst his Troops Could be perswaded longer to abide ; But suddenly as a black Eagle stoops At a great Flock of Geese , or Cranes , or Swans ; So Hector of the Argive Ships to one Flew down , and Jove with his puissant hands Behind him marching alwaies pusht him on . Then at the Ships the Fight began again , More cruel than before . You would have said They had no sense of weariness or pain , So mightily they all about them laid . The Greeks were in despair of their return . The Trojans thought the Argive Lords to rout , And all the Ships that brought them thither burn . Thus minded on each side they fiercely fought . Upon a Shi● then Hector laid his hand , Which brought Protesilaus unto Troy , But never back unto his native Land. For this good Ship they one another slay . Arrows and Darts no longer slew about ; But now with Battle-axes of great strength In one anothers reach they stood and fought , And with great Spears and of a mighty length , And great keen Swords , whereof from dying hands Abundance fell on either side to th' ground ; And covered were with streaming bloud the Sands , That gushed out from many a ghastly wound . But Hector on the Ship his hand held fast , And to his Trojans call'd aloud for Fire . This day , said he , requites our ill days past . To burn these Ships . Jove with us doth conspire . And set on fire they had been long ago ( For I would gladly at the Ships have fought ) But that the Senate would not have it so , And kept both you and me from going out . But though by Jove then smitten were their hearts , Yet boldly now himself he leads us on . This said , the Trojans bravely play their parts , And with more vigour fought than they had done . Then on the Deck no longer Ajax stay'd , So many Spears went singing by his head . For if he there had stood he was afraid That some unlucky Spear would strike him dead ; And to the far side of the Ship retreats , Leaving the Deck which fenceless was and high , And sat upon one of the Rowers seats , And still upon the Trojans kept his eye . And thence he from the fire the Ship defends , And terribly on th' Argive Heroes calls To do their best . We have , said he , no friends Behinde to save our lives , nor better Walls Than those we made ; nor any City nigh , That can or willing are our part to take . But far from home in hostile ground we lie , And hemmed in are by the briny lake ; And nothing can redeem us but our hands . This said , he lookt about him furiously To see if any durst approach with Brands , Resolv'd to kill him that with Fire came nigh . And many to the Ship with Fire were sent By Hector ; but when they approached near , Ajax continually did them prevent , And twelve he killed with his Naval Spear . ILIAD . LIB . XVI . THus fiercely fought the Trojans and the Greeks . And with Achilles was Patroclus now With tears abundance running down his Cheeks , Like Springs that from a high Rock streaming flow . No sooner him Achilles weeping spi'd But piti'd him . Why weep you so , said he , Like a Childe running by his Mothers side , And holding by her Coat would carri'd be ? Bring you some News that none but you can tell ? Menoetius and Peleus still do live At Phthia with the Myrmidons , and well . If not , we both have cause enough to grieve . Or is it that the Greeks are slaughter'd so , And fall before the Ships ? 't is for their pride ? Speak what 's the matter , that we both may know . Patroclus sobbing to him then repli'd , O Son of Peleus , of all Greeks the best , Forgive me if in this necessity I freely speak . They that excel the rest In Prowess , at the Ships all wounded lie . Ulysses wounded is and Diomed , And Agamemnon and Eurypylus , And cur'd may be , but stand us in no sted ; Nor does your Vertue any good to us . O Gods let never anger in me dwell Like this of yours . If you cannot , who can The Trojans from the Argive Fleet repel , And save so many lives ? O cruel man ! The noble Peleus sure was not your Father ; Born of the Goddess Thetis you were not . Sprung from the raging Sea I think you rather , And that by some hard Rock you were begot . But if you stand upon some Prophecie , Or Thetis have forbidden you to fight From Jove , yet send some Myrmidons with me , That I may to the Argives give some light . But in your Armour let me be array'd , That when they see me they may think me you , And back into the City run dismay'd , And th' Argives wearied take breath anew . For long the Trojans have endur'd the Fight ; And if fresh Enemies they coming see , With little labour they 'll be put to flight , And leave the Argive Tents and Navy free . Thus prayed he , but 'gainst himself he pray'd , And rashly su'd to cast his life away . To this Achilles answer made and said , My dear Patroclus what is this you say ? I stand not on , nor care for Prophecy , Nor yet by Jove forbidden am to fight ; But at my heart it lieth grievously , My equal should oppress me by meer might . A Town I won , in which we found great Prey . For my reward the Greeks gave me a Maid , Which Agamemnon from me took away , Only because more people him obey'd , As if I were a man of little worth . But let that pass . Though once I never meant My Myrmidons should with the Greeks go forth To Battle till the Foes were at my Tent , Yet since the Argive Ships with such a mist Of Trojans on the shore environ'd lie , And th' Argives wanting room can scarce resist , And have the pow'r of Troy for enemy , Take you my Arms and lead unto the Fight The Myrmidons . The Trojans shall not see My Helmet neer , to put them in a fright . If Agamemnon had been just to me , The Ditches had been fill'd with Trojans dead . But now into the very Camp they break ; Nor can resisted be by Diomed. To save the Ships Tydides is too weak . Nor can that hateful mouth of Atreus Son Be heard for Hector , who the Air doth fill With roaring to the Trojans to fall on , And shouting of the Trojans as they kill . Yet so , Patroclus , charge them lustily , For fear the Ships should all be set on fire ; Then lost the Greeks are without remedy , And to their Country never shall retire . But now what I shall say give ear unto . To th' end the Greeks may honour me , and send Briseis back with Gifts , you thus must do . When you have freed the Ships , there make an end And come away . If Jove give you success No longer without me pursue the Fight . 'T will make my honour with the Greeks the less . Nor in the slaughter take so much delight As to proceed up to the Walls of Troy ; Lest by some God or other you be checkt . But having freed the Ships come straight away ( Apollo has for Troy a great respect ) And leave both sides to fight upon the Plain Till ( grant it O ye Gods ) there left are none , But you and I , the Town of Troy to gain . Thus they to one another talkt alone . Ajax by this time from the Ship was gone , Forc'd by the Spears that from the Trojans flew , And weakned by the hand of Saturn's Son. For at his head the Trojans always threw , And forc'd he was to hold his great Shield high , And weari'd was thereby his Buckler-hand . With Spear in hand no Trojan durst come nigh , But pelting him with Spears aloof they stand . The sweat ran down his Limbs , nor could he well , Though mightily for breath he pull'd , respire . Now tell me Muses that in Heav'n do dwell , How came the Ship first to be set on fire ? Thus. Hector with his broad Sword at a blow The Spear of Ajax chanc'd to cut in twain Where to the staff the head was fixt , and so His mighty Naval Spear he shook in vain . The head of Brass flew humming to the ground . This Ajax saw , and frighted was to see Jove thus the counsel of the Greeks confound , To give unto the Trojans Victorie , And went his way . Then in the Trojans came With Brands of flaming fire ; and presently The hind part of the Ship was all in flame . Achilles with his hand then clapt his Thigh And to Patroclus said , A flame I see Rise at the Ships . 'T is time that you were gone , Lest our Retreat should intercepted be . Away and quickly put my Armour on . This said , Patroclus first of all puts on His Boots of War , and to his legs them ti'd With Silver Clasps ; and next of Thetis Son The Breast-plate good he to his Breast appli'd With Golden Stars like Heaven beautifi'd . His Sword then ore his shoulder he puts on , With Silver Studs to hang down by his side ; And then his Helmet shining like the Sun He puts upon his head ; and last of all He took two Spears that fit were for his hand . But not that which Achilles fought withal . For that none but Achilles could command . A great and strong and heavy Spear it was , Made of an Ash cut down i' th' woody hill Of Pelius , and by Chiron given 't was To Peleus , his mighty Foes to kill . Then to Achilles Charre Automedon The Horses Balius and Xanthus ti'd , That were by Zephyrus begotten on Podarge seeding by the Oceans side ; And at their heads he Pedasus did place ( A Horse he took at Thebe in the Prey ) That with them both was able to keep pace , Though he were mortal , and immortal they . While by his Charre Patroclus arming stands , Apace from Tent to Tent Achilles runs , And calleth unto those that had Commands , To Arm and bring away the Myrmidons . Then came they and about Patroclus stood Like Wolves that on a lusty Stag had fed , And lapping stain'd the River with his blood , With Bellies full and hearts encouraged . When they together were , Achilles then Appointed who i'th'Field should them command . To Troy he Ships brought with him five times ten , From ev'ry Ship came fifty men to land . And then five Bodies he made of them all , And Captains five by whom they led should be . But was himself the Captain-General ; For of the Myrmidons the King was he . Of these five Captains one Menestius was , Who was the River Sperchius his Son , And by the name of Boro then did pass His Mother was of Peleus Daughters one , And Polydora was her name . And she To Perierus had been married , And for his Wife reputed constantly Before she was of M'nestius brought to bed . The second Bands were by Eudorus led , The Son of Polymela a fair Maid . Hermes of her became enamoured , As at a Dance her Beauty he survay'd . It was upon Diana's Holy-day He saw her dancing , and at night he got Unseen into her bed and with her lay , And his brave Son Eudorus then begot . To Echecles she after married . Her Father Phylas to him took her Son , And unto mans estate him nourished , And lov'd no less than if t 'had been his own . The third Pisandrus led that swift could run , And had at fighting with a Spear more art In bloudy War than any Myrmidon Amongst them all ( Patroclus set apart . ) The fourth was by the old Knight Phoenix led . And of the fifth , charge had Alcimedon . When they were all together gathered , Unto them sharply thus spake Thetis Son. Ye Myrmidons , said he , remember now , How all the time I kept you have from fight , You have the Trojans threatned hard ; and how You said my Mother fed me had with Gall , And in great tumult bid me let you go , Or at the Ships upon the Trojans fall . Lo there before you is the War you crave . The Trojans are about to burn the Fleet ; Do you your utmost now the same to save . Let him that brags of Valour let us see 't . This said , the Myrmidons became more keen , Because they saw the King had chang'd his mind ; And presently into their Ranks fell in , And close themselves to one another joyn'd . As close as in a Wall are laid the stones By him that means his House shall keep out wind ; So close together stood the Myrmidons . Helmets with Helmets , Shields with Shields conjoyn'd . Before them all two good men armed went , Patroclus and Automedon to th'Fight . Achilles then returned to his Tent , Where stood a Chest most beautiful to sight , Which Thetis gave him when he went to Troy , Wherein were Carpets , Coats , and Cloaks laid up , To keep him warm when he a Ship-board lay ; And in the same was kept a dainty Cup. In which no other man ere drank but he , Though 't were to offer to the Gods above . Nor he himself ( such was his nicetie ) Ere in it drank but offering to Jove . Achilles then with Sulphur scour'd the Cup , And having rins'd it clean with water fair , And washt his hands , went out and held it up Tow'rds Heaven , and thus to Jove addrest his pray'r . Pelasgique Jove that far from hence dost dwell , But at Dodona men thy counsel know , The Selli there thy Prophets fortunes tell , Though on the ground they sleep , and barefoot go , That at my Prayer once didst honour me , And broughtest on the Argive Hoast much wo , Once more unto my Pray'r enclined be . Though to the Fight my self I do not go , I thither send my dear Companion . O Jove now honour him . Let Hector know Patroclus is a man of War alone , And not then only when I with him go . And when he has the Trojans driven from The Argive Ships , then grant , O Jove , he may With all his Myrmidons safe hither come , With all their Arms and make no longer stay . Thus prayed he . To half of his desire Jove nodded ; but the other half deni'd . He granted him to save the Ships from fire ; But at returning safe his neck he wri'd . Achilles when he offer'd had and pray'd , Went with the Cup agen into his Tent ▪ And safely laid it up ; and not long stay'd , But out agen to see the Fight he went. The Myrmidons now marched orderly . But when unto the Trojans they were neer , Like Wasps incensed they upon them fly . As when at unawares a Traveller Is going by a Wasps-nest neer the way , Which to the common damage stir'd has been And anger'd by a young unlucky Boy , Upon the Traveller they vent their spleen ; And all at once with fury on him fly : Just so the Myrmidons occasion take Provok'd by Agamemnon's injury To fall upon the Trojans for his sake . Patroclus yet did further them incite . Ye Myrmidons ▪ said he , Achilles Bands , Remember now couragiously to fight ; Achilles honour now lies in your hands The best of Greeks . Let Agamemnon see The fault he did , and know he was unwise , How wide soever his Dominion be , The best of all th' Achaeans to despise . Then on the Trojans all at once they fly . With them the other Greeks by shouts conspire . The Trojans when they saw Patroclus nigh With stout Automedon Achilles Squire , Their courage fell , their Ranks disordered were , They lookt about which way 't were best to run . For they suppos'd Achilles now was there , And that his discontent was past and gone . Patroclus first of all lets fly his Spear Amongst the thickest of the Foes , about Protesilaus hollow Ship ( for there The Trojans standing close together fought ) And slew Pyraechmes who from Amydon , And Axius wide stream the Poeons led . The Spear pass'd thorough his right Shoulder-bone . And when the Poeons saw him fall , they fled . Not only these he frighted had , but all , By killing of a Captain of such fame . Patroclus then upon the rest did fall , And drave them from the Ship , & quencht the flame . The Trojans towards Troy retire apace . Patroclus and the Argives them pursue , Leaving the Ship half burnt upon the place . And on the Plain the Fight began anew . As men see all the Rocks and Woods about When than the Hills the Mist is gotten higher ; So when the Fire was at the Ships put out , The Greeks did for a little while respire . For yet the Trojans did not plainly fly , But still resisting went , and losing ground . Here Areïlochus was killed by Patroclus that gave him a deadly wound Upon the Thigh , just as he turn'd about . The Spear went through and passing brake the Bone. And at the wound his bloud and life went out , And on his face he fell down with a groan . Thoas by Menelaus on the Brest Close by his Shield a wound receiv'd and di'd . To Meges Antichus a Spear addrest . But Meges that his purpose had espi'd Prevented him , and with his Spear him hits Upon the Leg and neer unto the Knee , And all the Nerves thereof asunder splits , And of the wound he died presently . Antilochus then slew Atymnius . The Spear went through his Flank & struck him dead . And Maris then struck at Antilochus , But he prevented was by Thrasymed And slain , pierc'd through the shoulder with his Spear . And thus by two Sons of old Nestor slain The two Sons of Amisodorus were , And of Sarpedon good Companions twain . Their Sire Amisodorus kept at home . The foul Chimaera that had done much harm , Devouring people which did that way come , Till she was slain by Bellerophontes arm . Cl●obulus then pester'd in the throng By little Ajax taken was alive , But after he was taken liv'd not long . For Ajax did him of his life deprive . For on the Neck he gave him such a wound With his broad Sword as made it smoak with blood ; And presently he fell unto the ground , And on his Eyes perpetual darkness stood . With Swords Peneleos and Lycon prest Each other hard . For both their Spears had miss'd . Lycon him hit upon the Helmet-crest , And broke his Sword. One part staid in his Fist , T●e other flew . Peneleos him hit Upon the Neck . The Sword so far went in , As from the shoulders it divided it , Save that it hung a little by the skin . Me●iones pursued Acamas , Amongst the Trojans that before him fled ; And overtook him as he mounting was , And with a wound i' th' shoulder left him dead . And by Idomeneus the King of Creet Hit in the Mouth was Eryma● and slain . His Teeth all stricken out fell at his Feet , And by the Spear pierc'd thorough was h●s Brain , And fill'd with bloud stood staring both his Eyes , Which through his nose and mouth he strove to voyd , And gasping seeks to cast it out , and dies . Thus the Greek Lords each one his man destroy'd . And then as bloudy Wolves invade the Lambs Or Kids that by the Shepherds negligence Are wandred on the Mountains from their Dams , And kill ; for Nature gives them no defence ; So fiercely on the Trojans fell the Greeks . But they no more trust to their hands but feet . Ajax to throw his Spear at Hector seeks , But with him Hector has no minde to meet , But by th' advantage of his skill in Warre Knowing of Arrows and of Spears the sound , To keep aloof from Ajax still took care , And cover'd with his Shield oft shifted ground . And though he knew the honour of the day Would fall unto th' Achaeans in the end , Yet from the Field he went not straight away , But stay'd and fought his people to defend . And then as Clouds rise from Olympus high , And through the Air to Heaven tend upright Before tempestuous winds ; so rose the Cry At th' Argive Ships . Then Hector left the Fight . And after him the Trojans take their heels , But in the Trench greatly encumbred were , And many Charret poles they brake and Wheels . And when they of the Trench were gotten clear , Fill'd with affright was ev'ry Path and Way . Thus at the Ships the storm of War gave ore . The Horses that were loose ran back to Troy ; And to the Ships the Trojans came no more . Patroclus , where he most disorder found , Thither he drove , and trod the Trojans down , And Charret-seats were tumbled to the ground , And many from their Seats were headlong thrown . But the swift Horses of Patroclus , which On Peleus by the Gods bestowed were , Found no impediment , but leapt the Ditch , Pursuing Hector , who now was not there . As when with stormy winds th' Autumnal rain Falls heavy on the Earth , from Heaven sent When wrested are the Laws by men for gain , Who from the Gods expect no Punishment , The Rivers swell ; down from the Mountains side Innumerable Currents headlong run Roaring and foaming to the Ocean wide ; And washt away is all mans work and gone : So fled the Trojans . These thus put to flight , He kept the Greeks from going to the Town , As they desir'd ; yet gave not over fight , But 'twixt the Ships and River overthrown Were many more ; for unrevenged yet Were many Greeks . First Pronous he kill'd , Whom with his spear upon the Breast he hit , Where he was not well cover'd with his Shield . The next he slew was Thestor Enops Son That sate upon his Seat amaz'd with fear , And from his hand the Horses Reyns were gone . Patroclus standing by him with his Spear Strook him upon the Cheek , and there it stuck Fast in his Teeth ; and over the fore-wheel To th' ground Patroclus fetcht him with a pluck As to the Bank a Fisher pulls an Eel , And to the Earth he threw him on his Face . Eryalus then to him went , in vain , And by Patroclus slain was on the place . For with a stone he cleft his head in twain . Epaltes , Erymas , Amphoterus , And Echius , Pyres , Damastorides . Euippus , Polymelus Iphius ; He one upon another kill'd all these . Sarpedon saw how fast his good friends died , And that his Lycians ready were to fly , He them rebuking with a loud voice cried , Whither d' ye go ? For shame stay here . For I Intend to meet this man my self and know Who 't is that here so furiously fights , And lays so many valiant Trojans low . This said , he from his Chariot alights . Patroclus seeing that , alighted too ; And presently betook him to the fight , As keen as on a high Rock Vultures two ; And Jupiter was grieved at the sight . And to ( his Wife and Sister ) Juno said , Ay me , my Son Sarpedon will be slain . For by the Fates long since it so is laid . And now my mind divided is in twain , To snatch him hence and carry him again To Lycia , or now to let him die , And by Patroclus fatal Spear be slain . And Juno then to Jove made this replie . O Jove , most wilful of the Gods , what say'e ? A mortal man condemn'd is by the Fates , And you would now the Execution stay ? Do. But take heed how you offend the State● . And this I tell you further , if you do ▪ Your Son Sarpedon from the Combate save , The other Gods will look to do so too . For Sons at Troy many Immortals have . But since you love your Son and for him grieve , First let Patroclus take away his life , And then to Death and Sleep commandment give To carry him from out the bloudy strife To Lycia , amongst his friends and kin , Who see him will embalm'd and buried , And build a Tomb to lay his ashes in , Which are the honours due unto the dead . This Juno says ; Jove to it condescends . And for the honour of his Son so dear For rain he drops of bloud from Heaven sends . When they were come to one another near , First threw Patroclus and kill'd Thrasymed A valiant man Sarpedon's Charretier . The Spear into his Belly entered . Then at Patroclus flew Sarpedon's Spear , And hit him not , but Pedasus he slew , The Fore-horse of Achilles Charre , and now The sprawling Horse caus'd a disorder new . The Yoke screeks , and Automedon le ts go The Reyns ; whereby the Combatants are parted ; Automedon soon found a remedy ; For from the Charret seat he nimbly started , And cut the Geers that did the fore-horse tye . The Horses two adjusted were again ; And then the Combatants the fight renew . And first Sarpedon threw , and threw in vain . The Spear just over his left shoulder slew . But not in vain Patroclus Spear was thrown , That smote him through the Midriff . Heavilie Sarpedon then unto the ground came down , As if 't had been an Oak or Poplar-tree . Or as a Pine cut down i' th' Hill , to be A Mast for some great Ship falls to the ground , So fell to th' Earth Sarpedon heavilie , And with his Armour made the place resound . As when a Bull is by a Lion slain , Under his Paw to th'ground he groaning falls ; So groaning fell Sarpedon in great pain , And to his friend the valiant Glaucus calls , And to him said , Now Glaucus valiant be , And set your minde on nothing but to fight . But first go call my best men all to me , And to assist me here joyn all your might . If of my Arms I stript be by the Foe , The shame thereof for ever will abide . So therefore quickly call the people . Go. And when he thus had spoken to him , di'd . Patroclus on the Body sets his foot , And out agen he pull'd the bloudy Spear , With pieces of the Midriff sticking to 't . And now away the Horses ready were To run . For no man was upon the Seat ; But by the Myrmidons they soon were staid . The grief of Glaucus then was very great For that he knew not how the King to aid . For in great pain his Arm was with the stroke Of Teucer's Arrow at the Argive Wall , And found no remedy but to invoke Apollo , and upon him thus did call . Apollo , whether thou in Troy be now Or Lycia , unto my Pray'r give ear ; For when distressed men unto thee bow , Thou dost from any place or distance hear . I grievously am wounded in the hand , The pain whereof up to my shoulder goes . No longer now can I my Spear command , When most I need to use it 'gainst the Foes . Sarpedon the brave Son of Jove is slain . H●s Father of him takes no further care . But thou Apollo now asswage my pain , And cure my wound and make me fit for Warre ; That I may bring the Lycians to fight , And I with them the Body may defend . This said , Apollo by his Heavenly might His wound heal'd up , the pain was at an end . The bloud was gone ; encourag'd was his minde , And Glaucus knew Apollo did it all , And joy'd such favour with the God to finde . Then out he went the Lycians to call . That done he to the Trojan Princes goes , Agenor , Hector , and Polydamas , Divine Aeneas , and craves aid of those ; But what he said , to Hector spoken was . Hector , said he , your friends you now forget , Who from their Country hither came so far Their lives to venture for your sake . For yet How to assist them you take little care . Slain is the King Sarpedon in the sight , That both with Might and Justice rul'd the Land Of Lycia . Let them not vent their spight Upon the Body slain ; but by him stand . The Myrmidons else for th' Achaeans sake Of whom we slew so many at the Fleet , Will in revenge his Armour from him take , And do unto him other things unmeet . This said , the Trojans all were on a flame To be reveng'd . To Troy he was a Wa●l , Although he thither as a Stranger came , He many led , himself the best of all ▪ And to the Myrmidons they marcht away , Hector himself before them at the head As angry for Sarpedon's death as they . Patroclus then the Greeks encouraged , And speaking first to the Ajaxes two , Ajax , said he , both you and you , again Fight gallantly as you are us'd to do , Or better if you can . For I have slain Sarpedon with my Spear , who was the man That mounted first up to the Argive Wall. Let 's take his Armour off him if we can , And make his Fellows some of them to fall . This said , they into order put their men Trojan and Lycian ; Greek and Myrmidon ; And to the Body slain return agen , And fiercely one another fell upon . And Jove the place with darkness cover'd round As long as they were fighting 'bout his Son. And at the first the Greeks forsook their ground . For then there was a noble Myrmidon Epigeus that King was formerly Of Budeon , and forced thence away For a mans death to Peleus did fly , Who sent him with Achilles unto Troy. And now no sooner layed had his hand Upon Sarpedon's Body , but was slain By a great stone that flew from Hector's hand , And broke ( for all his Cask ) his skull in twain . Down he upon the dead King falling dies . Patroclus when he saw his friend thus fall , Swift as a Hawk that at a Stareling flies , Up to the Foes ran , and amongst them all He threw a stone , which lighted on the Neck Of Stenelaus , and the Tendon rent . And this gave to the Trojan Horse a check ; And back a little Hector with them went As far as one can for experiment , Or at a Foe in Battle throw a Spear ; So far back Hector with his Charret went , The Argives them pursuing in the Rear . But Glaucus that did then the Lycians lead Pursu'd by Bathycles and very near , Upon a sudden to him turn'd his head , And deep into his breast he thrust his Spear . And down he fell . The Trojans then were glad , And at the Body fallen boldly stay'd . On th' other side the Greeks were very sad To lose so good a man , but not dismay'd . Meriones then slew Laogonus Son of Onetor Priest of Jupiter , And honour'd like a God in Gargarus . The Spear him pierc'd between the Cheek and Ear. Then at Meriones Aeneas threw And was in hope to give him his deaths wound ; But he then stoopt , and ore him the Spear flew ; And one end shook , the other stuck i'th'ground . At this Aeneas angry to him said , Meriones , as well as you can dance , My Spear was like your motion to have stay'd , And that it did not , think it was by chance . To him replying said Meriones , Aeneas strong and valiant as you are , You cannot kill men whom and when you please , Your self are subject to the chance of Warre As well as I. And if my Spear fall right ( As much as to your hands you trust ) you 'll die Like other men , and I win honour by 't , And to the shades below your Soul will fly . This said , Patroclus came and him reproved . Meriones , why talk you thus , said he , D' ye think the Trojans can be hence removed With evil words till many slain there be ? In counsel words may somewhat signifie , But hands in War determine the event . 'T is to no purpose words to multiplie . This said , away they both together went. And by and by was heard a mighty sound , As if the Woods were felling on the Hills , Of men in Armour falling to the ground , And Swords and Spears on Helmets and on Shields . Sarpedon cover'd was from top to toe With dust and Spears , and so besmear'd with blood , That wise he must have been that could him know , Though who it was they all well understood ▪ And busie were about him as the Flies That buz in Summer-time about the Pans Of Milk. And all this while Jove kept his Eyes Upon the Battle ; and advising stands Whether 't were best to let Patroclus die Upon Sarpedon , slain by Hector , or Let him go on , and follow those that fly , And of the Trojans make the slaughter more . At last resolv'd he made the Trojans fly . Patroclus then pursu'd them up to Troy , And as he went made many of them die ; And Hector was the first that fled away , Not ignorant of Jove's Apostasie . And then the lusty Lycians also fled ; Whose King Sarpedon now i' th' heap did lie Stretcht out on th' Earth amongst the other dead . And him Patroclus of his Armour strips , His mighty Armour all of solid Brass , And sent it by his fellows to the Ships . Thus slain and stript Jove's Son Sarpedon was . Then Jove unto Apollo spake and said , Go Phoebus bear Sarpedon from the Fight A great way off , and let him be array'd In an immortal Garment pure and bright . But in the River clear first wash him clean , And with Ambrosia anoynt his skin . Let Death and Sleep two Sisters bear him then To Lycia unto his friends and kin , By whom his Body will embalmed be , And Tomb and Pillar set upon his Grave , Whereby preserv'd will be his memorie , Which all the honour is the dead can have . This said , Apollo down from Ida came , And bare Sarpedon's Body from the Fight , And far off in the River washt the same , And with Ambrosia his Body white Anointed , and with Garments fair array'd , Immortal Garments ; and into the hands Of Death and Sleep committed it , who layd It down again amongst the Lycians . Patroclus then commands Automedon To drive to Troy. Not well . For had he then The counsel of Achilles thought upon , He had escapt . But Jove knows more than men , And quickly can take from a man of might , And to a weaker give the Victorie Whom he himself encourage will to fight , As now by Jove himself set on was he . But while Patroclus chac'd the Trojans thus , Who fell ? Adrestus and Autonous , Epistor , Melanippus , Perimus , Pylartus , Mulius , and Echeclus And Elasus . And taken had been Troy Now by Patroclus , but that Phoebus stood Upon the Tow'r and pusht him still away , To vex the Greeks and do the Trojans good . For thrice he mounted and was thrice put back By the Immortal hand ; but when again He mounting was , Apollo to him spake . Retire ( said he ) Patroclus , 't is in vain . It is not you that Ilium can win , Nor Thetis Son , a better man than you . Patroclus at these words great fear was in , And far off from the Wall himself withdrew . Now Hector was upon his Charret●seat I' th' S●aean Gate , and did deliberate Whether to make the Trojans to retreat , And when they were come in to shut the Gate , Or go to th'Fight . While he consulted thus , Apollo came and standing by his side In likeness of his Uncle Asius , Him sharply did for standing idle chide . Hector , said he , why stay you here ? If I Exceeded you in strength as you do me , I teach you would , in such necessity To quit the Field thus , and unuseful be . Go. To Patroclus now directly drive , And doubt not but that by Apollo's aid You may him of his Life and Arms deprive . Away went Phoebus when he this had said . And Hector then returned to the Fight While Phoebus did the Argive throng dismay . Cebriones still kept his Horses right Upon Patroclus . For upon the way Hector past through the Greeks and killed none . Patroclus then alighting , with his Spear In his left hand , in th' other took a stone , And with it killed Hector's Charrettier Cebriones , King Priam's Bastard Son. Above his Eyes upon his Forehead just Patroclus hit him with the knobby stone . Then from his Seat he dropt into the dust . Broke was his Skull , his Eye-brows crusht int'one , And at his feet before him fell his eyes . Patroclus scoft and said 't is nimbly done . And proudly thus insulting ore him cryes , Oh that we had a man could leap like him , And set upon one of our Ships were he , To leap into the Sea and groaping swim ! How satisfi'd with Oysters should we be ! So quickly down he tumbled to the Plain . I see that there good tumblers are in Troy. This said , he ran unto the Body slain , Himself with his own valour to destroy . And then unto the ground leapt Hector too , And at Cebrion●s his Body fought He and Patroclus , fierce as Lions two That had a great Stag , slain by chance , found out ; And hungry both , strove who should first be fed . So sought these two each other to destroy . And Hector pull'd the dead man by the head , Patroclus by the heels the other way . Mean while the Greeks and Trojans fighting stood . As when between two Hills two great Winds fight , On both sides strongly s●aken is the Wood , And Boughs beat one another with great might , And with a horrid noise together clash , And many lusty Limbs then broken are Of barky Corme , broad Beech , and lofty Ash ; So did it with the Greeks and Trojans ●●re . About Cebriones stuck many a Spear , And many a fledged Arrow from the Bow , And many Shields by great stones broken were , While he along in bed of dust lay low , And quite forgotten had his Chivalry . Now all the while that mounting was the Sun The Weapons flew , and men fell equally . But after noon when half the day was gone The Argives clearly had the Victory , And from the Field Cebriones they drew , And stript there of his Armour let him lie . Patroclus then the Trojans chac'd anew . And there before the Myrmidons leapt out Like Mars himself , and thrice nine Trojans slew . And out again he went ; but at that bout , Upon himself untimely death he drew . For Phoebus came ( Patroclus saw him not ) Wrapt up in Air , and standing on the ground Between the shoulders with his hand him sm●t , That all about him seemed to go round , And from his head his Helmet then he flung Into the dust , and foul it was all ore , And beaten by the hoofs of Horses rung , That never had been so defil'd before When on Achilles Godlike head it sate . But Jove to Hector gave it now to wear , And only then when near him was his Fate . Moreover Phoebus brake Patroclus Spear , A heavie Spear well armed at the head , And pluckt his mighty Shield out of his hand , And left him of his Arms uncovered . With this Patroclus did amazed stand . And near unto him then a Dardan came , And in the back he smote him with his Spear . Panthoïdes Euphorbus was his name , And kill'd him not , but back ran to the Rear . For though he well could fight , and ride , and run , And going first abroad to learn the Wars , He was by no man of his age outdone , And had orethrown twice ten men from their Chars ; Yet for Patroclus now he durst not stay , Although he wounded and disarmed were . Then to the Rear Patroclus went away ; And after him ran Hector with his Spear , And at the Belly struck him through the side . And down he fell . The Greeks were grieved sore . As when at a small Fountain almost dri'd Together come a Lion and a Boar With equal thirst , and drink they both would fain , But fight who shall drink first , slain is the Bore ; So now by Hector was Patroclus slain , Though many Trojans he had kill'd before . And Hector then triumphing ore him said , Patroclus , you thought sure t' have stormed Troy. And in your Ships our women t' have convay'd To Argos with you when you went away . Were you so simple that you could not see , That Hector with his Horses and his Spear Protects the Trojans from Captivitie ? Now shall you for the Dogs and Fowls lie here ; Nor can Achilles do you any good , That bad you ( 't may be ) when you from him went , Not to return , till dyed in his blood You Hector's Coat had from his shoulders rent . And vain enough you were to promise it . Patroclus with a feeble voice repli'd , Hector , you now may boast as you think fit , And in your own Ability take pride . T' Apollo first my death I owe , who threw My Armour from my body to the ground ; I could have slain else twenty such as you . And from Euphorbus I receiv'd a wound . To bring me down ; you were but one of three . But hear me and remember what I say , Hector , you will not long live after me , And only for Achilles hand you stay . And at these words he was of life bereft . His Soul unto th' Infernal Regions fled Lamenting so much Youth and Vigour left ; And Hector to him spake again though dead . Patroclus , why do you foretel my death ? Who knows but that Achilles may be slain By me first , and before me lose his breath ? This said , he pulled out the Spear again . And presently pursu'd Automedon , Who of Achilles was the Charretier ; But he away was carried and gone By Peleus Horses that Immortal were . ILIAD . LIB . XVII . ANd Menelaus understanding now That slain Patroclus lay upon the ground , Careful , as of her first Calf is a Cow , To th'Body went and walkt about it round , Couching his Spear and holding out his Shield , Resolv'd to kill him whosoe'er he was That durst to stand against him in the Field . Then to him said Euphorbus , Menelaus Retire , let me advise you , from the dead . For I am he that gave him the first wound , That with his Arms I may be honoured ; Lest with my Spear I strike you to the ground . And Menelaus to him thus repli'd . O Jupiter , in Lion never was , Nor yet in Panther , nor in Boar such pride ( Though other Beasts in strength they far surpass ) As in these Sons of Panthus . Though they know , When Hyperenor proudly me defi'd , And spitefully did value me below All other Greeks , that by my hand he di'd . And sorry were his Parents and his Wife Now you succeed will to your Brother's fate . Be gone then if you mean to save your life , And quickly , or you will be wise too late . No Menelaus ( said Euphorbus then ) Since you have griev'd his Parents and his Wife , 'T is best , I think , to comfort them agen , By making you pay for it with your life . For though intolerable be their grief , Yet when they see your Armour and your head Brought to them home , it will be some relief . But this by sight must be determined . This said , he made a thrust at Menelaus , Which he received on his trusty Shield , It entered not , resisted by the Brass , Which bent the point , and passage none did yield . Then as he backward stept to get away He by Atrides on the Breast was hit . The Spear prest with his hand not there did stay , But to his Neck went up and pierced it . And then the ground he with his Armour knocks ; And dyed was with blood his dainty hair , Those fine ( with Gold and Silver twined ) Locks , Like those that Cytherea's Graces wear . As when one planted hath an Olive sprig In open place , and where are many Springs , And stir'd by gentle winds it is grown big , Then comes a storm and to the ground it flings ; So by Atrides fell Euphorbus now . As when a Lion cometh from the Wood Into the Herd and seizeth on a Cow , First breaks his Neck , then seeds he on his blood And Bowels , Dogs and Herds men looking on And hueing him , that dare not to go near ; So then upon Atrides ventur'd none , So much the Trojans stricken were with fear . And now into the hands of Menelaus Patroclus Armour came ; and born away . Had been , but that by Phoebus crost he was , That was a friend to Hector and to Troy. And in the shape of Mentes gone was then ( Whom now the Cicon Regiments obey'd ) To call back Hector to the Field agen , And overtaking him thus to him said , Hector , you here Automedon pursue To take Achilles Horses all in vain , Which never will be won or rul'd by you , And suffer good Euphorbus to be slain By Menelaus at the Body dead Of Menoetiades . Then went his way . And Hector grieved turn'd about his head , And saw how on the ground Euphorbus lay Bleeding and naked left by Menelaus . And Hector then enflamed with the sight Like raging fire did through the Squadrons pass , And with great cry returned to the fight . And cold was then Atrides at the heart , And with himself he thus disputing stands ; If I should from the Body slain depart , The Greeks would say of me but little good ; But if I stay alone here 't will be worse Than any thing the Greeks can of me say . For he brings with him all the Trojan force . But wherefore do I thus disputing stay ? Who fights against him whom a God doth aid , Draws on himself a great and certain ill . My best course then is Hector to avoid , And let the Greeks say of it what they will. But if of Ajax I could get a sight , Then he and I together would not fear With Hector aided by a God to fight , And to Achilles the dead Body bear . Whilst thus unto himself he laid the Case , The Trojans came with Hector at the head , And Menelaus then forsook the place , And going left behinde the Body dead . But oft lookt back . As when a Lion is Compel'd to leave a Fold by Men and Dogs , He oft looks back , and runs not for all this , But tow'rds the Wood still slowly on he jogs Unwillingly ; his heart 's too big to run ; So Menelaus off went safe and sound . And then for Ajax Son of Telamon Lookt round about , and 'mongst his Troops him found Inciting them to fight . For not a man But frighted was by Phoebus and dismay'd ; And with all speed Atrides to him ran , And standing at his side unto him said , Come Ajax , quickly come away with me To save Patroclus from the Trojans wrath , That to Achilles carri'd he may be Though naked . For his Armour Hector hath . Ajax inrag'd at this flies to the place With Menelaus , where Patroclus lay When Hector from the Field him drawing was , ( Having already snatcht his Arms away ) Unto the Trojans to cut off his head , And give the Body to the Dogs to eat . But when great Ajax thither came , he fled , And to the Trojans made a quick Retreat ; And order gave to bear the Arms to Troy , Achilles Arms , a noble Monument Of his great deed . But Ajax still did stay , And with his Shield about the Body went. As when a Lion , his Whelps following him , Into the open Field comes from the Wood , And Hunters meets , he looks upon them grim ; So Ajax looking by Patroclus stood , And Glaucus then that led the Lycian Bands To Hector went and frowning to him said , Though you be thought a good man of your hands Hector , it is not so I am afraid . Consider first if you the Town can save By Trojans only , without other guard , And of their service how great need you have ; And then how lightly you their pains regard . What Lycian again will for you fight ? Or how will you defend a meaner man , That left Sarpedon to the Argives spight And sport , and from his body frighted ran , That was your friend and had such service done ? So that if I were won to lead them home , You 'd finde a little after we were gone , The utmost fate of Troy were on it come . For if the Trojans had as forward been , As men should be that for their Country fight , Patroclus body we in Troy had seen , Fetcht from the field , for all the Argives might ; And from the Greeks in change we might have had Sarpedons Corps , and brought it into Troy ; And all the Greeks thereof would have been glad , So great experience of his worth had they . But you to Ajax never yet durst go . And when he came to you , you from him ran Into the throng o' th' Trojans . And why so ? But that you know he is the better man. Then Hector frowning on him thus repli'd , Glaucus , 't is strange that such a man as you Should so severely without cause me chide ; I thought you very wise , but 't is not true . You say I dare not with great Ajax fight When I do neither Foot nor Horse-men shun , But only way give sometimes to the might Of Jove when he the Enemy sets on . For he to whom he will gives Victorie , And from the proud their courage takes away . But to the Fight come with me now , and see If I be such a Coward as you say ; And do not from Patroclus body make Some of the Argives to retire agen . This said , he turn'd and to the Trojans spake , Trojans , said he , and Lycians play the men Whilst I my self in those good Arms aray Which from Patroclus body slain I took . This said , he from the Field went toward Troy , And quickly those that bare them overtook , And gave to them the Armour ●e then wore , And th'Armour of Patroclus there puts on , Giv'n by the Gods to Peleus heretofore , Which he when aged gave unto his Son , But were not kept by him till he was old . Then Jove that out of sight in Heaven sate And Hector in this Armour did behold , Poor man , said he , he knoweth not his fate , Which now is neer ; and at it shook his head , And said , Though now these heavenly Arms you wear Of this great man whom all men else did dread , Killing the gentle Knight that did them bear , And so unhandsomely , you 'll never go To shew them to Andromache your Wife . Yet now you shall prevail against the Fo. To please you , since thus shortned is your life . And as he said it , seal'd it with a Nod. Now Hector having on these Arms and fit , Into his Breast went in the mighty God Of Battle , and with courage filled it . Then Hector like Achilles shining came To his confederates , and 'mongst them went Calling upon the best of them by name , To give unto them all encouragement , Mes●●les , and Glaucus , and Thersilochus , A●teropaeus , and Hippothous Medon , Disinor , Phorcys , Chromius , And you the skilful Augur Ennomus , And you the thousands that to aid me come , 'T is not to muster that you called are , But to defend the Wives of Ilium And Babes , against the Greeks that love the Warre . Which to prevent , the Trojans day by day With pay and with free Quarter tired are . Let 's therefore fight and either die or slay ; For there 's no other Traffick at the Warre . And he that shall Patroclus body gain , And ( spight of Ajax ) fetch it off the Field , Half of his Armour shall have for his pain , And I wi●l half the Honour to him yield . This said , the Trojans on the Argives fell With all their weight , and made account to gain Pa●roclus Body . For they could not ●ell How many Trojans there would first be slain . And then to Menelaus Ajax said , I fear we shall no more return from Troy ; And am not for Patroclus so afraid ( That to the Dogs is sure to be a Prey ) As for my self and you ; with such a Cloud Of Trojans Hector thundring cometh on . Go therefore presently and call aloud To th' other Princes . Other help there 's none . Then Menelaus cried out aloud , O you that have command in th' Argive Host , And diet with Atrides are allow'd , And drink unstinted at the Publick cost , 'T is hard to call you ev'ry one by name . But you that hear me come away with speed . For to us all 't will be no little shame To let the Dogs upon Patroclus feed . This said , first little Ajax running came , And with Idomeneus Meriones , Then many more came in ; but who can name The number great that came in after these ? And Hector with the Trojans then came in . And as the Sea that rolleth to the shore Which by some mighty wind had driven been ; So to the Fight the Trojans marching roar . The Greeks about Patroclus body staid , All of one minde , all cover'd with their Shields , And on their heads Jove then a great Fog laid , And all the place about with darkness fills . For while Patroclus was alive and serv'd Achilles , Jove took at him no offence , Nor thought that to be Dogs meat he deserv'd , And therefore urg'd the Greeks to his defence . At first the Trojans made the Greeks to flie , And leave the Body , but they killed none , So great a Fog upon the place did lie . Then with his friends again came Ajax on , Of all the Greeks for person and for might The bravest man excepting Th●tis Son. The Trojans when the Greeks refus'd to fight , The Body seiz'd , and thought the bus'ness done . As when a Boar pursu'd by Hounds and Men , Upon them turns , they scatter'd are and flie ; So when great Ajax to them came agen , The Trojans scatter'd let Patroclus lie . For when Hippothous was in great hope To drag Patroclus body up to Troy , And to his Anckle tyed had a rope , Arrived to him was his latest day . For Ajax now was come unto him near , And smote him through the Helmet and the Brain , Which stained with his bloud stuck to the Spear , And down he threw Patroclus foot again , And with it neer unto the body fell Depriv'd of life by mighty Ajax Spear , Far from Larissa where his friends did dwell , And never for his breeding payed were ▪ And Hector then a Spear at Ajax threw , Which he perceiving did a little shun , A very little it beside him flew , And killed Schedius Iphitus Son , That of Phocaeans all was far the best , And did in well-built Panopaea reign . The Spear sharp-pointed enter'd at his Brest , And at his Shoulder out it went again . And Ajax then the valiant Phorcys slew That 'bout the body of Hippothous went. The Spear through Breast-plate and through Belly flew , And as it pass'd the Guts in pieces rent . Then Hector and the Trojan Lords gave way Retiring from the Argive Lords ; and thus By th' Argives coming in , without delay Stript were both Phorcys and Hippothous . And now the Trojans had for want of heart Been chased by the Argives up to Troy , And th' Argives gotten had on th' other part Without the Gods an honourable day , Had not Apollo , like to Periphas Anchises Squire t' Aeneas come disguised , That very wise now grown and aged was , And standing by his side him thus advised . Aeneas , cannot you without the Gods As well as the Achaeans gain the day By valour , since in men they have no odds ? For Jove had rather you should win than they . Thus Phoebus said . Aeneas knew 't was he ; And with a loud voyce unto Hector said , Hector and you who the Commanders be Of Trojans , or have brought unto them aid , Oh what a shame 't is for us thus to run Before the Greeks our selves in Troy to hide ▪ But come , there yet amongst the Gods is one That hath assur'd me Jove is on our side . This said , before the Trojans he leapt out , And with his Spear in hand stood at their head . And when he made them had to wheel about , Unto the Body he directly led . And with his Spear Leocritus he slew The friend of Lycomed , Arisbas Son ; And Lycomed displeas'd , at Hector threw , And hit him not , but kill'd Apisa● , Of all that from Paeonia pass'd the Seas , He was in battle of the greatest might Excepting no man but Asteropaeus ; Who angry at his fall went to the Fight . But now the Greeks about Patroclus stood So close , with Spears advanc'd , with Bucklers hidden , That there Asteropaeus did no good ; For by great Ajax so they had been bidden . Let none from hence again retire , said he , Nor any man before the rest skip out , But stand together till you charged be . Thus roaring to them Ajax went about . And thick the Trojans and their Aids now fell , And with their bloud bedewed was the ground . Nor did the Argives come off very well ; But fewer of them 'mongst the dead were found . For standing close , one Shield sav'd more than one . Thus keen as fire on both sides fought they here . And such a darkness was the place upon As if nor Sun nor Moon in safety were . But th' other places all about had light , And brightly did the Sun in Ida shine , And gentle at a distance was the Fight , And one anothers Spear did oft decline . But in the middle , where the very best Both of the Argives and the Trojans stood , The pain they suffer'd cannot be exprest Of restless labour and of loss of blood . But of Patroclus by the Trojans kill'd , Antilochus and Thrasymed knew not , But fought in other places of the Field , And that he still pursu'd the Trojans thought , When for his body who the same should get , Now fighting were the Trojans and the Greeks , And from their Knees and Legs ran down the sweat , And stained were with bloud their arms and cheeks . As when men set themselves about the skin Of some fat Bull and stretch it ev'ry way , That th' humour may go out , the grease go in , Just so Patroclus body tugged they , Trojans to Troy , and Argives to the Fleet ; And thereupon arose this mighty fray . If Mars or Pallas had been there to see 't , They had not known on whom a fault to lay , Though angry they had been ; such work was then By Jove about Patroclus body set For Trojans and for Argives , Horse and Men. But to Achilles known it was not yet That slain by th' Trojans was his Favourite . For now not far off from the Trojan Wall At a great distance from him was the fight , So that he thought not on his death at all ; But having chac'd the Trojans to the Gates Of Ilium , that straight he would come back . For well he knew 't was ordered by the Fates , Patroclus never should the City sack . His Mother Thetis oft had told him that , As she before had told it been by Jove ; But quite Patroclus destiny forgat , Or knew it not , whom he so much did love . The Greeks and Trojans at the body staid Together close , and one another kill'd . And one Achaean to another said , 'T would be a great disgrace to quit the Field , And leave the body of Patroclus thus . I rather had by th' Earth we swallowed were Than they should have it and crow over us , And to the Town the noble body bear . The Trojans likewise t'one another cri'd , Though ev'ry one of us were sure to die By this mans body , let us here abide . And then the clamour rose up to the Skie . Achilles Steeds now with Aut●medon Upon the Charre without the Battle stood ; But to the Fight he could not get them on . He to them call'd , but that would do no good . And then he flatters them , then threats , then whips , But for Patroclus griev'd they would not go With th' Argives to the Fight nor to the Ships , But lay down on the ground and wept for wo That they had lost a gentle Charretier . Jove seeing them upon the ground thus laid , And for Patroclus how they grieved were , Shaking his head unto himself he said , Poor Steeds , why did I you on man bestow That mortal is , and you immortal are And make you also misery to know , And to participate of humane care ? There breatheth not upon the Earth so wide So poor a thing and wretched as a man. But Hector on your Charre shall never ride . For he without my leave do nothing can . Is 't not enough for him that he hath got Achilles Arms to please himself in vain ? Bu● have Achilles Horses he shall not . For you shall to the Ships return again , And safely carry back Automedon . Though to the Trojans I intend to day The Victory till setting of the Sun , And that by darkness parted be the fray . This said , he strength and courage to them gave . Automedon then to the Troops of Greece As swiftly the immortal Horses drave As flies a Vulture at a flock of Geese . For from the Foe he quickly could retire , And easily upon them go again As oft as the occasion should require ; But by his hand no Enemy was slain . For since he was upon the Seat alone , He could not both together fight and guide . But to him came at last Alcimedon Laertes Son , and stood by th'Charret side . What God , said he , has put it in your head Automedon , amongst so many Spears To be alone knowing your friend is dead ▪ And Hector now Achilles Armour wears ? Automedon unto him then repli'd , Alcimedon , a fitter man is none Than you are the immortal Steeds to guide , Since Menoctiades my friend is gone . Get up then you and the good Steeds command , Whilst on the ground I with the Trojans fight . Alcimedon then took the Whip in hand And Reyns ; Automedon did then alight . This Hector saw , and to Aeneas spake , Achilles Horses yonder coming are ; To us , said he , they are not hard to take . For with them there is no great man of Warre ; And if we to them go they dare not stand ▪ This said , Aeneas well contented was , And forward then they go with Spear in hand , And shoulders cover'd well with Hide and Brass . And Chromius with them and Aretus went , And made no doubt but both the men to slay , And then to seize Achilles Steeds they meant , And with the Charre triumphing drive to Troy. Vain men that were not sure themselves to save . To Jupiter Automedon then pray'd , Who heard his Prayer , and great strength to him gave ▪ And then unto Alcimedon he said , Alcimedon , keep still thy Horses near , So that upon my back may fall their breath . For quiet never will be Hector's Spear , Until of both of us he see the death , And set himself upon Achilles Car , And put the Squadrons of the Greeks to rout , Or be amongst the foremost slain i'th'War . This said , he to th' Ajaxes cried out , And Menelaus . Ajax , Menelaus , The care of him that 's dead to others give , And shew your Valour where there is more cause . Come hither and take care of us that live . For Hector and Aeneas both are here . But yet since on Jove's will dependeth all Both good and evil hap , I 'll throw my Spear , And let him where he pleaseth make it fall . And as he spake the spear he from him sent , Which chanc'd to light upon Ar●tes Shield , And passing through into his Belly went. At which he starting fell upon the Field . And at Automedon then Hector threw . But stooping forward he the Spear declin'd ; And ore his head through th' empty air it flew , And shaking fixt it stood i'th'ground behind . And then the Fight by Mars becalmed was ; But with their Swords they had again faln on , But that th' Ajaxes two and Menelaus Came in , that call'd were by Automedon . Aeneas then and Hector shrunk away , And Chromius with them , but Aretus not , But on the ground without his Armour lay . Automedon then mounts his Chariot All bloudy , and the Armour by him set , And said , Though this revenge be very small For great Patroclus death , 't is better yet , Though this a worse man be , than none at all . And at Patroclus body now the Fight Was greater than before and fiercer grown . For Pallas coming did the Greeks incite , By Jove himself ( whose mind was chang'd ) sent down . As when to mortals Jove will signifie Th'approach of War , or Tempests cold and loud , To make men leave their work , and Cattle die , He sets up in the Sky a purple Cloud ; In such a Cloud wrapt up Athena came , The Daughter of great Jove , and martial Maid , To th' Argive Hoast their courage to inflame , And to Atrides , who stood neerest , said , In voyce and shape like Phoenix , Menelaus , If you let Dogs Patroclus body tear , That of Achilles so beloved was , You will be scorn'd . Go to him , do not fear . Phoenix , said he , would Pallas strengthen me , And save me from so many Spears that fly , Patroclus body soon should rescu'd be . For no man for him griev'd is more than I. But Hector fighteth like a raging flame , And as he goes Jove gives him Victory . This said , Athena pleas'd was with the same , Because to her he trusted specially , And strengthned both his shoulders and his thighs , And made him bold as is a busie Flie Which beaten off , again upon you flies , And fears not for a little bloud to die . And to Patroclus then went Menelaus , And mongst the throng of Trojans threw his Spear . It chanced that amongst them one there was , Pydes Eëtions Son to Hector dear , And at the wine his good Companion . Him Menelaus with his Spear then slew Just as he turn'd himself about to run , And from the Trojans the dead body drew . To Hector then came Phoebus , having on The form of Phoenops Son of Asius , In Hector's grace inferior to none , And standing by his side said to him thus . If you be so afraid of Menelaus , What other Greek will be afraid of you ? He never yet good Spear-man counted was Nor is , though Podes now by chance he slew , And vainly now he thinks alone he can Bring off Patroclus body from the Field . This said , unto the body Hector ran . And Jove then lifted up his mighty Shield , And in thick Clouds the Mountain Ida wraps , And dark it was upon the Field as night . And then with Lightning and with Thunder claps The Squadrons of the Argives puts to flight . Menelaus who the Boeotions led , Hurt in the shoulder by Polydamas , Of the Achaeans was the first that fled , And Leitus his Mate the second was , That was by Hector wounded in the Wrist , And could no longer use make of his Spear ; But from the battle forc'd was to desist , And looking still about him ran in fear . Him Hector as he running was pursues . On Hector's Shield then lights a heavie Spear That thrown was at him by Idomeneus , But brake in two ; and glad the Trojans were . And at Idomeneus then Hector threw , Beside him but a little went the Spear , And lighting upon Caeranus him slew , Who was Meriones his Charretier , And with him came to Lyctus all the way By Sea , and thence he went to Troy by land . And much good service he had done to Troy , For fallen had the King by Hector's hand , And safe had been himself ; but now was hit By Hector's Spear betwixt the Cheek and Ear , And struck out were his Teeth , his Tongue was slit , And falling to the ground expired there . And then Meriones took up the Reyns , And to Idomeneus cri'd out to fly . To little purpose now is all our pains ; You see the Trojans have the Victory . Idomeneus to th'Ships then drave away As fast as he could make the Horses go , As being certain they had lost the day . And Ajax did the same acknowledge now . Meriones ( said he ) and Menelaus , That Jove will to the Trojans give the day A man may see that little judgment has , So manifestly now he fights for Troy. The Spears thrown by the Trojans never miss , But on one Greek or other always light , Ours seldom hit . What cause is there of this , But that great Jove doth for the Trojans fight ? Let 's therefore here consider of some way To fetch Patroclus off , and then go home . For to our friends in Greece 't will be a joy To see us safe again from Hector come ; Who when they to the Sea their faces turn ▪ Despair of ever seeing us again , And think that Hector will the Navie burn , And that we there shall ev'ry man be slain . O that we had some fit man here to send T' Achilles Tent ; for nothing yet knows he , That by the Trojans slain is his dear friend ▪ But 't is so dark I no such man can see . O Jove , give us once more a Sky serene ; Remove this Mist that we may see to fight , Or if to kill the Argives all you mean , O Father Jove , yet kill us in the light . This said , Jove had compassion on his Tears . The Sun again his glittring Beams displays . Scatters the Clouds again and th' Heaven clears . And then to Menelaus Ajax says , About the Field go Menelaus now , And seek Antilochus , and bid him go Unto Achilles Tent , and let him know His friend Patroclus slain is by the Foe . This said , away Atrides went. As when A hungry Lion parteth from a Fold , Having in vain provok'd the Dogs and Men That did him from th' expected prey withhold , Watching all night , when fain he would have fed ; But all the night the Darts about him fly And flaming Brands which Lions chiefly dread ; Away he goes i' th' morn unwillingly ; So from Patroclus body parted he Against his will , thinking the Greeks afraid Might leave Patroclus to the Enemie , And to Meriones and th' Ajaxes said , How good a man Patroclus was you know , And how in our defence his bloud he shed , And therefore valiantly defend him now . Let not the Foe abuse his body dead . And when he this had said he went away , Amongst the Argives peeping here and there , Like to an Eagle soaring for a Prey Amongst the Bushes peeping for a Hare ; So he amongst the Argives lookt about Seeking of Nestor's Son Antilochus . Nor was it long before he found him out Cheering his men , and said unto him thus . Antilochus come neer and hear from me Sad news ; I would it were not also true , That now the Trojans have the Victorie , I think it is already known to you . But further know that slain Patroclus is . Run therefore to Achilles quickly , and Tell him the news . It may be , mov'd by this To help the Argives with his mighty hand , He 'll to the naked body hither come ( For now Achilles Armour Hector wears ) . At this Antilochus was stricken dumb , And filled were and swoln his eyes with tears . And there Antilochus no longer staid , But to Laodocus his Armour gave , And he the same upon his Charret laid ; For to that end he neer unto him drave . Away Antilochus then weeping went To carry to Achilles the ill news , And left to Thrasymed his Regiment . For Menelaus did the same refuse ; Though of a valiant Commander then The tired Pylians had the greatest need , And to the Ajaxes return'd agen Where lay Patroclus body , with all speed . And when he thither came , unto them said , Antilochus is to Achilles gone . Although I see not how he should us aid . How can he , seeing Armour he has none ? Let 's therefore now bethink our selves , how we Our selves may bear the body from the Field ; And also how we may secured be Against the Trojans that we be not kill'd . Ajax to this replying said , 'T is true , And the advice I 'll give you will be right . Take up the Corps Meriones and you , And on your shoulders bear it from the Fight . We two that are of one name and one mind , And in the Field together use to be Will fighting with the Trojans come behind , Till at the Ships the body lain we see . This said , Meriones and Menelaus Up to their shoulders hoyst the body dead . Whilst towards them the back of Ajax was , The Trojans with great shouting followed . Just as a Pack of Hounds pursue a Boar Wounded by Hunters , running with great cry , Until he turn ; then follow him no more , But scatter'd are , and this and that way fly ; So did the Trojans after Ajax run As long as towards them was not his face . But when he turned , neer him durst stay none , But stood at a great distance from the place . Thus fetcht they off at last the body dead , With at their heels of Trojan Spe●rs great showers ; And Argives dropt abundance as they fled , Like houses in a Twon on fire , and Tow'rs . As when two Mules in heavie way are set To drag down from the Hills some mighty Tree To be a Beam or Mast , it makes them sweat Before into the Plain it drawn could be ; So Menelaus and Meriones Sweating and moyling with the body go . And as a Rock that keepeth off the Seas ; So Ajax at their backs kept off the Fo. The Trojans led by Hector and Aeneas Pursue the flying Greeks with mighty cry , As from a Hawk that preys on Birds like these , A Cloud of Starelings cackle when they fly . And many of them threw their Arms away , And that they came to fight had quite forgot . In and about the Ditch much Armour lay Of flying Greeks . But done the Fight was not . ILIAD . LIB . XVIII . WHilst at the Ships the Greeks and Trojans sought , Antilochus came to Achilles Tent. And found him to the Argive Ditch gone out Presaging in his minde the sad event , And saying to himself , Ay me what 's this ? The Battle to the Ships is come again ; Pray God it be not as I fear it is , The Greeks are routed and Patroclus slain . My Mother told me that the best of all The Myrmidons by th' Trojans should be slain . I bad him not t' assault the Trojan Wall , Nor fight with Hector , but come back again . As speaking to himself Achilles stood , Antilochus unto him weeping came , The news , said he , I bring you is not good . I cannot without Tears relate the same . Slain is Patroclus . On the ground he lies , And now they fighting are with Swords and Spears Who shall his Body have with mighty cries Though naked ; for his Armour Hector wears . At this sad news dark were Achilles eyes . And up he takes the dust with both his hands , And throws it on his head ; then down he lies , His Face and Coat sulli'd with dust and sands , And tore his hair . And then the lovely prey Of Captive women that had taken been By him and by Patroclus before Troy Affrighted from Achilles Tent came in , And over him they beat their Breasts and moan'd . On th' other side Antilocus was fain To hold his hands , so mightily he groan'd ; Lest otherwise he should himself have slain . His Mother Thetis hearing him complain , Though sitting in the deepest of the Seas , Wept out aloud , and presently her train About her came of the Nereiades . Glauca , Thaleia , and Cymodoca , Nesaea , Speio , Thoa , Halia And Aemioreia , and Cymothoa , Melita Iaera , and Amphithoa , And Doto , Proto , Actaea , Agava , Doris , Dexamena , Dynamena , And Callianeira , and Amphinoma , Pherusa Apseudes , and fair Panopa , Nemertes , and the milk-white Galataea , And Clymene there was , and Callianassa , And Maera , Orithvia , and glorious Amatheia , And ( not to name them all ) fair Janassa With all the rest , and fill'd the silver Cave , And beat their breasts , and round ●er stood dismaid . And Thetis then th' account unto them gave Of her great grief , and thus unto them said , Hear me Nereïdes my Sisters dear , And be acquainted with my misery . Ah wretched Goddess that I was to bear The best of all the Heroes ; and when he Was quickly grown up to a goodly height , Send him unto the War at Ilium Against the Trojans for the Greeks to fight , From whence he never should aga●n come home ; But spend his little time of life in woe , And I can nothing do for his relief . And now I mean to visit him , and know , Since he not fights , what cause he hath of grief . This said , she with her Nymphs went from the Cave . The Sea before them her smooth water tore , And gentle passage to the Goddess gave , Till they were landed on the Trojan shore , Where lay Achilles Ships upon the sand ; And straight up to Achilles Thetis went , The Nymphs attending on her hand in hand , And seeing him so gr●evously lament , She held him by the head , and to him said , Why weep you thus sweet Child ; what is 't you ail ? For that which formerly to Jove you pray'd Against th' ingrateful Greeks , I did prevail . To th'Ships they have been beaten from the Field , And know in what great need they stand of you , And have in heaps been by the Trojans kill'd . To this Achilles answ'ring said , 'T is true But in my life what pleasure can I find , Since sweet Patroclus slain is by his Foes , On whom of all men most I set my mind , And Hector in his Arms triumphing goes , Those mighty Arms giv'n by the Gods that day That you were pleas'd a mortal man to wed , To Pelias . Oh had you been away , And he a mortal woman married ! You had not for your Son been grieved then , That never to you should return again . Nor do I wish to live with mortal men But till I with my Spear have Hector slain . By what you say ( said Thetis to her Son ) Short liv'd you are . Your own fate then is nigh . I care not , said Achilles , when that 's done I shall be very well content to die . For since I never must return again , And no defence in me Patroclus found , Nor other good men by the Trojans slain , I but a needless weight am to the ground . Oh that Contention lost for ever were And Choler to the heart of man so sweet , Which often make the wisest men to erre ! In Agamemnon and my self I see 't . But since 't is past , let 's put it out of mind . For dead he is , and cannot live again . And now I 'll see if Hector I can find That has my dearest friend Patroclus slain . And then let Jove do what himself thinks good . For Hercules could not avoid his fate , Who most of mortals in his favour stood , But di'd by Destiny and Juno's hate ; And so shall I , when my day shall arrive , Lie still when dead . But now let me gain same Amongst th' Achaeans while I am alive , And make some Trojan or some Dardan Dame With both her tender hands to tear her Cheeks , And sigh , and with her tears her beauty blot , And know my hand from that of other Greeks , And when I with th' Achaeans am , when not . And therefore , Mother , dearly as you love me , Endeavour not to make me here abide . For from my purpose you cannot remove me . Unto Achilles Thetis then repli'd , Dear Child your purpose I 'll not reprehend Patroclus body from the Foe to save , Nor that the Argive people you defend . But now you know your Arms the Trojans have , And Hector weareth them ; but shall not long . The latest of his days is to him nigh . But go not you into the bloudy throng , Till here agen you have me in your eye . This said , she turn'd to the Nereiades , And to them said , Nereiades dive you To Nereus at the bottom of the Seas , And all you see has hapned to him shew . For I up to Olympus must be gone To Vulcan ( if such favour I can gain ) To get a good new Armour for my Son. This said , the Nymphs to Sea return'd again , And Thetis to Olympus went her way . Mean while the Greeks before the Trojans fly With mighty cries , and never stop● till they Were at the Ships , and to the wide Sea nigh . Nor was Patroclus body rescu'd yet ; For now afresh the Trojans to them came . Which did another fiercer fight beget , And Hector fell upon them like a flame . Thrice laid he hold upon Patroclus foot , And forc'd he was as oft to let it fall , To kill some others . Then again came to 't . But from the Body went not back at all . No more could Hector driven be away From the dead body by th' Ajaxes two , Than can a hungry Lion from his Prey For any thing the Herds-men griev'd can do . And Hector had Patroclus body got , And gained had thereby a great renown , But Juno ( though the other Gods knew not ) T' Achilles in great hast sent Iris down . T' Achilles straight she came , and to him said , Up terrible Pelides to the Warre , And your beloved friend Patroclus aid ; For at the Ships they fighting for him are . The Greeks to save his body are in pain . The Trojans fain would drag him into Troy , And Hector most of all that has him slain , And from his shoulders take his head away , And stick it up upon the Trojan Wall , Leaving his Corps a Prey to Dog and Kite . Th●●k what reproach will then upon you fall ▪ Lie then no longer here , but rise and fight . A●hilles then repli'd ▪ Iris , said he , Tell me what God o● Goddess sent you down . Juno ▪ said Iris , sent me ; none but she . To all the rest my coming is unknown . And then Achilles to her said again , Since they have got my Arms how can I fight ? And Thetis bids me from the War abstain Till she return agen into my sight Who is to Vulcan for new Armour gone , And here 's no other Armour for me fit But Ajaxes ; who , I hope , has it on , And for Patroclus now has use of it . We know , said Iris , Armour you have none . But as you are , upon the Ditch appear . The Trojans from the Corps will soon be gone , And leave it to the Greeks for very fear . This said , the Goddess Iris vanished . Achilles rose , and Pallas to him came , And on him puts her Shield , and on his head A golden Cloud , from which arose a flame . As when an Isle invaded is by Foes , The Citizens to call their Neighbours in Make Fires , the smoak up to the Heaven goes By day ; by night the Flame , and far are seen ; Upon Achilles head stood such a flame , And then unto the Ditch he went and shouted , And farther off Athena did the same The Trojans when they heard it strait were routed . As clear as any Trumpet in the Wars , They heard Achilles voice , and were afraid , And in disorder turn'd about their Chars , But at his flaming head we●e most dismaid . Thrice shouted he , thrice they disorder'd were ; And slain were of the Trojans twelve brave men By their own Chars and Spears encumbred there . In so much haste they turn'd to fly . And then The Greeks the body laid upon a Bed And Bier , and standing by his side lament . And tears abundance there Achilles shed , And that he sent him had did now repent . The Sun by Juno hastned quencht his fire . The Argives on the place stay quietly . The Trojans to without the Ditch retire , And from the Chars the weary Steeds unty . Then presently the Chiefs to counsel call Before they sup , and standing on their feet , This Apparition so scar'd them all , That none amongst them had a minde to sit . And first unto them spake Polydama● Panthoides , Hector's friend ; both born one night . He better Counsellor than Hector was , But Hector beter was than he to fight . My friends , be well advised now , said he , It is not safe here on the Plain to stay ▪ Until the morning light again we see , So near the Argive Ships , so far from Troy. Whilst this man absent was in discontent With Agamemnon , and forbore to sight , The Greeks were easie Foes ; to th'Ships I went My self , and willingly lay out all night ; But if Achilles hither now should come , We must not only here fight for our lives . So proud he is , he 'll go to Ilium , And for the City fight and for our Wives . Let 's to the City go . 'T is as I say , And nothing keeps him from us but the night . And if he here shall find us when 't is day , Some of us will acknowledge I say right . And many flying wish when 't is too late , They were within the Walls of Ilium , Whom Dogs and Kites shall eat without the Gate . But to my ears may never such news come . But if you will be ruled all by me , Into the Market-place of Troy by night We 'll bring our strength , and soon as we can see , Stand arm'd upon the Tow'rs prepar'd to fight . Then let him from the Ships come fight at Troy. And drive about the Walls and do his worst , And having tir'd his Horses go away . Take it he shall not , Dogs shall eat him first . Then Hector frowning on him thus replies . Again , said he , I from you must dissent , Since you to shut our selves in Troy advise . We have already there too long been pent . Troy once was counted rich in Brass and Gold. But since Jove angry was , all that is gone , In Phrygia and in Maeonia sold , And little left in Ilium to be won . But since the Greeks are beaten and dismayd By th' hand of Jove , your fear is out of season , Nor will you by the Trojans be obey'd , Nor shall you ; though the Trojans thought it reason . And therefore take my counsel , which is this . Go now and ev'ry man his Supper take In Rank and File there where he placed is ; And set good Guards , and keep your selves awake . If any Trojan for his Goods lament , He may the same upon the Town bestow In service of the Publick to be spent , Rather than be possessed by the Foe ; And armed in the morn go to the Fleet , And sharply charge the Greeks by break of day . And if indeed Achilles there we meet He were not best oppose us in our way . For from him I will neither fly nor shrink , But either honour from him bear away , Or he from me . Mars common is I think To them that fight ; and slain are they that slay . This said , the Trojans heard with great applause , Fools as they were ; Pallas had made them mad . But none of them commend Polydamas , That given them much better counsel had . The Trojans presently to Supper went. The Greeks all night about Patroclus stand . And there began Achilles to lament , And on Patroclus breast he laid his hand . As when a Lion coming to his Den Misses the tender Whelps he left behind , He roars , and furiously goes out agen . And through the Vallies hunts , the Thief to find ; Such fierce thoughts on Achilles heart then lay . And sighing to the Myrmidons he spake . Oh , what did I to old Menoetius say ! How vain a promise did I to him make ! I said when we had sackt the Town of Troy , That I to Opus would bring back his Son Enriched with his portion of the Prey . But all we hope from Jove is seldom done . For both of us have the same Destiny With our hearts bloud to dye the Trojan Plain . And as he lieth now , so shall I lie , And never to my Parents come again . But since Patroclus you the first are dead , Your Funeral I will not celebrate , Till I have brought you Hector's Arms and Head , Whose bloudy hand deliver'd your sad fate , And have twelve of the Noble youths of Troy Beheaded in revenge . Till then stay here , Where Trojan Captive women night and day Bewailing you shall stand about the Biere . This said , he order gave for water hot , To clense Patroclus body from the gore . Into a Caldron ( said he ) water put , And make a Fire , and set the Caldron ore . Into a Caldron water then they put , And made a Fire and set the Caldron ore . The Flame about it goes . The water 's hot . Then washed from the body was the gore . And then again they laid him on the Bed , From head to foot in Linnen they him fold , And on him laid a fair white Coverled , His wounds first fill'd with Unguent nine year old . About the body of Patroclus staid Achilles and the Myrmidons all night Lamenting him . Then Jove to Juno said , You have Achilles brought again to fight Against the Trojans on the Argives side . Are they your Children that you love them so ? And Juno then to Jupiter repli'd . Harsh Cronides , what words do you let go ? Since mortal men that know much less than we May to a Friend do good , and hate a Fo , Why may not I that boast my self to be The Wife and Sister of great Jove do so , And make my Foes the Trojans feel my hate ? Whilst Jove and Juno were discoursing thus , The Goddess Thetis come was to the Gate Of Vulcan's undecaying famous House Of shining Brass , with brighter Stars thick set , That 'mongst the Houses of the Heaven shone . But he was at his Work-house in a sweat , And at his Bellows swaying up and down . For Tripods twenty he had laboured With golden Wheels to go and come agen At his command ; but had not finished The Ears and Chains , which he was making then . And whilst this bus'ness Vulcan was about , Thetis was come and at the Gate did stand . And Charis Vulcan's Wife then going out Saw her , and straightway took her by the hand . Thetis , said she , 't is strange to see you here . Much honour'd and a welcom Guest you are , Come in and pleased be t' accept our Chear . Then led her in , and brought her to a Chair , A dainty Chair with Foot-stool joyn'd thereto , And then unto her Husband's Shop she hi'd . For Thetis , said she , you have work to do . And Vulcan glad , to Charis thus repli'd . Is Thetis here that sav'd me from mishap ! When for my lameness thrown down from the Sky , Thetis was pleas'd to catch me in her lap , When else I had been in great misery ? I wrought for her and for Eurynome Nine year , and made them many pretty things Within a Rock encompass'd by the Sea , As Buckles , Clasps , fine Boxes , Beads and Rings , Which neither Mortal nor Immortal knew , But only Thetis and Eurynome . And now to Thetis I must pay what 's due , The Ransom of my life for saving me . Go you and entertain her well , while I My Tools take up , and Bellows set away . This said , the Bellows he took and set by , But in a Chest his working Tools did lay . Then with a Sponge he wip'd his hands and face , His brawny neck , and hairy breast , and on He puts his Coat , and with his staff , apace , Though haulting goes , and waited was upon By Maids of Massie Gold , endu'd with Wit , And Speech , & Strength , and learn'd in Heav'nly Art ; And went to Thetis and did by her sit , And joyful at her presence was his heart , And laid his hand on hers , and to her said , Thetis , so welcome to me there is none . Tell me wherein you think I can you aid . And if it can be done , it shall be done . And then to Vulcan Thetis answered , No Goddess ever was distrest like me Whom Jove made subject to a Mortal's Bed , And Peleus Wife constrained me to be , Who lies at home decrepid now and spent . And when I born unto him had a Son , Of all the Heroes the most excellent , And of his breeding , care omitted none , And when he grown was to a goodly height , He sent was to the War at Ilium Against the Trojans for the Greeks to fight ; From whence he never shall again come home . Though yet he live , he takes therein no joy , And I to comfort him no power have , Since Agamemnon taken has away Her whom the Greeks for honour to him gave . And then my Son no longer would him aid ; And by the Trojans beaten were the Greeks , And Agamemnon then sent Gifts and pray'd , And by Embassadors his favour seeks . Then though to th'Fight himself he would not go , Yet he his Armour to Patroclus gave , And Myrmidons t' assist him 'gainst the Fo , And to the Scaean Gate the Trojans drave . And by Patroclus taken had been Troy , Had he not then been by Apollo slain , That unto Hector gave a glorious day , And th'Armour of my valiant Son to gain . Which makes me now come hither to request That you would make new Armour for my Son , A Shield , a Helmet , Armour for the breast And for the legs . For those he had are gone . Then ( to her answer'd Vulcan ) do not fear . Oh that when for him the harsh Fates enquire , To hide him from them I as able were , As make him Arms for Mortals to admire . This said , unto his Shop he went , and bad His golden serving Statues blow the fire . For twenty Bellowses in all he had To blow as he should , and his work require . And then into the fire he threw in Tin , And Brass , and Silver fine , and pretious Gold ; And to the Socket puts the Anvile in , And th'heavie Hammer in one hand did hold , Into his other hand the Tongs he takes , And forges first a mighty Shield and strong , And many various Figures in it makes , And fastens to the same a silver Thong , And bound the edge about with triple Brass . The Shield it self consisted of five plies , And with great art described in it was The surface of the Earth , the Sea and Skies , The Sun , the Moon at Full , and all the train Of Heaven , Pleiades , and Hyades , Orion , and the Bear men call the Wain That only never dives into the Seas , But always to Orion has an Eye . And in it were two Cities . In the one Good Chear and Weddings , and great Melody , And women at their dores stand looking on To see the Bridegroom as he passed by , And lusty youths that dancing with them go , To Citterns and to Pipes , and Hymen cry , And turn as swift as Tops upon the To● . And full of people was the Market-place , Assembled at the hearing of a Cause . A man was slain . And this was then the Case . One said that he had satisfi'd the Laws , The other said that nothing he had paid ; And on this Issue they will both be tri'd , And have their Proofs before the Judges laid . And clamour great of friends was on each side . The Cryers when they stilled had the cry , Into the Judges hands their Scepters gave , And in the midst , of Gold two Talents lie For him that has the better Cause to have . Before the other Town two Armies stood . The Foe resolved was to plunder it . The Town , to save it , offer'd half their good . The other to accept it thought not fit . Then up unto the Walls the Towns-men sent Their Women , Children , and their men grown old , And all the rest out from the City went , And Mars and Pallas with them , all in Gold , And taller than the multitude by odds , Who in respect of them seem'd very low . For men are much inferior to the Gods. Then they before the Gate to counsel go . The Enemies themselves in ambush laid At th'watering place upon the Rivers brink , And Scouts sent out , which not far from them staid To tell them when the Cattle came to drink . And when they were informed they were nigh , And Shepherds two that did suspect no harm , They on the Shepherds and the Cattle fly . At which the other Army took th' Alarm , And rising up from Counsel , with their Horse Pursu'd , and soon they overtaken were . And then began the Fight . Without remorse They one another slay with Sword and Spear . And there Disorder plac'd was and Debate ; And one born wounded out , another sound , Another dead was drag'd away by Fate With bloudy Coat and Armour on the ground So lively seemed to the Eye their features In fighting and in fetching off their slain , One would have thought they had been living creatures , And that the Fight had real been . Again Describ'd was in the same a spacious ground , And men at Plough , and at each Ridges end At turning of the Plough about , they found A man that for them did with Wine attend . And then again the Plough about they winde , And lab'ring to the other end go back ; And as they plough , still what they leave behinde , Though Golden 't was , to th' Eye appeared black . A wonder ' t was . Besides , in the same Shield Pourtrayed was a goodly Close of Wheat , And many Reapers working on the field , That threw it to the ground in handfuls great ; And Boys that follow'd took it from the ground , And put it in the hands of Binders three , By whom they made were into Sheaves and bound . Which standing by , their Lord was glad to see , His Squires not far off standing were aside ; And at a Tree a Cow kill'd of the best , A Supper for the Reapers to provide , And to the woman gave it to be drest . And in 't a golden Vineyard was pourtray'd . The Grapes that on it hung were black , and all The Vines supported and from drooping staid With silver Props ▪ that down they could not fall ▪ A Ditch there was about it black , and on The same a Hedge , the colour of it Tin , And Path unto it there was only one , By which the Fruit in Vintage was brought in . And on it Boys and Girls described were After a Fiddle play'd on by a Boy , That sing , dance , whistle , and full Baskets bear Of Bacchus gifts unto the house with joy . And in it was a Herd of Bulls and Kine , Part Gold , part Tin , and Herds-men four of Gold That to the Pasture drave them with Dogs nine T' a sedgy River ; where two Lions bold Upon the horned Herd came from the Wood , And 'mongst the foremost seiz'd upon a Bull. The Dogs went to them neer and barking stood . Then roars the Bull. The Lions tear and pull . And in the same he pasture made for Seeep Within a Valley large with Lodges good , And Folds , and cover'd Houses them to keep In safety from the wilde Beasts of the Wood. And in it was a Dancing-place pourtray'd Like that which Daedalus had made before For Ariadne , while in Crete he slay'd , And on it Dancing Youths and Maidens store Go hand in hand . The Girls , some clad in fine White Linen were , and some in Coats well spun Of glossie Wooll , that with the Oyl did shine ; And ev'ry one a Garland gay had on . The Boys with silver Hange●s were adorn'd And golden Swords , and w●th their well-taught Feet Sometimes they dancing ●n a Circle turn'd , Sometimes divided in two 〈◊〉 they meet . And round about of people stood a throng , And in the lovely Dance took great delight . And in the midst two Tumblers sung the Song , And many wondrous things did in their sight . With th' Ocean then he all environed . The Shield now done he went about the rest , And made a Helmet strong fit for his head , And formed was of massie Gold the Crest , And Breast-plate shining brighter than the fire , And Pieces for his legs of ductile Tin. And when he all had done to his desire , He from his Forge return'd and brought it in , And in the hands of Thetis puts the same ; Which she received from him joyfully . Then straightway from Olympus down she came , As swift as at a Fowl a Hawk can fly . ILIAD . LIB . XIX . NO sooner in her Saffron Robe was seen Aurora , holding light above the ground , Than at the Ships the Silver-footed Queen Achilles by Patroclus weeping found , And with him many of his friends dismay'd . Then in , into the midst of them she went , And laid her hand on his , and to him said , My Son , why do you thus in vain lament ? Come , since the Gods have slain him , leave him here , And take the Arms which I from Vulcan bring , Such as yet mortal man did never wear ; Which , as she lays them down before him , ring . The Myrmidons were troubled at the sight , And turn'd their backs affrighted at the show . Achilles wrath was more enflamed by 't . His eyes a fire , and bended was his brow . Yet when he had them in his hands was glad , And with great admiration them survai'd . And when enough beholden them he had , Unto his Mother he repli'd and said . Mother , I see such Arms from Vulcan here , As none but an immortal could have made , And presently will put them on , but fear Lest Flies the body should mean while invade , And in the wounds some filthy Vermin breed . And Thetis then repli'd , Son , do not fear . For I my self to that will take such heed , As , that although it should lie here a year , It shall no worse , but rather better be . Go you , and th' Argive Lords to Councel call , And with King Agamemnon there agree , And put your anger off before them all ; And spend your choler boldly on your Foes . This said , she to Patroclus mov'd her feet , And dropt Ambrosia into his nose , To keep his body incorrupt and sweet . Achilles then went down unto the shore , And there the Heroes did to Councel call By name , though they were ready there before . But thither at the news came th' Argives all , Steers-men and Stewards of Provision . And all the rest to th'Counsel thronging in , Though but to see the face of Thetis Son. So long they thought he absent now had been . Tydides also and Ulysses came , Though of their wounds they yet not cured were , Both halting , leaning on their Spears , and lame . The last of all was Agamemnon there , Wounded by Coon , nor recovered yet ; But th'Heroes for his coming not long staid . And when they were together all and set , Achilles rose , and t' Agamemnon said , Atrides , what great profit got we by This our unlucky strife about a Maid ? I would it had her fortune been to die , Before I Siege unto Lyrnessus laid . To Hector and the Trojans comes the gain . The Greeks with grief will think on 't while they live . But since it is too late now to complain , Go forth and orders for the Battle give ; That I may to them go again and see If at the Ships they mean to stay all night . I think they will much rather wish to be Within the Walls of Troy than stay and fight . This said , the Greeks were glad and courage take , Assured that Achilles would them aid , And Agamemnon sitting to them spake ( Which he excus'd ) and thus unto them said . 'T were fitter ( Argive Princes ) I stood out , That so my words you might the better hear ; But such a number standing are about , My voice , though greater , would not reach your ear . Nor were it fit for me to go about , And tell my minde to each man in his ear . T' Achilles therefore only I 'll speak out , But so , if you attend , that all may hear . I often have , said he , been blamed by The Greeks for taking from you your fair prize , When not in me , but Jove the fault did ly , And in Erinnys and the Destinies , That did me of my wits that day bereave . For what can I do when the Gods do all ? Jove's Daughter Ate did me then deceive , From whom , on Men and Gods great troubles fall . Her Feet are soft , because she never treads On th' Earth ; but when she mischief has to do , Walks in the Air , and puts it in mens heads , And sometimes does shrewd turns t'Immortals too . For Juno , though but of the Female Sex , That day that Hercules was to be born , Was able Jove the best o'th'Gods to vex , And labour of Alcmena to adjourn . For Jove before th'Immortals having said That he a man that day to light would bring By whom his Race in Greece should all be sway'd , You jest , said Juno , you mean no such thing . I 'll not believe 't unless you first be sworn That he shall of your Seed in Greece be King , That of a woman shall this day be born . This said , straight Jove no fraud imagining The great Oath took . But after did repent . And Juno from Olympus lofty head Leapt down , and t' Argos of Achaia went , And brought the Wife of Sthenelus to bed . And there was she delivered of a Son , That was by Perseus of Jove's discent . Though she but seven months had of him gone . And then to Thebes she to Alcmena went , And hindred her that day from bringing forth . Then up to Jupiter she came again , And said , This day is born a man of worth , Eurysteus in Argos fit to reign , And of your Seed . And Jove in choler then Took Ate by the head , and swung her round , And swore she ne're to Heav'n should come agen . And having said it , threw her to the ground And always after sigh'd to see the pain To which Eurysteus did put his Son ; As I do when I see the Argives slain By Hector , grieve to think what I have done . But since that Jove has made me to offend , I for my Errour willing am to pay . Come then , and your assistance to us lend , And quickly bring your Myrmidons away . And all that by Ulysses yesterday I to you promis'd shall performed be . Or presently , if you will for it stay , That you th'atoning Gifts your self may see . Achilles then unto him thus replies . As for your Gifts to give them me or no , Yet only in your choice ( Atrides ) lies . But now 't is time we to the Trojans go . To make fine Speeches here is but delay . But let your men o'th'Field Achilles see Through Squadrons of the Trojans making way . The Argives then encouraged will be . Ulysses then t' Achilles answered , Godlike Achilles , mighty as you are , Urge not the Greeks to fight till they be fed ; They fasting cannot long endure the Warre . And likely 't is the Battle will be long ; Especially if Gods both sides assist ; And Bread and Wine is that which makes men strong . Let therefore now the Argives be dismist . Who can , d' ye think , the toil of Battle bear From morning unto night , unless he first With food his heart and feeble limbs do chear ? He would be heavie , hungry , and athirst . But he that is with food well satisfi'd , Courageous is , and fight will all the day . His heart and limbs are strong , and will abide As long as any on the Field dare stay . Come , let the people now to Breakfast go , And Agamemnon send the Presents in Into th' Assembly where we sit , that so By the Achaeans all they may be seen ; And let him take an Oath before us , that Briseis Bed he never went unto , Nor all this while has done unto her , what A Husband to his Wife is us'd to do . And you your anger henceforth bridle must . And you Atrides feast him like a friend , And for hereafter learn to be more just , Nor think 't a shame for men their faults to mend . Ulysses ( said Atrides ) I am joy'd The counsel you have given us to hear . For 't is but reason all that you have said . And I with all my heart the Oath will swear . And let Achilles , though in haste , stay here With all the rest , that they my Gifts may see , And Witnesses be to the Oath I swear . And for the Gifts ( Ulysses ) presently Go you your self with good men whom you will , And bring them from my Tent , and set them here . For what they are , you well remember still . The same that by you promis●d from me were . And you Talthybius provide a Swine , That we may offer up a Sacrifice To Jove , the Sun , and other Pow'rs Divine . This said , Achilles to him thus replies , Renowned Agamemnon , I think yet Another time for Feast had better been ; As when in War a pause we intermit , And whilst yet unabated is my spleen . We see our friends lie torn upon the ground . The Greeks to battle and revenge I prompt . You think my counsel therein is not sound , And seek with Feasting to divert them from 't . But let us fasting to the Battle go , And make good Chear when we come back agen , And have reveng'd our selves upon the Fo. For I will neither eat nor drink till then . For whilst Patroclus mangled lieth here , And they that love him stand lamenting by , There nothing is that I can think good Chear But Slaughter , Bloud , and Groans of men that die . To this Ulysses did again reply , Achilles , you have not in Greece your Peer , For Martial worth ; yet Elder much am I , And more have seen ; I pray you therefore hear . The fare of War soon breeds Satiety . Much Straw there is , but Harvest none , or small . If Jove once hold the Scales unevenly , Innumerable are the men that fall . When then an end of weeping shall we see ? The Bellies of the Argives must not mourn . They that go to the War must patient be , And let the dead unto their Graves be born , And not weep over them above a day . And we that safe from Fight are come again , When we are fed can all day fighting stay . All other Exhortation is vain . Let therefore now the Greeks to Breakfast go , Which is the Soldiers best encouragement . Then all together fall upon the Fo. And when he this had said , away he went. And with him took Meges , Meriones , Theas , Antilochus , and Thrasymed , And Menalippus , and added unto these ( The Martial Son of Creon ) Lycomed . And brought the Presents from Atrides Tent , Sev'n Tripods great , and twenty Caldrons bright , Twelve Horses and sev'n Women with them went , And fair'st of all Briseis made them eight . Talents of Gold Ulysses weigh'd out ten , And took the pains himself to carry that . The rest was carri'd by the younger men , And laid before the Princes as they sat . Then Agamemnon rose , and by him neer Talthybius attended with a Swine , From which Atrides clipt a lock of hair , And lifts his hands unto the Pow'rs Divine . O Jove ( said he ) the chiefest of the Gods , O Sun , and Earth , and Furies under ground , That in your hands carry th' Eternal rods To punish such as perjur'd shall be found , My hand I on Briseis never laid , Neither for Bed , nor any other cause ; But always in my Tent untoucht she staid , Nor ever by me once attempted was . And if herein I told you have a Lye , Let all the dreadful torments that are due To such as guilty are of Perjury Upon me fall . This said , the Swine he slew . Then out the Stomach of the Swine did cut , And that Talthybius took in his hands , And threw 't into the Sea the Fish to glut . That done , Achilles up amongst them stands . 'T is thou , O Jove , said he , that spoilest all . Briseis at my Tent had stayed still , Nor had her going from me mov'd my gall , But that thou hadst a mind the Greeks to kill . This said , the Councel he dissolv'd , and sent Th' Achaeans to their Ships to break their fast ▪ Then ev'ry man unto his own Ship went , And busie were about their short repast . Mean while the Myrmidons the Presents bear T' Achilles Ships , and laid them in his Tent , And thither also brought the Women were . But th'Horses to the Field his Servants sent . Briseis , when she saw Patroclus lie With many gastly wounds dead on the Biere , She flung her arms about him and did crie , And her white Neck , and Face , and Breast did tear , And weeping over him did thus complain . O dear Patroclus , whom alive I left , Now when I to you am return'd again , Ay me , I find you of your life bereft . How fast my Woes on one another fall ! The Husband which my Parents made me wed , And three good Brothers of one Mother all I saw before Lyrnessus Massacred . And then , Patroclus , you to comfort me , Told me that I should be Achilles Wife , And to him married in Pthia be . But now since you have also lost your life , I never of my Woe shall see an end . And then the other women wept and roar'd , All for Patroclus , as they did pretend . But inwardly their own Fate they deplor'd . The Greeks again about Achilles stood , And urged him , ere he to Battle went , Himself to strengthen with a little food , But could by no means get him to consent . My friends , said he , importune me no more To eat or drink before we go to fight . My heart within me now is vexed sore . Fear not , I shall endure from morn to night . This said , the other Princes from him went. The two Atrides and Ulysses stay . And Phoenix and old Nestor at his Tent , And King Idomeneus , his grief t' allay . But nothing they could say did any good , So fiercely he was set upon the Fight ; And looking on Patroclus body stood . And then afresh lamented at the sight . Sweet friend , said he , you wont were to provide Good Breakfast for me when I was to fight , But since that comfort now I am deni'd , In meat and drink I take no more delight . For greater hurt cannot upon me fall , Although for want of me my Father die , While absent from him at the Trojan Wall For this accursed Helen's sake I lie ; Nor though my Son Neptolemus should die , Whom I in Scyros Isle lest to be bred , Not thinking then that here both you and I Should lose our lives ; but that when I was dead He should by you be to my House convey'd , And made to know my Servants and Estate . For Peleus now is very much decay'd , If quite he have not finished his Fate . When this Achilles weeping spoken had , The good old men that also had their fears For those they left at home , were very sad . And Jove had pity on Achilles tears , And speaking to Athena , Child , said he , Your love to valiant men , I see , is gone . Achilles must no more remembred be . Behold how for his friend he maketh moan , And takes no food , though th' other Princes feast . Let not his strength by hunger be decay'd ; Distil Ambrosia into his breast , And Nectar . Straight Athena him obey'd . And swift as any Harpy came away , And arming of themselves she found the rest . But that Achilles strength might not decay She dropt Ambrosia into his breast , And Nectar sweet , and out the Argives went. As when from Jove descendeth a thick Snow , Which Boreas bloweth through the Element ; Such of the armed Argives was the show ; So bright their burnisht Arms and Helmets were , The lustre up to Heaven did rebound , And smiling all about the Fields appear , And at the moving of their feet resound . Achilles then his mighty Arms puts on , And grinds his teeth , and fire was in his eyes , And hasted to the Battle to be gone ; So much his heart did at the Trojans rise . First to his legs the Leg-pieces he ti'd With Buckles of fine silver all along , And next his Breast-plate to his breast appli'd , And on his shoulder then his Sword he hung , Then up into his hands his Shield he took Large , strong , and mighty , radiant was the same , And from afar it like the Moon did look , Or , as to Seamen , on the wolds a flame , That sure are of a storm when that they see , And from their friends to scatter'd be by wind To places where they not desire to be ; So then the Buckler of Achilles shin'd . And next he puts his Helmet on his head , Which shined like a Comet in the Air , So finely Vulcan had it polished , And made it seem to blaze with golden hair . And then to try his Arms if fit they were , He walkt about , and thought he wings had worn . And last from out a Tub he took his Spear ( Which by his Father formerly was born , And made by Chiron in Mount Pel●on ) Which no man but Achilles now could wield , Since Peleus strength decayed was and gone . A fatal Spear to Heroes in the Field . And Alcimus then and Automedon The Horses to the Chariot made fast , And harnest them and put their Bridles on , And back unto the Seat the Reyns they cast . With Whip in hand then mounts Automedon , And after him Achilles not long staid Yclad in Armour shining like the Sun , And roughly to his Horses speaking said , Xanthus and Balius take heed I pray , A little better of your Charretier , Than of Patroclus you did yesterday , Whom dead and stript you left behind you here . This said , his sprightly head low Xanthus hung , Till on the ground his golden Mane was laid . And Juno humane Speech gave to his Tongue . And to Achilles then he spake and said , Yes , great Achilles , we will save you now ; But know ye , that your utmost day is nigh , Not by our faults ; the Gods will have it so , And , which cannot be shun'd , your Destiny . And that Patroclus is disarm'd and slain , 'T was not because we lazy were or slow , But that Priamides might honour gain , Apollo slew him with his silver Bow. For we could have gone faster than the wind , If that could to him any good have done . The thread of life which for him was design'd Was by the Destinies draw● cut 〈…〉 . This then said Xanthus , but could not proceed . His Speech the Furies from him took aga●● Xanthus ( repli'd Achilles ) there 's no need For you to prophecie my death in vain . I know already that I here must die Far from my Parents ; yet I mean to stay Till I have made the Trojans hence to flie . This said , his Myrmidons he led away . ILIAD . LIB . XX. WHilst with Achilles th' Argives armed stand , And on the Plain the Trojans ready all , Jove to the Goddess Thetis gave command The Common Councel of the Gods to call . Then down she came , and calling went about . Ye Gods , said she , Jove calls you to his house . And straight the Rivers from their streams came out All but their Father old Oceanus . The Nymphs from ev'ry Meadow , Spring , and Grove Up to the Mount Olympus went in hast ; And when they come were to the house of Jove , In Porches round on polish'd Seats were plac'd . And Neptune also having heard the Call , Leapt from the Sea up to Olympus Hill , And sitting in the midst before them all To Jove he spake , and said , What is your will ? D' ye call us hither our advice to hear ; To give the day to Trojan or to Greek ? For I perceive the Battle now is near . My mind ( said Jupiter ) you need not seek . For of the Greeks distrest I have a care . But on Olympus I intend to stay , And please my self with looking on the Warre . But let the other Gods go down to Troy , And take which side they will. For else I fear , Achilles whom the Trojans did so dread , When in the Battle no Immortals were , And more enrag'd is since his friend is dead ; When he has driy'n the Trojans from the Field , Will then directly go to Ilium , And overthrow the Wall which you did build , Before the time ( by Fate appointed ) come . This said , the Fight began . On th' Argives side Stood Juno , Pallas , Neptune , Mercury ; And Vulcan taking in his strength great pride , Went halting 'mongst them with his legs awry . On th' other side , Mars for the Trojans stood , And Phoebus , and his Sister Artemis , Their Mother Leto , and Scamander Flood , And Venus that of all the fairest is . And whilst they from the Battle stood aside , The Argives mightily encourag'd were , And in Achilles presence took great pride ; For long it seem'd they had not seen him there . The Trojans when they saw him shook for fear , So like to Mars he was , his Arms so bright . But when the Gods on both sides with them were , Then all about was filled with affright , And in the Air heard was Athena shrill As from the Ditch , and sometimes from the shore , And Mars sometimes from Callidone Hill , And sometimes as at Troy was heard to rore , The Trojans he , but she the Greeks t'incite . Thus by the Gods from Heav'n encouraged The Armies met , and cruel was the Fight , And terribly above Jove thundered , And Neptune shook the Earth on ev'ry side , The Argive Ships , and stately Trojan Tow'rs , The Plain beneath , and lofty Tops of Ide . And frighted with it were th' Infernal Pow'rs , And Pluto starting from his ugly Throne To Neptune cried out his hand to hold , For fear his dismal dwelling should be shown To Men and Gods so hateful to behold . So great a noise the Gods make when they fight . Phoebus to Neptune now opposed is , And Pallas stands against rude Mars his might , And Juno matched is with Artemis , And Mercury against Latona stood . But he that Vulcan had to deal withal , Was the divine and deep swift-running Flood , Which Xanthus Gods , but Men Scamander call . Thus were th'Immortals matched one to one . Achilles would have given any good That he had matched been to Priam's Son , T' have made to Mars a Breakfast of his blood . And then Apollo sets Aeneas on T' encounter with Achilles ; and array'd I'th'person and the voice of Lycaon Came to his side , and thus unto him said , Aeneas , when the Wine was in your head , I oft have heard you of your self say this , That 'gainst Achilles you in fight durst stand . What say you to him now ? See , there he is . Priamides ( Aeneas then repli'd ) Why would you have me with Achilles fight ? I once already was upon Mount Ide Keeping our Cattle , by him put to flight ; And thence for safety to Lyrnessus fled . But he the Town Lyrnessus quickly won And Pedasus . And then I had been dead If Jove had not inabled me to run . For Pallas with him was and made him way , Striking his Foes before him with affright , And urging him the Trojans to destroy . 'T is more than Man can do t' oppose his might . One God or other always with him is To put aside the Spears before they come . And whom he aims at he doth never miss ▪ And to the mark his Spear flies always home . But if the Gods unpartial would be , Although of solid Brass his body were , He should not eas'ly get the Victorie . Aeneas ( then said Phoebus ) do not fear , But pray unto the Gods. Your Mother is Jove's Daughter Cytherea , as they say , A greater Goddess by descent than his ; And therefore boldly to him go your way . His mighty words and threats you must not fear . This said , he courage breath'd into his breast . Then through the foremost went he with his Spear , And Helmet of strong Brass with glittring Crest . Now Juno of his going was aware , And calling to her th' other Gods , she said , Neptune and Pallas , let us have a care ; I see a danger that ought to be wai'd . Aeneas yonder with his spear in hand , Goes to Achilles with a mind to fight . Let 's keep him off , or by Achilles stand , And add both to his courage and his might , That he may know , the Gods of greatest Pow'r Are on his side , and those that stand for Troy In vertue much to us inferiour , And dare not in the Field against us stay ; And that we from Olympus hither came To save him now ; hereafter whatsoere Mischances come he must endure the same , Since at his Birth they woven with him were . For if unknown our purpose to him be , To meet a God will put him into fear . 'T is dangerous Gods as they are to see ; So terrible to mortals they appear . And Neptune unto Juno then repli'd , You are too fierce . A fight between the Gods I would not have begin upon our side . Nor does it need ; so much we have the ods . But let 's go hence to yonder Mountain top , And leave the Battle in the hands of men . If Mars or Phoebus then Achilles stop , We to the Battle will return agen , And send them to Olympus home with shame , 'Mongst other of the Gods at Court to stay , Well beaten at our hands , disgrac'd , and tame . And when he this had said , he led away . And when he come was to the Castle-wall , Which was by th' Trojans built for Hercules By Pallas help , to save him from the Whale That much annoy'd the Trojans from the Seas , He and his Party of the Gods stay'd there Concealed by a Cloud , and looking on . But Mars and Phoebus with their Party were Sitting upon the Brow of Callidon . Thus from the Field the Gods on both sides staid Consulting how their friends the day might win . But neither side effectually would aid . For not a God amongst them durst begin . Now cover'd over was the Field with men Both Horse and Foot array'd in Armour bright . The Earth resounded with their feet . And then Two warriours in the midst stood out to fight , Achilles and Aeneas the two best . And first Aeneas with fierce looks went on With Spear in hand , and Shield before his breast . To meet him then advanced Thetis Son. As when to chace a Lion from the Plain The people of the Town with Weapons rise , The Lion looks upon them with disdain , As if he did their multitude despise ; But when a Spear from any of them comes , He whips himself in t ' anger with his Tail , And terribly goes on , and yawns and foams , To kill , or to be killed if he fail : So at the seeing of Aeneas Spear , Achilles did himself to th'Fight provoke . And when they stood to one another near , Achilles first unto Aeneas spoke . Aeneas , why ( said he ) come you away So far before the rest ? To fight with me ? Will Priam , think you , make you King of Troy , If by your hand perhaps I slain should be ? No. He is wise , and Sons has of his own . Or will the Trojans set you out great Lands , Some to be planted , others to be sown When ever I am killed by your hands ? But that I hope will never be . You know How once I made you run down Ida Hill Into Lyrnessus in great haste ; and how You nere lookt back for fear of greater ill ; And how the Town I won , and led away The women Captives ; though 't was then Jove's will That from my hands you should escape that day , You must not look that you should do so still . And therefore I advise you to be gone , And in the throng o' th' Trojans to abide . For ev'ry Fool his harm knows when 't is done . Th●s said , Aeneas to him thus repli'd , Pelides , do not think you can me fright , As if I were a Child , with words of scorn . For if in evil words I took delight , I cou●d as many easily return . We one anothers Parents know by fame . Peleus your Father was , A●chises mine . Your Mother is Divine , Thetis by name ; And Venus mine , of the Celestial line . And one of them to day must lose a Son. For 't is not words can fetch us off this place . But if you 'll know my Generation , I 'll by my Father likewise count my Race . For first by Jove was Dardanus begot That rul'd the Dardans under Ida Hill In divers Towns. For Ilium yet was not . But at the foot of Ida they dwelt still . And Dardan Erichthonius begat , That was the wealthiest of mortal men . Three thousand Mares he had , and unto that , As many Foals all feeding on the Fen. And twelve of these were got by Boreas , That leapt their Dams in likeness of a Horse , And ore the ears of standing Corn could pass And never make them stoop ; such was their force ; And run upon the Sea and never wet Their hoofs , which very wondrous was to see . And Erichthonius did Tros beget . And Tros the Father was of Children three , Ilus , Assaracus , and Ganymed . But Ganymed was taken up by Jove ( So fair he was ) and t'Heaven carried , To minister unto the Gods above . The Son of Ilus was Laomedon , And he Tithonus got and Priamus , And Lampus , Clytius , Icetaon . But Capys Son was of Assaracus . Capys begat Anchises , and he me . I need not be ashamed of my Race . Though Vertue l●eth not in Pedigree , But given is to them whom Jove will grace . Then let us from reproachful words abstain , Whereof there is great plenty ev'ry where To serve all men that will them entertain , That as a man will speak , so he may hear . What need we like two women in the street , When they cannot agree , to rail and scoff ? Who , say they true or false , are undiscreet . For from my purpose you 'll not put me off With scornful words , before your force I try . Let 's therefore here no longer talk but fight . And as he spake his Spear he letteth fly , Which on Achilles mighty Shield fell right , And terribly it made the same resound . Achilles far before him held his Shield , For fear Aeneas through it might him wound ; Though Heav'nly Arms to mortals will not yield . But that he thought not on Nor did the Spear Well driven as it was and strong , pass through . For of five plies that labour'd in it were By Mulciber , it pierced only two , And those were Brass . There still remained three , The one of Gold , the other two of Tin ; And stopped by the Brass it could not be ; But coming to the Gold it there stuck in . And then Achilles threw his Spear at him , Which flying with great force pass'd through his Shield , Where thin the Brass and Hide was near the Brim , And over him it flew into the Field . For when Aeneas coming saw the Spear , He crouched low , and held his Buckler high ; And though the same proceeded but from fear , It made the Spear above his head to fly . Aeneas at the first amazed stands . But when Achilles with his Sword came on , He stoopt , and from the ground took in his hands , That neer unto him lay a mighty stone , Which two men , such as now are , scarce could bear , And hit him had on th' head or breast in vain , That with Celestial Arms defended were , And by Achilles Sword himself been slain , If it had not by Neptune been foreseen . Who speaking to the Gods did thus complain . O Gods , said he , great pain I now am in To see Aeneas by Achilles slain , For harkning to Apollo foolishly ; Who will not help him though he set him on . But wherefore should we let Aeneas die Others to please , when he no fault has done ? Let 's therefore save him lest we Jove offend , Who now the off-spring of King Priam hates . And that Aeneas ▪ Race shall without end The Trojans rule , 't is ordered by the Fates . This said , to Neptune Juno did reply , If you Aeneas have a mind to save , Save him your self . For well you know that I And Pallas 'mongst the Gods sworn often have , That neither of us shall a Trojan aid , Though Ilium it self were in a flame . Away went Neptune soon as that was said , And to Aeneas and Achilles came . And ore Achilles eyes a mist he spred , And drew his Spear out of Aeneas Shield ; And to Achilles that he carried , And laid it at his feet upon the Field . And then Aeneas lifted by the force Of an Immortal God skipt to the Rear , Ore many Ranks of Heroes and of Horse , Unto the Caucons that the hindmost were . Where Neptune standing by him spake and said , Aeneas , who was 't of th' Immortal Gods , That to engage Achilles you betray'd , That stronger is than you by so much ods ? Henceforth take heed you come not in his way , Lest by his hand you die . When he is gone , You boldly on the best adventure may . For of the rest you slain shall be by none . This said , he to Achilles went agen , And made the mist to vanish from his eyes . And round about him lookt Achilles then , And to his feet return'd his Spear espies . And said unto himself , O strange , what 's this ? The man is gone , my Spear come back I see . Aeneas of the Gods beloved is , And I thought all he said was vanitie . But fare him well . He will not come agen , So glad he is that he hath scaped so . Now I will first put courage in my men , And then unto some other Trojans go . Then through the Argive Ranks he went , and said , No longer of the Trojans be so shy , But man to man go close . Be not afraid , Strong as I am , you cannot think that I Can follow such a multitude and fight . For neither Mars nor Pallas can do that , ( Though Gods Immortal ) and of so great might , That mortal men cannot resist . Yet what My strength alone with hands and feet can do , I think I shall not any thing forbear . But break their Ranks and make you way clean through , Nor shall he joyful be whom I come near . Whilst this Achilles to the Argives said , Hector no less the Trojans did excite . Why should you of Achilles be afraid ? With words 't is easie 'gainst the Gods to fight , That are too strong to fight with with a Spear . And to Achilles now I mean to go , Though Fire his hands , and Steel his body were . For more by half he says than he can do . When Hector to the Trojans this had said , The Fight began , and mighty was the cry . And then for Hector Phoebus was afraid , And presently came in , and standing nigh , Hector ( said he ) return into the throng . Take heed . With Thetis Son fight not at all Now nor henceforth ( he for you is too strong ) Lest by his Spear or Sword you chance to fall . Thus Hector by the God admonished Into the Trojan Troops retir'd again . The Trojans then before Achilles fled . And by him first ●phition was slain , Whom the Nymph Neis to Otrynteus bare In Ida at the foot of Tmolus Hill , Great Troops he brought unto the Trojan Warre , And thought he could the great Pelid●s kill . But coming on he met Achilles Spear , The fatal Spear , that cleft his head in twain . Achilles then triumphed ore him there Though fallen to the ground he were and slain . So ; Otryntides , die there on the Earth ; Though where runs Hyllus into Hermus deep , On the Gygean Lake you had your Birth . This said , he left him in eternal sleep , For th' Argive Charret-wheels to crush and grind . And after him he slew Demoleon , A Warrier good , and of undaunted mind , That of Antenor was a valiant Son Him through the head with Spear in hand he smot , And out together came both bloud and brain . H●s Helmet though of Brass , preserv'd him not . And after he Demoleon had slain He with his Spear pursu'd Hippodamas , Who from his Charre had leapt unto the ground Frighted , and now before him running was , And gave him on the back a mortal wound , Whereat he blows and roars like any Bull Brought to the Altar for a Sacrifice , When young men by the Horns him thither pull By violence ; then down he falls and dies . Unluckily then in Achill●s sight Was Polydorus Priam's youngest Son And best belov'd ; whom he forbad to fight , Though swiftest of them all he were to run . But he the vertue of his feet to shew , Betwixt the Hoasts ran up and down the Field , Until a Spear Achilles at him threw , And with a wound upon the back him kill'd . Out at his Navil went the Spear again , And for his Guts to follow made a way . But Hector when he saw his Brother slain , Amongst his Troops he could no longer stay , But going to Achilles shook his Spear . Then speaking to himself Achilles said , The man that slew Patroclus I see here . We must no more each other now avoid . And sowrely on him looking , said , Come near , That I may quickly of you make an end . And Hector to him answer'd without fear , In vain Achilles your proud words you spend . Such words as these may Children terrifie . And I can speak that Language when I list . And though you be a mightier man than I , The Victory does not in that consist , But he shall have it whom the Gods appoint Though he be weaker , if his Spear fly true . Which mine may do , and sharp is at the point . This said , his Spear he at Achill●s threw . Which back to Hector's feet Athena blew With soft and gentle breath without a sound . And straight Achilles thundring to him flew . But then Apollo snatcht him from the ground . Which is by any God done in a trice ; And in a Mist conceal'd him from his sight . And after him Achilles leapt up thrice , And thrice the Air obscure in vain did smite . Then whoopt he after him and threatning said , Dog , an ill death agen thou scaped hast , That fighting , to Apollo pray'st for aid . But yet I shall dispatch you at the last , If any of the Gods for me appear But now I must to other Trojans go . This said , at Dryops straight he threw his Spear , And sent his Soul unto the Shades below . To meet Demuchus then he went half way , That with his Sword came toward him to fight . Him with a wound i' th' neck he made to stay ; And with his Sword then killed him outright . Then by him slain the Sons of Bias were Laogonus and Dardanus , the one With his great Sword , the other with his Spear . And next he killed Tros Alastor's Son , Who not resisted but fell at his knee , And beg'd his life , for being of his age , Hoping for that he pitied might be . But that Achilles wrath could not asswage . He quite mistook his nature like a child . For cruel was Achilles and hard-harted ; But he sweet-natur'd thought he was and mild . Whereas he never thought how others smarted . And then Achilles gave him such a wound That with the bloud his Liver started out . And there he left him dying on the ground , And for more Trojan Leaders lookt about . Then coming to him he saw Mulius , And strook him through the head from ear to ear . Then with his Sword he killed Echeclus Antenor's Son that to him came too near . Then on the arm he hit Demolion . The Spear stuck in , and forc'd him there to stay . Achilles then came furiously on , And with his Sword he skim'd his head away Helmet and all . Then Regmus with a wound Upon the belly he slew with his Spear , Who from his Charret fell unto the ground . And after him he flew his Charretier Areitbous , whilst he his Horses turns . As a thick Coppice in a windy day , If set on fire unmercifully burns ; So went Achilles killing ev'ry way . As Oxen from the Straw tread out the Corn , So trampling went his Horses ore the dead , That with their Bucklers by the wheels were torn , And th'Axle-tree with bloud was covered And Spoaks ; in part with droppings from the wheels ( For going on the ground the wheels were go●y ) And partly beaten up with th'Horses heels , And bloudy were his hands ; and all for glory . ILIAD . LIB . XXI . WHen to the River Xanthus they were come , The Trojans at the Ford half of them pass'd , And on the High way fled to Ilium ; The other leapt into the Stream for haste ; And with the winding flood there swimming strive . As Locusts when by sudden Tier sprung In swarms unto the River fly and dive ; So they themselves into Scamander flung . And filled was the Stream with Horse and Men. Achilles on the Bank-side left his Spear Set up on end against a Tree ; and then Achilles leapt in with his Sword ; and there He kill'd as fast as he could turn and strike , And with their bloud the Stream was dyed red . And grievous 't was to hear them groan and shrike , That in the flood were by him massacred . As when the Dolphins in a River are , The other Fish scud to the Banks in sholes , So did it with the swimming Trojans fate , They fled to th'Banks and hid themselves in holes . And twelve of them alive Achilles took , And with their Girdles hands behind them bound , Then caus'd them to be led out of the Brook ▪ And to the Ships conveyed safe and sound ; To slay them at Patroclus Funeral . Then from the River out he came again , And Priam's Son Lycaon met withal That from Scamander flying was in vain . Whom Prisoner he had taken once before , When in his Father's ground he was by night Cutting of Spoak●staves from a Sycamore , And on him now the second time did light . To Lemnos first he sent him to be sold , And bought he there was by Eetion . Achilles for him had good store of Gold. But he got loose and home again did run . And there eleven days he staid ; and well Was entertained in his Father's house . The twelfth into Achilles hands he fell Agen , that sent him then to Er●bus . Achilles seeing him without a Spear , Without a Shield , and nothing on his head ( For he had cast away his Arms for fear When almost tir'd he from the River fled ) Achilles grumbling to himself then said , O strange ! These Trojans are stout-hearted men , That being sent away , will not be staid , But to the War must needs come back agen . Here 's one I sent to Lemnos to be sold , And now is come to fight with me agen . 'T is strange the Sea could not him from me hold , That can against their wills hold other men . But well , I 'll give him of my Spear a tast , And send him to the Earth , that I may see Whether the Earth or no can hold him fast , By which are holden better men than he . Whilst this Achilles said , the man came near , To beg his life ; for loath to die was he . To wound him then Achilles lifts his Spear . But under it he got unto his knee , And with one hand laid hold upon his Spear , And on Achilles knee the other laid . And kneeling down before him shook with fear , And lamentably to him speaking said , Achilles , I beseech you pity me , And save my life although 't were but for this , That I your Pris'ner was . Captivitie At least for life a Sanctuary is . And when you unto Lemnos sent me had , You for me got a hundred Oxens price . And for my Ransom now I should be glad You would be pleas'd to take that value thrice . 'T is but twelve days since I came back to Troy , And all the way had been in grievous pain , And when I thought I should my friends enjoy , I fallen am into your hands again . O how have I so much incur'd the hate Of Jupiter to shorten thus my life ! Or from my Mother cometh my hard fate La●thoe , whom Priam made his Wife ? Al●heus got her , King of Pedasus . And she of Priam's many Wives was one . For many more beside had Priamus ; And by her had me and another Son , And both of us must by you now be kill'd . For Polydore you have already slain , Whilst like a Child he ran about the Field . And for my self ( I fear ) I pray in vain . But what am I that must no Quarter have ? Though by the Father I am Hector's Brother , That sent the good Patroclus to his grave , Yet I am nothing to him by the Mother . Thus pleaded he . Achilles then replied , Tell me no more of Ransome or of Quarter . 'T is true , I did before Patroclus died , Suffer some Trojans for their lives to barter . But now if any of the Trojans fall Into my hands before the Town of Troy , And those of Priam's Race the least of all Must from me hope to get alive away . But wherefore ( friend ) should you think much to die ? Patroclus a much better man is gone . You see how strong and tall a man am I , And of a noble Father am the Son , And have a Goddess for my Mother . Yet At morn , or noon , or night , with Shaft or Spear I 'm sure by one or other to be hit And lose my life . Why therefore should you fear ? This said , Lycaon's heart and limbs both fail'd , And of the Spear let 's go his hold , and wide His hands he spread and his sad fate bewayl'd . Achilles then his Sword drew from his side , And gave him on the neck a mighty wound . The Swords whole bredth into his neck he took , And presently he fell dead to the ground . Achilles threw him then into the Brook , And said insulting , Go now to the deep , And feed the Fishes that will lick your blood ; Your Mother over you shall never weep , But to the Sea you go shall with the Flood , Where to the curled water leaps a Fish , Upon Iycaon's dainty fat to feed . And until Troy be by us won , I wish That th' other Trojans may no better speed , But flying , by my Spear be tost like Hay ( Scamander shall afford them little aid , Though to his Stream they Bulls and Horses slay ) Till for Patroclus death they all have paid . With these his haughty words Scamander griev'd , Contrived how Achilles to repel , And how the Trojans best might be reliev'd That to escape into his water fell . Achilles then Asteropaeus spi'd Pelegons Son the Son of Axius , Of Axius the River deep and wide By th'Daughter of King Acessamenus . And to him with a mind to kill him went As he was newly come out of the water . But Xanthus gave him such encouragement ( Because Achilles fill'd his Stream with slaughter ) That there Asteropaeus for him staid , And both in right and left hand had a Spear And never sought the Combat to avoid . And when they were to one another near , Who are you ( said Achilles ) and whose Son , That in my anger dares approach me so ? For I in Arms encountred am by none But those whose Parents destin'd are to wo. Asteropaeus to him then repli'd . Why ask you me whose Son and who I am ? The Forces of Paeonia I guide ; To whom eleven days since I hither came . Of my descent the Author Axius is , The fairest Stream that on the Earth doth run . His Son was Pelegon , and I am his . Thus who I am 't is told you , and whose Son. And now , Achilles , it is time to fight . This said , from his two hands his two Spears fly ( For both Asteropaeus hands were right ) The one of them his mighty Shield did try But pierc'd it not ; the plate of Gold withstood . The other gave his arm a little wound Neer to his elbow , and fetcht out some blood , And so beyond him went and stuck i'th'ground . Achilles then his Spear with all his strength Incensed at Asteropaeus threw , Which missing into th' Earth went half its length . Then from his side his Sword Achilles drew . Asteropaeus to Achilles Spear Went back , and at it thrice he pluckt in vain ; Then thought to break it ; but Achilles there Was with his Sword , and with that he was slain . For by the Sword his belly was so ript , That all his bowels issu'd at the wound . There him Achilles of his Armour stript , And ore him crow'd as he lay on the ground . Lie there , said he ; shall Rivers Sons compare With th'off-spring of the blessed Gods above ? The Issue of a Brook , you say , you are , But I the Issue am of mighty Jove , For Peleus my Father was , and his Was Aeacus whom Jupiter begot . But greater he than any River is , Then equal to his Race , their Race is not . A River great enough you had at hand , But that you found had done you little good . For nothing can the Pow'r of Jove withstand ; Not Achelous with his Royal Flood , Nor th' Ocean it self of Waters King , From whose abundance Seas their water take And ev'ry River , Stream , and Well , and Spring That goeth on the Earth , and ev'ry Lake ; Who when they but a clap of Thunder hear , From Jove some danger presently they dread . This said , from th' Earth he pulled out his Spear , And left o'th'Sands Asteropaeus dead . Where Xanthus from his wound shall wash the blood , And Eels and other fish feed on his fat . Achilles then pursued those that stood Upon Scamander Bank amazed at The fury of the giddy Stream ; and when They saw their Leader killed in their sight By th' hand of terrible Achilles , then They ev'ry one betook themselves to flight . Then with his Sword he slew Thersilochus , And after him the stout Astypylus , And Ophelestes , Mydon , Aenius , And after these , Mnesus , and Thrasius . And had shed yet much more Paeonian blood , But that Scamander at it took offence , And like a man above his water stood , And to Achilles spake his mind from thence . Achilles , truly you excel in might , And Acts you do of great iniquitie , And by the Gods assisted are in fight . But though by Jove you should allowed be To kill the Trojans , kill them on the Plain . My Stream so choaked is with Carcasses , I cannot drive my waters to the Main . I wonder you should do such deeds as these . Let those you kill be killed openlie . Go therefore from me . Thus Scamander said . And then unto the River answer'd he , Divine Scamander , you shall be obey'd . But to pursue the Trojans I mean still , Till I have chas'd them up to Ilium . And fight with Hector , if he stay , I will , And see if his or my last day be come . Scamander then unto Apollo spake : Phoebus , said he , you Jove's commandment slight ▪ That bad you of the Trojans care to take , And to defend them all you could till night . Into the Stream Achilles leaps agen . At which Scamander swelling lifts his Waves , And out he throws the bodies of dead men , And from Achilles hand the living faves . Then throws a Billow on Achilles head . And heavie on his Shield the Current lay ; And on the ground by no means he could tread , So fast the River carri'd him away . But ore the water hung an Elmen limb Which he laid hold on . Then fell down the Tree Into the River . And that saved him , And served as a Bridge to set him free . And swiftly then Achilles from him ran . But after him Scamander sent his water , Resolv'd to quench the fury of the man , And save the Trojans in his Stream from slaughter . And then as far as one can throw a Spear Achilles from the Flood obliquely flies Swift as a Hawk ; but yet was ne'r the near ; For still he water has before his eyes . As when a man makes passage with his Spade For water to his Garden from a Hill , The Stream outruns him that the Channel made ; So Xanthus was before Achilles still . And ever as Achilles turn'd or stood To see if any God would by him stand , Above his shoulders rose the mighty Flood , And while he starts from 's feet removes the Sand. Achilles then himself bewailing said , O Jupiter ( and lookt up to the Skie ) Let some God 'gainst this River give me aid , And any other death then let me die . But none I know on whom the fault to lay But my dear Mother , who to flatter me , Said I should die before the Walls of Troy , And by Apollo only killed be . O that I had by Hector's hand been slain , The best of all the men that fight for Troy ! But now I perish like a silly Swain Passing a Torrent in a rainy day . These words Achilles had no sooner said , But Neptune and Athena with him were ; And on Achilles hand their hands they laid . Then Neptune said , Achilles , do not fear . Encouraged by two such Gods as we , Pallas and I , and that by Jove's command , Retiring soon you shall the River see . For ●ear of him you need not hold your hand . But drive the Trojans all to Ilium Save those that fly . And having Hector slain ( As we assure you you shall do ) then come Triumphantly unto the Ships again . This said , unto the Gods again they came . Achilles boldly waded in the Field , Where many Bodies dead and Bucklers swam . With so much courage Pallas had him fill'd , And in the water stoutly lifts his knees . For Pallas now his strength augmented had . And Xanthus vext before , when he saw this , Foamed and roar'd as one that had been mad ; And cried out for help to Simois . Brother , said he , assist me here , to stay This raging man that t' Ilium going is . I am afraid he 'll take the Town of Troy. Make haste to help me ; and your Channel fill With water both from Torrent and from Spring , And stones and trees bring with you from the Hill , That on this furious man we may them fling ; So that his strength shall do him little good , Nor Armour , which upon the Field shall lie Concealed from the eyes of men in mud And sand enough . Thus bury him will I , And make his Tomb. The Argives will not find Where lie his bones . I 'll earth upon him throw . They shall not need , if they should be so kind , More Monument upon him to bestow This said , he foam'd , and full of bodies dead He at Achilles a great Billow bowl'd , Which coming to him cover'd had his head , But Juno chanc'd to see it as it rowl'd , And unto Vulcan shrikt in great affright , Rise quickly ( dear child ) Cyllipodion , Xanthus against you coming is to fight , And to defend your self your Flames put on . And I will Zephyrus and Notus call From Sea , that for you shall so blow the flame ; That th'Armour , and the heads o' th' Trojans all Shall not be able to endure the same . Go to his Bank , and burn up ev'ry Tree , And then throw fire on him , and never fear , Nor by his threats or pray'rs perswaded be To cease , until again you from me hear . And Vulcan then made ready a huge flame . And first the dead he burnt upon the Plain . Then to the water with his fire he came To send it to the Channel back again . As when a field new moistned is with rain In Summer-time , 't is quickly dri'd agen By Boreas ; so soon dri'd was the Plain , And burnt the bodies were of the dead men . And to the River then his flame he turn'd , Where th'Elms and Willows , Tamarisks , and Lote , Sedges , and many other Plants he burn'd That in or by the River grew about . And Eels and Fishes in the water hote Tumbled and turn'd their bellies up with heat ; Into such pain by Vulcan they were put ; And Xanthus fainting cover'd was with sweat , And then to Vulcan spake . Vulcan , said he , No God is able to resist your might . What are the Trojans or the Greeks to me ? Give over . I 'll no longer with you fight . Thus spake Scamander , boyling all the while . As when upon a fire of well-dri'd wood The grease of a fat Swine is made to boil ; So boiled he , and went not on , but stood Making to Juno his complaint , and said , Why does your Son on me more fiercely fly Than on the rest that do the Trojans aid , And to be blamed more deserve than I ? Let him give over , and I 'll do so too ; And swear besides , if you my Oath require , That I will nothing for the Trojans do , Although the Greeks should set the Town on fire . This Xanthus said ; and Juno hearing it , To Vulcan with a loud voice spake agen , Vulcan now hold your hand . It is not fit T' offend a God too much , to pleasure men . And Vulcan hearing her his fire puts out ; And Xanthus back into his Channel went. Thus were they parted and no longer sought ; And Juno , though in choler , was content . And then the Gods amongst themselves fell out , And one against another stood in Duel , And Heav'n and Earth resounded as they fought . Giving each other many wounds and cruel . And up unto Olympus rise the Cry , Where Jove sat on his Throne in Majestie , And casting on the Fields of Troy his eye , Laughed to see them fight that could not die . Mars first began , and to Athena said , You , Impudent , that to engage in fight The Gods amongst themselves are not afraid , To satisfie your pride and endless spight , Remember how you on me set Tydide To throw his spear at me , and openly Unto my body you the same did guide With your own wicked hand , and wounded me , I 'll pay you now , which was no sooner spoken , But Mars his Spear was at Athena's Shield , Which not Jove's Thunder-bolt could ere have broken . Then took she up a stone that lay i'th'Field , Great , knobby , black , that had been heretofore Set there , of some mans land to shew the bound . And with the same she strook Mars ore and ore . There lay he , and sev'n Acres hid of ground . And over him insulting , then said she , Lie there , and know I can you overcome ; And that your Mother glad of this will be For fighting 'gainst the Greeks for Ilium This said , she from him turn'd . Then to him went Venus , and led him groaning from the place . Pallas ( said Juno ) see that Impudent That leads him out , and do her some disgrace . Then Pallas to her went , and with her hand Hit her o'th'breast ; then both fell on the Plain ; For Mars without her could no longer stand . Then Pallas over them insults again . So may , said she , lie all that stand for Troy As these do here . Had it not been for them , The War had ended been ; we come away ; And Troy destroyed with all Priam's Stem . This Pallas said , and Juno smil'd ; and to Apollo Neptune straightway neerer came . Why fight we not , said he , since others do ? If we stand still , we cannot without shame Return to Jove , where scorned we shall be . Have you forgot how to Laomedon To work for him , Jove once sent you and me , And how our wages was agreed upon , How I built houses for the Trojans all , As he direction gave me standing by , Besides , how hard I labour'd at the Wall , How fair I made it , and how strong and high , And how he sent you ( Phoebus ) to attend His Herds of Kine upon Mount Ida side , And when our work and th'year was at an end How proudly he our wages us deni'd And threatned you to bind you hand and foot , And sell you in some Island for a slave , And cut off both your and my ears to boot , And forc'd we were by flight our selves save ? Yet for his people you have ever fought , Though by you they deserve to be destroy'd , And will not joyn with us to root them out . To Neptune Phoebus then repli'd and said , O Neptune , you would think me mad , if I Should fight with you for such a thing as man. They are but leaves , now fresh , to morrow die . And when he this had said , away he ran . For with his Uncle loth he was to fight . His Sister then Diana to him came , That angry was to see him put to flight . Apollo ( said she ) is it not a shame Thus easily to give the Victory To Neptune ? Wherefore carry you a Bow And Arrows , and to nothing them apply ? D' ye carry them like Children for a show ? Let me not hear you boasting any more That you to fight with Neptune did not fear , As in my Father's house you did before . Thus she . But Phoebus did not answer her . Then Juno angry to Diana came , Bold-face , said she , how dare you with me fight That stronger than you are a great deal am ? D' ye think that in your Bow there is such might ? I know to women you a Lion are , And Jove permits you which you will to kill . But me to overcome 't is harder farre Than t'hunt a Stag or Boar upon a Hill. But since you have a mind to understand What I can do , I 'll let you see it now . Then both her wrists she seiz'd with her left hand , With th' other from her shoulders took her Bow , And beats her with the same about the ears , And laught to see her wrigling strive to fly . At last she freed her self , and shedding tears She fled ( leaving her Bow and Shafts to lie Upon the ground dispersed here and there ) Then forth came Hermes and Latona bright . And when they were to one another neer , Leto , said he , I will not with you fight That are Jove's Mistriss . Boast amongst the Gods That you have got the Victory in fight , And by no other means but the great ods You have in strength ; and I will not deny 't . This said , Latona gather'd up the Bow And Arrows of her Daughter Artemis . To Jove went Artemis to let him know ▪ How ill she had been us'd ; and at his knees She weeping sate . And Jove then made her rise , And to her said , Dear child , what God was that That was so rash as t' use you in this wise , As one that openly had done a fault ? 'T was Juno ( then said Artemis ) your Wife ; And she it was that was of all the first To set the Gods amongst themselves at strife . Thus Jove and she between themselves discourst , Then Phoebus went into the Town of Troy. For still he had a care to guard the Wall , For fear the Greeks the City should destroy . But to Olympus th' other Gods went all , One part triumphing , th' other discontent , And sate down by their Father Jupiter . Mean while Achilles fiercely forward went Killing of Men and Horses with his Spear . As in a Town on fire the people all Are busie , and the most of them undone , So did it with the Trojans then befal ; Some slain were by Achilles , and some run . Now Priam standing was upon a Tower , And saw the Trojans by Achilles chac'd , And that to turn again they had no power . And down unto the Gates he came in haste ; And to the Porters order gave , and said , Open the Gates and let the people in , That from Achilles hither fly dismai'd , And shut them when you see they are within . For if that cruel man should with them get Within the Wall , 't would be a dismal day . The Porters then the Gates wide open set . Then to the Gates the Trojans took their way , Pursued by Achilles as they fled . And sure he taken had the Town of Troy , But that Apollo then encouraged Agenor to oppose him by the way . And lest he should be by Achilles slain He at the Beech-tree neer him took his stand When need should be to bring him off again Unwounded from Achilles heavie hand . But when Agenor saw Achilles nigh , He troubled was , and to himself thus spake . What shall I do ? if from him I should fly To Ilium the way that others take , He 'll overtake me and cut off my head . For swifter much he is of foot than I. What if I let him on the Trojans tread , And I some other way to Ida fly , And hide my self i'th'Bushes there till night ? But why do I discourse thus foolishly ? I cannot pass the Plain but in his sight ; And then I lost am without remedy . But if I stay and fight with him , what then ? His body is not made of Steel nor Brass , But mortal is ( they say ) like other men , And like to other men but one life has . His glorious Acts are Jupiters , not his . This said , he for Achilles coming staid As when i'th'Woods a Panther rowsed is , At hearing of the Hounds he 's not afraid , But to the Hunter goes for all his Spear : And though pierc'd through therewith will to him fly Upon the Spear it self ; that being near He either may revenged be or die , So resolutely then Antenor's Son Agenor for Achilles waiting staid , And at him aim'd his Spear as he came on . And lifting up his voice unto him said , Achilles , Oh , you think this day to win The Town of Troy. There 's yet much work to do . For many mighty men there are therein , And many dangers to be waded through . They of their Wives and Parents will take care , And little Babes ; but you shall perish here As terrible and mighty as you are . And as he spake , he at him threw his Spear ; Which on his leg below the knee did light , And with the stroak resounded then the Tin. But the Celestial Arms were of such might , That it rebounded back and went not in . And when Achilles was to throw at him , Away Apollo snatcht him from his sight Concealed in a Mist obscure and dim , And carri'd him in safety from the Fight . And that the flying Trojans might escape Achilles hand , and save themselves in Troy , He took upon himself Agenor's shape , And put himself into Achilles way . Achilles then pursues , and Phoebus flies Along Scamander's Bank upon the Plain , And kept before him still , but in such wise , As t' overtake him he might hope in vain . Achilles thus by Phoebus was deceived Till from the Town he far was led away . Mean while the flying Trojans were received , And thronging got within the Gates of Troy. For none of them without the Gate durst stay To ask , who had escaped and who not ; So glad they were of getting into Troy , That how all others sped they never thought . ILIAD . LIB . XXII . THus were the Trojans driven into Troy Like Deer , and up unto the Wall they went , And from their bodies rub'd the sweat away , And with good Wine renew'd their Spirits spent , And to the Wall advancing was the Fo. But Hector hamper'd by his cruel Fate Into the Town of Troy refus'd to go , And staid without , before the Scaean Gate . Then to Achilles Phoebus spake , and said , Why do you thus pursue me ( Peleus Son ) That am a God ? which but by passion swai'd You might have known ; but rashly you run on , And only look how you may slaughter men . For else , why could you not contented be , When you had pent the Trojans up ; but then Must leave your way so far to follow me , And cannot kill me ; for I cannot die ? At this Achilles vext was at the heart ; And to Apollo answer'd angerlie ; Apollo thou the most pernitious art Of all the Gods , that hast me thus misled . For had I unto Ilium kept my way I strowed had the Field with Trojans dead Before they could have entred into Troy. But by your fraud that honour I have lost Because the strength of men you need not fear ▪ But I would make you pay for 't to your cost , If to revenge my self I able were . This said , to Troy he went a mighty pace , And mighty things conceived in his mind , And stretcht his legs and knees as in a Race Good Horses do , to leave the rest behind ▪ Old Priam first upon him set his eyes ; For brightly from afar his Armour shin'd Like the fair Star that does in Autumn rise , But Agues brings , and is to men unkind , And called is Orion's Dog. So bright Achilles in his Armour did appear , And put the old man Priam in affright , And made him groan and roar and tear his hair . To Hector then he cri'd aloud and said , Hector come in , come in my dearest Son ; For mightily I for you am afraid , Fight not against that cruel man alone . Achilles stronger is than you by ods ; Lose not your life to give him Victorie . Oh that he were beloved by the Gods No better than he is belov'd by me ! He eaten had ere now been on the Plain By Dogs and Fowl , and I been comforted A little , for my Sons whom he hath slain , Or in the Islands far hence trafficked . Lycaon now I miss and Polydore . They came not into Troy with them that fled . Their Mother brought me with her wealth good store To pay their Ransom if they be not dead . If they be slain , 't is then remediless . Their Parents and the people all will grieve ; But yet their sorrow will be much the less If Hector still preserved be and live . Come therefore quickly in ( dear Child ) and save The Trojans and their Wives , your self and Wife ; And do not let Achilles th' honour have Alone to have deprived you of life . Besides , you should some pity take of me That now upon the very brink of age The cruel slaughter of my Sons must see , And Daughters drag'd and hurri'd by the rage Of the Achaeans into slaverie , And Chambers torn by the insulting Fo , And Babes dasht 'gainst the ground expiring lie , Wh●lst into servitude their Mothers go . And after all this , slain must I be too . My Dogs will eat me raw , and lap my blood , And pleased be ( not knowing what they do ) That at my Table dayly take their food . When young men slain are by the chance of Warre , There nothing is whereof to be ashamed ; But when by Dogs abus'd and eaten are White heads and beards , and parts not to be named , There 's nothing to a man more miserable . Thus said old Priam tugging his gray hairs . But to prevail with Hector was not able . And to him then his Mother spake with tears , And from her bosom layed out a Teat , Hector , if this ere pleased you ( said she ) Dear Son , I pray you into Troy retreat , And have compassion on my miserie . Come in ; between you let there be a Wall. For if you should be slain , your Wife and I Shall not lament you at your Funeral ; But at the Ships a prey for Dogs you 'll lie . Thus weeping he and she to Hector pray'd , And nothing to them answer'd he agen ; But obstinately for Achilles stay'd . And as a Snake roll'd up before his den , With venom fed , when coming towards him He sees a man , and stirred is his gall , Looks cruelly ; so Hector looking grim Staid with his Shield set up against the Wall ; And grieving , to himself he spake , and said , If I should now into the City go , Polydamas the first would me upbraid , That yesternight advis'd me to do so , Then when Achilles in the Field was seen . But his good counsel I refused then , Which to have follow'd had much better been ; Lost by my folly are so many men . And now I fear the Trojans and their Wives Will censure me , and some man worse than I Say I have cast away the peoples lives , Presuming on my strength so foolishly . So they will say . And therefore better 't is To venture on Achilles , though I die , A better way I cannot take than this . For should I lay my Shield and Helmet by , And leave my Spear set up against the Wall , And to Achilles thus disarmed come , And offer Helen to restore with all The wealth she with her brought to Ilium ; And to the Greeks give half the goods of Troy , And take an Oath that we will nothing hide , Nor any thing out of their sight convey , But bring it forth and faithfully divide . But whither to no purpose runs my mind ? I will not do 't . For it were but in vain . I ne'r the sooner should his favour find , But by him so much eas'lier be slain . I cannot with him talk from Hill nor Tree , As boys and wenches do . He is too nigh . And therefore here ▪ I 'll stay for him , and see Whether my Fate it be or his to die . Whilst yet he spake Achilles near him was , As terrible as Mars , and shook his Spear ; As flaming fire relucent was the brass , Or as the Sun at morning doth appear . Then Hector durst no longer stay , but fled . Fear nimbly made his feet and knees to move . Achilles no less swiftly followed . As when a Hawk is flying at a Dove , The Dove flies out aside , her self to save ; But by the Hawk agen is followed , That gives not over till the prey he have ; Achilles so pursu'd and Hector fled , Keeping the Cart-way still under Troy Wall ; And to the Watch-tow'r came and Sycamore , And the two Springs that into Xanthus fall , Whereof the one is always cover'd ore With smoak as if upon a fire it were , And with hot water all the year doth flow . The water of the other all the year As cold is as the Hail , or Ice , or Snow , And two fine Washing-places built were there , To which the Trojan women us'd to come , And wash their Garments when they sully'd were Before the Argives came to Ilium . This way they ran , and swifty mov'd their thighs . For 't was not for a piece of flesh or hide , Which of Foot-races is the usual Prize , But for the life of Hector that they vi'd . As when Race-horses run for some great Prize , That used to it are , most swiftly run ; So Hector and Achilles now ran thrice About Troy Wall , the Gods all looking on . Then ( speaking to the Gods ) Behold , said Jove , I Hector see in danger to be slain , A good and pious man , and whom I love ; And for him now my heart is in great pain . For he hath made me many a Sacrifice Both in my house on Ida and in Troy ; And now before the swift Achilles flies . Say , shall he die , or be convey'd away ? Father , said Pallas then , what 's this you say ? He 's Mortal , and by Fate condemned is , And will you now the Execution stay ? You may . But th' other Gods will take 't amiss . And Jove to Pallas then again repli'd , Sweet Child , it was not seriously meant , But only said . You shall not be deni'd . Do what you please your self ; I am content . This said , Athena glad leapt down to Troy. Achilles Hector still pursu'd ; and as A Hound in view pursueth all the way A frighted Hare , so coursed Hector was . Nor suffer'd was to double or to squat . For when he to the Gate ran for defence , Between the Gate and him Achilles gat , So that he could not stay for help from thence . Achilles never would the Wall forsake ; But Hector still upon the Cart-way fled . As men can neither flie nor overtake When in a Dream they think it in their bed ; So Hector from Achilles could not fly , Nor could Achilles Hector overtake . For Phoebus Hector did with strength supply . But of him then no further care did take . Achilles by a signe all else forbad To throw a Spear , for fear the greatest glory Some other of the Argives should have had , And he come after but as accessory . When to the Springs the fourth time they were nigh , Jove took his golden Balance up , and laid In one o'th'Scales Achilles Destiny , And Hector's in the other ; and them weigh'd . Hector's was heaviest , and down fell the same As low as Hell , so much it overweigh'd . Then Phoebus parted . And t' Achilles came Athena nigh , and speaking to him said , Achilles , now ( I think ) we shall not miss Of killing Hector , but with honour go To th'Ships , as greedy as of Fight he is . For sure I am he cannot scape us now . Phoebus in vain to Jove shall for him pray . But stay you here and breathe a while . For I Will to him go and make him for you stay , And so encourage him he shall not fly . This said , Achilles leaning on his Spear Staid where he was . To Hector Pallas came . So like Deiphobus she did appear In shape and voice , he took her for the same . And when she with him was , she to him said , Brother , you still are by Achilles cours'd About the Wall of Troy. Be not afraid . I 'll by you stand , and let him do his worst . Deiphobus , said Hector , who before Was dearest to me of my Brothers all , I bound am now to honour you much more , That t'aid me durst appear without the Wall When all the rest remain within for fear . Pallas to Hector then repli'd and said , Brother , my Father and my Mother dear , And friends with their entreaties had me staid , So dreadful is Achilles to them all . But I would not . But come , let 's go and trie Whether it be our fate by him to fall , Or his by Hector's hand and Spear to die . This said , she went before him with her Spear , Lest he some fraud mistrusting should have staid . And when they were unto Achilles near , Hector spake first , and to Achilles said , Pelides though before you I have fled Now thrice about the Wall , and durst not stay , Yet now to stand I am determined And fight till either I be slain or slay . But come , let 's first the Gods to witness call Of what shall be agreed 'twixt you and me . If by my hand it be your chance to fall , Your body dead shall not abused be . I 'll take your Arms and send them into Troy. Your body dead the Greeks shall have again Entire and not disgraced any way . Do you the like to me if I be slain . Achilles sowrely looking said agen , Talk not of Oaths and Covenants to me , That nothing worth 'twixt Lions are and Men , And Wolves with Lambs on nothing can agree . And you and I shall one another hate , Nor Oaths and Pacts between us will stand good Till we blood-thirsty Mars shall satiate Either with Hector's or Achilles blood . It now behoves you all your Pow'r to show , And be an able man of War indeed . You cannot , as you did , run from me now , Although ( I think ) you never had more need . For by Athena slain you shall be here , And for the slaughter of the Greeks be paid . This said , he at him threw his heavie Spear . But Hector stooping did the same avoid . And ore his head the Spear then harmless flew . But Pallas quickly snatcht it from the sand Invisibly , which Hector never knew , And put the same into Achilles hand . Then Hector to Achilles spake and said , Achilles , you have miss'd . My Fate unknown Is to you yet . And me to make afraid , You have devised fables of your own . Upon my back your Spear shall never fall . If by it to be slain my fate it be , It shall be on my breast or not at all . But how my Spear will speed now let me see . Oh that it would into your body go ! The Trojans would the War much better bear , Since from your hand proceeds the greatest wo. And as he spake away he sent his Spear . And on Achilles Shield it lighted just , But enter'd not ; and other he had none . Upon Deiphobus lay all his trust . But when he call'd Deiphobus was gone . And Hector then perceiv'd his death was neer ; And Oh ( said he ) the Gods now for me call . Deiphobus ( I thought ) stood by me here . But Pallas ' t was . He 's still within the Wall. I shall not scape . I see , Jove heretofore , And Phoebus too , did mean it should be so . They sav'd me oft , but will do so no more . But let me somewhat do before I go ; That men may speak of me in time to come ; And not ignoble die . And at that word He roused up his fainting heart , and from His side he drew his great and heavie Sword. As when an Eagle stoopeth to the plain From a dark cloud , a tender Lamb t' invade , Or fearful Hare ; so Hector went amain T' Achilles brandishing his shining Blade . Achilles angry on the other side Came on , and cruel thoughts had in his mind , And up he kept his Shield his breast to hide , And on his head like fire his Helmet shin'd . And as he went at ev'ry step he trod , His Plume by Vulcan made of golden hair , And to his Crest applied , gave a nod , And ore his shoulders terribly did flare . As Hesperus at midnight does appear , The brightest Star that shineth in the Sky ; So gloriously the point shin'd of his Spear . Thus terribly to Hector he drew nigh . And view'd his Arms to see which way his Spear Might with most ease unto his body pass . But ev'ry where entire and close they were , Save at the neck a little gap there was . At that he aim'd , and with great force he smot Him with his mighty Spear clean through the neck ; And yet the Spear his wind-pipe wounded not . Then down he fell , but able was to speak . Achilles over him insulting said , Hector , you thought when you Patroclus kill'd ▪ You safe were , and of me were not afraid , Because you knew I was not in the Field And like a fool ne'r thought of what a frier To take revenge he left had at the Fleet. Who now has brought you to an evil end , For Dogs to eat , whilst he has burial meet . Then Hector feebly to him said again , Let not by Dogs my body eaten be , But be contented that you have me slain . My friends at any price will ransome me . Take Brass and Gold as much as you require ; And to my Father send my body home , To be consumed in the Fun'ral fire By th' Trojans and their Wives in Ilium . Thus Hector said . Achilles answer'd to 't , Hector you Dog , speak not of Price to me . If I my self could eat thee I would do 't . But by the Dogs I 'm sure you 'll eaten be . If they would give me twenty times as much , Or buy thy body weight for weight with Gold , And promise as much more , your deeds are such , Your body shall not at that price be sold. Nor shall your Mother lay you on a bed , And over you lamenting stand and howl ; But in the open field you shall lie dead Until devour'd you be by Dogs and Fowl. Hector repli'd ( though ready now to die ) I knew you had a heart as hard as steel . But thus much to you I will prophecie , The vengeance of the Gods you 'll for it feel , When one day Paris and Apollo shall , As terrible and strong as you are now , Make you before the Scaean Gate to fall . This said , he di'd ; and to the Shades below Leaving his Limbs , his Soul bewailing flew . And yet Achilles did agen reply , And briefly to him answer'd , Now die you . And when the Gods call for me so will I. This said , he from his body pluckt the Spear , And laid it by him down upon the place ; And took his Armour off . Then others near Stood gazing at his stature and his grace , And wondring at him , t'one another said , We safely now to Hector may go nigher ; His raging fit is very much allay'd Since when unto the Ships he came with fire . Then spake Achilles to the Greeks and said , My Friends , that in the Army have command , Since by the Gods this great man is destroy'd , And lies before you killed by my hand , Who did the Argive people more annoy Than all the other Trojans put together , Let 's armed as we are go up to Troy , An see on what they are resolved , whether They 'll quit the City , seeing Hector's dead , Or still defend the same without him will. But why should this come now into my head When unbewail'd Patroclus lieth still ? For my Patroclus I must not forget As long as I am living and can go . And when I come to th' house of Hades , yet I still shall think upon him there below . But back unto the Ships we now will go . And let the youth of Argos Paeans sing , Whilst thither we in Triumph bring the Fo With whose great praise the Town of Troy did ring . This said , he full of spight on Hector flies , And slits his legs from th'ankles to the heels , And with a rope them to his Charret ties . Then drives away ; and rais'd is by the wheels A Cloud of dust ; and in it all the while , Along the ground drag'd was his comely head , Once glorious , now by the Greeks made vile , Since to them Jove had him delivered . Which when his Mother from the Wall beheld , Enrag'd she from her head pluckt off her ●●ood , And threw it from her , tore her hair , and squeal'd . And Priam lamentably sighing stood . About him were the Trojans shedding tears , Sighing , and sobbing , and in such affray As if all Troy had flam'd about their ears . And much ado they Priam had to stay . For down he lay , and spake to ev'ry one , Forbear , said he , I will go to this man ( As fierce and cruel as he is ) alone , And move him to compassion , if I can ; And what respect he hath to age I 'll see . For Pelius is old as well as I , That got that mischief both to Troy and me , To th' Trojans all , but me especially . For he hath kill'd me many a goodly Son , Which all together make me not so smart , Nor wounds so deep as Hector's death hath done , Which is alone enough to break my heart . Oh blessed Gods that it had been your will He in his Mothers hands and mine had di'd , That over him we might have wept our fill ! This said , the Trojans wept again and sigh'd . Then Hecuba amongst the Wives of Troy Began her plaint . Hector , my Son , said she , Oh my dear Son , my glory and my joy , Why should I 'mongst the living longer be , Since you are dead and gone that night and day The Trojans ( men and women ) did defend , And as a God was honoured in Troy , And now are come to an untimely end ? Thus wayl'd his Mother . But Andromache Knew not how Hector sped without the Gate . For at a shining figur'd Garment she Within an inner Chamber weaving sate . And given had her Maids command to set A Trevet on the fire , that Hector might When he came in , wash off his blood and sweat Contracted by great labour in the Fight , Not dreaming of her Husband's death . But when She heard the lamentation at the Wall , And outcries both of women and of Men , She trembling stood , and let her Shittle fall . And then unto her Maids she call'd , and said , Come hither two of you , and with me go . I hear my Mother cry , and am afraid To Priam's Sons there hapned is some wo. I 'll to the Tow'r go up my self and see What ' t is . My heart is at my mouth . I fear Lest by Achilles Hector chaced be Alone , and will be killed by his Spear . Oh how I tremble ! he can never stay , But out before the rest will always run , And never unto any man give way , As if his strength could matched be by none . This said , out went she like a woman mad , And panting up into the Tow'r she hi'd , Where she no sooner lookt about her had , But saw her Husband to a Charret ti'd , And by Achilles drag'd away , and dead . And presently she fell into a Swown , And all the comely Dressings of her head , Veil , Kerchess , Rubans , Knots to th'ground came down , And Coronet unto her given by Venus , when she with Hector married . Her Sister laws that stood about her nigh Then took her up with sorrow almost dead . And when again her Spirits to her came , She wept , and spake , and stopt and spake agen . Hector , of women I most wretched am ; And you the most unfortunate of men , Both born to one and the same evil fate , You here in Ilium King Priam's Son. And I in Thebe child infortunate Of the infortunate Eëtion . And you now to the Shades below are gone , And me a woful Widow here have left , And with me my sweet Babe your tender Son , And cannot ( since you are of life bereft ) Do to him any good , nor he to you . And though he should escape the Argives now , Yet poverty and woe will him pursue , And other men his goodly fields will plough . A Child that is an Orphan has no friend ; And ( though with tears ) must stoop to whatsoere To the supplying of his need shall tend When he his want of Food no more can bear . So to your friends my Child shall go , and take One by the Cloak , another by the Coat , That give him may some Wine for pity's sake , Enough to cool his lips , but not his throat . Or else some Son of them that sit at meat May rate , or give him a good box o'th'Ear , And bid him quickly out o'th'Hall to get , And tell him that his Father dines not there . Then weeping comes Astyanax to me , That us'd was by his Father to be fed With Mutton fat and Marrow on his knee , And with his Nurse repose on a soft Bed. But since his Father now is dead and gone , Astyanax ( whom so the Trojans call Because defended were by you alone ( When you were here ) the Trojan Gates and Wall ) Intolerable grief is like to find , Since at the Ships you dead and naked lie For Worms to feed on when the Dogs have din'd , While all your precious Garments here have I Of womans work , and burn them will , since you Now never in them likely are to lie , 'T is to the Wives of Troy an honour due . This weeping spoken made the women sigh . ILIAD . LIB . XXIII . THus wayl'd the Trojans then in Ilium . To Hellespont th' Achaeans streight went down , And when they to their hollow Ships were come Dispers'd themselves each man unto his own . Achilles only staid his Myrmidons Upon the place ; and thus unto them spake . You , Myrmidons my stout Companions , You must not from your Chars your Horses take . With Horses and with Chars we first must go , And for Patroclus weep about his Biere . And when we have by weeping eas'd our wo , Unty your Horses and we 'll all sup here . This said , they wayl'd . Achilles first began ; And thrice about Patroclus Biere they drave . And Thetis ( fallen was so great a man ) Amongst them stood , and tears unto them gave Which down their Armour fell into the Sand. Achilles bad him then with tears , farewel . And laying on Patroclus breast his hand , Rejoyce , said he , Patroclus though in Hell. For now I to you shall my word make good , Since hither I have Hector dragged dead , For Dogs to eat . And to revenge your blood , Twelve Trojans I will at your Pile behead . This said , he Hector laid upon his face I'th'dust before the Biere disgracefully . The Myrmidons mean while their Arms unlace , And th'Horses from the Chariots unty . And then down by Achilles Ship they sat , Who gave unto them all a Fun'ral Feast , And for them flew both Goats and Muttons fat , And Swine good store , and many a well-fed Beast . But to Achilles then came in the Lords , To wait upon him t' Agamemnon's Tent , That he might try with comfortable words If he could mitigate his discontent . When they were there Atrides first commands His Ministers to bring in water hot To wash the gore from off his face and hands . Achilles peremptorily said , Not And swearing , unto Agamemnon said , By Jove that is of all the Gods most high , Till I Patroclus in the fire have laid , And rais'd him have a Tomb wherein to lie , And with him burnt these Locks of mine , not hand Nor face shall washed be by me . But now Let 's sup . I'th'morning I will give command That for his Pile we may have wood enough , That speedily the body we may burn . And when out of our sight we have it laid , The people to their business may return . Thus he advised , and it was obey'd . The people then in haste to supper went , And had good chear , and heartily they fed . And when their hunger and their thirst was spent , Into their Tents went ev'ry man to bed . Down went Achilles to the waters side Attended on by many Myrmidons , And in a place clean washed by the Tide He laid him down to sleep upon the stones . Nor was it long ere sleep upon him crept . For labour'd very hard he had that day . For Hector him in exercise had kept Running before him round the Wall of Troy. And then the Spirit of Patroclus dead , Like him in Stature , Garments , Voice , and Eyes Appeared to him standing at his head , And speaking said unto him in this wise . You sleep , Achilles , and have me forgot , Though when I was alive you lov'd me well . Pray bury me , these Spirits here will not Let me come in within the Gates of Hell , Nor let me mix with those beyond the River , But make me wander 'bout the house of Dis. Give me your hand upon 't , for I shall never Return , when once my body burned is . We shall no more together counsel take , Since by my Fate I taken am away , And you your self , divine Achilles , make Account to die before the Walls of Troy. And then the favour let me have , I pray , That when my flesh consum'd is in the flame , My bones with yours you will be pleas'd to lay , And let the Urn that holds them be the same ; That golden Urn which Thetis gave to you . We long with one another lived have . For when Amphidamas his Son I slew , Unto your house I fled my life to save , From Opus being little past a boy , And childishly the quarrel took at ●hess ; And never meant him ill before that day , And sorry was I for my foolishness . Your Father to his House then took me in , Made me your man , and lov'd and cherisht me , And since so long we have together been , Why should not now our bones together be ? Achilles to the shadow then repli'd , Sweet friend , what need had you to come from Hell To tell me this ? I for you do provide That all you say may be performed well . Come neerer to me that embrace we may A little while , and one another moan . This said , his arms he spreads ; and then away Patroclus sunk , and left him there alone . At this amazed up Achilles starts . Oh , oh , said he , I see 't is certain then , In Hell there Souls are , though they have no hearts , But Idols only are , and Forms of Men. For by me standing was the Soul all night Of my Patroclus to me dictating , And wonderfully like him 't was to th' sight ; And what he wanted told me ev'ry thing . This said , again about the body dead Achilles and the Myrmidons lament , And so continu'd till the day was spread ; But to the Wood then Agamemnon sent From ev'ry part of th' Army men to Ide , Whereof some Axes carri'd in their hands , And others Ropes . And with them goes for Guide Meriones , and , as their Chief , commands . Ore Hills and Dales then to the Woods they went Driving their Mules before them all the way ; And lusty Oaks unto the ground they sent , And cleft them into pieces as they lay . And those unto the Mules with Ropes they ti'd , And ev'ry one of them took in his hand Either a heavie Bough or Limb beside . For so Meriones had giv'n command . This done , they back descended to the Plain Fast as they could through Bry'rs and Bushes store ; And quickly at the Ships they were again , And laid their wood in order on the shore . Then to the Myrmidons Achilles spake , You Myrmidons put on yor Armus , said he , And Horse-men all your Charrets ready make , And mount into your Seats and follow me . When they were ready , foremost went the Horse , And by a Cloud of Foot were followed . I'th'midst between them carri'd was the Corse With locks of hair thrown on him covered , Which the sad Mourners from their heads had shorn . Achilles went himself next to the Biere , Who for his friend did principally mourn . When at the place of Funeral they were , Upon the ground they layed down the Biere , And quickly in a Pile they heapt the wood . Then cuts Achilles off his yellow hair , And from the body at a distance staid , And towards Greece and Phthiae turn'd his eye , And speaking to Spercheius River said , My Father to you made a Vow , when I Return'd , his hair should unto you be paid , And to the other Gods a Hecatomb , And fifty fat Rams at your Spring to slay . Thus vowed he . But I shall ne'r come home , But here must die before the Gates of Troy. Since then my Fathers wish you not fulfil , Nor I return into my native Land , My hair now to Patroclus give I will. And at that word he puts it in his hand . At this the Greeks a weeping fell agen , And wept had till the setting of the Sun , But that Achilles spake t' Atrides then , And pray'd him that the people might be gone . King Agamemnon , will the Greeks , said he , Be never with lamenting satisfi'd ? 'T is in your pow'r ; let them dispersed be Unto their Ships their suppers to provide , For we will of the Fun'ral take a care . But let the Leaders of the Army stay , And such as specially concerned are . This said , Atrides sent the rest away . And then the wood into a Pile they laid . A hundred foot it was from side to side ; And on the top the Corps . Then kill'd and flaid Both Sheep and Beeves , and with their fat they hide Patroclus body dead from head to foot . And by it laid the Cattle flaid to burn . To th' Biere Achilles went and laid into 't Of Honey one , of Oyl another Urn. And of Patroclus Horses four he slew ; And of nine little Dogs he kept kill'd two . And those into the Fun'ral pile he threw ; And last of all twelve Trojans adds thereto . This done , again he to Patroclus said , My dear Patroclus , once again , farewel . Twelve lusty Trojans on your Pile are laid . I 'm faithful to you though you be in Hell , But Hector for the Dogs shall be a prey . But Venus 'nointed him with Oyl of Rose , And so preserved him both night and day , That not a Dog did on him lay his nose . Then Phoebus sent from Heav'n a Cloud obscure The place whereon his body lay to hide , To th' end it might the scorching Sun endure , And not be shrivel'd up nor shrunk nor dri'd . And then Achilles a new bus'ness finds . He could not set on flame the new-sell'd wood , But forc'd he was to pray to the two Winds Zephyr and Boreas . Then off he stood , And to them offer'd with a Cup in 's hand , And to them vowed a good Sacrifice , If they from Sea would come , and by him stand , And blow the Fire until the flame did rise . This Iris hearing went unto the Winds To tell them how Achilles to them pray'd . And at good chear in Zephyr's house them finds , And fain they would her with them there have staid , And made her sit ; but she refused that . The Gods , said she , feast at a Hecatomb In Blackmoor-land , and I must be thereat , And must make haste , or thither cannot come . To Zephyr now and Boreas I came To tell them that a plenteous Sacrifice Achilles make them will , if on a flame They 'll set the Pile whereon Patroclus lies . This said , she parts . The Winds arise and roar , And toss the Clouds before them in the Sky , And at their feet tumble the Waves ashore And then upon Patroclus Pile they fly , And fiercely blow . Inflamed was the Pile , And whistling at it staid the Winds all night , Achilles standing by it all the while Invoking solemnly Patroclus spright . And th' Earth with Wine by Cupfuls watered . As one that mourneth for his eldest Son That then dies , when he should be married ; So did he for Patroclus sigh and groan . When in the Sky the Day-star did appear To shew that after him Aurora came , The Pile and Bodies dead consumed were To ashes , and extinguisht was the flame , Away the Winds went ore the Seas of Thrace , And passing shook the waters of the Deep . Achilles went a little from the place , And weary laid him down and fell asleep . And now 't was day , the Souldiers came agen . Then with their trampling did Achilles wake , And up he stood and lookt about . And then He to Atrides turn'd his eyes and spake . Atrides , let us first with Wine , said he , Put out the fire as far as it is spread , That taken up Patroclus Bones may be ( For where they lie 't is soon discovered ; Since in the midst we did his body lay , But others , Horse and Men at th'outside lie ) That in a Bason of pure Gold they may Reserved be until I also die . And though no great Tomb here I have design'd , Yet may the Greeks that stay when I am gone , When they think good , if they will be so kind And see cause for it 〈◊〉 a greater one . This said , the fire the ●●rst extinguished ; Then down unto the ground the ashes came , And up Patroclus Bones they gathered , And in a golden Pan they laid the same ; And back unto the Ships they carri'd that , To be reserved in Achilles Tent Wrapt up within a double Kell of Fat. And then about the Pile to work they went. And where the Pile was , that they made their ground , And Earth abundance on the same they lay , Till it became a mighty Hill and round . When they had done Achilles made them stay And fit o'th'ground to see the games , wh●ch lie Prepared had the Funeral to grace . Then many Prizes rich he caus'd to be Brought from his Ship and laid upon the place , Brass Caldrons , Tripods , and great Iron Bars , Horses and Mules , and Cattle of great size , And goodly Women taken in the Wars . First for the Horse ; he tells each one his Prize . To th' first a woman that could spin and weave , Together with a Tripod deep and wide . The next a Mare of six years should receive Together with her young Mule by her side . A handsome Kettle to the third he gave , Which never on the Fire had yet been set . Of Gold two Talents was the fourth to have . The fifth a Cup and Cover was to get . Then to them spake . These Prizes here , said he , Lie waiting for the Horse-men on the Plain , If any Horse-men in the Host there be That with their Charrets hope the same to gain , Come in . Had any else these Games set forth , The greatest of these Prizes had been mine . For of my Horses you well know the worth , And that they are Immortal and Divine , Which Neptune gave to Peleus , he to me . But I 'll sit out . My Horses shall stay here Hanging their heads as they do heavily , Since they have lost their gentle Charretier . Let any other of the Argives , who Is of his Horses confident come in , And presently prepare himself thereto , And try which of the Prizes he can win . This said , the Horse-men straight themselves present . Eumelus first , Adrestus noble Son , That was for Horsemanship most eminent . Then Diomed with th'Horses which he won From Venus Son , when by her sav'd he was . Then sitting on his Chariot came forth King Agamemnon's Brother Menelaus , And at it Horses two were of great worth . The one of them Podargus , was his own , The other Aethe very swift she was A Female , and for Agamemnon's known , To whom , when he to Ilium was to pass , She given was by Ech●polus , who T' excuse himself of following him to Troy ( For very rich he was and loth to go ) And with his leave in Sicyon to stay . The fourth with Horses of the Pylian brood , Was Nestor's gallant Son Antilochus . His Father careful of him by him stood Instructing him , and said unto him thus . Antilochus , you have been taught so well By Jove and Neptune , young man as you are , The Rules of Horsemanship , I need not tell You of the Art , but pray you to take care . Though you know how about the Gole to wind , Their Horses somewhat are than yours more swift . I fear you will in that some damage find ; But none of them know better how to shift . 'T is care not strength makes a good Carpenter , And Ships at Sea are governed by care ; Force in soul weather little helps to steer . Best Charretiers are they that best beware . A man that on his Horses speed relies May from the high way sometimes drive aside , But not come in again . But he that 's wise Will always tow'rds the Gole directly guide , And have an eye on him that goes before . The Gole I 'll tell you ( lest you know it not ) A Staff is of a fathom high or more , Of Oak or Pine that is not apt to rot , Standing between two great white stones upright , And for a Monument set up was there In antient time of some deceased Wight , Or formerly there had a Race been there , And to that purpose served now again . Be sure you drive your Horses to it close , And leaning , press a little th'inner Rein , And let the farther Horses Rein go loose . But let the neer Horse to it go as near As can be ; so the Stones you still avoid . You 'll wound your Horses else and Charret tear , And be asham'd whilst others will be joy'd . If at the Staff you once but get the start , In coming back before you shall be none How good soere their Horses be or Art , Though they the Steeds were of Laomedon , Or like Arion all their Horses were , Adrestus Horse of the Celestial race . Thus Nestor his good Son instructed there , And having done returned to his place . The fifth and last came in Meriones . Then up into their Seats they mounted all ; And then by Lots determin'd which of these Should start the first . T' Antilochus did fall To start the first . The next t' Eumelus came . The third Lot fell t' Atrides Menelaus . The fourth had on 't Meriones his name . The best , and last to start Tydides was . Then all arow they stood . Achilles by Shew'd them the Gole far off upon the Plain ; And all at once hold up their Whips on high , And beat their Horses each one with his Reyn ; And loud upon them call'd to make them run . Old Phoenix at the Staff was set to stay And be a witness of what there was done , And see there were amongst them no foul play . And swiftly from the Ships they part away , In clouds of dust up to their breasts they fly , And to the wind their spreading Manes display ; Their Chars sometimes are in the Air a high , And sometimes on the ground . The Charret●ers Sit for all that still fast upon their Seats , And ev'ry one aloud his Horses cheers , While in his breast his heart with longing beats . But when about the Gole they turned were , And coming back agen unto the shore , Then 't was their Vertue chiefly did appear , And faster went their Horses than before . And now Eumelus Horses foremost were , And Diomed behind him was not far With his Male Trojan Horses , but so neer As if they would have gone into his Char. So neer they were their heads did on it lie , And made Eumelus back and shoulders hot With breathing on them ; and the Victorie Had got , or doubtful made at least , had not Apollo been to Diomed unkind , And from his hand struck out his shining Whip . Tydides then again was left behind , And wept to see Eumelus him outstrip . When Pallas saw what wrong was to him done , She puts the Whip into his hand again , And angry goes unto Admetus Son , And of his Horses breaks the Yoke in twain . On one side of the way then went one Mare , And on the other side the other goes . Down fell the Pole , and with it he ; and tare His elbows and his eye-brows , mouth and nose . Tydides in the mean time passed by , And got before them all a mighty length . For Pallas to him meant the Victory , And gave unto his Horses greater strength . Behind Tydides next was Menelaus , And next to him Antilochus ; and he Aloud unto his Horses calling was . Now let 's ( said he ) your utmost vertue see . With Diomed you are not bid contend , Whom victor now Athena means to make , And strengthned hath his Horses to that end ; But only Menelaus t' overtake . Were 't not a shame that Aethe but a Mare Should leave you two such lusty Steeds behind ? But if you now seek how your selves to spare , I tell you this , and true you will it find , You shall be slain . Therefore use all your speed , And when you come into a narrow place , Leave it to me to do what I see need . This said , the Horses fearing mend their pace , And now were close at Menelaus heels . Then neer unto a hollow way they came ; And lest they break should one anothers Wheels , Atrides turn'd aside into the same . The other after him a little wide The same way took . Atrides then afraid That he would enter with him side by side , Unto Antilochus cri'd out and said , Antilochus , you drive too carelesly , The way 's too narrow . Pray a little stay Your Horses ; broader 't will be by and by , Lest both our Chars lie broken on the way . Antilochus then whipt his Horses on So much the faster , seeming not to hear . And when they were a little further gone , Atrides held his Horses in , for fear Their Chars should clashing overturned be , And with them they be thrown into the dust , And to him spake , reviling . Go , said he , Of all the men I know the most unjust , And not so wise as th' Argives thought you were . But yet the Prize you shall not so obtain ; But for it first you shall be put to swear . And then his Horses he drave on again . And to encourage them , unto them said , His Horses cannot keep before you long ; They old are both ; strain hard . Be not dismay For both of you brave Horses are and young . This said , at highest speed agen they fly , And to Antilochus came up again . The Argives on the Race now sat to spy Who foremost coming was upon the Plain . Idomeneus sat in a place more high Without the Race , and heard a Charretier Whose voice he knew unto his Horses cry , And presently two Horses did appear . Of one of them the colour was bright Bay , But on his forehead had a spot of white , And as the Moon at Full round ev'ry way , And from afar conspicuous and bright . Then to the Greeks he said , Is there no more That see these Horses coming back but I ? They are not those that foremost were before ; And 't is another Charretier I spy . Eumelus some mischance has had I fear ; And yet about the Gole he turned well . But now I cannot see them any where . Perhaps out of his hands their Bridles fell ; No longer would the Horses then obey , But thrown him somewhere have o'th'field ; or born Him in their fit by violence away , And have his Charret overturn'd , or torn . Stand on your feet your selves and mark him well , Whether or no it Diomedes be The Son of Tydeus ; for I cannot tell , He like him is , and I believe 't is he . The lesser Ajax then Oïleus Son With evil words t' Idomeneus repli'd , The Mares upon the Field are coming on , But you must talk , though from the purpose wide . Your eyes are now grown old and less can see , And yet to talk you love so much the more ; Though at discerning many better be . Eumelus , as at first , is still before . Ajax ( said he ) of all the Greeks the worst Except at railing , let 's a wager lay , A Tripod or a Caldron who comes first , Atrides judge , that you may know and pay . And Ajax then about was to reply ; Nor had the quarrel 'twixt them there been staid , But that Achilles who was sitting by , Rose from his Seat , and coming to them said , Idomeneus and Ajax 't is a shame For you in evil Language to contend , That others when they do so ought to blame . Sit down , and but a little while attend . They 'll soon be here . They strive for Victory , And driving are as fast as ere they can ; Discerned then it will be easily Which is the foremost , which the hindmost man. This said , they saw Tydides very neer Plying his Whip ; his Horses seem'd to fly ; And cover'd was with dust the Charretier ; And hard it was the track o'th'Wheels to spy . Then coming in , before the Lords he stopt , And to the ground leapt from his Chariot ; With sweat his Horses breasts and shoulders dropt . Then Sthenelus the Prize neglected not , But nimbly from his place he to it skips , And by his friends there standing by his side Sent th'woman and the Tripod to the Ships ; And having done , the Horses he unti'd . Antilochus next to Tydides was , That not by vertue of his Steeds but slight Advantage gotten had of Menelaus When for them both he found the way too streight . But Menelaus to him was so neer As is a Charret-horse unto the Wheel , Which of his Tayl doth sometimes touch the hair , And makes the Horse to run that does it feel . So neer unto him was Atrides then , That was behind once a Coyts cast or more . But quickly to him he came up agen . For Aethe now ran faster than before . And had they but a little longer run , Atrides by Antilochus had pass'd , And without doubt the second Prize had won . Meriones behind was a Spears cast . Slow Steeds he had and but small skill in Courses . Eumelus whom Athena overthrew Came hindmost and before him drave his Horses , And with his hands behind , his Charret drew . Achilles mov'd with pity was at this , And spake unto the Argives in this wise . Although he come the last , the best he is ; 'T is fit he have at least the second Prize , But Diomed the first , that has it won . And just it seemed in the Argives sight . And from Antilochus the Prize had gone , Had he not pleaded for it as his right . Antilochus then to Achilles spake , Though well , said he , in pity you incline T' Eumelus , yet my Prize he must not take ; I won it have , and 't is not yours , but mine . His Horses good , and Horse-man good he is ; And he and they upon the ground were laid By some mischance ; I 'm not concern'd in this . He should unto th' Immortal Gods have pray'd . But you , that pity him , and at your Tent Have Gold , Brass , Horses , Women , Cattle store , May out of that when you think fit content Eumelus with the value , or with more . For whosoever means to have the Mare Must for her with me fight . Thus pleaded he . Achilles that great love unto him bare , Was glad , and said , Since you so counsel me , The Breast plate I will to him give of Brass That hem'd is all about with shining Tin , With which Asteropaeus armed was . Automedon into my Tent go in , And quickly to me bring the Breast-plate forth . And then Automedon no longer stands , But fetches out the Armour of great worth , And puts the same into Eumelus hands . Then up Atrides Menelaus stands , And in his hand the Cry'r a Scepter laid , And silence to be kept i'th'Court commands . T' Antilochus then Menelaus said , Antilochus , what made you me disgrace Justling my Horses in the hollow way When there was so much danger in the place , That 't had been best for both of us to stay ? But you the Princes hear the Cause I pray , And judge between us both impartially , Lest any of the Greeks hereafter say I did t' Antilochus an injury , And from him got the Mare by fraud or might ; And that his Horses than mine better were . But come , I now know how my self to right . Come lay your hand upon the Reyns , and swea● By Neptune , that you did not willingly And with prepensed malice cross my Charre . To this Antilochus did then reply , O Menelaus , since you elder are , You know our faults upon the sudden rise , And that before-hand young men study not ; Their Wits are present , but the old are wise . To do you injury I never thought . The Mare is yours ; and if you please to send For any thing I have , that too I 'll give Rather than with an Oath the Gods offend , And out of Menelaus favour live This said , he put the Mare into his hand , Then Menelaus lookt as fresh and gay As Dew that on the growing Corn doth stand Then when the Fields are in their best array . And to Antilochus repli'd agen , Antilochus I angry am no more . I see you were by Youth transported then . But putting tricks upon your friends give ore . I not so soon forgiven had another ; But you so much have suffer'd for my sake Together with your Father and your Brother , That I can easie satisfaction take . And now to shew I got it not by might , Take you the Prize , although it be my share . This said , he took t'himself the Caldron bright ; And yielding to Antilochus the Mare , Unto Noëmon gave her to set up ( N●ëmon was Antilochus his man ) One Prize remain'd , which was the double Cup. Meriones the two gold Talents wan . Achilles rising then to Nestor went , And unto him the double Cup he gave . This Prize , said he , keep for a Monument Of my Patroclus lying in his Grave . You shall not for it arm your fists with Lead , Nor with young men at cast of Spears engage , Nor shall you on the Foot-race need to tread . Of all such work you are excus'd by age . This said , the Cup into his hand he laid , Which joyfully he took and thus repli'd . Sweet Son , you nothing but the truth have said . My strength is past , it cannot be deni'd . My hands I scarce can to my shoulders raise , And heavily my feet both rise and fall . Oh , that I were as young as in those days When I saw Amarynceus Funeral Set forth most nobly in Buprasion . There many Prizes were , and many a man ; But like to me amongst them there was none , Epeian , Pylian , nor Aetolian . At Fists the Prize from Clytomed I won ; And wrastling with Ancaeus I him threw , And Iphiclus , swift as he was , outrun ; And with the Spears I Polydore out-threw , And at the Horse-race only was outstript By th' envie of the Sons of Actor two . For sitting on the Charret they both whipt , And from me won that Prize with much ado . Such then I was . But now to younger men That work I leave . Old age I must obey . But such I was amongst the Argives then . And now , Achilles , here no longer stay . Proceed with other Games your friend to grace . Your Gift I take , and great content I find In that you shewn have in this publick place Amongst the Greeks you have me in your mind . Achilles having heard these Praises all Of Nestor , brought into the place a Mule , A Prize for him that won at Fist and Ball , A Mule of six years old , and hard to rule . As for the vanquisht , he assign'd to him A lesser Prize which was a silver Cup , That crookt and wryed was about the brim . Achilles then amongst the Greeks stood up . Atrides , and you Argives all , said he , Let two men fight for these at Fist and Ball. The lusty Mule shall for the Victor be ; The Cup for him that in the fight shall fall . This said , Epeius a huge man stood up , And that had at this kind of fight great skill , And seiz'd the Mule , and said , As for the Cup , Let any one against me rise that will. The Mule is mine ; at this game I am best . Is 't not enough that th' Argives value me In Fight but as a mean man like the rest ? For no man can the best at all things be . But let him know , whoere with him contends , I 'll break his bones . Which being to him known , He may about him ready have his friends , To take him up when I have knockt him down . This said , Mecestes Son Euryalus , That won the Prize from the Cadmaeans all At Theb's upon the death if Oedipus When celebrated was his Funeral Presents himself . About him busie was Tydides wishing him the Victorie , And gave him of strong Leather well-wrought Lace Wherewith the Balls unto his wrists to tie . The Champions up their fists together have , Which when they met so quick and mingled were , That which was which a man could not perceive , But how they rattled at their heads might hear . Euryalus then chanc'd to look aside , At which Epeius such a blow him hit Upon the cheek , that he was stupifi'd , And could no longer stand upon his feet . As when the Sea is curl'd by Zephyrus , A little Fish leaps up and falls agen ; So started at the stroak Euryalus And fainted . To him went Epeius then And took him up . His friends that by him stood Led him away trailing his feet behind , His neck aside hanging , and spitting blood ; And wandring out of order was his mind . Achilles other Prizes then brought forth For Wrastlers ; and for him that did the best , A mighty three-foot Pot esteemed worth By th'company twelve Oxen at the least . And for the vanquished a lesser Prize , A Woman that in many works had skill ; And to the Argives speaking said , Arise You that contend for the great Tripod will. Then up rose Ajax , up Ulysses rose , And having girt themselves stood on the place , And presently extend their arms , and close ; And one another with twin'd arms embrace . As when a Carpenter to keep the wind Out of a house the Timber bows and pleats , So were their arms with one another twin'd , And each of them keeps fast his hold , and sweats , And squeez'd until their sides were black and blew . And weary were the Greeks with looking on When neither Ajax yet Ulysses threw , Nor he the mighty Son of Telamon . And Ajax then unto Ulysses said , Let 's lift each other ; and withal him lifts , And hop'd upon the ground to have him laid , But he then not forgetful of his shifts , Struck with his right foot Ajax on the ham So that to turn him Ajax strength did lack . Then both together to the ground they came , One on his breast , the other on his back . And now Ulysses to lift Ajax is . And from the ground he heav'd him , but not high , And in he clapt one knee between both his , Then both upon the ground again they lie . Agen they rise , and had not so giv'n ore , But that Achill●s to them goes , and says , You both are best ; torment your selves no more , But equal Prizes take and go your ways , That other Greeks for other Prizes may Their vertue shew . This said , they him obey'd , And from their bodies wipt the dust away , And with their Coats themselves again array'd . And then Achilles brought new Prizes in , A silver Temperer that six gallons held , And by Sidonian workmen made had been , And all that ere they made before excell'd , And by Phoenicians into Greece was brought And giv'n to Thoas , and from him it came T' Eunaeus Jasons Son. Eunaeus bought Lycaon of Patroclus with the same . This was the Prize for him that swiftest ran . A great fat Ox the second was to take ; And half a Talent , Gold the hindmost man. And then Achilles to the Argives spake . Arise , said he , that for this Prize will run . Then Ajax rose Son of Oïleus The lesser Ajax ▪ And then Nestor's Son ( The swiftest of the Youth ) Antilochus . Arow they stand . Achilles to them shows The Gole about the which they were to run . Together then they start ; and foremost goes The nimble-footed Ajax Oïleus Son. But next him and so neer Ulysses is , As from a womans Distaff comes the thread , And on his steps trod ere the dust aris , And breathed all the way upon his head . The Greeks upon him called all the way To do his best , and wisht him Victorie . Then to Athena did Ulysses pray . O help me my good Goddess now , said he . And when almost they ended had the Race , Then chanced Ajax in the Dung to fall Of Cattle which had kill'd been on the place B' Achilles for Patroclus Funeral , And fill'd with Cow-dung was his mouth and nose . Ulysses on the Temp'rer laid his hands . And Ajax spitting Dung again arose , And with his Ox before the Argives stands . Oh , oh , said he , 't is Pallas hath done this , Who as a careful Mother of her Child , Upon Ulysses always waiting is . And when he that had said th' Achaeaas smil'd . Antilochus th' half Talent took of Gold , And smil'd , and to the Argives said , You see The Gods still give most honour to the Old. Ajax in age a little passeth me . Agen Ulysses older is than he . And younger men with these cannot contend At running of a Race , except it be Achilles . Whom he finely did commend . Achilles of that commendation glad Unto Antilochus repli'd again ; To your half Talent I 'll another add . That word of yours shall not be said in vain . Achilles then brought forth the Shield and Spear And Helmet of Sarpedon ( for till he Was killed by Patroclus his they were ) And said unto the Greeks , Now let me see Two valiant men well-arm'd contend for these ; And he that first draws blood shall bear away Th●s Thracian Sword won from Asteropaeus . The Arms in common they shall both enjoy , And at my Tent they both shall feasted be . Up then great Ajax , up Tydides rose , And came forth armed from the Companie , And looking grimly one to th' other goes , And thrice to one another fiercely leapt , And Ajax Spear pass'd through Tydides Shield ; But by the Breast-plate from his flesh was kept . Good was his Breast-plate , and not apt to yield . But still at Ajax neck Tydides aim'd , Above his Shield still pushing with his Spear ; At which the people standing by exclaim'd ; For then of Ajax life they stood in fear , And to Achilles cri'd to part the Fray Betime , and let them equal Prizes have . And by Achilles then dismiss'd were they ; But yet the Sword he to Tydides gave . And then of Iron he brought out a Sough Such as at first it from the Fornace came , The which E●tion was wont to through ; Amongst whose Goods Achilles found the same , And to his Ship he brought it with the rest . And said to th' Argives , He this Prize shall gain , That lets us see he throw it can the best . It will his Plough with Iron five years maintain . He needs not to the Town for Iron go . Then Polypoetes and Leontes rise , And Ajax , and together stand arow ; And last of all unto them comes Epeius . First threw Epeius , and well laught at was . And next to him Leontes threw the same . Then Ajax threw and did them both surpass . But when to Polypoetes hand it came , As far as doth a Shepherd throw his Hook Seeing his Sheep stand still or straggle out , So far threw he . The Prize his friends then took And bare it to his Tent. The people shout . Achilles then brought other Prizes in , Ten double , and ten single Axes keen , The which the two best Bow-men were to win , And said , Now let your Archerie be seen . And on the Sands erects a Ship-mast high , And at the top he ti'd a Dove unto 't With slender thread , and said , Your skill now try . For he that dead the tender Dove shall shoot , Shall have the double Axes for his Prize ; The single he that breaks the thread shall win . Then Teucer and Meriones arise , And Lots they cast which of them shall begin . And to begin to Teucer fell the Lot. And first he shot . But should have made a Vow A Hecatomb to Phoebus , but forgot . And therefore Phoebus would not him allow To kill the Bird. But yet he brake the thread , And tow'rds the ground , it hung down from her feet . The frighted Dove in th' Air hovered , And mightily the Argives shout to see 't . Meriones then quickly drew his Bow , ( For th'Arrow fitted on 't already lay ) And presently to Phoebus made a Vow Of his first Lambs a Hecatomb to pay . And seeing how the Dove amazed went Above his head this way and that way round , His Arrow keen he quickly to her sent , Which pierc'd her through , and brought her to the ground . The wounded Dove unto a Mast then flies , And there her Feathers sheds , and hangs her head , And having sitten there not long she dies . The Argives gazing at it wondered . And then Meriones away did bear The double Axes . Teucer took the rest . Achilles then new Prizes fetcht ; a Spear , And a new Caldron worth an Ox at least . To throw the Spear then rose the King Atrides , And after him stood up Meriones Idomeneus his Squire . Then said Pelides , There shall be no contention for these . We know how much you are more excellent At this than any of th' Achaeans here . Take you these Prizes therefore to your Tent , And give unto Meriones the Spear , If you think fit : Atrides was content , And to Meriones he gave the Spear , And by Talthybius the Caldron sent Unto the Ships ; and all well pleased were . ILIAD . LIB . XXIV . THus end the Games . The Greeks dispersed are , And ev'ry man returned to his Tent , And busie was his Supper to prepare ; And after they had supt to bed they went. Achilles all the night slept not a wink , But on Patroclus worth , and company , And on their common suffrings still did think , And lay upon his bed unquietly . And weeping sometimes laid himself on this , Sometimes on that side , sometimes on his face , , And sometimes on his back , and sometimes ris , And walkt upon the shore from place to place . And soon as ere he saw the morning come , He Hector to his Charret ti'd again ; And drag'd him thrice about Patroclus Tomb , And then went in , and left him on the Plain With dust all over hidden , but not rent . For Phoebus had him cover'd with his Shield , That torn his body was not as they went. The Gods mean while sat looking on the Field , , And griev'd to see Achilles shew such spight . And some of them advised Mercurie To steal away the body from his sight . To this the other Gods did all agree , , But Neptune , Juno , Pallas angry were With Priam and with Troy , for Paris sake , For that he Venus did so much preferre , And of the others small account did make . Thus pass'd it then . But twelve days after came Apollo to the Gods in Councel set . And said , Ye Gods unjust , you are to blame . What Sacrifice did Hector ere forget , That to his Father , Mother , Wife , and Son That for his death lament , he must not come , And buri'd be , since he is dead and gone , And have a Funeral in Ilium ? But to Achilles fury you give way , Whose breast is void of all Humanity . As Lions on mens Cattle love to prey ; Savage and proud on men so falleth he Asham'd of nothing . Though another man That had a loving Brother lost , or Son , When he has wept a while give over can , And bear the ill that cannot be undone . But he with Hector's death is not content , But drags his body at his Chariot , Not caring how we may the same resent . He 'll find at last 't were better he had not Upon the senseless Earth have shown such spight . To this in anger Juno then repli'd , If equal they had been , you had said right , But that they equal are it is deni'd . For Hector was a mortal womans Son ; Achilles Mother a great Goddess is Thetis , that nurst was and brought up by none But by my self . The Gods can witness this , Who , when I made her noble Peleus Bride , Came to the Wedding all , and you too then Were with your Fiddle there well satisfi'd , Perfidious God , companion of mean men . Then Jupiter to Juno spake and said , Look not so angerly upon the Gods , Nor for Achilles honour be afra●d . 'Twixt him and Hector I know well the ods . But Hector we of Mortals love the best , I do at least , of all the men of Troy. He never is behind-hand with my Feast , But Flesh and Wine pays duely at my day . But we 'll not Hector from Achilles steal ; Nor can , since Thetis for him is awake . Call Thetis hither ▪ for with her I 'll deal To make him for his body Ransome take . This said , into the Sea leapt Iris straight Between the Isles of Imbros and of Same . The water roar'd and started at her weight ; And she to th' bottom like a Plummet came . Where in a hollow Cave the Goddess sate , Her Sea-nymphs all about her sitting round , She in the midst bewailing her Sons fate , That was to perish on the Trojan ground . And going to her neer , Thetis , said she , Jove calls you to him . She repli'd , Why so ? What has that mighty God to say to me ? I am not fit amongst the Gods to go . But well . I go . I dare not disobey . And on her head then throws she a black hood . Then up they went , and Iris led the way . ( To let them pass the Sea divided stood ) And being landed leapt up to the Sky , When Jove in Councel and the Gods were met ; Where Thetis was received lovingly , And next himself by Jupiter was set . There Juno Nectar , Pallas gave her place . And Jove unto her spake . Thetis , said he , I know your grief , but such is now the case , You could not from th' Assembly spared be . Nine days amongst our selves we disagree Concerning Hector's body what to do . The most would have him stoln by Mercury ; But for your sake I would not yield thereto . But go you , Thetis , to your Son and say The Gods are angry and I most of all , That Hector's body at the Ships doth stay Unransom'd and without a Funeral ; That he release it may for fear of me . Mean while to Priam Iris shall be sent To bid him go t' Achilles speedily , And with fair Presents fetch it from his Tent. This said , she from Olympus took her flight T' Achilles Tent , and found him sitting there , Where he Patroclus still lamenting sigh'd , And with him friends providing Dinner were . And killed had a fat Sheep in his Tent. Then in she went and sate down by his side . How long , said she , will you your self torment ? Be comforted , and for your health provide ; And take delight in womens company , For here you know you are not long to stay , And that at hand is now your Destiny . And hear what I from Jove must to you say . From Jupiter I come , who bad me say The Gods are angry and he most of all , That Hector's body at the Ships doth stay Unransom'd and without a Funeral . The Ransome therefore take and let him go . To which Achilles a short Answer gave . Let him that will ( since Jove will have it so ) The Ransome bring , the body he shall have . Whilst Thetis and her Son discoursing were , To Priam Jove swift Iris sent away . Iris , said he , this Message from me bear To Priam , and relate what now I say . Bid him unto Achilles Tent to go , And carry with him other Trojans none But one old Squire his Charret to look to , And bring away the body of his Son ; And honourable Presents with him bear , Wherewith Achilles may be well content . And bid him death and danger not to fear , So good a Guardian with him shall be sent . Hermes shall guide him to Achilles Tent , And being there he needs not fear at all . Achilles will not kill him , but prevent The hurt that might from others on him fall . He wants not judgment , care , nor piety , And pity has for them that to him pray . This said , flew Iris from Olympus high To Priam's house , where little was of joy . His Sons about him weeping sat , and he I'th'midst involved in his Cloak so just , That one th' impression of his limbs might see , His head and neck bedawb'd with dung and dust , Which he himself had thrown upon his head ▪ His Daughters and his Son● Wives howling went About , for Brothers and for Husbands that were dead , And to the Shades by 〈…〉 had been sent . Then Iris unto Priam coming near With soft and gentle voice unto him said , Priam be bold , for no ill news I bear ( For trembling sate he , and was sore afraid ) Jove bids you to Achilles Tent to go And carry with you other Trojans none But one old Squire your Charret to look to , And bring away the body of your Son ; And honourable Presents with you bear , Wherewith Achilles may be well content . He bids you neither death nor danger fear , So good a Guardian with you shall be sent . Hermes shall guide you to Achilles Tent. When you are there , past is the danger all . Achilles will not kill you but prevent The harm that may from others on you fall . He wants not judgment , care , nor piety , And pity has on them that to him pray In their distress ▪ and at his mercie lie . When Iris this had said , she went away . Then Priam said unto his Sons , Arise , And make a Waggon ready out of hand ; And to a Cedar Chamber down he ●ies , Where his most precious Houshold stuff did stand . And thither call'd his Wife , and to her said , Jove's Menssenger t' Achilles bids me go With Ransome for my Son. I 'm not afraid . But what think you ? Is 't best to go , or no ? At this aloud she shrikt and said , Ay me , What now is of the wit you had become , For which so wise you once were thought to be By men abroad and by your friends at home ? Will you go put your self into the hand Of him that hath your Sons so many slain , A man that does not pity understand , Nor saith ? No , no , he 'll not from you abstain . But since the Fates designed had before His birth , to th'Dogs he should be made a prey By this hard-hearted m●n ▪ you may deplore Him here at home , and from Achilles stay . Oh , that between my teeth I had his heart , That to revenge my Son I might it eat . It would no little ease be to my smart , And less the loss of him I should regret . For Hector only for his Country fought , And of his Enemies was not afraid , Nor did him wrong , but valiant was and stout . Then Priam to his Wife repli'd and said , Nay Wife , since to him I am bent to go , Disswade me not , nor ill Bird to me be Here in my house , and bode me ill . For know , Whatere you say , 't will not prevail with me . If now a Priest or Prophet to me came And this had said , I thought it had a lye . But howsoever , come what will , I am With Hector in my arms content to die . This said , the Chests he presently unlocks , And out he lays twelve Robes for womankind , As many Coats , as many single Cloaks , And unto those as many that were lin'd . And further twelve rich Carpets out he lay'd , And when he that had done , he Gold brought forth , Whereof he layed by ten Talents weigh'd . And two great black three-footed Pots much worth . And unto those he set bright Caldrons four ; And the fine Cup which giv'n him was when he From Troy to Thrace was sent Embassadour . So long'd he to set Hector's body free . I'th'Porch then standing many Trojans were , That sorry for his grief were thither come ; To whom he said , Rascals what make you here ? Find you not cause enough of grief at home , That you must hither come to trouble me ▪ As if too little 't were to lose my Son. Hereafter you will eas'lier killed be , Since Hector who defended you is gone . As for my self , before I see that day , I hope to be with●n th'In●ernal Gates . Then with his Staff he drave them all away ; And turning in again his Sons he ●ates . Paris and Agathon and Helenus , Pammon , Polites , and Antiphobus , Agavus , Deiphobus , Hippothous . These nine he rated , saying to them thus , Make haste unworthy Sons ▪ I had been glad If you in Hector's stead had all been slain . Oh how unfortunate am I that had So many and so valiant Sons in vain ! Mestor and Troïlus both valiant men , And Godlike Hector . Sure I am accurst . Since Mars of these depriv'd me has agen , And now I none have left me but the worst , Domestick Wolves , the bane of Lamb and Kid , And good for nothing but to dance and lye . Why stand you still ? Were you not by me bid The Waggon to prepare ? Then out they flye , And speedily the Waggon forth they bring , And Yoak well fitted with an iron Pin ; And fixt it to the Poles-end with a Ring , And Cord nine Cubits long to keep it in ; Which thrice about the Boxen Yoak they wind , And to the Waggon laid the Ransome in ; And to it then the lusty Mules they bind , Which by the Mysians given him had been . That done , King Priam's Horses to his Charre Were by himself and by Idaeus ti'd , Of which he always taken had such care , That while they fed he stayed by their side . Then Hecuba came to them with a Cup , A golden Cup of pleasant Wine , that they The same to Jupiter might offer up Before unto their Foes they went away . Here , take this Cup said she , and pray to Jove That he will let you see a lucky flight Of that great Bird which he the most doth love , That you may be assured by the sight That safe you shall agen return to Troy. For if that favour to you be deni'd I should advise you by all means to stay . And Priam then to Hecuba repli'd , This counsel ( Wife ) of yours with reason stands . Jove pleased is when to him men look up . For water then he call'd and washt his hands , And from his Wife receiv'd the golden Cup. Then looking up to Heav'n , O Jove , said he , Of all the Gods most glorious high and great , Grant me that I may well received be B' Achilles at his Tent , and well retreat . And that thereof I may be confident , Now shew me of your Bird a lucky flight . This said , Jove presently an Eagle sent , Of colour spotted over black and white . As wide as is a Princes Gate or more , So wide her Wings the mighty Eagle spreads , And as it over Ilium did soare , The people joy'd to see it ore their heads . The old man then went up into his Seat , And through the City to the Plain did pass . The Waggon wherein lay the treasure great Before him driven by Idaeus was . And so far went his Sons , and Sons-in-law ; And then return'd agen into the City . When Jupiter upon the way him saw In this estate he moved was with pity ; And unto Hermes turn'd his eyes and said , Since you mens company do most frequent , And whom you will can quickly hear and aid , Go and guide Priam to Achilles Tent. But so as to be seen by none , until He thither safely come . And Mercury No sooner understood his Fathers will But sets himself about it willingly . And first his Shoes unto his feet he binds Ambrosian Shoes that over Sea and Land Bear him as swift and lightly as the Winds ; And then his Rod he took into his hand , Wherewith he layeth sleep on Mortal eyes , And takes it off again when he thinks good . Then down to Troy and Hellespont he flies In likeness of a Youth of Royal blood When Doun begins t' appear upon his face . Idaeus now and Priam at the brink Of Xanthus were , and night came on apace . And there they made their Mules and Horses drink . Idaeus neer them then saw Mercury , And in great fear to Priam cri'd , I see A man ( O Priam ) coming . Let us fly , Or to him go and fall down at his knee . And horribly was Priam then afraid , His hair with fear upon him stood upright . Then Mercury unto him came , and laid His hand on his , and to him said , 'T is night ; What makes you be abroad ? Do you not fear Your Foes the Greeks ? If any of them knew That you were with so great a Treasure here , In what a pitiful estate were you ? For you and he that 's with you both are old , And neither of you can himself defend . But as for any hurt from me , be bold . I hither come t' assist you as a friend , So like , me thinks , you to my Father are . And Priam then to Mercury repli'd , 'T is true you say . And yet the Gods a care Have of me still that send me such a Guide , So great a man , so comely , and so wise , That blessed are the Parents you begat . And Mercury to him again replies , Indeed old man , you say the truth in that . But whither bear you your best goods away ? To some strange City till the War be done ? Or are the Trojans all now leaving Troy , Since killed is the best of them , your Son That might with any of the Greeks compare ? Tell me , said Priam ( pray ye ) who are you , And whence ye come , and who your Parents are , And how my Son and his hard Fate you knew . You mean to try me now ( said Mercury ) . At th' Argive Ships I Hector frighted saw , And how he made the Greeks before him fly , And how he tost them in the Field like straw , Where we stood by with wonder looking on . Achilles had forbidden us to fight . His man am I , by birth a Myrmidon , And stood amongst the rest to see the sight . My Father is Polyctor , very rich , But now an old man is and like to you . And seven Sons he has in all , of which I am the last . And Lots at home we drew Which of us with Achilles should be sent To th' War of Troy. The Lot then fell to me . And with Achilles in his Ship I went. And hither come the place of fight to see . The Greeks by break of day will hither come , And try if now the City they can win . Impatient of their stay at Ilium They cannot by their Leaders be kept in . Then Priam to him said again , Since you Achilles Servant are , is Hector yet At th' Argive Ships , I pray you tell me true , Or cut in joynts thrown to the Dogs to eat ? And Hermes unto this again replies , Nor Dogs nor Fowl upon him yet have fed , But at the Ships he still neglected lies , And though he have twelve days now there been dead , Yet is his body uncorrupt , and free From Worms that breed in other bodies slain . And though it ev'ry morning dragged be About Patroclus Tomb , doth whole remain And undefac'd , the bloud all washt away . You would admire to see him look so fresh , And clensed of the filth that on him lay , And at his wounds how closed is the flesh , Though many from the Greeks receiv'd he had . So kind the Gods were after he was dead . These words of Mercury made Priam glad . And thus again he to him answered . Yes , yes , 't is good to give the Gods their due , A thing that Hector never did omit . And therefore to him they this favour shew , Although his Soul be in th' Infernal Pit. But now t' Achilles Tent be you my Guide ; And at my hand this handsome Cup receive . Again you try me ( Mercury repli'd ) I dare not tak 't without Achilles leave . For of his anger in great fear I stand . Without a Bribe I 'll with you go along To what place you think fit by Sea or Land. Though 't were to Argos ; none shall do you wrong . For sure , so wretchedly I do not look , But that a man may of me stand in fear . Then up he leapt , and in his hands he took The Whip and Reyns , and serv'd as Charretier . When they were come to th' Argive Ditch and Wall , The Watch that placed was the Gate to keep , Their Supper to provide were busie all , And Mercury there laid them all asleep , Took off the Bars , the Gate wide open laid , And in the Charret and the Waggon went With all the wealth for Hector to be paid ; And forward pass unto Achilles Tent , Built for him by his Myrmidons , and high , With Fir-trees tall , and cover'd over head ( To keep it out of danger from the Sky ) With the deep vesture of the flowry Mead And to it had a great Court pal'd about , And in the Pale a high two-valved door For Chars and Waggons to go in and out , And one great Bar of Fir-tree and no more , So great that it requir'd three common men Upon the lofty Gate to set it on , And three such men to take it off agen . None but Achilles shut it could alone . This Gate then Hermes open to him laid , And with the Char and Waggon in he came , Then leaping to the ground to Priam said , Old Fath●● , I a God Immortal am Hermes , and hither sent to be your Guide , From Heav'n on purpose by my Father Jove . But by Achilles I 'll not here be spi'd . Gods must not shew to men such open love . But go you to Achilles in , and try What favour from him at his knees you 'll find , And put him of his Son in memory , And Father . That will work upon his mind . This said , t' Olympus Hermes went his way . Then to the ground leapt Priam from his Charre ; And going in he bad Idaeus stay , And of the Mules and Horses have a care . Achilles at his Supper now was set , And waiting on him stood Automedon And Alimus , the Table standing yet ; But sup'd he had and appetite had none . His other friends at distance from him sat . And Priam to them then came in unseen , And kist the hands there of Achilles , that Of many of his Sons the death had been . As when a man that kill'd another has , And to another Prince for safety flies , Men at him stare ; so he amazed was When he saw Priam stand before his eyes . The rest admir'd the comely man to see , And both on him and one another look . But Priam then upon Achilles knee Laid both his hands , and thus unto him spoke . Godlike Achilles take into your thought Your Father that an old man is as I , And into trouble by his Neighbours brought , And has no friend on whom he may rely . Yet he has many Intervals of joy , And thinking on his Son is comforted With hope to see him back return from Troy. Undone am I ; for all my hopes are fled . When th' Army of th' Achaeans landed here , I by the Gods with fifty Sons was blest ; Whereof sixteen my Wife did to me bear , And other women in my house the rest . But in this War the most of them are lost . And now by Mars reduced are to few . And Hector which of all I loved most , Is lately , O Achilles , slain by you . His body to redeem I hither come With pretious Gifts , and fall before your knee , That I may bury it in Ilium . Upon your Father think , and pity me . Yet is my case more pitiful than his . For what calamity can greater be Than th' hands that have my Children kill'd to kiss ? This said , Achilles wept . And from his knee , With his , the hands of Priam gently mov'd ; And then aloud they both lamented . He For Peleus , and Patroclus whom he lov'd , And Priam for his own calamitie , And through the house were heard to sigh and groan . Achilles , when his fit of tears was laid , And eased was his heart , came from his Throne , And rais'd th' old man that on his knees yet staid , And to him spake . Alas , old man , said he , You much have suffer'd , and your pain I feel . But how alone durst you to come to me , That slew your Sons , unless your heart be steel ? But come , sit down . In vain lamenting is , The hurt that 's done tears cannot take away , Since so 't is order'd by the Gods in bliss , That men shall live in pain , and they in joy . Two Barrels in his Cellar Jove has still Of Gifts to be bestow'd on mortal Wights , One full of Good , the other full of Ill. And usually to mingle them delights . For they that only ill receive from Jove Exposed always are to injurie , And begging up and down the world shall rove , And both by Gods and Men despised be . So Peleus at the first receiv'd much good , And did in wealth his Neighbours all surpass , And with his Subjects in great honour stood , And joyn'd in Wedlock to a Goddess was . But after this the Ill unto him came To leave no Child behind him to succeed , But only me that so short lived am , And from him live to vex you and your seed . And you , O Priam , once were rich , they say , And all that was in Lesbos did injoy , And over all the Hellespont did sway , And that all Phrygia did you obey , And with great store of Children blest you were . But now you only fights and slaughter see , And patiently you Hector's death must bear . He cannot with your tears revived be ; Much sooner you may suffer greater ill . T' Achilles Priam then again replies , O Thetis Son , to sit I have no will Whilst at the Ships my Son unburi'd lies . But bring him forth that I my Son may see , And you the Presents I have brought enjoy . And prosperous unto you may they be , And safely I again return to Troy. Achilles angry then , Old man , said he , Provoke me not . I 'll put into your hand The body of your Son , because to me From Jove my Mother came with that command . And very well I know you Priam are , And that you hither had a God for Guide . What mortal to the Army come would dare ? Or could have pass'd the Watch and not been spi'd ? Or open to you could the Gates have set ? Therefore take heed , and anger me no more , Lest the command of Jove I should forget , And without Hector send you out adoor . This said , old Priam was afraid and sat . Out went Achilles with Automedon And A●cimus , his two good Servants , that He lov'd the most , Petroclus being gone . And they the Horses and the Mules unti'd , And from the Waggon in the Goods they brought , Only ( wherewith the body dead to hide ) They left behind a handsome Robe and Coat . Achilles then his drudging Maids appointed To bear the body to some Chamber meet , And see the same well washt and well anointed , So secretly that Priam might not see 't , Lest grieved he should something do or say , That might so far Achilles anger move , That in his passion he should Priam slay Forgetting the Commandement of Jove . And being washt , anointed , and array'd , Achilles laid the body on a bed , Which his two Servants in the Waggon laid . This done , he to Patroclus spake and said , O my Patroclus if you hear in Hell That Hector's body I have sent to Troy , Forgive me , since I for it paid am well With Gifts , whereof what 's fit to you I 'll pay . This said , Achilles to his Tent retir'd , And sat upon the Seat from whence he ris , Your Son , said he , is freed as you desir'd , And on a bed laid in your Waggon is . To morrow with him go by break of day . But let us not our Supper now forget ; For Niobe twelve Children lost , they say , Yet did she not for that refuse to eat . Six lusty Sons , six Daughters fair they were , And killed all , only for saying this , [ Leto but two , and she did many bear . ] By Phoebus they , and these by Artemis , The Goddess Leto's Daughter and her Son. Nine days and nights they lay unburied ; For Jove had chang'd the people into stone , And then the Gods with Earth them covered . Yet Niobe when she had weeping done , Received food ; and now doth somewhere lie I'th'Woulds of S●pylus , and turn'd to stone The hurt done by the Gods takes patientlie . Come then old man and lay your grief away , And for the present think upon your meat , And weep for Hector when you come to Troy , For true it is your loss of him is great . This said , forth goes Achilles , and appoints A Sheep for supper to be kill'd and flayd ; Which straight was done , and cut-out into joynts , And pierc'd with Spits unto the fire was laid . And , when it was well roasted , taken up . Automedon o'th'Table laid the bread . Achilles made the Messes . Then they sup , And on the meat they laid their hands and fed . But when of food they had no more desire , Priam admir'd Achilles form and face . Achilles Priam did no less admire , In his aspect and speech there was such grace . When on each other they had lookt enough , Priam began , and to Achilles spake . Dismiss me if you please ( Achilles ) now , That I a little sleep at last may take . For since my Son was slain , I never slept , But rolling on the soiled grass have li'n Perpetually , and for him sigh'd and wept , Nor until now touch'd either Meat or Wine . Achilles then to th'women gave command I'th'Porch without to set him up a bed , With handsome Coverleds of Purple , and With fine soft Blankets see it covered . The women quickly his Command obey'd , And two Beds ready made i'th'Porch without . Achilles smiling then to Priam said , Old man I from my Tent must turn you out ; Lest some man should from Agamemnon sent With counsel come and chance to see you here , And let him know that you are at my Tent , And the Redemption of your Son deferre . But ere you go , old man , pray tell me right What time is needful for his Obsequies , That I so long may keep the Greeks from fight . Then Priam to Achilles thus replies . You know Achilles very well how farre The Hills and Woods are distant from the Town , And how afraid to go the Trojans are . We need nine days to fetch the fewel down . The tenth he shall be burnt and buried . Th' eleventh a Mount upon him shall be laid . The twelvth we 'll fight again if there be need . To this Achilles answered and said , Old man , the time you asked granted is . So long th' Achaeans shall from fight forbear . This said , in Priam's hand he layed his , That of his faith he might not stand in fear . There in the Porch slept Priam and Idaeus . And then unto his bed Achilles went. And there he slept , and with him fair Brisëis Within an Inner Chamber of his Tent. The other Gods and Men slept all the night , But sleep approached not to Hermes eyes , But thinking lay on Priam , how he might Conduct him safely from his Enemies . Then up he rose , and went to Priam's head And to him said , Ho , Priam sleep you here ? Since you redeem'd have Hector's body dead , You think you nothing farther have to fear . Although you for him paid a lusty price , Yet if alive Atrides find you here , Your Sons and friends shall pay that value thrice . This said , he suddenly awakt with fear . And calling to Idaeus made him rise . Then Hermes to the Waggon and the Charre Himself the lab'ring Mules and Horses ties . And now into their Seats they mounted are , And through the Argive Camp then Hermes drove Unseen till past Scamander ford they were . Then Hermes left them and return'd to Jove . And now the morning was display'd and clear . Then sighing on they went to Ilium , But were by neither man nor woman spi'd , Till up into the Tow'r of Pergamum Cassandra went , and thence she them discri'd , And weeping to the people cri'd and said , Ye men and women all of Ilium , If ever you at Hector's coming joy'd , Run to the Gates ; I see him hither come . Then , man nor woman left was in the Town , But Hector to behold went to the Gate . First came his loving Wife and Mother down , And in the Waggon by him weeping sate . The people in a throng about him staid Lamenting and lamented had all day , But Priam from his Char unto them said , Trojans , unto the body dead give way . And when within the house I have it laid , Then for him weep till you be satisfi'd . When this was said , the people him obey'd , And to make way , themselves they then divide . Then to the house they brought the body in , And plac'd it on a bed . Then Singers by They set , the lamentation to begin . Their Song they sung ; to which the women sigh . Then to lament Andromache began . O my dear Husband you have lost your life Unhappily , that were but a young man , And made a wretched Widow of your Wife , And with me left behind a tender Son To evil fate begot by you and me . To see him grow a man I hope have none ; This City first I fear destroy'd will be , Since you are gone that was our sole defence . T' Achaia now the Wives of Troy must go , And with them I. And you my Child must hence , And in vile work employ'd be by the Fo , Or you may by some spightful man or other Be from the Wall or some high Tower thrown For Hector's sake , that killed has his Brother , Or Father , or his Son before the Town . For many of the Greeks has Hector slain . He went not to the Battle bashfully . For which the Trojans now are in great pain , And I your loving Wife especially . O that you thus should in the dust be laid , And not give me your hand before you di'd Without a word upon your Death-bed said For me to think on . Then the women sigh'd . And Hecuba began . Hector , said she , Of all my Sons to me you were most dear . And when arrived was your Destinie , You by the Gods , though dead , beloved were . My other Sons , when any taken by Achilles were , beyond Sea carri'd were And sold , and made to suffer slavery At Samos , Imbros , Lemnos , or elsewhere ; But when of life he had deprived you Because his friend Patroclus you had slain , About his Monument he oft you drew , Though that could not bring him to life again . But now he sent it to me has again As fresh and as well colour'd as if by Apollo's gentle Shafts he had been slain , This said , agen the people sob and sigh . Then Helen took her turn . Hector , said she , Whom best I lov'd of all my Brother-laws ( For you were so , since Paris marri'd me , Though when I marri'd him accurst I was ) Now twenty years 't is since I came to Troy , And never did an ill word from you hear ; And when your Kindred of me ill did say , You took my part , and made them to forbear . Since you are gone my joy is at an end , And in your death I moan my own estate That now amongst the Trojans have no friend , Who hate me as the Author of their Fate . This said with tears , provokt the peoples pity ; But Priam then unto them spake , and said , Go Trojans now and fetch wood to the City ; You need not of the Argives be afraid . Achilles when I parted from his Tent Eleven days allow'd my Son t' inter And fetch down wood without impediment ; So long the Argives should from fight forbear . This said , to th'Hills with Oxen and with Wains And Mules they went , and busie were about This work nine days together and took pains . Upon the tenth the body was brought out , And on the top of the great wood-pile laid , And fire put to 't ; and all day long it burned And all the night . When morning was displai'd , Again the Trojans to the Pile returned , And th'Embers with black Wine extinguished . His bones then by his Brothers and his Kin Were from the ground together gathered , And by them to an Urn of Gold laid in . The Urn with Purple Robes then cover'd over Into a Grave ( which soon was made ) they laid . The Grave with many and great stones they cover . And last of all ( because they were afraid Before their work were done the Greeks would come ) They sent out Scouts on ev'ry side to spy . And ore his Grave in hast they raise a Tomb. This done , away they went , and by and by To Priam's house they came again , and there He made a splendid Supper for them all . Then home they went well pleased with their chear . Thus ended noble Hector's Funeral . FINIS . 
A03515	----	Homer's Odysses. Translated according to ye Greeke by. Geo: Chapman Odyssey. Book 1-24. English. Chapman Homer. 1615 Approx. 972 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 195 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A03515 STC 13637 ESTC S118235 99853443 99853443 18826 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A03515) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 18826) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 840:01) Homer's Odysses. Translated according to ye Greeke by. Geo: Chapman Odyssey. Book 1-24. English. Chapman Homer. Chapman, George, 1559?-1634. [10], 194, [2], 195-376, [2] p. By Rich: Field [and W. Jaggard], for Nathaniell Butter, Imprinted at London : [1615?] Another issue, adding books 13-24, of the 1614 edition which includes only books 1-12. In verse. Printer's name supplied and publication date conjectured by STC. The title page is engraved. A cancel letterpress title page is occasionally found, but properly belongs with STC 13624.5.--STC. Imperfect; lacks leaf R8. Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Greek poetry -- Translations into English -- Early works to 1800. 2002-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-11 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2003-05 Aptara Rekeyed and resubmitted 2004-10 Ben Griffin Sampled and proofread 2004-10 Ben Griffin Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion HOMER'S ODYSSES. Translated according to the Greeke By Geo : Chapman At mihi q d Viuo detraxerit Jnuida Turba Post obitum duplici foenore reddet Honos . Imprinted at London by Rich : Field , for Nathaniell Butter . TO THE MOST WORTHILY HONORED ▪ MY SINGVLAR GOOD LORD , ROBERT , Earle of SOMERSET , Lord Chamberlaine , &c. I Haue aduentured ( Right Noble Earle ) out of my vtmost , and euer-vowed seruice to your Vertues , to entitle their Merits to the Patronage of Homers English life : whose wisht naturall life , the great Macedon would haue protected , as the spirit of his Empire , That he to his vnmeasur'd mightie Acts , Might adde a Fame as vast ; and their extracts , In fires as bright , and endlesse as the starres , His breast might breathe ; and thunder out his warres . But that great Monarks loue of fame and praise , Receiues an enuious Cloud in our foule daies : For since our Great ones , ceasse themselues to do Deeds worth their praise ; they hold it folly too , To feed their praise in others . But what can ( Of all the gifts that are ) be giuen to man , More precious then Eternitie and Glorie , Singing their praises , in vnsilenc't storie ? Which No blacke Day , No Nation , nor no Age ; No change of Time or Fortune , Force , nor Rage , Shall euer race ? All which , the Monarch knew , Where Homer liu'd entitl'd , would ensew : — Cuius de gurgite viuo Combibit arcanos vatum 〈◊〉 turba furores , &c. From whose deepe Fount of life , the thirstie rout Of Thespian Prophets , haue lien sucking out Their sacred rages . And as th'influent stone Of Father Ioues great and laborious Sonne , Lifts high the heauie Iron ; and farre implies The wide Orbs ; that the Needle rectifies , In vertuous guide of euery sea-driuen course , To all aspiring , his one boundlesse force : So from one Homer , all the holy fire , That euer did the hidden heate inspire In each true Muse , came cleerly sparkling downe , And must for him , compose one flaming Crowne . He , at Ioues Table set , fils out to vs , Cups that repaire Age , sad and minous ; And giues it Built , of an eternall stand , With his all-sinewie Odyssaean hand . Shifts Time , and Fate ; puts Death in Lifes free state ; And Life doth into Ages propagate . He doth in Men , the Gods affects inflame ; His fuell Vertue , blowne by Praise and Fame : And with the high soules , first impulsions driuen , Breakes through rude Chaos , Earth , the Seas , and Heauen . The Nerues of all things hid in Nature , lie Naked before him ; all their Harmonie Tun'd to his Accents ; that in Beasts breathe Minds . What Fowles , what Floods , what Earth , what Aire , what Winds , What fires Aethereall , what the Gods conclude In all their Counsels , his Muse makes indude With varied voices , that e●en rockes haue mou'd . And yet for all this , ( naked Vertue lou'd ) Honors without her , he , as abiect , prises ; And foolish Fame , deriu'd from thence , despises . When from the vulgar , taking glorious bound , Vp to the Mountaine , where the Muse is crownd ; He sits and laughs , to see the iaded Rabble , Toile to his hard heights , t' all accesse vnable . &c. And that your Lordship may in his Face , take view of his Mind : the first word of his Iliads , is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wrath : the first word of his Odysses , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Man : contracting in either word , his each workes Proposition . In one , Predominant Perturbation ; in the other , ouer-ruling Wisedome : in one , the Bodies feruour and fashion of outward Fortitude , to all possible height of Heroicall Action ; in the other , the Minds inward , constant , and vnconquerd Empire ; vnbroken , vnalterd , with any most insolent , and tyrannous infliction . To many most souer aigne praises is this Poeme entitled ; but to that Grace in chiefe , which sets on the Crowne , both of Poets and Orators ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : that is , Parua magnè dicere ; peruulgata nouè ; ieiuna plenè : To speake things litle , greatly ; things commune , rarely ; things barren and emptie , fruitfully and fully . The returne of a man into his Countrie , is his whole scope and obiect ; which , in it selfe , your Lordship may well say , is ieiune and fruitlesse enough ; affoording nothing feastfull , nothing magnificent . And yet euen this , doth the diuine inspiration , render vast , illustrous , and of miraculous composure . And for this ( my Lord ) is this Poeme preferred to his Iliads : for therein much magnificence , both of person and action , giues great aide to his industrie ; but in this , are these helpes , exceeding sparing , or nothing ; and yet is the Structure so elaborate , and pompous , that the poore plaine Groundworke ( considered together ) may seeme the naturally rich wombe to it , and produce it needfully . Much wonderd at therefore , is the Censure of Dionysius Longimus ( a man otherwise affirmed , graue , and of elegant iudgement ) comparing Homer in his Iliads , to the Sunne rising ; in his Odysses , to his descent or setting . Or to the Ocean robd of his aesture ; many tributorie flouds and riuers of excellent ornament , withheld from their obseruance . When this his worke so farre exceeds the Ocean , with all his Court and concourse ; that all his Sea , is onely a seruiceable streame to it . Nor can it be compared to any One power to be named in nature ; being an entirely wel-sorted and digested Confluence of all . Where the most solide and graue , is made as nimble and fl●ent , as the most airie and firie ; the nimble and fluent , as firme and well bounded as the most graue and solid . And ( taking all together ) of so tender impression , and of such Command to the voice of the Muse ; that they knocke heauen with her breath , and discouer their foundations as low as hell . Nor is this all-comprising Poesie , phantastique , or meere fictiue ; but the most material , and doctrinall illations of Truth ; both for all manly information of Manners in the yong ; all prescription of Iustice , and euen Christian pietie , in the most graue and high-gouernd . To illustrate both which , in both kinds , with all height of expression , the Poet creates both a Bodie and a Soule in them . Wherein , if the Bodie ( being the letter , or historie ) seemes fictiue , and beyond Possibilitie to bring into Act : the sence then and Allegorie ( which is the Soule ) is to be sought : which intends a more eminent express●re of Vertue , for her louelinesse ; and of Vice for her vglinesse , in their seuer all effects ; going beyond the life , then any Art within life , can possibly delineate . Why then is Fiction , to this end , so hatefull to our true Ignorants ? Or why should a poore Chronicler of a Lord Maiors naked Truth , ( that peraduenture will last his yeare ) include more worth with our ●oderne wizerds , then Homer for his naked Vlysses , clad in eternall Fiction ? But this Prozer Dionysius , and the rest of these graue , and reputatiuely learned , ( that dare vndertake for their grauities , the headstrong censure of all things ; and challenge the vnderstanding of these Toyes in their childhoods : when euen these childish vanities , retaine deepe and most necessarie learning enough in them , to make them children in their ages , and teach them while they liue ) are not in these absolutely di●ine Infusions , allowd either voice or relish : for , Qui Poeticas ad fores accedit , &c. ( sayes the Diuine Philosopher ) he that knocks at the Gates of the Muses ; sine Musarum furore ; is neither to be admitted entrie , nor a touch at their Thresholds : his opinion of entrie , ridiculous , and his presumption impious . Nor must Poets themselues ( might I a litle insist on these contempts ▪ not tempting too farre your Lordships Vlyssean patience ) presume to these doores , without the truly genuine , and peculiar induction ▪ There being in Poesie a twofold rapture , ( or alienation of soule , as the abouesaid Te●cher termes it ) one Insania , a disease of the mind , and a meere madnesse , by which the infected is thrust beneath all the degrees of humanitie : & ex homine , Brutum quodammodo redditur : ( for which , poore Poesie , in this diseasd and impostorous age , is so barbarously vilified ) the other is , Diuinus furor ; by which the sound and 〈◊〉 healthfull , supra hominis naturam erigitur , & in Deum transit . One a perfection directly infused from God : the other an infection , obliquely and degenerately proceeding from man. Of the diuine Furie ( my Lord ) your Homer hath euer bene , both first and last Instance ; being pronounced absolutely , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; the most wise and most diuine Poet. Against whom , whosoeuer shall open his prophane mouth , may worthily receiue answer , with this of his diuine defender ; ( Empedocles , Heraclitus , Protagoras , Epichar : &c. being of Homers part ) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. who against such an Armie , and the Generall Homer dares attempt the assault , but he must be reputed ridiculous ? And yet against this hoast , and this inuincible Commander , shall we haue euery Besogne and foole a Leader . The common herd ( I assure my self ) readie to receiue it on their hornes . Their infected Leaders , Such men , as sideling ride the ambling Muse ; Whose saddle is as frequent as the stuse . Whose Raptures are in euery Pageant seene ; In euery Wassall rime , and Dancing greene : When he that writes by any beame of Truth , Must diue as deepe as he ; past shallow youth . Truth dwels in Gulphs , whose Deepes hide shades so rich , That Night sits muffl'd there , in clouds of pitch : More Darke then Nature made her ; and requires ( To cleare her tough mists ) Heauens great fire of fires ; To whom , the Sunne it selfe is but a Beame . For sicke soules then ( but rapt in foolish Dreame ) To wrestle with these Heau'n-strong mysteries ; What madnesse is it ? when their light , serues eies That are not worldly , in their least aspect ; But truly pure ; and aime at Heauen , direct . Yet these , none like ; but what the brazen head Blatters abroad ; no sooner borne , but dead . Holding then in eternal contempt ( my Lord ) those short-liued Bubbles ; eternize your vertue and iudgement with the Grecian Monark ; esteeming , not as the least of your New-yeares Presents , Homer ( three thousand yeares dead ) now reuiu'd , Euen from that dull Death , that in life he liu'd ; When none conceited him ; none vnderstood , That so much life , in so much death as blood Conueys about it , could mixe . But when Death Drunke vp the bloudie Mist , that humane breath Pour'd round about him ( Pouertie and Spight , Thickning the haplesse vapor ) then Truths light Glimmerd about his Poeme : the pincht soule , ( Amidst the Mysteries it did enroule ) Brake powrefully abroad . And as we see The Sunne all hid in clouds , at length , got free , Through some forc't couert , ouer all the wayes , Neare and beneath him , shootes his vented rayes Farre off , and stickes them in some litle Glade ; All woods , fields , riuers , left besides in shade : So your Apollo , from that world of light , Closde in his Poems bodie ; shot to sight Some few forc't Beames ; which neare him , were not seene , ( As in his life or countrie ) Fate and Spleene , Clouding their radiance ; which when Death had clear'd ; To farre off Regions , his free beames appear'd : In which , all stood and wonderd ; striuing which , His Birth and Rapture , should in right enrich . Twelue Labours of your Thespian Hercules , I now present your Lordship : Do but please To lend Life meanes , till th' other Twelue receaue Equall atchieuement ; and let Death then reaue My life now lost in our Patrician Loues , That knocke heads with the herd : in whom there moues One blood , one soule : both drownd in one set height Of stupid Enuie , and meere popular Spight . Whose loues , with no good , did my least veine fill ; And from their hates , ● I feare as little ill . Their Boun●●es nourish not , when most they feed , But where there is no Merit , or no Need : Raine into riuers still ; and are such showres , As bubbles spring , and ouerflow the flowres . Their worse parts , and worst men , their Best subornes , Like winter Cowes , whose milke runnes to their hornes . And as litigious Clients bookes of Law , Cost infinitely ; taste of all the Awe , Bencht in our kingdomes Policie , Pietie , State ; Earne all their deepe explorings ; satiate All sorts there thrust together by the heart , With thirst of wisedome , spent on either part : Horrid examples made of Life and Death , From their fine stuffe wouen : yet when once the breath Of sentence leaues them , all their worth is drawne As drie as dust ; and weares like Cobweb Lawne : So these men set a price vpon their worth , That no man giues , but those that trot it forth , Through Needs foule wayes ; feed Humors , with all cost , Though Iudgement sterues in them : Rout : State engrost ( At all Tabacco benches , solemne Tables , Where all that crosse their Enuies , are their fables ) In their ranke faction : Shame , and Death approu'd Fit Penance for their Opposites : none lou'd But those that rub them : not a Reason heard , That doth not sooth and glorifie their preferd Bitter Opinions . When , would Truth resume The cause to his hands ; all would flie in fume Before his sentence ; since the innocent mind , Iust God makes good ; to whom their worst is wind . For , that I freely all my Thoughts expresse , My Conscience is my Thousand witnesses : And to this stay , my constant Comforts vow ; You for the world I haue , or God for you . Certaine ancient Greeke Epigrammes T●anslated . 〈◊〉 starres are 〈◊〉 vp by the firie S●nne ; And in so much a flame , lies 〈◊〉 the Moone : : 〈…〉 Name , all 〈…〉 Death ; 〈…〉 Another . Heau'ns fires 〈…〉 〈◊〉 his Sphere ; Graue Night , the light ●eed of the Day shall 〈◊〉 : Fresh streames shall chace the 〈…〉 shall teare Her fishie bottomes : Men , in long date dead , Shall rise , and 〈…〉 Another . The great Maeonides doth onely write ; And to him dictates , the great God of Light. Another . Seuen kingdomes str●●e , in which should swell the wombe That bore great Homer ; whom Fame freed from Tombe : Argos , Chius , Pylos , Smyrna , Colophone ; The learn'd Athenian , and Vlyssean Throne . Another . 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 THE FIRST BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . THe Gods in counsaile sit , to call Vlysses from Calypso's thrall ; And order their high pleasures , thus ; Gray Pallas , to Telemachus ( In Ithaca ) her way addrest ; And did her heauenly lims inuest In Menta's likenesse ; that did raigne King of the Taphians ( in the Maine , Whose rough waues neare Leucadia runne ) Aduising wise Vlysses sonne To seeke his father ; and addresse His course to yong Tantalides That gouern'd Sparta . Thus much said , She shewd she was Hea●'ns martiall Maid , And vanisht from him . Next to this , The Banquet of the wooers is . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Deities sit ; The Man retir'd ▪ Th'Vlyssean wit , By Pallas fir'd . THe Man ( O Muse ) informe , that many a way , Wound with his wisedome to his wished stay . That wanderd wondrous farre , when , He , the towne Of sacred Troy , had sackt , and shiuerd downe . The cities of a world of nations , With all their manners , mindes , and fashions He saw and knew . At Sea felt many woes ; Much care sustaind , to saue from ouerthrowes Himselfe , and friends , in their retreate for home . But so , their fates , he could not ouercome , Though much he thirsted it . O men vnwise , They perisht by their owne impieties , That in their hungers rapine would not shunne The Oxen of the loftie-going Sunne : Who therefore from their eyes , the day bereft Of safe returne . These acts in some part left , Tell vs , as others , deified seed of Ioue . Now all the rest that austere Death out-stroue At Troys long siege , at home safe anchor'd are , Free from the malice both of sea and warre ; Onely Vlysses is denide accesse To wife and home . The Grace of Goddesses The reuerend Nymph C●lypso did detaine Him in her Ca●●es : past all the race of men , Enflam'd to make him her lou'd Lord and Spouse . And when the Gods had destin'd that his house , Which Ithaca on her rough bosome beares , ( The point of time wrought out by ambient yeares ) Should be his hauen ; Contention still extends Her enuie to him , euen amongst his friends . All Gods tooke pitie on him : onely he That girds Earth in the cincture of the sea , Diuine Vlysses euer did enuie , And made the fixt port of his birth to flie . But he himselfe solemniz'd a retreate To th'Aethiops , farre dissunderd in their seate ; ( In two parts parted ; at the Sunnes descent , And vnderneath his golden Orient , The first and last of men ) t' enioy their feast Of buls and lambes , in Hecatombs addrest : At which he sat , giuen ouer to Delight . The other Gods , in heauens supreamest height Were all in Councell met : To whom began The mightie Father , both of God and man , Discourse , inducing matter , that inclin'd To wise Vlysses ; calling to his mind a Faultfull Aegisthus , who to death was done , By yong Orestes , Agamemnons sonne . His memorie to the Immortals then , Mou'd Ioue thus deeply : O how falsly , men Accuse vs Gods , as authors of their ill , When , by the bane their owne bad liues instill , They suffer all the miseries of their states , Past our inflictions , and beyond their fates . As now Aegisthus , past his fate , did wed The wife of Agamemnon ; and ( in dread To suffer death himselfe ) to shunne his ill , Incurr'd it by the loose bent of his will , In slaughtering Atrides in retreate . Which , we foretold him , would so hardly set To his murtherous purpose ; sending Mercurie ( That slaughterd Argus ) our considerate spie , To giue him this charge : Do not wed his wife , Nor murther him ; for thou shalt buy his life , With ransome of thine owne ; imposde on thee By his Orestes ; when , in him shall be Atrides selfe renewd ; and but the prime Of youths spring put abroad ; in thirst to clime His haughtie Fathers throne , by his high acts . These words of Hermes , wrought not into facts Aegisthus powres ; good counsell he despisde , And to that Good , his ill is sacrifisde . Pall●s ( whose eyes did sparkle like the skies ) Answerd : O Sire ! supreame of Deities ; Aegisthus past his Fate , and had desert To warrant our infliction ; and conuert May all the paines , such impious men inflict On innocent sufferers ; to reuenge as strict , Their owne hearts eating . But , that Ithacus ( Thus neuer meriting ) should suffer thus ; I deeply suffer . His more pious mind Diuides him from these fortunes . Though vnkind Is Pietie to him , giuing him a fate , More suffering then the most infortunate ; So long kept friendlesse , in a sea-girt soile , Where the seas nauile is a syluane I le , In which the Goddesse dwels , that doth deriue Her birth from Atlas ; who , of all aliue , The motion and the fashion doth command , With his b wise mind , whose forces vnderstand The inmost deepes and gulfes of all the seas : Who ( for his skill of things superiour ) stayes The two steepe Columnes that ●rop earth and heauen . His daughter t is , who holds this c homelesse-driuen , Still mourning with her . Euermore profuse Of soft and winning speeches ; that abuse And make so d languishingly , and possest With so remisse a mind ; her loued guest Manage the action of his way for home . Where he ( though in affection ouercome ) In iudgement yet ; more longs to shew his hopes , His countries smoke leape from her chimney tops , And death askes in her armes . Yet neuer shall Thy lou'd heart be conuerted on his thrall , ( Austere Oly 〈◊〉 : ) did not euer he , In ample Troy , thy altars gratifie ? And Grecians Fleete make in thy offerings swim ? O 〈◊〉 , why still then burnes thy wrath to him ? The Cloud-assembler answerd : What words flie ( Bold daughter ) from thy Pale of e Ivorie ? As if I euer could cast from my care Diuine Vlysses , who exceeds so farre All men in wisedome ? and so oft hath giuen To all th'Immortals thron'd in ample heauen , So great and sacred gifts ? But his decrees , That holds the earth in with his nimble knees , Stand to Vlysses longings so extreme , For taking from the God-foe Polyphe●e His onely eye ; a Cyclop , that excell'd All other Cyclops : with whose burthen swell'd The Nymph Th●osa ; the diuine increase Of Phorcis seed , a great God of the seas . She mixt with Neptune in his hollow caues , And bore this Cyclop to that God of waues . For whose lost eye , th'Earth-shaker did not kill Erring Vlysses ; but reserues him still In life for more death . But vse we our powres , And round about vs cast these cares of ours , All to discouer how we may preferre His wisht retreate ; and Nept●ne make forbeare His sterne eye to him : since no one God can In spite of all , preuaile , but gainst a man. To this , this answer made the gray-eyd Maide : Supreame of rulers , since so well apaide The blessed Gods are all then , now , in thee To limit wise Vlysses miserie ; And that you speake , as you referd to me Prescription for the meanes ; in this sort be Their sacred order : let vs now addresse With vtmost speed , our swift Argicides , To tell the Nymph that beares the golden Tres●e In th'ile Ogygia , that t is our will She should not stay our lou'd Vlysses still ; But suffer his returne : and then will I To Ithaca , to make his sonne apply His Sires inquest the more ; infusing force Into his soule , to summon the concourse Of curld-head Greekes to counsaile : and deterre Each wooer that hath bene the slaughterer Of his fat sheepe and crooked-headed beeues , From more wrong to his mother ; and their leaues Take in such termes , as fit deserts so great . To Sparta then , and Pylos , where doth beate Bright Amathus , the flood and epithete To all that kingdome ; my aduice shall send The spirit-aduanc'd Prince , to the pious end Of seeking his lost father ; if he may Receiue report from Fame , where rests his stay ; And make , besides , his owne successiue worth , Knowne to the world ; and set in action forth . This said , her wingd shooes to her feete she tied , Formd all of gold , and all eternified ; That on the round earth , or the sea , sustaind Her rauisht substance , swift as gusts of wind . Then tooke she her strong Lance , with steele made keene , Great , massie , actiue , that whole hoasts of men ( Though all Heroes ) conquers ; if her ire Their wrongs inflame , backt by so great a Sire . Downe from Olympus tops , she headlong diu'd ; And swift as thought , in Ithaca arriu'd , Close at Vlysses gates ; in whose first court , She made her stand ; and for her breasts support , Leand on her iron Lance : her forme imprest With Mentas likenesse , come , as being a guest . There found she those proud wooers , that were then Set on those Oxe-hides that themselues had slaine , Before the gates ; and all at dice were playing . To them the heralds , and the rest obaying , Fill'd wine and water ; some , still as they plaid ; And some , for solemne suppers stare , puruaid ; With porous sponges , clensing tables , seru'd With much rich feast ; of which to all they keru'd . God-like Telemachus , amongst them sat , Grieu'd much in mind ; and in his heart begat All representment of his absent Sire ; How ( come from far-off parts ) his spirits would fire With those proud wooers sight , with slaughter parting Their bold concourse ; and to himselfe conuerting The honors they vsurpt , his owne commanding . In this discourse , he , first , saw Pallas standing Vnbidden entrie : vp rose , and addrest His pace right to her ; angrie that a guest Should stand so long at gate : and coming neare , Her right hand tooke ; tooke in his owne , her speare ; And thus saluted : Grace to your repaire , ( Faire guest ) your welcome shall be likewise faire . Enter , and ( chear'd with feast ) disclose th' intent That causde your coming . This said ; first he went , And Pallas followd . To a roome they came , Steepe , and of state ; the Iauelin of the Dame , He set against a pillar , vast and hie , Amidst a large and bright-kept Armorie , Which was , besides , with woods of Lances grac'd , Of his graue fathers . In a throne , he plac'd The man-turnd Goddesse ; vnder which was spred A Carpet , rich , and of deuicefull thred ; A footstoole staying her feete ; and by her chaire , Another seate ( all garnisht wondrous faire , To rest , or sleepe on in the day ) he set Farre from the prease of wooers ; lest at meate The noise they still made , might offend his guest , Disturbing him at banquet or at rest , Euen to his combat , with that pride of theirs , That kept no noble forme in their affaires . And these he set farre from them , much the rather To question freely of his absent father . A Table fairely polisht then , was spread , On which a reuerend officer set bread ; And other seruitors , all sorts of meate , ( Salads , and flesh , such as their haste could get ) Seru'd with obseruance in . And then the S●wre , Prowr'd water from a great and golden Ewre , That from their hands , t' a siluer Caldron ran ; Both washt , and seated close ; the voicefull man Fetcht cups of gold , and set by them ; and round Those cups with wine , with all endeuour crownd . Then rusht in the rude wooers ; themselues plac't ; The heralds water gaue ; the maids in haste Seru'd bread from baskets . When , of all prepar'd , And set before them ; the bold wooers shar'd ; Their Pages plying their cups , past the rest . But lustie wooers must do more then feast ; For now ( their hungers and their thirsts allaid ) They call'd for songs , and Dances . Those , they said , Were th' ornaments of feast . The herald strait A Harpe , caru'd full of artificiall sleight , Thrust into Phemius ( a learnd singers ) hand , Who , till he much was vrg'd , on termes did stand ; But after , plaid and sung with all his art . Telemachus , to Pallas then ( apart , His eare inclining close , that none might heare ) In this sort said : My Guest , exceeding deare , Will you not sit incenst , with what I say ? These are the cares these men take ; feast and play : Which easly they may vse , because they eate , Free , and vnpunisht , of anothers meate . And of a mans , whose white bones wasting lie In some farre region , with th'incessancie Of showres powr'd downe vpon them ; lying ashore ; Or in the seas washt nak'd . Who , if he wore Those bones with flesh , and life , and industrie ; And these , might here in Ithaca , set eye On him returnd ; they all would wish to be , Either past other , in celeritie Of feete and knees ; and not contend t' exceed In golden garments . But his vertues feed The fate of ill death : nor is left to me The least hope of his lifes recouerie ; No not , if any of the mortall race Should tell me his returne ; the chearfull face Of his returnd day , neuer will appeare . But tell me ; and let Truth , your witnesse beare ; Who ? and from whence you are ? what cities birth ? What parents ? In what vessell set you forth ? And with what mariners arriu'd you here ? I cannot thinke you a foote passenger . Recount then to me all ; to teach me well , Fit vsage for your worth . And if it fell In chance now first that you thus see vs here , Or that in former passages you were My fathers guest ? For many men haue bene Guests to my father . Studious of men , His sociable nature euer was . On him againe , the grey-eyd Maide did passe This kind reply ; I le answer passing true , All thou hast askt : My birth , his honour drew From wise Anchialus . The name I beare , Is Mentas , the commanding Ilander Of all the Taphians , studious in the art Of Nauigation . Hauing toucht this part With ship and men ; of purpose to maintaine Course through the darke seas , t'other languag'd men . And Temesis sustaines the cities name , For which my ship is bound ; made knowne by fame , For rich in brasse ; which my occasions need ; And therefore bring I shining steele in steed , Which their vse wants ; yet makes my vessels freight ; That neare a plowd field , rides at anchors weight , Apart this citie , in the harbor calld Rethrus , whose waues , with Neius woods are walld . Thy Sire and I , were euer mutuall guests , At eithers house , still interchanging feasts . I glorie in it . Aske , when thou shalt see Laertes , th' old Her●e , these of mee , From the beginning . He , men say , no more Visits the Citie ; but will needs deplore His sonnes beleeu'd losse , in a priuate field ; One old maide onely , at his hands to yeeld Foode to his life , as oft as labour makes His old limbs faint ; which though he creepes , he takes Along a fruitfull plaine , set all with vines , Which , husbandman-like ( though a King ) he proines . But now I come to be thy fathers guest ; I heare he wanders , while these wooers feast . And ( as th'Immortals prompt me at this houre ) I le tell thee , out of a prophetique powre , ( Not as profest a Prophet , nor cleare seene At all times , what shall after chance to men ) What I conceiue , for this time , will be true : The Gods inflictions keepe your Sire from you . Diuine Vlysses , yet , abides not dead Aboue earth , nor beneath ; nor buried In any seas , ( as you did late conceiue ) But , with the broad sea sieg'd , is kept aliue Within an I le , by rude and vp-land men , That in his spite , his passage home detaine . Yet long it shall not be , before he tred His countries deare earth ; though solicited , And held from his returne , with iron chaines . For he hath wit to forge a world of traines , And will , of all , be sure to make good one , For his returne , so much relide vpon . But tell me , and be true : Art thou indeed So much f a sonne , as to be said the seed Of Ithacus himselfe ? Exceeding much Thy forehead and faire eyes , at his forme touch : For oftentimes we met , as you and I Meete at this houre ; before he did apply His powres for Troy. When other Grecian States , In hollow ships were his associates . But since that time , mine eyes could neuer see Renowmd Vlysses ; nor met his with me . The wise Telemachus againe replide : You shall withall I know , be satisfide . My mother , certaine , sayes I am his sonne : I know not ; nor was euer simply knowne By any child , the sure truth of his Sire . But would my veines had tooke in liuing fire From some man happie , rather then one wise , Whom age might see seizd , of what youth made prise . But he , whoeuer of the mortall race Is most vnblest , he holds my fathers place . This , since you aske , I answer . She , againe : The Gods sure did not make the future straine Both of thy race and dayes , obscure to thee , Since thou wert borne so of Penelope . The stile may by thy after acts be wonne , Of so great Sire , the high vndoubted sonne . Say truth in this then : what 's this feasting here ? What all this rout ? Is all this nuptiall cheare ? Or else some friendly banquet made by thee ? For here no shots are , where all sharers be . Past measure contumeliously , this crew Fare through thy house ; which should th' ingenuous view Of any good or wise man come and find , ( Impietie seeing playd in euery kind ) He could not but through euery veine be mou'd . Againe Telemachus : My guest much lou'd , Since you demand and sift these sights so farre ; I grant t were fit , a house so regular , Rich , and so faultlesse , once in gouernment , Should still , at all parts , the same forme present , That gaue it glorie , while her Lord was here . But now the Gods , that vs displeasure beare , Haue otherwise appointed ; and disgrace My father most , of all the mortall race . For whom I could not mourne so , were he dead , Amongst his fellow Captaines slaughtered By common enemies ; or in the hands Of his kind friends , had ended his commands ; After he had egregiously bestow'd His powre and order in a warre so vow'd ; And to his tombe , all Greekes their grace had done ; That to all ages he might leaue his sonne Immortall honor : but now Harpies haue Digg'd in their gorges his abhorred graue . Obscure , inglorious , Death hath made his end ; And me ( for glories ) to all griefes contend . Nor shall I any more mourne him alone ; The Gods haue giuen me other cause of mone . For looke how many Optimates remaine In Samos , or the shoares Dulichian , Shadie Zacynthus ; or how many beare Rule in the rough browes of this Iland here ▪ So many now , my mother and this house , At all parts make defam'd and ruinous . And she , her hatefull nuptials , nor denies , Nor will dispatch their importunities : Though she beholds them spoile still , as they feast , All my free house yeelds : and the little rest Of my dead Sire in me , perhaps intend To bring , ere long , to some vntimely end . This Pallas sigh'd , and answerd : O ( said she ) Absent Vlysses is much mist by thee : That on these shamelesse suiters he might lay His wreakfull hands . Should he now come , and stay In thy Courts first gates , armd with helme and shield , And two such darts as I haue seene him wield , When first I saw him in our Taphian Court , Feasting , and doing his deserts disport ; When from Ephyrus he returnd by vs From Il●s , sonne to Centa●re Mer●●rus ; To whom he traueld through the watrie dreads , For bane to poison his sharpe arrowes heads , That death , but toucht , causde ; which he would not giue , Because he fear'd , the Gods that euer liue , Would plague such death with death ; and yet their feare Was to my fathers bosome not so deare As was thy fathers loue ; ( for what he sought , My louing father found him , to a thought . ) If such as then , Vlysses might but meete With these proud wooers ; all were at his feete But instant dead men ; and their nuptials Would proue as bitter as their dying galls . But these things in the Gods knees are reposde , If his returne shall see with wreake inclosde , These in his house , or he returne no more . And therefore I aduise thee to explore All waies thy selfe , to set these wooers gone ; To which end giue me fit attention ; To morrow into solemne councell call The Greeke Heroes ; and declare to all ( The Gods being witnesse ) what thy pleasure is : Command to townes of their natiuities , These frontlesse wooers . If thy mothers mind , Stands to her second nuptials , so enclinde ; Returne she to her royall fathers towers , Where th' one of these may wed her , and her dowers Make rich , and such as may consort with grace , So deare a daughter , of so great a race . And thee I warne as well , ( if thou as well Wilt heare and follow ) take thy best built saile , With twentie owers mann'd , and haste t' enquire Where the abode is of thy absent Sire ; If any can informe thee , or thine eare From Io●e the fame of his retreate may heare ; ( For chiefly Ioue giues all that honours men ) . To Pylos first be thy addression then To god-like Nestor . Thence , to Sparta , haste To gold-lockt Menelaus , who was last Of all the brasse-armd Greekes that saild from Troy. And trie from both these , if thou canst enioy Newes of thy Sires returnd life , any where , Though sad thou sufferst in his search , a yeare . If of his death thou hear'st , returne thou home ; And to his memorie erect a tombe : Performing parent-rites , of feast and game , Pompous , and such as best may fit his fame : And then thy mother a fit husband giue . These past , consider how thou maist depriue Of worthlesse life , these wooers in thy house ; By open force , or proiects enginous . Things childish fit not thee ; th' art so no more : Hast thou not heard , how all men did adore Diuine Orestes , after he had slaine Aegisthus , murthering by a trecherous traine His famous father ? Be then ( my most lou'd ) Valiant and manly ; euery way approu'd As great as he . I see thy person fit ▪ Noble thy mind , and excellent thy wit ; All giuen thee , so to vse and manage here , That euen past death they may their memories beare . In meane time I le descend to ship and men , That much expect me . Be obseruant then Of my aduice , and carefull to maintaine In equall acts thy royall fathers raigne . Telemachus replide : You ope ( faire Guest ) A friends heart , in your speech ; as well exprest , As might a father serue t' informe his sonne : All which ▪ sure place haue in my memorie wonne . Abide yet , though your voyage calls away ; That hauing bath'd ; and dignifide your stay With some more honour ; you may yet beside , Delight your mind , by being gratifide your stay With some rich Present , taken in your way ; That , as a Iewell , your respect may lay Vp in your treasurie ; bestowd by me , As free friends vse to guests of such degree . Detaine me not ( said she ) so much inclinde To haste my voyage . What thy loued minde Commands to giue ; at my returne this way , Bestow on me ; that I directly may Conuey it home ; which ( more of price to mee ) The more it askes my recompence to thee . This said , away gray-eyd Minerua flew , Like to a mounting Larke ; and did endue His mind with strength and boldnesse ; and much more Made him , his father long for , then before . And weighing better who his guest might be , He stood amaz'd , and thought a Deitie Was there descended : to whose will he fram'd His powres at all parts ; and went , so inflam'd Amongst the wooers ; who were silent set , To heare a Poet sing the sad retreat The Greekes performd from Tr●y : which was from thence Proclaimd by Pallas , paine of her offence . When which diuine song , was perceiu'd to beare That mournfull subiect , by the listning eare Of wi●e Penelope ( Icari●● seed , Who from an vpper roome had giu'n it heed ) Downe she descended by a winding staire ; Not solel● ; but the State , in her repaire , Two Maides of Honour made . And when this Queene Of women , stoopt so low , she might be seene By all her wooers . In the doore , aloofe ( Entring the Hall , grac'd with a goodly roofe ) She stood , in shade of gracefull vailes implide About her beauties : on her either 〈◊〉 , Her honor'd women . When , ( to 〈◊〉 mo●'d ) thus She chid the sacred Singer : 〈◊〉 , You know a number more of these gre●● deeds , Of Gods and men ( that are the sacred 〈◊〉 And proper subiects of a Poets song , And those due pleasures that to men belong ) Besides these facts that furnish Tr●is retreate , Sing one of those to these , that round your ●eate They may with silence sit , and taste their wine : But cea●●e this song , that through these eares of mine , Conuey deseru'd occasion to my heart Of endlesse sorrowes ; of which , the desert In me , vnmeasur'd is , past all these men ; So endlesse is the memorie I retaine ; And so desertfull is that memorie Of such a man , as hath a dignitie So broad , it spreds it selfe through all the pride Of Greece , and Argos . To the Queene , replide Inspir'd Telemachus : Why thus enuies My mother , him that fits g societies With so much harmonie , to let him please His owne mind , in his will to honor these ▪ For these h ingenuous , and first sort of men , That do immediatly from Io●e retaine Their singing raptures ; are by Ioue as well Inspir'd with choice , of what their songs impell . Ioues will is free in it ; and therefore theirs ; Nor is this man to blame , that the repaires The Greekes make homeward , sings : for his fresh Muse , Men still most celebrate , that sings most newes . And therefore in his note , your eares employ : For , not Vlysses onely lost in Troy The day of his returne ; but numbers more , The deadly ruines of his fortunes bore . Go you then , In ; and take your worke in hand ; Your web , and distaffe , and your maids command To plie their fit worke . Words , to men are due , And those reprouing counsels you pursue ; And most , to me , of all men ; since I beare The rule of all things , that are manag'd here . She went amazd away ; and in her heart , Laid vp the wisedome Pallas did impart To her lou'd sonne so lately ; turnd againe Vp to her chamber ; and no more would raigne In manly counsels . To her women , she Applied her sway ; and to the wooers , he Began new orders ; other spirits bewraid Then those , in spite of which , the wooers swaid . And ( whiles his mothers teares , still washt her eies , Till gray Minerua did those teares surprise With timely sleepe ; and that her woo'rs did rouse Rude Tumult vp , through all the shadie house , Disposde to sleepe because their widow was ) Telemachus , this new-giuen spirit did passe On their old insolence : Ho! you that are My mothers wooers ! much too high ye beare Your petulant spirits : sit ; and while ye may Enioy me in your banquets : see ye lay These loud notes downe ; nor do this man the wrong , ( Because my mother hath dislikt his song ) To grace her interruption : t is a thing Honest , and honourd too , to heare one sing Numbers so like the Gods in elegance , As this man flowes in . By the mornes i first light , I le call ye all before me , in a Court , That I may cleerly banish your resort With all your rudenesse , from these roofes of mine . Away ; and elsewhere in your feasts combine : Consume your owne goods , and make mutuall feast At eithers house . Or if ye still hold best , And for your humors more suffised fill , To feed , to spoile ( because vnpunisht still ) On other findings : spoile ; but here I call Th' eternall Gods to witnesse , if it fall In my wisht reach once , to be dealing wreakes , ( By Ioues high bountie ) these your present checks , To what I giue in charge , shall adde mo●e reines To my reuenge hereafter ; and the paines Ye then must suffer , shall passe all your pride , Euer to see redrest , or qualifide . At this , all bit their lips ; and did admire His words sent from him , with such phrase , and fire : Which so much mou'd them ; that 〈◊〉 ( Eupytheus sonne ) cried out : Te●●●achus ! The Gods , I thinke , haue rapt thee to this height Of elocution ; and this great conceit Of selfe-abilitie . We all may pray , That I●●e inuest not in this kingdomes sway , Thy forward forces ; which I see put forth A hote ambition in thee , for thy birth . Be not offended , ( he replide ) if I Shall say , I would assume this emperie , If Ioue gaue leaue . You are not he that sings , The rule of kingd●●es is the worst of things . Nor is it ill , at all , to sway a throne : A man may quic●●y gaine possession Of mightie riches ; make a wondrous prise Set of his vertues ; but the dignities That decke a King , there are enough beside In this circumfluous I le , that want no pride To thinke them worthy of ; as yong as I , And old as you are . An ascent so hie , My thoughts affect not : dead is he that held Desert of vertue to haue so exceld . But of these turrets , I will take on me To be the absolute King ; and reigne as free As did my father , ouer all , his hand Left here , in this house , slaues to my command . Eurymachus , the sonne of Polyb●● , To this , made this reply : Tele●achus ! The Girlond of this kingdome , let the knees Of deitie runne for : but the faculties , This house is seasd of , and the turrets here , Thou shalt be Lord of ; nor shall any beare The least part of , of all thou doest possesse , As long as this land is no wildernesse , Nor rul'd by out-lawes ) . But giue these their passe , And tell me ( best of Prince ) who he was That guested here so late ? from whence ? and what In any region bosted he his state ? His race ? his countrie ? Brought he any newes Of thy returning Father ? Or for dues Of moneys to him , made he fit repaire ? How sodainly he rusht into the aire ? Nor would sustaine to stay , and make him knowne ? His Port shewd no debaucht companion . He answerd : Thereturne of my lou'd Sire , Is past all hope ; and should rude Fame inspire From any place , a flattring messenger , With newes of his suruiuall ; he should beare No least beliefe off , from my desperate loue . Which if a sacred Prophet should approue , ( Calld by my mother for her cares vnrest ) It should not moue me . For my late faire guest , He was of old my Fathers : touching here From Sea-girt Taphos ; and for name doth beare Mentas ; the sonne of wise Anchialus ; And gouernes all the Taphians , studious Of Nauigation . This he said : but knew It was a Goddesse . These againe withdrew To dances , and attraction of the song . And while their pleasures did the time prolong , The sable Euen descended ; and did steepe The lids of all men in desire of sleepe . Telemachus , into a roome built hie , Of his illustrous Court ; and to the eie Of circular prospect ; to his bed ascended ; And in his mind , much weightie thought contended . Before him , Euryclaea ( that well knew All the obseruance of a handmaids due , Daughter to Opis Pysenorides ) Bore two bright torches . Who did so much please Laërtes in her prime ; that for the price Of twentie Oxen , he made merchandize Of her rare beauties ; and Loues equall flame To her he felt , as to his nuptiall Dame. Yet neuer durst he mixe with her in bed ; So much the anger of his wife he fled . She , now growne old , to yong Telemach●s Two torches bore ; and was obsequious , Past all his other maids ; and did apply Her seruice to him , from his infancie . His wel-built chamber , reacht ; she op't the dore ; He , on his bed sat . The soft weeds he wore , Put off ; and to the diligent old maid Gaue all ; who fitly all in thicke folds laid , And hung them on a beame-pin neare the bed ; That round about was rich embrodered . Then made she haste forth from him ; and did bring The doore together with a siluer ring ; And by a string , a barre to it did pull . He , laid , and couerd well with cu●led wooll , Wouen in silke quilts : all night emploid his minde About the taske that Pallas had design'd . Finis libri primi H●m . Odyss . THE SECOND BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . TElemachus to Court doth call ▪ The wooers ; and commands them all To leaue his house ▪ and , taking then From wise Minerua , ship and men ; And all things fit for him beside , That Euryclaea could prouide For sea-rites , till he found his Sire ; He hoists saile , when heauen stoopes his fire . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The old Maids store The voyage cheres ; The ship leaues shore , Minerua steres . NOw when with rosie fingers , th' early borne , And , throwne through all the aire , appear'd the mo●e ; Vlysses lou'd sonne from his bed appeard ; His weeds put on ; and did about him gird His sword , that thwart his shoulders hung ; and tied To his faire feete , faire shooes ; and all parts plied For speedie readinesse ; who when he trod The open earth , to men , shewd like a God. The Heralds then , he strait charg'd to consort The curld-head Greekes , with lowd calls to a Court. They summon'd ; th' other came , in vtmost haste ; Who , all assembld , and in one heape plac't ; He likewse came to councell ; and did beare In his fai●e hand , his iron-headed speare : Nor came alone ; nor with men troopes prepar'd ; But two fleete dogs , made , both his traine , and Guard. Pallas supplied with her high wisedomes grace , ( That all mens wants supplies ) States painted face . His entring presence , all men did admire ; Who tooke seate in the high throne of his Sire ; To which the graue Peeres gaue him reuerend way . Amongst whom , an Aegyptian Heroe , ( Crooked with age , and full of skill ) begun The speech to all . Who had a loued sonne , That with diuine Vlysses did ascend His hollow fleete to Troy : to serue which end , He kept faire horse , and was a man at Armes ; And in the cruell Cyclops sterne alarmes , His life lost by him , in his hollow caue ; Whose entrailes open'd his abhorred graue ; And made of him ( of all Vlysses traine ) His latest supper , being latest slaine . His name was Antip●us . And this old man , This crooked growne ; this wise Aegyptian , Had three sonnes more ; of which , one riotous , A wooer was , and calld 〈◊〉 ; The other two , tooke both , his owne wisht course . Yet , both the best fates , weighd not downe the worse ; But left the old man mindfull still of mone ; Who , weeping , thus bespake the Session : Heare , Ithacensia●s , all I fitly say ; Since our diuine Vlysses parting day Neuer was councell calld , nor session ; And now , by whom is this thus vndergone ? Whom did Necessitie so much compell , Of yong or old ? Hath any one heard tell Of any coming armie ; that he thus now May openly take boldnesse to a●ow ? First hauing heard it . Or will any here Some motion for the publicke good preferre ? Some worth of note there is in this command ; And , me thinkes , it must be some good mans hand That 's put to it : that either hath direct Meanes to assist ; or , for his good affect , Hopes to be happie in the proofe he makes ; And that , Ioue grant , what ere he vndertakes . Telemachus ( reioycing much to heare The good hope , and opinion men did beare Of his young actions ) no longer ●at ; But longd t' approue , what this man pointed at ; And make his first proofe , in a cause so good : And in the Councels chiefe place , vp he stood ; When strait , Pysenor ( Herald to his Sire , And learnd in counsels ) felt his heart on fire , To heare him speake ; and put into his hand The Scepter that his Father did command ; Then ( to the old Aegyptian turnd ) he spoke : Father , not farre he is , that vndertooke To call this councell ; whom you soone shall know . My selfe , whose wrongs , my griefes will ma●e me show , Am he that author'd this assembly here ; Nor haue I heard of any armie neare ; Of which , being first told , I might iterate ; Nor for the publicke good , can aught , rela●● ▪ Onely mine owne affaires all this procure , That in my house a double ill endure ; One , hauing lost a Father so renownd , Whose kind rule once , with your command was crownd : The other is , what much more doth augment His weightie losse , the ruine imminent Of all , my house by it , my goods all spent . And of all this , the wooers , that are sonnes To our chiefe Peeres , are the Confusions : Importuning my Mothers mariage Against her will ; nor dares their blouds bold rage Go to Icarius , her fathers Court , That , his will askt , in kind and comely sort , He may endow his daughter with a dowre ; And , she consenting , at his pleasures powre , Dispose her to a man , that ( thus behau'd ) May haue fit grace ; and see her honor sau'd ; But these , in none but my house , all their liues Resolue to spend ; slaughtring my sheepe and beeues ; And with my fattest goates , lay feast on feast ; My generous wine , consuming as they list . A world of things they spoile ; here wanting one , That like Vlysses , quickly , could set gone These peace-plagues from his house , that spoile like warre . Whom my powres are vnfit , to vrge so farre , My selfe immartiall . But had I the powre , My will should serue me , to exempt this houre From out my life time . For past patience , Base deeds are done here , that exceed defence Of any honor . Falling is my house , Which you should shame to see so ruinous . Reuerence the censures , that all good men giue , That dwell about you ; and for feare to liue Exposde to heauens wrath ( that doth euer pay Paines , for ioyes forfait ) euen by Ioue I pray Or Themis ; both which , powres haue to restraine Or gather Councels ; that ye will abstaine From further spoile ; and let me onely waste In that most wretched griefe I haue embrac't For my lost Father . And though I am free From meriting your outrage ; yet , if he ( Good man ) hath euer , with a hostile heart Done ill to any Greeke ; on me conuert Your like hostilitie ; and vengeance take Of his ill , on my life ; and all these , make Ioyne in that iustice ; but to see abusde Those goods that do none ill , but being ill vsde , Exceeds all right . Yet better t is for me , My whole possessions , and my rents to see Consum'd by you ; then lose my life and all ; For on your rapine a reuenge may fall , While I liue ; and so long I may complaine About the Citie ; till my goods againe ( Oft askt ) may be with all amends repaid . But in the meane space , your mis-rule hath laid Griefes on my bosome , that can onely speake , And are denied the instant powre of wreake . This said ; his Scepter gainst the ground he threw , And teares still'd from him ; which mou'd all the crew : The Court strooke silent ; not a man did dare To giue a word , that might offend his ●are . Antinous onely , in this sort replied : High-spoken , and of spirit vnpacified ; How haue you sham'd vs , in this speech of yours ? Will you brand vs , for an offence not ours ? Your mother ( first in craft ) is first in cause . Three yeares are past , and neare , the fourth now drawes , Since first she mocked the Peeres Achaian . All , she made hope , and promist euery man : Sent for vs euer ; left loues shew in nought ; But in her heart , conceald another thought . Besides , ( as curious in her craft ) her loo●e She with a web charg'd , hard to ouercome ; And thus bespake vs : Youths that seeke my bed ; Since my diuine Spouse rests among the dead , Hold on your suites , but till I end , at most This funerall weed ; lest what is done , be lost . Besides , I purpose , that when th'austere fate Of bitter death , shall take into his state , Lae●tes the Heroe ; it shall decke His royall corse ; since I should suffer checke In ill report , of euery common dame , If one so rich , should shew in death his shame . This speech she vsde ; and this did soone perswade Our gentle mindes . But this , a worke she made So hugely long ; vndoing still in night ( By torches ) all , she did by dayes broade light ; That three yeares her deceit , diu'd past our view ; And made vs thinke , that all she faind , was true . But when the fourth yeare came ; and those ●lie houres , That still surprise at length , Dames craftiest powres ; One of her women , that knew all , disclosde The secret to vs ; that she still vnlosde Her whole daies faire affaire , in depth of night . And then , no further she could force her sleight , But , of necessitie , her worke gaue end . And thus , by me , doth euery other friend , Professing loue to her , reply to thee ; That euen thy selfe , and all Greeks else may see , That we offend not in our stay , but shee . To free thy house then , send her to her Sire ; Commanding that her choice be left entire To his election , and one settl'd will. Nor let her vexe with her illusions still , Her friends that woo her ; standing on her wit ; Because wise Pallas hath giuen wiles to it , So full of Art ; and made her vnderstand All workes , in faire skill of a Ladies hand . But ( for her working mind ) we reade of none Of all the old world ; in which Greece hath showne Her rarest peeces , that could equall her : Tyro , Alcmena , and Mycena were To hold comparison in no degree ( For solide braine ) with wise Penelope . And yet in her delayes of vs , she showes No profits skill , with all the wit she owes ; For all this time , thy goods and victuals go To vtter ruine ; and shall euer so While thus the Gods , her glorious mind dispose . Glorie , her selfe may gaine ; but thou shalt lose Thy longings euen for necessary food ; For we will neuer go , where lies our good ; Nor any other where ; till this delay She puts on all , she quits with th'endlesse stay Of some one of vs ; that to all the rest May giue free farewell with his nuptiall feast . The wise yong Prince replide : Antinous ! I may by no meanes turne out of my house , Her that hath brought me forth , and nourisht me . Besides : if quicke or dead my Father be In any region , yet abides in doubt . And t will go hard , ( my meanes being so runne out ) To tender to Icarius againe ( If he againe , my mother must maintaine In her retreate ) the dowre she brought with her . And then , a double ill it will conferre , Both from my Father , and from God , on me ; When ( thrust out of her house ) on her bent knee , My Mother shall the horrid Furies raise With imprecations : and all men dispraise My part in her exposure . Neuer then Will I performe this counsell . If your splene Swell at my courses ; once more I command Your absence from my house . Some others hand Charge with your banquets . On your owne goods ●ate ; And either other mutually intreate , At either of your houses , with your feast . But if ye still esteeme more sweete and best , Anothers spoile ; so you still wreaklesse liue : Gnaw ( vermine-like ) things ●acred : no lawes giue To your deuouring ; it remaines that I Inuoke each euer-liuing Deitie ; And vow if Ioue shall daigne in any date , Powre of like paines , for pleasures so past rate ; From thenceforth looke , where ye haue reueld so , Vnwreakt , your ruines , all shall vndergo . Thus spake Telemachus , t' assure whose threat , Farre-seeing Ioue , vpon their pinions set Two Eagles from the high browes of a hill ; That , mounted on the winds , together still Their strokes extended . But arriuing now Amidst the Councell ; ouer euery brow , Shooke their thicke wings ; and ( threatning deaths cold feares ) Their neckes and cheekes tore with their eager Seres . Then , on the Courts right-hand away they flew , Aboue both Court and Citie : with whose view And studie what euents they might fore●ell , The Councell into admiration fell . The old Her●e , Halitherses then , The sonne of Nestor ; that of all old men ( His Peeres in that Court ) onely could foresee By flight of fowles , mans fixed destinie ; Twixt them and their amaze , this interposde : Heare ( Ithacensians ) all your doubts disclosde ; The wooers most are toucht in this ostent , To whom are dangers great and imminent . For now , not long more shall Vlysses beare Lacke of his most lou'd ; but fils some place neare , Addressing to these wooers , Fa●e and Death . And many more , this mischiefe menaceth Of vs inhabiting this famous I le . Let vs consult yet , in this long forewhile , How to our selues we may preuent this ill . Let these men rest secure , and reuell still : Though they might find it safer , if with vs They would in time preuent what threats them thus : Since not without sure triall , I foretell These coming stormes ; but know their issue well . For to Vlysses , all things haue euent , As I foretold him ; when for Ili●n went The whole Greeke fleete together ; and with them , Th' abundant in all counsels , tooke the streame . I told him , that when much ill he had past , And all his men were lost ; he should at last , The twentith yeare turne home ; to all vnknowne ; All which effects are to perfection growne . Eurymachus , the sonne of Polybus , Opposde this mans presage , and answerd thus : Hence , Great in yeares ; go , prophecie at home ; Thy children teach to shun their ils to come . In these , superiour farre to thee , am I. A world of fowles beneath the Sunne-beames flie , That are not fit t' enforme a prophecie . Besides , Vlysses perisht long ago , And would thy fates to thee had destin'd so ; Since so , thy so much prophecie had spar'd Thy wronging of our rights ; which for reward Expected , home with thee , hath summon'd vs Within the anger of Telemachus . But this will I presage , which shall be true , If any sparke of anger , chance t' ensue Thy much old art , in these deepe Auguries , In this yong man incensed by thy lies ; Euen to himselfe , his anger shall conferre The greater anguish ; and thine owne ends erre From all their obiects : and besides , thine age Shall feele a paine , to make thee curse presage , With worthy cause , for it shall touch thee neare . But I will soone giue end to all our feare , Preuenting whatsoeuer chance can fall , In my suite to the yong Prince , for vs all To send his mother to her fathers house , That he may sort her out a worthy spouse ; And such a dowre bestow , as may befit One lou'd , to leaue her friends , and follow it . Before which course be , I beleeue that none Of all the Greekes will cease th' ambition Of such a match . For , chance what can to vs , We , no man feare ; no not Telemachus , Though ne're so greatly spoken . Nor care we For any threats of austere prophecie Which thou ( old dotard ) vantst of so in vaine . And thus shalt thou in much more hate remaine ; For still the Gods shall beare their ill expence ; Nor euer be disposde by competence , Till with her nuptials , she dismisse our suites . Our whole liues dayes shall sow hopes for such fruites . Her vertues we contend to ; nor will go To any other , be she neuer so Worthy of vs , and all the worth we owe. He answerd him : Eurymach●s ! and all Ye generous wooers , now , in generall ; I see your braue resolues ; and will no more Make speech of these points ; and much lesse , implore . It is enough , that all the Grecians here , And all the Gods besides , iust witnesse beare , What friendly premonitions haue bene spent On your forbearance ; and their vaine euent . Yet with my other friends , let loue preuaile To fit me with a vessell , free of saile ; And twentie men ; that may diuide to me My readie passage through the yeelding sea . For Sparta , and Amathoon Pylos shore I now am bound ; in purpose to explore My long lackt Father ; and to trie if Fame ( Or Ioue , most author of mans honourd name ) With his returne and life , may glad mine eare ; Though toild in that proofe , I sustaine a yeare . If dead , I heare him , nor of more state ; here ( Retir'd to my lou'd count●ie ) I will rere A Sepulcher to him , and celebrate Such royall parent-rites , as fits his state . And then , my mother to a Spouse dispose . This said , he sat ; and to the rest , arose Mentor , that was Vlysses chosen friend ; To whom , when he set forth , he did commend His compleate family ; and whom he willd To see the mind of his old Sire fulfild ; All things conseruing safe , till his retreate ; Who ( tender of his charge ; and seeing so set In sleight care of their King , his subiects there ; Suffering his sonne , so much contempt to beare ) Thus grauely , and with zeale to him began : No more , let any Scepter-bea●ing man , Beneuolent , or milde , or humane be ; Nor in his minde , forme acts of pietie , But euer feed on blood ; and facts vniust Commit , euen to the full swinge of his lust ; Since of diuine Vlysses , no man now Of all his subiects , any thought doth show . All whom , he gouernd ; and became to them ( Rather then one that wore a diadem ) A most indulgent father . But ( for all That can touch me ) within no enuie fall These insolent wooers ; that in violent kind , Commit things foule , by th' ill wit of the mind ; And with the hazard of their heads , deuoure Vlysses house ; since his returning houre , They hold past hope . But it affects me much , ( Ye dull plebeians ) that all this doth touch Your free States nothing ; who ( strooke dumbe ) afford These wooers , not so much wreake as a word ; Though few , and you , with onely number might Extinguish to them , the prophaned light . Euenors sonne ( Liocritus ) replide ; Mentor ! the railer , made a foole with pride ; What language giu'st thou ? that would quiet vs , With putting vs in storme ? exciting thus The rout against vs ? who , though more then we , Should find it is no easie victorie To driue men , habited in feast , from feasts ; No not if Ithacus himselfe , such guests Should come and find so furnishing his Court , And hope to force them from so sweete a fort . His wife should little ioy in his arriue , Though much she wants him : for , where she , aliue Would hers enioy ; there Death should claime his rights : He must be conquerd , that with many fights . Tho● speakst vnfit things . To their labours then Disperse these people ; and let these two men ( Mentor and Halitherses ) that so boast , From the beginning to haue gouernd most In friendship of the Father ; to the sonne Confirme the course , he now affects to runne . But my mind sayes , that if he would but vse A little patience ; he should here heare newes Of all things that his wish would vnderstand ; But no good hope for , of the course in hand . This said ; the Councell rose ; when euery Peere And all the people , in dispersion were To houses of their owne ; the wooers yet Made to Vlysses house their old retreat . Telemachus , apart from all the prease , Prepar'd to shore ; and ( in the aged seas , His faire hands washt ) did thus to Pallas pray : Heare me ( O Goddesse ) that but yesterday Didst daigne accesse to me at home ; and lay Graue charge on me , to take ship , and enquire Along the darke seas for mine absent Sire ; Which all the Greekes oppose ; amongst whom , most Those that are proud still at anothers cost , Past measure , and the ciuill rights of men , ( My mothers wooers ) my repulse maintaine . Thus spake he praying ; when close to him came Pallas , resembling Mentor , both in frame Of voice and person ; and aduisde him thus : Those wooers well might know ; Telemachus ▪ Thou wilt not euer weake and childish be ; If to thee be instilld the facultie Of mind and bodie , that thy Father grac't . And if ( like him ) there be in thee enchac't Vertue to giue words works , and works their end ; This voyage , that to them thou didst commend Shall not so quickly , as they idly weene , Be vaine , or giuen vp , for their opposite spleene . But if Vlysses , nor Penelope Were thy true parents ; I then hope in thee Of no more vrging thy attempt in hand ; For few , that rightly bred on both sides stand , Are like their parents ; many that are worse ; And most-few , better . Those then that the nurse , Or mother call true borne ; yet are not so ; Like worthy Sires , much lesse are like to grow . But thou shewst now , that in thee fades not quite Thy Fathers wisedome ; and that future light Shall therefore shew thee farre from being vnwise , Or toucht with staine of bastard cowardize . Hope therefore sayes , that thou wilt to the end Pursue the braue act , thou didst erst intend . But for the foolish wooers , they bewray They neither counsell haue , nor so●le ; since they Are neither wise nor iust ; and so must needs Rest ignorant , how blacke aboue their heads Fate houers , holding Death ; that one sole day Will make enough to make them all away . For thee ; the way thou wishest , shall no more Flie thee a step ; I that haue bene before Thy Fathers friend ; thine likewise now will be ; Prouide thy ship my selfe , and follow thee . Go thou then home , and sooth each woo●rs vaine ; But vnder hand , fit all things for the Maine ; Wine , in as strong and sweete casks as you can ; And meale , the very marrow of a man ; Which put in good sure lether sacks ; and see That with sweete foode , sweete vessels still agree . I , from the people , straite will presse for you Free voluntaries ; and ( for ships ) ●now Sea-circl'd Ithaca containes , both new And old built ; all which , I le exactly view , And chuse what one soeuer most doth please ; Which riggd , wee 'l strait lanch , and assay the seas . This spake I●●es daughter , Pallas ; whose voice heard ; No more Telemachus her charge deferd ; But hasted home ; and , sad at heart , did see Amidst his Hall , th' insulting wooers flea Goates , and rost swine . Mo●gst whom , Antinous Carelesse , ( discouering in Telemachus His grudge to see them ) laught ; met ; tooke his hand , And said ; High spoken ! with the mind so mannd ; Come , do as we do ; put not vp your spirits With these low trifles ; nor our louing merits , In gall of any hatefull purpose , sleepe ; But eate egregiously , and drinke as deepe . The things thou thinkst on , all , at full shall be By th' Achiues thought on , and performd to thee : Ship , and choise Oares , that in a trice will land Thy hastie Fleete , on heau'nly Pylos sand ; And at the fame of thy illustrous Sire . He answerd : Men whom Pride doth so inspire , Are no fit consorts for an humble guest ; Nor are constraind men , merrie at their fea●t . Is 't not enough , that all this time ye haue Op't in your entrailes , my chiefe goods a graue ? And while I was a child , made me partake ? My now more growth , more grown my mind doth make : And ( hearing speake , more iudging men then you ) Perceiue how much I was misgouernd now . I now will trie , if I can bring ye home An ill Fate to consort you ; if it come From Pylos , or amongst the people , here . But thither I resolue ; and know that there I shall not touch in vaine . Nor will I stay , Though in a merchants ship I ●tere my way : Which shewes in your sights best ▪ since me ye know Incapable of ship , or men to row . This said ; his hand he coily snatcht away From forth Antinous hand . The rest , the day Spent through the house with banquets ; ●ome with iests , And some with railings , dignifying the●● feasts . To whom , a iest-proud youth , the wit began : Telemachus will kill vs euery man. From Sparta , or the very Pyltan sand , He will raise aides to his impetuous hand . O he affects it strangely ! Or he meanes To search Ephyras fat shores ; and from thence Bring deathfull poisons ; which amongst our bow'ls Will make a generall shipwracke of our soules . Another said : Alas who knowes , but he Once gone ; and erring like his Sire at sea , May perish like him , farre from aide of friends ? And so he makes vs worke ; for all the ends Left of his goods here , we shall share ; the house Left to his mother , and her chosen 〈◊〉 . Thus they . While he a roome ascended , hie And large , built by his Father ; where did lie Gold and brasse heapt vp ; and in coffers were Rich robes ; great store of 〈…〉 ; and there Stood Tuns of sweete old wines , along the wall ; Neate and diuine drinke , kept ●o cheare withall Vlysses old heart , if he turnd againe From labors fatall to him to sustaine . The doores of Planke were ; their close exquisite , Kept with a double key ; and day and night A woman lockt within ; and that was she , Who all trust had for her sufficiencie . Old Euryclea , ( one of Opis●ace ●ace , Sonne to Pise●●r , and in passing grace With gray Miner●● : ) her , the Prince did call ; And said , Nurse ! draw me the most sweete of all The wine thou keepst ; next that , which for my Sire , Thy care reserues , in hope he shall retire . Twelue vessels fill me forth , and stop them well . Then into well-sewd sacks , of fine ground meale , Powre twentie measures . No● to any one But thou thy selfe , let this desig●e be knowne . All this see got together ; I , it all In night will fetch off , when my mother shall Ascend her high roome , and for ●●eepe prepare . Sparta and Pylos , I must see , in care To find my Father . Out Euryclea cried , And askt with teares : Why is your mind applied ( Deare sonne ) to this course ? whither will you go ? So farre off leaue vs ? and beloued so ? So onely ? and the sole hope of your race ? Royall Vlysses , farre from the embrace Of his kind countrie ; in a land vnknowne Is dead ; and you ( from your lou'd countrie go●e ) The wooers will with some deceit assay To your destruction ; making then their prey Of all your goods . Where , in your owne y'●re strong , Make sure abode . It fits 〈◊〉 you so yong , To suffer so much by the aged feas , And erre in such a waylesse wildernesse . Be chear'd ( lou'd nurse , said he ) for not witho●t The will of God , go my attempts about . Sweare therefore , not to wound my mothers eares With word of this ; before from heauen appeares Th'ele●enth or twelfth light ; or her selfe shall please To aske of me ; or heares me put to seas ; Lest her faire bodie , with her woe ●e wore . To this , the great oath of the Gods , she swore ; Which , hauing sworne ; and of it , euery due Performd to full : to vessels , wine she drew ; And into well-sewd sacks powr'd foodie meale ; In meane time he ( with cunning to conceale All thought of this from others ) himselfe bore In broade house , with the wooers , as before . Then grey-eyd Pallas , other thoughts did owne ; And ( like Telemachus ) trod through the Towne ; Commanding all his men , in th'euen to be Aboord his ship . Againe then question'd she Normon ( fam'd for aged Phronius sonne ) About his ship ; who , all things to be done , Assur'd her freely should . The Sunne then set , And sable shadowes slid through euery streete , When forth they lancht ; and soone aboord did bring All Armes , and choice of euery needfull thing , That fits a well-riggd ship . The Goddesse then Stood in the Ports extreame part ; where , her men ( Nobly appointed ) thicke about her came , Whos 's euery breast , she did with spirit enflame . Yet still fresh proiects , laid the grey-eyd Dame. Strait , to the house she hasted ; and sweete sleepe Powr'd on each wooer ; which so laid in steepe Their drowsie temples , that each brow did nod , As all were drinking ; and each hand his lode ( The cup ) let fall . All start vp , and to bed ; Nor more would watch , when sleepe so surfeted Their leaden ey-lids . Then did Pallas call Telemachus , ( in bodie , voice , and all Resembling Mentor ) from his natiue nest : And said , that all his arm'd men were addrest To vse their Oares ; and all expected now He should the spirit of a souldier show . Come then ( said she ) no more let vs deferre Our honor'd action . Then she tooke on her A rauisht spirit , and led as she did leape ; And he her most haste , tooke out , step by step . Arriu'd at sea , and ship ; they found ashore The souldiers , that their fashiond long haire wore ; To whom , the Prince said : Come , my friends ; let 's bring Our voyages prouision : euery thing Is heapt together in our Court ; and none ( No not my mother , nor her maids ) but one Knowes our intention . This exprest ; he led ; The souldiers close together followed ; And all together brought aboord their store . Aboord the Prince went ; Pallas still before Sat at the Sterne : he close to her ; the men Vp , hasted after . He , and Pallas then , Put from the shore . His souldiers then he ●ad See all their Armes fit ; which they heard ; and had . A beechen Mast then , in the hollow base They put , and hoisted ; fixt it in his place With cables ; and with well-wreath'd halsers hoise Their white sailes ; which gray Pallas now employes With full and fore-gales , through the darke deep maine . The purple waues ( so swift cut ) roar'd againe Against the ship sides , that now ranne , and plowd The rugged seas vp . Then the men bestowd Their Armes about the ship ; and sacrifice With crownd wine cups , to th'endlesse Deities , They offerd vp ▪ Of all yet thron'd aboue , They most obseru'd the grey-eyd seed of Ioue : Who from the euening , till the morning rose , And all day long , their voyage did dispose . Finis libri secundi Ho● . Odyss . THE THIRD BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . TElemachus , and heau'ns * wise Dame , That neuer husband had , now came To Nestor ; who , his either guest Receiu'd at the religious feast He made to Neptune , on his shore . And there told , what was done before The Troian turrets ; and the state Of all the Greekes , since Ilions fate . This booke , these * three of greatest place , Doth serue with many a varied grace . ( Which past ) ; Minerua takes her leaue . Whose state , when Nestor doth perceiue ; With sacrifice he makes it knowne , Where many a pleasing rite is showne . Which done , Telemachus had gaind A chariot of him ; who ordaind Pisistratus , his sonne , his guide To Sparta ; and when starrie eyd The ample heau'n began to be ; All house-rites to affoord them free ( In Pheris ) Diocles did please ; His sirname Ortilochides . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Vlysses sonne With Nestor lies ; To Sparta gone , Thence Pallas flies . THe Sunne now left the great and goodly Lake , And to the firme heau'n , bright ascent did make , To shine as well vpon the mortall birth , Inhabiting the plowd life-giuing earth , As on the euer tredders vpon Death . And now to Pylos , that so garnisheth Her selfe with buildings ; old Neleus towne , The Prince and Goddesse come ; had strange sights showne ; For on the Marine shore , the people there To Neptune , that the Azure ●ockes doth weare ; Be●ues that were wholy blacke , gaue holy flame . Nine seates of State they made to his high name ; And euery Seate set with fiue hundred men ; And each fiue hundred , was to furnish then With nine blacke Oxen , euery sacred Seate . These , of the entrailes onely , pleasd to eate ; And to the God enflam'd the fleshie thies . By this time Pallas , with the sparkling eies , And he she led , within the ha●en bore : Strooke saile , cast anchor , and trod both the shore . She fi●st ; he after . Then said Pallas : Now No more befits thee the least bashfull brow ; Tembolde● which , this act is put on thee To seeke thy Father , both at shore , and sea : And learne in what Clime , he abides so close ; Or in the powre of what Fate doth repose . Come then ; go right to Nest●r ; let vs see , If in his bosome any counsell be , That may informe vs. Pray him not to trace The common courtship ; and to speake in grace Of the Demander ; but to tell the truth : Which will delight him ; and commend thy youth For such preuention ; for he loues no lies ; Nor will report them , being truly wise . He answerd : Me●t●r ! how alas shall I Present my selfe ? how greete his grauitie ? My youth by no meanes that ripe forme affords , That can digest my minds instinct , in words Wise , and beseeming th' eares of one so sage . Youth of most hope , blush to vse words with Age. She said : Thy mind will some conceit impresse , And something God will prompt thy towardnesse . For I suppose , thy birth and breeding too , Were not in spite of what the Gods could do . This said , she swiftly went before , and he Her steps made guides , and followd instantly . When soone they reacht the Pyli●● throngs and seates , Where Nestor with his sonnes sate ; and the meates That for the feast seru'd ; round about them were Adherents dressing all their sacred cheare , Being rost and boyld meates . When the Pylia●s saw These strangers come : in thrust did all men draw About their entrie . Tooke their hands , and praid They both would sit . Their entrie first assaid By Nestors sonne , Pisistratus . In grace Of whose repaire , he gaue them honor'd place Betwixt his Si●e , and brother Thrasi●●d , Who sate at feast , on soft Fels that were spred Along the sea sands . Keru'd , and reacht to them Parts of the inwards ; and did make a streame Of spritely wine , into a golden boule ; Which to Minerua , with a gentle soule He gaue , and thus spake : Ere you eate , faire guest , Inuoke the Seas King ; of whose sacred feast , Your trauell hither , makes ye partners now : When ( sacrificing , ●s becomes ) bestow This boule of sweete wine on your friend , that he May likewise vse these rites of pietie : For I suppose , his youth doth prayers vse , Since all men need the Gods. But you I chuse First in this cups disposure ; since his yeares Seeme short of yours ; who more like me appeares . Thus gaue he her the cup of pleasant wine ; And since a wise and iust man did designe The golden boule first to her free receit ; Euen to the Goddesse it did adde delight . Who thus inuokt : Heare thou whose vast embrace Enspheres the whole earth ; nor disdaine thy grace To vs that aske it , in performing this : To Nestor first , and these faire sonnes of his , Vo●chsafe all honor : and next them , bestow On all these Pylia●s , that haue offer'd now This most renowmed Hecatomb to thee , Remuneration fit for them , and free ; And lastly daigne Telemachus , and me , ( The worke performd , for whose effect we came ) Our safe returne , both with our ship and fame . Thus praid she ; and her selfe , her selfe obaid ; In th' end performing all for which she praid . And now to pray , and do as she had done ; She gaue the faire round boule t' Vlysses sonne . The meate then drest , and drawne , and seru'd t' each guest ; They celebrated a most sumptuous feast . When ( appetite to wine and food allaid ) Horse-taming Nestor then began , and said : Now lifes desire is seru'd , as farre as fare ; Time fits me to enquire , what guests these are . Faire guests , what are ye ? and for what Coast tries Your ship the moist deepes ? For fit merchandize , Or rudely coast ye , like our men of prize ? The rough seas tempting ; desperatly erring The ill of others , in their good conferring ? The wise Prince , now his boldnesse did begin ; For Pallas selfe had hardned him within ; By this deuice of trauell to explore His absent Father ; which two Girlonds wore ; His good , by manage of his spirits ; and then To gaine him high grace , in th' accounts of men . O Nestor ! still in whom 〈◊〉 liues ! And all the glorie of the Greeks ●uruiues ; You aske , from whence we are ; and I relate : From Ithaca ( whose seate is sit●ate Where Neius the renowmed Mountaine reares His haughtie forehead ; and the honor beares To be our Sea-marke ) wea●●aid the waues ; The businesse I must tell ; our owne good 〈◊〉 , And not the publicke . I am come t' enquire , If in the fame that best men doth inspire , Of my most-suffering Father , I may heare Some truth of his estate 〈…〉 The name ( being ioynd in fight with you alone ) To euen with earth the height of 〈◊〉 ▪ Of all men else , that any name did ●eare , And fought for Troy , the seuerall ends we heare ; But his death , Ioue keepes from the world vnknowne ; The certaine fame thereof , being told by none . If on the Continent , by enemies slaine ; Or with the waues eat , of the rauenous Maine . For his loue t is , that to your knees I sue ; That you would please , out of your owne cleare view , T' assure his sad end ; or say , if your eare Hath heard of the vnhappie wanderer , To too much sorrow , whom his mother bore . You then , by all your bounties I implore , ( If euer to you , deed or word hath stood , By my good Father promist , renderd good Amongst the Troians ; where ye both haue tried The Grecian sufferance ) that , in nought applied To my respect or pitie , you will glose , But vnclothd Truth , to my desi●es disclose . O my much lou'd , ( said he ) since you renew Remembrance of the miseries that grew Vpon our still-in-strength-opposing Gr●ece , Amongst Troys people ; I must touch a p●●ce Of all our woes there ; either in the m●n Achilles brought by sea , and led to gaine About the Country ; or in vs that fought About the Citie , where to death were b●ought All our chiefe men , as many as were th●●e . There Mars-like Aiax lies ; Achilles there ; There the-in-counsell-like-the Gods ; his * ●riend ; There my deare sonne Antilochus 〈…〉 ; Past measure swift of foote , and staid in fight . A number more , that ils felt infinite : Of which to reckon all , what mortall man ( If fiue or sixe yeares you should stay here ) can Serue such enquirie ? You would backe againe , Affected with vnsufferable paine , Before you heard it . Nine yeares siegd we them , With all the depth and sleight of stratagem That could be thought . Ill knit to ill , past end : Yet still they toild vs : nor would yet Ioue send Rest to our labors : nor will scarcely yet . But no man liu'd , that would in publicke set His wisedome , by Vlysses policie , ( As thought his equall ) so excessiuely He stood superiour all wayes . If you be His sonne indeed ; mine eyes euen rauish me To admiration . And in all consent , Your speech puts on his speeches ornament . Nor would one say , that one so yong could vse ( Vnlesse his sonne ) a Rhetorique so profuse . And while we liu'd together ; he and I Neuer in speech maintaind diuersitie : Nor set in counsell : but ( by one soule led ) With spirit and prudent counsell furnished The Greeks at all houres : that with fairest course , What best became them , they might put in force . But when Troys high Towres , we had leueld thus ; We put to sea ; and God diuided vs. And then did Ioue , our sad retreat deuise ; For all the Greeks were neither iust nor wise ; And therefore many felt so sharpe a-fate ; Sent from Mineruas most pernicious hate ; Whose mightie Father can do fearfull things . By whose helpe she , betwixt the brother Kings Let fall Contention : who in councell met In vaine , and timelesse ; when the Sunne was set ; And all the Greeks calld ; that came chargd with wine . Yet then the Kings would vtter their designe ; And why they summond . Menelaus , he Put all in mind of home ; and cried , To sea . But Agam●mnon stood on contraries ; Whose will was , they should stay and sacrifise Whole Hecatombs to Pallas ; to forgo Her high wrath to them . Foole , that did not know She would not so be wonne : for not with ease Th' eternall Gods are turnd from what they please . So they ( diuided ) on foule language stood . The Greekes , in huge rout rose : their wine-heate bloud , Two wayes affecting . And that nights sleepe too , We turnd to studying either others wo. When Ioue besides , made readie woes enow . Mone came , we lancht ; and in our ships did stow Our goods , and faire-girt women . Halfe our men The peoples guide ( Atrides ) did containe ; And halfe ( being now aboord ) put forth to ●ea . A most free gale gaue all ships prosperous way . God settld then the huge whale-bearing lake ; And Tenedos we reacht ; where , for times sake , We did diuine rites to the Gods : but I●ue ( Inexorable still ) bore yet no ●oue To our returne ; but did againe excite A second sad Contention , that turnd quite A great part of vs backe to sea againe ; Which were , th' abundant in all counsels men , ( Your matchlesse Father ) who , ( to gratifie The great Atrides ) backe to him did flie . But I fled all , with all that followd me ; Because I knew , God studied miserie , To hurle amongst vs. With me likewise fled Martiall Tidides . I , the men he led , Gat to go with him . Winds our fleete did bring To Lesbos , where the yellow-headed King ( Though late , yet ) found vs : as we put to choise A tedious voyage ; if we saile should hoise● Aboue rough Chi●s ( left on our left hand ) To th'Ile of Psiria ; or that rugged land Saile vnder ; and for windie 〈◊〉 stere . We askt of God , that some oftent might cleare Our cloudie businesse : who gaue vs ●igne , And charge , that all should ( in a middle line ) The sea cut , for Eub●ea ; that with speed , Our long-sustaind infortune might be freed . Then did a whistling wind begin to rise , And swiftly flew we through the fishie skies , Till to Ger●●stus we , in night were brought ; Where ( through the broad sea , since we safe had wrought ) At Neptunes altars , many solid Thies Of slaughterd buls , we burnd for sacrifise . The fourth day came , when Tyd●●● sonne did greete The hauen of Arg●s , with his complete Fleete . But I , for Pyl●s strait ster'd on my course , Nor euer left the wind his fore right force , Since God fore-sent it first . And thus I came ( Deare sonne ) to Pyols , vninformd by fame ; Nor know one sau'd by Fate , or ouercome . Whom I haue heard of since ( set here 〈◊〉 home ) As fits , thou shalt be taught , nought left vnshowne . The expert speare-men ; euery My●midon , ( Led by the braue heire of the mightie sould Vnpeerd Achilles ) safe of home got hold . Safe Philoctetes , Paeans famous seed : And safe Idomen●eus ; his men led To his home , ( Crete ; ) who fled the armed field ; Of whom , yet none , the sea from him withheld . Atrides ( you haue both heard , though ye be His farre off dwellers ) what an end had he , Done by Aegisthus , to a bitter death ; Who miserably paid for forced breath ; Atrides leauing a good sonne , that dide In bloud of that deceitfull parricide His wreakfull sword . And thou my friend ( as he For this hath his fame ) the like spirit in thee Assume at all parts . Faire , and great I see Thou art , in all hope ; make it good to th' end ; That after-times , as much may thee commend . He answerd : O thou greate●t grace of Greece ; Orestes made that wreake , his master peece ; And him the Greeks will giue , a master praise ; Ve●se finding him , to last all after daies . And would to God , the Gods would fauour me With his performance ; that my iniurie , Done by my mothers wooers , ( being so foule ) I might reuenge vpon their euery soule . Who ( pressing me with contumelies ) dare Such things as past the powre of vtt●rance are . But heauens great Powres , haue grac'● my destinie With no such honor . Both my Sire and I , Are borne to suffer euerlastingly . Because you name those wooers ( Friend , said he ) Report sayes , many such , in spite of thee , ( Wooing thy mother ) in thy house commit The ils thou nam'st . But say ; proceedeth it From will in thee , to beare so foule a foile ; Or from thy subiects hate , that wish thy spoile ? And will not aide thee , since their spirits relie ( Against thy rule ) on some graue Augurie ? What know they , but at length thy Father may Come ; and with violence , their violence pay ? Or he alone ; or all the Greeks with him ? But if Minerua now did so esteeme Thee , as thy Father , in times past ; whom , past All measure , she , with glorious fauours grac't Amongst the Troi●ns , where we suffered so ; ( O! I did neuer see , in such cleare show , The Gods so grace a man , as she to him , To all our eyes , appeard in all her t●im ) If so , I say , she would be pleasd to loue , And that her minds care , thou so much couldst mo●e , As did thy Father ; euery man of these , Would lose in death their seeking mariages . O Father , ( answerd he ) you make amaze Seise me throughout . Beyond the height of phrase You raise expression ; but t will neuer be ▪ That I shall moue , in any Deitie , So blest an honour . Not by any meanes , If Hope should prompt me , o● blind Confidence , ( The God of Fooles ) , or euery Deitie Should will it ; for , t is past my destinie . The burning-eyd Dame answerd : What a speech Hath past the teeth-guard , Nature gaue to teach Fit question of thy words before they flie ? God easily can ( when to a mortall eie Hee 's furthest off ) a mortall satisfie : And does , the more still . For thy car'd for Sire ; I rather wish , that I might home retire , After my sufferance of a world of woes ; Farre off ; and then my glad eyes might disclose The day of my returne ; then strait retire , And perish standing by my houshold fire . As Agamemnon did ; that lost his life , By false Aegisthus , and his falser wife . For Death to come at length , t is due to all ; Nor can the Gods themselues , when Fate shall call Their most lou'd man , extend his vitall breath Beyond the fixt bounds of abhorred Death . Mentor ! ( said he ) let 's dwell no more on this , Although in vs , the sorrow pious is . No such returne , as we wish , Fates bequeath My erring Father ; whom a present death , The deathlesse haue decreed . I le now vse speech That tends to other purpose ; and beseech Instruction of graue Nestor ; since he flowes Past shore , in all experience ; and knowes The sleights and wisedomes ; to whose heights aspire Others , as well as my commended Sire ; Whom Fame reports to haue commanded three Ages of men : and doth in sight to me Shew like th'Immortals . Nestor ! the renowne Of old Neleius ; make the cleare truth knowne , How the most great in Empire , Atreus sonne , Sustaind the act of his destruction . Where then was Menelaus ? how was it , That false Aegisthus , being so farre vnfit A match for him , could his death so enforce ? Was he not then in Argos ? or his course With men so left , to let a coward breathe Spirit enough , to dare his brothers death ? I le tell thee truth in all ( faire sonne ) said he : Right well was this euent conceiu'd by thee . If Menelaus in his brothers house , Had found the idle liuer with his spouse , ( Arriu'd from Troy ) he had not liu'd ; nor dead Had the diggd heape powrd on his lustfull head : But fowles and dogs had torne him in the fields , Farre off of Argos . Not a Dame it yeelds ; Had giuen him any teare ; so foule his fact Shewd euen to women . Vs Troys warres had rackt To euery sinewes sufferance ; while * he In Argos vplands liu'd ; from those workes free . And Agamemnons wife , with force of word Flatterd and softn'd ; who , at first abhord A fact so infamous . The heau'nly Dame , A good mind had ; but was in blood too blame . There was a * Poet , to whose care , the King His Queene committed ; and in euery thing ( When he for Troy went ) charg'd him to apply Himselfe in all guard to her dignitie . But when strong Fate , so wrapt-in her affects , That she resolu'd to leaue her fit respects ; Into a desart I le , her Guardian led , ( There left ) the rapine of the Vultures fed . Then brought he willing home his wills wonne prize ; On sacred Altars offerd many Thies ▪ Hung in the Gods Phanes many ornaments ; Garments and gold ; that he the vast euents Of such a labor , to his wish had brought , As neither fell into his hope , nor thought . At last , from Troy saild Spartas king and I , Both , holding her vntoucht . And ( that his eie Might see no worse of her ) when both were blowne To sacred Sunius ( of Mineruas towne The goodly Promontorie ) with his shafts seuere Augur Apollo slue him that did stere Atrides ship , as he the sterne did guide , And she the full speed of her saile applide . He was a man , that nations of men Exceld in safe guide of a vessell ; when A tempest rusht in on the ruffld seas : His name was Phrontis Onetorides . And thus was Menelaus held from home , Whose way he thirsted so to ouercome ; To giue his friend the earth , being his pursuite , And all his exequies to execute . But sailing still the * wind-hewd seas , to reach Some shore for fit perform●●ce ; he did fetch The steepe Mount of the Mali●●s ; and there With open voice , offended I●piter , Proclaimd the voyage , his repugnant mind ; And powr'd the puffes out of a shreeking wind , That nourisht billowes , heightned like to hils . And with the Fleets diuision , fulfils His hate proclaimd ; vpon a part of Cr●●te Casting the Nauie ; where the ●ea-wa●●es meete Rough I●rdanus ; and where the Cyd●●s liue . There is a Rocke , on which the Sea doth driue ; Bare , and all broken ; on the confines set Of ●ortys ; that the darke seas likewise fret ; And hither sent the South , a horrid drift Of wanes against the top , that was the left Of that torne cliffe ; as farre as Phast●● Sttand . A litle stone , the great ●eas rage did stand . The men here driuen , scapt hard the ships so●e shocks ; The ships themselues being wrackt against the rocks ; Saue onely fiue , that blue fore-castles bo●e , Which wind and water cast on Aegyp●s shore . When he ( there victling well , and store of gold Aboord his ships brought ) his wilde way did ●old , And t'other languag'd men , was forc't to rome . Meane space Aegisthus made sad worke at home ; And slue his brother ; forcing to his sway , Atrides subiects ; and did seuen yeares lay His yoke vpon the rich Myce●●●● State. But in the eight , ( to his affrighting fat● ) Diuine Orest●s home from Athe●s came ; And what his royall Father felt , the same He made the false Aegisthus grone beneath : Death euermore is the reward of Death . Thus hauing slaine him ; a sepulchrall feast He made the Argiues , for his lustfull guest , And for his mother , whom he did de●est . The selfe-same day , vpon him stole the King , ( Good at a martiall shout ) and goods did bring ▪ As many as his freighted Fleete could beare . But thou ( my sonne ) too long , by no meanes erre , Thy goods left free for many a spoilfull guest ; Lest they consume some , and diuide the rest ; And thou ( perhaps besides ) thy voyage lose . To Menelaus yet thy course dispose , I wish and charge thee ; who but late arriu'd , From such a shore , and men ; as to haue liu'd In a returne from them ; he neuer thought ; And whom , blacke whirlwinds violently brought Within a sea so vast , that in a yeare Not any fowle could passe it any where , So huge and horrid was it . But go thou With ship and men ( or if thou pleasest now To passe by land , there shall be brought for thee Both horse and chariot ; and thy guides shall be My sonnes themselues ) to Sparta , the diuine , And to the King , whose locks like ▪ Ambe● shine . Intreate the truth of him ; nor loues he lies ; Wisedome in truth is ; and hee 's passing wise . This said , the Sunne went downe , and vp rose Night , When Pallas spake ; O Father , all good right Beare thy directions . But diuide we now The sacrifises tongues ; mixe wine ; and vow To Neptune , and the other euer blest ; That hauing sacrifisd , we may to rest . The fit houre runnes now ; light diues ou● of date ; At sacred feasts , we must not sit too late . She said : They heard ; the Herald water gaue ; The youths crownd cups with wine ; and let all haue Their equall shares ; beginning from the cup , Their parting banquet . All the Tongues cut vp ; The fire they gaue them ; sacrifisde , and rose ; Wine , and diuine rites , vsde to each dispose ; Minerua and Telemachus desirde They might to ship be , with his leaue , retirde . He ( mou'd with that ) prouokt thus their abodes : Now Ioue forbid , and all the long-liu'd Gods , Your leauing me , to sleepe aboord a ship : As I had drunke of poore Penias whip , Euen to my nakednesse ; and had nor sheete , Nor couering in my house ; that warme nor swe●●e . A guest , nor I my selfe , had meanes to sleepe ; Where I , both weeds and wealthy couerings keepe For all my guests : nor shall Fame euer say , The deare sonne of the man Vlysses , lay All night a ship boord here ; while my dayes shine ; Or in my Court , whiles any sonne of mine Enioyes suruiuall : who shall guests receiue , Whom euer , my house hath a nooke to leaue . My much lou'd Father , ( said Minerua ) well All this becomes thee . But perswade to dwell This night with thee thy sonne Telemachus ; For more conuenient is the cou●se for vs , That he may follow to thy house , and rest . And I may boord our blacke saile ; that addrest At all parts I may make our men ; and cheare All with my presence ; since of all men there I boast my selfe the senior ; th'o●hers are Youths , that attend in free and friendly care , Great-sould Telem●chus ; and are his peeres , In fresh similitude of forme and yeeres . For their confirmance , I will therefore now Sleepe in our blacke Barke . But when Light shall shew Her siluer forehead ; I intend my way Amongst the Cauco●s ; men that are to pay ▪ A debt to me , nor small , nor new . For this , Take you him home ; whom in the morne dismisse , With chariot and your sonnes ; and giue him ho●se Ablest in strength , and of the speediest course . This said ; away she flew ; formd like the fowle Men call the Os●ifrage ; when euery soule Amaze inuaded : euen th' old man admir'd ; The youths hand tooke , and said : O most desir'd ; My hope sayes , thy proofe will no coward show , Nor one vnskild in warre ; when Deities now So yong attend thee , and become thy guides : Nor any of the heauen-housde States besides ; But Tritogenias selfe ; the seed of Ioue ; The great in prey ; that did in honor moue ▪ So much about thy Father ; amongst all The Grecian armie . Fairest Queene , let fall On me like fauours : giue me good renowne ; Which , as on me ; on my lou'd wife , let downe , And all my children . I will burne to thee An Oxe right bred , brode headed , and yoke-free , To no mans hand yet humbled . Him will I ( His hornes in gold hid ) giue thy Deitie . Thus praid he ; and she heard ; and home he led His sonnes , and all his heap●s of kindered ; Who entring his Court royall ; euery one He marshald in his seuerall seate and throne . And euery one , so kindly come , he gaue His sweet-wine cup ; which none was let to haue Before this leuenth yeare , landed him from Troy ; Which now the Butleresse had leaue t' employ . Who therefore pierst it , and did giue it vent . Of this , the old Duke did a cup present To euery guest : made his maid many a praire That weares the Shield fring'd with his nurses haire ; And gaue her sacrifise . With this rich wine And food suffisde , Sleepe , all eyes did decline . And all for home went : but his Court alone , Telemachus , diuine Vlysses sonne , Must make his lodging , or not please his heart . A bed , all chequerd with elaborate Art , Within a Portico , that rung like brasse , He brought his guest to ; and his bedfere was Pisistratus , the martiall guide of men , That liu'd , of all his sonnes , vnwed till then . Himselfe lay in a by-roome , farre aboue , His bed made by his barren wife , his loue . The rosie-fingerd morne , no sooner shone , But vp he rose , tooke aire , and sat vpon A seate of white , and goodly polisht stone , That such a glosse as richest ointments wore Before his high gates ; where the Counsellor That matcht the Gods ( his Father ) vsde to sit : Who now ( by Fate forc't ) stoopt as low as it . And here sate Nestor , holding in his hand A Scepter ; and about him round did stand ( As early vp ) his sonnes troope ; Perseus , The God-like Thrasimed , and 〈◊〉 , Ec●ephron , Stratius ; the sixt and last Pisistratus ; and by him ( halfe emb●ac't Still as they came ) diuine Telemachus ; To these spake Nestor , old Gerenius : Haste ( loued sonnes ) and do me a desire , That ( first of all the Gods ) I may aspire To Pallas fauour ; who vouchsaft to me , At Neptunes feast , her sight so openly . Let one to field go ; and an Oxe with speed Cause hither brought ; which , let the Heardsman leade ; Another to my deare guests vessell go , And all his souldiers bring , saue onely two . A third , the Smith that works in gold , command ( Laertius ) to attend ; and lend his hand , To plate the both hornes round about with gold ▪ The rest remaine here close . But first , see told The maids within , that they prepare a feast ; Set ●eates through all the Court : see strait addrest The purest water ; and get fuell feld . This said ; not one , but in the seruice held Officious hand . The Oxe came led from field ; The Souldiers troopt from ship ; the Smith he came , And those tooles brought , that seru'd the actuall frame , His Art conceiu'd ; brought Anvile , hammers brought , Faire tongs , and all , with which the gold was wrought . Minerua likewise came , to set the Crowne On that kind sacrifice , and mak 't her owne . Then th' old Knight Nestor gaue the Smith the gold , With which he strait did both the hornes infold ; And trimm'd the Offering so , the Goddesse ioyd . About which , thus were Nestors sonnes employd : Diuine Echephron , and faire Stratius , Held both the hornes : the water odorous , In which they washt , what to the rites was vowd , Aretus ( in a caldron , all bestrowd With herbes and flowres ) seru'd in from th' holy roome Where all were drest ; and whence the rites must come . And after him , a hallowd virgin came , That brought the barley cake , and blew the flame . The axe , with which the Oxe should both be feld And cut forth , Thrasimed stood by ▪ and held . Perseus the ves●ell held , that should retaine The purple licour of the offering slaine . Then washt , the pious Father : then the Cake ( Of barley , salt , and oile made ) tooke , and brake . Askt many a boone of Pallas ; and the state Of all the offering , did initiate . In three parts cutting off the haire , and cast Amidst the flame . All th'inuocation past , And all the Cake broke ; manly Thr●simed Stood neare , and sure ; and such a blow he laid Aloft the offring ; that to earth he sunke , His neck-nerues sunderd , and his spirits shrunke . Ou●●●●iekt the daughters , daughter in lawes , and wife Of three-ag'd Nestor , ( who had eldest life Of Clymens daughters ) chast Eurydice . The Oxe on broad earth , then layd laterally , They held , while Duke Pisi●tr●tus , the throte Dissolu'd and set , the sable blood afflo●e ; And then the life the bones left . Instantly They cut him vp ; apart flew either Thie ; That with the fat they dubd , with art alone ; The throte-briske , and the sweet-bread pricking on . Then Nestor broild them on the cole-turnd wood , Powr'd blacke wine on ; and by him yong men stood , That spits fine-pointed held , on which ( when burnd The solid Thies were ) they transfixt , and turnd The inwards , cut in cantles : which ( the meate Vowd to the Gods , consum'd ) they rost and eate . In meane space , Polycaste ( calld the faire , Nestors yongst daughter ) bath'd Vlysses heire ; Whom , hauing cleansd , and with rich balmes bespred ; She cast a white shirt quickly o're his head , And then his weeds put on ; when , forth he went , And did the person of a God present . Came , and by Nestor tooke his honourd seate , This pastor of the people . Then , the meate Of all the spare parts rosted ; off they drew ; Sate , and fell to . But soone the temperate few , Rose , and in golden bolles , filld others wine . Till , when the rest felt thirst of feast decline ; Nestor his sonnes bad , fetch his high-man'd horse , And them in chariot ioyne , to runne the course The Prince resolu'd . Obaid , as soone as heard Was Nestor by his sonnes ; who strait prepar'd Both horse and chariot . She that kept the store , Both bread and wine , and all such viands more , As should the feast of Ioue-fed Kings compose ; Pouruaid the voyage . To the rich Coach , rose Vlysses sonne ; and close to him ascended The Duke Pisistratus ; the reines intended , And scourg'd , to force to field , who freely flew ; And left the Towne , that farre her splendor threw . Both holding yoke , and shooke it all the day ; But now the Sunne set , darkning euery way , When they to Pheris came ; and in the house Of Diocles ( the sonne t' Ortiloc●us , Whom flood Alpheus got ) slept all that night : Who gaue them each due hospitable rite . But when the rosie-fingerd morne arose , They went to Coach , and did their horse inclose ; Draue forth the fore-court , and the porch that yeelds Each breath a sound ; and to the fruitfull fields Rode scourging still their willing flying Steeds ; Who strenuously performd their wonted speeds . Their iourney ending iust when Sunne went downe ; And shadowes all wayes through the earth were throwne . Finis libri tertij Hom. Odyss . THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . REceiu'd now , in the Spart●● Court Telemachus , preferres report To Menelaus , of the throng Of wo●ers with 〈◊〉 , and their wrong . Atrides tels the Greekes retre●te , And doth a Prophecie repeate , That Protens●ade ●ade ; by which he knew His brothers death ; and then d●th shew How wish Calypso li●'d the fire Of his yong guest . The woo'rs c●●spire Their Princes death : wh●se trechery knowne , Penelope in teares doth dr●wne . Whom Pallas by a 〈…〉 , And in 〈◊〉 appeare Of faire Iphthima , 〈◊〉 to be The sister of Penelope . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Here , of the Sire The 〈◊〉 d●th heare : The woo'rs conspire ; The mothers feare . IN Laced●●● now , the nurse of Whales , These two arriu'd , and found at festiuals ( With mightie concourse ) the renowmed King , His sonne and daughter , ioyntly marrying . Alectors daughter , he did giue his sonne Strong 〈◊〉 ; who his life begunne By Menelaus bo●dmaid ; whom he knew In yeares . When Hellen could no more renew In issue like diuine 〈◊〉 ; Who held in all faire forme , as high degree As golden Venus . Her he married now To great Achilles sonne ; who was by vow Betrothd to her at Tr●y . And thus the Gods To constant loues , giue nuptiall periods . Whose state here past , the Myrmid●ns rich towne ( Of which she shar'd in the Imperiall Crowne ) With horse and chariots he resign'd her to . Meane space , the high huge house , with feast did flow Of friends and neighbours , ioying with the King. Amongst whom , did a heauenly Poet sing , And touch his Harpe . Amongst whom likewise danc't Two ; who in that dumbe motion aduanc't , Would prompt * the Singer , what to sing and play . All this time , in the vtter Court did stay , With horse and chariot , Telemachus , And Nestors noble sonne , Pisistratus . Whom Eteoneus coming forth , descried , And , being a seruant to the King , most tried In care , and his respect ; he ranne and cried : Guests ! Ioue-kept Menelaus ! two such men , As are for forme , of high Saturnius straine . Informe your pleasure , if we shall vnclose Their horse from coach ; or say , they must dispose Their way to some such house , as may embrace Their knowne arriuall , with more welcome grace ? He ( angry ) answerd , Thou didst neuer show Thy selfe a foole ( Beotides ) till now ; But now ( as if turnd child ) a childish speech Vents thy vaine spirits . We our selues now reach Our home , by much spent hospitalitie Of other men ; nor know , if Ioue will trie , With other after wants , our state againe : And therefore , from our feast , no more detaine Those welcome guests ; but take their Steeds from Coach , And with attendance guide in their approach . This said , he rusht abroad , and calld some more Tried in such seruice ; that together bore Vp to the guests : and tooke their Steeds that swet Beneath their yokes , from Coach. At mangers set , Wheate and white barley gaue them mixt ; and plac't Their Chariot by a wall so cleare , it cast A light quite thorough it . And then they led Their guests to the diuine house ; which so fed Their eyes at all parts with illustrous sights , That Admiration seisd them . Like the lights The Sunne and Moone gaue ; all the Pallace threw A luster through it . Satiate with whose view , Downe to the Kings most bright-kept Baths , they went ; Where handmaids did their seruices present : Bath'd , balmd them ; shirts , and well-napt weeds put on , And by Atrides side , set each his throne . Then did the handmaid royall , water bring , And to a Lauer , rich and glittering , Of massie gold , powr'd : which she plac't vpon A siluer Caldron ; into which , might runne The water as they washt . Then set she neare A polisht table ; on which , all the cheare The present could affoord ; a reuerend Dame That kept the Larder , set . A Cooke then came , And diuers dishes , borne thence , seru'd againe ; Furnisht the boord with bolles of gold ; and then ( His right hand giuen the guests ) Atrides said , Eate , and be chearfull ; appetite allaid , I long to aske , of what stocke ye descend ; For not from parents , whose race namelesse end , We must deriue your ofspring . Men obscure , Could get none such as you . The pourtraiture Of Ioue-sustaind , and Scepter-bearing Kings , Your either person , in his presence brings . An Oxes fat chine , then they vp did lift , And set before the guests ; which was a gift , Sent as an honor , to the Kings owne tast . They saw yet , t was but to be eaten plac't , And fell to it . But food and wines care past , Telemachus thus prompted Nestors sonne ; ( His eare close laying , to be heard of none ) Consider ( thou whom most my mind esteemes ) The brasse-worke here , how rich it is in beames ; And how besides , it makes the whole house sound ? What gold , and amber , siluer , ivorie , round Is wrought about it . Our of doubt , the Hall Of Iupiter Olympius , hath of all This state , the like . How many infinites , Take vp to admiration , all mens sights ? Atrides ouer-heard ; and said ; Lou'd sonne , No mortall must affect contention With Ioue , whose dwellings are of endlesse date . Perhaps ( of men ) some one may emulate , ( Or none ) my house , or me . For I am one , That many a graue extreme haue vndergone . Much error felt by sea ; and till th● eight yeare , Had neuer stay ; but wanderd farre and neare , Cyprus , Phoenicia , and Syd●nia ; And fetcht the farre off Aethiopia : Reacht the Erembi of Arabia ; And Lybia , where , with hornes , Ewes yeane their Lambs : Where euery full yeare , Ewes are three times dams . Where neither King , nor shepheard ; want comes neare Of cheese , or flesh , or sweete milke . All the yeare They euer milke their Ewes . And here while I Errd , gathering meanes to liue : one , murtherously , Vnwares , vnseene , bereft my brothers life ; Chiefly betraid by his abhorred wife . So , hold I , ( not enioying ) what you see . And of your Fathers ( if they liuing be ) You must haue heard this : since my suffrings were So great and famous . From this Pallace here , ( So rarely-well-built ; furnished so well ; And substanced with such a precio●s deale Of well-got treasure ) banisht by the doome Of Fate ; and erring as I had no home . And now I haue , and vse it ; not to take Th' entire delight it offers ; but to make Continuall wishes , that a triple part Of all it holds , were wanting ; so my heart Were easde of sorrowes ( taken for their deaths That fell at Troy ) by their reuiued breaths . And thus sit I here , weeping , mourning still Each least man lost ; and sometimes make mine ill ( In paying iust teares for their losse ) my ioy . Sometimes I breathe my woes ; for in annoy ▪ The pleasure soone admits satietie . But all these mens wants , wet not so mine eie , ( Though much they moue me ) as one sole mans misse ; For which , my sleepe and meate euen lothsome is , In his renewd thought ; since no Greeke hath wonne Grace , for such labours , as * La●rtes sonne Hath wrought and sufferd : to himselfe , nought else But future sorrowes forging : to me , hels For his long absence ; since I cannot know If life or death detaine him : since such woe For his loue , old Laertes , his wise wife , And poore yong sonne sustaines ; whom new with life , He left as sirelesse . This speech ; griefe to teares ( Powrd from the sonnes lids on the earth ) his eares ( Told of the Father ) did excite ; who kept His cheekes drie with his red weed , as he wept : His both hands vsde therein . Atrides then Began to know him ; and did 〈◊〉 retaine , If he should let , himselfe confesse his Sire , Or with all fitting circumstance , enquire . While this , his thoughts disputed ; forth did shine , ( Like to the golden * distaffe-deckt diuine ) From her beds high and odoriferous roome , Hellen. To whom ( of an elaborate loome ) Adresta set a chaire : Alcyppe brought A peece of Tapestrie , of fine wooll wrought . Philo , a siluer Cabinet conferd : ( Giuen by Alcandra , Nuptially endeard To Lord Polybius ; whose abode in Thebes , Th'Aegyptian citie was ; ) where wealth in heapes , His famous house held : out of which did go In gift t' Atrides , siluer bath-tubs two ; Two Tripods ; and of fine gold , talents ten . His wife did likewise send to Hellen then , Faire gifts ; a Distaffe that of gold was wrought ; And that rich Cabinet that Phyl● brought ; Round , and with gold ribd ; now of fine thred , full : On which extended ( crownd with finest wooll , Of violet glosse ) the golden Distaffe lay . She tooke her State-chaire ; and a foot-stoo●●s stay Had for her feete : and of her husband , thus Askt to know all things : Is it knowne to vs , ( King Menelaus ) whom these men commend Themselues for ; that our Court , now takes to friend ? I must affirme , ( be I deceiu'd or no ) I neuer yet saw man nor woman so Like one another , as this man is like Vlysses sonne . With admiration str●ke His lookes , my thoughts ; that they should carrie now Powre to perswade me thus ; who did but know , When newly he was borne , the forme they bore . But t is his Fathers grace ; whom more and more His grace resembles ; that makes meretaine Thought , that he now , is like Telemachus then : Left by his Sire , when Greece did vndertake Troys bold warre , for my impudencies sake . He answerd : Now wife , what you thinke , I know , The true cast of his Fathers eye , doth show In his eyes order . Both his head and haire , His hands and feete , his very fathers are . Of whom ( so well rememberd ) I should now Acknowledge for me , his continuall flow Of cares and perils : yet still patient . But I should too much moue him , that doth vent Such bitter teares for that which hath bene spoke ; Which ( shunning soft shew ) see how he would cloke ; And with his purple weed , his weepings hide . Then Nestors sonne , Pisistratus replide : Great Pastor of the people , kept of God! He is Vlysses sonne ; but his abode Not made before here ; and he modest too ; He holds it an indignitie to do A deed so vaine , to vse the boast of words , Where your words are on wing ; whose voice affords Delight to vs , as if a God did breake The aire amongst vs , and vouchsafe to speake . But me , my father ( old Duke Nestor ) sent To be his consort hither ; his content , Not to be height●●d so , as with your sight . In hope that therewith words and actions might Informe his comforts from you ; since he is Extrernely grieu'd and iniu●'d , by the misse Of his great Father ; suffering euen at home . And few friends found , to helpe him ouercome His too weake sufferance , now his Sire is gone . Amongst the people , not affoorded one To checke the miseries , that mate him thus ; And this the state is of Telemachus . O Gods ( said he ) how certaine , now , I see My house enioyes that friends sonne , that for me Hath vndergone so many willing fights ? Whom I resolu'd , past all the Grecian Knights , To hold in loue ; if our returne by seas , The farre-off Thunderer did euer please To grant our wishes . And to his respect , A Pallace and a Citie to erect , My vow had bound me . Whither bringing then His riches , and his sonne , and all his men From barren Ithaca , ( some one sole Towne Inhabited about him , batterd downe ) All should in Argos liue . And there would I Ease him of rule ; and take the Emperie Of all on me . And often here would we ( Delighting , louing eithers companie ) Meete and conuerse ; whom nothing should diuide , Till deaths blacke veile did each all ouer hide . But this perhaps had ben● a meane to take Euen God himselfe with enuie ; who did make Vlysses therefore onely the vnblest , That should not reach his loued countries rest . These woes made euery one with woe in loue ; Euen Argiue Hellen wept , ( the seed of Ioue ) Vlysses sonne wept ; Atreus * sonne did weepe ; And Nestors sonne , his eyes in teares did steepe . But his teares fell not from the present cloud , That from Vlysses was exhal'd ; but flowd From braue Antilochus rememberd due , Whom the renowmd * Sonne of the Morning slue . Which yet he thus excusde : O Atreus sonne ! Old Nestor sayes , There liues not such a one Amongst all mortals , as Atrides is , For deathlesse wisedome . T is a praise of his , Still giuen in your remembrance ; when at home Our speech concernes you . Since then ouercome You please to be , with sorrow euen to teares , That are in wisedome so exempt from peres ; Vouchsafe the like effect in me excuse , ( If it be lawfull ) I affect no vse Of teares thus , after meales ; at least , at night : But when the morne brings forth , with teares , her light , It shall not then empaire me to bestow My teares on any worthies ouerthrow . It is the onely right , that wretched men Can do dead friends ; to cut haire , and complaine . But Death my brother tooke ; whom none could call The Grecian coward ; you best knew of all . I was not there , nor saw ; but men report , Antilochus exceld the common sort , For footmanship , or for the Chariot race ; Or in the fight , for hardie hold of place . O friend ( said he ) since thou hast spoken so , At all parts , as one wise should say and do ; And like one , farre beyond thy selfe in yeares ; Thy words shall bounds be , to our former teares . O he is questionlesse a right borne sonne , That of his Father hath not onely wonne The person , but the wisedome ; and that Sire ; ( Complete himselfe ) that hath a sonne entire , Ioue did not onely his full Fate adorne , When he was wedded ; but when he was borne . As now Saturnius , through his lifes whole date , Hath Nestors blisse raisd to as steepe a state : Both in his age to keepe in peace his house ; And to haue children wise and valorous . But let vs not forget our rere Feast thus ; Let some giue water here . Telemachus ! The morning shall yeeld time to you and me , To do what fits ; and reason mutually . This said ; the carefull seruant of the King ; ( Asphalion ) powr'd on , th' issue of the Spring ; And all to readie feast , set readie hand . But Hellen now , on new deuice did stand ; Infusing strait a medcine to their wine , That ( drowning Cares and Anger 's ) did decline All thought of ill . Who drunke her cup , could shed All that day , not a teare ; no not if dead That day his father or his mother were ; Not if his brother , child , or chiefest deare , He should see murtherd then before his face . Such vsefull medcines ( onely borne in grace , Of what was good ) would Hellen euer haue . And this Iuyce to her , Polydamma gaue The wife of Thoon ; an Aegyptian borne ; Whose rich earth , herbes of medicine do adorne In great abundance . Many healthfull are , And many banefull . Euery man is there A good Physition , out of natures grace ; For all the nation sprung of Paeons race . When Hellen then her medicine had infusde , She bad powre wine to it , and this speech vsde : Atrides , and these good mens sonnes ; great Ioue Makes good and ill , one after other moue In all things earthly : for he can do all . The woes past therefore , he so late let fall ; The comforts he affoords vs , let vs take ; Feast , and with fit discourses , merrie make . Nor will I other vse . As then our blood Grieu'd for Vlysses , since he was so good ; Since he was good , let vs delight to heare How good he was , and what his suffrings were . Though euery fight , and euery suffring deed , Patient Vlysses vnderwent ; exceed My womans powre to number , or to name . But what he did , and sufferd , when he came Amongst the Troians , ( where ye Grecians all Tooke part with sufferance ) I in part can call To your kind memories . How with ghastly wounds Himselfe he mangl'd ; and the Troian bounds ( Thrust thicke with enemies ) aduentured on : His royall shoulders , hauing cast vpon Base abiect weeds , and enterd like a slaue . Then ( begger-like ) he did of all men craue ; And such a wretch was , as the whole Greeke fleete Brought not besides . And thus through euery streete He crept discouering : of no one man knowne . And yet through all this difference , I alone Smok't his true person . Talkt with him . But he Fled me with wiles still . Nor could we agree , Till I disclaimd him quite . And so ( as mou'd With womanly remorse , of one that prou'd So wretched an estate , what ere he were ) Wonne him to take my house . And yet euen there ; Till freely I ( to make him doubtlesse ) swore A powrefull oath , to let him reach the shore Of ships and tents , before Troy vnderstood ; I could not force on him his proper good . But then I bath'd and sooth'd him , and he then Confest , and told me all . And ( hauing slaine A number of the Troian guards ) retirde , And reacht the Fleete ; for slight and force admirde . Their husbands deaths by him , the Troian wiues Shrickt for ; but I made triumphs for their liues . For then my heart conceiu'd , that once againe I should reach home ; and yet did still retaine Woe for the slaughters , Venus made for me : When both my husband , my Hermio●e , And bridall roome , she robd of so much right ; And drew me from my countrie , with her sleight . Though nothing vnder heauen , I here did need , That could my Fancie , or my Beautie feed . Her husband said : Wife ! what you please to tell , Is true at all parts , and becomes you well . And I my selfe , that now may say , haue seene The minds and manners of a world of men : And great Heroes , measuring many a ground , Haue neuer ( by these eyes that light me ) found One , with a bosome , so to be belou'd , As that in which , th'accomplisht spirit , mou'd Of patient Vlysses . What ( braue man ) He both did act , and suffer , when we wan The towne of Ilion , in the braue-built horse , When all we chiefe States of the Grecian force , Were housde together ; bringing Death and Fate Amongst the Troians ; you ( wife ) may relate . For you , at last , came to vs ; God that would The Troians glorie giue ; gaue charge you should Approch the engine ; and Deipho●us ( The god-like ) followd . Thrice ye cir●'d vs , With full suruay of it ; and often tried The hollow crafts , that in it were implied . When all the voices of their wiues in it You tooke on you ; with voice so like , and fit ; And euery man by name , so visited ; That I , Vlysses , and King Diomed , ( Set in the midst , and hearing how you calld ) Tydides , and my selfe , ( as halfe appalld With your remorcefull plaints ) would , passing faine Haue broke our silence ; rather then againe Endure , respectlesse , their so mouing cries . But , Ithacus , our strongest fantasies Containd within vs , from the slendrest noise , And euery man there , sat without a voice . Anticlus onely , would haue answerd thee : But , his speech , Ithacus incessantly With strong hand held in : till ( Mineruas call , Charging thee off ) Vlysses sau'd vs all . Telemachus replide : Much greater is My griefe , for hearing this high praise of his . For all this doth not his sad death diuert ; Nor can , though in him swelld an iron heart . Prepare , and leade then ( if you please ) to rest : Sleepe ( that we heare not ) will content vs best . Then Argiue Hellen made he handmaid go , And put faire bedding in the Portico ; Lay purple blankets on , Rugs warme and soft ; And cast and Arras couerlet aloft . They torches tooke ; made haste , and made the bed , When both the guests were to their lodgings led , Within a Portico , without the house . Atrides , and his large-traine-wearing Spouse , ( The excellent of women ) for the way , In a retir'd receit , together lay . The morne arose ; the King rose , and put on His royall weeds ; his sharpe sword hung vpon His ample shoulders ; forth his chamber went , And did the person of a God present . Telemachus accosts him ; who begun Speech of his iourneys proposition . And what ( my yong Vlyssean Heroe ) Prouokt thee on the broad backe of the sea , To visit Lacedaemon the Diuine ? Speake truth ; Some publicke● or onely thine ? I come ( said he ) to heare , if any fame Breath'd of my Father ; to thy notice came . My house is sackt ; my fat workes of the field , Are all destroid : my house doth nothing yeeld But enemies ; that kill my harmlesse sheepe , And sinewie Oxen : nor will euer keepe Their steeles without them . And these men are they , That wooe my Mother ; most inhumanely Committing iniurie on iniurie . To thy knees therefore I am come , t' attend Relation of the sad and wretched end , My erring Father felt : if witnest by Your owne eyes ; or the certaine newes that flie From others knowledges . For , more then is The vsuall heape of humane miseries , His Mother bore him to . Vouchsafe me then ( Without all ruth of what I can sustaine ) The plaine and simple truth of all you know . Let me beseech so much . If euer vow Was made , and put in good effect to you At Troy ( where suffrance bred you so much smart ) Vpon my Father , good Vlysses part ; And quit it now to me ( himselfe in youth ) Vnfolding onely the vnclosed truth . He ( deeply sighing ) answerd him : O shame That such poore vassals should affect the fame , To share the ioyes of such a Worthies Bed ! As when a Hinde ( her calues late farrowed To giue sucke ) enters the bold lions den : He , rootes of hils , and herbie vallies then For food ( there feeding ) hunting : but at length Returning to his Cauerne ; giues his strength The liues of both the mother and her brood , In deaths indecent ; so the 〈…〉 Must pay Vlysses powres , as sharpe an end . O would to Ioue , Apollo , and thy friend , ( The wise Minerua ) that thy Father were As once he was , when he his spirits did rere Against Philomelides , in a fight Performd in well-built Lesbos ; where , downe-right He strooke the earth with him ; and gat a shout Of all the Grecians . O , if now , full out He were as then ; and with the wooers cop't , Short-liu'd they all were ; and their nuptials , hop't Would proue as desperate . But for thy demand , Enforc't with prayrs ; I le let thee vnderstand The truth directly ; nor decline a thought ; Much lesse deceiue , or sooth thy search in ought . But what the old , and still-true-spoken God , That from the sea breathes oracles 〈◊〉 , Disclosde to me ; to thee I le all impart , Nor hide one word from thy sollicitous heart . I was in Aegypt ; where a mightie time , The Gods detaind me : though my naturall clime , I neuer so desir'd ; because their homes I did not greete , with perfect Hecatomes . For they will put men euermore in mind , How much their masterly commandments bind . There is ( besides ) a certaine Iland , calld Ph●ros , that with the high-wau'd sea is walld ; Iust against Aegypt ; and so much remote , As in a whole day , with a fore-gale 〈◊〉 , A hollow ship can saile . And this I le beares A Port , most portly ; where sea-passengers Put in still for fresh water , and away To sea againe . Yet here the Gods did stay My Fleete , full twentie dayes : the winds ( that are Masters at sea ) no prosprous puffe would spare , To put vs off : and all my victles here . Had quite corrupted ; as my mens minds were ; Had not a certaine Goddesse giuen regard , And pittide me in an estate so hard : And t was Edothea , honourd Proteus seed , That old sea-farer . Her mind I made bleed With my compassion , when ( walkt all alone , From all my souldiers , that were euer gone About the I le on fishing , with hookes bent ; Hunger , their bellies , on her errand sent ) She came close to me ; spake ; and thus began : Of all men , thou art the most foolish man , Or slacke in businesse ; or stayst here of choice ; And doest in all thy suffrances reioyce ; That thus long liu'st detaind here ; and no end Canst giue thy tarriance . Thou doest much offend The minds of all thy fellowes . I replied : Who euer thouart of the Deified , I must affirme , that no way with my will , I make abode here : but , it seemes , some ill The Gods , inhabiting broad heauen , sustaine Against my getting off . Informe me then , ( For Godheads all things know ) what God is he That stayes my passage , from the fishie sea ? Stranger ( said she ) I le tell thee true : there liues An old Sea-farer in these seas , that giues A true solution of all secrets here . Who , deathlesse Proteus is , th' Aegyptian Peere : Who can the deepes of all the seas exquire ; Who Neptunes Priest is ; and ( they say ) the Sire That did beger me . Him , if any way Thou couldst inveagle , he would cleare display Thy course from hence ; and how farre off doth lie Thy voyages whole scope through Neptunes skie . Informing thee ( O Godpreseru'd ) beside ( If thy desires would so be satisfide ) What euer good or ill hath got euent , In all the time , thy long and hard course spent , Since thy departure from thy house . This said ; Againe I answerd : Make the sleights displaid , Thy Father vseth ; lest his foresight see , Or his foreknowledge taking note of me , He flies the ●ixt place of his vsde abode ; T is hard for man to countermine with God. She strait replide : I le vtter truth in all ; When heauens supremest height , the Sunne doth skall ; The old Sea-tell-truth leaues the deepes , and hides Amidst a blacke storme , when the West wind chides ; In caues still sleeping . Round about him sleepe ( With short feete swimming forth the fomie deepe ) The Sea-calues ( louely Halosydnes calld ) From whom a noisome odour is exhalld , Got from the whirle-pooles , on whose earth they lie . Here , when the morne illustrates all the skie , I le guide , and seate thee , in the fittest place , For the performance thou hast now in chace . In meane time , reach thy Fleete ; and chuse out three Of best exploit , to go as aides to thee . But now I le shew thee all the old Gods sleights ; He first will number , and take all the sights Of those , his guard , that on the shore arriues . When hauing viewd , and told them forth by fiues ; He takes place in their midst , and there doth sleepe , Like to a shepheard midst his flocke of sheepe . In his first sleepe , call vp your hardiest cheare , Vigor and violence , and hold him there , In spite of all his striuings to be gone . He then will turne himselfe to euery one Of all things that in earth creepe and respire , In water swim , or shine in heauenly fire . Yet still hold you him firme ; and much the more Presse him from passing . But when , as before ( When sleepe first bound his powres ) his forme ye see , Then ceasse your force , and th' old Heroe free ; And then demand , which heauen-borne it may bee That so afflicts you , hindring your retreate , And free sea-passage to your natiue seate . This said , she diu'd into the wauie seas ; And I my course did to my ships addresse , That on the sands stucke ; where arriu'd , we made Our supper readie . Then th'Ambrosian shade Of night fell on vs ; and to sleepe we fell . Rosie Aurora rose ; we rose as well ; And three of them , on whom I most relied , For firme at euery force ; I chusde , and hied Strait to the many-riuer-serued seas . And all assistance , askt the Deities . Meane time Ed●thea , the seas broad brest Embrac't ; and brought for me , and all my rest , Foure of the sea-calues skins , but newly flead , To worke a wile , which she had fashioned Vpon her Father . Then ( within the sand A couert digging ) when these Calues should land , She sate expecting . We came close to her : She plac't vs orderly ; and made vs weare Each one his Calues skin . But we then must passe A huge exploit . The sea-calues sauour was So passing sowre ( they still being bred at seas ) It much afflicted vs : for who can please To lie by one of these same sea-bred whales ? But she preserues vs ; and to memorie calls A rare commoditie : she fetcht to vs Ambrosia , that an aire most odorous Beares still about it ; which she nointed round Our either nosthrils ; and in it quite drownd The nastie whale-smell . Then the great euent , The whole mornes date , with spirits patient We lay expecting . When bright Noone did flame Forth from the sea , in Sholes the sea-calues came , And orderly , at last , lay downe and slept Along the sands . And then th' old sea-god crept From forth the deepes ; and found his sat calues there : Suruaid , and numberd ; and came neuer neare The craft we vsde ; but told vs fiue for calues . His temples then diseasd , with sleepe he salues ; And in rusht we , with an abhorred crie : Cast all our hands about him manfully , And then th' old Forger , all his formes began : First was a Lion , with a mightie mane ; Then next a Dragon ; a pide Panther then ; A vast Boare next ; and sodainly did straine All into water . Last , he was a tree , Curld all at top , and shot vp to the skie . We , with resolu'd hearts , held him firmly still , When th' old one ( held to streight for all his skill , To extricate ) gaue words , and questiond me : Which of the Gods , O Atreus sonne , ( said he ) Aduisde and taught thy fortitude this sleight , To take and hold me thus , in my despight ? What asks thy wish now ? I replide : Thou knowst : Why doest thou aske ? What wiles are these thou showst I haue within this I le , bene held for winde A wondrous time ; and ca● by no meanes find An end to my retention . It hath spent The very heart in me . Giue thou then vent To doubts thus bound in me , ( ye Gods know all ) Which of the Godheads , doth so fowly fall On my addression home , to stay me here ? Auert me from my way ? The fishie cleare , Barr'd to my passage ? He replide : Of force ( If to thy home , thou wishest free recourse ) To Ioue , and all the other Deities , Thou must exhibite solemne sacrifice ; And then the blacke sea for thee shall be cleare , Till thy lou'd countries settl'd reach . But where Aske these rites thy performance ? ●Tis a fate To thee and thy affaires appropriate , That thou shalt neuer see thy friends , nor tred Thy Countries earth ; nor see inhabited Thy so magnificent house ; till thou make good Thy voyage backe to the Aegyptian flood , Whose waters fell from I●●e : and there hast gi●en To Ioue , and all Gods , housd in ample heauen , Deuoted Hecatombs ; and then free wayes Shall open to thee ; cleard of all delayes . This told he ; and me thought , he b●●ke my heart , In such a long and hard cou●se to diuert My hope for home ; and charge my backe retreat , As farre as Aegypt . I made answer yet : Father , thy charge I le perfect ; but before , Resolue me truly , if their naturall ●hore , All those Greeks , and their ships , do safe enioy , That Nestor and my selfe left , when from Troy We first raisde saile ? Or whether any died At sea a death vnwisht ? Or ( satisfied ) When warre was past , by friends embrac't , in peace Resign'd their spirits ? He made answer : Cease To aske so farre ; it fits thee not to be So cunning in thine owne calamitie . Nor seeke to learne ; what learnd , thou shouldst forget ; Mens knowledges haue proper limits set , And should not prease into the mind of God. But t will not long be ( as my thoughts abode ) Before thou buy this curious skill with tea●es . Many of those , whose states so tempt thine eares , Are stoopt by Death ; and many left aliue : One chiefe of which , in strong hold doth surui●e , Amidst the broad sea . Two , in their retreate , Are done to death . I list not to repeate , Who fell at Troy ; thy selfe was there in fight . But in returne , swift Aiax lost the light , In his long-oard ship . Neptune yet a while , Saft him vnwrackt : to the Gyr●an I le , A mightie Rocke ●emo●ing from his way . And surely he had scapt the fatall day , In spite of Pallas , if to that foule deed , He in her Phane did , ( when he raui●hed The Troian Prophetesse ) he had not here Adioynd an impious boast : that he would beare ( Despite the Gods ) his ship safe through the waues Then raisde against him . These his impious b●aues , When Neptune heard ; in his strong hand he tooke His massie Trident ; and so soundly strooke The rocke Gyraean , that in two it cleft : Of which , one fragment on the land he left ; The other fell into the troubld seas ; At which , first rusht Aiax Oileades , And split his ship : and then himselfe aflote Swum on the rough waues of the worlds va●t mo●e ; Till hauing drunke a salt cup for his sinne , There perisht he . Thy brother yet did winne The wreath from Death , while in the waues they stroue , Afflicted by the reuerend wife of Ioue . But when the steepe Mount of the Malean shore , He seemd to reach ; a most tempestuous blore , Farre to the fishie world , that sighes so sore , Strait rauisht him againe ; as farre away , As to th' extreme bounds where the Agrians stay ; Where first Thiestes dwelt : but then his sonne Aegisthus Thiestiades liu'd . This done , When his returne vntoucht appeard againe ; Backe turnd the Gods the wind ; and set him then Hard by his house . Then , full of ioy , he left His ship ; and close t' his countrie earth he cleft ; Kist it , and wept for ioy : powrd teare on teare , To set so wishedly his footing there . But see : a Sentinell that all the yeare , Craftie Aegisthus , in a watchtowre set To spie his landing ; for reward as great As two gold talents ; all his powres did call To strict remembrance of his charge ; and all Discharg'd at first sight ; which at first he cast On Agamemnon ; and with all his hast , Informd Aeg●sthus . He , an instant traine Laid for his slaughter : Twentie chosen men Of his Plebeians , he in ambush laid . His other men , he charg'd to see puruaid A Feast : and forth , with horse and chariots grac't , He rode t'inui●e him : but in heart embrac't Horrible welcomes : and to death did bring , With trecherous slaughter , the vnwary King. Receiu'd him at a Feast ; and ( like an Oxe Slaine at his manger ) gaue him bits and knocks . No one left of Atrides traine ; nor one Sau'd to Aegisthus ; but himselfe alone : All strowd together there , the bloudie Court. This said : my soule he sunke with his report : Flat on the sands I fell : teares spent their store ; I , light abhord : my heart would liue no more . When drie of teares ; and tir'd with tumbling there ; Th' old Tel-truth thus my danted spirits did cheare : No more spend teares nor time , ô Atreus sonne ; With ceaslesse weeping , neuer wish was wonne . Vse vttermost assay to reach thy home , And all vnwares vpon the murtherer come , ( For torture ) taking him thy selfe , aliue ; Orw let Orestes , that should farre out-striue Thee in fit vengeance , quickly quit the light Of such a darke soule : and do thou the right Of buriall to him , with a Funerall feast . With these last words , I fortifide my breast ; In which againe , a generous spring began , Of fitting comfort , as I was a man ; But , as a brother , I must euer mourne . Yet forth I went ; and told him the returne Of these I knew : but he had nam'd a third , Held on the broad sea ; still with life inspir'd ; Whom I besought to know , though likewise dead , And I must mourne alike . He answered : He is Laertes sonne ; whom I beheld In Nymph Calypsos Pallace ; who compeld His stay with her : and since he could not see His countrie earth , he mournd incessantly . For he had neither ship , instruct with oares , Nor men to fetch him from those stranger shores . Where , leaue we him ; and to thy selfe descend ; Whom , not in Argos , Fate nor Death shall end ; But the immortall ends of all the earth , So rul'd by them , that order death by birth , ( The fields Elisian ) Fate to thee will giue : Where Rhadamanthus rules ; and where men liue A neuer-troubld life : where snow , nor showres , Nor irksome Winter spends his fruitlesse powres ; But from the Ocean , Zephyre still resumes A constant breath , that all the fields perfumes . Which , since thou marriedst Hellen , are thy hire ; And Ioue himselfe , is by her side thy Sire . This said ; he diu'd the d●epsome watrie heapes ; I , and my tried men , tooke vs to our ships ; And worlds of thoughts , I varied with my steps . Arriu'd and shipt , the silent solemne Night , And Sleepe bereft vs of our visuall light . At morne , masts , sailes reard , we sate ; left the shores , And beate the fomie Ocean with our oares . Againe then we , the Ioue-falne flood did fetch , As farre as Aegypt : where we did beseech The Gods with Hecatombs ; whose angers ceast ; I toomb'd my brother , that I might be blest . All rites performd ; all haste I made for home ; And all the prosprous winds about were come ; I had the Pasport now of euery God , And here closde all these labours period . Here stay then , till th' eleuenth or twelfth daies light ; And I le dismisse thee well ; gifts exquisite Preparing for thee : Chariot , horses three ; A Cup of curious frame to serue for thee , To serue th' immortall Gods with sacrifice ; Mindfull of me , while all Sunnes light thy skies . He answe●d : Stay me not too long time here ; Though I could sit , attending all the yeare : Nor should my house , nor parents , with desire , Take my affections from you ; so on fire With loue to heare you , are my thoughts : but so ; My Pylian friends , I shall afflict with wo , Who mourne euen this stay . Whatsoeuer be The gifts your Grace is to bestow on me ; Vouchsafe them such , as I may beare and saue , For your sake euer . Horse , I list not haue , To keepe in Ithaca : but leaue them here , To your soiles dainties ; where the broad fields beare Sweet Cypers grasse ; where men-fed Lote doth flow ; Where wheate-like Spelt ; and wheate it selfe doth grow ; Where Barley , white , and spreading like a tree : But Ithaca , hath neither ground to be ( For any length it comprehends ) a race To trie a horses speed : nor any place To make him fat in : fitter farre to feed A Cliffe-bred Goate , then raise ▪ or please a Steed . Of all Iles , Ithaca doth least prouide , Or meades to feed a horse , or wayes ●o ride . He , smiling said : Of good bloud art thou ( sonne ) : What speech , so●yong ? what obseruation Hast thou made of the world ? I well am pleasde To change my gifts to thee ; as being confessd Vnfit indeed : my store is such , I may . Of all my house-gifts then , that vp I lay For treasure there , I will bestow on thee The fairest , and of greatest price to me . I will bestow on thee a rich caru'd Cup Of siluer all : but all the brims wrought vp With finest gold : it was the onely thing That the Heroicall Sydonian King Presented to me , when we were to part At his receit of me ; and t was the Art Of that great Artist , that of heauen is free ; And yet euen this , will I bestow on thee . This speech thus ended ; guests came , and did bring Muttons ( for Presents ) to the God-like King : And spirit-prompting wine , that strenuous makes . Their Riband-wreathed wiues , brought fruit and cakes . Thus , in this house , did these their Feast apply : And in Vlysses house , Actiuitie The wooers practisde : Tossing of the Speare ; The Stone , and hurling : thus delighted , where They exercisde such insolence before : Euen in the Court , that wealthy 〈◊〉 wo●e . Antinous did still their strifes decide ; And he that was in person dei●ide Eury●ach●● ; both ring leaders of all ; For in their vertues they were principall . These , by Noem●n ( sonne to 〈◊〉 ) Were sided now ; who made the question thus : Antinous ! does any friend here know , When this Telemachus returnes ? or no , From sandie Pylos ? He made bold to take My ship with him : of which , I now should make Fit vse my selfe ; and saile in her as fa●e As spacious Elis ; where , of mine , there are Twelue delicate Mares ; and vnder their sides , go Laborious Mules , that yet did neuer know The yoke , nor labour : some of which should beare The taming now , if I could fetch them there . This speech , the rest admir'd ; nor dreamd that he Neleian Pyles , euer thought to see ; But was at field about his flocks suruay : Or thought , his heardsmen ●eld him so away . Enpitheus sonne , Antino●s , then replied : When went he ? or with what Traine dignified Of his selected Ithacensi●● youth ? Prest men , or Bond men were they ? Tell the truth . Could he effect this ? let me truly know : To gaine thy vessell , did he violence show , And vsde her gainst thy will ? or had her free , When fitting question , he had made with thee ? Noemon answerd : I did freely giue My vessell to him ; who deserues to liue , That would do other ? when such men as he , Did in distresse aske ? he should churlish be , That would denie him : Of our youth , the best Amongst the people ; to the interest His charge did challenge in them ; giuing way , With all the tribute , all their powres could pay . Their Captaine ( as he tooke the ship ) I knew ; Who Mentor was , or God. A deities shew , Maskt in his likenesse . But to thinke t was he , I much admire ; for I did clearly see , But yester morning , God like Mentor here ; Yet , th' other euening , he tooke shipping there , And went for Pylos . Thus went he for home , And left the rest , with enuie ouercome : Who sate ; and pastime left . Enpitheus sonne ( Sad , and with rage , his entrailes ouerrunne ) His eyes like flames ; thus interposde his speech . Strange thing ; an action of how proud a reach , Is here committed by Telemachus ? A boy , a child ; and we , a sort of vs , Vowd gainst his voyage ; yet admit it thus , With ship , and choise youth of our people too ? But let him on ; and all his mischiefe do ; Ioue shall conuert vpon himselfe his powres , Before their ill presum'd , he brings on ours . Prouide me then a ship , and twentie men To giue her manage ; that against again He turnes for home ; on th' Ithacensian seas , Or Cliffie Samian ; I may interprease ; Way-lay , and take him ; and make all his craft , Saile with his ruine , for his Father saf't . This , all applauded ; and gaue charge to do ; Rose , and to greete Vlysses house , did go . But long time past not , ere Penelope Had notice of their far-fetcht trecherie . Medon the Herald told her ; who had heard Without the Hall , how they within conferd : And hasted strait , to tell it to the Queene : Who from the entrie , hauing Medon seene Preuents him thus : Now Herald ; what affaire Intend the famous woo'rs , in your repaire ? To tell Vlysses maids , that they must ceasse From doing our worke , and their banquets dresse ? I would to heauen , that ( leauing wooing me , Nor euer troubling other companie ) Here might the last Feast be , and most extreme , That euer any shall addresse for them . They neuer meete , but to consent in spoile , And reape the free fruites of anothers toile . O did they neuer , when they children were , What to their Fathers , was Vlysses , heare ? Who neuer did gainst any one proceed , With vniust vsage , or in word or deed ? T is yet with other Kings , another right , One to pursue with loue , another spight ; He still yet iust ; nor would , though might deuoure ; Nor to the worst , did euer taste of powre . But their vnruld acts , shew their minds estate : Good turnes receiu'd once , thanks grow our of date . Medon , the learn'd in wisedome , answerd her : I wish ( O Queene ) that their ingratitudes were Their worst ill towards you : but worse by farre , And much more deadly their endeuours are ; Which loue will faile them in . 〈◊〉 Their purpose is ( as he returnes to vs ) To giue their sharpe steeles in a cruell death : Who now is gone to learne , if Fame can breathe Newes of his Sire ; and will the ●ylian shore , And sacred Sparta , in his search explore . This newes dissolu'd to her both knees and heart , Long silence held her , ere one word would part : Her eyes stood full of teares ; her small soft voice , All late vse lost ; that yet at last had choice Of won●ed words ; which briefly thus she vsde : Why left my sonne his mother ? why refusde His wit the solid shore , to trie the seas , And put in ships the trust of his distresse ? That are at sea to men vnbridld horse , And tunne , past rule , their farre-engaged course , Amidst a moisture , past all meane vnstaid ? No need compeld this : did he it , afraid To liue and leaue posteritie his name ? I know not ( he replide ) if th'humor came From current of his owne instinct , or flowd From others instigations ; but he vowd Attempt to Pylos ; or to see descried His Sires returne , or know what death he died . This said ; he tooke him to Vlysse● house After the wooers ; the Vlyssean Spouse ( Runne through with woes ) let Tort●●e seise her mind , Nor , in her choice of state-chaires , stood enclin'd To take her seate ; but th'abiect threshold chose Of her faire chamber , for her loth'd repose ; And mournd most wretch-like . Round about her fell Her handmaids , ioynd in a continuate yell . From euery corner of the Pallace , all Of all degrees , tun'd to her comforts fall Their owne deiections : to whom , her complaint She thus enforc't : The Gods beyond constraint Of any measure , vrge these teares on me ; Nor was there euer Dame of my degree , So past degree grieu'd . First , a Lord , so good , That had such hardie spirits in his blood . That all the vertues was adornd withall ; That all the Greeks did their Superiour call , To part with thus , and lose . And now a sonne So worthily belou'd , a course to runne Beyond my knowledge ; whom rude tempests haue Made farre from home , his most inglorious graue . Vnhappie wenches , that no one of all , ( Though in the reach of euery one , must fall His taking ship ) sustaind the carefull mind , To call me from my bed ; who , this designd , And most vowd course in him , had either staid , ( How much soeuer hasted ) or dead laid He should haue left me . Many a man I haue , That would haue calld old Dolius my slaue , ( That keepes my Orchard , whom my Father gaue At my departure ) to haue runne , and told Laertes this ; to trie if he could hold From running through the people ; and from teares , In telling them of these vowd murtherers ; That both diuine Vlysses hope , and his , Resolue to end in their conspiracies . His Nurse then , Euryclaea made reply : Deare Soueraigne , let me with your owne hands die ; Or cast me off here ; I le not keepe from thee ▪ One word of what I know : He trusted me With all his purpose ; and I gaue him all The bread and wine , for which he pleasd to call . But then a mightie oath he made me sweare , Not to report it to your ●oyall eare , Before the twelfth day either should appeare , Or you should aske me , when you heard him gone . Empaire not then your beauties with your mone , But wash , and put vnteare-staind garments on : Ascend your chamber , with your Ladies here ; And pray the seed of Goat-nurst Iupiter , ( Diuine Athenia ) to preserue your sonne ; And she will saue him from confusion . Th' old King , to whom your hopes stand so inclin'd , For his graue counsels , you perhaps may find Vnfit affected , for his ages sake . But heauen-kings waxe not old ; and therefore make Fit pray'rs to them ; for my thoughts neuer will Beleeue the heauenly powres conceit so ill , The seed of righteous Arcesiades , To end it vtterly ; but still will please In some place euermore , some one of them To saue ; and decke him with a Diadem : Giue him possession of erected Towres , And farre-stretcht fields , crownd all of fruits and flowres . This easd her heart , and dride her humorous ●ies , When hauing washt , and weeds of sacrifise ( Pure , and vnstaind with her distrustfull teares ) Put on ; ( with all her women-ministers ) Vp to a chamber of most height , she rose ; And cakes of salt and barly did impose Within a wicker basket ; all which broke In decent order ; thus she did inuoke : Great Virgin of the Goat-preserued God ; If euer the inhabited abode Of wise Vlysses , held the ●atted Thi●s Of sheepe and Oxen , made thy sacrifice By his deuotion ; heare me ; nor 〈◊〉 His pious seruices ; but ●a●e ●ee ●e● His deare sonne , on these shores ; and 〈…〉 These wooers , past all meane in insolence . This said , she shriekt ; and 〈…〉 her 〈◊〉 . The wooers broke with tumult all 〈…〉 About the shadie house ; and one of them , Whose pride , his youth had made the more 〈◊〉 , Said ; Now the many-wooer - 〈◊〉 Queene , Will surely fatiate her 〈◊〉 〈…〉 And one of vs , in instant 〈◊〉 . Poore Dame , she dreames not , what designe we make , Vpon the life and slaughter of her sonne . So said he ; but so said , was not so done ; Whose arrogant spirit , in a 〈◊〉 so vaine , Antinous chid ; and said ; For shame 〈◊〉 These brauing speeches ; who 〈…〉 Are we not now in reach of 〈◊〉 If our intentions please vs , let vs call Our spirits vp to them , and let 〈…〉 . By watchfull Danger , men must 〈…〉 : What we resolue on , let 's not say , but do . This said ; he chusde out twentie men , that bore Best reckning with him ; and to ship and shore , All ●asted ; reacht the ship , lanchit , raisd the ma●t ; Put sailes in ; and with leather loopes made ●a●t The oares ; Sailes hoisted ; Armes their men did bring ; All giuing speed , and forme to euery thing . Then to the high-deepes , their riggd vessell dri●en , They supt ; expecting the approching E●en . Meane space , Penelope her chamber kept , And bed , and neither eate , nor dranke , nor slept ; Her strong thoughts wrought so on her blamelesse sonne ; Still in contention , if he should be done To death ; or scape the impious wooers designe . Looke how a Lion , whom then ●●roopes combine To hunt , and close him in a craftie 〈◊〉 ; Much varied thought conceiues ; and feare doth sting For vrgent danger : So far'd she 〈◊〉 sleepe , All iuncture of her ioynts , and nerues did s●eepe In his dissoluing humor . When ( at rest ) Pallas her fauours varied ; and addrest An Idoll , that Iphthima did present In * structure of her euery lineament ; Great-sould Icarius daughter : whom , for Spouse Eum●lus tooke , that kept in Pheris house . This , to diuine Vlysses house she sent , To trie her best meane , how she might content Mournfull Penelope ; and make Relent The strict addiction in her to deplore . This Idoll ( like a * worme , that lesse or more , Contracts or straines her ) did it selfe conuey , Beyond the wards , or windings of the key , Into the chamber ; and aboue her head , Her seate assuming , thus she comforted Distrest Penelope . Doth sleepe thus sease Thy powres , affected with so much disease ? The Gods , that nothing troubles , will not see Thy teares nor griefes , in any least degree , Sustaind with cause ; for they will guard thy sonne , Safe to his wisht , and natiue mansion ; Since he is no offender of their States ; And they to such , are firmer then their Fates .. The wise Penelope receiu'd her thus ; ( Bound with a slumber most delicious , And in the Port of dreames ) O sister , why Repaire you hither ? since so farre off lie Your house and houshold ? You were neuer here Before this houre ; and would you now giue cheare To my so many woes and miseries ? Affecting fitly all the faculties My soule and mind hold : hauing lost before A husband , that of all the vertues bore The Palme amongst the Greeks ; and whose renowne So ample was , that Fame the sound hath blowne Through Greece and Argos , to her very heart . And now againe ; a sonne that did conuert My whole powres to his loue , by ship is gone . A tender Plant , that yet was neuer growne To labours taste , nor the commerce of men ; For whom , more then my husband I complaine ▪ And lest he should at any sufferance touch ( Or in the sea , or by the men so much Estrang'd to him , that must his consorts be ) Feare and chill tremblings , shake each ioynt of me . Besides : his danger sets on , foes profest To way-lay his returne ; that haue addrest Plots for his death . The scarce-discerned Dreame , Said : Be of comfort ; nor feares so extreme , Let thus dismay thee ; thou hast such a mate Attending thee , as some at any rate Would wish to purchase ; for her powre is great ; Mineru● pities thy delights defeate : Whose Grace hath sent me to foretell thee theese . If thou ( said she ) be of the Goddesses , And heardst her tell thee these ; thou mayst as well From her , tell all things else ; daigne then to tell , If yet the man , to all misfortunes borne , ( My husband ) liues ; and sees the Sunne adorne The darksome earth ; or hides his wretched head In Plutos house , and liues amongst the dead ? I will not ( she replide ) my breath exhale , In one continude , and perpetuall tale ; Liues he , or dies he . T is a filthy vse , To be in vaine and idle speech profuse . This said ; she through the key-hole of the dore Vanisht againe into the open blore . Icarius daughter started from her sleepe , And Ioyes fresh humor , her lou'd brest did s●eepe : When now so cleare , in that first watch of night , She saw the seene dreame vanish from her sight . The wooers ( shipt ) the seas moist waues did plie ; And thought the Prince , a haughtie death should die . There lies a certaine Iland in the sea , Twixt rockie Samos and rough Ithaca , That cliffie is it selfe , and nothing great ; Yet holds conuenient hauens , that two wayes let Ships in and out ; calld Asteris : and there The wooers hop't to make their massakere . Finis libri quarti Hom. Odyss . THE FIFTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . A Second Court , on Ioue attends ; Who , Hermes to Calypso sends ; Commanding her to cleare the wayes Vlysses sought ; and she obayes . When Neptune saw Vlysles free , And , so in safetie , plow the sea ; Enrag'd , he ruffles vp the waues , And splits his ship . Leucothea saues His person yet ; as being a Dame , Whose Godhead gouernd in the frame Of those seas tempers . But the meane By which she curbs dread Neptunes splene . Is made a Iewell ; which she takes From off her head ; and that she makes Vlysses on his bosome weare , About his necke , she ties it there : And when he is with waues beset , Bids weare it as an Amulet ; Commanding him , that not before He toucht vpon Phaeacias shore , He should not part with it ; but then Returne it to the sea agein , And ca●t it from him . He performes ; Yet after this , bides bitter stormes ; And in the rockes , sees Death engrau'd ; But on Phaeacias shore is sau'd . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Vlysses builds A ship ; and gaines The Gassie fields ; Payes Neptune paines . AVrora rose from high-borne Tithons Bed , That men and Gods might be illustrated : And then the Deities sate . Imperiall Ioue , That makes the horrid murmure beate aboue , Tooke place past all ; whose height for euer springs ; And from whom flowes th' eternall powre of things . Then Pallas ( mindfull of Vlysses ) told The many Cares , that in Calypsos hold , He still sustaind ; when he had felt before , So much affliction , and such dangers more . O Father , ( said she ) and ye euer blest ; Giue neuer King hereafter , interest In any aide of yours , by seruing you ; By being gentle , humane , iust ; but grow Rude , and for euer scornfull of your rights ; All iustice ordring by their appetites . Since he that rul'd , as it in right behou'd , That all his subiects , as his children lou'd , Finds you so thoughtlesse of him , and his birth . Thus men begin to say , ye rule in earth ; And grudge at what ye let him vndergo ; Who yet the least part of his sufferance know : Thralld in an Iland ; shipwrackt in his teares ; And in the fancies that Calypso beares , Bound from his birthright ; all his shipping gone ; And of his souldiers , not retaining one . And now his most-lou'd Sonnes life doth inflame Their slaughterous enuies ; since his Fathers fame He puts in pursuite ; and is gone as farre As sacred Pylos ; and the singular Dame breeding Sparta . This , with this reply , The Cloud-assembler answerd : What words flie Thine owne remembrance ( daughter ? ) hast not thou The counsell giuen thy selfe , that told thee how Vlysses shall with his returne addresse His wooers wrongs ? And , for the safe accesse , His Sonne shall make to his innatiue Port , Do thou direct it , in as curious sort , As thy wit serues thee : it obeys thy powers ; And in their ship returne the speedlesse wowers . Then turnd he to his issue Mercurie , And said : Thou hast made good our Ambassie To th' other Statists ; To the Nymph then now , On whose faire head a t●ft of gold doth grow ; Beare our true-spoken counsell ; for retreat Of patient Vlysses ; who shall get No aide from vs , nor any mortall man ; But in a * patcht-vp skiffe , ( built as he can , And suffering woes enow ) the twentith day At fruitfull Scheria , let him breathe his way , With the Phaeacians , that halfe Deities liue ; Who like a God will honour him ; and giue His wisedome clothes , and ship , and brasse , and gold , More then for gaine of Troy he euer told ; Where , at the whole diuision of the prey , If he a sauer were , or got away Without a wound ( if he should grudge ) t was well ; But th' end shall crowne all ; therefore Fate will deale So well with him ; to let him land , and see His natiue earth , friends , house and family . Thus charg'd he ; nor Argicides denied ; But to his feete , his faire wingd shooes he tied ; Ambrosian , golden ; that in his command , Put either sea , or the vnmeasur'd land , With pace as speedie as a puft of wind . Then vp his Rod went ; with which he declin'd The eyes of any waker , when he pleasd , And any sleeper , when he wisht , diseasd . This tooke ; he stoopt Pierea ; and thence Glid through the aire ; and Neptunes Confluence Kist as he flew ; and checkt the waues as light As any Sea-mew , in her fishing flight , Her thicke wings soucing in the sauorie seas . Like her , he past a world of wildernesse ; But when the far-off I le , he toucht ; he went Vp from the blue sea , to the Continent , And reacht the ample Cauerne of the Queene ; Whom he within found ; without , seldome seene . A Sun-like fire vpon the harth did flame ; The matter precious , and diuine the frame ; Of Cedar cleft , and Incense was the Pile , That breath'd an odour round about the I le . Her selfe was seated in an inner roome , Whom sweetly sing he heard ; and at her loome , About a curious web ; whose yarne she threw In , with a golden shittle . A Groue grew In endlesse spring about her Cauerne round ; With odorous Cypresse , Pines , and Poplars crownd , Where Haulks , Sea-owles , and long-tongu'd Bittours bred ; And other birds their shadie pinions spred . All Fowles maritimall ; none roosted there , But those whose labours in the waters were . A Vine did all the hollow Caue embrace ; Still greene , yet still ripe bunches gaue it grace . Foure Fountaines , one against another powrd Their siluer streames ; and medowes all enflowrd With sweete Balme-gentle , and blue Violets hid , That deckt the soft brests of each fragrant Mead. Should any one ( though he immortall were ) Arriue and see the sacred obiects there ; He would admire them , and be ouer-ioyd ; And so stood Hermes rauisht powres employd . But hauing all admir'd , he enterd on The ample Caue ; not could be seene vnknowne Of great Calypso , ( for all Deities are Prompt in each others knowledge ; though so farre Seuerd in dwellings ) but he could not see Vlysses there within . Without was he Set sad ashore ; where t was his vse to view Th'vnquiet sea ; sigh'd , wept , and emptie drew His heart of comfort . Plac't here in her throne ( That beames cast vp , to Admiration ) Diuine Calypso , question'd Hermes thus : For what cause ( deare , and much-esteem'd by vs , Thou golden-rod-adorned Mercurie ) Arriu'st thou here ? thou hast not vsde t' apply Thy passage this way . Say , what euer be Thy hearts desire , my mind commands it thee , If in my meanes it lie , or powre of fact . But first , what hospitable rights exact , Come yet more neare , and take . This said , she set A Table forth , and furnisht it with meate , Such as the Gods taste ; and seru'd in with it , Vermilion Nectar . When with banquet , fit He had confirmd his spirits ; he thus exprest His cause of coming : Thou hast made request ( Goddesse of Goddesses ) to vnderstand My cause of touch here : which thou shalt command , And know with truth : Ioue causd my course to thee , Against my will ; for who would willingly Lackey along so vast a lake of Brine ? Neare to no Citie ; that the powres diuine Receiues with solemne rites and Hecatombs ? But Ioues will euer , all law ouercomes ; No other God can crosse or make it void . And he affirmes , that one , the most annoid With woes and toiles , of all those men that fought For Priams Citie ; and to end hath brought Nine yeares in the contention ; is with thee . For in the tenth yeare , when roy Victorie Was wonne , to giue the Greeks the spoile of Troy ; Returne they did professe , but not enioy , Since Pallas they incenst ; and she , the waues By all the winds powre , that blew ope their graues . And there they rested . Onely this poore one , This Coast , both winds and waues haue cast vpon : Whom now forthwith he wils thee to dismisse ; Affirming that th'vnalterd destinies , Not onely haue decreed , he shall not die Apart his friends ; but of Necessitie Enioy their sights before those fatall houres , His countrie earth reach , and erected Towres . This strook , a loue-checkt horror through her powres ; When ( naming him ) she this reply did giue : Insatiate are ye Gods , past all that liue , In all things you affect ; which still conuerts Your powres to Enuies . It afflicts your hearts , That any Goddesse should ( as you obtaine The vse of earthly Dames ) enioy the men : And most in open mariage . So ye far'd , When the delicious-fingerd Morning shar'd Orions bed : you easie-liuing States , Could neuer satisfie your emulous hates ; Till in Ortygia , the precise-liu'd Dame ( Gold-thron'd Diana ) on him rudely came , And with her swift shafts slue him . And such paines , ( When rich-haird Ceres pleasd to giue the raines To her affections ; and the grace did yeeld Of loue and bed amidst a three-cropt field , To her Iasion ) he paid angrie Ioue ; Who lost , no long time , notice of their loue ; But with a glowing lightning , was his death . And now your enuies labour vnderneath A mortals choice of mine ; whose life , I tooke To liberall safetie ; when his ship , Ioue strooke With red-hote flashes , peece-meale in the seas , And all his friends and souldiers , succourlesse Perisht but he . Him , cast vpon this coast With blasts and billowes ; I ( in life giuen lost ) Preseru'd alone ; lou'd , nourisht , and did vow To make him deathlesse ; and yet neuer grow Crooked , or worne with age , his whole life long . But since no reason may be made so strong , To striue with Ioues will , or to make it vaine ; No not if all the other Gods should straine Their powres against it ; let his will be law ; So he affoord him fit meanes to withdraw , ( As he commands him ) to the raging Maine : But meanes from me , he neuer shall obtaine , For my meanes yeeld , nor men , nor ship , nor oares , To set him off , from my so enuied shores . But if my counsell and goodwill can aide His safe passe home , my best shall be assaid . Vouchsafe it so , ( said heauens Ambassador ) And daigne it quickly . By all meanes abhorre T' incense Ioues wrath against thee ; that with grace He may hereafter , all thy wish embrace . Thus tooke the Argus-killing God , his wings . And since the reuerend Nymph , these awfull things Receiu'd from Ioue ; she to Vlysses went : Whom she ashore found , drownd in discontent ; His eyes kept neuer drie , he did so mourne , And waste his deare age , for his wisht returne . Which still without the Caue he vsde to do , Because he could not please the Goddesse so . At night yet ( forc't ) together tooke their rest , The willing Goddesse , and th' vnwilling Guest . But he , all day in rockes , and on the shore The vext sea viewd ; and did his Fate deplore . Him , now , the Goddesse ( coming neare ) bespake : Vnhappie man ; no more discomfort take , For my constraint of thee ; nor waste thine age ; I now will passing freely disengage Thy irksome stay here . Come then , fell thee wood , And build a ship , to saue thee from the flood . I le furnish thee with fresh waue ; bread and wine , Ruddie and sweet , that will the * Piner pine ; Put garments on thee ; giue thee winds foreright ; That euery way thy home-bent appetite May safe attaine to it ; if so it please At all parts , all the heauen-housd Deities ! That more in powre are , more in skill then I ; And more can iudge , what fits humanitie . He stood amaz'd , at this strange change in her ; And said : O Goddesse ! thy intents preferre Some other proiect , then my parting hence ; Commanding things of too high consequence For my performance . That my selfe should build A ship of powre , my home assaies to shield Against the great Sea , of such dread to passe ; Which not the best-built ship that euer was , Will passe exulting ; when such winds as Ioue Can thunder vp , their trims and tacklings proue . But could I build one , I would ne're aboord , ( Thy will opposde ) nor ( won ) without thy word , Giuen in the great oath of the Gods to me , Not to beguile me in the least degree . The Goddesse smilde ; held hard his hand , and said : O y' are a shrewdw one ; and so habited In taking heed ; thou knowst not what it is To be vnwary ; nor vse words amisse . How hast thou charmd me , were I ne're so slie ? Let earth know then ; and heauen , so broad , so hie ; And th'vnder-sunke waues of th' infernall streame ; ( Which is an oath , as terribly supreame , As any God sweares ) that I had no thought , But stood with what I spake ; nor would haue wrought , Nor counseld any act , against thy good ; But euer diligently weighd , and stood On those points in perswading thee ; that I Would vse my selfe in such extremitie . For my mind simple is , and innocent ; Not giuen by cruell sleights to circumuent ; Nor beare I in my breast a heart of steele , But with the Sufferer , willing sufferance feele . This said ; the Grace of Goddesses led home ; He tract her steps ; and ( to the Cauerne come ) In that rich Throne , whence Mercurie arose , He sate . The Nymph her selfe did then appose For food and beuridge to him ; all best meate And drinke , that mortals vse to taste and eate . Then sate she opposite ; and for her Feast , Was Nectar and Ambrosia addrest By handmaids to her . Both , what was prepar'd , Did freely fall to . Hauing fitly far'd , The Nymph Calypso this discourse began : Ioue-bred Vlysses ! many-witted man ! Still is thy home so wisht ? so soone , away ? Be still of cheare , for all the worst I say ; But if thy soule knew what a summe of woes For thee to cast vp , thy sterne Fates impose , Ere to thy country earth thy hopes attaine ; Vndoubtedly thy choice would here remaine ; Keepe house with me , and be a liuer euer . Which ( me thinkes ) should thy house and thee disseuer ; Though for thy wife there , thou art set on fire ; And all thy dayes are spent in her desire ; And though it be no boast in me to say , In forme and mind , I match her euery way . Nor can it fit a mortall Dames compare , T' affect those termes with vs , that deathlesse are . The great in counsels , made her this reply : Renowm'd , and to be reuerenc'd Deitie ! Let it not moue thee , that so much I vow My comforts to my wife ; though well I know All cause my selfe , why wise Penelope In wit is farre inferiour to thee ; In feature , stature , all the parts of show ; She being a mortall ; an Immortall thou ; Old euer growing , and yet neuer old . Yet her desire , shall all my dayes see told ; Adding the sight of my returning day , And naturall home . If any God shall lay His hand vpon me , as I passe the seas ; I le beare the worst of what his hand shall please ; As hauing giuen me such a mind , as shall The more still rise , the more his hand le ts fall . In warres and waues , my sufferings were not small . I now haue sufferd much ; as much before ; Hereafter let as much result , and more . This said ; the Sunne set ; and earth shadowes gaue ; When these two ( in an in-roome of the Caue , Left to themselues ) left Loue no rites vndone . The early Morne vp ; vp he rose ; put on His in and our-weed . She , her selfe inchaces Amidst a white robe , full of all the Graces ; Ample , and plea●ed , thicke , like fishie skales . A golden girdle then , her waste empales ; Her head , a veile decks ; and abroad they come ; And now began Vlysses to go home . A great Axe , first she gaue , that two wayes cut ; In which a faire wel-polisht helme was put , That from an Oliue bough receiu'd his frame : A plainer then . Then led she till they came To loftie woods , that did the I le confine . The Fi●●e tree , Poplar , and heauen-scaling Pine , Had there their ofspring . Of which , those that were Of driest matter , and grew longest there , He chusde for lighter saile . This place , thus showne , The Nymph turnd home . He fell to felling downe ; And twentie trees he stoopt , in litle space ; Plaind , vsde his Plumb ; did all with artfull grace . In meane time did Calypso wimbles bring . He bor'd , closde , naild , and orderd euery thing ; And tooke how much a ship-wright will allow A ship of burthen ; ( one that best doth know What fits his Art ) so large a Keele he cast . Wrought vp her decks , and hatches , side-boords , mast ; With willow watlings armd her , to resist The billowes outrage ; added all she mist ; Sail-yards , and sterne for guide . The Nymph then brought Linnen for sailes ; which , with dispatch , he wrought . Gables , and halsters , tacklings . All the Frame In foure dayes space , to full perfection came . The fift day , they dismist him from the shore ; Weeds , neate , and odorous gaue him ; victles store ; Wine , and strong waters , and a prosperous wind . To which , Vlysses ( fit to be diuin'd ) His sailes exposd , and hoised . Off he gat ; And chearfull was he . At the Sterne he sat , And ster'd right artfully . No sleepe could seise His ey-lids : he beh●ld the Ple●ades ; The Beare , surnam'd the Waine , that round doth moue About Orion ; and keepes still aboue The billowie Oc●an . The slow-setting starre , Bootes calld , by some , the Waggonar . Calypso warnd him , he his course should stere Still to his left hand . Seuenteene dayes did cleare The cloudie Nights command , in his moist way ; And by the eighteenth light , he might display The shadie hils of the Phaeacian shore ; For which , as to his next abode , he bore . The countrie did a pretie figure yeeld , And lookt from off the darke seas , like a shield . Imperious Neptune ( making his retreate From th' Aethiopian earth ; and taking seate Vpon the mountaines of the Solymi ; From thence , farre off discouering ) did descrie Vlysses , his fields plowing . All on fire The sight strait set his heart ; and made desire Of wreake runne ouer , it did boile so hie . When ( his head nodding ) O impietie ( He cried out ) now , the Gods inconstancie Is most apparent ; altring their designes Since I the Aethiops saw : and here confines To this Vlysses fate , his misery . The great marke , on which all his hopes rely , Lies in Phaeacia . But I hope he shall Feele woe at height , ere that dead calme befall . This said ; he ( begging ) gatherd clouds from land ; Frighted the seas vp ; snatcht into his hand , His horrid Trident ; and aloft did tosse ( Of all the winds ) all stormes he could engrosse . All earth tooke into sea with clouds ; grim Night Fell tumbling headlong from the cope of Light. The East and Southwinds iustld in the aire ; The violent Zephire , and North-making faire , Rould vp the waues before them : and then , bent Vlysses knees ; then all his spirit was spent . In which despaire , he thus spake : Woe is me ! What was I borne to ? man of miserie ? Feare tels me now , that all the Goddesse said , Truths selfe will author ; that Fate would be paid Griefes whole summe due from me , at sea , before I reacht the deare touch of my countries shore . With what clouds Ioue , heauens heightned forehead binds ? How tyrannize the wraths of all the winds ? How all the tops , he bottomes with the deepes ? And in the bottomes , all the tops he steepes ? Thus dreadfull is the presence of our death . Thrice foure times blest were they that sunke beneath Their Fates at Troy ; and did to nought contend , But to renowme Atrides with their end ? I would to God , my houre of death , and Fate , That day had held the power to terminate ; When showres of darts , my life bore vndeprest , About diuine Aeacides deceast . Then had I bene allotted to haue died , By all the Greeks , with funerals glorified ; ( Whence Death , encouraging good life , had growne ) Where now I die , by●●o man mournd , nor knowne . This spoke ; a huge waue tooke him by the head , And hurld him o're-boord : ship and all it laid Inuerted quite amidst the waues ; but he Farre off from her sprawld , strowd about the sea : His Sterne still holding , broken off ; his Mast Burst in the midst : so horrible a blast Of mixt winds strooke it . Sailes and saile-yards fell Amongst the billowes ; and himselfe did dwell A long time vnder water : nor could get In haste his head out : waue with waue so met In his depression ; and his garments too , ( Giuen by Calypso ) gaue him much to do , Hindring his swimming ; yet he left not so His drenched vessell , for the ouerthrow Of her nor him ; but gat at length againe ( Wrestling with Neptune ) hold of her ; and then Sate in her Bulke , insulting ouer Death ; Which ( with the salt streame , prest to stop his breath ) He scap't , and gaue the sea againe ; to giue To other men . His ship so striu'd to liue , Floting at randon , cufft from waue to waue ; As you haue seene the Northwind when he draue In Autumne , heapes of thorne-fed Grashoppers ▪ Hither and thither ; one heape this way beares , Another that ; and makes them often meete In his confusde gales ; so Vlyss●s fleete , The winds hurl'd vp and downe : now Boreas Tost it to Notus , Notus gaue it passe To Eurus ; Eurus , Zephire made it pursue The horrid Tennis . This sport calld the view Of Cadmus daughter , with the narrow heele ; ( Ino Leucothea ) that first did feele A mortall Dames desires ; and had a tongue . But now had th' honor to be nam'd among The marine Godheads . She , with pitie saw Vlysses iustl'd thus , from flaw to flaw ; And ( like a Cormorand , in forme and flight ) Rose from a whirl-poole : on the ship did light , And thus bespeake him : Why is Neptune thus In thy pursuite extremely furious , Oppressing thee with such a world of ill , Euen to thy death ? He must not serue his will , Though t is his studie . Let me then aduise , As my thoughts serue ; thou shalt not be vnwise To leaue thy weeds and ship , to the commands Of these rude winds ; and worke out with thy hands , Passe to Phaeacia ; where thy austere Fate , Is to pursue thee with no more such hate . Take here this Tablet , with this riband strung , And see it still about thy bosome hung ; By whose eternall vertue , neuer feare To suffer thus againe , nor perish here . But when thou touchest with thy hand the shore , Then take it from thy necke , nor weare it more ; But cast it farre off from the Continent , And then thy person farre ashore present . Thus gaue she him the Tablet ; and againe ( Turnd to a Cormorand ) diu'd past sight the Maine . Patient Vlysses sighd at this ; and stucke In the conceit of such faire-spoken Lucke : And said ; Alas , I must suspect euen this ; Lest any other of the Deities Adde sleight to Neptunes force ; to counsell me To l●aue my vessell , and so farre off see The shore I aime at . Not with thoughts too cleare Will I obey her : but to me appeare These counsels best ; as long as I perceiue My ship not quite dissolu'd , I will not leaue The helpe she may affoord me ; but abide , And suffer all woes , till the worst be tride . When she is split , I le swim : no miracle can Past neare and cleare meanes , moue a knowing man. While this discourse emploid him , Neptune raisd A huge , a high , and horrid sea , that seisd Him and his ship , and tost them through the Lake ; As when the violent winds together take Heapes of drie chaffe , and hurle them euery way ; So his long woodstacke , Neptune strooke astray . Then did Vlysses mount on rib , perforce , Like to a rider of a running horse , To stay himselfe a time , while he might shift His drenched weeds , that were Calypsos gift . When putting strait , Leucotheas Amulet About his necke ; he all his forces set To swim ; and cast him prostrate to the seas . When powrefull Neptune saw the ruthlesse prease Of perils siege him thus ; he mou'd his head , And this betwixt him and his heart , he said : So , now feele ils enow , and struggle so , Till to your Ioue-lou'd Ilanders you row . But my mind sayes , you will not so auoid This last taske too , but be with sufferance cloid . This said ; his rich-man'd horse he mou'd ; and reacht His house at Aegas . But Minerua fetcht The winds from sea ; and all their wayes but one Barrd to their passage ; the bleake North alone She set to blow ; the rest , she charg'd to keepe Their rages in ; an bind themselues in sleepe . But Boreas still flew high , to breake the seas , Till Ioue-bred Ithacus , the more with ease , The nauigation-skild Phaeacian States Might make his refuge ; Death , and angrie Fates , At length escaping . Two nights yet , and daies , He spent in wrestling with the sable seas ; In which space , often did his heart propose Death to his eyes . But when Aurora rose , And threw the third light from her orient haire ; The winds grew calme , and cleare was all the aire ; Not one breath stirring . Then he might descrie ( Raisd by the high seas ) cleare , the land was nie . And then , looke how to good sonnes that esteeme Their fathers life deare , ( after paines extreame , Felt in some sicknesse , that hath held him long Downe to his bed ; and with affections strong , Wasted his bodie ; made his life his lode ; As being inflicted by some angrie God ) When on their praires , they see descend at length Health from the heauens , clad all in spirit and strength ; The sight is precious : so , since here should end Vlysses toiles ; which therein should extend Health to his countrie , ( held to him , his Sire ) And on which , long for him , Disease did tire . And then besides , for his owne sake to see The shores , the woods so neare ; such ioy had he , As those good sonnes for their recouerd Sire . Then labourd feete and all parts , to aspire To that wisht Continent ; which , when as neare He came , as Clamor might informe an eare ; He heard a sound beate from the sea-bred rocks , Against which gaue a huge sea horrid shocks , That belcht vpon the firme land , weeds and fome ; With which were all things hid there ; where no roome Of fit capacitie was for any port ; Nor ( from the sea ) for any mans resort ; The shores , the rocks , and cliffes so prominent were . O ( said Vlysses then ) now Iupiter Hath giuen me sight of an vnhop't for shore , ( Though I haue wrought these seas so long , so sore ) Of rest yet , no place shewes the slendrest prints ; The rugged shore so bristl'd is with flints : Against which , euery way the waues so flocke ; And all the shore shewes as one eminent rocke . So neare which , t is so deepe , that not a sand Is there , for any tired foote to stand : Nor flie his death-fast following miseries , Lest if he land , vpon him fore-right flies A churlish waue , to crush him gainst a Cliffe ; Worse then vaine rendring , all his landing strife . And should I swim to seeke a hauen elsewhere , Or land , lesse way-beate ; I may iustly feare I shall be taken with a gale againe , And cast a huge way off into the Maine . And there , the great Earth-shaker ( hauing seene My so neare landing ; and againe , his spleene Forcing me to him ) will some Whale send out , ( Of which a horrid number here about , His Amphitrite breeds ) to swallow me . I well haue prou'd , with what malignitie He treds my steps . While this discourse he held ; A curst Surge , gainst a cutting rocke impeld His naked bodie , which it gasht and tore ; And had his bones broke , if but one sea more Had cast him on it . But * she prompted him , That neuer faild ; and bad him no more swim Still off and on ; but boldly force the shore , And hug the rocke , that him so rudely tore . Which he , with both hands , sigh'd and claspt ; till past The billowes rage was ; which scap't ; backe , so fast The rocke repulst it , that it reft his hold , Sucking him from it , and farre backe he rould . And as the Polypus , that ( forc't from home Amidst the soft sea ; and neare rough land come For shelter gainst the stormes that beate on her At open sea , as she abroad doth er●e ) A deale of grauill , and sharpe little stones , Needfully gathers in her hollow bones : So he forc't hither , ( by the sharper ill , Shunning the smoother ) where he best hop't , still The worst succeeded : for the cruell friend , To which he clingd for succour , off did rend From his broad hands , the soken flesh so sore , That off he fell , and could sustaine no more . Quite vnder water fell he ; and , past Fate , Haplesse Vlysses , there had lost the state He held in life ; if ( still the grey-eye Maid , His wisedome prompting ) he had not assaid Another course ; and ceast t' attempt that shore ; Swimming , and casting round his eye , t'explore Some other shelter . Then , the mouth he found Of faire Callicoes flood ; whose shores were crownd With most apt succors : Rocks so smooth , they seemd Polisht of purpose : land that quite redeemd With breathlesse couerts , th' others blasted shores . The flood he knew ; and thus in heart implores : King of this Riuer ! heare ; what euer name Makes thee inuokt : to thee I humbly frame My flight from Neptunes furies ; Reuerend is To all the euer-liuing Deities , What erring man soeuer seekes their aid . To thy both flood and knees , a man dismaid With varied sufferance sues . Yeeld then some rest To him that is thy suppliant profest . This ( though but spoke in thought ) the Godhead heard ; Her Current strait staid ; and her thicke waues cleard Before him , smooth'd her waters ; and iust where He praid , halfe drownd ; entirely sau'd him there . Then forth he came , his both knees faltring ; both His strong hands hanging downe ; and all with froth His cheeks and nosthrils flowing . Voice and breath Spent to all vse ; and downe he sunke to Death . The sea had soakt his heart through : all his vaines , His toiles had rackt , t' a labouring * womans paines . Dead wearie was he . But when breath did find A passe reciprocall ; and in his mind , His spirit was recollected : vp he rose , And from his necke did th'Amulet vnlose , That Ino gaue him ; which he hurld from him To sea . It sounding fell ; and backe did swim With th'ebbing waters ; till it strait arriu'd , Where Inos faire hand , it againe receiu'd . Then kist he th' humble earth ; and on he goes , Till bulrushes shewd place for his repose ; Where laid , he sigh'd , and thus said to his soule : O me , what strange perplexities controule The whole skill of thy powres , in this euent ? What feele I ? if till Care-nurse Night be spent , I watch amidst the flood ; the seas chill breath , And vegetant dewes , I feare will be my death : So low brought with my labours . Towards day , A passing sharpe aire euer breathes at sea . If I the pitch of this next mountaine scale , And shadie wood ; and in some thicket fall Into the hands of Sleepe : though there the cold May well be checkt ; and healthfull slumbers hold Her sweete hand on my powres ; all care allaid , Yet there will beasts deuoure me . Best appaid Doth that course make me yet ; for there , some strife , Strength , and my spirit , may make me make for life . Which , though empaird , may yet be fresh applied , Where perill , possible of escape is tried . But he that fights with heauen , or with the sea , To Indiscretion , addes Impietie . Thus to the woods he hasted ; which he found Not farre from sea ; but on farre-seeing ground ; Where two twin vnder-woods , he enterd on ; With Oliue trees , and oile-trees ouergrowne : Through which , the moist force of the loud-voic't wind , Did neuer beate ; nor euer Phoebus shin'd ; Nor showre beate through ; they grew so one in one ; And had , by turnes , their powre t'exclude the Sunne . Here enterd our Vlysses ; and a bed Of leaues huge , and of huge abundance spred With all his speed . Large he made it ; for there , For two or three men , ample Couerings were ; Such as might shield them from the Winters worst ; Though * steele it breath'd ; and blew as it would burst . Patient Vlysses ioyd , that euer day Shewd such a shelter . In the midst he lay , Store of leaues heaping high on euery side . And as in some out-field , a man doth hide A kindld brand , to keepe the seed of fire ; No neighbour dwelling neare ; and his desire Seru'd with selfe store ; he else would aske of none ; But of his fore-spent sparks , rakes th' ashes on : So this out-place , Vlysses thus receiues ; And thus nak't vertues seed , lies hid in leaues . Yet Pallas made him sleepe , as soone as men Whom Delicacies , all their flatteries daine . And all that all his labours could comprise , Quickly concluded , in his closed eies . Finis libri quinti Hom. Odyss . THE SIXTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . MInerua in a vision stands Before Nausica● ; and commands She to the flood her weeds should beare , For now her Nuptiall day was neare . Nausicaa her charge ●b●yes ; And then with other virgins playes . Their sports make ●ak't Vlysses rise ; Walke to them , and beseech supplies Of food and clothes . His naked sight Puts th' other Maids , afraid to flight . Nausicaa onely boldly stayes , And gladly his desire obayes . He ( furnis● with her f●●ours showne ) Attends her , and the re●t , to Towne . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Here Oliue leaues T'hide shame , began . The Maide receiues The naked man. THe much-sustaining , patient , heauenly Man , Whom Toile and * Sleepe had worne so weake and wan ; Thus wonne his rest . In meane space Pallas went To the Phaeacian citie ; and descent That first did broad Hyperias lands diuide , Neare the vast Cyclops , men of monstrous pride . That preyd on those Hyperians , since they were Of greater powre ; and therefore longer there Diuine Nausithous dwelt not ; but arose , And did for Scheria , all his powres dispose : Farre from ingenious Art-inuenting men . But there did he erect a Citie then . First , drew a wall round ; then he houses builds ; And then a Temple to the Gods ; the fields Lastly diuiding . But he ( stoopt by Fate ) Diu'd to th'infernals : and Alcinous sate In his command : a man , the Gods did teach , Commanding counsels . His house held the reach Of grey Miner●as proiect ; to prouide , That great-sould Ithacus might be supplide With all things fitting his returne . She went Vp to the chamber , where the faire * descent Of great Alcinous slept . A maid , whose parts In wit and beautie , wore diuine deserts . Well deckt her chamber was : of which , the dore Did seeme to lighten ; such a glosse it bore Betwixt the posts : and now flew ope , to find The Goddesse entire . Like a puft of wind She reacht the Virgin bed . Neare which , there lay Two maids ; to whom , the Graces did conuay , Figure , and manners . But aboue the head Of bright Nausicaa , did Pallas tred The subtle aire ; and put the person on Of Dymas daughter ; from comparison Exempt in businesse Nauall . Like his seed , Minerua lookt now ; * whom one yeare did breed , With bright Nausicaa ; and who had gaind Grace in her loue ; yet on her thus complaind : Nausicaa ! why bred thy mother one So negligent , in rites so stood vpon By other virgins ? Thy faite garments lie Neglected by thee ; yet thy Nuptials nie . When , rich in all attire , both thou shouldst be , And garments giue to others honoring thee , That leade thee to the Temple . Thy good name Growes amongst men for these things ; they enflame Father , and reuerend Mother with delight . Come ; when the Day takes any winke from Night , Let 's to the riuer , and repurifie Thy wedding garments : my societie Shall freely serue thee , for thy speedier aid , Because thou shalt no more stand on the Maid . The best of all Phaeacia wooe thy Grace , Where thou wert bred , and ow'st thy selfe a race . Vp , and stirre vp to thee thy honourd Sire , To giue thee Mules and Coach ; thee and thy tire ; Veiles , girdles , mantles , early to the flood , To beare in state . It suites thy high-borne blood ; And farre more fits thee , then to foote so farre ; For far from towne thou knowst the Bath-founts are . This said ; away blue-eyd Minerua went Vp to Olympus : the firme Continent , That beares in endlesse being , the deified kind ; That 's neither souc't with showres , nor shooke with wind ; Nor chilld with snow ; but where Serenitie flies , Exempt from clouds ; and euer-beamie skies Circle the glittering hill . And all their daies , Giue the delights of blessed Deitie praise . And hither Pallas flew ; and left the Maid , When she had all that might excite her , said . Strait rose the louely Morne , that vp did raise Faire-veild Nausicaa ; whose dreame , her praise To Admiration tooke . Who no time spent To giue the rapture of her vision vent , To her lou'd parents : whom she found within . Her mother set at fire , who had to spin A Rocke , whose tincture with sea-purple shin'd ; Her maids about her . But she chanc't to find Her Father going abroad : to Counsell calld By his graue Senate . And to him , exhald Her smotherd bosome was . Lou'd Sire ( said she ) Will you not now command a Coach for me ? Stately and complete ? fit for me to beare To wash at flood , the weeds I cannot weare Before repurified ? Your selfe it fits To weare faire weeds ; as euery man that sits In place of counsell . And fiue sonnes you haue ; Two wed ; three Bachelors ; that must be braue In euery dayes shift , that they may go dance ; For these three last , with these things must aduance Their states in mariage : and who else but I Their sister , should their dancing rites supply ? This generall cause she shewd ; and would not name Her mind of Nuptials to her Sire , for shame . He vnderstood her yet ; and thus replide : Daughter ! nor these , nor any grace beside , I either will denie thee , or deferre , Mules , nor a Coach , of state and circular , Fitting at all parts . Go ; my seruants shall Serue thy desires , and thy command in all . The seruants then ( commanded ) soone obaid ; Fetcht Coach , and Mules ioynd in it . Then the Maid Brought from the chamber her rich weeds , and laid All vp in Coach : in which , her mother plac't A maund of victles , varied well in taste , And other iunkets . Wine she likewise filld Within a goat-skin bottle , and distilld Sweete and moist oile into a golden Cruse , Both for her daughters , and her handmaids vse ; To soften their bright bodies , when they rose Clensd from their cold baths . Vp to Coach then goes T●'obserued Maid : takes both the scourge and raines ; And to her side , her handmaid strait attaines . Nor these alone , but other virgins grac't The Nuptiall Chariot . The whole Beuie plac't ; Nausicaa scourgd to make the Coach Mules runne ; That neigh'd , and pac'd their vsuall speed ; and soone , Both maids and weeds , brought to the riuer side ; Where Baths for all the yeare , their vse supplide . Whose waters were so pure , they would not staine ; But still ran faire forth ; and did more remaine Apt to purge staines ; for that purg'd staine within , Which , by the waters pure store , was not seen . These ( here arriu'd , ) the Mules vncoacht , and draue Vp to the gulphie riuers shore , that gaue Sweet grasse to them . The maids from Coach then tooke Their cloaths , and steept them in the sable brooke . Then put them into springs , and trod them cleane , With cleanly feet ; aduentring wagers then , Who should haue soonest , and most cleanly done . When hauing throughly cleansd , they spred them on The floods shore , all in order . And then , where The waues the pibbles washt , and ground was cleare , They bath'd themselues ; and all with glittring oile , Smooth'd their white skins : refreshing then their toile With pleasant dinner , by the riuers side . Yet still watcht when the Sunne , their cloaths had dride . Till which time ( hauing din'd ) Nausicae With other virgins , did at stool-ball play ; Their shoulder-reaching head-tires laying by . Nausicae ( with the wrists of Ivory ) The liking stroke strooke ; singing first a song ; ( As custome orderd ) and amidst the throng , Made such a shew ; and so past all was seene ; As when the Chast-borne , Arrow-louing Queene , Along the mountaines gliding ; either ouer Spartan Taygetus , whose tops farre discouer ; Or Eurymanthus ; in the wilde Bores chace ; Or swift-hou'd Hart ; and with her , Ioues faire race ( The field Nymphs ) sporting . Amongst whom , to see How farre Diana had prioritie ( Though all were faire ) for fairnesse ; yet of all , ( As both by head and forhead being more tall ) Latona triumpht ; since the dullest sight , Might easly iudge , whom her paines brought to light ; Nausicaa so ( whom neuer husband tam'd ) ▪ Aboue them all , in all the beauties flam'd . But when they now made homewards , and araid ; Ordring their weeds , disorderd as they plaid ; Mules and Coach ready ; then Minerua thought , What meanes to wake Vlysses , might be wrought , That he might see this louely sighted maid , Whom she intended , should become his aid : Bring him to Towne ; and his returne aduance . Her meane was * this , ( though thought a stool-ball chance ) The Queene now ( for the vpstroke ) strooke the ball Quite wide off th' other maids ; and made it fall Amidst the whirlpooles . At which , out shriekt all ; And with the shrieke , did wise Vlysses wake : Who , sitting vp , was doubtfull who should make That sodaine outcrie ; and in mind , thus striu'd : On what a people am I now arriu'd ? At ciuill hospitable men , that feare The Gods ? or dwell iniurious mortals here ? Vniust , and churlish ? like the female crie Of youth it sounds . What are they ? Nymphs bred hie , On tops of hils ? or in the founts of floods ? In herbie marshes ? or in leauy woods ? Or are they high-spoke men , I now am neare ? I le proue , and see . With this , the wary Peere Crept forth the thicket ; and an Oliue bough Broke with his broad hand ; which he did bestow In couert of his nakednesse ; and then , Put ha●tie head out : Looke how from his den , A mountaine Lion lookes , that , all embrewd With drops of trees ; and weather-beaten hewd ; ( Bold of his strength ) goes on ; and in his eye , A burning fornace glowes ; all bent to prey On sheepe , or oxen ; or the vpland Hart ; His belly charging him ; and he must part Stakes with the Heards-man , in his beasts attempt , Euen where from rape , their strengths are most exempt : So wet , so weather-beate , so stung with Need , Euen to the home-fields of the countries breed , Vlysses was to force forth his accesse , Though meerly naked ; and his sight did presse The eyes of soft-haird virgins . Horrid was His rough appearance to them : the hard passe He had at sea , stucke by him . All in flight The Virgins scatterd , frighted with this sight , About the prominent windings of the flood . All but Nausicaa fled ; but she fast stood : Pall●s had put a boldnesse in her brest ; And in her faire lims , tender Feare comprest . And still she stood him , as resolu'd to know What man he was ; or out of what should grow His strange repaire to them . And here was he Put to his wisedome ; if her virgin knee , He should be bold , but kneeling , to embrace ; Or keepe aloofe , and t●ie with words of grace , In humblest suppliance , if he might obtaine Some couer for his nakednes ; and gaine Her grace to shew and guide him to the Towne . The last , he best thought , to be worth his owne , In weighing both well : to keepe still aloofe , And giue with soft words , his desires their proofe ; Lest pressing so neare , as to touch her knee , He might incense her maiden modestie . This faire and fil'd speech then , shewd this was he . Let me beseech ( O Queene ) this truth of thee ; Are you of mortall , or the deified race ? If of the Gods , that th'ample heauens embrace ; I can resemble you to none aboue , So neare as to the chast-borne birth of Ioue , The beamie Cynthia . Her you full present , In grace of euery God-like lineament ; Her goodly magnitude ; and all th'addresse You promise of her very perfectnesse . If sprong of humanes , that inhabite earth ; Thrice blest are both the authors of your birth ; Thrice blest your brothers , that in your deserts , Must , euen to rapture , beare delighted hearts ; To see so like the first trim of a tree , Your forme adorne a dance . But most ble●t , he Of all that breathe , that hath the gift t' engage Your bright necke in the yoke of mariage ; And decke his house with your commanding merit . I haue not seene a man of so much spirit . Nor man , nor woman , I did euer see , At all parts equall to the parts in thee . T' enioy your sight , doth Admiration seise My eies , and apprehensiue faculties . Lately in Delos ( with a charge of men Arriu'd , that renderd me most wretched then , Now making me thus naked ) I beheld The burthen of a Palme , whose issue sweld About Apollos Phane ; and that put on A grace like thee ; for Earth had neuer none Of all her Syluane issue so adorn'd : Into amaze my very soule was turnd , To giue it obseruation ; as now thee To view ( O Virgin ) a stupiditie Past admiration strikes me ; ioynd with feare To do a suppliants due , and prease so neare , As to embrace thy knees . Nor is it strange ; For one of fresh and firmest spirit , would change T' embrace so bright an obiect . But , for me , A cruell habite of calamitie , Prepar'd the strong impression thou hast made : For this last Day did flie Nights twentith shade Since I , at length , escapt the sable seas ; When in the meane time , th' vnrelenting prease Of waues and sterne stormes , tost me vp and downe , From th'Ile Ogygia : and now God hath throwne My wracke on this shore ; that perhaps I may My miseries vary here : for yet their stay , I feare , heauen hath not orderd : though before These late afflictions , it hath lent me store . O Queene , daine pitie then , since first to you My Fate importunes my distresse to vow . No other Dame , nor man , that this Earth owne , And neighbour Citie , I haue seene or knowne . The Towne then shew me ; giue my nakednes Some shroud to shelter it , if to these seas , Linnen or woollen , you haue brought to clense . God giue you , in requitall , all th' amends Your heart can wish : a husband , family , And good agreement : Nought beneath the skie , More sweet , more worthy is , then firme consent Of man and wife , in houshold gouernment . It ioyes their wishers well ; their enemies wounds ; But to themselues , the speciall good redounds . She answerd : Stranger ! I discerne in thee , Nor Sloth , nor Folly raignes ; and yet I see , Th' art poore and wretched . In which I conclude , That Industry nor wisedome make endude Men with those gifts , that make them best to th'eie ; Ioue onely orders mans felicitie . To good and bad , his pleasure fashions still , The whole proportion of their good and ill . And he perhaps hath formd this plight in thee , Of which , thou must be patient , as he , free . But after all thy wandrings , since thy way , Both to our Earth , and neare our Citie , lay , As being exposde to our cares to relieue ; Weeds , and what else , a humane hand should giue , To one so suppliant , and tam'd with woe ; Thou shalt not want . Our Citie , I will show ; And tell our peoples name : This neighbor Towne , And all this kingdome , the Phaeacians owne . And ( since thou seemdst so faine , to know my birth ; And mad'st a question , if of heauen or earth ) This Earth hath bred me ; and my Fathers name Alcinous is ; that in the powre and frame Of this Iles rule , is supereminent . Thus ( passing him ) she to the Virgins went. And said : Giue stay , both to your feet and fright ; Why thus disperse ye , for a mans meere sight ? Esteeme you him a Cyclop , that long since Made vse to prey vpon our Citizens ? This man , no moist man is ; ( nor watrish thing , That 's euer flitting ; euer rauishing All it can compasse ; and , like it , doth range In rape of women ; neuer staid in change ) This man is truly * manly , wise , and staid ; In soule more rich ; the more to sense decaid . Who , nor will do , nor suffer to be done , Acts leud and abiect ; nor can such a one Greete the Phaeacians , with a mind enuious ; Deare to the Gods they are ; and he is pious . Besides , diuided from the world we are ; The outpart of it ; billowes circulare The sea reuoluing , round about our shore ; Nor is there any man , that enters more Then our owne countrimen , with what is brought From other countries . This man , minding nought But his reliefe : a poore vnhappie wretch , Wrackt here ; and hath no other land to fetch . Him now we must prouide for ; from Ioue ▪ come All strangers , and the needie of a home . Who any gift , though ne're so small it be , Esteeme as great , and take it gratefully . And therefore Virgins , giue the stranger food , And wine ; and see ye bath him in the flood ; Neare to some shore , to shelter most enclin'd ; To cold Bath-bathers , hurtfull is the wind . Not onely rugged making th' outward skin , But by his thin powres , pierceth parts within . This said ; their flight in a returne they set ; And did Vlysses with all grace entreate : Shewd him a shore , wind● proofe , and full of shade : By him a shirt , and vtter mantle laid . A golden Iugge of liquid oile did adde ; Bad wash ; and all things as Nausicaa bad . Diuine Vlysses would not vse their aid ; But thus bespake them : Euery louely maid , Let me entreate to stand a litle by ; That I alone the fresh flood may apply , To clense my bosome of the sea-wrought brine . And then vse oile ; which long time did not shine On my poore shoulders . I le not wash in sight Of faire-haird maidens . I should blush outright , To bathe all bare by such a virgin light . They mou'd , and musde , a man had so much grace ; And told their Mistris , what a man he was . He clensd his broad-soild-shoulders ; backe and head Yet neuer tam'd . But now , had fome and weed , Knit in the faire curles . Which dissolu'd ; and he Slickt all with sweet oile : the sweet charitie , The vntoucht virgin shewd in his attire , He cloth'd him with . Then Pallas put a fire , More then before , into his sparkling eies ; His late soile set off , with his soone fresh guise . His locks ( clensd ) curld the more ; and matcht ( in power To please an eye ) the Hyacinthian flower . And as a workman , that can well combine Siluer and gold ; and make both striue to shine ; As being by Vulcan , and Minerua too , Taught how farre either may be vrg'd to go , In strife of eminence ; when worke sets forth A worthy soule , to bodies of such worth ; No thought reprouing th' act , in any place ; Nor Art no debt to Natures liueliest grace : So Pallas wrought in him , a grace as great , From head to shoulders ; and ashore did seate His goodly presence . To which , such a guise He shewd in going , that it rauisht eies . All which ( continude ) as he sate apart ; Nausicaas eye strooke wonder through her heart ; Who thus bespake her consorts : Heare me , you Faire-wristed Virgins ; this rare man ( I know ) Treds not our country earth , against the will Of some God , thron'd on the Olympian hill . He shewd to me , till now , not worth the note ; But now he lookes , as he had Godhead got . I would to heauen , my husband were no worse ; And would be calld no better ; but the course Of other husbands pleasd to dwell out here : Obserue and serue him , with our vtmost cheare . She said ; they heard , and did . He drunke and eate Like to a Harpy ; hauing toucht no meate A long before time . But Nausicaa now Thought of the more grace , she did lately vow : Had horse to Chariot ioynd ; and vp she rose : Vp chear'd her guest , and said : Guest , now dispose Your selfe for Towne ; that I may let you see My Fathers Court ; where all the Peeres will be Of our Phaeacian State. At all parts then , Obserue to whom , and what place y' are t' attain ; Though I need vsher you with no aduice , Since I suppose you absolutely wise . While we the fields passe , and mens labours there ; So long ( in these maids guides ) directly beare Vpon my Chariot ( I must go before , For cause that after comes : to which , this more Be my induction ) you shall then soone end Your way to Towne ; whose Towres you see ascend To such a steepnesse . On whose either side , A faire Port stands ; to which is nothing wide An enterers passage : on whose both hands ride Ships in faire harbors ; which , once past , you win The goodly market place , ( that circles in A Phane to Neptune , built of curious stone , And passing ample ) where munition , Gables , and masts men make , and polisht oares ; For the Phaeacians are not conquerors By bowes nor quiuers ; Oares , masts , ships they are , With which they plow the sea , and wage their warre . And now the cause comes , why I leade the way , Not taking you to Coach. The men that sway In worke of those tooles , that so fit our State , Are rude Mechanicals ; that rare and late Worke in the market place ; and those are they Whose bitter tongues I shun ; who strait would say , ( For these vile vulgars are extreamly proud , And fouly languag'd ) What , is he allowd To coach it with Nausicaa ? so large set , And fairely fashiond ? where were these two met ? He shall be sure her husband . She hath bene Gadding in some place ; and ( of forraine men , Fitting her fancie ) kindly brought him home In her owne ship . He must , of force , be come From some farre region ; we haue no such man. It may be ( praying hard , when her heart ran On some wisht husband ) out of heauen , some God Dropt in her lap ; and there lies she at rode , Her complete life time . But , in sooth , if she Ranging abroad , a husband such as he , Whom now we saw , laid hand on ; she was wise , For none of all our Nobles , are of prise Enough for her : he must beyond-sea come , That wins her high mind , and will haue her home . Of our Peeres , many haue importun'd her , Yet she will none . Thus these folks will conferre Behind my backe ; or ( meeting ) to my face , The foule-mouth rout dare put home this disgrace . And this would be reproches to my fame ; For euen my selfe , iust anger would enflame , If any other virgin I should see ( Her parents liuing ) keepe the companie Of any man ; to any end of loue , Till open Nuptials should her act approue . And therefore heare me guest ; and take such way , That you your selfe may compasse , in your stay , Your quicke deduction , by my Fathers grace ; And meanes to reach the roote of all your race . We shall , not farre out of our way to Towne , A neuer-felld Groue find , that Poplars crowne ; To Pallas sacred , where a fountaine flowes ; And round about the Groue , a Medow growes ; In which , my Father holds a Mannor house ; Deckt all with Orchards , greene , and odorous ; As farre from Towne , as one may heare a shout . There stay , and rest your foote paines ; till full out We reach the Citie . Where , when you may guesse We are arriu'd , and enter our accesse Within my Fathers Court : then put you on For our Ph●●cian State ; where , to be showne My Fathers house , desire . Each infant there Can bring you to it ; and your selfe will cleare Distinguish it from others : for no showes , The Citie buildings make ; compar'd with those That King Alcinous seate doth celebrate . In whose roofes , and the Court , ( where men of state , And suiters sit and stay ) when you shall hide : Strait passe it , entring further : where abide My Mother , with her withdrawne houswiferies ; Who still sits in the fire ●shine , and applies Her Rocke , all purple , and of pompous show : Her Chaire plac't gainst a Pillar : all arow Her maids behind her set ; and ●o her here , My Fathers dining Throne lookes . Seated where He powres his choice of wine in , like a God. This view once past ; for th' end of your abode , Addresse suite to my Mother ; that her meane , May make the day of your redition scene . And you may frolicke strait , though farre away You are in distance from your wished stay . For if she once be won to wish you well , Your Hope may instantly your Pasport seale ; And thenceforth sure abide to see your friends , Faire house , and all , to which your heart contends . This said ; she vsde her shining scourge , and lasht Her Mules , that soone the shore left , where she washt ; And ( knowing well the way ) their pace was fleet , And thicke they gatherd vp their nimble feet . Which yet * she temperd so ; and vsde her scourge With so much skill ; as not to ouer-v●ge The foote behind ; and make them straggle so , From close societie . Firme together go Vlysses and her maids . And now the Sunne Sunke to the waters ; when they all had wonne The neuer-feld , and sound-exciting wood , Sacred to Pallas : where the God-like good Vlysses rested ; and to Pallas praid : Heare me , of Goate-kept Ioue , th'vnconquerd Maid ; Now throughly heare me ; since in all the time Of all my wracke , my pray'rs could neuer clime Thy far-off eares ; when noisefull Neptune tost Vpon his watry brissels , my imbost And rock● torne body : heare yet now , and daine I may of the Phaeacian State obtaine Pitie , and grace . Thus praid he ; and she heard : By no meanes yet ( exposde to sight ) appear'd , For feare t' offend her Vnkle ; the supreme Of all the * Sea-Gods ; whose wrath still extreme Stood to Vlysses ; and would neuer cease , Till with his Country shore , he crownd his peace . Finis libri sexti Hom. Odyss . THE SEVENTH BOOK OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . NAusicaa arriues at Towne ; And then Vlysses . He makes knowne His suite to Arete : who , view Takes of his vesture ; which she knew ; And asks him , from whose hands it came . He tels , with all the haplesse frame Of his affaires , in all the while , Since he forsooke Calypsos Ile . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The honord minds , And welcome things , Vlysses finds , In Scherias Kings . THus praid the wise , and God-obseruing Man. The Maid , by free force of her Palfreys , wan Accesse to Towne ; and the renowmed Court , Reacht of her Father ; where , within the Port , She staid her Coach ; and round about her came Her Brothers , ( made as of immortall frame . ) Who yet disdaind not , for her loue , meane deeds ; But tooke from * Coach her Mules , brought in her weeds . And she ascends her chamber ; where puruaid A quicke fire was , by her old chamber-maid Eurymedusa , th' Aper●●n borne ; And brought by sea , from Apera , t' adorne The Court of great Alcinous ; because He gaue to all , the blest Phaeacians lawes ; And , like a heauen-borne Powre in speech , acquir'd The peoples eares . To one then so admir'd , Eurymedusa was esteemd no worse , Then worth the gift : yet now growne old , was Nurse To Ivory-armd Nausicaa ; gaue heate To all her fires , and drest her priuie meate . Then rose Vlysses , and made way to Towne ; Which ere he reacht , a mightie mist was throwne By Pallas round about him ; in her Care , Lest in the sway of enuies popular , Some proud Phaeacian might foule language passe , Iustle him vp , and aske him what he was . Entring the louely Towne yet : through the cloud Pallas appeard ; and like a yong wench showd Bea●●ng a pitcher ; Stood be●ore him so , As if obiected purposely to know What there he needed ; whom he questiond thus : Know you not ( daughter ) where Alcino●s , That rules this Towne , dwels ? I , a poore distrest Meere stranger here ; know none I may request , To make this Court knowne to me . She wordreplied : Strange Father ; I will see you satisfied In that request : my Father dwels , iust by The house you seeke for ; but go silently ; Nor aske , nor speake to any other ; I Shall be enough to shew your way : the men That here inhabite , do not entertain With ready kindnesse , strangers ; of what worth Or state soeuer : nor haue taken forth Lessons of ciuill vsage , or respect To men beyond them . They ( vpon their powres Of swift ships building ) top the watry towres : And Ioue●ath ●ath giuen them ships , for saile so wrought , They cut a fether , and command a thought . This said ; she vsherd him ; and after , he Trod in the swift steps of the Deitie . The free-saild sea-men could not get a sight Of our Vlysses , yet : though he foreright , Both by their houses and their persons past : Pallas about him , such a darknesse cast , By her diuine powre , and her reuerend care , She would not giue the Towne-borne , cause to stare . He wonderd , as he past , to see the Ports ; The shipping in them ; and for all resorts , The goodly market steds ; and Iles beside For the Heroes ; walls so large and wide ; Rampires so high , and of such strength withall ; It would with wonder , any eye appall . At last they reacht the Court ; and Pallas said : Now , honourd stranger ; I will see obaid Your will , to shew our Rulers house ; t is here ; Where you shall find , Kings celebrating cheare ; Enter amongst them ; nor admit a feare ; More bold a man is , he preuailes the more ; Though man nor place , he euer saw before . You first shall find the Queene in Court , whose name Is Arete : of parents borne , the same That was the King her Spouse : their Pedigree I can report : the great Earth-shaker , he Of Periboea , ( that her sex out-shone , And yongest daughter was , t' Eurymedon ; Who of th'vnmeasur'd-minded Giants , swaid Th' Imperiall Scepter ; and the pride allaid Of men so impious , with cold death ; and died Himselfe soone after ) got the magnified In mind , Nausithous ; who the kingdomes state First held in supreame rule . Nausithous gat Rhexenor , and Aicinous , now King : Rhexenor ( whose seed did no male fruite spring ; And whom the siluer-bow-glac't Phoebus slue Yong in the Court ) his shed blood did renew In onely Arete ; who now is Spouse To him that rules the kingdome , in this house , And is her Vnkle ; King Alcinous . Who honors her , past equall . She may boast More honor of him , then the honord most Of any wife in earth , can of her Lord ; How many more soeuer , Realmes affoord , That keepe house vnder husbands . Yet no more Her husband honors her , then her blest store Of gracious children . All the Citie cast Eyes on her , as a Goddesse ; and giue taste Of their affections to her , in their praires , Still as she decks the streets . For all affaires , Wrapt in contention , she dissolues to men . Whom she affects , she wants no mind to deigne Goodnesse enough . If her heart stand inclin'd To your dispatch ; hope all you wish to find ; Your friends , your longing family , and all , That can within your most affections fall . This said ; away the grey-eyd Goddesse flew Along th'vntamed sea . Left the louely hew , Scheria presented . Out flew Marathon , And ample-streeted Athens lighted on . Where , to the house th●● casts so * thicke a shade , Of Erectheus ; she ingression made . Vlysses , to the loftie-builded Court Of King Alcinous , made bold resort ; Yet in his heart cast many a thought , before The brazen pauement of the rich Court , bore His enterd person . Like heauens two maine Lights , The roomes illustrated , both daies and nights . On euery side stood firme a wall of brasse , Euen from the threshold to the inmost passe ; Which bore a roofe vp , that all Saphire was ; The brazen thresholds both sides , did enfold Siluer Pilasters , hung with ga●es of gold ; Whos 's Portall was of silue● ; ouer which A golden Cornish did the front enrich . On each side , Dogs of gold and siluer fram'd , The houses Guard stood ; which the Deitie ( * lam'd ) With knowing inwards had inspir'd ; and made , That Death nor Age , should their estates inuade . Along the wall , stood euery way a throne ; From th' entry to the Lobbie : euery one , Cast ouer with a rich-wrought cloth of state . Beneath which , the Phaeacian Princes sate At wine and food ; and feasted all the yeare . Youths forg'd of gold , at euery table there , Stood bolding flaming torches ; that , in night Gaue through the house , each honourd Guest , his light . And ( to encounter feast with houswifry ) In one roome fiftie women did apply Their seuerall tasks . Some , apple-colourd corne Ground in faire Quernes ; and some did spindles turne . Some worke in loomes : no hand , least rest receiues ; But all had motion , apt , as Aspen leaues . And from the weeds they woue , ( so fast they laid , And so thicke thrust together , thred by thred ) That th'oile ( of which the wooll had drunke his fill ) Did with his moisture , in light dewes distill . As much as the Phaeacian men exceld All other countrimen , in Art to build A swift-saild ship : so much the women there , For worke of webs , past other women were . Past meane , by Pallas meanes , they vnderstood The grace of good works ; and had wits as good . Without the Hall , and close vpon the Gate , A goodly Orchard ground was situate , Of neare ten Acres ; about which , was led A loftie Quickset . In it flourished High and broad fruit trees , that Pomegranats bore ; Sweet Figs , Peares , Oliues , and a number more Most vsefull Plants , did there produce their store . Whose fruits , the hardest Winter could not kill ; Nor hotest Summer wither . There was still Fruite in his proper season , all the yeare . Sweet Zephire breath'd vpon them , blasts that were Of varied tempers : these , he made to beare Ripe fruites : these blossomes : Peare grew after Peare ; Apple succeeded apple ; Grape , the Grape ; Fig after Fig came ; Time made neuer rape , Of any daintie there . A spritely vine Spred here his roote ; whose fruite , a hote sun-shine Made ripe betimes . Here grew another , greene . Here , some were gathering ; here , some pressing seene . A large-allotted seuerall , each fruite had ; And all th'adornd grounds , their apparance made , In flowre and fruite , at which the King did aime , To the precisest order he could claime . Two Fountaines grac't the garden ; of which , one Powrd out a winding streame , that ouer-runne The grounds for their vse chiefly : th' other went Close by the loftie Pallace gate ; and lent The Citie his sweet benefit : and thus The Gods the Court deckt of Alcinous . Patient Vlysses stood a while at gaze ; But ( hauing all obseru'd ) made instant pace Into the Court ; where all the Peeres he found , And Captaines of Phaeacia ; with Cups crownd , Offring to sharp-eyd * Hermes : to whom , last They vsde to sacrifise ; when Sleepe had cast His inclination through their thoughts . But these , Vlysses past ; and forth went ; nor their eies Tooke note of him : for Pallas stopt the light With mists about him ; that , vnstaid , he might First to Alcinous , and Arete , Present his person ; and , of both them , she ( By Pallas counsell ) was to haue the grace Of foremost greeting . Therefore his embrace , He cast about her knee . And then off flew The heauenly aire that hid him . When his view , With silence and with Admiration strooke The Court quite through : but thus he silence broake : Diuine Rhexenors of spring , Arete ; To thy most honourd husband , and to thee , A man whom many labours haue distrest , Is come for comfort ; and to euery guest : To all whom , heauen vouchsafe delightsome liues ; And after , to your issue that suruiues , A good resignement of the Goods ye leaue ; With all the honor that your selues receiue Amongst your people . Onely this of me , Is the Ambition ; that I may but see ( By your vouchsaft meanes ; and betimes vouchsaft ) My country earth ; since I haue long bin left To labors , and to errors , barrd from end ; And farre from benefit of any friend . He said no more ; but left them dumbe with that ; Went to the harth , and in the ashes sat , Aside the fire . At last their silence brake ; And Echinaeus , th' old Heroe spake . A man that all Phaeacians past in yeares , And in perswasiue eloquence , all the Peeres ; Knew much , and vsde it well ; and thus spake he : Alcinous ! it shewes not decently ; Nor doth your honor , what you see , admit ; That this your guest , should thus abiectly sit : His chaire the earth ; the harth his cushion ; Ashes , as if apposde for food : a Throne Adornd with duerites , stands you more in hand To see his person plac't in ; and command That instantly your Heralds fill in wine ; That to the God that doth in lightnings shine , We may do sacrifice : for he is there , Where these his reuerend suppliants appeare . Let what you haue within , be brought abroad , To sup the stranger . All these would haue showd This fit respect to him ; but that they stay For your precedence , that should grace the way . When this had wordadded to the well-inclin'd , And sacred order of Alcinous mind ; Then , of the great in wit , the hand he seisd ; And from the ashes , his faire person raisd ; Ad●a●●'t him to a well-adorned Throne ; And from his seate raisd his most loued sonne , ( Laodamas , that next himselfe was set ) To giue him place ▪ The handmaid then did get An Ewre of gold , with water fild ; which plac't Vpon a Caldron , all with siluer grac't ) She powrd out on their hands . And then was spred A Table , which the Butler set with bread ; As others seru'd with other food , the boord ; In all the choise , the present could affoord . Vlysses , meate and wine tooke ; and then thus ; The King the Herald calld : Pontonous ! Serue wine through all the house ; that all may pay Rites to the Lightner , who is still in way With humble suppliants ; and them pursues , With all benigne , and hospitable dues . Pontonous , gaue act to all he willd , And hony sweetnesse-giuing-minds - * wine filld ; Disposing it in cups for all to drinke . All hauing drunke , what eithers heart could thinke Fit for due sacrifice ; Alcinous said : Heare me , ye Dukes , that the Phaeacians leade ; And you our Counsellors ; that I may now Discharge the charge , my mind suggests to you , For this our guest : Feast past , and this nights sleepe ; Next morne ( our Senate summond ) we will keepe Iusts , sacred to the Gods ; and this our Guest Receiue in solemne Court , with fitting Feast : Then thinke of his returne ; that vnder hand Of our deduction ; his naturall land ( Without more toile or care ; and with delight ; And that soone giuen him ; how farre hence dissite Soeuer it can be ) he may a●cend ; And in the meane time , without wrong attend , Or other want ; fit meanes to that ascent . What , after , austere Fates , shall make th' euent Of his lifes thred ( now spinning , and began When his paind mother , freed his roote of man ) He must endure in all kinds . If some God , Perhaps abides with vs , in his abode ; And other things will thinke vpon then we ; The Gods wils stand : who euer yet were free Of their appearance to vs ; when to them We offerd Hecatombs , of fit esteem . And would at feast sit with vs ; euen where we Orderd our Session . They would likewise be Encountrers of vs , when in way , alone About his fit affaires , went any one . Not let them cloke themselues in any care , To do vs comfort ; we as neare them are , As are the Cyclops ; or the impious race , Of earthy Giants , that would heauen outface . Vlysses answerd ; Let some other doubt Employ your thoughts , then what your words giue out ; Which intimate a kind of doubt , that I Should shadow in this shape , a Deitie . I beare no such least semblance ; or in wit , Vertue , or person . What may well befit One of those mortals , whom you chiefly know , Beares vp and downe , the burthen of the woe Appropriate to poore man ; giue that to me ; Of whose mones I sit , in the most degree ; And might say more ; sustaining griefes that all The Gods consent to : no one twixt their fall And my vnpitied shoulders , letting downe The least diuersion . Be the grace then showne , To let me taste your free-giuen food , in peace : Through greatest griefe , the belly must haue ease . Worse then an enuious belly , nothing is . It will command his strict Necessities , Of men most grieu'd in body or in mind , That are in health , and will not giue their kind , A desperate wound . When most with cause I grieue , It bids me still , Eate man , and drinke , and liue ; And this makes all forgot . What euer ill I euer beare ; it euer bids me fill . But this ease is but ●orc't , and will not last , Till what the mindlikes , be as well embrac't ; And therefore let me wish you would partake In your late purpose ; when the Morne shall make Her next appearance ; daigne me but the grace , ( Vnhappie man ) that I may once embrace My country earth : though I be still thrust at , By ancient ils ; yet make me but ●ee that ; And then let life go . When ( withall ) I see My high-rooft large house , lands and family . This , all approu'd ; and each , willd euery one ; Since he hath said so fairly ; set him gone . Feast past , and sacrifice ; to sleepe , all vow Their eies at eithers house . Vlysses now , Was left here with Alcinous , and his Queene , The all-lou'd Arete . The handmaids then The vessell of the Banquet , tooke away . When Arete set eye on his array ; Knew both his out , and vnderweed , which she Made with her maids ; and musde by what meanes he Obtaind their wearing : which she made request To know ; and wings gaue to these speeches : Guest ! First let me aske , what , and from whence you are ? And then , who grac't you with the weeds you weare ? Said you not lately , you had err'd at seas ? And thence arriu'd here ? Laertides To this , thus answerd : T is a paine ( O Queene ) Still to be opening wounds wrought deepe and greene ; Of which , the Gods haue opened store in me ; Yet your will must be seru'd : Farre hence , at sea , There lies an I le , that beares Ogygias name ; Where Atlas daughter , the ingenious Dame , Faire-haird Calypso liues : a Goddesse graue , And with whom , men , nor Gods , societie haue . Yet I ( past man vnhappie ) liu'd alone , By heau'ns wrath forc't ) her house companion . For Ioue had with a feruent lightning cleft My ship in twaine ; and farre at blacke sea left Me and my souldiers ; all whose liues I lost . I , in mine armes the keele tooke , and was tost Nine dayes together vp from waue to waue . The tenth grim Night , the angry Deities draue Me and my wracke , on th'Ile , in which doth dwell Dreadfull Calypso ; who exactly well Receiu'd and nourisht me ; and promise made , To make me deathlesse : nor should Age inuade My powres with his deserts , through all my dayes . All mou'd not me ; and therefore , on her stayes , Seuen yeares she made me lie : and there spent I The long time ; steeping in the miserie Of ceaslesse teares , the Garments I did weare From her faire hand . The eight reuolued yeare , ( Or by her chang'd mind ; or by charge of Ioue ) She gaue prouokt way to my wisht remoue ; And in a many-ioynted ship , with wine , ( Daintie in sauour ) bread , and weeds diuine ; Sign'd with a harmlesse and sweet wind , my passe . Then , seuenteene dayes at sea , I homeward was ; And by the eighteenth , the darke hils appeard , That your Earth thrusts vp . Much my heart was cheard ; ( Vnhappie man ) for that was but a beame ; To shew I yet , had agonies extreame , To put in sufferance : which th'Earth-shaker sent ; Crossing my way , with tempests violent ; Vnmeasur'd seas vp-lifting : nor would giue The billowes leaue , to let my vessell liue The least time quiet : that euen sigh'd to beare Their bitter outrage : which , at last , did teare Her sides in peeces , set on by the winds . I yet , through-swomme the waues , that your shore binds , Till wind and water threw me vp to it ; When , coming forth , a ruthlesse billow smit Against huge rocks , and an acceslesse shore My mangl'd body . Backe againe I bore , And swom till I was falne vpon a flood , Whose shores , me thought , on good aduantage stood , For my receit : rock-free , and fenc't from wind . And this I put for , gathering vp my mind . Then the diuine Night came ; and tredding Earth , Close by the flood , that had from Ioue her birth . Within a thicket I reposde ; when round I ruffld vp falne leaues in heape ; and found ( Let fall from heauen ) a sleepe interminate . And here , my heart ( long time excruciate ) Amongst the leaues I rested all that night ; Euen till the morning and meridian light . The Sunne declining then ; delightsome sleepe , No longer laid my temples in his steepe ; But forth I went , and on the shore might see Your daughters maids play . Like a Deitie She shin'd aboue them ; and I praid to her : And she , in disposition did prefer Noblesse , and wisedome , no more low then might Become the goodnesse of a Goddesse height . Nor would you therefore hope ( supposde distrest As I was then , and old ) to find the least Of any Grace from her ; being yonger farre . With yong folkes , Wisedome makes her commerce rare . Yet she in all abundance did bestow , Both wine ( that makes the * blood in humanes grow ) And food ; and bath'd me in the flood ; and gaue The weeds to me , which now ye see me haue . This , through my griefes I tell you ; and t is true . Alcinous answerd : Guest ! my daughter knew Least of what most you giue her ; nor became The course she tooke , to let , with euery Dame , Your person lackey ; nor hath with them brought Your selfe home to ; which first you had besought . O blame her not ( said he ) Heroicall Lord ; Nor let me heare , against her worth , a word . She faultlesse is ; and wisht I would haue gone With all her women home : but I alone Would venture my receit here ; hauing feare And reuerend aw of accidents that were Of likely issue : both your wrath to moue , And to inflame the common peoples loue , Of speaking ill : to which they soone giue place ; We men are all a most suspicious race . My guest ( said he ) I vse not to be stird To wrath too rashly ; and where are preferd To mens conceits , things that may both waies faile ; The noblest euer should the most preuaile . Would Ioue our Father , Pallas , and the Sunne , That ( were you still as now , and could but runne One Fate with me ) you would my daughter wed , And be my son-in-law ; still vowd to leade Your rest of life here . I , a house would giue , And houshold goods ; so freely you would liue , Confin'd with vs : but gainst you will , shall none Containe you here ; since that were violence done To Ioue our Father . For your passage home , That you may well know , we can ouercome So great a voyage ; thus it shall succeed : To morrow shall our men take all their heed ( While you securely sleepe ) to see the seas In calmest temper ; and ( if that will please ) Shew you your Country and your house ere night ; Though farre beyond Euboea be that sight . And this Euboea ( as our subiects say , That haue bin there , and seene ) is farre away Farthest from vs , of all the parts they know . And made the triall , when they helpt to row The gold-lockt Rhadamanth ; to giue him view Of Earth-borne Tityus : whom their speeds did shew ( In that far-off Euboea ) the same day They set from hence ; and home made good their way , With ease againe , and him they did conuay . Which , I report to you , to let you see How swift my ships are ; and how matchlesly My yong Phaecians , with their oares preuaile , To beate the sea through , and assist a saile . This cheard Vlysses ; who in priuate praid : I would to Ioue our Father , what he said , He could performe at all parts ; he should then Be glorified for euer ; and I gaine My naturall Country . This discourse they had ; When faire-armd Arete , her handmaids bad A bed make in the Portico ; and plie With cloaths ; the Couering Tapestrie ; The Blankets purple . Wel●napt Wastcoates too , To weare for more warmth . What these had to do , They torches tooke , and did . The Bed puruaid ; They mou'd Vlysses for his rest ; and said : Come Guest , your Bed is fit ; now frame to rest . Motion of sleepe , was gracious to their Guest ; Which now he tooke profoundly ; being laid Within a loop-hole Towre , where was conuaid The sounding Portico . The King tooke rest In a retir'd part of the house ; where drest The Queene her selfe , a Bed , and Trundlebed ; And by her Lord , reposde her reuerend head . Finis libri septimi Hom. Odyss . THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . THe Peeres of the Phaeacian State , A Councell call , to consolate Vlysses , with all meanes for Home . The Councell to a Banquet come . Innited by the king : which done ; Assaies for hurling of the stone , The Youths make with the stranger king . Demodecus , at feast , doth sing Th' Adulterie of the God of Armes With her that rules , in Amorous charmes . And after , sings the entercourse Of Acts about th' Epaean Horse . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Councels frame , At fleete applied ; In strifes of Game , Vlysses tried . NOw when the Rosie-fingerd morne arose ; The sacred powre Alcinous did dispose Did likewise rise ; and like him , left his Ease , The Cittie-racer Laertiades . The Councell at the Nauie was design'd ; To which Alcinous , with the sacred mind , Came first of all . On polisht stones they sate Neare to the Nauie . To increase the state , Minerua tooke the heralds forme on her That seru'd Alcinous ; studious to prefer Vlysses Suite for home . About the towne She made quicke way ; and fild with the renowne Of that designe , the eares of euery man : Proclaiming thus ; Peers Phaeacensian ! And men of Councell : all haste to the Court ; To heare the stranger that made late resort To king Alcinous : long time lost at Sea ; And is in person , like a Deitie . This , all their powres set vp ; and spirit instild ; And straight the Court and seats , with men were fild . The whole State wonderd at Laertes Son When they beheld him . Pallas put him on A supernaturall , and heauenly dresse ; Enlarg'd him with a height , and goodlinesse In breast , and shoulders ; that he might appeare Gracious , and graue , and reuerend ; and beare A perfect hand on his performance there , In all the trials they resolu'd t' impose . All met ; and gatherd in attention close ; Alcinous thus bespake them : Dukes , and Lords ; Heare me digest , my hearty thoughts in words : This Stranger here whose trauels found my Court ; I know not ; nor can tell if his resort From East or West comes : But his suite is this ; That to his Countrey earth we would dismis His hither-forced person ; and doth beare The minde to passe it vnder euery Peere : Whom I prepare , and stirre vp ; making knowne My free desire of his deduction . Nor shall there euer , any other man That tries the goodnesse Phaeacensian , In me , and my Courts entertainement ; stay Mourning for passage , vnder least delay . Come then ; A ship into the sacred seas , New-built , now lanch we ; and from out our prease ; Chuse two and fiftie Youths ; of all , the best To vse an oare . All which , see straight imprest ; And in their Oare-bound seates . Let others hie Home to our Court ; commanding instantly The solemne preparation of a feast ; In which , prouision may for any guest Be made at my charge . Charge of these low things , I giue our Youth . You Scepter-bearing kings , Consort me home ; and helpe with grace to vse This guest of ours : no one man shall refuse . Some other of you , haste , and call to vs The sacred singer , graue Demodocus ; To whom hath God giuen , song that can excite The heart of whom he listeth with delight . This said , he led . The Scepter-bearers lent Their free attendance ; and with all speede , went The herald for the sacred man in song . Youths two and fiftie ; chosen from the throng Went , as was willd , to the vntam'd seas shore ; Where come ; they lancht the ship : the Mast it bore Aduanc't , sailes hoised ; euery seate , his Ore Gaue with a lether thong : the deepe moist then They further reacht . The drie streets flowd with men ; That troup't vp to the kings capacious Court. Whose Porticos , were chok't with the resort : Whose wals were hung with men : yong , old , thrust there , In mighty concourse ; for whose promist cheere Alcinous slue twelue Sheepe ; eight white-toothd Swine : Two crook-hancht Beeues ; which flead , and drest , diuine The show was of so many a iocund Guest All set together , at so set a feast . To whose accomplisht state , the Herald then The louely Singer led ; Who past all mean The Muse affected ; gaue him good , and ill ; His eies put out ; but put in soule at will. His place was giuen him , in a chaire , all grac't With siluer studs , and gainst a Pillar plac't ; Where , as the Center to the State , he rests ; And round about , the circle of the Guests . The Herald , on a Pinne , aboue his head His soundfull harpe hung : to whose height , he led His hand for taking of it downe at will. A Boord set by , with food ; and forth did fill A Bowle of wine , to drinke at his desire . The rest then , fell to feast ; and when the fire Of appetite was quencht : the Muse inflam'd The sacred Singer . Of men highliest fam'd , He sung the glories ; and a Poeme pend , That in applause , did ample heauen ascend . Whose subiect was , the sterne contention Betwixt Vlysses , and Great Thetis Sonne ; As , at a banket , sacred to the Gods In dreadfull language , they exprest their ods . When Agamemnon , sat reioyc't in soule To heare the Greeke Peeres iarre , in termes so foule ; For Augur Phoebus , in presage had told The king of men , ( desirous to vnfold The wars perplexed end ; and being therefore gone In heauenly Pythia , to the Porch of stone , ) That then the end , of all griefes should begin , Twixt Greece , and Troy ; when Greece ( with strife to winne That wisht conclusion ) in her kings should iarre ; And pleade , if force , or wit must end the warre . This braue contention did the Poet sing ; Expressing so the spleene of either king ; That his large purple weede , Vlysses held Before his face , and eies ; since thence distilld Teares vncontaind ; which he obscur'd , in feare To let th'obseruing Presence , note a teare . But when his sacred song the meere Diuine Had giuen an end ; a Goblet crownd with wine Vlysses ( drying his wet eies ) did seise ; And sacrifisde to those Gods that would please T' inspire the Poet with a song so fit To do him honour , and renowme his wit. His teares then staid . But when againe began ( By all the kings desires ) the mouing man ; Againe Vlysses , could not chuse but yeeld To that soft passion : which againe , withheld , He kept so cunningly from sight ; that none ( Except Alcinous himselfe , alone ) Discern'd him mou'd so much . But he sat next ; And heard him deeply sigh . Which , his pretext Could not keepe hid from him . Yet he conceal'd His vtterance of it ; and would haue it held From all the rest . Brake off the song , and this Said to those Ore-affecting Peeres of his : Princes , and Peeres ! we now are satiate With sacred song , that fits a feast of state : With wine , and food . Now then , to field , and try ; In all kinds our approu'd actiuity ; That this our Guest , may giue his friends to know In his returne : that we , as little owe To fights , and wrestlings , leaping , speede of race , As these our Court-rites ; and commend our grace In all , to all superiour . Foorth he led The Peeres and people , troup't vp to their head : Nor must Demodocus be left within ; Whose harpe , the Herald hung vpon the pinne ; His hand , in his tooke ; and abroad he brought The heauenly Poet : out , the same way wrought That did the Princes : and what they would see With admiration , with his companie They wisht to honour . To the place of Game These throng'd ; and after , routs of other came , Of all sort , infinite . Of Youths that stroue , Many , and strong , rose to their trials loue . Vp rose Acroneus , and Ocyalus ; Elatreus , Prymneus , and Anchyalus ; Nauteus , Eretmeus , Thoo● , Proreus ; Pontaeus , and the strong Amphialus , Sonne to Tectonides , Polinius . Vp rose to these , the great Euryalus ; In action like the homicide of warre . Naubolides , that was for person farre Past all the rest : but one he could not passe ; Nor any thought improue ; Laodamas . Vp Anabesinzus then arose ; And three sonnes of the Scepter state , and those ; Were Halius , and fore-praisde Laodamas ; And Clytonaeus , like a God in grace . These first the foote-game tride ; and from the lists Took start together . Vp the dust , in mists They hurld about ; as in their speede , they flew ; But Clytonaeus , first , of all the crew A Stiches length in any fallow field Made good his pace ; when where the Iudges yeeld The prise , and praise , his glorious speed arriu'd . Next , for the boistrous wrestling Game they striu'd ; At which , Euryalus , the rest outshone . At leape , Amphialus . At the hollow stone Elatreus exceld . At buffets , last , Laodamas , the kings faire sonne surpast . When all had striu'd in these assaies their fill ; Laodamas said ; Come friends ; let 's proue what skill This Stranger hath attaind to , in our sport ; Me thinks , he must be of the actiue sort . His calues , thighs , hands , and well-knit shoulders show , That Nature disposition did bestow To fit with fact their forme . Nor wants he prime . But sowre Affliction , made a mate with Time , Makes Time the more seene . Nor imagine I , A worse thing to enforce debilitie , Then is the Sea : though nature ne're so strong Knits one together . Nor conceiue you wrong , ( Replied Eu●yalus ) but proue his blood With ●hat you question . In the midst then stood Renowm'd Laodamas , and prou'd him thus ; Come ( stranger Father ) and assaie with vs Your powrs in these contentions : If your show Be answerd with your worth , t is fit that you Should know these conflicts : nor doth glorie stand On any worth more , in a mans command , Then to be strenuous , both of foote and hand : Come then , make proofe with vs ; discharge your mind Of discontentments : for not farre behind Comes your deduction . Ship is ready now ; And men , and all things . Why ( said he ) dost thou Mocke me Laodamas ! and these strifes bind My powrs to answer ? I am more inclind To cares , then conflict . Much sustaind I haue ; And still am suffering . I come here to craue In your assemblies , meanes to be dismist , And pray , both Kings , and subiects to assist . Euryalus , an open brawle began ; And said : I take you Sir , for no such man As fits these honord strifes . A number more Strange men there are , that I would chuse before . To one that loues to lie a ship-boord much ; Or is the Prince of sailours ; or to such As traffique farre and neare , and nothing minde But freight , and passage , and a foreright winde ; Or to a victler of a ship : or men That set vp all their powrs for rampant Gaine , I can compare , or hold you like to be : But , for a wrestler , or of qualitie Fit for contentions noble ; you abhor From worth of any such competitor . Vlysses ( frowning ) answerd ; Stranger ! farre Thy words are from the fashions regular Of kinde , or honour . Thou art in thy guise Like to a man , that authors iniuries . I see , the Gods to all men , giue not all Manly addiction ; wisedome ; words that fall ( Like dice ) vpon the square still . Some man takes Ill forme from parents ; but God often makes That fault of forme vp , with obseru'd repaire Of pleasing speech : that makes him held for faire ; That makes him speake securely : makes him shine In an assembly , with a grace di●ine . Men take delight , to see how euenly lie His words asteepe , in honey modestie . Another then , hath fashion like a God ; But in his language , he is foule , and broad : And such art thou . A person faire is giuen ; But nothing else is in thee , sent from heauen . For in thee lurkes , a base , and earthy soule And t' hast compelld me , with a speech most foule To be thus bitter . I am not vnseene In these faire strifes , as thy words ouerweene : But in the first ranke of the best I stand . At least , I did , when youth and strength of hand Made me thus confident : but now am worne With woes , and labours ; as a humane borne To beare all anguish . Sufferd much I haue . The warre of men , and the inhumane waue Haue I driuen through at all parts : but with all My waste in sufferance : what yet may fall In my performance , at these strifes I le trie ; Thy speech hath mou'd , and made my wrath runne hie . This said ; with robe , and all , he graspt a stone , A little grauer then was euer throwne By these Phaeacians , in their wrestling rout ; More firme , more massie ; which ( turnd round about ) He hurried from him , with a hand so strong It sung , and flew : and ouer all the throng ( That at the others markes stood ) quite it went : Yet downe fell all beneath it ; fearing spent The force that draue it flying from his hand , As it a dart were , or a walking wand . And , farre past all the markes of all the rest His wing stole way . When Pallas straight imprest A marke at fall of it ; resembling then One of the nauy-giuen Phaeacian men ; And thus aduanc't Vlysses : One , ( though blinde ) ( O stranger ! ) groping , may thy stones fall finde ; For not amidst the rout of markes it fell , But farre before all . Of thy worth , thinke well ; And stand in all strifes : no Phaeacian here , This bound , can either better or come nere . Vlysses ioyd , to heare that one man yet V●de him benignly ; and would Truth abet In those contentions . And then , thus smooth He tooke his speech downe : Reach me that now Youth , You shall ( and straight I thinke ) haue one such more ; And one beyond it too . And now , whose Core Stands sound , and great within him ( since ye haue Thus put my splene vp ) come againe and braue The Guest ye tempted , with such grosse disgrace : At wrestling , buffets , whirlbat , speed of race . At all , or either , I except at none , But vrge the whole State of you ; onely one I will not challenge , in my forced boast , And that 's Laodamas ; for hee 's mine Host. And who will fight , or wrangle with his friend ? Vnwise he is , and base , that will contend With him that feedes him , in a forreigne place ; And takes all edge off , from his owne sought grace . None else except I here ; nor none despise ; But wish to know , and proue his faculties , That dares appeare now . No strife ye can name Am I vnskilld in ; ( reckon any game Of all that are , as many as there are In vse with men ) for Archerie I dare Affirme my selfe not meane . Of all a troupe I le make the first foe with mine arrow stoupe ; Though , with me ne're so many fellowes bend Their bowes at markt men , and affect their end ; Onely was Philocte●es with his bow Still my superiour ; when we Greekes would show Our Archerie against our foes of Troy : But all that now by bread , fraile life enioy , I farre hold my inferiours . Men of old None now aliue , shall witnesse me so bold To vant equality with such men as these ; O●chalian , Euritus , Hercules ; Who with their bowes , durst with the Gods contend . And therefore caught Eurytus soone his end . Nor did at home , in age , a reuerend man ; But by the Great incensed Delphian Was shot to death , for daring competence With him , in all an Archers excellence . A Speare I le hurle as farre , as any man Shall shoote a shaft . How at a race I can Bestirre my feete ; I onely yeeld to Feare , And doubt to meete with my superiour here . So many seas , so too much haue misusde My lims for race ; and therefore haue diffusde A dissolution through my loued knees . This said , he stilld all talking properties ; Alcinous onely answerd : O my Guest In good part take we , what you haue bene prest With speech to answer . You would make appeare Your vertues therefore , that will still shine where Your onely looke is . Yet must this man giue Your worth ill language ; when , he does not liue In sort of mortals ( whence so ere he springs That iudgement hath to speake becoming things ) That will depraue your vertues . Note then now My speech , and what , my loue presents to you ; That you may tell Heroes , when you come To banquet with your Wife , and Birth at home , ( Mindfull of our worth ) what deseruings Ioue Hath put on our parts likewise ; in remoue From Sire to Sonne , as an inherent grace Kinde , and perpetuall . We must needs giue place To other Countreymen ; and freely yeeld We are not blamelesse , in our fights of field ; Buff●ts , nor wrestlings : but in speede of feete ; And all the Equipage that fits a fleete , We boast vs best . For table euer spred With neighbour feasts , for garments varied ; For Poesie , Musique , Dancing , Baths , and Beds . And now , Phaeacians , you that beare your heads And feete with best grace , in enamouring dance ; Enflame our guest here ; that he may aduance Our worth past all the worlds , to his home friends ; As well for the vnmatcht grace , that commends Your skills in footing of a dance ; as theirs That flie a race best . And so , all affaires , At which we boast vs best ; he best may trie ; As Sea-race , Land-race , Dance , and Poesie . Some one , with instant speede to Court retire , And fetch Demodocus , his soundfull lyre . This said , the God-grac't king , and quicke resort Pontonous made , for that faire harpe , to Court. Nine of the lot-chusde publique Rulers rose , That all in those contentions did dispose ; Commanding a most smooth ground , and a wide , And all the people , in faire game , aside . Then with the rich harpe , came Pontonous ; And in the midst , tooke place Demodocus . About him then stood foorth , the choise yong men , That on mans first youth , made fresh entrie then : Had Art to make their naturall motion sweete And shooke a most diuine dance from their feete ; That twinckld Star-like ; mou'd as swift , and fine , And beate the aire so thinne , they made it shine . Vlysses wonderd at it ; but amazd He stood in minde , to heare the dance so phras'd . For , as they danc't ; Demodocus did sing , The bright-crownd Venus loue , with Battailes king ; As first they closely mixt , in t'house of fire . What worlds of gifts , wonne her to his desire ; Who then , the night-and-day-bed did defile Of good king Vulcan . But in little while The Sunne their mixture saw ; and came , and told . The bitter newes , did by his ●ares take hold Of Vulcans heart . Then to his Forge he went ; And in his shrewd mind , deepe stuffe did inuent . His mightie Anuile , in the stocke he put ; And forg'd a net , that none could loose , or cut ; That when it had them , it might hold them fast . Which , hauing finisht , he made vtmost haste Vp to the deare roome , where his wife he wowd : And ( madly wrath with Mars ) he all bestrowd The bed , and bed posts : all the beame aboue That crost the chamber ; and a circle stroue , Of his deuice , to wrap in all the roome . And t was as pure , as of a Spiders Ioome , The woofe before t is wouen . No man nor God Could set his eie on it : a sleight so odde , His Art shewd in it . All his craft bespent About the bed : . he faind , as if he went To well-built Lemnos ; his most loued towne , Of all townes earthly . Nor left this vnknowne To golden-bridle-vsing Mars ; who kept No blinde watch ouer him : but , seeing stept His riuall so aside , he hasted home With faire-wreath'd Venus loue stung ; who was come New from the Court of her most mightie Sire . Mars enterd ; wrung her hand ; and the retire Her husband made to Lemnos told ; and said ; Now ( Loue ) is Vulcan gone ; let vs to bed , Hee 's for the barbarous Sintians . Well appaid Was Venus with it ; and afresh assaid Their old encounter . Downe they went ; and straight About them clingd , the artificiall sleight Of most wise Vulcan ; and were so ensnar'd , That neither they could stirre their course prepar'd , In any lim about them ; nor arise . And then they knew , they could no more disguise Their close conueiance ; but lay , forc't , stone still . Backe rusht the Both foote cook't ; but straight in skill , From his neare skout-hole turnd ; nor euer w●nt To any Lemnos ; but the sure euent Left Phoebus to discouer , who told all . Then , home hopt Vulcan , full of griefe , and gall ; Stood in the Portall , and cried out so hie ; That all the Gods heard . Father of the skie And euery other deathlesse God ( said he ) Come all , and a ridiculous obiect see ; And yet not sufferable neither ; Come , And witnesse , how when still I step from home , ( Lame that I am ) Ioues daughter doth professe To do me all the shamefull offices ; Indignities , despites , that can be thought ; And loues this all-things-making-come to nought Since he is faire forsooth ; foote-sound , and I Tooke in my braine a little ; leg'd awrie ; And no fault mine ; but all my parents fault , Who should not get , if mocke me , with my halt . But see how fast they sleepe , while I , in mone , Am onely made , an idle looker on . One bed their turne serues ; and it must be mine ; I thinke yet , I haue made their selfe-loues shine . They shall no more wrong me , and none perceiue : Nor will they sleepe together , I beleeue With too hote haste againe . Thus both shall lie In craft , and force ; till the extremitie Of all the dowre , I gaue her Sire ( to gaine A dogged set-fac't Girle , that will not staine Her face with blushing , though she shame her head ) He paies me backe : She 's faire , but was no maide . While this long speech was making , all were come To Vulcans wholie-brazen-founded home . Earth-shaking Neptune ; vsefull Mercurie , And far-shot Phoebus . No She Deitie For shame , would show there : all the giue-good Gods stood in the Portall ; and past periods Gaue length to laughters ; all reioyc't to see That which they said ; that no impietie Finds good successe at th' end . And now ( said one ) The slow outgoes the swift . Lame Vulcan , knowne To be the slowest of the Gods ; outgoes Mars the most swift ; And this is that , which growes To greatest iustice ; that Adulteries sport Obtain'd by craft , by craft of other sort , ( And lame craft too ) is plagu'd , which grieues the more , That sound lims turning lame ; the lame , * restore . This speech amongst themselues they entertaind When Phoebus , thus askt Hermes : Thus enchaind Would'st thou be Hermes , to be thus disclosde ? Though , with thee , golden Venus were repos'de ? He soone gaue that an answer : O ( said he Thou king of Archers ) would t were thus with me . Though thrice so much shame ; nay , though infinite Were powrd about me ; and that euery light In great heauen shining , witnest all my harmes , So golden Venus slumberd in mine Armes . The Gods againe laught ; euen the watry state Wrung out a laughter : But propitiate Was still for Mars , and praid the God of fire He would dissolue him ; offering the desire He made to Ioue , to pay himselfe ; and said , All due debts , should be , by the Gods repaid . Pay me , no words ( said he ) where deeds lend paine ; Wretched the words are , giuen for wretched men . How shall I binde you in th'Immortals sight If Mars be once loos'd ; nor will pay his right ? Vulcan ( said he ) if Mars should flie , nor see Thy right repaid , it should be paid by me : Your word , so giuen , I must accept ( said he ) Which said ; he loosd them : Mars then rusht from skie And stoop't cold Thrace . The laughing Deity For Cyprus was , and tooke her Paphian state Where , She a Groue , ne're cut , hath consecrate : All with Arabian odors fum'd ; and hath An Altar there , at which the Graces bathe , And with immortall Balms besmooth her skin ; Fit for the blisse , Immortals solace in ; Deckt her in to-be-studied attire , And apt to set beholders hearts on fire . This sung the sacred Muse , whose notes and words The dancers feete kept ; as his hands his cords . Vlysses , much was pleased , and all the crew : This would the king haue varied with a new And pleasing measure ; and performed by Two , with whom none would striue in dancerie . And those , his sonnes were ; that must therefore dance Alone ; and onely to the harp aduance , Without the words ; And this sweete couple , was Yong Halius , and diuine Laodamas : Who danc't a Ball dance . Then the rich-wrought Ball , ( That Polybus had made , of purple all ) They tooke to hand : one threw it to the skie , And then danc't backe ; the other ( capring hie ) Would surely catch it , ere his foote toucht ground ; And vp againe aduanc't it ; and so found The other , cause of dance ; and then did he Dance lofty trickes ; till next it came to be His turne to catch ; and serue the other still . When they had kept it vp to eithers will ; They then danc't ground tricks ; oft mixt hand in hand ; And did so gracefully their change command ; That all the other Youth that stood at pause , With deafning shouts , gaue them the great applause . Then said Vlysses ; O past all men here Cleare , not in powre , but in desert as clere , You said your dancers , did the world surpasse ; And they performe it , cleare , and to amaze . This wonne Alcinous heart ; and equall prise He gaue Vlysses ; saying ; Matchlesse wise ( Princes , and Rulers ) I perceiue our guest ; And therefore let our hospitable best In fitting gifts be giuen him : twelue chiefe kings There are that order all the glorious things Of this our kingdome ; and the thirteenth , I Exist , as Crowne to all : let instantly Be thirteene garments giuen him : and , of gold Precious , and fine , a Talent . While we hold This our assembly ; be all fetcht , and giuen ; That to our feast prepar'd , as to his heauen One guest may enter . And that nothing be Left vnperformd , that fits his dignity ; Euryalus shall here conciliate Himselfe , with words and gifts ; since past our rate He gaue bad language . This did all commend And giue in charge ; and euery king did send His Herald for his gift . Euryalus ▪ ( Answering for his part ) said ; Alcinous ! Our chiefe of all ; since you command , I will To this our guest , by all meanes reconcile ; And giue him this entirely mettald sword : The handle massie siluer ; and the bord That giues it couer , all of Ivorie , New , and in all kinds , worth his qualitie . This put he strait into his hand , and said : Frolick● , O Guest and Father ; if words , fled , Haue bene offensiue ; let swift whirlwinds take , And rauish them from thought . May all Gods make Thy wifes sight good to thee ; in quicke retreate To all thy f●iends , and best-lou'd breeding seate ; Their long misse quitting with the greater ioy ; In whose sweet , vanish all thy worst annoy . And frolicke thou , to all height , Friend ( said he ) Which heauen confirme , with wisht felicitie . Nor euer giue againe desire to thee , Of this swords vse , which with affects so free , In my reclaime , thou hast bestowd on me . This said ; athwart his shoulders he put on The right faire sword ; and then did set the Sunne . When all the gifts were brought ; which backe againe ( With King Alcinous , in all the traine ) Were by the honourd Heralds borne to Court ; Which his faire sonnes tooke ; and from the resort Laid by their reuerend Mother . Each his throne Of all the Peeres ( which yet were ouershone In King Alcinous command ) ascended : Whom he , to passe as much in gifts contended ; And to his Queene , said : Wife ! see brought me here The fairest Cabinet I haue ; and there Impose a well-cleansd , in , and vtter weed ; A Caldron heate with water , that with speed Our Guest well bath'd , and all his gifts made sure , It may a ioyfull appetite procure To his succeeding Feast ; and make him heare The Poets Hymne , with the securer eare . To all which , I will adde my boll of gold , In all frame curious , to make him hold My memory alwaies deare ; and sacrifise With it at home , to all the Deities . Then Arete , her maids charg'd to set on A well-siz'd Caldron quickly . Which was done ; Cleare water powr'd in , flame made so entire , It gilt the brasse , and made the water fire . In meane space , from her chamber brought the Queene A wealthy Cabinet , where ( pure and cleane ) She put the garments , and the gold bestowd By that free State : and then , the other vowd By her Alcinous , and said : Now Guest ▪ Make close and fast your gifts , lest when you rest A ship-boord sweetly , in your way you meet Some losse , that lesse may make your next sleepe sweet . This when Vlysses heard ; all sure he made ; Enclosde and bound safe ; for the sauing trade , The Reuerend for her wisedome ( Circe ) had In foreyeares taught him . Then the handmaid bad His worth to bathing ; which reioyc't his heart . For since he did with his Calypso part , He had no ●ote baths . None had fauourd him ; Nor bin so tender of his kingly lim . But all the time he spent in her abode , He liu'd respected , as he were a God. Cleansd then and balmd ; faire shirt , and robe put on ; Fresh come from bath , and to the Feasters gone ; Nausicaa , that from the Gods hands tooke The soueraigne beautie of her blessed looke , Stood by a well-caru'd Columne of the roome , And through her eye , her heart was ouercome With admiration of the Port imprest In his aspect ; and said : God saue you Guest ! Be chearfull , as in all the future state , Your home will shew you , in your better Fate . But yet , euen then , let this rememberd be , Your lifes price , I lent , and you owe it me . The varied in all counsels gaue reply : Nausicaa ! flowre of all this Empery ! So Iunos husband , that the strife for noise Makes in the clouds , blesse me with strife of Ioyes , In the desir'd day , that my house shall show , As I , as I to a Goddesse , there shall vow , To thy faire hand , that did my Being giue ; Which I le acknowledge ●uery houre I liue . This said ; Alcinous plac't him by his side ; Then tooke they feast , and did in parts diuide The seuerall dishes ; filld out wine , and then The striu'd-for , for his worth , of worthy men , And reuerenc't of the State ; Demodocus Was brought in by the good Pontonous . In midst of all the guests , they gaue him place , Against a loftie Pillar ; when , this grace The grac't with wisedome did him . From the Chine That stood before him of a white-tooth'd Swine , ( Being farre the daintiest ioynt ) mixt through with fat , He caru'd to him , and sent it where he sat , By his old friend , the Herald ; willing thus : Herald ! reach this to graue Demodocus ; Say , I salute him ; and his worth embrace . Poets deserue past all the humane race , Reuerend respect and honor ; since the Queene Of knowledge , and the supreme worth in men ( The Muse ) informes them ; and loues all their race . This , reacht the Herald to him ; who , the grace Receiu'd encourag'd : which , when feast was spent , Vlysses amplified to this ascent : Demodocus ! I must preferre you farre , Past all your sort ; if , or the Muse of warre , Ioues daughter prompts you ; ( that the Greeks respects ) Or if the Sunne , that those of Troy affects . For I haue heard you , since my coming , sing The Fate of Greece , to an admired string . How much ou● sufferance was ; how much we wrought ; How much the actions rose to , when we fought . So liuely forming , as you had bin there ; Or to some free relator , lent your ●are . Forth then , and sing the woodden horses frame , Built by Epeus ; by the martiall Dame , Taught the whole Fabricke ; which , by force of sleight , Vlysses brought into the Cities height ; When he had stuft it with as many men , As leueld loftie Ilion with the Plaine . With all which , if you can as well enchant , A● with expression quicke and elegant , You sung the rest ; I will pronounce you cleare , Inspir'd by God , past all that euer were . This said ; euen stird by God vp , he began ; And to his Song fell , past the forme of man ; Beginning where , the Greeks a ship-boord went , And euery Chiefe , had set on fire his Tent. When th' other Kings , in great Vlysses guide , In Troys vast market place , the horse did hide : From whence , the Troians , vp to Ilion drew The dreadfull Engine . Where ( sate all arew ) Their Kings about it : many counsels giuen , How to dispose it . In three waies were driuen Their whole distractions : first , if they should feele The hollow woods heart , ( searcht with piercing steele ) Or from the battlements ( drawne higher yet ) Deiect it headlong ; or , that counterfet , So vast and nouell , set on sacred fire ; Vowd to appease each angerd Godheads ire . On which opinion , they , thereafter , saw , They then should haue resolu'd : th'vnalterd law Of Fate presaging ; that Troy then should end , When th'hostile horse , she should receiue to friend ; For therein should the Grecian Kings lie hid , To bring the Fate and death , they after did . He sung besides , the Greeks eruption From those their hollow crafts ; and horse forgone ; And how they made Depopulation tred Beneath her feete , so high a Cities head . In which affaire , he sung in other place , That of that ambush , some man else did race The Ilion Towres , then * Laertiades ; But here he * sung , that he alone did seise ( With Menelaus ) the ascended roofe Of Prince Deiphobus ; and Mars - like proofe Made of his valour : a most dreadfull fight , Daring against him . And there vanquisht quite , In litle time ( by great Mineruas aid ) All Ilions remnant , and Troy leuell laid . This the diuine Expressor , did so giue Both act and passion , that he made it liue ; And to Vlysses facts did breathe a fire , So * deadly quickning , that it did inspire Old death with life ; and renderd life so sweet , And passionate , that all there felt it fleet ; Which made him pitie his owne crueltie , And put into that ruth , so pure an ●ie Of humane frailtie ; that to see a man Could so reuiue from Death ; yet no way can Defend from death ; his owne quicke powres it made Feele there deaths horrors : and he felt life fade In * teares , his feeling braine swet : for in things That moue past vtte●ance , teares ope all their springs . Nor are there in the Powres , that all life beares , More true interpreters of all , then teares . And as a Ladie mournes her sole-lou'd Lord , That falne before his Citie , by the sword , Fighting to rescue from a cruell Fate , His towne and children ; and , in dead estate Yet panting , seeing him ; wraps him in her armes , Weeps , shriekes , and powres her health into his armes ; Lies on him , striuing to become his shield From foes that still as●aile him ; speares impeld Through backe and shoulders ; by whose points embrude , They raise and leade him into seruitude , Labor and languor : for all which , the Dame Eates downe her cheekes with teares , and feeds lifes flame With miserable sufferanc : So this King , Of teare-swet anguish , op't a boundlesse spring : Nor yet was seene to any one man there , But King Alcinous , who sate so neare , He could not scape him : sighs ( so chok't ) so brake From all his tempers , which the King d●d take Both note , and graue resp●ct of , and thus spake : Heare me , Phaeacian Counsellers and Peeres ; And ceasse , Demodocus ; perhaps all eares Are not delighted with his song ; for , euer Since the diuine Muse sung , our Guest hath neuer Containd from secret mournings . It may fall , That something sung , he hath bin grieu'd withall , As touching his particular . Forbeare ; That Feast may ioyntly comfort all hearts here ; And we may cheare our Guest vp ; t is our best , In all due honor . For our reuerend Guest , Is all our celebration , gifts , and all , His loue hath added to our Festiuall . A Guest , and suppliant too ; we should esteeme Deare as our brother ; one that doth but dreame He hath a soule ; or touch but at a mind Deathlesse and manly ; should stand so enclin'd . Nor cloke you , longer , with your curious wit , ( Lou'd Guest ) what euer we shall aske of it . It now stands on your honest state to tell ; And therefore giue your name ; nor more conceale , What of your parents , and the Towne that beares Name of your natiue ; or of forreiners That neare vs border , you are calld in fame . There 's no man liuing , walkes without a name ; Noble nor base ; but had one from his birth ; Imposde as fit , as to be borne . What earth , People , and citie , owne you ? Giue to know : Tell but our ships all , that your way must show ; For our * ships know th'expressed minds of men ; And will so most intentiuely retaine Their scopes appointed , that they neuer err● ; And yet vse neuer any man to stere : Nor any Rudders haue , as others need . They know mens thoughts ; and whither tends their speed . And there will set them . For you cannot name A Citie to them ; nor fat Soile , that Fame Hath any notice giuen ; but well they know , And will flie to them , though they ebbe and flow , In blackest clouds and nights ; and neuer beare Of any wracke or rocke , the slendrest feare . But this I heard my Sire Nausithous say Long since , that Neptune seeing vs conuay So safely passengers of all degrees , Was angry with vs ; and vpon our seas , A well-built ship we had ( neare habor come , From safe deduction of some stranger home ) Made in his flitting billowes , sticke stone still ; And dimm'd our Citie , like a mightie hill , With shade cast round about it . This report , The old * King made ; in which miraculous sort , If God had done such things , or left vndone ; At his good pleasure be it . But now , on , And truth relate vs ; both whence you errd ; And to what Clime of men would be transferrd ; With all their faire Townes ; be they , as they are ; If rude , vniust , and all irregular ; Or hospitable , bearing minds that please The mightie D●itie . Which one of these You would be set at , say ; and you are there ; And therefore what afflicts you ? why , to heare The Fate of Greece and Ilion , mourne you so ? The Gods haue done it ; as to all , they do Destine destruction ; that from thence may rise A Poeme to instruct posterities . Fell any kinsman before Ilion ? Some worthy Sire-in-law , or like-neare sonne ? Whom next our owne blood , and selfe-race we loue ? Or any friend perhaps , in whom did moue A knowing soule , and no vnpleasing thing ? Since such a good one , is no vnderling To any brother : for , what fits true friends , True wisedom● is , that blood and birth transcends . Finis libri octaui Hom. Odyss . THE NINTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE A●GVMENT . VLysses here , is first made knowne ; Who tels the sterne contention , His powres did gainst the Cicons trie ; And thence to the Lotophagie Extends his conquest : and from them , Assayes the Cyclop Polypheme ; And by the crafts , his wits apply , He puts him out his onely eye . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The strangely fed Lotophagie . The Cicons fled . The Cyclops eye . VLysses thus resolu'd the Kings demands . Alcinous ! ( in whom this Empire stands ) You should not of so naturall right disherit Your princely feast , as take from it the spirit . To heare a Poet , that in accent brings The Gods brests downe ; and breathes them as he 〈◊〉 Is sweet , and sacred ; nor can I conceiue , In any common weale , what more doth giue Note of the iust and blessed Empery , Then to see Comfort vniuersally Cheare vp the people . When in euery roofe , She giues obseruers a most humane proofe Of mens contents . To see a neighbours Feast Adorne it through ; and thereat , heare the breast Of the diuine Muse ; men in order set ; A * wine-page waiting . Tables crownd with meate ; Set close to guests , that are to vse it skilld ; The Cup-boords furnisht ; and the cups still filld . This shewes ( to my mind ) most humanely faire . Nor should you , for me , still the heauenly aire , That stirrd my soule so ; for I loue such teares , As fall from fit notes ; beaten through mine eares , With repetitions of what heauen hath done ; And breake from heartie apprehension Of God and goodnesse , though they shew my ill . And therefore doth my mind excite me still , To tell my bleeding mone ; but much more now , To serue your pleasure ; that , to ouer-flow My teares with such cause , may by sighs be driuen ; Though ne're so much plagu'd , I may seeme by heauen . And now my name ; which , way shall leade to all My miseries after : that their sounds may fall Through your eares also ; and shew ( hauing fled So much affliction ) first , who rests his head In your embraces ; when ( so farre from home ) I knew not where t' obtaine it resting roome . I am Vlysses Laertiades ; The feare of all the world for policies ; For which , my facts as high as heauen resound . I dwell in Ithaca , Earths most renownd : All ouer-shadow'd with the * Shake-leafe hill Tree-fam'd Neritus ; whose neare confines fill Ilands a number , well inhabited , That vnder my obseruance taste their bread . Dulichius , Samos , and the-full-of - * food Zacynthus , likewise grac't with store of wood . But Ithaca , ( though in the seas it lie ) Yet lies she so aloft , she casts her eye Quite ouer all the neighbour Continent . Farre ▪ Norward situate ; and ( being lent But litle fauour of the Morne , and Sunne ) With barren rocks and cliffes is ouer-runne . And yet of hardie youths , a Nurse of Name . 〈◊〉 could I see a Soile , where ere I came , More sweete and wishfull . Yet , from hence was I Withheld with horror , by the Deitie Diuine Calypso , in her cauie house ; Enflam'd to make me her sole Lord and Spouse . Circe Aeaea too , ( that knowing Dame , Whose veines , the like affections did inflame ) Detaind me likewise . But to neithers loue , Could I be tempted ; which doth well approue ; Nothing so sweete is as our countries earth , And ioy of those , from whom we claime our birth . Though roofes farre richer , we farre off possesse , Yet ( from our natiue ) all our more , is lesse . To which , as I contended , I will tell The much-distrest-conferring-facts , that fell By Io●es diuine preuention ; since I set , From ruin'd Troy , my first foote in retreat . From Ilion , ill winds cast me on the Coast The Cicons hold ; where I emploid mine hoast For Ismarus , a Citie , built iust by My place of landing ; of which , Victory Made me expugner . I depeopl'd it , Slue all the men , and did their wiues remit , With much spoile taken ; which we did diuide , That none might need his part . I then applide All sp●ed for flight : but my command therein , ( Fooles that they were ) could no obseruance win Of many souldiers , who with spoile fed hie , Would yet fill higher ; and excessiuely Fell to their wine ; gaue slaughter on the shore , Clouen-footed beeues and sheepe , in mightie store . In meane space , Cicons did to Cicons crie ; When , of their nearest dwellers , instantly Many and better souldiers made strong head , That held the Continent , and managed Their horse with high skill : on which they would fight , When fittest cause seru'd ; and againe alight , ( With soone seene vantage ) and on foote contend . Their concourse swift was , and had neuer end ; As thicke and sodaine t was , as flowres and leaues Darke Spring discouers , when she * Light receaues . And then began the bitter Fate of Ioue To alter vs vnhappie ; which , euen stroue To giue vs suffrance . At our Fleet we made Enforced stand ; and there did they inuade Our thrust-vp Forces : darts encountred darts , With blowes on both sides : either making parts Good vpon either , while the Morning shone , And sacred Day her bright increase held on ; Though much out-matcht in number . But as soone As Phoebus Westward fell , the Cicons wonne Much hand of vs ; sixe proued souldiers fell ( Of euery ship ) the rest they did compell To seeke of Flight escape from Death and Fate . Thence ( sad in heart ) we saild : and yet our State Was something chear'd ; that ( being ouer-matcht so much In violent number ) our retreate was such , As sau'd so many ▪ Our deare losse the lesse , That they suruiu'd ; so like for like successe . Yet left we not the Coast , before we calld Home to our country earth , the soules exhald , Of all the friends , the Cicons ouercame . Thrice calld we on them , by their seuerall name , And then tooke leaue . Then from the angry North , Cloud-gathering Ioue , a dreadfull storme calld forth Against our Nauie ; couerd shore and all , With gloomie vapors . Night did headlong fall From frowning Heauen . And then hurld here and there Was all our Nauie ; the rude winds did teare , In three , in foure parts , all their sailes ; and downe Driuen vnder hatches were we , prest to drowne . Vp rusht we yet againe ; and with tough hand ( Two daies , two nights entoild ) we gat nere land ; Labours and sorrowes , eating vp our minds . The third cleare day yet , to more friendly winds We masts aduanc't , we white sails spred , and sate . Forewinds , and guides , againe did iterate , Our ease and home-hopes ; which we cleare had reacht ; Had not , by chance , a sodaine North-wind fetcht , With an extreame sea , quite about againe , Our whole endeuours ; and our course constraine To giddie round ; and with our bowd sailes greete Dreadfull Maleia ; calling backe our fleet● , As farre forth as Cythaera . Nine dayes more , Aduerse winds tost me ; and the tenth , the shore , Where dwell the blossome-fed Lotophagie , I fetcht ▪ fresh water tooke in ; instantly Fell to our food aship-boord ; and then sent Two of my choice men to the Continent , ( Adding a third , a Herald ) to discouer , What sort of people were the Rulers ouer The land next to vs. Where , the first they met , Were the Lotophagie ▪ that made them eate Their Country diet ; and no ill intent , Hid in their hearts to them : and yet th' euent , To ill conuerted it ; for , hauing eate Their daintie viands ; they did quite forget ( As all men else , that did but taste their feast ) Both country-men and country ; nor addrest Any returne , t' informe what sort of men Made fixt abode there ; but would needs maintaine , Abode themselues there ; and eate that food euer . I made out after ; and was faine to seuer Th' enchanted knot ; by forcing their retreate ; That striu'd , and wept , and would not leaue their meate For heauen it selfe . But , dragging them to fleete ; I wrapt in sure bands , both their hands and feete , And cast them vnder hatches ; and away Commanded all the rest , without least stay ; Lest they should taste the Lote too ; and forget With such strange raptures , their despisde retreate . All then aboord , we beate the sea with Ores ; And still with sad hearts saild by out-way shores ; Till th'out-lawd Cyclops land we fetcht ; a race Of proud-liu'd loiterers , that neuer sow , Nor put a plant in earth , nor vse a Plow ; But trust in God for all things ; and their earth , ( Vnsowne , vnplowd ) giues euery of-spring birth , That other lands haue . Wheate , and Ba●ley ; Vines That beare in goodly Grapes , delicious wines ; And Ioue sends showres for all : no counsels there , Nor counsellers , nor lawes ; but all men beare Their heads aloft on mountaines , and those steepe , And on their tops too : and there , houses keepe In vaultie Caues ; their housholds gouernd all By each mans law , imposde in seuerall ; Nor wife , nor child awd ; but as he thinks good . None for another caring . But there stood Another litle Ile , well stor'd with wood , Betwixt this and the entry ; neither nie The Cyclops I le , nor yet farre off doth lie . Mens want it sufferd ; but the mens supplies , The Goates made with their inarticulate cries . Goates beyond number , this small Iland breeds , So ●ame , that no accesse disturbs their feeds . No hunters ( that the tops of mountaines scale , And rub through woods with toile ) seeke them at all . Nor is the soile with flocks fed downe , nor plowd ; Nor euer in it any seed was sowd . Nor place the neighbour Cyclops their delights , In braue Vermilion prow-deckt ships ; nor wrights Vsefull and skilfull , in such works , as need Perfection to those trafficks , that exceed Their naturall confines : to flie out and see Cities of men ; and take in , mutually The prease of others ; To themselues they liue , And to their Iland , that enough would giue A good inhabitant ; and time of yeare Obserue to all things Art could order there . There , close vpon the sea , sweet medowes spring , That yet of fresh streames want no watering To their soft burthens : but of speciall yeeld , Your vines would be there ; and your common field , But gentle worke make for your plow ; yet beare A loftie haruest when you came to sheare . For passing fat the ●oile is ▪ In it lies A harbor so opportune , that no ties , Halsers , or gables need ; nor anchors cast . Whom stormes * put in there , are with stay embrac't ; Or to their full wils safe ; or winds aspire To Pilots vses their more quicke desire . At entry of the hauen , a siluer foord Is from a rock-impressing fountaine powr'd , All set with sable Poplars ; and this Port Were we arriu'd at , by the sweet resort Of some God guiding vs : for t was a night So gastly darke , all Port was past our sight , Clouds ●id our ships , and would not let the Moone Affoord a beame to vs ; the whole I le wonne , By not an eye of ours . None thought the Blore That then was vp , shou'd waues against the shore , That then to an vnmeasur'd height put on . We still at sea esteemd vs , till alone Our fleet put in it selfe . And then were strooke Our gatherd sailes : our rest ashore we tooke , And day expected . When the Morne gaue fire , We rose , and walkt , and did the I le admire . The Nymphs , Ioues daughters , putting vp a heard Of mountaine Goates to vs , to render cheard My fellow souldiers . To our Fleet we flew ; Our crooked bowes tooke , long-pil'd darts , and drew Our selues in three parts out ; when , by the grace That God vouch-saft , we made a gainfull chace . Twelue ships we had , and euery ship had nine Fat Goates allotted ; ten onely mine . Thus all that day , euen till the Sunne was set , We sate and feasted ; pleasant wine and meate , Plenteously taking ; for we had not spent Our ruddie wine aship-boord : supplement Of large sort , each man to his vessell drew , When we the sacred Citie ouerthrew , That held the Cicons . Now then saw we neare , The Cyclops late-praisd Iland ; and might heare The murmure of their sheepe and goates ; and see Their smokes ascend . The Sunne then set , and we ( When Night succeeded ) tooke our rest ashore . And when the world the Mornings fauour wore , I calld my friends to councell ; charging them To make stay there , while I tooke ship and streame , With some associates ; and explor'd what men The neighbour I le held : if of rude disdaine , Churlish and tyrannous , or minds bewraid Pious and hospitable . Thus much said , I boorded , and commanded to ascend My friends and souldiers , to put off , and lend Way to our ship . They boorded , sate , and beate The old sea forth , till we might see the seate , The greatest Cyclop held for his abode ; Which was a deepe Caue , neare the common rode Of ships that toucht there ; thicke with Lawrels spred , Where many sheepe and goates lay shadowed : And neare to this , a Hall of torne-vp stone , High built with Pines , that heauen and earth attone ; And loftie-fronted Okes : in which kept house , A man in shape , immane , and monsterous , Fed all his flocks alone ; nor would affoord Commerce with men ; but had a wit abhord ; His mind , his body answering . Nor was he Like any man , that food could possibly Enhance so hugely ; but ( beheld alone ) Shewd like a steepe hils top , all ouergrowne With trees and brambles ; litle thought had I Of such vast obiects . When , arriu'd so nie ; Some of my lou'd friends , I made stay aboord , To guard my ship ; and twelue ▪ with me I shor'd , The choice of all . I tooke besides along , A Goat-skin flagon of wine , blacke and strong , That Maro did present ; Euantheus sonne , And Priest to Phoebus ; who had mansion In Thracian Ismarus ( the Towne I tooke ) He gaue it me ; since I ( with reuerence strooke , Of his graue place , his wife and childrens good ) Freed all of violence . Amidst a wood Sacred to Phoebus , stood his house ; from whence He fetcht me gifts of varied excellence ; Seuen talents of fine gold ; a boll all fram'd Of massie siluer . But his gift , most fam'd , Was twelue great vessels , filld with such rich wine , As was incorruptible , and diuine . He kept it as his iewell , which none knew But he himselfe , ●is wife , and he that drew . It was so strong , that neuer any filld A cup , where that was but by drops instilld , And drunke it off ; but t was before allaid With twentie parts in water ; yet so swaid The spirit of that litle , that the whole , A sacred odour breath'd about the boll . Had you the odour smelt , and sent it cast , It would haue vext you to forbeare the taste . But then ( the taste gaind too ) the spirit it wrought , To dare things high , set vp an end my thought . Of this , a huge great flagon full I bore , And in a good large knapsacke , victles store ; And longd to see this heape of fortitude , That so illiterate was , and vpland rude , That lawes diuine nor humane he had learnd . With speed we reacht the Cauerne , nor discernd His presence there . His flocks he fed at field . Entring his den ; each thing beheld , did yeeld Our admiration : shelues with cheeses heapt ; Sheds stuft with Lambs and Goates , distinctly kept ; Distinct the biggest ; the more meane distinct ; Distinct the yongest . And in their precinct ( Proper and placefull ) stood the troughs and pailes , In which he milkt ; and what was giuen a● meales , Set vp a creaming : in the Euening still , All scouring bright , as deaw vpon the hill . Then were my fellowes instant to conuay Kids , cheeses , lambs , aship●boord ; and away Saile the salt billow . I thought best , not so , But better otherwise ; and first would know , What guest-gifts he would spare me . Little knew My friends , on whom they would haue preyd : his view Prou'd after , that his inwards were too rough For such bold vsage : we were bold enough , In what I sufferd ; which was there to stay ; Make fire and feed there , though beare none away . There sate we , till we saw him feeding come , And on his necke a burthen lugging home , Most highly huge of Sere-wood ; which the pile That fed his fire , supplide all supper while . Downe by his den he threw it ; and vp rose A tumult with the fall . Afraid , we close Withdrew our selues , while he into a Caue Of huge receit , his high-fed cattell draue , All that he milkt ; the males he left without His loftie roofes , that all bestrowd about With Rams and buck-goates were . And then a rocke He lift aloft , that damd vp to his flocke , The doore they enterd : t was so hard to wield , That two and twentie Waggons , all foure-wheeld , ( Could they be loaded , and haue teames that were Proportion'd to them ) could not stirre it there . Thus , making sure , he kneeld and milkt his Ewes , And braying Goates , with all a milkers dues . Then let in all their yong : then , quicke did dresse , His halfe milke vp for cheese , and in a presse Of wicker prest it ; put in bolls the rest , To drinke , and eate , and serue his supping feast . All works dispatcht thus ; he began his fire ; Which blowne , he saw vs ; and did thus enquire : Ho! Guests ! what are ye ? whence saile ye these seas ? Trafficke , or roue ye ? and like theeues oppresse Poore strange aduenturers ; exposing so Your soules to danger , and your liues to wo ? This vtt●rd he ; when Feare from our hearts tooke The very life ; to be so thunder-strooke With such a voice , and such a monster see . But thus I answerd : Er●ing Grecians we , From Troy were turning homewards ; but by force Of aduerse winds , in far-diuerted course , Such vnknowne waies tooke , and on rude seas tost , ( As Ioue decreed ) are cast vpon this Coast. Of Agamemnon ( famous Atreus sonne ) We boast our selues the souldiers ; who hath wonne Renowme that reacheth heauen ; to ouerthrow So great a Citie , and to ruine so , So many nations . Yet at thy knees lie Our prostrate bosomes ; forc't with praires to trie , If any hospitable right , or Boone Of other nature , ( such as haue bin wonne By lawes of other houses ) thou wilt giue . Reuerence the Gods , thou greatst of all that liue . We suppliants are ; and hospitable Ioue Poures wreake on all , whom praires want powre to moue : And with their plagues , together will prouide , That humble Guests shall haue their wants supplide . He cruelly answerd : O thou foole ( said he ) To come so farre , and to importune me With any Gods feare , or obserued loue ; We Cyclops care not for your Goat-fed Ioue ; Nor other Blest ones ; we are better farre . To Ioue himselfe , dare I bid open warre ; To thee , and all thy fellowes , if I please . But tell me : where 's the ship , that by the seas Hath brought thee hither ? If farre off , or neare ; Informe me quickly . These his temptings were . But I , too much knew , not to know his mind ; And craft , with craft paid ; telling him the wind ( Thrust vp from Sea , by him that shakes the Shore ) Had dasht our ships against his rocks , and tore Her ribs in peeces , close vpon his Coast ; And we from high wracke sau'd ; the rest were lost . He answerd nothing ; but rusht in , and tooke Two of my fellowes vp from earth , and strooke Their braines against it . Like two whelps they flew About his shoulders ; and did all embrew The blushing earth . No mountaine Lion tore Two Lambs so sternly ; lept vp all their gore , Gusht from their torne-vp bodies ; lim by lim , ( Trembling with life yet ) rauisht into him . Both flesh and marrow-stuffed bones he eate , And euen th'vncleansed entrails made his meate . We weeping , cast our hands to heauen , to view , A sight so horrid . Desperation flew With all our after liues , to instant death , In our beleeu'd destruction . But when breath , The fury of his appetite had got , Because the gulfe his belly , reacht his throte ; Mans flesh , and Goates milke , laying laire on laire , Till neare chokt vp , was all the passe for aire . Along his den , amongst his cattell , downe He rusht , and streakt him . When my mind was growne Desperate , to step in ; draw my sword , and part His bosome , where the strings about the heart Circle the Liuer , and adde strength of hand . But that rash thought , More staid , did countermand ; For there we all had perisht , since it past Our powres to lift aside a log so vast , As barrd all outscape ; and so sigh'd away The thought all Night , expecting actiue Day . Which come , he first of all , his fire enflames , Then milks his Goates and Ewes ; then to their dams Le ts in their yong ; and wondrous orderly , With manly haste , dispatcht his houswifery . Then to his Breakfast , to which , other two Of my poore friends went : which eate ; out then go His heards and fat flocks ; lightly putting by The churlish barre , and closde it instantly ; For both those works , with ease , as much he did , As you would ope and shut your Quiuer lid . With stormes of whistlings then , his flocks he draue Vp to the mountaines ; and occasion gaue For me to vse my wits ; which to their height , I striu'd to skrew vp ; that a vengeance might By some meanes fall from thence ; and Pallas now Affoord a full eare to my neediest vow . This then , my thoughts preferd : a huge club lay Close by his milk-house , which was now in way To drie , and season ; being an Oliue tree Which late he feld ; and being greene , must be Made lighter for his manage . T was so vast , That we resembl'd it to some fit Mast , To serue a ship of burthen , that was driuen With twentie Ores ; and had a bignesse giuen , To beare a huge sea . Full so thicke , so tall We iudg'd this club ; which I , in part , hewd small , And cut a fathome off . The peece I gaue Amongst my souldiers , to take downe , and shaue ; Which done , I sharpn'd it at top , and then ( Hardn'd in fire ) I hid it in the den , Within a nastie dunghill reeking there , Thicke , and so moist , it issude euery where . Then made I lots cast , by my friends to trie , Whose fortune seru'd to dare the bor'd out eie Of that man-eater : and the lot did fall On foure I wisht to make my aid , of all ; And I , the fift made , chosen like the rest . Then came the Euen ; and he came from the feast Of his fat cattell ; draue in all ; nor kept One male abroad : if , or his memory slept By Gods direct will ; or of purpose was His driuing in of all then , doth surpasse My comprehension . But he closde againe The mightie barre ; milkt , and did still maintaine All other obseruation , as before . His wo●ke , all done ; two of my souldiers more , At once he snatcht vp ; and to supper went. Then dar'd I words to him , and did present A boll of wine , with these words : Cyclop ! take A boll of wine from my hand , that may make Way for the mans flesh thou hast eate ; and show What drinke our ship held ; which in sacred vow , I offer to thee ; to take ruth on me In my dismission home . Thy rages be Now no more sufferable . How shall men ( Mad and inhumane that thou art ) againe Greet thy abode , and get thy actions grace , If thus thou ragest , and eatst vp their race . He tooke , and drunke ; and vehemently ioyd To taste the sweet cup ; and againe employd My flagons powre ; entreating more , and said : Good Guest , againe affoord my taste thy aid ; And let me know thy name ; and quickly now ; That in thy recompence I may bestow A hospitable gift on thy desert ; And such a one as shall reioyce thy heart ; For to the Cylops too , the gentle Earth Beares generous wine ; and Ioue augments her birth , In store of such , with showres . But this rich wine , Fell from the riuer that is meere diuine , Of Nectar and Ambrosia . This againe I gaue him ; and againe ; nor could the foole abstaine , But drunke as often . When the noble Iuyce Had wrought vpon his spirit ; I then gaue vse To fairer language ; saying : Cylop ! now As thou demandst , I le tell thee my name ; do thou Make good thy hospitable gift to me ; My name is No-Man ; No-Man , each degree Of friends , as well as parents , call my name . He answerd , as his cruell soule became : No-Man ! I le eate thee last of all thy friends ; And this is that , in which so much amends I vowd to thy deseruings ; thus shall be My hospitable gift , made good to thee . This said ; he vpwards fell ; but then bent round His fleshie necke ; and Sleepe ( with all crownes , crownd ) Subdude the Sauage . From his throte brake out My wine , with mans flesh gobbets , like a spout ; When loded with his cups , he lay and snor'd . And then tooke I the clubs end vp , and gor'd The burning cole-heape , that the point might heate . Confirmd my fellowes minds , lest Feare should let Their vowd assay , and make them flie my aid . Strait was the Oliue Leuer , I had laid Amidst the huge fire , to get hardning , hot ; And glowd extremely , though t was greene ; ( which got From forth the cinders ) close about me stood My hardie friends : but that which did the good , Was Gods good inspiration , that gaue A spirit beyond the spirit they vsde to haue : Who tooke the Oliue sparre , made keene before , And plung'd it in his eye : and vp I bore , Bent to the top close ; and helpt poure it in , With all my forces : And as you haue seene A ship-wright bore a nauall beame ; he oft Thrusts at the Augurs Froofe ; works still aloft ; And at the shanke , helpe others ; with a cord Wound round about , to make it sooner bor'd ; All plying the round still : So into his eye , The firie stake , we labourd to imply . Out gusht the blood that scalded ; his eye-ball Thrust out a flaming vapour , that scorcht all His browes and eye-lids ; his eye-strings did cracke , As in , the sharpe and burning rafter brake . And as a Smith to harden any toole , ( Broad Axe , or Mattocke ) in his Trough doth coole The red-hote substance , that so feruent is , It makes the cold waue strait to seethe and hisse : So sod , and hizd his eye about the stake . He roar'd withall ; and all his Cauerne brake In claps like thunder . We , did frighted flie , Disperst in corners . He from forth his eie , The fixed stake pluckt : after which , the blood Flowd freshly forth ; and , mad , he hurl'd the wood About his houill . Out he then did crie For other Cyclops , that in Cauernes by , Vpon a windie Promontorie dwelld ; Who hearing how impetuously he yelld , Rusht euery way about him ; and enquir'd , What ill afflicted him , that he expir'd Such horrid clamors ; and in sacred Night , To breake their sleepes so ? Askt him , if his fright Came from some mortall , that his flocks had driuen ? Or if by craft , or might , his death were giuen ? He answerd from his den ; By craft , nor might , No man hath giuen me death . They then said right ; If no man hurt thee , and thy selfe alone ; That which is done to thee , by Ioue is done . And what great Ioue inflicts , no man can flie ; Pray to thy Father yet , * a Deitie ; And proue , from him , if thou canst helpe acquire . Thus spake they , leauing him . When all on fire , My heart with ioy was ; that so well my wit , And name deceiu'd him ; whom now paine did split ; And groning vp and downe , he groping tride , To find the stone , which found , he put aside ; But in the doore sate , feeling if he could ( As his sheepe issude ) on some man lay hold ; Esteeming me a foole , that could deuise No stratageme to scape his grosse surprise . But I , contending what I could inuent , My friends and me , from death so imminent , To get deliuerd : all my wiles I woue , ( Life being the subiect ) and did this approue ; Fat fleecie Rams , most faire , and great , lay there , That did a * burthen like a Violet beare . These ( while this learn'd in villanie did sleepe ) I yokt with Osiers cut there , sheepe to sheepe ; Three in a ranke ; and still the mid sheepe bore A man about his belly : the two more , Marcht on his each side for defence . I then , Chusing my selfe the fairest of the den , His fleecie belly vnder-crept ; embrac't His backe , and in his rich wooll wrapt me fast With both my hands , arm'd with as fast a mind . And thus each man hung , till the Morning shin'd ; Which come , he knew the houre , and let abroad His male-flocks first : the females , vnmilkt stood Bleating and braying ; their full bags so sore , With being vnemptied ; but their shepheard more , With being vnsighted ; which was cause , his mind Went not a milking . He ( to wreake enclin'd ) The backs felt as they past , of those male dams : ( Grosse foole ) beleeuing , we would ride his Rams . Nor euer knew , that any of them bore Vpon his belly , any man before . The last Ram came to passe him , with his wooll , And me together , loded to the full : For there did I hang : and that Ram he staid ; And me withall had in his hands ; my head Troubl'd the while , not causlesly , nor least . This Ram he grop't , and talkt to : Lazie beast ! Why last art thou now ? thou hast neuer vsde To lag thus hindmost : but still first hast brusde The tender blossome of a flowre ; and held State in thy steps , both to the flood and field : First still at Fold , at Euen ; now last remaine ? Doest thou not wish I had mine eye againe , Which that abhord man No-Man did put out , Assisted by his execrable rout , When he had wrought me downe with wine ? but he Must not escape my wreake so cunningly . I would to heauen thou knewst , and could but speake , To tell me where he lurks now ; I would breake His braine about my Caue , strewd here and there , To ease my heart of those foule ils , that were Th'inflictions of a man , I prisde at nought . Thus let he him abroad ; when I ( once brought A litle from his hold ) my selfe first losde , And next , my friends . Then draue we , and disposde , His strait-leggd fat fleece-bearers ouer land , Euen till they all were in my ships command ; And to our lou'd friends , shewd our praid-for sight , Escap't from death . But for our losse , outright They brake in teares ; which with a looke I staid , And bad them take our Boote in . They obaid ; And vp we all went ; sate , and vsde our Ores , But hauing left as farre the sauage shores , As one might heare a voice ; we then might see The Cyclop at the hauen ; when instantly I staid our Ores , and this insultance vsde : Cyclop ! thou shouldst not haue so much abusde Thy monstrous forces , to oppose their least , Against a man immartiall , and a guest ; And eate his fellowes : thou mightst know there were Some ils behind ( rude swaine ) for thee to beare ; That feard not to deuoure thy guests , and breake All lawes of humanes : Ioue sends therefore wreake , And all the Gods , by me . This blew the more His burning furie ; when the top he tore From off a huge Rocke ; and so right a throw Made at our ship , that iust before the Prow , It ouerflew and fell : mist Mast and all Exceeding litle ; but about the fall , So fierce a waue it raisd , that backe it bore Our ship so farre , it almost toucht the shore . A bead-hooke then ( a far-extended one ) I snatcht vp , thrust hard , and so set vs gone Some litle way ; and strait commanded all To helpe me with their Ores ; on paine to fall Againe on our confusion . But a signe , I with my head made ; and their Ores were mine , In all performance . When we off were set , ( Then first , twice further ) my heart was so great , It would againe prouoke him : but my men On all sides rusht about me , to containe ; And said : Vnhappie ! why will you prouoke A man so rude ; that with so dead a stroke , Giuen with his Rock-dart , made the sea thrust backe Our ship so farre ; and neare hand forc't our wracke ? Should he againe , but heare your voice resound , And any word reach ; thereby would be found His Darts direction ; which would , in his fall , Crush peece-meale vs , quite split our ship and all ; So much dart weilds the monster . Thus vrg'd they Impossible things , in feare ; but I gaue way To that wrath , which so long I held deprest , ( By great Necessitie conquerd ) in my brest . Cyclop ! if any aske thee , who imposde Th'vnsightly blemish that thine eye enclosde ; Say that Vlysses ( old Laertes sonne , Whose seate is Ithaca ; and who hath wonne Surname of Citie-racer ) bor'd it out . At this , he braid so loud , that round about He draue affrighted Ecchoes through the Aire ; And said : O beast ! I was premonisht faire , By aged Prophecie , in one that was A great , and good man ; this should come to passe ; And how t is prou'd now ? Augur Telemus , Surnam'd Eurymedes ( that spent with vs His age in Augurie ; and did exceed In all presage of Truth ) said all this deed , Should this euent take ; author'd by the hand Of one Vlysses ; who I thought was mand With great and goodly personage ; and bore A vertue answerable : and this shore Should shake with weight of such a conqueror , When now a weakling came , a dwarfie thing , A thing of nothing ; who yet wit did bring , That brought supply to all ; and with his wine , Put out the flame , where all my light did shine . Come , land againe , Vlysses ! that my hand , May Guest-rites giue thee ; and the great command , That Neptune hath at sea , I may conuert To the deduction , where abides thy heart , With my sollicitings ; whose Sonne I am ; And whose fame boasts to beare my Fathers●ame . Nor thinke my hurt offends me ; for my S●●e Can soone repose in it the visuall fire , At his free pleasure ; which no powre beside Can boast : of men , or of the Deifide . I answerd : Would to God I could compell Both life and soule from thee ; and send to hell Those spoiles of nature . Hardly Nept●ne then Could cure thy hurt , and giue th●e all again . Then flew fierce vowes to Nept●ne ; both his hands To starre-borne heauen cast : O tho● that all lands Girdst in thy ambient Cir●le ; and in aire Shak'st the curld Tresses of thy Saphire haire ; If I be thine , or thou maist iustly vant , Thou art my Father : heare me now , and grant That this Vlysses ( old Laertes sonne , That dwels in Ithaca ; and name hath wonne Of Citie-ruiner ) may neuer reach His naturall region . Or if to fetch , That , and the sight of his faire roo●es and friends , Be fatall to him ; let him that Amends For all his miseries , long time and ill , Smart for , and faile of : nor that Fate fulfill , Till all his souldiers quite are cast away In others ships . And when , at last , the day Of his sole-landing , shall his dwelling show , Let Detriment prepare him wrongs enow . Thus praid he Neptune ; who , his Sire appeard ; And all his praire , to euery syllable heard . But then a Rocke , in size more amplified Then first , he rauisht to him ; and implied A dismall strength in it ; when ( wheeld about ) He sent it after vs ; nor flew it out From any blind aime ; for a litle passe Beyond our Fore-decke , from the fall there was : With which the sea , our ship gaue backe vpon , And shrunke vp into billowes from the stone ; Our ship againe repelling , neare as neare The shore as first . But then our Rowers were ( Being warnd , more armd ) and stronglier stemd the flood That bore backe on vs , till our ship made good The other Iland , where our whole Fleet lay ; In which our friends lay mourning for our stay ; And euery minute lookt when we should land . Where ( now arriu'd ) we drew vp to the sand ; The Cyclops sheepe diuiding , that none there ( Of all our priuates ) might be wrung , and beare Too much on powre . The Ram yet was alone , By all my friends , made all my portion , Aboue all others ; and I made him then , A * sacrifice for me , and all my men , To cloud-compelling Ioue , that all commands . To whom I burnd the Thighs : but my sad hands , Receiu'd no grace from him ; who studied how To offer , men and fleete to Ouerthrow . All day , till Sun-set yet , we sate and eate ; And liberall store tooke in , of wine and meate . The Sunne then downe , and place resign'd to shade , We slept ; Morne came , my men I raisd , and made All go aboord ; weigh Anker , and away . They boorded , sate and beate the aged sea ; And forth we made saile ; sad for losse before , And yet had comfort , since we lost no more . Finis libri noni Hom. Odyss . THE TENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . VLysses now relates to vs , The grace he had with Aeolus , Great Guardian of the hollow winds : Which in a leather bag he binds , And giues Vlysses ; all but one , Which Zephyre was ; who filld alone Vlysses sailes . The Bag once seene ( While he slept ) by Vlysses men ; They thinking , it did gold inclose ; To find it ▪ all the winds did lose . Who backe flew to their guard againe . Forth saild he ; and did next attaine To where the Laestrigonians dwell . Where he eleuen ships lost ; and fell On the Aeaean coast ; whose shore He sends Eurylochus t'explore , Diuiding with him halfe his men : Who go , and turne no more againe ; ( All saue Eurylochus , to swine By Circe turnd . ) Their stayes encline Vlysses to their search ; who got Of Mercurie an Antidote , ( Which Moly was ) gainst Ci●ces charmes , And so auoids his souldiers harmes . A yeare with Circe all remaine , And then their natiue formes regaine . On vtter shores , a time they dwell , While Ithacus descends to hell . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Great Aeolus And Circe , friends , Finds Ithacus ; And Hell descends . TO the Aeolian Iland we attaind , That swumme about still on the sea ; where raign'd The God-lou'd Aeolus Hippotydes . A wall of steele it had ; and in the seas , A waue-beat-smooth-rocke , mou'd about the wall . Twelue children , in his house imperiall , Were borne to him : of which , sixe daughters were , And sixe were sonnes , that youths sweet flowre did beare . His daughters , to his sonnes he gaue , as wiues ; Who spent in feastfull comforts ▪ all their liues ; Close seated by their Sire , and his graue Spouse . Past number were the dishes , that the house Made euer sauour ; and still full the Hall ; As long as day shin'd ; in the night-time , all Slept with their chaste wiues . Each his faire caru'd bed Most richly furnisht ; and this life they led . We reacht the Cittie , and faire roofes of these ; Where , a whole moneths time ; all things that might please The King vouchsaf't vs. Of great Troy enquir'd , The Grecian fleete , and how the Greekes retir'd : To all which , I gaue answer , as behou'd . The fit time come ; when I dismission mou'd ; He nothing would denie me , but addrest My passe with such a bountie , as might best Teach me contentment . For he did enfold Within an Oxe hide , flead at nine yeares old , All th'airie blasts , that were of stormie kinds . Saturnius made him Steward of his winds ; And gaue him powre , to raise and to asswage ; And these he gaue me , curbd thus of their rage . Which in a glittering siluer band I bound And hung vp in my ship : enclosd so round , That no egression , any breath could find . Onely he left abroad the Westerne wind ; To speede our ships and vs , with blasts secure . But our securities , made all vnsure : Nor could he consummate our course alone , When all the rest had got egression . Which thus succeeded . Nine whole daies and nights We saild in safetie ; and the tenth , the lights Borne on our Countrey earth , we might descrie : So neere we drew , and yet euen then fell I ( Being ouerwatcht ) into a fatall sleepe : For I would suffer no man else to keepe The foote that rul'd my vessels course ; to leade The faster home . My friends then Enuy fed , About the bag I hung vp ; and supposde , That gold , and siluer , I had there enclosde , As gift from Aeolus . And said , O heauen ! What grace , and graue price , is by all men giuen To our Commander ? Whatsoeuer coast Or towne , he comes to , how much he engrost Of faire and precious prey , and brought from Troy ? We the same voiage went ; and yet enioy In our returne , these emptie hands for all . This bag now , Aeolus was so liberall To make a Guest-gift to him . Let vs trie Of what consists , the faire-bound Treasurie ; And how much gold , and siluer it containes . Ill counsaile , present approbation gaines . They op't the bag , and out the vapours brake ; When instant tempest did our vessell take , That bore vs backe to Sea ; to mourne anew Our absent Countrey . Vp amazd I flew , And desperate things discourst ; if I should cast My selfe to ruine in the seas ; or taste Amongst the liuing more mone , and sustaine ? Silent , I did so ; and lay hid againe Beneath the hatches : while an ill winde tooke My ships , backe to Aeolia : my men strooke With woe enough . We pumpt and landed then ; Tooke foode , for all this ; and ( of all my men , ) I tooke a Herald to me , and away Went to the Court of Aeolus ; Where they Were feasting still : he , wife and children set Together close . We would not ( at their meate ) Thrust in ; but humbly on the threshold sat . He then , amazd , my presence wonderd at ; And calld to me : Vlysses ! how , thus backe Art thou arriu'd here ? what foule spirit brake Into thy bosome to retire thee thus ? We thought we had deduction , curious Giuen thee before ; to reach thy shore and home : Did it not like thee ? I ( euen ouercome With worthy sorrow ) answerd : My ill men Haue done me mischiefe ; and to them hath bene My sleepe th'vnhappie motiue . But do you ( Dearest of friends ) daigne succour to my vow : Your powres command it . Thus endeuord I With soft speech to repaire my misery . The rest , with ruth , sat dumbe : but thus spake he ; Auant ; and quickly quit my land of thee , Thou worst of all that breathe ; it fits not me To conuoy , and take in , whom heauens expose . Away , and with thee go , the worst of woes , That seek'st my friendship , and the Gods thy foes . Thus he dismist me , sighing ; foorth we saild , At heart afflicted : and now wholy faild The minds my men sustaind ▪ so spent they were With toiling at their oares ; and worse did beare Their growing labours ; that they causd their grought , By selfe-willd follies ; nor now , euer thought To see their Countrey more . Six nights and daies We saild ; the seuenth , we saw faire Lamos raise Her loftie Towres ( The Laestrigonian State ) That beares her Ports , so farre disterminate . Where * Shepheard , Shepheard calls out ; he a home Is calld out by the other that doth come From charge abroad ; and then goes he to sleepe , The other issuing . He whose turne doth keepe The Night obseruance , hath his double hire ; Since Day and Night , in equall length expire , About that Region ; and the Nights watch weigh'd At twice the Daies ward ; since the charge that 's laid Vpon the Nights-man ( besides breach of sleepe ) Exceeds the Daies-mans : for one , oxen keepe , The other sheepe . But when the hauen we found , ( Exceeding famous ; and enuirond round With one continuate rocke : which , so much bent , That both ends almost met ; so prominent They were ; and made , the hauens mouth passing streight ) Our whole fleete , in we got ; in whole receipt Our Ships lay anchord close : nor needed we Feare harme on any * Staies ; Tranquillitie So purely sate there : that waues great , nor small Did euer rise to any height at all . And yet would I , no entrie make ; but staid Alone without the hauen ; and thence suruaid From out a loftie watch-towre raised there , The Countrie round about : nor any where The worke of man or beast , appeard to me ; Onely a smoke from earth breake , I might see . I then made choice of two ; and added more , A Herald for associate , to explore What sort of men liu'd there . They went , and saw A beaten way , through which , carts vsde to draw Wood from the high hils , to the Towne ; and met A maid without the Port ; about to get Some neare spring-water . She , the daughter was Of mightie Laestrigonian , Antiphas : And to the cleare spring , cald Artacia , went ; To which the whole Towne , for their water sent . To her they came , and askt who gouernd there ? And what the people , whom he orderd were ? She answerd not , but led them through the Port , As making haste , to shew her fathers Court. Where , enterd ; they beheld ( to their affright ) A woman like a mountaine top , in height . Who rusht abroad ; and from the Counsaile place Cald home her horrid husband Antiphas . Who ( deadly minded ) straight he snatcht vp one , And fell to supper . Both the rest were gone ; And to the fleete came . Antiphas , a crie Draue through the Citie ; ( which heard , ) instantly This way , and that , innumerable sorts , Not men , but Gyants , issued through the Ports ; And mightie flints from rocks tore ; which they threw Amongst our ships ; through which , an ill noise flew , Of shiuerd ships , and life-expiring men , That were , like fishes , by the monsters slaine , And borne to sad feast . While they slaughterd these , That were engag'd in all th' aduantages , The close-mouth'd , and most dead-calme hauen could giue ; I ( that without lay ) made some meanes to liue ; My sword drew ; cut my gables ; and to oares Set all my men ; and , from the plagues , those shores Let flie amongst vs , we made haste to flie ; My men , close working , as men loth to die . My ship flew freely off ; but theirs that lay On heapes in harbors , could enforce no way Through these sterne fates , that had engag'd them there . Forth our sad remnant saild ; yet still retaind , The ioyes of men , that our poore few remaind , Then to the I le Aeae● we attaind ; Where faire-haird , dreadfull , eloquent Circe raignd ; Aeaetas sister , both by Dame and Sire ; Both daughters to heauens man-enlightning fire ; And Perse , whom Oceanus begat . The ship-fit Port here , soone we landed at : Some God directing vs. Two daies ; two nights , We lay here pining in the fatall spights Of toile and sorrow . But the next third day When faire Aurora had informd ; quicke way I made out of my ship ; my sword and lance Tooke for my surer guide ; and made aduance Vp to a prospect , I assay to see The works of men ; or heare mortalitie Expire a voice . When I had climb'd a height Rough and right hardly accessible ; I might Behold from Circes house ( that in a groue Set thicke with trees , stood ; a bright vapor moue . I then grew * curious in my thought to trie Some fit enquirie ; * when so spritely flie I saw the yeallow smoke . But my discourse , A first retiring to my ship gaue force To giue my men their dinner , and to send , ( Before th' aduenture of my selfe ) some friend . Being neare my ship ; of one so desolate Some God had pittie , and would recreate My woes a little , putting vp to me A great and high-palmd Hart ; that ( fatallie , Iust in my way it selfe , to taste a flood ) Was then descending : the Sunne heate had sure Importun'd him , besides the temperature His naturall heate gaue . Howsoeuer , I Made vp to him , and let my Iauelin flie , That strooke him through the mid-part of his chine ; And made him ( braying ) in the dust confine His flying forces . Forth his spirit flew ; When I stept in , and from the deaths wound drew My shrewdly-bitten lance ; there let him lie Till I , of cut-vp Osiers , did imply , A With ; a fathome long , with which , his feete I made together , in a sure league meete ; Stoop't vnder him , and to my necke , I heau'd The mightie burthen ; of which , I receau'd A good part on my lance : for else I could By no meanes , with one hand alone , vphould ( Ioynd with one shoulder ) such a deathfull lode . And so , to both my shoulders , both hands stood Needfull assistents : for it was a Deare Goodly-wel-growne : when ( coming something neare Where rode my ships ) I cast it downe , and rer'd My friends with kind words ; whom , by name I cheer'd , In note particular , and said ; See friends , We will not yet to Plutos house , our ends Shall not be hastend , though we be declind In cause of comfort ; till the day design'd By Fates fixt finger . Come , as long as food Or wine lasts in our ship ; le ts spirit our blood And quit our care and hunger , both in one . This said ; they frolikt , came , and lookt vpon With admiration , the huge bodied beast ; And when their first-seru'd eyes , had done their feast ; They washt , and made a to-be-striu'd-for meale , In * point of honour . On which all did dwell The whole day long . And , to our venzons store , We added wine till we could wish no more . Sunne set , and darknesse vp ; we slept , till light Put darknesse downe : and then did I excite My friends to * counsaile , vttering this : Now , friends , Affoord vnpassionate eare ; though ill Fate lends , So good cause to your passion ; no man knowes The reason whence , and how , the darknesse growes ; The reason , how the Morne is thus begunne : The reason , how the Man-enlightning Sunne Diues vnder earth : the reason how againe He reres his golden head . Those counsailes then That passe our comprehension , we must leaue To him that knowes their causes ; and receaue Direction from him , in our acts , as farre As he shall please to make them regular ; And stoope them to our reason . In our state , What then behoues vs ? Can we estimate With all our counsailes , where we are ? or know ( Without instruction , past our owne skils ) how ( Put off from hence ) to stere our course the more ? I thinke we can not . We must then explore These parts for information ; in which way We thus farre are : last Morne I might display ( From off a high-raisd cliffe ) an Iland lie Girt with th'vnmeasur'd Sea ; and is so nie That in the midst I saw the smoke arise Through tufts of trees . This rests then to aduise , Who shall explore this . This strooke dead their hearts , Remembring the most execrable parts That Laestrigonian Antiphas had plaid : And that foule Cyclop , that their fellowes braid Betwixt his iawes ; which mou'd them so ; they cried . But idle teares , had neuer wants supplied . I , in two parts diuided all ; and gaue To either part his Captaine : I must haue The charge of one ; and one of God-like looke , Eurylochus , the other . Lots we shooke , ( Put in a caske together , ) which of vs Should leade th' attempt ; and t was Eurylochus . He freely went ; with two and twenty more : All which , tooke leaue with teares ; and our eyes wore The same wet badge , of weake humanity . These , in a dale , did Circes house descrie ; Of bright stone built , in a conspicuous way : Before her gates ; hill-wolues , and Lyons lay ; Which with her virtuous drugs , so tame she made ; That Wolfe , nor Lyon , would one man inuade With any violence ; but all arose ; Their huge long tailes wagd ; and in fawnes would close , As louing dogs , when masters bring them home Relicks of feast ; in all obseruance , come And sooth their entries , with their fawnes and bounds ; All guests , still bringing , some scraps for their hounds : So , on these men , the Wolues , and Lyons rampt ; Their horrid paws set vp . Their spirits were dampt To see such monstrous kindnesse ; staid at gate , And heard within , the Goddesse eleuate A voice diuine , as at her web , she wrought , Subtle , and glorious , and past earthly thought ; As all the houswiferies of Deities are . To heare a voice , so rauishingly rare ; Polites ( one exceeding deare to me , A Prince of men ; and of no meane degree In knowing vertue ; in all Acts , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whose mind Discreete cares all wayes , vsde to turne , and wind ) Was yet surprisd with it ; and said ; O friends , Some one abides within here , that commends The place to vs ; and breathes a voice diuine ; As she some web wrought ; or her spindles twine She cherisht with her song : the pauement rings ▪ With imitation of the tunes she sings ; Some woman , or some Goddesse t is ; Assay To see with knocking . Thus said he ; and they Both knockt , and calld ; and straight her shining gates She opened , issuing : bade them in , to cates . Led , and ( vnwise ) they follow'd ; all , but one Which was Eurylochus ; who stood alone Without the gates ; suspicious of a sleight ; They enterd , she made sit ; and her deceit She cloakt with Thrones ; and goodly chaires of State ; Set hearby honey , and the delicate Wine brought from Smyrna , to them ; meale and cheese ; But harmefull venoms , she commixt with these ; That made their Countrey vanish from their thought . Which , eate ; she toucht them , with a rod that wrought Their transformation , farre past humane wunts ; Swines snowts , swines bodies , tooke they , bristles , grunts ; But still retaind the ●oules they had before ; Which made them mourne their bodies change the more . She shut them straight in sties ; and gaue them meate Oke-mast , and beech , and Cornell fruite , they eate , Groueling like swine on earth , in fowlest sort . Eurylochus , straight hasted the report Of this his fellowes most remorcefull fate . Came to the ships ; but so excruciate Was with his woe ; he could not speake a word : His eyes stood full of teares ; which shew'd how stor'd , His mind with mone remaind . We all admir'd ; Askt what had chanc't him , earnestly desir'd He would resolue vs. At the last , our eyes , Enflam'd in him , his fellowes memories : And out his griefe burst thus ; You willd ; we went Through those thicke woods you saw ; when , a descent Shew'd vs a faire house , in a lightsome ground , Where ( at some worke ) we heard a heauenly sound Breath'd from a Goddesse , or a womans brest : They knockt , she op't her bright gates ; each , her guest Her faire inuitement made : nor would they stay , ( Fooles that they were ) when she once led the way . I enterd not , suspecting some deceit . When all together vanisht ; nor the sight Of any one , ( though long I lookt ) mine eye Could any way discouer . Instantly , ( My sword , and bow reacht ) I bad shew the place , When , downe he fell ; did both my knees embrace , And praid with teares thus ; O thou kept of God , Do not thy sel●e lose ; nor to that aboad Leade others rashly ; both th● selfe , and all Thou ventur'st thither , I know well , must fall In one sure ruine : with these few then flie ; We yet may shunne the others destinie . I answerd him : Euryloch●s ! stay thou And keepe the ship then ; eate and drinke : I now Will vndertake th' aduenture ; there is cause In great Necessities vnalterd lawes . This said , I left both ship and seas ; and on Along the sacred vallies all alone Went in discouery : till at last I came Where , of the maine● medcine-making D●me I saw the great house : where , encounterd me , The golden-rod-sustaining Merc●rie ; Euen entring Circes doores . He met me in A young mans likenesse , of the first-flowr'd chin , Whose forme hath all the grace , of one so yong : He first cald to me : then my hand , he wrung , And said ; Thouno-place-finding-for repose ; Whither , alone , by these hill-confines , goes Thy erring foote ? Th' art entring Circes house , Where , ( by her medcines , blacke , and sorcerous ) Thy souldiers all are shut , in well-armd sties , And turnd to swine . Art thou arriu'd with prise Fit for their ransomes ? Thou com'st out no more If once thou enterst . Like thy men before Made to remaine here ; But I le guard ●hee free ; And saue thee in her spite : receiue of me This faire and good receipt ; with which , once arm'd ; Enter her roofes ; for th' art to all proofe charm'd Against the ill day : I will tell thee all Her banefull counsaile . With a festiuall Shee le first receiue thee ; but will spice thy bread With flowrie poysons : yet vnaltered Shall thy firme forme be ; for this remedy Stands most approu'd , gainst all her Sorcery . Which , thus particularly shunne : When she Shall with her long rod strike thee ; instantly Draw from thy thigh thy sword ; and flie on her As to her slaughter . She , ( surprisde with feare And loue ) at first , will bid thee to her bed ; Nor say the Goddesse nay ; that welcomed Thou maist with all respect be ; and procure Thy fellowes freedomes . But before , make sure Her fauours to thee ; and the great oath take With which the blessed Gods , assurance make Of all they promise : that no preiudice ( By stripping thee of forme , and faculties ) She may so much as once attempt on thee . This said , he gaue his Antidote to me ; Which from the earth he pluckt ; and told me all The vertue of it : With what Deities call The name it beares . And Moly they impose For name to it . The roote is hard to loose From hold of earth , by mortals : but Gods powre Can all things do . T is blacke , but beares a f●owre As white as milke . And thus flew Mercurie Vp to immense Olympus , gliding by The syl●an Iland . I , made backe my way To Circes house : my mind , of my assay Much thought reuoluing . At her gates I staid And cald : she heard , and her bright doores displaid ; Inuited , led ; I followed in : but tract With some distraction . In a Throne she plac't My welcome person . Of a curious frame T was , and so bright ; I sate as in a flame . A foote-stoole added . In a golden boule She then subornd a potion : in her soule , Deformd things thinking ; for amidst the wine She mixt her man-transforming medicine : Which when she saw I had deuourd ; she then , No more obseru'd me with her soothing vaine ; But strooke me with her rod , and , To her Sty , Bad ; out , away , and with thy fellowes lie . I drew my sword , and charg'd her , as I ment To take her life . When out she cri'd , and bent Beneath my sword , her knees ; embracing 〈◊〉 ; And ( full of teares ) said , Who ? of what high line Art thou the issue ? whence ? what shores sustaine Thy natiue Citie ? I amaz'd remaine That drinking these my venomes , th' art not turnd . Neuer drunke any this cup ; but he mournd In other likenesse ; if it once had past The iuorie bounders of his tongue , and taste . All but thy selfe , are brutishly declind : Thy breast holds firme yet , and vnchang'd thy mind : Thou canst be therefore , none else but the man Of many virtues : Ith●censi●● , Deepe-soul'd Vlysses : who , I oft was told , By that slie God , that beares the rod of gold , Was to arriue here , in retreat from Tr●y . Sheath then thy sword , and let my bed enioy So much a man ; that when the bed we proue , We may beleeue in one anothers loue . I then : O Circe , why entreat'st thou me To mixe in any humane league with thee ; When thou , my friends hast beasts turnd ? and thy bed Tenderst to me ; that I might likewise leade A beasts life with thee ; softn'd , naked stript ; That in my blood , thy banes , may more be steept . I neuer will ascend thy bed , before I may affirme ; that in heauens sight you swore The great oath of the Gods ; that all attempt To do me ill , is from your thoughts exempt . I said ; she swore : when , all the oath-rites said , I then ascended her adorned bed ; But thus prepar'd : foure handmaids seru'd her there ; That daughters to her siluer fountaines were , To her bright-sea-obseruing sacred floods ; And to her vncut consecrated woods . One deckt the Throne-tops , with rich clothes of state ; And did , with silkes , the foote-pace , consecrate . Another , siluer tables set before The pompous Throne ; and golden dishes store Seru'd in with seuerall feast . A third fild wine ; The fourth brought water , and made fewell shine In ruddy fires ; beneath a wombe of brasse . Which heat , I bath'd ; and odorous water was Disperpled lightly , on my head , and necke ; That might my late , he●●t-hurting sorrowes checke With the refreshing sweetnesse ; and , for that ▪ Men sometimes , may be something delicate . Bath'd , and adorn'd ; she led me to a Throne Of massie siluer ; and of fashion Exceeding curious . A faire foote-stoole set ; Water apposde , and euery sort of meate Set on th'elaborately polisht boord . She wisht my taste emploid ; but not a word Would my eares taste , of taste : my mind had food That must digest ; eye meate would do me good . Circe ( obseruing , that I put no hand To any banquet ; hauing countermand From weightier cares ; the light cates could excuse ) Bowing her neare me ; these wing'd words did vse : Why sits Vlysses , like one dumbe ? his mind Lessening with languors ? Nor to food enclind ; Nor wine ? Whence comes it ? out of any feare Of more illusion ? You must need forbeare That wrongfull doubt , since you haue heard me sweare . O Circe ! ( I replied ) what man is he , Awd with the rights of true humanitie , That dares taste food or wine ; before he sees His friends redeem'd from their deformities ? If you be gentle , and indeed incline To let me taste the comfort of your wine ; Dissolue the charmes , that their forc't formes encheine And shew me here , my honord friends , like men . This said , she left her Throne , and tooke her rod ; Went to her Stie , and let my men abroad , Like swine of nine yeares old . They opposite stood ; Obseru'd their brutish forme ; and look't for food ; When , with another medicine , ( euery one All ouer smeer'd ) their bristles all were gone , Produc't by malice of the other bane ; And euery one , afresh , lookt vp a man. Both yonger then they were ; of stature more ; And all their formes , much goodlier then before . All knew me ; clingd about me , and a cry Of pleasing mourning , flew about so hie , The horrid roofe resounded ; and the Queene Her selfe , was mou'd , to see our kinde so keene . Who bad me now ; bring ship and men ashore ; Our armes , and goods , in caues hid ; and restore My selfe to her , with all my other men . I granted , went , and op't the weeping veine In all my men ; whose violent ioy to see My safe returne , was passing kindly free Of friendly teares , and miserably wept . You haue not seene youg Heiffers ( highly kept ; Filld full of daisies at the field , and driuen Home to their houels ; all so spritely giuen That no roome can containe them ; but about , Bace by the Dams , and let their spirits out In ceasselesse bleating ) of more iocund plight Then my kind friends , euen crying out with sight Of my returne so doubted . Circl'd me With all their welcomes , and as cheerfully Disposde their rapt minds , as if there they saw Their naturall Countrie , cliffie Itbaca ; And euen the roofes where they were bred and borne . And vowd as much , with teares : O your returne As much delights vs ; as in you had come Our Countrie to vs , and our naturall home . But what vnhappie fate hath re●t our friends ? I gaue vnlookt for answer ; That amends Made for their mourning , bad them first of all , Our ship ashore draw ; then in Cauerns stall Our foodie cattell , hide our mutuall prise ; And then ( said I ) attend me , that your eies , In Circes sacred house , may see each friend , Eating and drinking , banquets out of end . They soone obeid ; all but Euryl●chus ; Who needes would stay them all ; and counselld thus ; O wretches ! whither will ye ? why are you Fond of your mischiefs ? and such gladnesse show For Circes house ; that will transforme ye all To Swine , or Wolues , or Lions ? Neuer shall Our heads get out ; if once within we be , But stay compelld by strong Necessitie . So wrought the Cycl●p , when t' his caue , our friends This bold on , led one , and brought all their ends By his one indiscretion . I , for this Thought with my sword ( that desperate head of his Hewne from his necke ) to gash vpon the ground His mangld bodie , though my blood was bound In neare alliance to him . But the rest With humble suite containd me , and request , That I would leaue him , with my ship alone ; And to the sacred Pallace leade them on . I led them ; nor Eurylochus would stay , From their attendance on me : Our late fray Strooke to his heart so . But meane time , my men , In Circes house , were all ▪ in seuerall baine Studiously sweetn'd , smugd with oile ▪ and deckt With , in , and outweeds : and a feast secret Seru'd in before them : at which , close we found They all were set , cheer'd , and caro●sing round . When ( mutuall sight had , and all thought on ) then Feast was forgotten ; and the mone againe About the house flew , driuen with wings of ioy . But then spake Circe ; Now , no more annoy : I know my selfe , what woes by sea , and shore , And men vniust , haue plagu'd enough before Your iniur'd vertues : here then , feast as long ; And be as cheerfull , till ye grow as strong , As when ye first forsooke your Countrie earth . Ye now fare all , like exiles ; not a mirth Flasht in amongst ye , but is quencht againe With still-renewd teares : though the beaten vaine Of your distresses , should ( me thinke ) be now Benumb with sufferance . We did well allow Her kind perswasions ; and the whole yeare staid In varied feast with her . When , now arraid The world was with the Spring ; and orbie houres Had gone the round againe , through herbs and flowres , The moneths absolu'd in order ; till the daies Had runne their full race , in Apollos raies ; My friends rememberd me of home ; and said , If euer Fate would signe my passe ; delaid It should be now no more . I heard them well ; Yet that day , spent in feast , till darknesse fell ; And sleepe , his virtues , through our vapours shed . When I ascended , sacred Circes bed ; Implor'd my passe ; and her performed vow Which now , my soule vrg'd ; and my souldiers now Afflicted me with teares to get them gone . All these I told her ; and she answerd these ; Much skilld Vlysses Laertiades ! Remaine no more , against your wils with me : But take your free way : onely this must be Perform'd before you stere your course for home ; You must the way to Pluto ouercome ; And sterne Persephone , to forme your passe , By th' aged Theban Soule Tiresias ; The dark-browd Prophet : whose soule yet can see Clearely , and firmely : graue Persephone , ( Euen dead ) gaue him a mind ; that he alone Might sing Truths solide wisedome , and not one Proue more then shade , in his comparison . This broke my heart ; I sunke into my bed ; Mourn'd , and would neuer more be comforted With light , nor life . But hauing now exprest My paines enough to her , in my vnrest , That so I might prepare her ruth ; and get All I held fit , for an affaire so great ; I said ; O Circe , who shall stere my course To Plutos kingdome ? Neuer ship had force To make that voiage . The diuine in voice , Said , Seeke no guide , raise you your Mast , and hoice Your ships white sailes ; and then , sit you at peace ; The fresh North spirit , shall wa●t ye through the seas . But , hauing past th' Ocean , you shall see ; A little shore , that to Persephone Puts vp a consecrated wood ; where growes , Tall Firres , and Sallowes , that their fruits soone loose : Cast anchor in the gulphes : and go , alone To Plutos darke house , where , to Acheron Cocytus runnes , and Pyriphlegiton : Cocytus borne of Styx , and where a Rocke Of both the met floods , beares the roring shocke , The darke Heroe , ( great Tiresias ) Now coming neare , ( to gaine propitious passe ) Dig ( of a cubit euery way ) a pit ; And powre ( to all that are deceast ) in it A solemne sacrifice . For which ; first take Honey and wine , and their commixtion make : Then sweete wine , neate ; and thirdly ; water powre ; And lastly , adde to these , the whitest flowre ▪ Then vow to all the weake necks of the dead , Offerings a number : and when thou shalt tread The Ithacensian shore ; to sacrifice A Heifer neuer tam'd , and most of prise ; A pyle of all thy most-esteemed goods Enflaming to the deare streames of their bloods : And , in secret Rites , to Tiresias vow A Ram cole blacke , at all parts , that doth flow With fat , and fleece ; and all thy flockes doth leade : When the all-calling nation of the dead Thou thus hast praid to ; offer on the place , A Ram and Ewe all blacke : being turn'd in face To dreadfull Erebus ; thy selfe aside The floods shore walking . And then , gratified With flocks of Soules , of Men , and Dames deceast , Shall all thy pious Rites be . Straight , addrest See then the offering that thy fellowes slew ; Flayd , and imposde in fire ; and all thy Crew , Pray to the state of either Deitie , Graue Pluto , and seuere Persephone . Then draw thy sword , stand firme ; nor suffer one Of all the faint shades , of the dead and gone , T' approch the blood , till thou hast heard their king , The wise Tiresias : who , thy offering Will instantly do honour : thy home wayes , And all the measure of them , by the seas Amply vnfolding . This the Goddesse told ; And then , the morning in her Throne of gold , Suruaid the vast world ; by whose orient light , The Nymph adorn'd me with attires as bright ; Her owne hands putting on , both shirt and weede , Robes fine , and curious ; and vpon my head , An ornament that glitterd like a flame : Girt me in gold ; and forth betimes I came Amongst my souldiers ; rousd them all from sleepe ; And bad them now ; no more obseruance keepe Of ease , and feast ; but straight , a shipboard fall , For now the Goddesse had inform'd me all : Their noble spirits agree'd ; nor yet so cleare Could I bring all off ; but Elpenor there His heedlesse life left : he was yongest man Of all my company , and one that wanne Least fa●e for armes ; as little for his braine ; Who ( too much steept in wine , and so made faine ; To get refreshing by the coole of sleepe ; Apart his fellowes ; plung'd in vapors deepe ; And they as high in tumult of their way ) Sodainly wak't , and ( quite out of the stay A sober mind had giuen him ) would descend A huge long Ladder , forward ; and an end Fell from the very roofe ; full pitching on The dearest ioynt , his head was plac't vpon ; Which ( quite dissolu'd , ) let loose his soule to hell . I , to the rest ; and Circes meanes did tell Of our returne ( as crossing cleane the hope I gaue them first ) and said ; You thinke the scope Of our endeuours now , is straight for home , No : Circe otherwise design'd ; whose doome Enioynd vs first , to greet the dreadfull house Of Austere Pluto , and his glorious spouse ; To take the counsaile of Tiresias ( The reuerend Theban ) to direct our passe . This brake their hearts , and griefe made teare their haire But griefe was neuer good , at great affaire . It would haue way yet . We went wofull on To ship and shore , where , was arriu'd as soone Circe vnseene ; a blacke Ewe , and a Ram , Binding for sacrifice ; and as she came Vanisht againe , vnwitnest by our eyes ; Which grieu'd not vs , nor checkt our sacrifice ; For who would see God , loath to let vs see ? This way , or that bent ; still his waies are free . Finis decimi libri Hom. Odyss . THE XI . BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . VLysses way to Hell appeares ; Where he , the gr●●e Tiresias●eares ●eares ; Enquires his owne , and others fates . His mother sees , and th'after flates ▪ In which , were held , by sad Decease Heroes , and Herocsses ; A number , ● that at Troy●ag'dwarre ●ag'dwarre ; As Aiax that was still as iarre With Ithacus , for th' armes he lost ; And with the great Achilles Ghost . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Vlysses here Inuokes the dead ; The liues appeare , Hereafter led . ARriu'd now at our ship ; we lancht , and set Our Mast vp , put forth saile ; and in did get Our late got Cattell . Vp our sailes , we went ; My wayward fellowes mourning now th' euent . A good companion yet ▪ a foreright wind ; Circe , ( the excellent vtterer of her mind ) Supplied our murmuring consorts with , that was Both speed , and guide to our aduenturous passe . All day our sailes stood to the winds ; and made Our voiage prosprous . Sunne then set , and shade All wayes obscuring : on the bounds we fell Of deepe Oceanus ; where people dwell Whom a perpetuall cloud obscures outright : To whom the cheerfull Sunne lends neuer light ; Nor when he mounts the star-sustaining heauen ; Nor when he stoopes earth , and sets vp the Euen : But Night holds fixt wings , fetherd all with Banes , Aboue those most vnblest Cimmeri●nes . Here drew we vp our ship : our sheepe wit-drew ; And walkt the shore till we attaind the view Of that sad region Circe had foreshow'd ; And then the sacred offerings , to be vow'd , Eurylochus , and Persimedes bore . When I , my sword drew , and earths wombe did gore Till I , a pit digg'd of a cubite round ; Which with the liquid sacrifice , we crown'd First , honey mixt with wine ; then , sweete wine neate ; Then water powr'd in ; last the flowre of wheate . Much I importun'd then , the weake-neckt dead , And vowd , when I the barren soile should tread Of cliffie Ithaca ; amidst my hall To kill a Heifer , my cleare best of all , And giue in offering : on a Pile composd Of all the choise goods , my whole house enclosd . And to Tiresias , himselfe , alone A sheepe cole-blacke , and the selectest one Of all my flockes . When to the powres beneath , The sacred nation , that suruiue with Death , My prayrs , and vowes , had done deuotions fit ; I tooke the offrings , and vpon the pit Bereft their liues . Out gusht the sable blood ; And round about me , fled out of the flood , The Soules of the deceast . There cluster'd then , Youths , and their wiues , much suffering aged men , Soft tender virgins , that but new came there , By timelesse death , and greene their sorrowes were . There , men at Armes , with armors all embrew'd , Wounded with lances , and with faulchions hew'd : In numbers , vp and downe the ditch , did stalke ; And threw vnmeasur'd cries , about their walke ; So horrid that a bloodlesse feare surprisde , My daunted spirits . Straight then , I aduisde My friends to flay the slaughter'd sacrifice ; Put them in fire , and to the Deities ; Sterne Pluto , and Persephone , apply Excitefull prayrs . Then drew I from my Thy , My well-edg'd sword ; stept in , and firmely stood Betwixt the prease of shadowes , and the blood ; And would not suffer any one to dip Within our offring , his vnsolide lip ; Before Tiresias , that did all controule . The first that preast in , was Elpenors soule ; His body , in the broad-waid earth , as yet Vnmournd , vnburied by vs ; since we swet With other vrgent labours . Yet his smart , I wept to see ; and ru'd it from my heart ; Enquiring how , he could before me be , That came by ship ? He mourning , answerd me : In Circes house ; the spite some Spirit did beare ; And the vnspeakable good licour there Hath bene my bane . For being to descend A ladder much in height ; I did not tend My way well downe ; but forwards made a proofe To tread the rounds ; and from the very roofe Fell on my necke , and brake it . And this made My soule thus visite this infernall shade . And here , by them that next thy selfe are deare , Thy Wife , and Father , that a little one Gaue food to thee ; and by thy onely Sonne At home behind thee left , ( Telemachus ) Do not depart by stealth , and leaue me thus , Vnmourn'd , vnburied : left neglected I ▪ Bring on thy selfe , th' incensed Deitie . I know , that saild from hence , thy ship must touch On th'Ile Ae●● ; where vouchsafe thus much ( Good king ) that , landed , thou wilt instantly , Bestow on me , thy royall memory ; To this grace ; that my body ; armes and all , May rest consum'd in firie funerall . And on the fomie shore , a Sepulchre Erect to me ; that after times may heare Of one so haplesse . Let me these implore ; And fixe vpon my Sepulcher , the Ore With which aliue , I shoooke the aged seas ; And had , of friends , the deare societies . I told the wretched Soule , I would fulfill And execute to th' vtmost point , his will ; And , all the time , we sadly talk● ; I still My sword aboue the blood held ; when aside The Idoll of my friend , still amplified His plaint , as vp and downe , the shades he err'd . Then , my deceased mothers Soule appeard ; Faire daughter of Antolicus , the Great ; Graue Anticlae● , Whom , when forth I set For sacred Ilion , I had left aliue . Her sight , much mou'd me ; and to teares did driue My note of her deceasse : and yet , not she ( Though in my ruth , she held the highest degree ) Would I admit to touch the sacred blood ; Till from Tiresias , I had vnderstood What Circes told me . At the length did land , Theban Tiresias soule ; and in his hand Sustaind a golden Scepter , knew me well ; And said ; O man vnhappy , why to hell Admitst thou darke arriuall ; and the light The Sunne giues , leau'st ; to haue the horrid sight Of this blacke region , and the shadowes here ? Now sheath thy sharpe sword ; and the pit forbeare . That I the blood may taste ; and then relate The truth of those acts , that affect thy Fate . I sheath'd my sword ; and left the pit , till he The blacke blood tasting , thus instructed me ; Renoum'd Vlysses ! all vnaskt , I know That all the cause of thy arriuall now , Is to enquire thy wisht retreate , for home : Which hardly God will let thee ou●rcome ; Since Neptune still will his opposure trie , With all his laid-vp anger , for the eye His lou'd Sonne lost to thee . And yet through all Thy suffring course , ( which must be capitall ) If both thine owne affections , and thy friends Thou wilt containe ; when thy accesse ascends The three-forckt Iland , hauing scap't the seas ; ( Where ye shall find fed , on the flowrie leas , Fat flocks , and Oxen ; which the Sunne doth owne ; To whom are all things , as well heard as showne : And neuer dare , one head of those to slay ; But hold , vnharmefull on , your wished way ) Though through enough affliction ; yet secure Your Fates shall land ye . But Presage saies sure , If once ye spoile them ; spoile to all thy friends ; Spoile to thy Fleete ; and if the iustice ends Short of thy selfe ; it shall be long before , And that length , forc't out , with inflictions store : When , losing all thy fellowes , in a saile Of forreigne built ( when most thy Fates preuaile In thy deliuerance ) thus th' euent shall sort ; Thou shalt find shipwracke , raging in thy Port : Proud men , thy goods consuming ; and thy Wife Vrging with gifts ; giue charge vpon thy life . But all these wrongs , Reuenge shall end to thee ; And force , or cunning , set with slaughter , free Thy house of all thy spoilers . Yet againe , Thou shalt a voyage make ; and come to men That know no Sea ; nor ships , nor oares , that are Wings to a ship ; nor mixe with any fare , Salts sauorie vapor . Where thou first shalt land , This cleare-giuen signe , shall let thee vnderstand , That there those men remaine : assume ashore , Vp to thy roiall shoulder , a ship oare ; With which , when thou shalt meete one on the way , That will , in Countey admiration , say What dost thou with that wanne , vpon thy necke ? There , fixe ( that wanne ) thy oare ; and that shore decke With sacred Rites to Neptune : slaughter there A Ram , a Bull , and , ( who for strength doth beare The name of husband to a herd ) a Bore . And , coming home , vpon thy naturall shore , Giue pious Hecatombs , to all the Gods ( Degrees obseru'd ) . And then the Periods Of all thy labors , in the peace shall end Of easie death ; which shall the lesse extend His passion to thee ; that thy foe , the Sea Shall not enforce it , but Deaths victory , Shall chance in onely-earnest-pray-vow'd age : Obtaind at home , quite emptied of his rage ; Thy subiects round about thee , rich and blest : And here hath Truth summ'd vp , thy vitall rest . I answerd him ; We will suppose all these Decreed in Deity ; let it likewise please Tiresias to resolue me , why so neare The blood and me , my mothers Soule doth beare ; And yet , nor word , not looke , vouchsafe her Sonne ? Doth she not know me ? No ( said he ) nor none Of all these spirits , but my selfe alone ; Knowes any thing , till he shall taste the blood ; But whomsoeuer , you shall do that good , He will the truth , of all you wish , vnfold ; Who , you enuy it to , will all withhold . Thus said the kingly soule , and made retreate , Amidst the inner parts of Plutos Sea●e , When he had spoke thus , by diuine instinct : Still I stood firme , till to the bloods precinct My mother came , and drunke ; and then she knew , I was her Sonne ; had passion to renew Her naturall plaints ; which thus she did pursew : How is it , ( O my Sonne ) that you aliue , This deadly-darksome region vnderdiue ? Twixt which , and earth , so many mighty seas , And horrid currents , interpose their prea●e ? Oceanus , in chiefe ; which none ( vnlesse More helpt then you ) on foote now can transgresse . A well built ship he needs , that ventures there : Com'st thou from Troy but now ? enforc't to erre All this time with thy souldiers ? Nor hast seene , Ere this long day , thy Countrey , and thy Queene ? I answerd ; That a necessary end To this infernall state , made me contend ; That from the wise Tiresias Theb●● Soule , I might , an Oracle , inuolu'd , vnrowle : For I came nothing neare Achaia y●t ; Nor on our lou'd earth , happy foote had set ; But ( mishaps suffering ) err'd from Coast to Coast ; Euer since first , the mighty Graecian hoast Diuine Atrides , led to Ilion ; And I , his follower , to set warre vpon The rapefull Troyans : and so praid she would The Fate of that vngentle death vnfould , That forc't her thither : if some long disease ; Or that the Splene , of her that arrowes please , ( Diana , enuious of most eminent Dames ) Had made her th' obiect of her deadly aimes ? My Fathers state , and sonnes , I sought ; if they Kept still my goods ? or they became the prey Of any other , holding me no more In powre of safe returne , or if my store My wife had kept together , with her Sonne ? If she , her first mind held ; or had bene wonne By some chiefe Grecian , from my loue , and bed ? All this she answerd ; that Affliction fed On her blood still at home ; and that to griefe , She all the dayes , and darknesse , of her life , In teares , had consecrate . That none possest My famous kingdomes Throne ; but th' interest My sonne had in it ; still he held in peace . A Court kept , like a Prince ; and his increase Spent in his subiects good ; administring lawes With iustice , and the generall applause A king should merit ; and all calld him king . My Father , kept the vpland , labouring ; And shun'd the Citie : vsde no sumptuous beds ; Wonderd at furnitures ; nor wealthy weeds ; But , in the Winter , strew'd about the fire Lay with his slaues in ashes ; his attire Like to a beggers . When the Sommer came ; And Autumne all fruits ripend with his flame ; Where Grape-charg'd vines , made shadows most abound , His couch with falne leaues , made vpon the ground : And here lay he ; his Sorrowes fruitfull state , Increasing , as he faded , for my Fate . And now , the part of age , that irksome is Lay sadly on him . And that life of his , She led , and perisht in ; not slaughterd by The Dame , that dartslou'd , and her archerie ; Nor , by disease inuaded , vast , and foule That wasts the body , and sends out the soule With shame and horror : onely in her mone , For me , and my life ; she consum'd her owne . She thus ; when I , had great desire to proue My armes , the circle , where her soule did moue ; Thrice prou'd I , thrice she vanisht , like a sleepe ; Or fleeting shadow , which strooke much more deepe The wounds , my woes made ; and made , aske her why She would my Loue to her embraces flie ; And not vouchsafe , that euen in hell we might , Pay pious Nature , her vnalterd right , And giue Vexation here , her cruell fill ? Should not the Queene here , to augment the ill Of euery sufferance ( which her office is ) Enforce thy idoll , to affoord me this ? O Sonne ( she answerd ) of the race of men The most vnhappy ; our most equall Queene , Will mocke no solide armes , with empty shade ; Nor suffer empty shades , againe t' inuade Flesh , bones , and nerues : nor will defraud the fire Of his last dues ; that , soone as spirits expire , And leaue the white bone , are his natiue right ; When , like a dreame , the soule assumes her flight . The light then , of the liuing , with most haste ( O Sonne ) contend to : this thy little taste Of this state is enough ; and all this life , Will make a tale , fit , to be told thy wife . This speech we had ; when now repair'd to me More female spirits ; by Persep●●●● , Driuen on before her . All t'heroes wiues And daughters , that , led there their second liues , About the blacke blood throngd . Of whom , yet more My mind impell'd me to enquire , before I let them altogether taste the gore ; For then would all haue bene disperst , and gone , Thicke as they came . I therefore , one by one Let taste the pit : my sword drawne from my Thy And stand betwixt them made ; when , seuerally All told their stockes . The first that quencht her fire , Was Tyro , issu'd of a noble Sire . She said she sprong from pure , 〈◊〉 bed ; And Crethe●s , Sonne of Ae●lus did wed . Yet the diuine flood E●ipeus , lou'd , Who much the most faire streame , of all floods mou'd . Neare whose streames , Tyr● walking : Neptune came , Like Enipeus , and enioyd the Dame : Like to a hill ; the blew , and Snakie flood Aboue th' immortall , and the mortall stood ; And hid them both ; as both together lay , Iust where his current , falles into the Sea. Her virgine wast , dissolu'd , she slumberd then ; But when the God had done the worke of men , Her faire hand gently wringing ; thus he said ; Woman ! Reioyce in our combined bed ; For when the yeare hath runne his circle , round ( Because the Gods loues , must in fruite abound ) My loue shall make ( to cheere thy teeming mones ) Thy one deare burthen , beare two famous Sonnes ; Loue well , and bring them vp : go home , and see That , though of more ioy yet ▪ I shall be free ; Thou dost not tell , to glorifie thy birth : Thy Loue is Neptune shaker of the earth . This said ; he plung'd into the sea , and she ( Begot with child by him ) the light let see Great Pelias , and Neleus ; that became In Ioues great ministrie , of mighty fame . Pelias , in broad Iolcus held his Throne , Wealthy in cattell ; th' other roiall Sonne Rul'd sandy Pylos . To these , issue more This Queene of women to her husband bore ▪ Aeson , and Pheres , and Amythaon , That for his fight on horsebacke , stoopt to none . Next her , I saw admir'd Antiope Asopus daughter ; who ( as much as she Boasted attraction , of great Neptunes loue ) Boasted to slumber in the armes of Ioue : And two Sonnes likewise , at one burthen bore , To that , her all-controlling Paramore : Amphion , and faire Z●thus ; that first laid Great Thebes foundations ; and strong wals conuaid About her turrets , that seuen Ports enclosde . For though the Theb●ns , much in strength reposde , Yet had not they , the strength to hold their owne , Without the added aides , of wood , and stone . Alcmena , next I saw ; that famous wife Was to Amphytri● ; and honor'd life Gaue to the Lyon-hearted Hercule● , That was , of Ioues embrace , the great increase . I saw besides , proud Craeons daughter there , Bright Megara ; that nuptiall yoke did weare With Ioues great Sonne ; who neuer field did try , But bore to him , the flowre of victory . The mother then , of Oedipus , I saw , Faire Epicasta ; that beyond all law , Her owne Sonne maried , ignorant of kind ; And , he ( as darkly taken , in his mind ) His mother wedded , and his father slew ; Whose blind act , heauen exposde at length to view . And he , in all-lou'd Thebes , the supreame state With much mone manag'd ; for the heauy Fate The Gods laid on him . She made violent flight To Plutos darke house , from the lothed light ; Beneath a steepe beame , strangl'd with a cord ; And left her Sonne , in life , paines as abhord , As all the furies powr'd on her in hell . Then saw I Chloris , that did so excell In answering beauties , that each part had all ; Great Neleus married her , when gifts not small , Had wonne her fauour ; term'd by name of dowre . She was of all Amphions seed , the flowre : ( Amphion , calld l●sides , that then Ruld strongly , Myni●an 〈◊〉 ) And now his daughter rul'd the Pylean Throne ; Because her beauties Empire ouershone . She brought her wise-awd husband , Neleus , Nest●r , much honord ; Peryclimenus , And Chromius ; Sonnes , with soueraigne vertues grac'● ; But after , brought a daughter that surpast ; Rare-beautied Per● , so for forme exact ; That Nature , to a miracle , was rackt , In her perfections , blaz'd with th' eyes of men . That made of all the Countries hearts , a chaine , And drew them suiters to her . Which her Sire Tooke vantage of ; and ( since he did aspire To nothing more , then to the broad-browd herd Of Oxen , which the common fame so rer'd , Own'd by Iphiclus ) not a man should be His Peros husband , that from Phylace , Those neuer-yet-driuen Oxen , could not driue : Yet these ; a strong hope held him to atchieue ; Because a Prophet that had neuer err'd , Had said , that onely he should be prefer'd To their possession . But the equall Fate Of God , withstood his stealth : inextricate Imprisoning Bands ; and sturdy churlish Swaines That were the Heardsmen ; who withheld with chaines The stealth attempter : which was onely he That durst abet the Act with Prophecie ; None else would vndertake it ; and he must : The king would needs , a Prophet should be iust ; But when some daies and moneths , expired were , And all the Houres had brought about the yeare ; The Prophet , did so satisfie the king ( Iphiclus ; all his cunning questioning ) That he enfranchisde him ; and ( 〈◊〉 worst done ) Ioues counsaile made , th'all-safe conclusion . The saw I Laeda ; ( linkt in nuptiall chaine With Tynd●rus ) to whom , she did sustaine Sonnes much renowm'd for wisedome ; C●st●● one , That past , for vse of horse , comparison ; And Poll●x , that exceld , in whirlbat fight ; Both these , the fruitfull Earth bore ; while the light Of life inspir'd them ; After which , they found Such grace with Ioue , that both liu'd vnder ground , By change of daies : life still did one sustaine , While th'●ther died ; the dead then , liu'd againe , The liuing dying ; both , of one selfe date , Their liues and deaths made , by the Gods and Fate . Iphemedia , after Laeda came , That did de●iue from Neptune too , the name Of Father to two admirable Sonnes : Life yet made short their admirations ; Who God-opposed Otus had to name , And Ephialtes , farre in sound of Fame . The prodigall Earth so fed them , that they grew To most huge stature ; and had fairest hew Of all men , but Orion , vnder heauen ; At nine yeares old , nine cubits they were driuen Abroad in breadth , and sprung nine fathomes hie . They threatn'd to giue battell to the skie , And all th'Immortals . They were setting on Ossa vpon Olympus ; and vpon Steepe Ossa , leauie Pelius , that euen They might a high-way make , with loftie heauen . And had perhaps perform'd it , had they liu'd Till they were Striplings . But Ioues Sonne depriu'd Their lims of life ; before th'age that begins The flowre of youth ; and should adorne their chins . Phaedra and Procris , with wise Minos flam● , ( Bright Ariadne ) to the offring came . Whom whilom Theseus made his prise from Crete ; That Athens sacred soile , might kisse her feete . But neuer could obtaine her virgin Flowre ; Till , in the Sea-girt Dia , Dians powre Detain'd his homeward haste ; where ( in her Phane , By Bacchus witnest ) was the fatall wane Of her prime Glorie . Maera , Clymene , I witn●st there ; and loth'd Eryphile ; That honou●'d * gold more , then she lou'd her Spouse . But all th' He●oesses in Plutos house , That then encounterd me , exceeds my might To name or number ; and Ambrosian Night Would quite be spent ; when now the formall houres , Present to Sleepe , our all-disposed powres . If at my ship , or here , my home-made vow , I leaue for fit grace , to the Gods and you . This said ; the silence his discourse had made , With pleasure held still , through the houses shade . When , white-arm'd Arete this speech began : Phaeacians ! how appeares to you this man ? So goodly person'd , and so matcht with mind ? My guest he is ; but all you stand combin'd , In the renowne he doth vs. Do not then With carelesse haste dismisse him : nor the maine Of his dispa●ch , to one so needie , maime ; The Gods free bountie , giues vs all iust claime To goods enow . This speech , the oldest man Of any other Phaeacensian , The graue Heroe , Echineus gaue All approbation ; saying : Friends ! ye haue The motion of the wise Queene ; in such words , As haue not mist the ma●ke ; with which , accords My cleare opinion . But Alcinous , In word and worke , must be our rule . He thus ; And then Alcinous said : This then must stand , If while I liue , I rule in the command Of this well-skild-in-Nauigation State. Endure then ( Guest ) though most importunate Be your affects for home . A litle stay If your expectance beare ; perhaps it may Our gifts make more complete . The cares of all , Your due deduction asks ; but Principall I am therein , the ruler ▪ He replied : Alcinous ! the most duly glorifi●d , With rule of all ; of all men ; if you lay Commandment on me , of a whole yeares stay ; So all the while , your preparations rise , As well in gifts , as * time : ye can deuise No better wish for me ; for I shall come Much fuller handed , and more honourd home ; And dearer to my people : in who●e loues , The richer euermore the better proues . He answerd : There is argude in your sight , A worth that works not men for benefit , Like P●ollers or Impostors ; of which crew , The gentle blacke Earth feeds not vp a few ; Here and there wanderers , blanching tales and lies , Of neither praise , nor vse : you moue our eies With forme ; our minds with matter , and our ●ares With elegant oration ; such as beares , A musicke in the orderd historie It layes before vs. Not Demodocus , With swee●er straines hath vsde to sing to vs , All the Greeke sorrowes , wept out in your owne . But say ; of all your worthy friends , were none Obiected to your eyes ; that Consorts were To ●lion with you ? and seru'd destinie there ? This Night is passing long , vnmeasur'd : none Of all my houshold would to bed yet : On , Relate these wondrous things . Were I with you ; If you would tell me but your woes , as now , Till the diuine Aurora shewd her head , I should in no night relish thought of bed . Most emin●nt King , ( said he ) Times , all must keepe ; There 's time to speake much , time as much to sleepe . But would you heare still , I will tell you still , And vtter more , more miserable ill , Of Friends then yet , that scap't the dismall warres , And perisht homewards , and in houshold iarres . Wag'd by a wicked woman . The chaste * Queene , No sooner made these Ladie-ghosts vnseene , ( Here and there flitting ) but mine eie-sight wonne The Soule of Agamemnon , ( Atreus sonne ) Sad ; and about him , all his traine of friends , That in Aegysthus house , endur'd their ends , With his sterne Fortune . Hauing dr●nke the blood , He knew me instantly ; and forth a flood Of springing teares gusht . Out he thrust his hands , With will t' embrace me ; but their old commands , Flowd not about him ; nor their weakest part . I wept to see ; and mon'd him from my heart . And askt ▪ O Agamemnon ! King of men ! What sort of cruell death , hath renderd slaine Thy royall person ? Neptune , in thy Fleete ? Heauen , and his hellish billowes making meete , Rowsing the winds ? Or haue thy men by land Done thee this ill ; for vsing thy command , Past their consents , in diminution Of those full sha●es , their worths by lot had wonne , Of sheepe or oxen ? or of any towne ? In couetous strife , to make their rights , thine owne , In men or women prisoners ? He replied : By none of these ▪ in any right , I died ; But by Aegysthus , and my murtherous wife , ( Bid to a banquet at his house ) my life Hath thus bene reft me : to my slaughter led , Like to an Oxe , pretended to be fed . So miserably fell I ; and with me , My friends lay massacred : As when you see At any rich mans nuptials , shot , or feast , About his kitchin , white-tooth'd swine lie drest . The slaughters of a world of men , thine eies , Both priuate , and in prease of enemies , Haue personally witnest ; but this one , Would all thy parts haue broken into mone : To see how strewd about our Cups and Cates , As Tables set with Feast , so we with Fates , All gasht and slaine , lay ; all the floore embrude With blood and braine . But that which most I ru'd , Flew from the heauie voice , that Priams seed , Cassandra breath'd ; whom , she that wit doth feed With banefull crafts , false Clytemnestra slew , Close sitting by me ; vp my hand● I threw From earth to heauen ; and tumbling on my sword , Gaue wretched life vp . When the most abhord , By all her sexes shame , forsooke the roome ; Nor daind ( though then so neare this heauie home ) To shut my lips , or close my broken eies . Nothing so heapt is with impieties , As such a woman , that would kill her Spouse , That maried her a maid . When to my house I brought her , hoping of her loue in heart , To children ▪ maids , and slaues . But she ( in th' Art Of onely mischiefe heartie ) not alone Cast on her selfe , this foule aspersion ; But louing Dames , hereafter , to their Lords Will beare , for good deeds , her bad thoughts and words . Alas ( said I ) that Ioue should hate the liues Of Atreus seed , so highly for their wiues . For Menelaus wife , a number fell ; For dangerous absence , thine sent thee to hell . For this , ( he answerd ) Be not thou more kind Then wise to thy wife ; neuer , all thy mind Let words expresse to her . Of all she knowes , Curbs for the worst still , in thy selfe repose . But thou by thy wifes wiles , shalt lose no blood ; Exceeding wise she is , and wise in good . Icarius daughter , chaste Penelope , We left a yong Bride ; when for batte●l , we Forsooke the Nuptiall peace ; and at her brest , Her first child sucking . Who , by this houre , blest , Sits in the number of suruiuing men . And his blisse , she hath , that she can containe ; And her blifse , thou hast , that she is so wise ; For , by her wisedome , thy returned eies Shall see thy sonne ; and he shall greete his Sire , With fitting welcom●s . When in my retire , My wife denies mine eyes , my sonnes deare sight ; And , as from me , will take from him the light ; Before she addes one iust delight to life ; Or her false wit , one truth that sits a wife . For her sake therefore , let my harmes aduise ; That though thy wife be ne'●e so chaste and wise , Yet come not home to her in * open view , With any ship , or any personall shew . But take close shore disguisde : nor let her know ; For t is no world , to trust a ●oman now . But what sayes Fame ? Doth my Sonne yet suruiue , In Orch●men , or Pylos ? or doth liue In Sparta , with his Vnkle ? yet I see D●uine Orestes is not here with me . I answerd , asking : Why doth A●reus sonne ▪ Enquire of me ? who yet arriu'd where none Could giue to these newes any cer●aine wings ? And t is absurd , to tell vncertaine things . Such sad speech past vs ; and as thus we stood , With kind teares rendring vnkind fortunes good ; Achilles and Patroclus Soule appear'd ; And his Soule , of whom neuer ill was heard , The good Antilochus : and the Soule of him , That all the Greeks past , both for force and lim , Excepting the vnmatcht Aeacides , Illustrous Aiax . But the first of these , That saw , acknowledg'd , and saluted me , Was * Thetis co●quering Sonne , who ( heauily His state here taking ) said : Vnworthy breat● ▪ What act , yet mightier , imagineth Thy ventrous spirit ? How doest thou descend These vnder regions : where the dead mans end , Is to be lookt on ? and his foolish shade ? I answerd him : I was induc'd t' inuade These vnder parts , ( most excellent of Greece ) To visite wise Tir●sias , for ad●●ce Of vertue to direct my voyage home To rugged Ithaca ; since I could come To note in no place , where Achaia stood ; And so liu'd euer , tortur'd with the blood In mans vaine veines . Thou therefore ( Thetis sonne ) Hast equald all , that euer yet haue wonne The blisse the earth yeelds ; or hereafter shall . In life , thy eminence was ador'd of all , Euen with the Gods. And now , euen dead , I see Thy vertues propagate thy Emperie , To a renewd life of command beneath ; So great Achilles triumphs ouer death . This comfort of him , this encounter found ; Vrge not my death to me , nor rub that wound ; I rather wish , to liue in earth a Swaine , Or serue a Swaine for hire , that scarce can gaine Bread to sustaine him ; then ( that life once gone ) Of all the dead , sway the Imperiall th one . But say ; and of my Sonne , some comfort yeeld ; If he goes on , in first fights of the field ; Or lurks for safetie in the obscure Rere ? Or of my Father , if thy royall eare Hath bene aduertisde , that the Phthian Throne , He still commands , as greatest Myrmidon ? Or that the Phthian and Thessalian rage , ( Now feete and hands are in the hold of Age ) Despise his Empire ? Vnder those bright rayes , In which , heauens feruour hurles about the dayes ; Must I no more shine his reuenger now ; Such as of old , the Ilion ouerthrow Witnest my anger : th' vniuersall hoast , Sending before me , to this shadie Coast , In fight for Grecia . Could I now resort , ( But for some small time ) to my Fathers Court ; In spirit and powre , as then : those men should find My hands inaccessible ; and of fire , my mind , That durst , with all the numbers they are strong , Vnseate his honour , and suborne his wrong . This pitch still flew his spirit , though so low ; And this , I answerd thus : I do not know , Of blamelesse Peleus , any ●●ast r●port ; But of your sonne , in all the vtmost sort , I can informe your care wi●h truth ; and thus : From Scyros , princely Neoptol●●us , By Fleete , I conuaid to the Greeks ; where he Was Chiefe , at both parts : when our gr●uitie Retir'd to councell ; and our youth to fight . In councell still ( so firie was Conceit , In his quicke apprehension of a cause ) That first he euer spake ; nor past the lawes Of any graue stay , in his greatest hast . None would contend with him , that counseld last ; Vnlesse illustrous Nestor , he and I Would sometimes put a friendly contrary , On his opinion . In our fights , the prease Of great or common , he would neuer sease ; But farre before fight euer . No man there , For force , he forced . He was slaughterer Of many a braue man , in most dreadfull fight . But one and other , whom he reft of light , ( In Grecian succour ) I can neither name , Nor giue in number . The particular fame , Of one mans slaughter yet , I must not passe ; Eurypilus Telephides he was , That fell beneath him ; and with him , the falls Of such huge men went , that they shewd like * whales ▪ Ra●pi●'d abou●him . Neoptolemus Set him so sharply , for the sumptuous Fauours of Mistresses , he saw him weare ; For past all doubt , his beauties had no peere , Of all that mine eies noted ; next to one , And that was Memnon , Tithons Sun-like sonne . Thus farre , for fight i●●publicke , may a tast Giue of his eminence . How farre surpast His spirit in priuate ; where he was not seene ; Nor glorie could be said , to prais● his spleene ; This close note , I exce●pted . When we sate Hid in Epaeus horse ; no Optimate Of all the Greeks there , had the charge to ope And shut the * Stratageme , but I. My scope To note then , each mans spirit , in a streight Of so much danger ; much the better might Be hit by me , then others : as , prouokt ▪ I shifted place still ; when , in some I smokt Both priuie tremblings , and close vent of teares . In him yet , not a soft conceit of theirs , Could all my search see , either his wet eies Plied still with wiping● ; or the goodly guise , His person all waies put forth ; in least part , By any tremblings , shewd his toucht-at heart . But euer he was vrging me to make Way to their sally ; by his signe to shake His sword hid in his scabberd ; or his Lance Loded with iron , at me . No good chance , His thoughts to Troy intended . In th' euent , ( High Troy depopulate ) he made ascent To his faire ship , with prise and treasure store : Safe , and no touch , away with him he bore , Of farre-off hurl'd Lance , or of close-fought sword , Whose wounds , for fauours ▪ Warre doth oft affoord ; Which he ( though sought ) mist , in warres closest wage ; In close fights , Mars doth neuer fight , but rage . This made the soule of swift Achilles tred A March of glorie , through the herbie meade ; For ioy to heare me so renowme his Sonne ; And vanisht stalking . But with passion Stood th' other Soules strooke : and each told his bane . Onely the spirit * Telamonian Kept farre off ; angrie for the victorie I wonne from him at Fleete ; though Arbit●ie Of all a Court of warre , pronounc't it mine , And Pallas selfe . Our prise were th' armes diuine , Of great * Aeacides ; propo●de t' our fames By his bright * Mother , at his funerall Games . I wish to heauen , I ough● not to haue wonne ; Since for those Armes , so high a he●d , so soone The base earth couerd . Aiax , that of all The hoast of Greece , had person capitall , And acts as eminent ; excepting his , Whose armes those were ; in whom was nought amisse . I tride the great Soule with soft words , and said : Aiax ! great sonne of Telamon ; arraid In all our glories ! what ? not dead resigne Thy wrath for those curst Armes ? The Powres diuine , In them forg'd a●● our banes ; in thine owne One ; In thy graue fall , our Towre was ouerthrowne . We mourne ( for euer maimd ) for thee as much , As for Achilles : nor thy wrong doth touch , In sentence , any , but Saturnius doome ; In whose hate , was the hoast of Greece become A very horror . Who exprest it well , In signing thy Fate , with this timelesse Hell. Approch then ( King of all the Grecian merit ) Represse thy great mind , and thy flamie spirit ; And giue the words I giue thee , worthy eare . All this , no word drew from him ; but lesse neare The sterne Soule kept . To other Soules he fled ; And glid along the Riuer of the dead . Though Anger mou'd him ; yet he might haue spoke ; Since I to him . But my desires were strooke With sight of other Soules . And then I saw Minos , that ministred to Death a law ; And Ioues bright sonne was . He was set , and swaid A golden Scepter ; and to him did pleade A sort of others , set about his Throne , In Plutos wide-door'd house ; when strait came on , Mightie Orion , who was hunting there , The heards of those beasts he had slaughterd here , In desart hils on earth . A Club he bore , Entirely steele , whos● vertues ne●er wore . ● Tityus I saw : to whom the glorious Earth Opened her wombe , and gaue vnhappie birth ; Vpwards , and flat vpon the Pauement lay His ample lims ; that spred in their display , Nine Acres compasse . On his bosome sat Two Vultures , digging through his caule of fat , Into his Liuer , with their crooked Beakes ; And each by turnes , the concrete entraile breakes , ( As Smiths their steele beate ) set on either side . Nor doth he euer labour to diuide His Liuer and their Beakes ; nor with his hand , Offer them off : but suffers by command , Of th' angrie Thunderer ; off●ing to en●orce , His loue Latona in the close recou●s● , She vsde to Pytho , through the dancing land , Smooth Panopaeus . I saw likewise stand , Vp to the chin , amidst a liquid lake , Tormented Tantalus ; yet could not slake His burning thirst . Oft as his scornfull cup , Th' old man would taste ; so oft t was swallowd vp ; And all the blacke ea●th to his feete descried ; Diuine powre ( plaguing him ) the lake still dried . About his head , on high trees , clustering , hung Peares , Apples , Granets , Oliues , euer yong ; Delicious ●igs , and many fruite trees more , Of other burthen ; whose alluring store , When th' old Soule striu'd to pluck , the winds from sight , In gloomie vapours , made them vanish quite . There saw I Sisyphus , in infinite mone , With both hands heauing vp a massie stone ; And on his tip-toes , racking all his height , To wrest vp to a mountaine top , his freight ; When prest to rest it there ( his nerues quite spent ) Downe rusht the deadly Quarrie : the euent Of all his torture , new to raise againe ; To which , strait set his neuer rested paine . The sweate came gushing out from euery Pore ; And on his head a standing mist he wore ; Reeking from thence , as if a cloud of dust Were raisd about i● . Downe with th●se was thrust , The Idoll of the force of Hercules . But his firme selfe , did no such Fate oppresse ; He feasting liues amongst th' immortall States ; White-ankled Hebe , and himselfe , made mates , In heauenly Nuptials . Hebe , Ioues deare race , And Iunos ; whom the golden Sandals grace . About him flew the clamors of the dead , Like Fowle● ; and still stoopt cuffing at his head . He , with his Bow , like Night , stalkt vp and downe ; His shaft still nockt ; and hurling round his frowne , At thos● v●xt houerers , aiming at them still ; And still , as shooting out , desire to still . A horrid Bawdricke , wore he thwart his brest ; The Thong all gold , in which were formes imprest , Where Art and Miracle , drew equall breaths , In Beares , Bores , Lions , Battles , Combats , Deaths . Who wrought that worke , did neuer such before ; Nor so diuinely will do euer more . Soone as he saw , he ●new me ; and gaue speech : Sonne of Laertes ; high in wisedomes reach ; And yet vnhappie wretch ; for in this heart , Of all exploits atchieu'd by thy desert , Thy worth but works out some sinister Fate . As I in earth did . I was generate By Ioue himselfe ; and yet past meane , opprest By one my farre inferiour ; whose proud hest , Imposde abhorred labours , on my hand . Of all which , one was , to descend this Strand , And hale the dog from thence . He could not thinke An act that Danger could make deeper sinke ; And yet this depth I drew ; and fetcht as hie , As this was low , the dog ▪ The Deitie , Of sleight and wisedome , as of downe-right powre , Both stoopt , and raisd , and made me Conquerour . This said ; he made descent againe as low As Plutos Court ; when I stood firme ; for show Of more Her●es , of the times before ; And might perhaps haue seene my wish of more ; ( As Theseus and Pirithous , deriu'd From rootes of Deitie ) but before th'atchieu'd Rare sight of these ; the rank-soul'd multitude In infinite flocks rose ; venting sounds so rude , That pale Feare tooke me , lest the Gorgons head Rusht in amongst them ; thrust vp ▪ in my dread , By grim Persephone . I therefore sent My men before to ship ; and after went. Where , boorded , set , and lancht ; th' Ocean waue , Our Ores and forewinds , speedie passag● gaue . Finis libri vndecimi Hom. Odyss . THE XII . BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . HE shewes from Hell his safe retreate , To th' Ile A●●aea , Circes seate . And how he scapt the Sirens calls . With th'erring Rock●s , and waters falls , That Scylla and Chary●dis breake . The Sunnes st●lne Herds ; and his sad wreake ▪ Both of Vlysses ship and men , His owne head scaping sc●rce the paine . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Rockes that errd ; The Sirens call ; The Sunnes stolne Herd ; The souldiers fall . OVr Ship now past the streights of th' Ocean flood ; She plowd the broad seas billowes ; and made good , The Ile Aeaea , where the Pallace stands Of th' early Riser , with the rosie hands , Actiue Aurora ; where she loues to dance ; And where the Sunne doth his prime beames aduance . When here arriu'd ; we drew her vp to land , And trod our selues the resaluted sand : Found on the shore , fit resting for the Night ; Slept , and expected the celestiall light . Soone as the white-and-red-mixt-fingerd Dame , Had guilt the mountaines with her Saffron flame ; I sent my men to Circes house before , To fetch dece●st Elpenor to the shore . Strait swelld the high banks with feld heapes of trees ; And ( full of teares ) we did due Exequies To our dead friend . ( Whose Corse consum'd with fire , And honourd Armes ▪ whose Sepulcher entire ; And ou●r that , a Columne raisd ) his Ore , Curi●usly car●'d ( to his desire before ) Vpon the top of all his Tombe , we fixt . Of all Rites fit , his Funerall Pile was mixt . Nor was our s●fe ascent ●rom hell , conceald From Circes knowledge ; nor so soone reueald , But she was wi●h v● , with her bread and food , And ruddie wine , brought by her sacred brood Of woods and Fountaines . In the midst she● stood , And thus saluted vs : Vnhappie men , That haue ( inform'd with all your sences ) bene In Plutos dismall mansion . You shall die Twice now ; where others that Mortalitie , In her faire armes ▪ holds ; shall but once decease . But eate and drinke out all conceit of these ; And this day dedicate to food and wine ; The following Night to Sleepe . When next shall shine The chearfull Morning ; you shall proue the seas . Your way , and euery act ye must addresse , My knowledge of their order shall designe : Lest with your owne bad counsels , ye encline Euents as bad against ye ; and sustaine By sea and shore , the wofull ends that raigne In wilfull act●ons . Thus did she adui●e ; And , for the time , our Fortunes were so wise , To follow wise directions . All that day We sate and feasted . When his lower way , The Sunne had enterd ; and the Euen , the hi● : My friends slept on their Gables ; she and I , ( Led by her faire hand , to a place apart , By her well sorted ) did to sleepe conuert Our timed powres . When , all things Fate let fall In our affaire , she askt ; I told her all . To which she answerd : These things thus tooke end : And now to those that I informe , attend : Which ( you remembring ) God himselfe shall be , The blessed author of your memorie . First , to the Sirens ye shall come , that taint The minds of all men , whom they can acquaint With their attractions . Whosoeuer shall ( For want of knowledge mou'd ) but heare the call Of any Siren : he will so despise Both wife and children , for their sorceries , That neuer home turnes his affections streame ; Nor they take ioy in him , nor he in them . The Sirens will so soften with their song , ( Shrill , and in sen●uall appetite so strong ) His loose affections , that he giues them head . And then obserue : They sit amidst a meade ; And round about it ●unnes a h●dge or wall Of dead mens bones : their witherd skins and all , Hung all along vpon it ; and these men Were such as they had fawnd into their Fen , And then their skins hung on their hedge of bones . Saile by them therefore ; thy companions Before hand causing to stop euery ●are With sweete soft waxe so close ▪ that none may heare A note of all their charmings . Yet may you ( If you affect it ) open eare allow To trie their motion : but presume not so To trust your iudgement ; when your senses go So loose about you ; but giue straight command To all your men , to bind you foote and hand ▪ Sure to the Mast ; that you may safe approue How strong in instigation to their loue Their rapting tunes are . If so much they moue , That , spite of all your reason , your will stands To be enfranchisde , both of feete and hands ; Charge all your men before , to sleight your charge , And rest so farre , from fearing to enlarge , That much more sure they bind you . When your friends Haue outsaild these : the danger that tra●scends Rests not in any counsaile to preuent ; Vnlesse your owne mind , finds the tract and bent Of that way , that auoids it . I can say That in your course , there lies a twofold way ; The right of which , your owne , taught , present wit And grace diuine , must prompt . In generall yet Let this informe you : Neare these Sirens shore Moue two steepe Rocks ; at whose feete , lie and rore The blacke seas cruell billowes : the blest Gods Call them the Rouers . Their abhord abods No bird can passe : no not the * Doues , whose feare Sire Ioue so loues , that they are said to beare Ambrosia to him ; can their rauine scape ; But one of them , falles euer to the rape Of those slie rocks . Yet ●oue , another still Adds to the rest ; that so may euer fill The sacred number . Neuer ship could shunne The nimble perill wing'd there ; but did runne With all her bulke , and bodies of her men To vtter ruine . For the seas retaine Not onely their outragious aesture there ; But fierce assistents , of particular feare , And supernaturall mischiefe , they expire ; And those are whirlewinds of deuouring fire Whisking about still . Th' Argiue ship , alone ( Which bore the * care of all men ) got her gone , Come from Aret● . Yet perhaps euen she Had wrackt at those Rocks ; if the Deitie That lies by Ioues side , had not lent her hand To their transmission ; since the man that mann'd In chiefe that voyage , she , in chiefe did loue . Of these two spitefull Rocks , the one doth shoue Against the height of heauen , her pointed brow . A blacke cloud binds it round , and neuer show Lends to the sharp point : not the cleare blew skie Le ts euer view it . Not the Somners eye ; Not feruent Aut●mnes . None , that Death could end Could euer skale it ; or if vp , descend . Though twenty hands and feete he had for hold : A polisht ice-like glibnesse doth enfold The rocke so round , whose midst , a gloomie cell Shrowds , so farre Westward , that it sees to hell . From this , keepe you as farre , as from his bow An able yong man can his shaft bestow . For here , the * whuling Scylla , shrowds her face : That breaths a voice , at all parts , no more base Then are a newly-kitn'd kitlings cries ; Her selfe a monster yet , of boundlesse sise ; Whose sight would nothing please a mortals eies ; No nor the eyes of any God , if he ( Whom nought should fright ) fell foule on her ; and she Her full shape shew'd . Twelue foule feete beare about Her ougly bulke . Sixe huge long necks lookt out Of her ranke shoulders : euery necke , doth let A ghastly head out : euery head ; three set Thicke thrust together , of abhorred teeth ; And euery tooth stucke with a sable death . She lurkes in midst of all her denne ; and streakes From out a ghastly whirle-poole , all her necks ; Where , ( gloting round her rocke ) to fish she falles ; And vp rush Dolphins , Dogfish ; somewhiles , Whale● , If got within her , when her rapine feeds ; For euer-groning Amphitrite breeds About her whirlepoole , an vnmeasur'd store ▪ No Sea-man euer boasted touch of shore That there toucht with his ship ; but still she fed Of him , and his . A man for euery head Spoiling his ship of . You shall then descrie The other humbler Rocke , that moues so nie , Your dart may mete the distance . It receaues A huge wilde Fig-tree , curl'd with ample leaues ; Beneath whose shades , diuine C●arybdis sits Supping the blacke deepes . Thrice a day her pi●s She drinking all dry ; and thrice a day againe , All , vp she belches ; banefull to sustaine . When she is drinking , dare not neare her draught , For not the force of Neptune , ( if once caught ) Can force your freedome . Therefore in your strife To scape Charybdis , labour all , for life To row neare Scylla ; for she will but haue For her sixe heads , sixemen ; and better saue The rest , then all , make offerings to the waue . This Neede she told me of my loss● , when I Desir'd to know , if that Necessitie ( When I had scap't Ch●r●bdis outrages ) My powres might not reuenge ; though not redresse ? She answerd : O vnhappy ! a●t thou yet Enflam'd with warre ? and thirst to drinke thy swet ? Not to the Gods giue vp , both Armes , and will ? She , deathlesse is , and that immortall ill Graue , harsh , outragious , not to be subdu'd , That men must suffer till they be renew'd ▪ Nor liues there any virtue that can flie The vicious outrage of their crueltie . Shouldst thou put Armes on , and approch ●he Rock● ▪ I feare , sixe more must expiate the shocke . Sixe heads , sixe men aske still . Hoise ●aile , and flie ; And in thy flight , aloud , on Cratis crie ( Great Scyllas Mother , who , exposde to light That bane of men ; ) and she will do such right To thy obseruance , that she , downe will tread Her daughters rage ; nor let her shew a head . From thenceforth then , for euer past her care ; Thou shalt ascend , the I●e Triangular● ; Where many Oxen of the Sunne are fed ; And fatted flocks . Of Oxen , fifty head In euery herd feed ; and their herds are seuen ; And of his fat flocks is their number , Euen . Increase they yeeld not , for they neuer die ; There euery shepherdesse , a Deitie . Faire Phaethusa , and Le●petie , The louely Ny●phs are , that their Guardians be . Who , to the daylights lofty-going flame Had gracious birthright , from the heauenly Dame Still yong Neaera ; who ( brought forth and bred ) Farre off dismist them ; to see duly fed Their Fathers herds and flocks in Sicilie . These herds , and flocks , if to the Deitie Ye leaue , as sacred things , vntoucht ; and on Goe with all fit care of your home , alone , ( Though through some sufferance ) you yet sase shall land In wished Ithac● . But if impious hand You lay on those herds to their hurts : I then Presage sure ruine , to thy ●hip and men . If thou escap'st thy selfe , extending home Thy long'd for landing ; thou shalt loded come With store of losses , most exceeding late , And not consorted with a saued mate . This said ; the golden-thron'd Aurora rose ; She , her way went , and I did mine dispose Vp to my ship ; weigh'd Anchor , and away . When reuerend Circe ; helpt vs to conuaie Our vessell safe , by making well inclind A Sea mans true companio● , a forewind ; With which she filld our sailes , when , fitting all Our Armes close by vs ; I did sadly fall To graue relation , what conce●nd in Fate My friends to know , and told them that the state Of our affaires successe , which Circe had Presag'd to me alone , must yet be made To one , nor onely two knowne ; but to all : That since their liues and deaths were left to fall In their elections ; the●●ight life elect , And giue what would preserue it , fit effect . I first inform'd them , that we were to flie The heauenly-singing Sire●s harmony , And flowre-adorned Medow ▪ And that I Had charge to heare their song ; but f●tte●d ●●st In bands , vnfauor'd , to th'erected Mast ; From whence , if I should pray ; or vse command To be enlarg'd ; they should with much more ●and Containe my struglings . This I simply told To each particular ; nor would withold What most enioyn'd mine owne affections stay , That theirs the rather might be taught t' obay . In meane time , flew our ships ; and straight we fetcht The Sirens Ile ; a spleenelesse wind , so stretcht Her wings to waft vs , and so vrg'd our keele . But hauing reacht this Ile , we could not ●eele The least gaspe of it : it was striken dead , And all the Sea , in prostrate slumber spread : The Sirens diuell charm'd all . Vp then flew My friends to worke ; strooke saile , together drew , And vnder hatches stowd them : sat , and plied Their polisht oares ; and did in curls diuide The white-head waters . My part then came on ; A mighty waxen Cake , I set vpon ; Chopt it in fragments , with my sword ; and wrought With strong hand , euery peece , till all were soft . The great powre of the Sunne , in such a beame As then flew burning from his Diademe , To liquefaction helpt vs. Orderlie , I stopt their eares ; and they , as faire did ply My feete , and hands with cords ; and to the Mast With other halsers , made me soundly fast . Then tooke they seate ; and forth our passage strooke ; The fomie Sea , beneath their labour shooke . Rowd on , in reach of an erected voice ; The Sirens soone tooke note , without our noice ; Tun'd those sweete accents , that made charmes so strong ; And these learn'd numbers , made the Sirens song : Come here , thou , worthy of a world of praise ; That dost so high , the Grecian glory raise ; Vlysses ! stay thy ship ; and that song heare That none past ●uer , but it bent his eare : But left him r●uish , and instructed more By vs , then any , euer heard before . For we know all things whatsoeuer were In wide Troy labour'd ▪ whatsoeuer there The Grecians and the Troians both sustain'd ; By those high issues that the Gods ordain'd . And whatsoeuer , all the earth can show T' informe a knowledge of desert , we know . This they gaue accent in the sweetest straine That euer open'd an enamour'd vaine . When , my constrain'd heart , needs would haue mine eare Yet more delighted ; force way forth , and heare . To which end I commanded , with all signe Sterne lookes could make ( for not a ioynt of mine Had powre to stirre ) my friends to rise , and giue My limbs free way . They freely striu'd to driue Their ship still on . When ( farre from will to lose ) Eurylochus , and Perimedes rose To wrap me surer ; and opprest me more With many a halser , then had vse before . When , rowing on , without the reach of sound ; My friends vnstopt their eares ; and me , vnbound ; And , that I le quite we quitted . But againe Fresh feares emploid vs. I beheld a maine Of mighty billows , and a smoke ascend : A horrid murmure hearing . Euery friend Astonisht sat : from euery hand , his oare Fell quite forsaken : with the dismall Rore Where all things there made Echoes , stone still stood Our ship it selfe : because the ghastly flood Tooke all mens motions from her , in their owne : I , through the ship went , labouring vp and downe My friends recouerd spirits . One by one I gaue good words , and said : That well were knowne These ills to them before : I told them all ; And that those could not proue , more capitall Then those the Cyclop blockt vs vp in ; yet My vertue , wit , and heauen-helpt Counsailes , set Their freedomes open . I could not beleeue But they rememberd it , and wisht them giue My equall care , and meanes , now equall trust : The strength they had , for stirring vp , they must Rouze , and extend , to trie if Ioue had laid His powres in theirs vp , and would adde his aid To scape euen that death . In particular then I told our Pylot , that past other men He , most must beare firme spirits ; since he swaid The Continent , that all our spirits conuaid In his whole guide of her . He saw there boile The fierie whirlpooles ; that to all our spoile Inclosde a Rocke : without which , he must stere , Or all our ruines stood concluded there . All heard me , and obaid ; and little knew That , shunning that Rocke , sixe of them should rue The wracke ▪ another hid . For I conceal'd The heauy wounds that neuer would be heal'd , To be by Scylla opened ; for their feare Would then haue robd all , of all care to stere ; Or stirre an oare , and made them hide beneath : When they , and all ▪ had died an idle death . But then , euen I forgot to shunne the harme Circe forewarnd : who willd I should not arme , Nor shew my selfe to S●ylla , lest in vaine I ventur'd life . Yet could not I containe But arm'd at all parts ; and two lances tooke : Vp to the foredecke went , and thence did looke That Rockie Scylla would haue first appear'd , And taken my life , with the friends I feard . From thence yet , no place could afford her sight ; Though through the darke rocke , mine eye threw her light , And ransackt all waies . I then tooke a streight That gaue my selfe , and some few more receipt Twixt Scylla , and Charybdis ; whence we saw How horridly Charybdis throat did draw The brackish sea vp , which , when all abroad She spit againe out : neuer Caldron sod With so much feruor , fed with all the store That could enrage it . All the Rocke did rore With troubl'd waters : round about the tops Of all the steepe crags , flew the fomy drops . But , when her draught , the sea and earth dissunderd , The troubl'd bottoms turnd vp , and she thunderd ; Farre vnder shore , the swart sands naked lay . Whose whole sterne sight , the startl'd blood did fray From all our faces . And while we on her Our eyes bestowd thus , to our ruines feare ; Sixe friends had Scylla snatcht out of our keele , In whom , most losse , did force and virtue feele . When looking to my ship , and lending eye To see my friends estates , their heeles turnd hie , And hands cast vp , I might discerne ; and heare Their calles to me for helpe , when now they were To try me in their last extremities . And as an Angler , medcine for surprise Of little fish , sits powring from the rocks , From out the crookt horne , of a fold-bred Oxe ; And then with his long Angle , hoists them hie Vp to the Aire ; then sleightly hurles them by , When , helplesse sprauling on the land they lie : So easely Scylla to her Rocke had rapt My wofull friends ; and so vnhelpt , entrapt Strugling they lay beneath her violent rape ; Who in their tortures , desperate of escape ; Shriekt as she tore ; and vp , their hands to me Still threw for swee●e life . I did neuer see In all my sufferance ransacking the seas , A spectacle so full of miseries . Thus hauing fled these rocks ( these cruell dames Scylla , Charybdis . ) where the king of flames Hath offerings burnd to him ; our ship put in The Iland , that from all the earth doth winne The Epithete , F●ultlesse : where the broad of head And famous Oxen , for the Sunne are fed , With many fat flocks of that high-gone God. Set in my ship , mine eare reacht , where we rod The bellowing of Oxen , and the bleate Of fleecie sheepe ; that in my memories seate Put vp the formes , that late had bene imprest By dread Aeaean Circe ; and the best Of Soules , and Prophets , the blind Theb●● Seer ; The wise Tiresias , who was graue decreer Of my returnes whole meanes . Of which , this one In chiefe he vrg'd ; that I should alwaies shunne The Iland of the Man-delighting Sunne . When , ( sad at heart for our late losse ) I praid My friends to heare fit counsaile , ( though dismaid With all ill fortunes ) which was giuen to me By Circes , and Tiresias Prophecie ; That I should flie the I le , where was ador'd The Comfort of the world : for ills , abhorr'd Were ambusht for vs there ; and therefore , willd They should put off , and leaue the I le . This kill'd Their tender spirits ; when Eurylochu● A speech that vext me vtter'd ; answering thus : Cruell Vlysses ! Since thy nerues abound In strength , the more spent ; and no toyles confound Thy able lims , as all beate out of steele ; Thou ablest vs to , as vnapt to feele The teeth of Labor , and the spoile of Sleepe , And therefore still , wet wast vs in the deepe ; Nor let vs land to eate ; but madly , now ; In Night , put forth , and leaue firme land to strow The Sea with errors . All the rabide flight Of winds that ruine ships , are bred in Night . Who is it , that can keepe off cruell Death , If suddainly should rush out th' angry breath Of Notus , or the eager-spirited West ? That cuffe ships , dead ; and do the Gods their best ! Serue black Night still , with shore , meate , sleepe , and ease ; And offer to the Morning for the seas . This all the rest approu'd ; and then knew I That past all doubt , the diuell did apply His slaughterous works . Nor would they be withheld ; I was but one ; nor yeelded , but compell'd . But all that might containe them , I assaid : A sacred oath , on all their powres I laid ; That if with herds , or any richest flocks We chanc't t' encounter ; neither sheepe , nor Oxe We once should touch ; nor ( for that constant ill That followes folly ) scorne aduice , and kill : But quiet sit vs downe , and take such food As the immortall Circe had bestowd . They swore all this , in all seuerst sort ; And then we ancord , in the winding Port ; Neare a fresh Riuer , where the longd● for shore They all flew out to ; tooke in victles store ; And , being full , thought of their friends , and wept Their losse by Scylla ; weeping till they slept . In Nights third part ; when stars began to stoope ; The Cloud-assembler , put a Tempst vp . A boistrous spirit he gaue it ; draue out all His flocks of clouds ; and let such darknesse fall , That Earth , and Seas for feare , to hide were driuen ; For , with his clouds , he thrust out Night from heauen . At Morne , we drew our ships into a caue ; In which the Ny●phs , that Phoebus cattaile draue ; Faire , dancing Roomes had , and their seates of State. I vrg'd my friends then , that to shunne their Fate , They would obserue their oath ; and take the food Our ship afforded ; nor attempt the blood Of those faire Herds and Flocks ; because they were , That dreadfull Gods , that all could see , and heare . They stood obseruant , and in that good mind Had we bene gone : but so aduerse the wind Stood to our passage , that we could not go . For o●e whole moneth , perpetually did blow Impetuous Notus ; not a breaths repaire But his , and Eurus , rul'd in all the Aire . As long yet , as their ruddy wine , and bread Stood out amongst them ; so long , not a head Of all those Oxen , fell in any strife Amongst those students for the gut , and life . But when their victles faild , they fell to prey : Necessitie compell'd them then , to stray In rape of fish , and fowle : what euer came In reach of hand or 〈◊〉 ▪ the bellies flame Afflicted to it . I then , fell to praire ; And ( making to a close Retreate , repaire Free from , both friends , and winds ) I washt my hands , And all the Gods besought , that held commands In liberall heauen ; to yeeld some meane to stay Their desperate hunger ; and set vp the way Of our returne restraind . The Gods , in steed Of giuing what I prayd for , powre of deed ; A deedlesse sleepe , did on my lids distill , For meane to worke vpon , my friends their fill . For , whiles I slept , there wak't no meane to curb Their headstrong wants ; which he that did disturb My rule , in chiefe , at all times ; and was chiefe To all the rest in counsaile to their griefe ; Knew well , and of , my present absence tooke His fit ad●antage ; and their iron strooke At highest heate . For ( feeling their desire In his owne Entrailes , to allay the fire That Famine blew in them ) he thus gaue way To that affection : Heare what I shall say , ( Though words will stanch no hunger ) euery death To vs poore wretches , that draw temporall b●eath , You know , is hatefull ; but all know , to die The Death of Famine , is a miserie Past all Death loathsome . Let vs therefore take The chiefe of this faire herd ; and offerings make To all the Deathlesse that in broad heauen liue ; And , in particular , vow , if we arriue In naturall Ithaca , to strait erect A Temple to the haughtie in aspect ; Rich , and magnificent , and all within Decke it with Relicks many , and diuine . If yet , he stands incenst , since we haue slaine His high-browd herd ; and therefore will sustaine Desire to wracke our ship : he is but one ; And all the other Gods , that we attone With our diuine Rites , will their suff●age giue To our design'd returne , and let vs liue . If not ; and all take part , I rather craue To serue with one sole Death , the yawning waue ; Then , in a desert Iland , lie and sterue ; And , with one pin'd life , many deaths obserue . All cried , He counsailes nobly ; and all speed Made to their resolute driuing . For the feed Of those coleblacke , faire , broad-browd , Sun-lou'd Beeues : Had place , close by our ships . They tooke the liues Of sence , most eminent . About their fall Stood round , and to the States celestiall Made solemne vowes : But , other Rites , their ship Could not afford them ; they did therefore strip The curld-head Oke , of fresh yong leaues , to make Supply of seruice for their Barly cake . And , on the sacredly enflam'd , for wine Powrd purest water ; all the parts diuine Spitting , and rosting : all the Rites beside Orderly vsing . Then did light diuide My low , and vpper lids ; when , my repaire Made neare my ship ; I met the delicate ayre Their rost exhal'd . Out instantly I cried ; And said , O Ioue , and all ye Deified , Ye haue opprest me with a cruell sleepe ; While ye conferd on me , a losse as deepe As Death descends to . To themselues , alone My rude men , left vngouernd ; they haue done A deed so impious , ( I stand well assur'd ) That you will not forgiue , though ye procur'd . Then flew Lempetie , with the ample Robe , Vp to her Father , with the golden Globe ; Ambassadresse , t' informe him , that my men Had slaine his Oxen. Heart-incensed then ; He cried ; Reuenge me ( Father , and the rest Both euer liuing , and for euer blest . ) Vlysses impious men , haue drawne the blood Of those my Oxen , that it did me good To looke on , walking , all my starrie round ; And when I trod earth , all with medowes crown'd Without your full amends , I le leaue heauen quite ; Dis , and the Dead , adorning with my light . The Cloud-herd answerd ; Son ! thou shalt be ours , And light those mortals , in that Mine of flowres ; My red hote flash , shall grase but on their ship , And eate it , burning , in the boyling deepe . This by Calypso , I was told , and she Inform'd it , from the verger Mercurie . Come to our ship ; I chid , and told by name Each man , how impiously he was to blame . But chiding got no peace ; the Beeues were slaine : When straight the Gods , fore-went their following paine With dire Ostents . The hides , the flesh had lost , Crept , all before them . As the flesh did rost It bellowd like the Oxe it selfe , aliue . And yet my souldiers , did their dead Beeues driue Through all these Prodigies , in daily feasts . Sixe daies they banqueted , and slue fresh beasts , And when the seuenth day , Ioue reduc't the wind That all the monethrag'd ; and so in did bind Our ship , and vs ; was turnd , and calm'd ; and we Lancht , put vp Masts ; Sailes hoised , and to Sea. The Iland left so farre ; that land no where ; But onely sea , and skie , had powre t' appeare ; Ioue fixt a cloud aboue our ship ; so blacke That all the sea it darkned . Yet from wracke She ranne a good free time : t●ll from the West Came Zephyre ruffling forth ; and put his breast Out , in a singing tempest ; so most vast , It burst the Gables , that made sure our Mast ; Our Masts came tumbling downe : our cattell downe , Rusht to the Pump : and by our Pylots crowne The maine Mast , past his fall ; pasht all his Skull , And all this wracke , but one flaw , made at full . Off from the Sterne , the Sternesman , diuing fell , And from his sinews , flew his Soule to hell . Together , all this time , Ioues Thunder chid ; And through , and through the ship , his lightning glid : Till it embrac't her round : her bulke was filld With nasty sulphur ; and her men were killd : Tumbl'd to Sea , like Sea-mews swumme about , And there the date of their returne was out . I tost from side to side still , till all broke Her Ribs were with the storme : and she did choke With let-in Surges ; for , the Mast torne downe ; Tore her vp pecemeale ; and for me to drowne Left little vndissolu'd . But to the Mast There was a lether Thong left ; which I cast About it , and the keele ; and so sat tost With banefull weather , till the West had lost His stormy tyranny . And then arose The South , that bred me more abhorred woes ; For backe againe his blasts expelld me , quite On rauenous Charybdis . All that Night I totter'd vp and downe , till Light , and I At Scyllas Rocke encounterd ; and the nie Dreadfull Charybdis . As I draue on these , I saw Charybdis , supping vp the seas ; And had gone vp together , if the tree That bore the wilde figs , had not rescu'd me ; To which I leapt , and left my keele ; and hi● Chambring vpon it , did as close imply My brest about it , as a Reremouse could : Yet , might my feete , on no stub fasten hold To ease my hands : the roots were crept so low Beneath the earth ; and so aloft did grow The far-spred armes , that ( though good height I gat ) I could not reach them . To the maine Bole , flat I therefore still must cling ; till vp againe She belcht my Mast , and after that , amaine My keele came tumbling : so at length it chanc't , To me , as to a Iudge ; that long aduanc't To iudge a sort of hote yong fellowes iarres , At length time frees him from their ciuill warres ; When , glad , he riseth , and to dinner goes ; So time , at length , releast with ioyes my woes , And from Charybdis mouth , appear'd my keele . To which ( my hand , now loosd ; and now , my heele ) I altogether , with a huge noise , dropt ; Iust in her midst fell , where the Mast was propt ; And there rowd off , with owers of my hands . God , and Mans Father , would not , from her sands Let Scylla see me ; for I then had died That bitter death , that my poore friends supplied . Nine Daies at Sea , I houer'd : the tenth Night In th'lle Ogygia , where about the bright And right renoum'd Calypso , I was cast By powre of Deitie ; Where I liu'd embrac't With Loue , and feasts . But why should I relate Those kind occurrents ? I should iterate What I in part , to your chaste Queene and you So late imparted . And for me to grow A talker ouer of my tale againe , Were past my free contentment to sustaine . Finis duodecimi libri Hom. Odyss . Opus nouem dierum . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . THE THIRTEENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 HE said ; And silence all their Tongues contain'd ( In admiration ) 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 To my high-rooft , and Brasse-foundation'd hou●● : I hope , such speede , and passe 〈◊〉 Our Loues shall yeeld you , that you shall no more VVander , nor suffer , homewards , as before . You then , whoeuer , that are euer grac'●t VVith all choise of authoriz'd power , to tast Such wine with me , as warmes the sacred Rage ; And is an Honorarie giuen to Age. With which , ye likewise , heare Diuinely sing ( In Honors praise ) the Poet of the King : I moue , by way of my command , to this ; That where , in an elaborate Chist , there lies A Present for our Guest : Attires of price ; And Gold , engrauen with in●inite deuice : I wish that each of vs should adde beside A Tripod , and a Caldron , amplified With size , and Mettall of most rate , and great . For we ( in counsaile of taxation , met ) Will from our Subiects , gaine their worth againe ; Since 't is vnequall one man should sustaine A charge so waighty , being the grace of all ; VVhich , borne by many , is a waight but small . Thus spake Alcinous , and pleas'd the rest ; VVhen each man clos'd , with home , & sleep , his feast . But when the colour-giuing light arose ; All , to the Ship , did * all their speeds dispose ; And wealth ( that * honest men makes ) broght with them . All which ; euen he , that wore the Diadem Stow'd in the Ship himselfe , beneath the seats The Rowers sate in ; stooping , le●t their le●s In any of their labors , he might pro●e . Then home he turn'd : and after him , did moue The whole assembly to expected 〈◊〉 . Amongst whom , he a sacrifice 〈◊〉 . And slue an Oxe , to weather-wielding 〈◊〉 ; Beneath whose Empire , all things are , and moue . The thighs then rosting , they made glorious chere , Delighted highly ; and amongst them there , The honor'd of the people vs'd his v●ice , Diuine Demodocus . Yet through this choice Of Cheere , and Musicke , had Vl●sses still An Eye directed to the 〈◊〉 hill , To see Him rising , that illustrates all . For now into his minde , a fire did fall Of thirst for home ▪ And as in hungry vow To needfull food , a man at fixed Plow ; ( To whom , the black Oxe all day long hath turn'd The stubborne fallowes vp ; his stomacke burn'd VVith empty heate , and appetite to food ; His knees afflicted with his spirit-spent blood ) At length the long-expected Sun-set sees ; That the may sit to foode , and rest his knees : So , to Vlysses , set the friendly light The Sun affoorded , with as wish'●a ●ight . VVho , straight bespake , that Ore-affecting State : But did in chiefe , his speech appropriate To him by Name , that with their Rule was crown'd , Alcinous ? Of all men , most renown'd , Dismisse me , with as safe passe , as you vow ; ( Your offering past ) and may the Gods to you In all contentment , vse as full a hand : For now , my landing heere , and stay shall stand In all perfection with my hearts desire ; Both my so safe deduction to aspire ; And louing gifts ; which , may the Gods to me , As blest in vse make , as your acts are free : Euen to the finding firme , in loue , and life , VVith all desir'd euent , my friends , and wife . VVhen , as my selfe shall liue delighted there ; May you , with yourwiues , rest as happy here : Your Sonnes and Daughters ( in particular State ) With euery vertue rendred consummate : And , in your generall Empire , may ill neuer Approch your Land ; but good your good quit euer . This , all applauded , and all ioyntly cried ; Dismisse the Stranger : he hath dignified With fit speech , his dismission . Then the King Thus charg'd the Herrald : Fill for offering A bowl of wine : which through the whol large house Dispose to all men ; that propitious , Our Father Ioue made , with our prayers ; we may Giue home our Guest , in full and wished way . This said ; Pontonous commixt a Bowle Of such sweete wine , as did delight the soule : VVhich making sacred to the blessed Gods , That hold in broad heauen their supreame abodes ; God-like Vlysses , from his chaire arose , And in the hands of th' Empresse , did impose The all-round Cup : To whom ( faire spoke ) he saide ; Reioyce , O Queene , and be your ioyes repaide By heauen , for me , till age and death succeede ; Both which , inflict their most vnwelcome neede , On Men and Dames , alike . And , first ( for me ) I must from hence , to both : Liue you heere free ; And euer may , all liuing blessings spring ; Your ioy in Children , Subiects , and your King. This saide , diuine Vlysses tooke his way : Before whom , the vnalterable sway Of King Alcinous virtue , did command A Heralds fit attendance to the Strand And Ship appointed . VVith him , likewise went Handmaids , by Aretes iniunction sent . One bore an Out and In-weede , faire and sweete ; The other an embroider'd Cabinet : The third , had Bread to beare , and ruddy wine ; All which , ( at Sea , and Ship arriu'd ) resigne , Their Freight confer'd . VVith faire attendants then , The sheets and bedding of the Man of men , VVithin a Cabin of the hollow Keele , Spred , and made soft ; that sleepe might sweetly seele His restfull eyes ; He enter'd , and his Bed , In silence , tooke . The Rowers ordered Themselues in seuerall seates : and then set gone The Ship ; the Gable from the hollow stone Dissolu'd , and weigh'd vp : Altogether , close Then beate the Sea. His lids , in swee●e repose Sleepe bound so fast , it scarse gaue way to breath ; Inexcitable , most deare , next of all to death . And as amids a faire field , foure braue horse Before a Chariot , stung into their course With feruent lashes of the smarting Scourge ; That all their fire blowes high ; and makes them vrge To vtmost speede , the measure of their ground : So bore the Ship aloft , her fiery Bound ; About whom rusht the billowes , blacke , and vast ; In which the Sea-roares burst . As firme as fast She ply'd her Course yet : Nor her winged speede , The Faulcou gentle , could for pace , exceede . So cut she through ▪ the waues , and bore a Man , Euen with the Gods , in counsailes ; that began And spent his former life , in all misease : Battailes of men , and rude waues of the Seas ; Yet now , securely slept , forgetting all . And when heauens brightest star , that first doth call The early morning out , aduanc't her head ; Then , neere to Ithaca , the Billow-b●ed Ph●●●cian Ship approch't . There is a Port , That th' aged Sea-God Ph●rcys makes his Fo●● : Whose earth , the Ithace●si●● people owne . In which , two Rockes inaccessible , are growne Farre forth into the Sea ; vvhose each strength binds The boistrous waues in , from the high-flowne winds On both the out-parts so , that all within The well-built Ships , that once their harbour win In his calme bosome ; without Anchor , rest Safe , and vnstir'd . From forth the hauens high crest , Branch the well-brawn'd armes of an Oliue tree . Beneath which , runs a Caue , from all Sun free ; Coole , and delightsome : Sacred to th' accesse Of Nymphs , whose sur-names are the 〈◊〉 : In which , flew humming Bees ; in which lay throwne Stone cups , Stone vessels , Shittles , all of stone ; With which , the Nymphs their purple Mantles woue : In whose contexture , Art and wonder stroue . In which , pure Springs perpetually ran ; To which , two entries were : the one for man , ( On which the North breath'd : ) th' other , for the gods ( On which , the South : ) and that , bore no abodes For earthy men : But onely deathlesse feete Had there free way . This Port , these men thoght meet To Land Vlysses ; being the first , they knew . Drew then , their Ship in : but no further drew Then halfe her bulke reach ●t : by such cunning hand Her course was manag'd . Then her men tooke land ; And first , brought forth Vlysses : Bed , and all That richly furnisht it ; he still in thrall Of all-subduing sleepe . Vpon the sand They set him softly downe ; and then , the Strand They strew'd with all the goods he had , bestow'd By the renown'd Phaeacians ; sinc● he show'd So much Minerua . At the Oliue roote They drew them then in heape , most far from foote Of any Trauailer : least , ere his eyes Resum'd their charge , they might be others prize . These , then turn'd home : nor was the seas supreme Forgetful of his threats , for Polypheme Bent at diuine Vlysses : yet would proue ( Ere their performance ) the decree of Ioue ▪ Father ! No more the Gods shall honor me , Since men despise me ; and those men that see The * Light , in Linage of mine owne lou'd race . I vow'd Vlysses , should before the grace Of his returne , encounter woes enow To make that purchase deare : yet , did not vow Simply against it , since thy Brow had bent To his reduction ; in the fore-consent Thou hadst vouchsaf't it : yet before , my minde Hath full powre on him ; the Phaeacians finde Their owne minds satisfaction , vvith his Passe : So farre from suffering , what my pleasure was ; That ease , and softnesse , now is habited In his secure brest : and his carelesse head , Return'd in peace of sleepe to Ithaca . The Brasse and Gold of rich Phaeacia Rocking his Temples . Garments richly wouen ; And worlds of Prize more , then was euer strouen From all the conflicts he sustain'd at Troy , If safe , he should his full share there , inioy . The Showre-dissoluer answerd : VVhat a speech Hath past thy Pallate , O thou great in Reach Of wrackfull Empire ? Farre the Gods remaine From scorne of thee : For , 't were a worke of paine To prosecute , with ignonimies , One That swaies our ablest , and most ancient Throne . For men ; If any so beneath in power , Neglect thy high will : now , or any houre That moues heereafter ; take reuenge to the● ; Soothe all thy will , and be thy pleasure free . VVhy then ( said he ) thou blacker of the fumes That dimme the Sun ; my licenst power resumes Act from thy speech : but I obserue so much , And feare thy pleasure , that I dare not touch At any inclination of mine owne , Till thy consenting influence be kno●ne . But now ; this curious-built Ph●aci●● Ship , Returning from her Conuoy , I will strip Of all her fleeting matter ; and to stone Transforme and fixe it ( iust when she hath gone Her full time home ; and iets before their 〈◊〉 In all her trim ) amids the Sable Seas . That they may cease to conuoy strangers still , VVhen they shall see , so like a mighty Hill Their glory sticke before their Cities grace , And my * hands cast a maske before her face . O friend , ( said Ioue ) it shewes to me the best Of al earths obiects ; that their whole prease ▪ drest In all their wonder ; neere their Towne shall stand And stare vpon a Stone , so ne●re the Land , So like a Ship , and dam vp all their lights , As if a Mountaine interposde their sights . VVhen Neptune heard this , he for Scheri● went , VVhence the Phaeacians tooke their first descent . VVhich when he reacht , and in her swiftest pride , The water-treader , by the Cities side Came cutting close ; close he came swiftly on ; Tooke her in violent hand , and to a Stone Turnd all her syluane substance ▪ All below , Firmd her with Rootes , & left her . This strange show VVhen the Phaeacians saw , they stupid stood , And askt each other , who amids the flood Could fixe their Ship so , in her full speed home ? And quite transparant , make her bulke become ? Thus talkt they ; but were farre from knowing how These things had issue . VVhich their King did show , And saide ; O friends , the ancient Prophesies My Father told to me , to all our eyes Are now in proofe : he saide , the time would come , VVhen Neptune , for our safe conducting home All sorts of Strangers ( out of enuy fir'd ) Would meete our fairest Ship as she retir'd ; And all the goodly Shape , and speed we bost , Should like a Mountaine stand before vs lost , Amids the mouing waters ; which we see Perform'd in full end to our prophesie . Heare then my counsaile , and obey me then : Renounce henceforth our conuoy home of men ; Who euer shall heereafter gree●e our Towne . And to th' offended Deities Renowne ; Twelue chosen Oxen let vs sacred make , That he may pitty vs : and from vs take This shady Mou●taine . They , in feare , obaide ; Slew all the Beeues , and to the Godhead praide : The Dukes and Princes , all ensphearing round The sacred Altar . While whose Tops were croun'd , Diuine Vlysses ( on his Countries brest Laid bound in sleepe ) now rose out of his rest : Nor ( being so long remou'd ) the Region knew . ( Besides which absence ye● ) 〈◊〉 threw A cloud about him ; to make strange the more His safe arriuall : lest , vpon his Shore He should make knowne his face , and vtter all That might preuent , th' euent that was to fall . VVhich she prepar'd so well , that not his wife ( Presented to him ) should perceiue his life : No Citizen , no Friend ; till righteous Fate Vpon the vvooers wrongs , 〈…〉 . Through which cloud , all things s●ow'd now to the King Of forreign fashion . The 〈◊〉 Spring ▪ Amongst the Trees there . The perpetuall waues ; The Rockes , that did more high their foreheads raise To his Rapt eye , then naturally they did : And all the Hauen , in which a man seem'd hid From winde , & weather , when storms loudest chid . He therefore , being risen , stood and viewd His countrey earth : which ( not per●eiu'd ) he rew'd : And , striking with his hurld ▪ downe hands his Thyes , He mourn'd , and saide : O me ! Againe where lyes My desart way ? To wrongfull men , and rude ? And with no Lawes of humane right indu'de ? Or are they humane , and of holy minds ? What fits my deede with these so many kinds Of goods late giuen ? VVhat , with my selfe , wil ●●oods And Errors do ? I would to God , these Goods Had rested with their Owners : and that I Had falne on Kings of more Regality , To grace out my returne ; that lou'd indeed , And would haue giuen me Consorts of fit speed To my distresses ending ! But , as now All knowledge flyes me , where I may bestow My labour'd purchase . Heere they shall not stay , Lest what I car'd for , others make their prey . O Gods ! I see , the great Phaeaci●●s then VVere not all iust , and vnderstanding men ; That land me elsewhere then their vants pretended : Assuring me , my countrey should see ended My miseries told them : yet now , eate their vants . O Ioue ! great Guardian of poore Supplian●s , That others sees , and notes too ; shutting in All in thy plagues , that most presume on Sin , Reuenge me on them . Let me number now The goods they gaue , to giue my minde to know If they haue stolne none , in their close retreat . The goodly Caldrons then , and Tripods ( set In seuerall rankes from out the heape ) he told . His rich wrought garments too , and all his Gold : And nothing lack't ; and yet this Man did mourne , The but supposd misse of his home returne . And , creeping to the shore , with much complaint ; Minerua , ( like a Shepheard , yong , and quaint , As King sonnes are : a double Mantle cast A' thwart his Shoulders , his faire goers g●ac'st With fitted shooes ; and in his hand , a Dart ) Appear'd to him , whose sight reioy●'● his hart . To whom he came , and saide : O Friend ? Since first I meete your sight heere : Be all good , the worst That can ioyne our encounter : Fare you Faire ; Nor with aduerse minde , welcome my repaire : But guard these goods of mine , and succour me . As to a God , I offer prayers to thee , And low accesse make , to thy loued knee . Say truth , that I may know , what countrey then ? What commune people liue heere ? And what men ? Some famous Isle is this ? Or giues it vent ( Being neere the Sea ) to some rich Continent ? She answer'd ; Stranger , what so ere you are ; Y' are either foolish , or come passing farre , That know not this Isle , and make that doubt , troble ; For 't is not so exceedingly ignoble , But passing many know it : and so many , That , of all Nations , there abides not any , From where the Morning rises , and the Sun ; To where the Euen , and Night their courses run , But know this countrey . Rocky 't is , and rough ; And so , for vse of horse vnapt enough : Yet , with * sad Barrennesse not much infested , Since clowds are heere in frequent raines digested , And flowry dewes . The compasse is not great ; The little yet , well fild with wine , and wheat . It feeds a Goat , and Oxe well ; being still Water'd with floods , that euer ouer-fill VVith heauens continual showers : and woodded so , It makes a Spring of all the kindes that grow . And therefore , Stranger , the extended name Of this Dominion , makes accesse by Fame , From this extreame part of Achaia , As farre as Ilion ; and 't is Ithaca . This ioy'd him much , that so vnknowne a Land , Turn'd to his countrey . Yet so wise a hand He carried , euen of this ioy , flowne so hye , That other end he put to his reply , Then straight to shew that ioy , and lay abrode His life to Strangers . Therefore , he bestowd A veile on Truth : For euermore did winde About his bosome , a most crafty minde , VVhich thus his words shew'd . I haue farre at Sea , In spacious Crete , heard speake of Ithaca ; Of which , my selfe ( it seemes ) now reach the shore , VVith these my Fortunes ; whose whole value more I left in Crete amongst my children there ; From whence I flye , for being the slaughter●● Of royall Idomens most loued Son ▪ Swift-foote Orsilochus , that could out-run Profest men for the race . Yet him I slue , Because he would depriue me of my ▪ due In Troian prize : for which , I suffer'd so ( The rude waues piercing ) the redoubled wo Of minde and body , in the warres of men : Nor did I gratifie his Father then VVith any seruice ; But , as well as he , Sway'd in command of other Souldiery . So , with a friend withdrawne , we way-laide him , VVhen gloomy Night , the cope of heauen did dim , And no man knew . But we ( lodg'd close ) he came , And I put out , to him , his vitall flame . VVhose slaughter , hauing author'd with my sword , I instant flight made ; and straight fell aboord A Ship of the renown'd Phoenician State ; VVhen prayer , and pay , at a sufficient rate Obtain'd my Passe , of men in her command : VVhom I inioyn'd to set me on the land Of Pylos , or of Elis , the diuine , VVhere the Epeyans in great Empire shine . But force of weather check't that course to them , Though ( loath to faile me ) to their most extreme They spent their willing pow'rs . But , forc't frō thence , VVe err'd , and put in heere , with much expence Of Care and Labour : and in dead of Night , VVhen no man there , seru'd any appetite , So much as with the Memory of food , Though our estates exceeding Needy stood . But , going ashore , we lay ; when gentle sleepe My weary pow'rs inuaded : and from Ship , They fetching these my Riches , with iust hand About me laide them : while vpon the sand Sleepe bound my senses ; and for Sydon , they ( Put off from hence ) made saile : while heere I lay , Left sad alone . The Goddesse laught , and tooke His hand in hers ; and with another looke , ( Assuming then the likenesse of a 〈◊〉 , Louely and goodly , expert in the frame Of vertuous Huswiferies ) she answered thus . He should be passing slie , and couetous * Of stealth , in mens deceits , that coted thee , In any craft ; though any God should be Ambitious to exceede in subtilty . Thou still-wit-varying wretch ! Insatiate In ouer-reaches : Not secure thy state Without these wiles ? Though on thy Natiue shore Thou setst safe footing ? But vpon thy store Of false words , still spend ? That euen from thy byrth Haue bene thy best friends ? Come : our either worth Is knowne to either : Thou , of Men , art far ( For words and counsailes ) the most singular ; But I , aboue the Gods , in both , may bost My still-tried Faculties . Yet thou hast lost The knowledge euen of me : the seede of Io●e , Pallas Athenia ; that haue still out-stroue In all thy Labors , their extremes ; and stood Thy sure guard euer : making all thy good , Knowne to the good phaeaci●●s , and receiu'd . And now againe , I gr●ete thee , to see weau'd Fresh Counsailes for thee : and will take on me The close reseruing of these goods for thee , VVhich the renown'd phaeacian States bestow'd At thy deduction homewards ; Onely mou'd VVith my , both spirit and counsell . All which grace I now will amplifie , and tell what case Thy houshold stands in ; vttering all those paines , That , of meere need , yet still must racke thy vaines ; Do thou then freely beare ; Nor one word giue To Man nor Dame , to shew thou yet dost liue : But silent , suffer ouer all againe Thy sorrowes past ; and beare the wrongs of Men. Goddesse ( said he ) vniust men , and vnwise , That author iniuries , and vanities ; By vanities and wrongs , should rather be Bound to this ill-abearing destiny , Then iust , and wise men . VVhat delight hath heauen , That liues vnhurt it selfe , to suffer giuen Vp to all domage , those poore few that striue To imitate it ? and like the Deities liue ? But where you wonder , that I know you not Through all your changes ; that skill is not got By sleigh● or Art : since thy most hard-hit face , Is still distinguisht by thy free-giuen grace . And therefore truly to acknowledge thee In thy encounters , is a maistery In men most knowing . For to all men , thou Tak'st seuerall likenesse . All men thinke they know Thee in their wits . But , since thy seeming view Appeares to all ; and yet thy truth , to few : Through all thy changes , to discern thee right , Askes chiefe Loue to thee ; and inspired light . But this , I surely know ; that some yeares past , I haue beene often with thy presence grac'st , All time the sonnes of Greece wag'd warre at Tr●y : But when Fates full houre , let our swords enioy Our vowes , in sacke of 〈◊〉 lo●ty Towne : Our Ships all boorded ; and when God had blowne Our Fleete in sunder , I could neuer see The seede of Io●e ; Nor once distinguish thee Boording my Ship , to take one woe from me . But onely in my proper spirit in●olu'd , Err'd , here and there quite slaine ; til heauen dissolu'd Me , and my ill : which chanc't not , ●ill thy grace By open speech confirm'd me ; in a place Fruitfull of people : where , in person , thou Didst giue me guide , and all their City show ; And that was the renown'd 〈◊〉 earth . Now then ; euen by the author of thy Birth , Vouchsafe my doubt the Truth ( for farre it flies My thoughts ; that thus should fall into mine eies Conspicuous Ithaca : but feare I touch At some farre Shore ; and that thy wit is such , Thou dost delude me ) Is it sure the same Most honor'd earth , that beares my countries name ? I see ( sayd she ) thou wilt be euer thus , In euery worldly good , incredulous . And therefore , haue no more the power , to see Fraile life more plagu'd with infelicity ; In one so eloquent , ingenious wise . Another man , that so long miseries Had kept from his lou'd home ; and thus return'd To see his house , wife , children ; would haue burn'd In headlong lust to visit . Yet t' enquire , VVhat states they hold , affects not thy desire , Till thou hast tried : If in thy wife , there be A Sorrow , wasting dayes , and nights for thee , In Louing teares : That then the sight may proue A full reward , for eithers mutuall Loue. But I would neuer , credit in you both Least cause of sorrow ; but well knew , the troth Of this thine owne returne : though all thy Friends , I knew , as well , should make returnlesse ends . Yet would not crosse mine Vnkle Neptune so To stand their safegard ; since so high did go His wrath , for thy extinction of the eye Of his lou'd sonne . Come then , I le shew thee why I call this Isle , thy Ithaca ; To ground Thy credit on my words : this hauen is own'd By th' aged Sea god phor●ys : in whose Brow , This is the Oliue with the ample bow ; And heere close by , the pleasant-shaded Caue , That to the Fount-Nymphs , th' 〈◊〉 gaue As Sacred to their pleasures . Heere doth run The large , and couer'd den , where thou hast done Hundreds of Offerings to the 〈◊〉 . Here , Mount Nerytus shakes his cur●●d Tresse Of shady woods . This sayd , she cleer'd the clowd That first deceyu'd his eyes ; and all things show'd His countrey to him . Glad he stood with sight Of his lou'd Soile ; and kist it , with delight . And instantly , to all the Nymphs hee paide ( With hands held vp to heauen ) these vowes ▪ & said . Ye Nymphs the Naiades , great seed of Ioue : I had conceite , that neuer more should moue Your sight , in these spheres of my erring eyes ; And therefore , in the fuller Sacrifice Of my hearts gratitude ; Reioyce , till more I pay your Names , in Offerings , as before . VVhich heere I vow ; if Io●es benigne descent ( The mighty Pillager ) with life conuent My person home ; and to my sau'd decease , Of my lou'd sonnes sight , adde the sweet increase . Be confident ( saide Pallas ) nor oppresse Thy spirits with care of these performances ; But these thy fortunes , let vs straight repose In this diuine Caues besome , that may close Reserue their value ; and we then may see How best to order other acts to thee . Thus entred she the light-excluding Caue ; And through it , sought some inmost nooke to saue The Gold , the great Brasse , & robes richly wrought , Giuen to Vlysses . All which , in he brought ; Laid downe in heape ; and she impos'd a stone Close to the cauernes mouth . Then sat they on The sacred Oliues roote , consulting how To act th' insulting wooers ouerthrow . VVhen Pallas saide ; Examine now the means That best may lay hand on the impudence Of those proud wooers : that haue now three yeares Thy Roofes rule swai'd ; and bene bold Offerers Of suite , and gifts , to thy renowned wife ; VVho for thy absence , all her desolate life , Dissolues in teares till thy desir'd returne . Yet all her wooers , while shee thus doth mourne She holds in hope ; and euery one affords ( In fore-sent message ) promise . But her words Beare other vtterance then her heart approues . O Gods ( said Ithacus ) it now behoues My Fate to end me , in the ill deceasse That Agamemnon vnderwent , vnlesse You tell me , and in time , their close intents . Aduise then meanes , to the reueng'd euents VVe both resolue on . Be thy selfe so kinde To stand close to me ; and but such a minde Breath in my bosome , as when th' Ilio● Towres VVe tore in Cinders . O if equall powres Thou wouldst enflame , amids my Nerues as then , I could encounter with three hundred men : Thy onely selfe ( great Goddesse ) had to friend , In those braue ardors thou wer't wont t' extend . I will be strongly with thee , ( answer'd she ) Nor must thou faile , but do thy part with me . VVhen both whose pow'rs cōbine , I hope the bloods And braines of some of these that waste thy goods Shall strew thy goodly Pauements . Ioyne we then : I first will render thee vnknowne to men . And on thy solid Lineaments , make dry Thy now smooth skin . Thy bright-brown curles imply In hoary mattings : thy broad shoulders cloath In such a cloake , as euery eye shall loath . Thy bright eyes , bleare and wrinkle : and so change Thy forme at all parts , that thou shalt be strange To all the VVooers ; thy yong sonne , and wife . But , to thy Herdsman first present thy life ; That guards thy Swine , and wisheth well to thee ; That loues thy sonne , and wife 〈◊〉 . Thy search shall finde him , set aside his Heard , That are with tast-delighting Aco●nes rear'd : And drinke the darke-deepe water of the Spring Bright Arethusa ; the most nourishing Raiser of Heards . There stay , and ( taking seate Aside thy Heardsman ) of the whole State , treate Of home occurrents ; while I make accesse To faire-dame-breeding Sparta : for regresse Of lou'd Telemachus : who went in quest Of thy lou'd fame ; and l●u'd the welcome Guest Of Menelaus . The much-knower saide : Why wouldst not thou ( in whose graue brest is bred The Art to order all acts ) tell in this His error to him ? Let those yeares of his Amids the rude seas wander , and sustaine The woes there raging ? while vnworthy men Deuoure his fortunes ? Let not care extend Thy heart for him ( saide she ) my selfe did send His person in thy search , to set his worth ( By good fame blowne ) to such a distance fo●th . Nor suffers he , in any least degree The griefe you feare : but all variety That Plenty can yeeld , in her quie●st fa●e , In Menelaus Court , doth sit and share . In whose returne from home , the VVoo●rs yet Lay bloudy ambush ; and a Ship haue set To Sea , to intercept his life before He touch againe his births attempted shore . All which , my thoughts say , they shall neuer do , But rather , that the earth shall ouergo Some one at least , of these Loue-making men ; By which thy goods , so much empaire sustain . Thus vsing certaine secret words to him , She toucht him with her rod ; and euery lim VVas hid all ouer with a wither'd skin : His bright eies , blear'd ; his brow curles , white & thin ; And all things did an aged man present . Then ( for his owne weeds ) Shirt and coa● , all rent ; Tann'd , and all sootied , with noisome smoke , She put him on ; and ouer all , a cloke Made of a Stags huge hide : of which was worne The haire quite off . A Scrip all patcht and torne , Hung by a cord , oft broke , and knit againe , And with a staffe did his old limbes sustaine . Thus hauing both consulted of th' euent , They parted both : and forth to Sparta went The gray-ey'd Goddesse , to see all things done That appertain'd to wise Vlysses sonne . The End of the Thirteenth Booke of Homers Odysses . THE FOVRTEENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . VLysses meets amids the Field His Swaine Eumaeus ; who doth yeild Kinde Guest-rites to him ; and relate Occurrents of his wrong'd estate . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vlysses faines , for his true Good : His pious Swaines faith vnderstood . BVt he , the rough way tooke from forth the Port , Through woods , and hill tops , seeking the resort Where Pallas said , diuine Eumaeus liu'd : Who , of the fortunes that were first atchieu'd By God-like Ithac●● , in houshold rights , Had more true care , then all his * Prosylites . He found him sitting in his Cottage dore ; VVhere he had rais'd to euery ayry Blore , A Front of great height ; and in such a place , That round ye might behold : of circular grace A walke so wound about it : which the Swain ( In absence of his farre-gone Soueraine ) Had built himselfe , without his Queenes supply , Or old Laertes ; to see safely lye His housed herd . The inner part , he wrought Of stones , that thither his owne labors brought ; Which with an hedge of Thorn he fenc't about , And compast all the hedge , with pales cleft out Of sable Oake ; that here and there he fixt Frequent and thicke . VVithin his yard , he mixt Twelue Sties to lodge his Heard ; and euery Sty Had roome and vse , for fifty Swine to lye . But those were females all . The male Swine slept VVithout doores euer . Nor was their Herd kept Faire like the Females , since they suffer'd still Great diminution : he being forc't to kill And send the fattest to the dainty Feasts , Affected by th'vngodly wooing guests . Their number therefore , but three hundred were , And sixty : By them , Mastiues as austere As sauage beasts , lay euer . Their fierce straine Bred by the Herdsman ; a meere Prince of Men : Their number , foure . Himselfe was then appli'de In cutting forth a faire hew'd Oxes hide , To fit his feete with shooes . His seruants held Guard of his Swine . Three , here and there , at field ; The fourth , he sent to City with a Sow , VVhich must of force be offer'd to the Vow , The VVoowers made to all saciety : To serue which , still they did those Offrings ply . * The Fate-borne-Dogs-to-Barke , tooke sodaine view Of Odyss●eus ; and vpon him flew VVith open mouth . He ( cunning , to appall A fierce Dogs fury ) from his hand let fall His staffe to earth ; and sat him carelesse downe . And yet to him had one foule wrong bene showne VVhere most his Right lay ; had not instantly The Herdsman let his hide fall ; and his cry ( VVith frequent stones , flung at the dogges ) repeld This way , and that , their eager course they held : VVhen through the entry past , he thus did mourne . O Father ! Howsoone , had you neere bene torne By these rude Dogges ? whose hurt had branded me VVith much neglect of you ? But Deity Hath giuen so many other sighes , and cares To my attendant state : that well vnwares You might be hurt for me : for heere I lie Grieuing and mourning for the Maiestie That God-like wonted to be ruling heere ; Since now , I fat his Swine , for others cheere : VVhere he , perhaps , err's hungry vp and downe , In Countries , Nations , Cities , all vnknowne . If any where he liues yet ; and doth see The Sunnes sweet beames . But ( Father ) follow mee , That ( cheer'd with wine and foode ) you may disclose From whence you truly are ; and all the woes Your age is subiect to . This said , he led Into his Cottage ; and of Osiers , spred A thickned hurdle ; on whose top , he strow'd A wilde Goats shaggy skin ; and then bestow'd His owne Couch on it , that was soft and great . Vlysses ioy'd , to see him so entreat His vncouth Presence ; saying , Io●e requite , And all th' immortall Gods , with that delight Thou most defir'st , thy kinde receite of me ; O Friend , to humane Hospitality . Eum●eus answer'd : Guest ? If one much wurse Arriu'd here then thy selfe ; it were a curse To my poore meanes , to let a Stranger tast Contempt , for fit food . Poore men , and vnplac'st In free seats of their owne ; are all from Ioue Commended to our entertaining Loue. But poore is th'entertainment I can giue ; Yet free , and louing . Of such men as liue The liues of seruants , and are still in feare Where yong Lords gouerne ; this is all the cheare They can affoord a Stranger . There was One That vsde to manage , this now desart Throne : To whom the Gods deny returne ; that show'd His curious fauour to me , and bestow'd Possessions on me : A most wished wife , A house , and portion ; and a Seruants life , ●it for the gift a gracious King should giue : VVho still tooke pains himselfe ; & God made thriue His personall endeuour : and to me , His worke the more increast ; in which you see I now am conuersant . And therefore much His hand had help't me , had heauens wil beene such , He might haue heere growne old . But he is gone , And would to God the whole succession Of Hellen might go with him ; since for her So many men di●de : whose Fate did confer My Liege to Troy , in Ag●mem●o●s grace ; To spoile her People , and her Turrets race . This said , his coate to him , he streight did gird ; And to his Sties went , that contain'd his Herd . From whence , he tooke out two , slew both , and ●ut Both fairely vp . A fire enflam'd , and put To spit the ioynts ; which roasted well , he set VVith spit and all to him , that he might eat From thence his food , in all the sindging heat . Yet dreg'd it first with Flowre : Then fil'd his Cup VVith good sweet wine ; Sate then , & cheard him vp . Eate now ( my guest ) such leane Swine , as are meate For vs poore Swaines : The fat , the wooers eate . In whose minds , no shame , no remorse doth moue : Though well they know , the blest Gods doe not loue Vngodly actions ; but respect the right , And in the workes of pious men , delight . But these are worse then impious ; fo● those That vow t'iniustice , and professe them foes To other Nations , enter on their Land ; And Iupiter ( to shew his punishing hand Vpon th'inuaded , for their pennance then ) Giues fauour to their foes ( though wicked men ) To make their prey on them ; who , hauing freight Their ships with spoile enough , weigh ancor streight ; And each man to his house ; ( and yet euen these , Doth powrefull feare , of Gods iust vengeance seize Euen for that prize , in which they so reioyce ) But these men , knowing ( hauing heard the voyce Of God , by some meanes ) that sad Death hath reft The Ruler heere ; will neuer suffer left Their vniust wooing of his wife , not take Her often answere : and their owne Roofes make Their fit retreats : But ( since vncheck't , they may ) They therefore wil , make still his goods their pray , Without all spare , or end . There is no day , Nor night sent out from God , that euer they Prophane with one beasts blood , or onely two , But more make spoile of : and the wrongs they do In meates excesse ; to Wine as well extend ; VVhich as excessiuely , their ryots spend : Yet still leaue store . For sure his meanes were great ; And no Heroe , that hath choisest seate Vpon the fruitfull neighbour Continent ; Or in this Isle it selfe , so opulent Was , as Vlysses : No , nor twenty such Put altogether , did possesse so much . VVhose Herds and Flockes I le tell to euery Head : Vpon the Continent , he daily fed Twelue Herds of O●en ; No lesse , Flockes of Sheepe ; As many Herds of Swine . Stals , large and steepe , And equall sort of Goats : which Tenants there , And his owne Sheepherds kept . Then fed he here , Eleuen faire stalles of Goats ; whose food hath yeilde In the extreame part of a neighbor Field . Each Stall , his Herdsman hath : An honest Swaine , Yet euery one , must euery day sustaine The load of one Beast , ( the most fat , and best Of all the Stall-fed ) to the VVoers Feast . And I ( for my part ) of the Swine I keepe ( VVith foure more Herdsmen ) euery day , help steep The VVooers appetites , in blood of one , The most select , our choise can fall vpon . To this ; Vlysses gaue good eare , and fed ; And drunke his wine ; and vext ; and rauished His food for meere vexation . Seeds of ill His Stomacke sow'd , to heare his goods go still To glut of wooers . But his dinner done , And Stomacke fed to satisfaction : He drunke a full Bowle , all of onely wine , And gaue it to the Guardian of his Swine : Who tooke it , and reioyc't . To whom he said ; O Friend , who is it that ( so rich ) hath paid Price for thy seruice ? Whose commended pow'r , Thou sayst ( to grace the Graecian Conquerour ) At Ilion perisht ? Tell me ; it may fall I knew some such . The great God knowes , and all The other deathlesse Godheads : if I can ( Farre hauing trauail'd ) tell of such a man. Eumaeus answer'd : Father , neuer one Of all the Strangers that haue touch't vpon This Coast with his lifes Newes , could euer yet Of Queene , or lou'd sonne , any credit get . These Trauailers for cloathes , or for a meale ; At all aduentures , any lye will tell . Nor do they trade for truth : not any man That saw the people I●hacensian , Of all their sort ; and had the Queenes supplies , Did euer tell her any newes , but lies . She graciously receiues them yet ; enquires Of all she can : and all , in teares expires . It is th'accustom'd Law , that women keepe , Their husbands , elsewhere dead , at home to weepe . But do thou , quickly Father , forge a Tale ; Some Coat , or cloake , to keepe thee warme withall , Perhaps some one may yeeld thee : But for him , Vultures and Dogges , haue torne from euery lim His porous skin ; and forth his soule is fled : His coarse at Sea , to Fishes forfeited : Or on the Shore , lies hid in heapes of sand ; And there hath he his ebbe : his Natiue Strand With friends teares flowing . But to me , past all VVere teares created : For I neuer shall Finde so humane a royall Mayster more ; VVhat euer Sea , I seeke ; what euer Shore . Nay , to my Father , or my Mothers loue Should I returne ; by whom , I breath and moue , Could I so much ioy offer ; nor these eyes ( Though my desires sustaine extremities For their sad absence ) would so faine be blest VVith sight of their liues , in my natiue Nest , As with Vlysses dead : in whose last rest , ( O friend ) my soule shall loue him . Hee 's not here , Nor do I name him like a Flatterer . But as one thankfull for his Loue and care To me a poore man ; in the rich so rare . And be he past all shores , where Sun can shine , I will inuoke him as a soule diuine . O Friend ( sayd he ) to say , and to beleeue He cannot liue , doth too much license giue To incredulity . For ( not to speake At needy randon ; but my breath to breake In sacred Oath ) Vlysses shall returne . And when his sight recomforts those that mourne , In his owne roofes ; then giue me cloake , and cote , And garments worthy of a man of note . Before which , though neede vrg'd me neuer so , I le not receiue a thred , but naked go . No lesse I hate him then the gates of hell , That poorenesse can force , an vntruth to tell . Let Ioue then ( heauens chiefe God ) iust witnes beare , And this thy hospitable Table heere ; Together with vnblam'd Vlysses house , In which I finde receipt so gracious ; VVhat I affirm'd of him shall all be true . This instant yeare , thine eyes euen heere shall view Thy Lord Vlysses . Nay , ere this moneths end ( Return'd full home ) he shall reuenge extend To euery one , whose euer deed hath done VVrong to his wife , and his illustrous Sonne . O Father ( he replied ) I le neither giue Thy newes reward ; nor doth Vlysses liue . But come ; enough of this ; let 's drinke and eate , And neuer more his memory repeate . It greeues my heart to be remembred thus By any one , of one so glorious . But stand your oath , in your assertion strong , And let Vlysses come , for whom I long : For whom his wife ; for whom his aged Sire ; For whom his Son , consumes his God-like fire ; VVhose chance I now must mourne , and euer shall . VVhom when the Gods had brought to be as tall As any vpright plant : and I had saide , He would amongst a Court of men haue swaide In counsailes ; and for forme , haue bene admir'd Euen with his Father : some God misinspir'd , Or man tooke from him , his owne equall minde ; And past him for the Pylia● Shore , to finde His long-lost Father . In returne from whence , The Wooers pride , way-layes his innocence ; That , of diuine Arcesius , all the race May fade to Ithaca , and not the grace Of any Name , left to it . But leaue we His state , howeuer : if surpriz'd he be , Or if he scape . And may Saturnius hand Protect him safely to his natiue Land. Do you then ( Father ) shew your griefes , and cause Of your arriuall heere ; nor breake the Lawes That Truth prescribes you : but relate your name , And of what race you are : your Fathers ●ame , And natiue Cities : Ship and men vnfold , That to this Isle conuaid you : since I hold Your heere arriuall , was not all by shore ; Nor that your feete , your aged person bore . He answer'd him ; I le tell all strictly true , I● time , and foode , and wine enough acrue Within your roose to vs : that freely we May sit and banquet : Let your businesse be Discharg'd by others . For , when all is done , I can not easly , while the yeare doth runne His circle round , run ouer all the woes , Beneath which ( by the course the Gods dispose ) My sad age labours . First , I le tell you then ; From ample Crete I fetch my Natiue straine ; My Father wealthy : whose house , many a life Brought forth and bred besides , by his true wife . But me ; a Bond-maid bore ; his Concubine : Yet tender'd was I , as his lawfull line By him ; of whose race , I my life profes . Castor , his name ; surnam'd Hyl●cides . A man , in fore-times , by the Cre●an State , For goods , good children , and his fortunate Successe in all acts ; of no meane esteem . But death-conferring Fates , haue banisht him To Pluto's kingdome . After whom , his sons By Lots diuided his possessions ; And gaue me passing little ; yet bestow'd A house on me : to which , my vertues woo'd A wife from rich mens roofes ; nor was borne low , Nor last in fight , though all Ne●ues faile me now . But I suppose , that you by thus much seene , Know by the stubble , what the Corne hath bene . For , past all doubt ; affliction past all meane Hath brought my age on : but , in seasons past , Both Mars and Pallas , haue with boldnesse grac'st ; And Fortitude my fortunes ; when I chus'd Choise men for ambush , prest to haue produc'd Ill to mine enemies ; my too ventrous spirit , Set neuer death before mine eyes , for merit . But ( farre the first aduanc't still ) still I stroo●● Dead with my Lance , whoeuer ouertooke My speed of foot . Such was I then for warre . But rusticke actions , euer fled me farre , And houshold thrift , which breeds a famous race . In Ore-driuen Ships , did I my pleasures place : In Battailes , light Darts , Arrowes . Sad things all , And into others thoughts , with horror fall . But what God put into my minde : to me I still esteem'd as my felicity . As men , of seuerall Mettals are addrest ; So , seuerall formes are in their soules imprest . Before the sonnes of Greece , set foot in Troy , Nine times , in Chiefe , I did Command enioy Of Men and Ships , against our forreigne foe ; And all I fitly wish't , succeeded so . Yet , after this , I much exploit atchieu'd ; VVhen straight , my house in all possessions thriu'd . Yet after that , I great , and Reuerend grew Amongst the Cretans : till the Thunderer drew Our Forces out , in his foe - Tray decrees . A hatefull seruice , that dissolu'd the knees Of many a Soldier . And to this was I And famous Idomene , enioyn'd t' apply Our ships and powrs . Nor was there to be heard One reason for deniall ; so prefer'd Was the vnreasonable peoples rumor . Nine yeares we therefore fed the martiall humor ; And in the tenth ( de-peopling 〈◊〉 Towne ) We sail'd for home . But God had quickly blowne Our Fleete in peeces ; and to w●●tched mee , The Counsailor Io●e , did much mishap decree . For , onely one month , I had leaue t' enioy My wife , and children ; and my goods t' employ . But , after this , my minde for 〈◊〉 stoode ; When nine faire ships , I rig'd forth for the flood : Mann'd them with noble ●ouldiers : all things fit For such a voyage , soone were won to it . Yet sixe dayes after , staid my friends in feast ; VVhile I , in banquets to the Gods , addrest Much sacred matter for their sacrifice . The seauenth , we boorded ; and the Northerne skies Lent vs a franke , and passing prosperous gale , Fore which , we bore as free and easie ●aile , As we had back't a full and frolicke tide ; Nor felt one Ship misfortune for her pride ; But safe we sat , our Sailors and the winde Consenting in our conuoy . VVhen heauen shin'de In sacred radiance of the fift faire day : To sweetly-water'd Egypt reach't our way , And there we anchor'd : where I charg'd my men To stay aboord , and watch . Dismissing then Some scouts , to get the hill-tops , and discouer , They ( to their owne intemperance giuen ouer ) Straight fell to forrage the rich fields ; and thence Enforce both wiues and infants , with th' expence Of both their bloods . When straight the rumor flew Vp to the City : ( which heard ) vp they drew By daies first breake ; and all the field was fild VVith foot & horse ; whose Armes did all things gild . And then the Lightning-louing Deity , cast A foule flight on my soldiers : nor stood fast One man ▪ of all . About whom Mischiefe stood , And with his stern steele , drew in streames the blood , The greater part ●ed in their dissolute vaines : The rest were sau'd , and made enthralled Swaines , To all the basest vsages there bred . And then , euen Io●e himselfe supplyed my head ▪ VVith sauing counsaile ; ( though I wisht to dye , And there in Egypt , with their slaughters lye , So much griefe seiz'd me ) but I●●e made me yeild ; Dishelme my head , take from my necke , my shield : Hurle from my hand my Lance , and to the troop Of horse , the King led , instantly made vp ; Embrac● and kisse his knees ; whom pitty wun To giue me safety , and ( to make me shun The peoples outrage , that made in amaine , All ioyntly fir'd , with thirst to see me slaine ) He tooke me to his Chariot , weeping home ; Himselfe with feare of Io●es wrath ouercome , VVho yeelding soules receiues ; and takes most ill All such as well may saue , yet loue to kill . Seuen yeares I soiourn'd heere , and treasure gat In good abundance of th' Egyptian state : For all would giue . But when th' eight yeare began : A knowing Fellow ( that would gnaw a man Like to a Vermine , with his hellish braine , And many an honest soule , euen quicke had slaine ; VVhose name was Phoenix ) close accosted me : And with insinuations , such as he Practis'd on others , my consent he gain'd To go into Phoenicia ; where remain'd His house , and liuing . And with him I liu'd ▪ A compleat yeare . But , when were all arriu'd The months and daies : and that the yeare againe VVas turning round ; and euery seasons raigne Renew'd vpon vs ; we for Lybia went : VVhen ( still inuenting crafts to circumuent ) He made pretext , that I should onely go And helpe conuey his freight ; but thought not so : For his intent was , to haue sold me there , And made good gaine , for finding me a yeare . Yet him I follow'd , though suspecting this : For , being aboord his Ship , I must be his Of strong Necessity . She ran the flood ( Driuen with a Northerne gale , right free , and good ) Amids the full streame , full on Crete . But then , Ioue plotted death to him , and all his men . For ( put off quite from Crete , and so farre gone That Shore was lost ; and we set eye on none : But all shew'd heauen and sea ) aboue our Keele Ioue pointed right , a cloud as blacke as hell : Beneath which , all the sea hid ; and from whence Ioue thunder'd , as his hand would neuer thence . And thicke into our Ship , he threw his flash : That'gainst a Rocke , or Flat , her Keele did dash VVith headlong Rapture . Of the sulphure all Her bulke did sauour ; and her men let fall Amids the Surges : on which , all lay tost Like Sea-guls , round about her sides , and lost . And So , God tooke , all home-returne from them . But Ioue himselfe ( though plung'd in that extream ) Recouer'd me , by thrusting on my hand The Ships long Mast. And ( that my life might stand A little more vp ) I embrac't it round ; And on the rude windes , that did ruines sound , Nine dayes we houer'd . In the tenth blacke night A huge Sea cast me on Thesprotia's height : VVhere the Heroe Phidon , that was chiefe Of all the Thesprotes ; gaue my wracke reliefe , VVithout the price of that redemption That Phoenix fish't for . VVhere the Kings lou'd son Came to me ; tooke me by the hand , & led Into his Court ; my poore life surffetted VVith cold and labour : and because my wrack Chanc't on his Fathers Shore : he let not lack My plight ; or coate , or cloake , or any thing Might cherish heate in me . And heere the King , Said , he receiu'd Vlysses as his Guest ; Obseru'd him Friend-like ; and his course addrest Home to his country : shewing there to me Vlysses goods . A very Treasurie Of Brasse , & Gold , & Steele of curious frame . And to the tenth succession of his name He laid vp wealth enough , to serue beside In that Kings house ; so hugely amplified His treasure was . But from his Court , the King Affirm'd him ship't , for the Dodonean Spring : To heare , from out the high-hair'd Oake of Ioue , Counsaile from him : for meanes to his remoue To his lou'd country , whence so many a yeare He had bene absent ; If he should appeare Disguisd , or manifest : and further swore In his mid Court , at Sacrifice , before These very eyes ; that he had ready there Both Ship and Souldiers , to attend and beare Him to his country . But before ; it chanc't That a Thesprotean Ship , was to be lanch't For the much-corne-renown'd Dulichian Land : In which , the King gaue to his men command To take , and bring me vnder tender hand To King Acastus . But , in ill designe Of my poore life , did their desires combine ; So farre forth , as might euer keepe me vnder In fortunes hands , and teare my state in sunder . And when the water-treader , farre away Had left the Land : then plotted they the day Of my long ●eruitude ; and tooke from me Both coate and cloake , and all things that might be Grace in my habit ; and in place , put on These tatter'd rags , which now you see vpon My wretched bosom . When heauens light took * sea ▪ They fetcht the Field-workes of faire Ith●ca ; And in the arm'd Ship , with a wel-wreath'd cord They streightly bound me , and did all disbord To shore to supper , in contentious ●out . Yet straight , the Gods themselues , tooke from about My pressed limbes the bands , with equall ease ; And I ( my head in rags wrapt ) tooke the Seas , Descending by the smooth sterne ; vsing then My hands for Oares ; and made from these bad men Long way , in little time . At last , I fetcht A goodly Groue of Okes ; whose Shore I recht , And cast me prostrate on it . When they knew My thus-made-scape , about the Shores they flew : But ( soone not finding ) held it not their best To seeke me further ; but return'd to rest Aboord their Vessell . Me , the Gods lodg'd close , Conducting me into the safe repose A good mans stable yeelded . And thus , Fate This poore houre added , to my liuing date . O wretch of Guests ( said he ) thy Tale hath stirr'd My minde to much ruth : both how thou hast err'd And suffer'd hearing , in such good parts showne : But what thy chang'd relation would make knowne About Vlysses ; I hold neither true , Nor will beleeue : and what need'st thou pursue A Lye so rashly ? Since he sure is so As I conceiue ; for which , my skill shall go . The safe returne my King lackes , cannot be ; He is so enuied of each Deity , So cleere , so cruelly . For not in Troy They gaue him end ; nor let his Corpse enioy The hands of Friends ( which well they might haue done ▪ He manag'd armes to such perfection ; And should haue had his Sepulcher , and all ; And all the Greekes to grace his Funerall : And this had giuen a glory to his Son Through all times future . ) But his head is run Vnseene , vnhonor'd , into Harpies mawes . For my part , I le not meddle with the cause : I liue a separate life , amongst my Swine ; Come at no Towne for any need of mine ; Vnlesse the * circularly witted Queene ( When any farre-come guest , is to be seene That brings her newes ) commands me bring a Brawn ; About which ( all things being in question drawne , That touch the King ) they sit ; and some are sad For his long absence . Some againe , are glad To waste his goods vnwreak't ; all talking still . But , as for me , I nourish't little will T' enquire or question of him : since the man That faign'd himselfe , the fled Etolian , For slaughtering one , ( through many Regions straid ) In my Stall ( as his diuersory ) staide . VVhere well entreating him ; he told me then , Amongst the Cretans , with King Idomen , He saw Vlysses ; at his Ships repaire , That had bene brush't with the enraged aire : And that , in Summer , or in Autumne , sure VVith all his braue friends , and rich furniture , He would be heere : and nothing so , nor so . But thou , an old man , taught with so much wo As thou hast suffer'd , to be season'd true , And brought by his ●ate ; do not heere pursue His gratulations , with thy cunning Lies . Thou canst not soake so through my Faculties . For I did neuer , either honor thee Or giue thee loue , to bring these tales to me . But in my feare of Hospitable Ioue Thou didst to this passe , my affections moue . You stand exceeding much incredulous , ( Reply'd Vlysses ) to haue witnest thus My word , and Oath ; yet yeeld no trust at all . But make we now a couenant here , and call The dreadfull Gods to witnesse , that take seat In large Olympus : if your Kings retreat Proue made , euen hither ; you shall furnish me With cloake , and coate , and make my passage free For lou'd D●lichius . If ( as fits my vow ) Your King returne not ; let your seruants throw My old limbes headlong , from some rock most hye , That other poore men may take feare to lye . The Herdsman , that had gifts in him diuine , Replied ; O Guest , how shal this Fame of mine And honest vertue , amongst men , remaine Now , and heereafter , without worthy staine ; If I , that led thee to my Houe● heere , And made thee fitting hospitable cheere , Should after kill thee ; and thy lo●ed minde Force from thy bones ? Or how should stand enclin'd With any Faith , my will t' importune 〈◊〉 In any prayer heereafter , for his loue ? Come , now 't is supper 's houre ; and instant hast My men wil make home : when our sweet repast Wee 'le taste together . This discourse they held In mutual kinde ; when from a neighbor field , His Swine and Swine-herds came ▪ who in their coats Inclosd their Herds for sleepe : which , mighty throats Laid out in entring . Then , the God-like Swaine His men enioyn'd thus : Bring me to be slaine A chiefe Swine female , for my stranger Guest : VVhen , altogether we wil take our Fe●●t , Refreshing now our spirits , that all day take Paines in our Swines good : who may therfore make For our paines with them all , amends with one ; Since others eate our Labors , and take none ? This said ; his sharpe steele hew'd down wood , & they A passing fat Swine hal'd out of the Sty , Of fiue yeares old , which to the fire they put . VVhen first , E●m●eus from the Front did cut The sacred haire , and cast it in the fire ; Then , pray'd to heauen : for stil , before desire VVas seru'd with food , in their so rude abods , Not the poore Swine-herd would forget the Gods. Good soules they bore , how bad soeuer were The habits , ●hat their bodies parts did beare . VVhen all , the deathlesse Deities besought ▪ That wise Vlysses might be safely brought Home , to his house ; then with a logge of Oke Left lying by ( highlifting it ) a stroke He gaue so deadly , it made life expire . Then cut the rest , her throat ; and all in fire They hid and sindg'd her : cut her vp , and then , The Maister tooke the office from the men , VVho on the Altar did the parts impose That seru'd for sacrifice : beginning close About the belly ; thorough which he went , And ( all the chiefe fat gathering ) gaue it vent ( Part dreg'd with Flowre ) into the sacred flame ; Then cut they vp the ioynts , and roasted them : Drew all from spit , and seru'd in dishes all . Then rose E●maeus , ( who was General In skill to guide each act , his fit euent ) And ( all , in seuen parts cut ) the first part went To seruice of the Nymphs , and Mercury ; To whose names , he did Rites of piety In vowes particular ; and all the rest He shar'd to euery one : but his lou'd Guest He grac't with all the Chine ; and of that King To haue his heart chear'd , set vp euery string . VVhich he obseruing saide ; I would to Ioue ( Eumaeus ) thou liu'dst in his worthy loue As great as mine ; that giu'st to such a guest As my poore selfe , of all thy goods the best . Eumaeus answer'd ; Eate , vnhappy wretch , And to what heere is , at thy pleasure reach . This I haue ; this thou want'st : thus God will giue , Thus take away ; in vs , and all that liue . To his wil 's equall center , all things fall ; His minde he must haue , for he can do all . Thus hauing eate , and to his wine descended ; Before he seru'd his owne thirst , he commended The first vse of it , in fit sacrifice ( As of his meate ) to all the Deities . And to the City-racers hand , applide The second cup ; whose place was next his side : Mesaul●us did distribute the meate , ( To which charge , was Eumaeus solely set In absence of Vlysses ; by the Queene And old Laertes ) and this man had beene Bought by Eumaeus , with his faculties , Employ'd then in the Taphian Merchandise . But now ; to food apposde , and order'd thus , All fell . Desire suffic'd , Mesaulius Did take away . For bed then next they were , All throughly satisfied with compleat cheare . The night then came ; ill , and no Taper shind : Ioue rain'd her whole date . Th'euer wa●ry wind Zephyre blew lowd ; and Laertiades ( Approuing kinde Eum●●us carefulnes For his whole good ) made farre about assay , To get some cast-off Cassocke ( least he lay That rough night cold ) of him , or any one Of those his seruants : when he thus begun . Heare me E●m●us , and my other friends ; I le vse a speech that to my glory tends : Since I haue drunke wine past my vsuall guise ; Strong Wine commands the Foole , and mo●es the wise ; Moues and impels him too , to sing and dance , And breake in pleasant laughters ; and ( perchance ) Preferre a speech too , that were better in . But when my spirits , once to speake begin , I shall not then dissemble . Would to heauen , I were as yong , and had my forces driuen As close together , as when once our powres VVe led to ambush , vnder th' Ilio● Towres : VVhere Ithacus , and Me●el●●● were The two Commanders ; when it pleas'd them there To take my selfe for third ; when to the Towne And lofty wals we led , we couch't close downe All arm'd , amids the Osiers , and the Reeds , Which oftentimes th'ore-flowing Riuer feeds . The cold night came ; and th'l●y Northerne gale Blew bleake vpon vs : after which , did fall A snow so cold , it cut , as in it bea●e A frozen water ; which was all concrete About our Shields like Cristall . All made ●aine ( Aboue our armes ) to cloathe , and cloathe againe . And so we made good shift ( our shields beside Clapt close vpon our cloathes ) to rest and hide From all discouery . But I ( poore foole ) Left my weeds with my men , because so coole I thought it could not proue : which thoght , my pride A little strengthen'd ; being loth to hide A goodly glittering garment I had on . And so I follow'd with my shield alone , And that braue weed . But when the night nere ended Her course on earth , and that the starres descended , I●iog'd Vlysses ( who lay passing neare ) And spake to him , that had a nimble eare ; Assuring him , that long I could not lye Amongst the liuing ; for the feruencie Of that sharpe night would kill me ; since as then , My euill Angell , made me with my men Leaue all weeds , but a fine one . But I know 'T is vaine to talke ; here wants all remedy now . This said ; he bore that vnderstanding part In his prompt spirit , that still show'd his Art In Fight and counsell ; saying ( in a word , And that low whisper'd ) Peace , least you afford Some Greeke , note of your softnes . No word mor● , But made as if his sterne austerity , bore My plight no pitty . Yet ( as still he lay His head reposi●g on his hand ) gaue way To this inuention ; Heare me friends , a Dreame ( That was of some celestiall light a beame ) Stood in my sleepe before me : prompting me VVith this fit notice : we are farre ( saide he ) From out our Fleet. Let one go then , and try If Agamemnon wil affoord supply To what we now are strong . This stirr'd a speed In Thoas to th' affaire . Whose purple weede He left for hast . Which then I tooke , and lay In quiet after , til the dawne of day . This shift Vlysses made for one in neede ; And would to heauen , that youth such spirit did feed Now in my Nerues ; and that my ioynts were knit , VVith such a strength , as made me then held fit To leade men with Vlysses . I should then Seeme worth a weed , that fit 's a herdsmans men : For two respects , to gaine a thankfull frend ; And to a good mans neede , a good extend . O Father ( said Eumaeus ) thou hast showne Good cause for vs , to giue thee good 〈◊〉 Not vsing any word , that was not freed From all least ill . Thou therefore , shalt not need Or coate , or other thing , that aptly may Beseeme a wretched suppliant , for 〈◊〉 Of this nights neede . But when her golden ●hrone The Morne ascends , you must resum● your 〈◊〉 For , heere you must not dreame of many 〈◊〉 , Or any change at all . VVe serue our needs , As you do yours : One backe , one coate . But when Vlysses loued sonne returnes , he then Shal giue you coat and cassocke ; and bestow Your person where , your heart and soule is now . This said , he rose ; made neere the fire his bed , VVhich all with Goats and Sheep-skins , he bespred . All which , Vlysses with himselfe d●d line . VVith whom , besides , he chang'd a gabberdine ▪ Thicke lin'd , and soft ; which stil he made his shift , VVhen he would dresse him gainst the horrid drift Of Tempest ; when deepe winters season blowes . Nor pleasde it him to lye there with his Sowes , But while Vlysses slept there : and close by The other yonkers , he abroad would●ly , And therefore arm'd him . VVhich set cheerefull fare Before Vlysses heart ; to see such care Of his goods taken ; how farre off soeuer His fate , his person , and his wealth should seuer . First then ; a sharpe edg'd sword , he girt about His well-spred shoulders ; and ( to shelter out The sharpe VVest wind that blew ) he put him on A thick-lin'd Iacket ; and yet cast vpon All that , the large hide of a Goat , well fed . A Lance then tooke he , with a keene steele head , To be his keepe-off , both 'gainst Men and Dogges : And thus went he to rest with his male Hogges , That still abroad lay , vnderneath a Rocke : Shield to the North-winds euer eager shocke . The End of the Fourteenth Booke of Homers Odysses . THE FIFTEENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . MInerua , to his Natiue seate Exhorts Vlysses sonnes retreate , In ●ed , and waking . He receiues Gifts of Atrides ; and so leaues The Spartan Court. And , going ab●ord Doth fauourable way affo●rd To Theoclymenus ; that was The Argiue A●gure , and sought passe ; Fled for a slaughter he had done . Eumaeus tels Laertes son , How he became his Fathers Man ; Being sold by the Phoenician For some agreed on Faculties ; From forth the Syrian Isle , made prise . Telemachus arriu'd at home , Doth to Eumaeus Cottage come . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 From Sparta's strand makes safe ac●esse To his own● Land Vlyssides . IN Laced●mon , large , and apt for dances ; Athenian Pallas , her accesse aduances Vp to the great in soule , Vlysses seed , Suggesting his returne , now fit for deed . She found both him , and Nestors noble son In bed ; in front of that faire Mans●on : Nestorides surpriz'd with pleasing sleepe . But , on the watch Vlysses sonne did keepe , Sleepe could not enter : cares did so excite His soule , through all the solitary night , For his lou'd Father . To him ( neere ) she said : Telemachus ! T is time that now were staid Thy forreigne trauailes ; since thy goods are free For those proud men , that all will eate from thee : Diuide thy whole possessions , and leaue Thy too-late presence nothing to receiue . Incite the shrill-voic't Me●elaus then , To send thee to thy Natiue seat agen ; VVhile thou mayst yet finde in her honor strong Thy blamelesse Mother , 'gainst thy Father's wrong . For both the Father , and the Brothers to Of thy lou'd Mother , will not suffer so Extended any more , her widdowes bed ; But make her now , her richest wooer wed , Eurymachus : who chiefly may augment Her gifts , and make her ioynture eminent . And therefore hast thee ; least in thy despight , Thy house stand empty of thy Natiue right . For well thou know'st what mind a woman beares , The house of him , who euer she endeares Her selfe in Nuptials to : she sees encreast , The yssue of her first lou'd Lord deceast , Forgotten quite , and neuer thought on more . In thy returne then , the re-counted store Thou find'st reseru'd ; to thy most trusted Maid Commit in guard , till heauens pow'rs haue puruaid A wife in vertue , and in beauties grace Of fit sort for thee , to supply her place . And this note more I le giue thee ; which repose In sure remembrance : The best sort of those , That woo thy Mother , watchfull scouts addresse , Both in the streights of th' Ithacensian Seas , And dusty Samos ; with intent t' inuade And take thy life , ere thy returne be made . VVhich yet , I thinke will faile : and some of them That waste thy fortunes , taste of that extream They plot for thee . But keepe off farre from shore , And day and night saile : for , a fore-right blore VVho euer of th'Immortals , that vow guard And scape to thy returne , will see prepar'd . As soone as thou arriu'st , dismisse to Towne Thy Ship and Men : and first of all , make downe To him that keepes thy Swine , and doth conceiue A tender care to see thee well suruiue . There sleepe ; and send him to the Towne , to tell The chast Penelope , that safe and well Thou liu'st in his charge ; and that Pyl●s sands The place contain'd , from whence thy person Lands . Thus she , to large Olympus , made ascent . VVhen , with his heele , a little touch he lent To Nestors son ; whose sleepes sweet chain 's he losde ; Bad rise , and see in Chariot inclosde Their one-hoou'd horse ; that they might strait bee gone . No such haste ( he replied ) night holds her throne , And dims all way , to course of Chariot . The Morne will soone get vp . Nor see forgot The gifts with hast , that will , I know , be rich ; And put into our Coach with gracious speech , By Lance-fam'd Menelaus . Not a Guest Shall touch at his house , but shall store his brest With fit mind of an hospitable man , To last as long as any daylight can His eyes re-comfort ; in such gifts as he Will proofes make of his hearty royalty . He had no sooner said ; but vp arose Aurora , that the Golden hils repose . And Menelaus ( good at martiall cries ) From Hellens bed raisde , to his Guest applies His first apparance . VVhose repaire made knowne T' Vlysses lou'd sonne : On , his robe was throwne About his gracious body : his cloake cast Athwart his ample shoulders ; and in hast Abroad he went ; and did the King accost . Atrides , guarded with heauens deified hoste ; Grant now remission to my Natiue right : My minde now vrging mine owne houses sight . Nor will I stay ( saide he ) thy person long , Since thy desires to go , are growne so strong . I should my selfe be angry to sustein The like detention , vrg'd by other men . Who loues a guest past Meane , past Meane will hate ; The Meane in all acts , beares the best estate . A like ill 't is , to thrust out such a guest , As would not go ; as to detaine the rest . VVe should a guest loue , while he loue 's to stay , And when he like 's not , giue him louing way . Yet suffer so , that we may gifts impose In Coach to thee . Which ere our hands enclose , Thine eies shall see ; lest else , our loues may glose . Besides , I le cause our women to prepare VVhat our house yeelds ; and meerely so much fare As may suffise for health . Both , well will do ; Both for our honor , and our profit to . And seruing strength with food , you after may As much earth measure , as wil match the day . If you will turne your course from sea , and go Through Greece and Argos : ( that my selfe may so Keepe kinde way with thee ) I le ioyne horse , & guide T' our humane Cities . Nor vngratifide VVill any one remit vs : some one thing VVill each present vs , that along may bring Our passe with loue ; and proue our vertues blaz'd : A Caldron or a Tripod , richly braz'd . Two Mules ; a bowle of Gold , that hath his price Heightn'd with Emblemes of some rare deuice . The wise Prince answer'd : I would gladly go Home , to mine owne ; and see that gouern'd so That I may keepe , what I for certaine hold . Not hazard that , for onely hop't for Gold : I left behind me , none , so all wayes fit To giue it guard ; as mine owne trust with it . Besides , in this broad course which you propose ; My Father seeking ; I my selfe may lose . VVhen this , the shrill-voic't Menelaus heard ; He charg'd his Queene and Maids , to see prepar'd Breakfast , of what the whole house held for best . To him , rose Et●●●eus from his rest ; VVhose dwelling was not farre off from the Court ; And his attendance , his command did sort , VVith kindling fires , and furth'ring all the rost , In act of whose charge heard , no time he lost . Himselfe then , to an odorous roome descended , VVhom Megapenthe , and his Queene attended . Come to his treasury ; a two-ear'd cup He chusde of all , and made his Sonne beare vp A Siluer bowle . The Queene then taking stand Aside her Chist ; where ( by her owne faire hand Lay Vests , of all hues wrought ) She tooke out one Most large , most Artfull : chiefly faire ; and shone Like to a Star ; and lay of al , the last . Then through the house , with eithers gift they past ; VVhen to Vlysses sonne , Atrides said : Telemachus : since so entirely swaid Thy thoghts are , with thy vow'd return , now tender'd ; May Iuno's thundring husband , see it render'd Perfect at all parts ; action answering thought . Of all the rich gifts , in my treasure , sought I giue thee heere , the most in grace , and best . A Bowle , but Siluer ; yet the brims comprest With Gold ; whose fabricke his desert doth bring From Vulcans hand . Presented by the King And great Heroe of Sydonia's State ; VVhen at our parting he did consummate His whole house keeping . This do thou command . This said ; he put the round Bowle in his hand ; And then , his strong son Meg●penthe plac't The Siluer cup before him ; amply grac't VVith worke , and luster . Hellen ( standing by ; And in her hand , the Robe , her huswifery ) His name remembring , said : And I present ( Lou'd sonne ) this gift to thee ; the Monument Of the so-many-loued Hellens hands : VVhich , at the knitting of thy Nuptiall bands Present thy wife . In meane space , may it ly By thy lou'd Mother ; but to me apply Thy pleasure in it . And thus , take thy way To thy faire house , and Countries wished stay . Thus gaue she to his hands , the veile ; and he , The acceptation author'd ioyfully . Which in the Chariots Chist , Pisi●ratus Plac't with the rest , and held miraculous . The yellow-headed King then , led them all , To seates and Thrones plac't , in his spacious Hall. The Hand-maid , water brought , and gaue it stream From out a faire and golden Ewre to them . From whose hands , to a siluer Caldron , fled The troubl'd waue . A bright boord then she spred : On which , another reuerend Dame set bread : To which , more seruants , store of victuals seru'd ▪ Et●onaeus was the man that keru'd ; And Megapenthe fil'd them all their wine . All fed , and dranke ; till all felt care decline For those refreshings . Both the Guests did go To horse , and coach ; and forth the Portico A little issu'd : When the yellow King Brought wine himselfe : that , with an Offering To all the Gods , they might their iourney take . He stood before the Gods ; and thus he spake . Farewell yong Princes : to graue Nestors eare This salutation from my gratitude , beare : That I professe in all our Ilion warres He stood , a carefull Father to my cares . To him the wise Vlyssides , replied : VVith all our vtmost shall be signified ( Ioue-kept Atrides ) your right royall will : A●d would to God , I could as wel fulfill Mine owne mindes gratitude , for your free grace ; In telling to Vlysses , in the place Of my returne ; in what accomplish't kind I haue obtain'd the office of a friend At your deseruings : whose faire end you crowne With gifts so many ; and of such renowne . His wish , that he might finde in his retreat His Father safe return'd ( to so repeat The Kings loue to him ) was saluted thus ; An Eagle rose ; and in her Seres did trusse A Goose , all white , & huge : A houshold one , VVhich , men and women ( crying out vpon ) Pursu'd : but she ( being neere the guests ) her flight Made on their righthand ; and kept still fore-right Before their horses : which obseru'd by them , The spirits in all their minds tooke ioyes extream ; VVhich Nestors son thus question'd : Ioue-kept King , Yeild your graue thoughts , if this ostentfull thing ( This Eagle , and this Goose ) touch vs , or you ? He put to study , and not knowing how To giue fit answer ; Hellen tooke on her Th'ostents solution , and did this prefer . Heare me , and I will play the Prophets part , As the immortals cast it in my heart ; And ( as I thinke ) will make the true sense knowne : As this Ioues Bird , from out the Mountaines flowne ( Where was her Arie ; and whence rose her race ) Trust vp this Goose , that from the house did grase ; So shall Vlysses ( coming from the wilde Of Seas and sufferings ) reach , vnreconcil'd His Natiue home : where euen this houre he is : And on those house-fed woo'rs , those wrongs of his , VVill shortly wreake , with all their miseries . O ( said Telemachus ) if Saturnian Ioue , To my desires , thy deare presage approue ; VVhen I arriue , I will performe to thee My daily vowes , as to a Deity . This said ; he vsde his scourge vppon the horse , That through the City freely made their course To Field ; and all day , made that first speed , good . But when the Sun-set , and Obscur●●●● stood In each mans way ; they ended their accesse At Pheras , in the house of Diocles , Sonne to Orsilochus , Alpheus seede ; VVho gaue them guest-rites : and sleeps naturall need They that night seru'd there . VVhen 〈◊〉 rose , They ioyn'd their horse : tooke coach , and did dispose Their course for Py●os ; whose high City , soon They reach 't . Nor would Telemachus be woon To Nestors house : and therefore order'd thus His speech to Nestors son , Pisistratus ; How shall I win thy promise to a grace That I must aske of thee ? we both imbrace The names of Bed-fellowes ; and in that name VVill glory as an Adiunct of our fame : Our Fathers friendship : our owne equall age ; And our ioynt trauaile , may the more engage Our mutuall concord . Do not then assay ( My God-lou'd friend ) to leade me from my way ▪ To my neere Ship ; but take a course direct And leaue me there ; least thy old Sires respect ( In his * desire to loue me ) hinder so My way for home , that haue such need to go . This said ; Nestorides held all discourse In his kinde soule , how best he might enforce Both promise and performance ; which , at last He vow'd to venture ; and directly cast His horse about , to fetch the Ship and Shore . Where , come : His frends most louely gifts , he bore Aboord the Ship ; and in her hin-deck plac't The vaile that Hellens curious hand had grac't ; And Menelaus Gold : and said , Away ; Nor let thy men , in any least date , stay : But quite put off , ere I get home , and tell The old Duke , you are past : for passing well I know his minde , to so exceed all force Of any pray'r ; That he wil stay your course : Himselfe make hither , All your course call backe ; And when he hath you , haue no thought to racke Him from his bounty ; and to let you part VVithout a Present : but be vext at heart With both our pleadings ; if we once but moue The least repression of his fiery loue . Thus took he coach : his faire-man'd steeds scourg'd on Along the Pylian City : and anon His Fathers Court reacht . VVhile Vlysses Sonne Bad boord , and arme ; which with a thought was done ▪ His Rowers set , and he rich Odors firing In his hin-decke ; for his secure retiring To great * Athenia : To his Ship came flying A Stranger , and a Prophet ; as relying On wished passage : hauing newly slaine A man at Argos : yet his Races vaine ●ow'd from Melampus ; who in former date In ●ylos liu'd , and had a huge estate . But fled his countrey ; and the punishing hand Of great-soul'd Neleus , in a forreigne Land From that most famous Mortall ; hauing held A world of riches : nor could be compeld To render restitution in a yeare . In meane space , liuing as close prisoner In Court of Phylacus : and for the sake Of Neleus daughter , mighty cares did take ; Together with a greeuous Languor sent From graue * Erynnis , that did much torment His vexed conscience ; yet his lifes expence He scapt , and draue the loud-voic't Oxen thence , To breed-sheepe Pylos ; bringing vengeance thus Her foule demerit , to great Neleus ; And to his Brothers house reduc't his wife : Who yet from Pylos , did remoue his life For feed-horse Argos ; where his Fate set downe A dwelling for him : and in much renowne Made gouerne many Argiues : where , a Spouse He tooke to him , and built a famous house . There had he borne to him Antiphates , And forcefull Mantius . To the first of these VVas great Oiclaeus borne : Oiclaeus gate Amph●araus , that the popular State Had all their health in : whom , euen from his heart Ioue lou'd ; and Phoebus in the whole desert Of friendship hel'd him . Yet not blest so much That Ages threshold , he did euer touch : But lost his life , by * Female bribery . Yet two sonnes author'd his posterity ; Alcinaon , and renown'd Amphilochus . Mantius had yssue ; Polyphidius , And Clytus : But Aurora rauish't him , For excellence of his admired lim ; And interested him amongst the Gods. His Brother knew , mens good and bad abods The best of all men ; after the decease Of him that perish't in vnnaturall peace At spacious Thebes . Apollo did inspire His knowing soule with a Propheticke fire . VVho ( angry with his Father ) tooke his way To Hyperesia ; where ( making stay ) He prophesied to all men ; and had there A Sonne call'd Theoclymenus ; who here Came to Telemachus ; and found abord Himselfe at Sacrifice ; whom in a word He thus saluted : O Friend , since I finde Euen heere at Ship , a sacrificing minde Informe your actions : By your sacrifice ; And by that worthy choise of Deities , To whom you offer : by your selfe , and all , These men that serue your course maritimall ; Tell one that askes , the truth : Nor giue it glose , Both who , and whence you are ? From what seed rose Your royall person ? And what Cities Tow'rs Hold habitation , to your parents pow'rs ? He answer'd : Stranger ! The sure truth is this ; I am of Ithaca ; my Father is ( Or was ) Vlysses : but austere death , now Takes his state from him ; whose euent to know , ( Himselfe being long away ) I set forth thus With ship and souldiers : Th●oclymenus , As freely said ; And I to thee am fled From forth my country ; for a man strooke dead By my vnhappy hand : who was with me Of one selfe-Tribe ; and of his pedigree Are many Friends and Brothers : and the sway Of Achiue Kindred , reacheth farre away . From whom ( because I feare their spleenes suborne Blood , and blacke fate against me ( being borne To be a wandrer among forreigne men ) Make thy faire ship , my rescue ; and sustein My life from slaughter . Thy deseruings may Performe that m●r●y : and to them I pray . Nor will I barre ( said he ) thy will to make My meanes and equall ship , thy ayde : but take ( With what wee haue heere , in all friendly vse ) Thy life from any violence that pursues . Thus tooke he in , his Lance ; and it extended Aloft the hatches ; which himselfe ascended . The Prince tooke seate at Sterne : on his right hand , Set Theoclymenus ; and gaue command To all his men , to arme ; and see made fast Amidst the hollow Keele , the Beechen Mast VVith able hal●ers ; hoise saile , lanch : which soone He saw obay'd . And then his Ship did runne A merry course : Blew-ey'd Minerua sent A fore-right gale ; tumultuous , vehement , Along the aire ; that her waies vtmost yeeld The ship might make , and plough the brackish field . Then set the Sun , and Night black't all the waies . The ship ( with Ioues wind wing'd ) wher th' Epian swaies Fetcht ●heras first : then Elis , the diuine ; And then for those Isles made , that Sea-ward shine , For forme and sharpnesse , like a Lances head . About which , lay the wooers ambushed . On which he rush't , to try if he could scape His plotted death ; or serue Her treacherous Rape . And now returne we to Eumaeus Shed ; VVhere ( at their foode with others marshalled ) Vlysses , and his noble Herdsman sate ; To try if whose loues curious estate Stood firme to his abode , or felt it fade ; And so would take each best cause to perswade His Guest to Towne ; Vlysses thus contends : Heare me , Eumaeus , and ye other Friends . Next Morne , to Towne I couet to be gone , To beg some others almes ; not still charge one . Aduise me well then ; and as well prouide I may be fitted with an honest guide . For through the streets ( since Need will haue it so ) I le tread , to try if any will bestow A dish of drinke on me , or bit of bread , Till to Vlysses house I may be led ▪ And there I le tell all-wise Penelope , newes : Mix with the wooers pride ; and ( since they vse To fare aboue the full ) their hands excite To some small Feast , from out their infinite : For which , I le waite , and play the Seruingman , Fairely enough ; command the most they can . For I will tell thee ; note me well , and heare , That if the will be of heauens Messenger , ( VVho to the workes of men , of any sort Can grace infuse , and glory ) nothing short Am I of him , that doth to most aspire In any seruice : as to builde a Fire , To cleaue sere wood : to roast , or boile their meat ; To waite at boord , mixe wine , or know the Neate ; Or any worke , in which the poore-cal'd worst , To serue the rich-cal'd best , in Fate are forc't . He , angry with him , said ; Alas poore Guest , VVhy did this counsaile euer touch thy brest ? Thou seek'st thy vtter spoyle beyond all doubt , If thou giu'st venture on the Wooers rout : VVhose wrong the force , affects the Iron heauen . Their light delights , are farre from being giuen To such graue Seruitors . Youths richly trick't In coats or Cassocks ; Lockes diuinely slickt , And lookes most rapting ; euer haue the gift To taste their crown'd cups , ●and full Trenchers shift . Their Tables euer like their Glasses shine ; Loaded with bread , with varied flesh , and wine . And thou ? go thither ? Stay : for heere do none Grudge at thy presence : nor my selfe , nor one Of all I feed . But when Vlysses sonne Againe shall greet vs , he shall put thee on Both coat and cassocke ; and thy quicke retreat Set , where thy heart and soule desire thy seat . Industrious Vlysses , gaue reply : I still much wish , that heauens chiefe Deity Lou'd thee , as I do ; that hast easde my minde Of woes and wandrings , neuer yet confin'de . Nought is more wretched in a 〈…〉 , Then Countries want , and shift from place to place . But for the banefull belly , men take care Beyond good counsaile : whosoeuer are In compasse of the wants it vndergoes , By wandrings losses , or dependant woes . Excuse me therefore , if I err'd at home : VVhich since thou wilt make heere ( as ouercome VVith thy command for stay ) I le take on me Cares appertaining to this place , like thee . Does then Vlysses Sire , and Mother breath ? Both whom he left , in th'age next doore to death ? Or are they breathlesse , and descended where The darke house is , that neuer day doth cleere ? Laertes liues ( saide he ) but euery howre Beseecheth Ioue to take from him the powre That ioynes his life and limbes : for with a mone That breeds a meruaile , he laments his sonne Depriu'd by death . And addes to that , another Of no lesse depth ; for that dead sonnes dead Mother : VVhom he a Virgin wedded : which the more Makes him lament her losse ; and doth deplore Yet more her misse , because her wombe the truer Was to his braue sonne ; and his slaughter slue her . VVhich last loue to her , doth his li●e engage , And makes him liue an vndigested age . O! such a death she died , as neuer may Seize any one , that heere beholds the day ; That either is to any man , a friend , Or can a woman kill in such a kind . As long as she had Being , I would be A still Inquirer ( since t' was deere to me , Though death to her , to heare his name ) when she Heard of Vlysses : for I might be bold ; She brought me vp , and in her loue did hold My life , compar'd with long-vail'd 〈◊〉 , Her yongest yssue ( in some small degree Her daughter yet prefer'd ) a braue yong Dame. But when of youth the dearely loued * Flame VVas lighted in vs ; marriage did prefer The maide to Samos ; whence was sent for her Infinite riches : when , the Queene bestow'd A faire new suite , new shooes , and all ; and vow'd Me to the field . But passing loth to part , As louing me , more then she lou'd her hart . And these I want now ; but their businesse growes Vpon me daily . Which the Gods impose , To whom I hold all ; giue account to them , For I see none , left to the Diadem , That may dispose all better . So , I drinke And eate of what is heere ; and whom I think VVorthy or reuerend , I haue giuen to still These kinds of Guest-ri●es : for the houshold ill ( VVhich where the Queene is , ryots ) takes her stil From thought of these things . Nor is it delight To heare from her plight ; of or worke , or word ; The woo●rs spoyle all . But yet my men , will bord Her sorrowes often , with discourse of all : Eating and drinking of the Festiuall That there is kept ; and after bring to field Such things as seruants make their pleasures yield . O me ( Eumaeus ) saide Laertes sonne , Hast thou then err'd so , of a little one ? ( Like me ? ) From friends , and country ? pray thee say , ( And say a Truth ) doth vast Destruction lay Her hand vpon the wide-way'd * Seat of men ? VVhere dwelt thy Sire , and reuerend Mother then ? That thou art spar'd there ? Or else , set alone In guard of Beeues , or Sheepe : Set th' enemy on ; Surprisde , and Shipt ? transfer'd , and sold thee heere ? He that bought thee , paid well ; yet bought not deere . Since thou enquir'st of that , my guest ( said he ) Heare and be silent : and meane space , sit free In vse of these cups , to thy most delights ; * Vnspeakable , in length now , are the Nights . Those that affect sleepe yet ; to sleepe haue leaue ; Those that affect to heare , their hearers giue . But sleep not ere your houre ; Much sleep d●th grieue . VVho euer lists to sleepe ; Away to bed : Together with the morning raise his head : Together with his fellowes , breake his fast ; And then , his Lords Herd , driue to their repast . VVe two , still in our Tabernacle heere , Drinking & eating ; will our bosomes cheere VVith memories , and tales of our annoyes . Betwixt his sorrowes , euery Humane ioyes . He most , who most hath felt ; and furthest err'd : And now thy wil ; to act , shall be preferr'd . There is an Isle aboue Ortygi● ( If thou hast heard ) they call it Syria ; VVhere , once a day , the Sun moues backwards still . T is not so great as good ; for it doth fill The fields with Oxen ; fils them still with Sheepe ; Fils roofes with wine , & makes al Come there cheap : No Dearth comes euer there ; nor no Disease , That doth , with hate , vs wretched mortals sease . But when mens varied Nations , dwelling there In any City , enter th' aged yeare : The Siluer-bow-bearer ( the Sun ) and she , That beares as much renowne for Archery ; Stoop with their painles shafts , & strike them dead , As one would sleepe , and neuer keepe the bed . In this Isle stand two Cities : betwixt whome All things , that of the soiles fertility come , In two parts are diuided . And both these , My Father ruld ; ( Ctesius Ormenides ) A man , like the immortals . With these States , The crosse-biting Phaenissians , traffick't rates Of infinit Merchandize , in ships brought there ; In which , they then , were held exempt from pere . There dwelt within my Fathers house , a Dame Borne a Phaenissian ; skilfull in the frame Of Noble Huswiferies ; right tall , and faire . Her , the Phaenissian great-wen●h-net-lai're , With sweet words circumuented , as she was VVashing her Linnen . To his amorous passe He brought her first , shor'd from his Sh●p to her ; To whom he did his whole life's loue prefer ; Which , of these brest-exposing Dames , the harts Deceiues ; though fashion'd of right honest parts . He askt her after , VVhat she was ? and whence ? She passing presently , the excellence Told of her Fathers Turrets ; and that she Might boast her selfe , sprung from the Progeny Of the rich Sydons : and the daughter was Of the much-yeare-reuennew'd Arybas . But , that the Taphian Pirats , made her prize , As she return'd from her field-huswiferies : Transfer'd her hither ; and at that mans house VVhere now she liu'd ; for value precious Sold her to th' Owner . He that stole her loue , Bad her againe , to her births seate remoue , To see the faire roofes of her friends againe ; Who still held state ▪ and did the port maintaine , Her selfe reported . She said , Be it so ; So you , and al that in your ship shall roe , Sweare to returne me , in all safety hence . All swore ; th' Oath past , with euery consequence : She bad , Be silent now ; and not a word Do you , or any of your friends afford , Meeting me afterward in any way ; Or at the washing Fount ; lest some display Be made , and told the old man : and he then Keepe me streight bound : To you , and to your men The vtter ruine , plotting of your liues . Keepe in firme thought then , euery word that striues For dangerous vtterance : Haste your ships ful freight Of what you Trafficke for ; and let me streight Know by some sent friend : * She hath all in hold , And ( with my selfe ) I le bring thence all the gold I can by all meanes finger : and beside , I le do my best , to see your freight supplide VVith some wel-weighing burthen of mine owne . For I bring vp , in house , a great mans sonne , As crafty as my selfe ; who will with me Run euery way along ; and I will be His Leader , till your Ship hath made him sure . He will an infinite great price procure Transfer him to what languag'd men ye may . This said ; She gat her home , and there made stay A whole yeare with vs ; Goods of great auaile Their Ship enriching . VVhich now , fit for saile : They sent a Messenger t' informe the Dame. And , to my fathers house a fellow came , Full of Phaenissian craft : that , to be sold A Tablet bought ; the body all of Gold , The Verge , all Amber . This had ocular view , Both by my honor'd Mother , and the crew Of her house-handmaids , handl'd ; and ●he price Beat ; askt , and promist . And while this deuice Lay thus vpon the Forge : this Ieweller Made priuy signes ( by winkes and wiles ) to her That was his obiect ; which she tooke , and he ( His signe seeing noted ) ●ied to Ship. VVhen she ( My hand still taking , as she vsde to do To walke abroad with her ) conuai'd me so Abroad with her ; and in the Portic● Found cups , with tasted Viands ; which the guests That vsde to flocke about my Fathers feasts Had left . They gone ( some to the Counsaile Court ; Some to heare newes amongst the talking sort ) Her Theft , three bowles into her lap conuaid ; And forth she went. Nor was my wit so staid To stay her , or my selfe . The Sun went downe , And shadowes round about the world were flowne , VVhen we came to the hauen ; in which did ride The swift Phaenissian Ship ; whose faire broad side They boorded straight : Tooke vs vp ; And all went Along the moyst waues . VVinde , Saturnius sent . Six dayes , we day and night sayl●d : But vvhen Ioue Put vp the seuenth day ; She , that shafts * doth loue , Shot dead the woman ; who into the pumpe Like to a Dop-chicke , diu'd ; and gaue a thumpe In her sad setling . Forth they cast her then To serue the Fish , and Sea-calues : no more Men. But I was left there , with a heauy hart . When , winde and water draue them quite apart Their owne course , and on Ithaca they fell ; And there , poore me , did to Laertes sell : And thus these eyes , the sight of this Isle prou'd . Eumaeus ( he replyed ) Thou much hast mou'd The minde in me , with all things thou hast said , And all the sufferance on thy bosome laid : Bur ( truly ) to thy ill , hath Ioue ioyn'd good , That one whose veines are seru'd with humane blood Hath bought thy seruice ; that giues competence Of food , wine ; cloth to thee . And sure th' expence Of thy lifes date heere , is of good desart . VVhose labours , not to thee alone , impart Sufficient food and housing ; but to me . VVhere I , through many a heap't humanity Haue hither err'd ; where , though ( like thee ) not sold , Not staid , like thee yet ; nor nought needfull hold . This mutuall speech they vsd ; nor had they slept Much time before ; the much-nere-morning lept To her faire throne . And now strooke saile , the men That seru'd Telemachus ; arriu'd iust then Nere his lou'd shore : wher now they stoopt the Mast , Made to the Port with Oares , and Anchor cast ; Made fast the Ship , and then ashore they went : Drest supper , fil'd wine ; when ( their appetites spent ) Telemachus commanded , they should yield The Ship to th' owner ; while himselfe , at field VVould see his shepherds : when light drew to end He would his gifts see , and to Towne descend . And in the morning , at a Feast bestow Rewards for all their paines . And whither , now ( Said Theoclymenus ) my loued Son Shall I addresse my selfe ? who●e mansion , Of all men , in this rough-hewne Isle , shall I Direct my way to ? Or go readily To thy house , and thy Mother ? He replied ; Another time , I le see you satisfied VVith my house entertainment : but as now , You should encounter none that could bestow Your fit entreaty ; and ( which lesse grace were ) You could not see my Mother , I not there . For shee 's no frequent obiect ; but apart Keepes from her wooers ; woo'd with her desart , Vp , in her chamber , at her Huswifery . But I le name one , to whom you shall apply Direct repaire ; and that 's Eurymachus , Renown'd descent , to wise Polybius : A man whom th' Ithacensians looke on now , As on a God : since he , of all that wow Is farre superior man ; and likest far To wed my mother : and as circular Be in that honor , as Vlysses was . But heauen-housd Ioue knowes , the yet hidden passe Of her disposure ; and on them he may A blacker sight bring , then her Nuptiall day . As this he vtter'd ; on his right hand flew A Saker ; sacred to the God of view : That , in his Tallons trust , and plum'd a Doue ; The Feathers round about the Ship did roue , And on Telemachus fell ; whom th'Augure then Tooke fast by 'th hand ; withdrew him from his men , And said ; Telemachus ; This Hawke is sent From God ; I knew it for a sure Ostent VVhen first I saw it . Be you well assur'd , There will no wooer be by heauen indur'd To rule in Ithaca , aboue your Race : But your pow'rs euer fill the Regall place . I wish to heauen ( said he ) thy word might stand ; Thou then shouldst soon acknowledge from my hand Such gifts & friendship , as would make thee ( Guest ) M●t , and saluted , as no lesse then ble●t . This said ; he call'd Pyraeus ( Clytus sonne ) His true associate ; saying , Thou hast done ( Of all my Followers , to the Pylian shore ) My will , in chiefe , in other things ; Once more , Be chiefly good to me : take to thy house This loued stranger ; & be studious T' embrace and greete him , with thy greatest fare , Till I my selfe come , and take off thy care . The famous for his Lance saide ; if your stay , Take time for life heere ; this mans care , I le lay On my performance ; nor what fits a Guest , Shall any penury with-hold his Feast . Thus tooke he ship ; bad them boord , and away . They boorded ; sate : but did their labour stay Till he had deckt his feete , and reacht his Lance. They to the City : he did straight aduance Vp to his Sties ; where Swine lay for him , store ; By whose sides did his honest Swine-herd snore : Till his short ●ares , his longest Nights had ended : And nothing worse , to both his Lords intended . The End of the Fifteenth Booke of Homers Odysses . THE SIXTEENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . THe Princ● at F●●ld ; ●e sends to Towne Eumaeus , to make truly knowne His safe returne . By Pallas will , Telemachus is giuen the skill To know his Father . Those that lay In Ambush , to preuent the way Of yong Vlyssides , for home ; Retire , with anger ouercome . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To his most deere , Vlysses●●owes ●●owes ; The wise Son heere his Father knowes . VLysses , and diuine Eumaeus rose Soone as the morning could her eyes vnclose : Made fire ; brake fast ; And to their Pasture send The gather'd Herds : on whom , their Swaines attend . The selfe-tyre barking Dogs , all fawn'd vpon ; Nor bark't , at first sight of Vlysses son . The whinings of their fawnings yet did greet Vlysses eares ; and sounds of certaine feet ; Who thus bespake Eumaeus : Sure some friend , Or one well knowne comes , that the Mastiues spend Their mouths no lowder . Onely some one neare They whine , and leape about ; whose feete I heare . Each word of this speech was not spent , before His Son stood in the entry of the dore . Out-rusht amaz'd Eumaeus : and let go The cup to earth , that he had labor'd so , Cleans'd for the neate wine : Did the Prince surprise , Kist his faire forehead : Both his louely eyes , Both his white hands ; And tender teares distil'd . There breath'd no kind-soul'd Father , that was fild Lesse with his sonnes embraces , that had liu'd Ten yeares in farre-off earth ; now new retriu'd , His onely childe too , gotten in his age : And for whose absence he had felt the rage Of griefes vpon him ; then for this diuin'd So much for forme , was this diuine for mind : VVho kist him through : who grew about him kissing , As fresh from death scapt . Whō ( so long time missing ) He wept for ioy , and said ; Thou yet art come , ( Sweet light , sweet Sun-rise ) to thy cloudy home . O ( neuer I look't ) when once shipt away For Pylos shores , to see thy turning day . Come ; enter lou'd Son ; Let me feast my hart VVith thy sweete sight ; new come , so farre apart . Nor when you liu'd at home , would you walk downe Often enough heere , but staide still at Towne : It pleas'd you then , to cast such forehand view About your house , on that most * damned crew . It shall be so then , Friend ( saide he ) but now I come to glad mine eyes with thee , and know If still my Mother , in her house remaine : Or if some wooer hath aspir'd to gaine Of her in Nuptials : for Vlysses bed , By this , lies all with Spiders cobwebs spred , In penury of him that should supply it . She still ( said he ) holds her most constant quiet , Aloft thine owne house , for the beds respect : But for her Lords sad losse ; sad nights and daies Obscure her beauties , and corrupt their raies . This said ; Eumaeus , tooke his brazen Speare ; And in he went : when , being enter'd neare VVithin the stony threshold ; From his seat , His Father rose to him : who would not let Th' old man remoue ; but drew him backe and pre●t VVith earnest termes his sitting ; Saying , Guest ; Take heere your seate againe ; we soone shall get Within our owne house heere , some othe●●ea● : Heere 's one will fetch it . This said ; downe againe His Father sate : and to his sonne , his Swaine Strew'd faire greene Osiers ; and impos'd thereon A good soft Sheepeskin , which made him a Throne . Then he appos'd to them , his last-left Roste ; And in a wicker basket , bread engro●te : Fil'd luscious wine ; and then tooke opposite seate To the diuine Vlysses . VVhen the meate Set there before them ; all fell to , and 〈◊〉 . VVhen they had fed ; the Prince said , pray thee say , Whence coms this guest ? what seaman gaue him way To this our Isle ? I hope these feete of his Could walke no water ; who boasts he , he is ? I le tell all truly Son : From ample Crete He bosts himselfe ; and sayes , his erring feete Haue many Cities trod : And God was he VVhose finger wrought in his infirmity . But , to my Cottage , the last scape of his , VVas from a Thespro●s Ship. VVhat ere he is , I le giue him you : do what you please ; His vant Is , that he is ( at most ) a suppliant . Eumaeus , ( said the Prince ) To tell me this , You haue afflicted my weake Faculties : For how shall I receiue him to my house VVith any safety ; that suspitious Of my yong forces ( should I be assaide With any sodaine violence ) may want aide To shield my selfe ? Besides , if I go home , My mother is with ●wo doubts ouercome : If she shall stay with me , and take fit care For all such guests , as there seeke guestiue fare ; Her husbands bed respecting , and her same Amongst the people : Or her blood may frame A liking to some wooer , such as best May bed her in his house ; not giuing lest . And thus am I vnsure , of all meanes free To vse a Guest there , fit for his degree . But , being thy Guest ; I le be his supply , For all weeds , such as mere necessity Shall more then furnish : Fit him with a sword , And set him where his heart would haue bene shor'd . Or ( if so pleasd ) receiue him in thy Shed : I le send thee clothes , I vow ; and all the bread His wish would eate : that to thy men and thee He be no burthen . But that I should be His meane to my house ; where a company Of wrong-professing wooers , wildly liue ; I will in no sort author ; lest they giue Foule vse to him ; and me , as grauely grieue . For what great act can any one atchieue Against a multitude ? Although his minde Retaine a courage of the greatest kinde ? For all minds haue not force in one degree . Vlysses answer'd ; O Friend , since 't is free For any man , to change fit words with thee ; I le freely speake . Me thinkes , a woluish powre My heart puts on , to teare and to deuoure ; To heare your affirmation ; that ( in spite Of what may fall on you , made opposite ; Being one of your proportion , birth , and age , These wooers should in such iniustice rage . VVhat should the cause be ? Do you wilfully Indure their spoile ? Or hath your Empery Bene such amongst your people ; that , all gather In troope , and one voice ; ( which euen God doth father ) And vow your hate so , that they suffer them ? Or blame your Kinsfolks faiths , before th'extream Of your first stroke hath tried them ? Whom a man When strifes , to blowes rise , trusts : though battel ran In huge and high waues ? would to heauen my spirit Such youth breath'd , as the man that must inherit , Yet neuer toucht Vlysses : or that he ( But wandring this way ) would but come , and see What my age could atchieue ( and there is Fate For Hope yet left ; that he may recreate His eyes with such an obiect . ) This my head Should any stranger strike off , if starke dead I strooke not all : the house in open force Entring with challenge . If their great concourse Did ouer-lay me , being a man alone ; ( VVhich you vrge for your selfe ) be you that one . I rather in mine owne house wish to dye One death for all ; then so indecently See euermore , deeds worse than death applied ; Guests , wrōg'd with vile words , & blow-giuing pride : The women-seruants dragg'd in filthy kind About the faire house ; and in corners blind Made serue the rapes of Ruffins : Food d●uour'd Idely and rudely ; wine exhaust , and pour'd Through throats prophane ; and all about a deed , That 's euer wooing , and will neuer speed . I le tell you ( Guest ) most truly , saide his Son ; I do not thinke , that all my people ron One hatefull course against me ; Nor accuse Kinsfolkes that I , in strifes of weight , might vse ▪ But Ioue will haue it so : our Race alone , ( As if made singular ) to one , and one His hand confining . Onely to the King ( Ioue-bred Arcesius ) did La●rtes spring ; Onely to old La●rtes did descend Vlysses ; onely to Vlysses end Am I the Adiunct ; whom he left so yong , That from me , to him , neuer comfort sprong . And to all these now ( for their 〈◊〉 ) arise Vp in their house , a brood of enemies . As many as in these Isles bow mens k●●●s ; Samos , Dulychius , and the rich in Tr●●s Zacynthus : Or in this rough Isles command , So many suiters for the Nuptials stand , That aske my Mother ; and meane space , prefer Their lusts to all spoile , that dishonor her . Nor doth she ( though she loaths ) deny their suites ; Nor they denials take , though taste their fruites . But all this time , the sta●e of all things there Their throats deuoure ; and I must shortly beare A part in all ; and yet the periods Of these designes , lye in the knees of Gods. Of all Loues then , Eumaeus ; make quicke way To wise Penelope ; and to her , say My safe returne from Pylos ; and alone Returne thou hither , hauing made it knowne . Nor let ( besides my Mother ) any eare Partake thy Message ; since a number beare My safe returne displeasure . He replied ; I know , and comprehend you ; you diuide , Your minde with one that vnderstands you well . But , all in one yet ; may I not reueale To th' old hard-fated * Arcesiades Your safe returne ? who through his whole distres Felt for Vlysses , did not yet so grieue , But with his houshold , he had will to liue ; And seru'd his appetite , with wine , and food ; Surueigh'd his husbandry , and did his blood Some comforts fitting life : But since you tooke Your ship for Pylos , he would neuer brooke , Or wine , or food , they say ; nor cast an eye On any labour : but sits weeping by ; And sighing out his sorrowes , ceasselesse mones Wasting his body , turn'd all skin and bones . More sad newes still ( said he ) yet ; mourne he still : For if the rule of all mens workes be will , And his will , his way goes : mine stands inclin'd T' attend the home-turne of my * neerer kind . Do then , what I inioyne , which giuen effect ; Erre not to field to him , but turne direct . Entreating first my Mother , with most speed ; And all the secrecy that now serues Neede , To send this way their store-house Guardian , And she shall tell all to the aged * Man. He tooke his shooes vp ; put them on , and went. Nor was his absence , hid from Ioues descent , Diuine Minerua : who tooke straight , to view , A goodly womans shape , that all workes knew : And , standing in the entry , did prefer Her sight t' Vlysses . But ( though meeting her ) His sonne Telemachus , nor saw , nor knew : The Gods cleere presences , are knowne to few . Yet ( with Vlysses ) euen the Dogs did see , And would not barke ; but , whining louingly , Fled to the Stals farre side . VVhere She , her eine Moou'd to Vlysses . He knew her designe , And left the house , past the great Sheep-cotes wall , And stood before her . She bad , Vtter all Now to his sonne ; nor keepe the least vnlosde : That all the wooers deaths being now disposde , They might approach the Towne ; Affirming , she Not long would faile , t' assist to victory . This said ; She laide her golden Rod on him ; And with his late-worne weeds grac't euery lim . His body straitn'd , and his youth instill'd ; His fresh blood call'd vp : euery wrinkle fill'd About his broken eyes ; and on his chin The browne haire spred . When his whole trim wrought in ; She yssu'd ; and he enter'd to his sonne : VVho stood amaz'd ; & thought some God had done His house that honor : turn'd away his eyes , And sayd ; Now Guest , you grace another guise Then suites your late shew ; Other weeds you weare , And other person . Of the starry spheare You certainly present some deathlesse God. Be pleasd , that to your here vouchsaf't abod VVe may giue sacred rites , and offer Gold To do vs fauour . He replied : I hold No deified state . VVhy put you thus on me A Gods resemblance ? I am onely he That beares thy Fathers name : for whose lou'd sake , Thy youth so grieues : whose absence makes thee take , Such wrong● of men . Thus kist he him ; nor could Forbeare those teares , that in such mighty hold He held before : still held , still yssuing euer . And now ( the shores once broke ) the springtide neuer Forbore earth from the cheekes he kist . His sonne , ( By all these violent arguments ; not wonne To credit him his Father ) did deny His kinde assumpt : and said , Some Deity Fain'd that ioyes cause , to make him grieue the more : Affirming , that no man , whoeuer wore The garment of mortality , could take ( By any vtmost power , his soule could make Such change into it : since at so much will , Not Ioue himselfe , could both remoue , and fill Old age , with youth ; and youth , with age so spoile In such an instant . You wore all the soile Of age but now , and were old : And but now You beare that yong grace that the Gods indow Their heauen-borne formes withall . His father saide : Telemachus ? Admire , nor stand dismaide : But know thy solid Father ; since within , He answeres all parts , that adorne his skin . There shall no more Vlyss●sses come heere . I am the man , that now this twentith yeare ( Stil vnder sufferance of a world of ill ) My count●ey earth , recouer : 'T is the will The Prey-professor Pallas puts in act ; VVho put me thus together ; thus distract , In aged pieces , as euen now you saw , This youth now rendring . 'T is within the law Of her free pow'r . Sometimes to shew me pore ; Sometimes againe , thus amply to restore My youth , and Ornaments ; She still would please . The God● can raise , and throw men downe , with ease . This said ; he sat : when his Telemachus pour'd Himselfe about him : Teares on teares , he shour'd : And to desire of mone , increast the cloud : Both wept & howl'd , & laide out shrieks more loud ; Then or the Bird-bone-breaking Eagle reres ; Or Brood-kind Vulture with the crooked Seres , VVhen rusticke hands , their tender Aries draw , Before they giue their wings their full-plum'd Law. But miserably pour'd they from beneath Their lids , their teares : while both their breasts did breath As frequent cries : & to their feruent mone , The light had left the skies ; if first the sonne Their dumbe mones had not vented , with demand VVhat Ship it was , that gaue the naturall land To his blest feet ? He then , did likewise lay Hand on his passion ; and gaue these words way . I le tell thee truth , my sonne ; The men that beare Much fame for shipping , my Reducers were To long-wisht Ithaca ; who each men els , That greets their shore , giue passe to where he dwels . The Phaeacensian Peeres , in one nights date , ( VVhile I fast slept ) fetcht th' Ithacensian state : Grac't me with wealthy gifts : Brasse , store of Gold , And Robes faire wrought : All which haue secret hold In Caues , that by the Gods aduice , I chusde . And now , Minerua's admonitions vsde For this retreat ; that we might heere dispose In close Discourse , the slaughters of our foes . Recount the number of the wooers then ; And let me know what name they hold with men : That my minde , may cast ouer their estates A curious measure ; & conferre the rates Of our two pow'rs , and theirs : to try , if we Alone , may propagate to victory Our bold encounters of them all , or proue The kind assistance of some others loue . O Father ( he replied ) I oft haue heard Your counsailes , and your force of hand prefer'd To mighty glory : But your speeches now , Your ventrous minde , exceeding mighty show . Euen to amaze they moue me : for in right Of no fitte counsaile , should be brought to fight , Two men , 'gainst th' able faction of a throng . No one two , o one ten ; No twice ten strong These wooers are : but more by much . For know , That from Dulychius there are fifty two ; All choise yong men : and euery one of these Six men attend . From Samos crost the Seas Twice twelue young Gallants . From Zacynthus came Twice ten . Of Ithaca , the best of name Twice six . Of all which , all the State they take , A sacred Poet , and a Herald make . Their delicacies , two ( of speciall sort In skill of banquets ) serue . And all this port If we shall dare t' encounter ; all thrust vp In one strong roose : haue great care lest the cup Your great mind thirsts , exceeding bitter taste ; And your retreat , commend not to your haste Your great attempt ; but make you say , you buy Their prides reuenges , at a price too hy . And therefore ( if you could ) t' were well you thought Of some assistent . Be your spirit wrought In such a mans election , as may lend His succours freely , and expresse a Friend His Father answer'd : Let me aske of thee ; Heare me , consider ; and then answer me . Think'st thou if Pallas , and the King of skies We had to Friend ; would their sufficiencies Make strong our part ? Or that some other yet My thoughts must worke for ? These ( saide he ) are set Aloft the clouds ; and are sound aydes indeed : As pow'rs not onely , that these men exceed ; But beare of all men else the high command ; And hold , of Gods , an ouer-ruling hand . VVell then ( said he ) not these shall seuer long Their force and ours , in fights assur'd , and strong . And then , twixt vs , and them , shall Mars prefer His strength ; to stand our great distinguisher ; When , in mine owne Roofes , I am forc't to blowes . But when the day , shall first her fires disclose ; Go thou for home , and troope vp with the woo'rs ; Thy wil with theirs ioind ; pow'r with their rude powrs And after , shall the Herdsman guide to Towne My steps ; my person wholly ouer-growne With all apparance of a poore old Swaine , Heauy , and wretched . If their high disdaine Of my vile presence ; make them , my desert Affect with contumelies ; let thy loued heart Beate in fixt confines of thy bosome still , And see me suffer , patient of their ill . I , though they drag me by the heeles , about Mine owne free earth , and after hurle me out ; Do thou still suffer . Nay , though with their Darts They beate , and bruise me ; beare . But these foul parts Perswade them to forbeare ; and by their names Cal all with kinde words : bidding , for their shames Their pleasures cease . If yet they yeeld not way ; There breakes the first light of their fatall day . In meane space , marke this : VVhen the chiefly wise Minerua prompts me ; I le informe thine eies VVith some giuen signe ; & then , all th' armes that are Aloft thy Roofe , in some neere roome prepare For speediest vse . If those braue men enquire Thy end in all ; still rake vp all thy fire In faire coole words : and say ; I bring them downe To scoure the smoke off ; being so ouer-growne That one would thinke , all fumes that euer were . Breath'd since Vlysses losse , reflected here . These are not like the armes , he left behinde In way for Troy. Besides , Ioue prompts my minde In their remoue apart thus , with this thought : That , if in heighth of wine , there should bee wrought Some harsh contention twixt you ; this apt meane To mutual bloodshed , may be taken cleane From out your reach ; and all the spoile preuented Of present Feast : perhaps , euen then presented My Mothers Nuptials , to your long kinde vowes . Steele it selfe , ready ; drawes a man to blowes . Thus make their thoughts secure ; to vs alone Two Swords , two Darts ; two shields left ; which see done VVithin our readiest reach ; that at our will VVe may resume , and charge ; And all their skil , Pallas and Ioue , that all iust counsailes breath ; May darken , with securenesse , to their death . And let me charge thee now , as thou art mine ; And as thy veines mine owne true blood combine : Let ( after this ) none know Vlysses nere . Not any one of all the houshold there ; Not here , the Herdsman : Not Laertes be Made priuy : nor her selfe , Penelope . But onely let thy selfe , and me worke out The womens thoughts , of all things borne about The wooers hearts : and then thy men approue , To know who honors , who with reuerence loue Our well-weigh'd Memories ; and who is won To faile thy fit right , though my onely Son. You teach ( saide he ) so punctually now , As I knew nothing ; nor were sprung from you . I hope , heereafter , you shall better know VVhat soule I beare ; and that it doth not let The least loose motion , passe his naturall seat . But this course you propose , will proue , I feare , Small profit to vs ; and could wish your care VVould weigh it better , as too farre about . For Time will aske much , to the sifting out Of each mans disposition , by his deeds . And , in the meane time , euery wooer feeds Beyond saciety ; nor knowes how to spare . The women yet , since they more easie are For our enquiry ; I would wish you try VVho right your state , who do it iniury . The men I would omit : and these things make Your labour , after . But to vndertake The wooers warre ; I wish your vtmost speede , Especially , if you could cheere the deed , VVith some Oftent from Ioue . Thus ( as the Sire Consented to the Son ) did heere expire Their mutuall speech . And now the Ship was come That brought the yong Prince , & his soldiers home . The deepe Hauen ( reacht ) they drew the Ship ashore ; Tooke all their Armes out , and the rich Gifts bore To Clitius house . But to Vlysses Court They sent a Herald first , to make report To wise Penelope , that safe at field Her Son was left : yet since the Ship would yield Most hast to her ; he sent that first ; and them To comfort with his vtmost , the extream He knew she suffer'd . At the Court , now met The Herald , and the Herdsman ; to repeat One message to the Queene . Both whom ( arriu'd VVithin the gates : ) Both to be formost striu'd In that good Newes . The Herald , he for hast Amongst the Maids bestow'd it ; thinking plac'st The Queene amongst them . Now ( said he ) O Queen , Your lou'd Son is arriu'd . And then was seene The Queene her selfe : To whom the herdsman ●ould All that Telemachus inioyn'd he should . All which discharg'd ; his steps , he backe bestowes , And left , both Court and City , for his Sowes . The wooers then grew sad ; soule-vext , and all Made forth the Court. When , by the mighty wall , They tooke their seuerall seate , before the gates ; To whom Eurymachus , initiates Their vtter'd greeuance . O ( sayd he ) my Friends ; A worke right great begun , as proudly ends ▪ VVe said , Telemachus should neuer make His voyage good ; nor this shore euer take For his returnes receipt : and yet we faile , And he performes it . Come , let 's man a Saile The best in our election ; and bestow Such souldiers in her , as can swiftest row : To tell our friends , that way-lay his retreat 'T is safe perform'd : and make them quickly get Their ship for Ithaca . This was not said , Before Amphinomus in Port displaid The ship arriu'd : her sailes then vnder stroke , And Oares resum'd . VVhen laughing , thus he spoke : Moue for no messenger : these men are come ; Some God hath either told his turning home , Or they themselues haue seene his ship gone by : Had her in chase , and lost her . Instantly They rose , and went to Port : found drawne to Land The Ship ; the souldiers taking Armes in hand . The woo'rs themselues , to counsaile went , in throng : And not a man besides , or old , or yong , Let sit amongst them . Then Eupitheus Sonne ( Antinous ) said : See what the Gods haue done : They onely , haue deliuered from our ill The men we way-laid ; euery windy hill Hath bin their watch-tow'r ; where by turns they stood Continuall Sentinell . And we made good Our worke as well : For ( Sun , once set ) we neuer Slept winke ashore , all night ; But made saile euer This way , and that ; euen till the morning kept Her sacred Station ; so to intercept And take his life , for whom our ambush lay ; And yet hath God , to his returne giuen way . But let vs prosecute with counsailes , here His necessary death : nor any where Let rest his safety ; for if he suruiue , Our sailes will neuer , in wisht Hauens arriue . Since he is wise , hath soule , and counsaile to To worke the people , who will neuer do Our faction fauour . What we then intend Against his person , giue we present end Before he call a counsaile ; which , beleeue His spirit will hast , & point where it doth greeue ▪ Stand vp amongst them all , and vrge his death Decreed amongst vs. Which complaint , will breath A fire about their spleenes ; and blow no praise On our ill labours . Lest they therefore raise Pow'r to exile vs from our Natiue earth , And force our liues societies to the birth Of forreigne countries : let our speeds preuent His comming home , to this austere complaint ; ( At field and farre from Towne , or in some way Of narrow passage : ) with his latest day Shewne to his forward youth : his goods and lands , Left to the free diuision of our hands : The Moouables made al , his Mothers dowre , And his who-euer , Fate affoords the powre To celebrate with her , sweet Hyme●s rites . Or if this please not ; but your appetites Stand to his safety , and to giue him ●eate In his whole birth-right ; let vs looke to eate At his cost neuer more : but euery man Haste to his home : and wed with whom he can At home ; and there , lay first about for dowre , And then the woman giue his second powre Of Nuptiall liking : And , for last , apply His purpose , with most gifts , and destiny . This , silence caus'd ; whose breach , at last , begon Amphinomus , the much renowned Son Of Nisus , surnam'd Aretiades ; VVho from Dulychius ( full of flowry Leas ) Led all the wooers ; and in chiefe did please The Queene with his discourse ; because it grew From rootes of those good mindes that did indue His goodly person : who ( exceeding wi●e ) Vs'd this speech : Friends , I neuer will adui●e The Princes death : for 't is a damned thing To put to death the yssue of a King. First therefore , let 's examine , what applause The Gods will giue it . If the equall Lawes Of Ioue approoue it , I my selfe will be The man shall kill him ; and this companie Exhort to that minde : If the Gods remaine Aduerse , and hate it ; I aduise , refraine . This said Amphinomus , and pleas'd them all : VVhen all arose , and in Vlysses Hall Tooke seate againe . Then , to the Queene was come The wooers plot , to kill her sonne at home : Since their abroad designe had mist successe . The Herald Medon ( who the whole addresse Knew of their counsailes ) making the report . The Goddesse of her sex , with her faire sort Of louely women ; at the large Hals dore ( Her bright cheekes clouded , with a veile shee wore ) Stood , and directed to Antinous Her sharpe reproofe ; which she digested thus : Antinous ? composde of iniury , Plotter of mischiefe ? Though reports that flye Amongst our Ithacensian people ; say That thou , of all that glory in their sway , Art best in words and counsailes ; Th' art not so . Fond , busie fellow , why plott'st thou the wo And slaughter of my Son ? and dost not feare The Presidents of suppliants ? when the eare Of Ioue stoopes to them ? 'T is vniust to do Slaughter for slaughter ; or pay woe , for wo : Mischiefe for kindnesse ; Death for life sought then , Is an iniustice to be loath'd of men . Serues not thy knowledge , to remember when Thy Father fled to vs ; who ( mou'd to wrath Against the Taphian theeues ) pursu'd with scath The guiltlesse Thesprots ; in whose peoples feare , Pursuing him for wreake , he landed here . They after him , professing both their prize Of all his chiefly valew'd Faculties , And more priz●d life . Of all whose bloodiest ends Vlysses curb'd them , though they were his frends . Yet thou , like one that no Law will allow The least true honor , eat'st his house vp now That fed thy Father : woo'st for loue , his wife , VVhom thus thou grieu'st ; & seek'st her sole sons life . Ceasse , I command thee ; and command the rest , To see all thought of these foule fashions eeast . Eurymachus replyed ; Be confident , Thou all of wit made ; the most fam'd descent Of King Icarius : Free thy spirits of feare : There liues not any one ; nor shall liue here Now , nor hereafter ; while my life giues heat And light to me on earth ▪ that dares entreat VVith any ill touch , thy well-loued Sonne ; But heere I vow , and heere will see it done , His life shall staine my Lance. If on his knees The City-racer , * Laert●ades , Hath made me sit ; put in my hand his foode , And held his red wine to me : shall the bloode Of his Telemachus , on my hand lay The least pollution , that my life can stay ? No : I haue euer charg'd him not to feare Deaths threat from any ; And for that most deare Loue of his Father , he shall euer be Much the most lou●d , of all that liue to me . Who kils a guiltlesse man , from Man may flye ; From God his searches , all escapes deny . Thus cheer'd his words ; but his affections still Fear'd not to cherish foule intent to kill , Euen him , whose life to all liues he prefer'd . ●he Queene went vp ; and to her loue appear'd Her Lord so freshly ; that she wept , till sleepe ( By Pallas forc't on her ) her eyes did steepe In his sweet humor . When the Euen was come , The God-like Herdsman reacht the whole way home . Vlysses and his Son , for supper drest A yeare-old Swine ; and ere their Host and Guest Had got their presence ; Pallas had put by With her faire rod , Vlysses royalty ; And render'd him , an aged man againe , VVith all his vile Integuments ; lest his Swaine Should know him in his trim , & tell his Queene , In these deepe secrets , being not deeply seene . He seene ; to him , the Prince these words did vse : VVelcome diuine Eumaeus ; Now what newes Imployes the City ? Are the wooers come Backe from their Scout dismaid ? Or heere at home VVill they againe attempt me ? He replied , These touch not my care ; I was satisfied To do , with most speed , what I went to do ; My message done , returne . And yet , not so Came my newes first ; a Herald ( met with there ) Fore-stal'd my Tale , and told how safe you were . Besides which meerely necessary thing ; What in my way chanc't , I may ouer-bring , Being what I know , and witnest with mine eyes . Where the Hermaean Sepulcher doth rise Aboue the City : I beheld take Port A Ship ; and in her , many a man of sort : Her freight was shields and Lances ; and , me thought They were the wooers : but of knowledge , nought Can therein tell you . The Prince smil'd , and knew They were the●wooers ; casting secret view Vpon his Father . But what they intended Fled far the Herdsman : whose Swaines labors ended , They drest the Supper ; which , past want , was eat . VVhen all desire suffic'd , of wine , and meat ; Of other humane wants , they tooke supplies At Sleepes soft hand ; who sweetly clos'd their eies . The End of the xvi . Booke . THE SEVENTEENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . TElemachus return'd to Towne , Makes to his curious mother knowne In part , his Trauailes . After whome Vlysses to the Court doth come , In good Eumaeus guide ; and preast To witnesse of the Wooers Feast ▪ Whom ( though twice ten yeares did bestow In farre off parts ) his Dog doth know . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vlysses showes through all disguise : Whom his dog knowes ; who knowing dies . BVt when aires rosie birth ( the Morne ) arose , Telemachus did for the Towne dispose His early steps ; and tooke to his command His faire long Lance , well sorting with his hand . Thus , parting with Eumaeus : Now my friend , I must to Towne ; lest too farre I extend My Mothers mone for me : who till her eyes Mine owne eyes witnesse ; varies teares and cries Through all extreames . Do then this charge of mine , And guide to Towne this haplesse guest of thine ; To beg else-where his further Festiuall : Giue , they that please , I cannot giue to all : Mine owne wants take vp for my selfe my paine . If it incense him , he the worst shall gaine ; The louely truth I loue , and must be plaine . Alas Friend ( saide his Father ) nor do I Desire at all your further charity . 'T is better beg in Cities , then in Fields , And take the worst a beggers fortune yields . Nor am I apt to stay in Swine-sties more How euer : euer the great Chiefe before The poore Rankes must , to euery step obay . But goe ; your man , in my command shall sway : Anon yet to , by fauor ; when your fires Haue comforted the colde heat , age expires ; And when the Suns flame , hath besides corrected The early aire abroad ; not being protected By these my bare weeds , from the mornings frost ; Which ( since so much ground is to be engrost By my poore feete as you report ) may giue Too violent charge , to th' heat by which I liue . This saide ; his Sonne went on , with spritely pace , And to the wooers , studied little grace . Arriu'd at home ; he gaue his Iaueline stay Against a lofty Pillar ; and bold way Made further in . When , hauing so farre gone That he transcended , the fayre Porch of Stone ; The first by farre , that gaue his entry , eye VVas Nurse Euryclea ; who th'embrodery Of Stooles there set ; was giuing Cushions faire : VVho ranne vpon him , and her rapt repaire Shed teares for ioy . About him gather'd round The other Maides ; his head , and shoulders , croun'd VVith kisses and embraces . From aboue The Queene her selfe came , like the Queene of Loue ; Or bright Diana : Cast about her Sonne Her kinde embraces : with effusion Of louing teares ; kist both his louely eyes , His cheekes , and forehead ; and gaue all supplies With this entreaty : Welcome sweetest light ; I neuer had conceite , to set quicke sight On thee thus soone ; when thy lou'd fathers fame As farre as Pylos , did thy spirit enflame : In that search ventur'd all vnknowne to me . O say , By what power cam'st thou now to be Mine eyes deare obiect ? He return'd reply , Moue me not now : when you my scape descry From iminent death ; to thinke me fresh entrapt ; The fear'd wound rubbing , felt before I scap't . Double not needlesse passion , on a heart VVhose ioy so greene is , and so apt t' inuert : But pure weeds putting on , ascend and take Your women with you : that yee all may make Vowes of full Hecatombs , in sacred fire To all the God-heads ; If their onely Sire Vouchsafe reuenge of guest-rites wrong'd , which hee Is to protect , as being their Deity . My way shall be directed to the hall Of common Concourse , that I thence may call A stranger ; who from off the Pylian shore Came friendly with me ; whom I sent before VVith all my souldiers ; but in chiefe did charge Pyraeus with him , wishing him t' enlarge His loue to him , at home , in best affaire , And vtmost honors , till mine owne repaire . Her Son , thus spoken ; his words could not beare The wings too eas●ly through her either eare : But putting pure weeds on ; made vowes entire Of perfect Hecatombes , in sacred fire To all the Deities ; if their onely Sire Vouchsaft reuenge of guest-rites , wrong'd ; which he VVas to protect , as being their Deity . Her Son left house : In his faire hand , his Lance ; His dogs attending , and on euery glance His lookes cast from them ; Pallas put a grace That made him seeme of the celestiall race . Whom ( come to concourse ) euery man admir'd : About him throng'd the wooers , and desir'd All good to him in tongue● ; but in their hearts Most deepe ils threatn'd , to his most deserts . Of whose huge rout , once free ; he cast glad eie On some , that long before his infancie , VVere with his Father , great , and gracious : Graue Halytherses , Mentor , Antiphus ; To whom he went : tooke seate by them . And they Enquir'd of all things , since his parting day . To them Pyraeus came , and brought his Guest Along the City thither ; whom not left The Prince respected ; nor was long before He rose and met him : The first word yet ; bore Pyraeus from them both : whose haste , besought The Prince to send his women , to see brought The Gifts from his house , that Atrides gaue , VVhich , his own roofes , he thought , wold better saue . The wise Prince answer'd , I can scarse conceiue The way to these workes . If the wooers reaue By priuy Stratagem , my life at home : I rather wish , Pyraeus may become The Maister of them , then the best of these . But , if I sowe in their fields of excesse , Slaughter , and ruine ; then thy trust imploy , And to me ioying , bring thou those with ioy . This said ; he brought home his grief-practisd Guest ; VVhere both put off , both oyl'd , and did inuest Themselues in rich Robes ; washt , and sate , and eate . His Mother , in a faire chaire , taking seate Directly opposite : her Loome applied ; VVho ( when her Son and Guest , had satisfied Their appetites with feast ) said ; O my Sonne , You know , that eue● since your Sire was wonne To go in Agamemnons guide to Troy ; Attempting sleepe , I neuer did inioy One nights good rest ; but made my quiet bed A Sea blowne vp with sighes ; with teares still shed Embrew'd and troubl'd : yet , though all your misse In your late voyage , hath bene made for this , That you might know th' abode your Father made . You shun to tell me what successe you had . Now then , before the insolent accesse The wooers straight will force on vs ; expresse What you haue heard . I will ( saide he ) and true . VVe came to Py●os , where the studious due That any Father could affoord his Son ; ( But new arriu'd ▪ from some course he had ron To an extreame length , in some voyage vow'd ) Nestor , the Pastor of the people , show'd To me arriu'd , in turrets thrust vp hye ; VVhere not his braue Sons , were more lou'd then I. Yet of th' vnconquer'd euer-Sufferer Vlysses ; neuer he could set his eare Aliue , or dead , from any earthy man. But to the great Lacedemonian ( Atri●es , famous for his Lance ) he sent VVith horse and Chariots ; Me , to learne th' euent From his Relation ; where I had the view Of Argine Hel●en , whose strong beauties drew ( By wils of Gods ) so many Grecia● States ▪ And Troians , vnder such laborious fates . Where Menelaus ask't me , what affai●e To Lacedemon , render'd my repaire . I told him all the truth : who made reply ▪ O deed of most abhor'd indecency ! A sort of Impotents attempt his bed , VVhose strength of minde , hath Cities leuelled ? As to a Lyons den , when any Hinde Hath brought her yong Calues , to their rest inclinde ; When he is ranging hils , and hearby dal●s , To make , of Feeders there , his Festiuals : But turning to his luster ; Calues , and Dam , He shewes abhorr'd death , in his angers flame : So ( should Vlysses finde this rabble , housd In his free Turrets , courting his espousd ) F●ule death would fall them . O , I would to Ioue , Phoebus , and Pallas , that ( when he shall proue The broad report of his exhausted store , True with his eyes ) his Nerues and Sinewes wore That vigor then , that in the Lesbian Tow'rs ( Prouok't to wrastle with the iron powrs Philomelides vanted ) he approu'd ; VVhen , downe he hurl'd his Challenger , and mou'd Huge shouts from all the Achiues then in view . If , once come home , he all those forces drew About him there to worke : they all were dead , And should finde bitter his attempted bed . But , what you aske and sue for , I ( as far , As I haue heard , the true-spoke Marinar ) VVill tell directly ; nor delude your eare . He told me , that an Island did enspheare ( In much discomfort ) great Laertes sonne ; And that the Nymph Calypso ( ouer-ronne VVith his affection ) kept him in her Caues , Where men , nor Ship , of pow'r to brook the waues , VVere neere his conuoy to his countries Shore ▪ And where her selfe , importun'd euermore His quiet stay ; which not obtain'd , by force , She kept his person from all else recourse . This told Atrides ; which was all he knew ; Nor staid I more : but from the Gods there blew A prosperous winde , that set me quickly heere . This put his Mother , quite from all her cheere : VVhen Theoclymenus the Augu●e , said : O woman , honour'd with Vlysses bed : Your Son , no doubt , knowes cleerely nothing more ▪ Heare me yet speake , that can the truth vncore ; Nor will be curious . Ioue then , witnesse beare , And this thy Hospitable Table 〈◊〉 , VVith this whole houshold of 〈…〉 That , at this houre , his royall 〈…〉 On his lou'd countrey earth ; 〈…〉 Comming , or creeping , 〈…〉 These wooers make ; and in his 〈…〉 Seeds , that shall thriue to 〈…〉 This , set a ship-boord , 〈…〉 And cried it out , to your 〈◊〉 Penelope replied ; VVould 〈…〉 You well should witnesse a most 〈…〉 And gifts such of me , as 〈…〉 Should greete you with , a blessed 〈…〉 This mutuall speech , past : all the 〈…〉 Hurling the stone , and 〈…〉 Before the Pallace , in the 〈…〉 VVhere other-whil●● , their 〈…〉 Sate plotting iniuries . But when 〈…〉 Of Supper enter'd ; and the 〈…〉 Brought sheepe from field , that fil'd vp euery way VVith those that vsde to furnish that puruay ; Medon , the Herald ( who of all the rest Pleasd most the wooers and at euery Feast VVas euer neere ) said ; You whose kind consort Make the faire branches of the Tree , our Court ; Grace it within now , and your Suppers take . You that for health , and faire contentions sake Wil please your minds ; know , bodies must haue meat ; Play 's worse then idlenesse , in times to eate . This said ; all left ; came in ; cast by , on Thrones And Chaires , their garments . Their prouisions VVere Sheepe , Swine , Goats ; the chiefly great & fat . Besides an Oxe , that from the Herd they gat . And now , the King and Herdsman , from the field , In good way were to Towne : Twixt whom was held Some walking conference ; which thus begun The good Eumaeus : Guest , your will was wun , ( Because the Prince commanded ) to make way Vp to the City ; though I wisht your stay , And to haue made you Gaurdian of my stall : But I , in care and feare , of what might fall , In after anger of the Prince ; forbore . The checkes 〈◊〉 Princes , touch their subiects sore . But make we hast , the day is neerely ended ; And cold ayres still , are in the Euen extended . I know 't ( said he ) consider all ; your charge Is giuen to one that vnderstands at large . Haste then : heereafter , you shall leade the way ; Affoord your Staffe to , if it fit your stay , That I may vse it ; since you say , our passe Is lesse friend to a weake foot , then it was . Thus cast he on his ne●●e , his nasty 〈◊〉 , All patcht and torne : A cord that would not slip For knots , and bracks , about the mouth of it , Made serue the turne : and then his Swaine did 〈◊〉 His forc't state with a staffe . Then 〈◊〉 they hard Their way to towne : Their Cottage 〈…〉 To Swaines and Dogs . And now , 〈…〉 The King along : his garments to a thred All bare , and burn'd ; and he 〈…〉 Vpon his staffe ▪ at all parts 〈…〉 And sad old begger . But when now they got The rough high-way ; their voyage 〈…〉 Much , of the City : where a Fount they reacht , From whence the Towne their choisest water fetcht , That euer ouer-flow'd ; and curious Art VVas shewne about it : In which , 〈…〉 part ; VVhose names , Neritus and Polyctor were , And famous Ithacus . It had a Sphere Of poplar , that ranne round about the wall ; And into it , a lofty Rocke let fall , Continuall supply of coole cleare streame : On whose top , to the Nymphs that were supreme In those parts loues ; a stately Altar rose ; VVhere euery Trauailer , did still impose Deuoted sacrifice . At this fount , found These silly Trauailers , a man renown'd For guard of Goats , which now he had in guide ; VVhose huge● stor'd Herd , two herdsment kept beside : For all Herds it exceld ; and bred a feed For wooers onely . He was Dolius seede , And call'd Melanthius . VVho casting eye One these two there , he chid them terribly : And so past meane , that euen the wrethed fate , Now on Vlysses , he did irritate . His fume to this effect , he did pursue : VVhy so ; t is now at all parts passing true , That ill leades ill : good euermore doth traine VVith like , his like : VVhy thou vnenuied Swaine , VVhither dost thou leade this same victles Leager ? This bane of banquets ; this most nasty begger ? VVhose sight doth make one sad , it so abhorres ; VVho with his standing in so many doores , Hath broke his backe ; and all his beggery tends To beg base crusts , but to no manly ends ; As asking swords , or with actiuity To get a Caldron VVouldst thou giue him me , To farme my Stable , or to sweepe my yarde , And bring brouse to my kids ; and that prefer'd , He should be at my keeping for his paines , To drinke as much ●hey , as his thirsty veynes VVould still be swilling ( whey made all his fees ) His monstrous belly , would oppresse his knees . But he hath learn'd to leade ba●e life about ; And will not worke , but crouch among the rout ; For broken meate , to cram his bursten gut . Yet this I le say ; and he will finde it put In sure effect ; that if he enters where Vlysses roofes cast shade ; the stooles will there About his eares flye ; all the house wil throw ; And rub his ragged sides , with cuffes enow . Past these reuiles ; his manlesse rudenesse spurn'd Diuine Vlysses ; who , at no part turn'd His face from him , but had his spirit fed VVith these two thoghts ; If he should strike him dead VVith his bestowed staffe : or at his feete Make his direct head , and the pauement meete . But he bore all , and entertain'd a brest , That in the strife of all extremes did rest . Eumaeus , frowning on him ; chid him yet ▪ And lifting vp his hands to heauen , he set This bitter curse at him : O you that beare Faire name to be the race of Iupiter , Nymphes of these Fountaines ! If Vlysses euer Burn'd thighes to you ; that hid in fat , did neuer Faile your acceptance , of or Lambe , or Kid ; Grant this grace to me ; let the man thus hid Shine through his dark fate : make som God his guide ; That , to thee ( Goat-herd ) this same Pallats pride , Thou driu'st afore thee ; he may come and make The scatterings of the earth ; and ouer-take Thy wrongs , with forcing thee to euer erre About the City , hunted by his feare . And in the meane space , may some slothfull Swaines , Let lowsie sicknesse gnaw thy Cattels Vaines . O Gods ! ( replyed Melanthius ) what a curse Hath this dog barkt out ; and can yet , do wurse ? This man , shall I haue giuen into my hands , VVhen , in a well-built Ship , to farre-off Lands I shall transport him : That ( should I want 〈◊〉 ) My sale of him , may finde me victels there . And ( for Vlysses ) would to heauen , his ioy The Siluer-bearing● bow-God , would destroy , This day , within his house ; as sure as he The day of his returne shall neuer see . This said , he left them , going silent on ; But he out-went them , and tooke straight vpon The Pallace royall , which he enter'd straight ; Sat with tho wooers , and his Trenchers fraight The Keruers gaue him , of the flesh there v●nted : But bread , the reuerend Buttleresse presented . He tooke , against Eurymachus , his place ; VVho most of all the wooers , gaue him grace . And now , Vlysses and his Swaine got nere : VVhen , round about them , visited their eare The hollow Harpes delicious-stricken string ; To which , did Phaemius ( neere the wooers ) sing . Then , by the hand , Vlysses tooke his Swaine , And saide , Eumaeus ? One may heere see plaine ( In many a grace ) that * Laertiades Built heere these Turrets ; and ( mongst others these ) His whole Court arm'd , with such a goodly wall : The Cornish , and the Cope , Maiesticall : His double gates , and Turrets , built too strong For force , or vertue , euer to expugne . I know , the Feasters in it , now abound , Their Cates cast such a sauour ; and the sound The Harpe giues , argues , an accomplisht Feast ; The Gods made Musicke , Banquets deerest Guest . These things ( said he ) your skill may tell with ease , Since you are grac't with greater knowledges . But now , consult we , how these workes shall sort , If you will first approch this praised Court , And see these wooers ( I remaining here ) Or I shall enter , and your selfe forbeare . But be not you , too tedious in your stay Lest thrust ye be , and buffeted away . Braine hath no fence for blowes ; looke too 't I pray . You speake to one that comprehends ( said he ) Go you before ; and heere , aduenture me . I haue of old , bene vsde to cuffes and blowes ; My minde is hardn'd ; hauing borne the throwes Of many a soure euent , in waues , and wars ; Where knockes and buffets are no Forreinats . And this same harmefull belly , by no meane , The greatest Abstinent , can euer weane . Men suffer much Bane , by the Bellies rage ; For whose sake , Ships in all their equipage Are arm'd , and set out to th'vntamed Seas ; Their bulkes full fraught with ils to enemies . Such speech they chang'd : when in the yeard there lay A dogge , call'd Argus ; which , before his way Assum'd for Ilion ; Vlysses bred ; Yet stood his pleasure then , in little sted ; ( As being too yong ) but growing to his grace , Yong men made choise of him for euery Chace ; Or of their wilde Goats , of their Hares , or Harts . But , his King gone ; and he , now past his parts ; Lay all abiectly on the Stables store , Before the Oxe-stall , and Mules stable dore , To keepe the clothes , cast from the Pessants hands , While they laide compasse on Vlysses Lands : The Dog , with Tickes ( vnlook't to ) ouer-growne . But , by this Dog ▪ no sooner seene , but knowne VVas wise Vlysses , who ( new enter'd there ) Vp went his Dogs laide eares ; and ( comming nere ) Vp , he himselfe rose , fawn'd , and wag'd his Sterne ; Coucht close his eares , and lay so : Nor descerne Could euermore his deere-lou'd Lord againe . Vlysses saw it ; nor had powre t' abstaine From shedding tears : which ( far-off seeing his Swain ) He dried from his sight cleane ; to whom , he thus His griefe dissembled : 'T is miraculous , That such a Dog as this , should haue his laire On such a dunghill ; for his forme is faire . And yet , I know not , if there were in him Good pace , or parts , for all his goodly lim . Or he liu'd empty of those inward things , As are those trencher-Beagles , tending Kings ; VVhom for their pleasures , or their glories ●ake , Or fashion ; they into their fauours take . This Dog ( said he ) was seruant to one dead A huge time since . But if he bore his head ( For forme and quality ) of such a hight , As when Vlysses ( bound for th' Ilion fight , Or quickly after ) left him : your rapt eyes VVould then admire , to see him vse his Thyes , In strength , and swiftnes . He would nothing flye , Nor any thing let scape . If once his eye Seiz'd any wilde beast , he knew straight his scent : Go where he would , away with him he went. Nor was there euer any Sauage stood Amongst the thickets of the deepest wood Long time before him , but he pull'd him downe ; As well by that true hunting to be showne In such vaste couerts ; as for speed of pace In any open Lawne ; For in deepe chace , He was a passing wise , and well-nos'd Hound . And yet is all this good in him vncroun'd With any grace heere now . Nor he more fed Then any errant Curre . His King is dead , Farre from his country ; and his seruants are So negligent , they lend his Hound , no care . Where Maysters rule not , but let Men 〈◊〉 ; You neuer there , see honest seruice done . That Man 's halfe vertue , Ioue takes quite away , That once is Sun-burn'd with the seruile day . This said ; he enter'd the well-builded Towers , Vp bearing right vpon the glorious wooers ; And left poore Argus dead . His Lords first sight , Since that time twenty yeares , bere●t his light . Telemachus , did farre the first behould Eumaeus enter ; and made signes he should Come vp to him . He ( noting ) came , and tooke On earth , his seate . And then , the Maister Cooke Seru'd in more banquet : Of which ; part he set Before the wooers ; part the Prince did get : VVho sate alone ; his Table plac't aside ; To which , the Herald did the bread diuide . After Eumaeus , enter'd straight the King , Like to a poore , and heauy aged thing : Bore hard vpon his staffe ; and was so clad , As would haue made his meere beholder sad . Vpon the Ashen floore , his limbes he spred ; And gainst a Cypresse threshold staid his head ; The tree wrought smooth , and in a line direct , Tried by the Plumbe , and by the Architect . The Prince then bad the Herdsman giue him bread , The finest there : and see , that prostrated At-all-parts-plight of his , giuen all the cheare His hands , could turne to : Take ( saide he ) and beare These cates to him ; and bid him beg of all These wooers heere ; and to their feastiuall Beare vp with all the impudence he can ; Bashfull behauiour , fits no needy Man. He heard , and did his will : Hold Guest ( saide he ) Telemachus commends these cates to thee : Bids thee beare vp , and all these woo'rs implore ; Wit must make Impudent , whom Fate makes pore . O Ioue ( said he ) do my poore pray'rs the grace , To make him blessed'st of the mortall race : And euery thought now , in his generous heart , To deeds that further my desires conuert . Thus tooke he in , with hoth his hands his store ; And in the vncouth Scrip that lay before His ill-shod feete , repos'd it : whence he fed All time the Musicke to the Feasters plaid . Both ioyntly ending . Then began the woo'rs To put in old act , their tumultuous pow'rs . When Pallas standing close , did prompt her frend , To proue how farre the bounties would extend Of those proud wooers ; so , to let him try , Who most , who least , had learn'd humanity . Howeuer , no thought toucht Mineruaes minde , That any one should scape his wreake design'd . He handsomly became all ; crept about To euery wooer ; held a forc't hand out : And all his worke , did in so like a way , As he had practis'd begging many a day ▪ And though they knew , all beggers could do this , Yet they admir'd it , as no deede of his ; Though farre from thought of other : vs'd expence And pitty to him : who he was , and whence , Enquiring mutually . Melanthius then : Heare me , ye wooers of the farre-fam'd Queen , About this begger : I haue seene before This face of his ; and know for certaine more : That this Swaine brought him hither . What he is , Or whence he came , flies me . Reply to this Antinous made ; and mockt Eumaeus thus . O thou renowned Herdsman , why to vs Brought'st thou this begger ? Serues it not Our hands , That other Land-leapers , and Cormorands ( Prophane poore knaues ) lye on vs , vnconducted , But you must bring them ? So amisse instructed Art thou in course of thrift , as not to know Thy Lords goods wrackt , in this their ouer-flow ? VVhich , thinkst thou nothing , that thou calst in these ? Eumaeus answer'd ; Though you may be wise , You speak not wisely : VVho cals in a Guest That is a guest himselfe ? None cal to Feast Other then men that are of publique vse : Prophets , or Poets , whom the Gods produce ; Physitians for mens ils ; or Architects . Such men , the boundlesse earth affoords respects Bounded in honour ; and may call them wel : But poore men , who cals ? Who doth so excell In others good , to do himselfe an ill ? But all Vlysses seruants haue bene still Eye-sores in your waie , more then all that woo ; And cheefly I. But what care I , for you ? As long as these roofes , hold as thrals to none , The wi●e Penelope , and her God-like Sonne . Forbeare ( said he ) and leaue this tongues bold ill ; Antinous vses to be crossing still , And giue sharpe words : his blood that humor beares , To set men stil together by the eares . But ( turning then t' Antinous ) O ( saide he ) You entertaine a Fathers care of me ; To turne these eating guests out : T is aduise Of needful vse for my poore faculties . But God doth not allow this : There must be Some care of poore men , in humanitie . What you your selues take ; giue ; I not enuy , But giue command that hospitality Be giuen al strangers : Nor shal my pow'rs feare , If this mood in me , reach my Mothers eare ; Much lesse the seruants , that are heere to see Vlysses house kept , in his old degree . But you beare no such mind ; your wits more cast To fill your selfe , then let another tast . Antinous answer'd him ; Braue spoken man ! VVhose minds free fire , see check't , no vertue can ; If all we wooers heere , would giue as much As my minde serues ; his * Larges should be such As would for three months serue his farre off way From troubling your house , with more cause of stay . This said ; he tooke a stoole vp , that did rest Beneath the boord , his spangled feete at feast : And offer'd at him : But the rest , gaue all , And fil'd his fulsome Scrip with Festiuall . And so Vlysses for the present , was , And for the future furnisht ; and his passe Bent to the doore , to eate . Yet could not leaue Antinous so : but said ; Do you to giue ( Lou'd Lord ) your presence , makes a shew to me , As you not worst were of the company , But best ? and so much , that you seeme the King : And therefore , you should giue some better thing , Then bread , like others . I will spred your praise Through all the wide world ; that haue in my daies Kept house my selfe ; and trod the wealthy waies Of other men , euen to the Title , Blest ; And often haue I giuen an erring Guest ( How meane soeuer ) to the vtmost gaine Of what he wanted : kept whole troopes of men ; And had all other commings in ; with which Men liue so well , and gaine the fame of Rich. Yet Ioue consum'd all : he would haue it so : To which , his meane was this ; he made me go Farre off , for Egypt , in the rude consort Of all-waies-wandring Pyrats ; where , in Port I bad my lou'd men , draw their Ships ashore , And dwell amongst them ▪ Sent out some t'explore Vp to the Mountaines ; who ( intemperate , And their inflam'd bloods , bent to satiate ) Forrag'd the rich fields ; hal'd the women thence , And vnwean'd children , with the foule expence Both of their fames , and bloods . The cry then flew Straight to the City ; and the great fields grew With horse , and foot ; and flam'd with iron armes ; VVhen Ioue ( that breaks the Thunder in Alarmes ) An ill flight cast amongst my men : Not one Inspir'd with spirit , to stand , and turne vpon The fierce pursuing foe : and therefore stood Their ill fate thicke about them : some in blood , And some in bondage : Toiles led by constraint Fasting vpon them . Me , along they sent To Cyprus , with a stranger Prince they met , Dmetor Iasides ; who th' Imperiall seat Of that sweete Island , swaid in strong command ; And thus feele I heere , Needs contemned hand . And what God sent ( saide he ) this suffering bane To vex our banquet ? Stand off ; nor prophane My boord so boldly , lest I shew thee here , Cyprus and Egypt , made more soure then there . You are a sawcy set fac't Vagabond . About with all you go ; and they , beyond Discretion giue thee , since they finde not heere The least proportion set downe to their cheere . But euery Fountaine hath his vnder floods ; It is no Bounty , to giue others goods . O Gods ( replied Vlysses ) I see now , You beare no soule , in this your goodly show ; Beggers at your boord , I perceiue , should get Scarse salt from your hands , if thē selues broght meat : Since , sitting where anothers boord is spread , That flowes with feast ; not to the broken bread VVill your allowance reach . Nay then ( said he , And look't austerely ) I● so saucy be Your suffer'd language , I suppose , that cleere You shall not scape without some broken cheere . Thus rapt he vp a stoole , with which he smit The Kings right shoulder , 'twixt his necke , and it . He stood him like a rocke : Antinous dart Not stirr'd Vlysses : who , in his great hart Deepe ils proiected ; which , for time yet , close He bound in silence ; shooke his head , and went Out to the Entry , where he then gaue vent To his ●ull scrip ; sate on the earth , and eate , And talk't still to the wooers : heare me yet Ye wooers of the Queene . It neuer greeues A man to take blowes , where for Sheepe , or Beeues , Or other maine possessions , a man fights : But for his harmefull belly , this man smites , VVhose loue to many a man , breeds many a wo. And if the poore haue Gods , and Furies to ; Before Antinous weare his Nuptiall wreath , He shall be worne vpon the dart of death . Harsh Guest ( saide he ) sit silent at your meate , Or seeke your desperate plight some safer seate ; Lest by the hands , or heeles , youths drag your yeares , And rend your rotten ragges about your eares . This made the rest , as highly hate his folly , As he had violated something holy . VVhen one ( euen of the proudest ) thus began : Thou dost not nobly , thus to play the man On such an errant wretch : O ill dispos'd ! Perhaps some sacred God-head goes enclos'd Euen in his abiect outside : For the Gods Haue often visited these rich abods Like such poore stranger Pilgrims ; since their pow'rs ( Being alwayes shapefull ) glide through Townes and Tow'rs ; Obseruing as they passe stil , who they be That piety loue , and who impiety . This , all men said ; But he held sayings cheape : And all this time Telemachus did heape Sorrow on sorrow , on his beating hart To see his Father stricken ; yet let part No teare to earth , but shooke his head , and thought As deepe as those ils , that were after wrought . The Queen now hearing of her poore guests stroke ; Said to her Maid , ( as to her wooer she spoke ) I wish the famous for his Bow , the Sun VVould strike thy heart so . Her wish ( thus begun ) Her Lady , faire Eurynome pursude Her execration ; and did thus conclude : So may our vowes call downe from heauen , his end ; And let no one life of the rest , extend His life till morning . O Eurynome ( Replied the Queene ) may all Gods speake in thee : For all the wooers , we should rate as foes ; Since all their weales , they place in others woes . But this Antinous , we past all , should hate , As one resembling blacke and cruell Fate . A poor strange wretch ; beg'd here , compel'd by need : Askt all , and euery one gaue in his deed ; Fill'd his sad Scrip , and eas'd his heauy wants : Onely this man , bestow'd vnmanly tants ; And with a cruell blow ( his force let flye ) 'Twixt necke and shoulders , shew'd his charity . These minds ( aboue ) she and her Maids did show ; VVhile , at his scrip , Vlysses sate below . In which time , she Eumaeus call'd , and said : Go , good Eumaeus , and see soone conuaid The stranger to me : Bid him come and take My salutations for his welcomes sake ; And my desire serue , if he hath not heard Or seene distrest Vlysses ? who hath err'd Like such a man ; and therefore chance may fall , He hath , by him bene met , and spoke withall . O Queene ( saide he ) I wish to heauen , your eare Were quit of this vnreuerend noise you heare From these rude wooers ; when I bring the guest : Such words , your eare , would let into your brest As would delight it , to your very heart . Three nights and dayes , I did my Roofe impart To his fruition ; ( for he came to me The first of all men , since he fled the Sea ) And yet he had not giuen a perfect end To his relation , of what woes did spend The spight of Fate on him : * But as you see A Singer , breathing out of Deity Loue-kindling lines ; when all men seated nere , Are rapt with endlesse thirst , to euer heare : So swee●n'd he , my bosome , at my meate ; Affirming that Vlysses was in Crete , VVhere first the memories of Minos were , A Guest to him , there dwelling , then as deare As his true Father : and from thence , came he Tir'd on with sorrowes ; tost from sea to sea ; To cast himselfe in dust , and tumble heere At wooers feete , for blowes , and broken cheere . But , of Vlysses ( where the Thesprots dwell , A wealthy people ) Fame , he sayes , did tell The still suruiuall : who his Natiue light VVas bound for now ; with treasure infinite . Call him ( sayd she ) that he himselfe may say This , ouer to me . We shall soone haue way Giuen by the wooers : They , as well at Gate , As set within doores , vse to recreate Their high-fed spirits . As their humors leade , They follow ; and may well ; for still they treade Vncharg'd waies here ; their own welth lying vnwasted In poore-kept houses : onely something tasted Their bread and wine is , by their houshold Swaines : But they themselues , let loose continuall Reines To our expences ; making slaughter still Of Sheepe , Goats , Oxen ; feeding past their fill ; And vainly lauishing our richest wine . All these extending past the sacred line . For here liues no man , like Vlysses now To curbe these ruines : But should he once show His country light , his presence ; He and his VVould soone reuenge these wooers iniuries . This said ; about the house , in ecchoes , round , Her Sons strange Neesings made a horrid ●ound ; At which , the Queene yet laught , and said ; Go● call The stranger to me : Heardst thou not to all My words last vtter'd , what a Neesing brake From my Telemachus ? From whence I make This sure conclusion ; That the death , and fate Of euery wooer heere , is neere his date . Call then the Guest ; and if he tel as trew VVhat I shal aske him ; Cote , cloke , all things new These hands shal yeeld him . This said ; down he went And told Vlysses , that the Queene had sent To call him to her ; that she might enquire About her husband , what her sad desire Vrg'd her to aske : and if she found him true , Both cote , and cassocke ( which he needed ) new Her hands would put on him ; And that the Bread VVhich now he begg'd amongst the commune tread ; Should freely feed his hunger now from her ; VVho , all he wisht , would to his wants prefer . His answer was ; I will with fit speed , tell The whole truth to the Queene ; For , passing well I know her Lord ; since he and I haue shar'd In equall sorrowes . But I much am scar'd With this rude multitude of wooers here ; The rage of whose pride , smites h●auens brazē sphere : Of whose rout , when one strooke me for no fault ; Telemachus , nor none else , turn'd th' assault From my poore shoulders . Therfore though she hast ; Bese●ch the Queene , her patience , will see past The dayes broad light ; and then , may she enquire . 'T is but my closer preasing to the fire In th●Euenings cold ; because , my weeds , you know Are passing thin : For I made bold to show Their brackes to you , and pray'd your kinde supply . He heard , and hasted ; and met instantly The Queene vpon the pauement in his way : Who askt ; what ? bringst thou not 〈…〉 Finde his austere supposes ? Takes 〈…〉 Of th'vniust wooers ? Or thus hard 〈…〉 On any other doubt the house obiect● ? He does me wrong ; and giues 〈…〉 To his fear'd safety . He does right ( said 〈◊〉 ) And what he feares , should moue the policie Of any wise one ; taking care to shun The violent wooers ; He bids bide , til Sun Hath hid his broad light : and , beleeue it , Queene , T' will make your best course : since you two , vnseene May passe th' encounter : you to speake more free ; And he , your eare gaine , lesse distractedly . The Guest is wise ( said she ) and well doth giue The right thought vse . Of all the men that liue , Life serues none such , as these proud wooers are , To giue a good man , cause to vse his care . Thus ( all agreed ) amongst the wooers goes Eumaeus to the Prince ; and ( whispering close ) Said ; Now , my Loue , my charge shall take vp me , ( Your goods , and mine ) VVhat here is , you must see I● fit protection . But , in chiefe , regard Yo●r owne deere safegard ; whose state , study hard , Lest sufferance seize you . Many a wicked thought Conceale these wooers ; whom iust Ioue see brought To vtter ruine , ere it touch at vs. So chance it , Friend ( replyed Telemachus ) Your Beuer taken , go : in first of day Come , and bring sacrifice , the best you may . To me , and to th'immortals , be the care Of whatsoeuer heere , the safeties are . This said ; he sate in his elaborate Throne . Eumaeus ( fed to satisfaction ) Went to his charge ; left both the Court and wals , Full of secure , and fatall Festiuals . In which , the wooers pleasures still would sway : And now begun , the Euens nere-endin● day . The End of the Seauententh Booke of Homers Odysses . THE EIGHTEENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . VLysses , and Rogue Irus fight . Penelope , vouchsafes her sight To all her Wooers : who present Gifts to her ; rauisht with content . A certaine Parle then we sing , Betwixt a Wooer , and the King. Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Beggers gle● , the Kings high fame ; Gifts giuen to see a vertuous Dame. THere came a commune Begger to the Court ; Who , in the City , begg'd of all resort : Excell'd in madnesse of the gut ; drunke , eate Past intermission : was most hugely great ; Yet had no fiuers in him , nor no force : In sight , a Man ; In mind , a liuing Corse . His true name , was Arnaeus : for his mother Impos'd it from his birth . And yet another The City youth would giue him ( from the course He after tooke ; deriu'd out of the force That Need held on him : which was vp , and downe To run on all mens errands through the Towne ) VVhich sounded , Irus . VVhen whose gut was come , He needs would barre Vlysses his owne home , And fell to chiding him : Old man ( saide he ) Your way out of the Entry , quickly see Be with faire Language taken ; lest your stay But little longer , see you dragg'd away . See Sir : Obserue you not , how all these make Direct signes at me ? Charging me to take Your heeles , and drag you out ? But I take shame . Rise yet , y' are best ; lest we two play a game At cuffes together . He bent browes , and saide : VVretch ! I do thee no ill ; nor once vpbraide Thy presence with a word ; nor what mine eye By all hands sees thee giuen , one thought enuy : Nor shouldst thou enuy others . Thou mayst see The place will hold vs both ; and seem'st to me A Begger like my sels : which who can mend ? The Gods giue most , to whom they least are Friend : The cheefe goods Gods giue , is in good to end . But to the hands strife , of which y' are so free , Prouoke me not , for feare you anger me ; And lest the old man , on whose scorne you stood , Your lips and bosome , make shake hands in blood . I loue my quiet well , and more will loue To morrow then to day . But if you moue My peace beyond my right ; the warre you make , Will neuer after giue you will to take Vlysses house into your begging walke . O Gods ( saide he ) how volubly doth talke This eating gulfe ? And how his fume breakes out , As from an old crackt Ouen ? whom I will clout So bitterly ; and so with both hands mall His chaps together ; that his teeth shall fall , As plaine seene on the earth , as any Sowes That ruts the Corne-fields , or deuoures the Mowes . Come ; close we now , that all may see , what wrong An old man tempts , that takes at cuffes , a yong . Thus in the entry of those lofty Tow'rs , These two , with al splene , spent their iarring pow'rs : Antinous tooke it ; laught , and saide ; O Friends We neuer had such sport : This Guest contends VVith this vaste Begger , at the Buffets fight ; Come , ioyne we hands , and screw vp all their spight . All rose in Laughters ; and about them , bore All the ragg'd rout of beggers at the dore . Then mou'd Antinous the victors hire To all the woo'rs thus : There are now at fire Two brests of Goat : both which , let Law set downe Before the man , that wins the dayes renowne , With all their fat and greauie : And of both The glorious Victor , shal preferre his tooth , To which he makes his choise of , from vs all ; And euer after , banquet in our Hall , VVith what our boords yeeld : Not a Begger more Allow'd to share ; but all keepe out at dore . This he proposd ; and this they all approu'd ; To which Vlysses answer'd : O most lou'd , By no meanes should an old man ; and one old In chiefe with sorrowes , be so ouer-bold To combat with his yonger : But alas , Mans-owne-ill-working belly , needs will passe This worke vpon me ; and enforce me too To beate this fellow . But then , you must doo My age no wrong , to take my yongers part , And play me foule play ; making your strokes smart Helpe his to conquer : for you easly may With your strengths crush me . Do then right , & lay Your Honors on it , in your oaths , to yield His part no aide ; but equall leaue the field . All swore his will. But then Telemachus , His Fathers scoffes , with comforts serious , Could not but answer , and made this reply . Guest ! If thine owne powers cheere thy victory , Feare no mans else , that will not passe it free : He fights with many , that shall touch but thee . I le see thy guest● right paide : Thou heere art come In my protection : and to this , the summe Of all these wooers ( which Antinous are And King Eurymachus ) conioyne their care . Both vow'd it . VVhen Vlysses , laying by His vpper weed , his inner beggery Nere shew'd his shame : which he , with rags preuēted Pluckt from about his Thighes ; and so presented Their goodly sight , which were so white , and great , And his large shoulders , were to view , so set By his bare rags ; his armes , his breast and all , So broad , and brawny ( their grace naturall Being helpt by Pallas , euer standing nere ) That all the wooers , his admirers were Beyond all measure : mutuall whispers , driuen Through all their cluster , saying ; Sure as heauen , Poore Irus pull'd vpon him , bitter blowes . Through his thin Garment , what a Thigh he showes ? They said ; But Irus felt . His Cow-herd minde VVas mou'd at roote . But now , he needs must finde Facts to his brags ; and forth at all parts ●it The seruants brought him ; all his artires smit VVith feares , and tremblings . VVhich Antinous saw , And saide ; Nay , now too late comes feare ; No Law , Thou shouldst at first haue giuen thy braggart vaine , Nor should it so haue swell'd , if terrors straine Thy spirits to this passe ; for a man so old , And worne with penuries , that still lay hold On his ragg'd person . Howsoeuer , take This vow from me , for firme ; That if he make Thy forces stoope ; and proue his owne supreame ; I le put thee in a Ship , and downe the streame Send thee ashore , where King Echetus raignes , ( The roughest tyrant , that the world containes ) And he will slit thy Nostrils , crop each eare ; Thy shame cut off , and giue it dogges to teare . This shook his Nerues the more . But both were now Brought to the Lists ; and vp did either throw His heauy fists . Vlysses , in suspence To strike so home , that he should fright from thence His Cow-herd soule ( his trunke laide prostrate there : ) Or let him take more leisure to his feare , And stoope him by degrees . The last , shew'd best , To strike him slightly ; out of feare the rest Would else discouer him . But ( peace now broke ) On his right shoulder , Irus laide his stroke . Vlysses strooke him , iust beneath the eare , His iaw-bone broke , and made the blood appeare . VVhen straight , he strew'd the dust , and made his crie Stand for himselfe ; with whom , his teeth did lie , Spit with his blood out : and against the ground His heeles lay sprawling . Vp the hands went round Of all the wooers ; all at point to dye VVith violent laughters . Then the King did ply The Beggers feete , and dragg'd him forth the Hall Along the Entry , to the gates , and wall : Where leauing him , he put into his hand A Staffe , and bad him there vse his command On Swine , and Dogs ; and not presume to be Lord of the guests , or of the Beggery : Since he , of all men , was the scum and curse : And so , bad please with that , or fare yet wurse . Then cast he on his scrip , all patcht , and rent , Hung by a rotten cord ; and backe he went To greete the Entries threshold with his seat . The wooers throng'd to him , and did entreat VVith gentle words his conquest ; laughing still : Pray'd Ioue , and all the Gods , to giue his will VVhat most it wisht him ; and would ioy him most , Since he so happily had cleer'd their cost Of that vnsauoury morsell ; whom they vow'd To see with all their vtmost haste bestow'd Aboord a ship ; and for Epirus sent To King Echetus : on whose Throne was spent The worst mans seat that breath'd . And thus was grac't Diuine Vlysses : who with ioy embrac't Euen that poore conquest . Then was set to him The goodly Goats breast promist ( that did swim In fat and greauy ) by Antinous . And from a Basket ( by Amphinomus ) VVas two Breads giuen him ; who ( besides ) renown'd His banquet , with a golden Goblet cround , And this high salutation : Frolicke , Guest ; And be those riches that you first possest Restor'd againe , with full as many ioyes , As in your poore state , I see now annoyes . Amphinomus ( saide he ) you seeme to me Exceeding wise , as being the progeny Of such a Father , as autentique Fame Hath told me was so : One of honour'd name , And great reuennues in Dulychius ; His faire name , Nisus . He is blazon'd thus ; And you to be his Sonne ; his wisedome ●eyring , As well as wealth : his state , in nought empairing . To proue which , all waies ; let me tell you this ( As warning you to shun the miseries That follow full states , if they be not held With wisedome still at full ; and so compeld To courses , that abode not in their browes , By too much swindge , their sodaine ouerthrowes ) Of all things breathing , or that creepe on earth ; Nought is more wretched then a human● Birth . Bless'd men , thinke neuer , they can cursed be , While any power lasts , to moue a knee . But when the blest Gods , make them feele that smart , That fled their Faith so ; as they had no ●art , They beare their sufferings ; and , what wel they might Haue cleerly shun'd , they then meet in despight . The Minde of Man flyes stil out ●f his way , Vnlesse God guide , and prompt it , euery day . I thought me once , a blessed man with men ; And fashion'd me , to all so counted then : Did all iniustice like them ; what for Lust , Or any pleasure , neuer so vniust I could by powre , or violence , obtaine ; And gaue them both in all their powres the raigne : Bold of my Fathers , and my Brothers still ; VVhile which held good , my Arts seem'd neuer ill . And thus is none , held simply , good or bad ; But as his will is either mist , or had . Al goods , Gods gifts man cals , how ere he gets them : And so takes all , what price so ere , God sets them . Saies nought , how ill they come ; nor will controule That Rauine in him , though it cost his soule . And these parts here , I see these wooers play , Take all that fals ; and all dishonors lay On that mans Queen , that ( tell your frends ) doth bear No long times absence , but is passing neare . Let God then , guide thee home ; lest he may mee●● In his returne , thy vndeparted feete . For when he enters , and sees men so rude , The quarrell cannot but in blood conclude . This said ; he sacrific'd ; then drunke , & then Referr'd the giuen Boule , to the guide of men ; VVho walk't away , afflicted at his heart ; Shook head , and fear'd , that these facts wold conuert To ill in th' end . Yet had not grace to flie : Minerua staid him , being ordain'd to die Vpon the Lance of yong Vlyssi●es . So , downe he sate ; and then did Pallas please T' incline the Queenes affections , to appeare To all the wooers ; to extend their cheare To th' vtmost lightning , that still vshers death : And made her put on all the painted sheath , That might both set her wooers fancies hye ; And get her greater honor in the eye Euen of her Son & Soueraigne , then before . VVho laughing yet ( to shew her humor bore No serious appetite to that light show ) She told Eurynome , that not till now She euer knew her entertaine desire To please her wooers eyes ; but oft on fire She set their hate , in keeping from them still ; Yet now she pleas'd t' appeare : though from no will To do them honor ; vowing she would tell Her son that of them , that should fit him well To make vse of : which was , not to conuerse Too freely with their pride ; nor to disperse His thoughts amongst them , since they vs'd to giue Good words ; but through them , ill intents did driue . Eurynome replied : With good aduise You vow his counsaile , & your open guise . Go then , aduise your Son ; nor keepe more close Your cheekes , stil drown'd in your eyes ouerflowes . But bathe your body , & with Balmes make cleere Your thickn'd count'nance ; Vncomposed cheare , And euer mourning , will the Marrow weare . Nor haue you cause to mourn ; your Son hath now Put on that vertue , which ( in chiefe ) your vow VVisht ( as your blessing ) at his birth , might decke His blood & person . But forbeare to speake Of Baths , or Balmings , or of beauty , now ( The Queene replyed ) lest ( vrging comforts ) you Discomfort much : because the Gods haue wonne The spoile of my lookes , since my Lord was gone . But these must serue . Cal hither then , to me Hippodamia , & Antono● ; That those our traine additions may supply Our owne deserts . And yet besides , Not I ( VVith all my age ) haue learn'd the boldnesse yet T' expose my selfe to men , vnlesse I get Some other Gracers . This said ; forth she went To call the Ladies ; and much spirit spent To make their vtmost speed : for now , their Queene VVould both her selfe shew , & make them be seene . But now Minerua other proiects laid ; And through Icarius * daughters Veines conuaid Sweet sleepes desire . In whose soft fumes , inuolu'd She was as soone as laid ; and quite dissolu'd Were all her Lineaments . The Goddesse then Bestow'd immortall gifts on her , that men Might wonder at her beauties ; and the beames That glister in the deified supreames , She cleer'd her mourning count'nance vp withall . Euen such a radiance , as doth round empall Crown'd * Cytherea , when her order'd places , Conduct the Beuy of the dancing Graces , She added to her owne : more plumpe , more hie , And fairer than the polisht Iuory , Rendring her parts , and presence . This grace done , Away the Deity flew ; and vp did ronne Her louely-wristed Ladies , with a noise That blew the soft chaines from her sleeping ioyes . When she , her faire eyes wip't ; and ( gasping ) saide : O me vnblest ! How deep a sweet sleepe spread His shades about me ? VVould Diana pleas'd To shoot me with a death no more diseas'd , As soone as might be : that no more my mone Might waste my blood , in weepings neuer done ; For want of that accomplisht vertue spher'd In my lou'd Lord , to all the Greekes prefer'd . Then she descended with her Maids , and tooke Place in the Portall ; whence her beamy looke Reacht eu'ry wooers heart . Yet cast she on So thin a veyle , that through it quite there shone A grace so stolne , it pleasd aboue the cleere , And sunke the knees of euery wooer there . Their minds so melted , in loues vehement fires , That to her bed she heightn'd all desires . The Prince then coming neere , she said ; O Son , Thy thoughts & iudgements haue not yet put on That constancy , in what becomes their good VVhich all expect in thee : thy yonger blood Did sparkle choicer spirits . But , arriu'd At this ful growth , wherein their Forme hath thriu'd Beyond the bounds of child-hood , ( and when now ) Beholders should affirme , This man doth grow Like the rare son of his matchles Sire , ( His goodlinesse , his beauty , and his fire Of soule aspir'd to ) thou mak'st nothing good Thy Fate , nor fortune ; nor thy height of blood , In manage of thy actions . What a deed Of foule desert , hath thy grosse sufferance freed Beneath thine owne Roofe ? A poore stranger here Vs'd most vnmanly ! How will this appeare To all the world ; when Fame shall trumpet out , That thus , and thus , are our guests beate about Our Court vnrighted ? T is a blaze will show Extreamly shamefull , to your name , and you . I blame you not , O Mother ( he replide ) That this cleere wrong sustain'd by me , you chide : Yet know I , both the good and bad of all ; Being past the yeares , in which yong errors fall . But ( all this knowne ) skill is not so exact To giue ( when once it knowes ) things fit their fact . I wel may doubt the prease of strangers here ; Who , bent to ill , and onely my Nerues nere , May do it in despight . And yet the iarre Betwixt our guest and Irus , was no warre Wrought by the wooers ; nor our guest sustain'd VVrong in that action ; but the conquest gain'd . And would to Ioue , Minerua , and the Sun , That all your woo'rs , might serue Contention For such a purchase as the Begger made ; And wore such weak heads : Some should death inuade Strew'd in the Entry ; some imbrew the hall , Till euery man had vengeance capitall ; Sattl'd like Irus at the Gates ; his head Euery way nodding ; like one forfeited To reeling Bacchus ; Knees , nor feete , his owne , To beare him where hee 's better lou'd or knowne . Their speeches giuen this end , Eurymachus Began his Court-ship , and exprest it thus . Most wise Icarius daughter ; If all those That did for Colchos ventrous saile dispose , For that rich purchase ; had before but seene Earths richer prize , in th' Ithacensian Queene , They had not made that voyage ; but to you , Would all their vertues , and their Beings vow . Should all the world know what a worth you store , To morrow then to day ; and next light , more Your Court should banquet ; since to all Dames , you Are far preferr'd ; both for the grace of show , In Stature , Beauty ; Forme in euery kinde Of all parts outward ; and for faultlesse minde . Alas ( said she ) my Vertue , Body , Forme , The Gods haue blasted , with that onely storme That rauisht Greece to I●ion ; since my Lord ( For that warre ship't ) bore all my goods abord : If he ( return'd ) should come , and gouerne here My life 's whole state ; the grace of all things there His guide would heighten , as the spirit it bore : VVhich dead in me , liues ; giuen him long before . A sad course I liue now ; heauens sterne decree VVith many an ill , hath numb'd and deaded me . He tooke life with him , when he tooke my hand , In parting from me to the Troian strand : These words my witnesse ; VVoman ! I conceiue That not all th' Achiues bound for Troy , shall leaue Their Natiue earth , their safe returned bones ; Fame saying , that Troy traines vp approued sonnes In deeds of Armes : Braue putters off of shafts : For winging Lances , Maisters of their crafts ; Vnmatched Riders ; swift of foot ; and streight Can arbitrate a warre of deadliest weight : Hope then , can scarse fill all with lifes supply ; And of all , any failing ; why not I ? Nor do I know , if God hath marshall'd me Amongst the safe-return'd : Or his decree Hath left me to the thraldome , order'd there . Howeuer , all cares be thy burthens here : My Sire and Mother , tend as much as now , I , further off ; more neere in cares be you . Your Son , to mans state grown , wed whom you will : And ( you gone ) his care , let his houshold fill . Thus made my Lord his will ; which heauen sees prou'd Almost at all parts ; for the Sun remou'd Downe to his set ; ere long , wil leade the night Of those abhorred Nuptials , that should fright Each worthy woman ; which her second are VVith any man that breaths ; her first Lords care Dead , because he to flesh and blood is dead ; VVhich , I feare , I shal yeeld to , and so wed A second husband ; and my reason is , Since Ioue hath taken from me all his blisse . Whom God giues ouer , they themselues forsake ; Their greefes , their ioyes ; their God , their deuill make . And 't is a great griefe ; nor was seene till now , In any fashion of such men as woo A good and wealthy woman ; and contend VVho shal obtaine her , that those men should spend Her Beeues and best Sheepe , as their cheefest ends ; But rather , that herselfe , and all her friends They should with Banquets , and rich gifts entreat ; Their life is death , that liue with others meat . Diuine Vlysses , much reioyc't to heare His Queene thus fish for gifts ; and keepe in cheare Their hearts with hope , that she would wed againe ; Her minde yet still , her first intent retaine . Antinous saw , the wooers won to giue ; And said ; wise Queene , by all your meanes receiue What euer bounty , any woo'r shall vse ; Gifts freely giuen , 't is folly to refuse . For know , that we resolue not to be gone To keepe our owne roofes ; till of all , some One VVhom best you like , your long-woo'd loue shal win This pleasd the rest ; and euery one sent in His present by the Herald ; First had place Antinous gift : a robe of speciall grace , Exceeding ful and faire ; and twenty hewes Chang'd luster to it . To which , choise of shewes : Twelue massy plated Buttons , all of Gold , Enricht the substance , made to fairly hold The Robe together ; all lac'd downe before , VVhere Keepes and Catches , both sides of it wore . Eurymachus , a golden Tablet gaue ; In which did Art , her choisest workes engraue ; And round about , an Amber verge did run , That cast a radiance from it , like the Sun. Eurydamas , two seruants had , that bore Two goodly Earings ; whose rich hollowes wore Three Pearles in either , like so many eyes , Reflecting glances , radiant as the skies . The King Pysander , great Polyctors heire , A Casket gaue , exceeding rich and faire . The other , other wealthy gifts commended To her faire hand ; which took , and straight ascended This Goddesse of her sex , her vpper State. Her Ladies , all her gifts elaborate , Vp bearing after . All to dancing then The wooers went , and songs delightfull straine ; In which they frolickt , till the Euening came : And then rais'd sable Hesperus his flame . VVhen , for their Lights within ; they set vp there 3. Lampes , whose weekes were wood exceeding sere , And passing porous ; which they causd to burne , Their matter euer minister'd by turne Of seueral Hand-maids . VVhom Vlysses ( seeing Too conuersant with wooers ; ill agreeing VVith guise of maids ) aduised in this faire sort : Maids of your long-lackt King ; keepe you the port Your Queenes chast presence beares ? Go , vp to her , Imploy your Loomes , or Rockes , and keepe ye there : I le serue to feed these lamps ; shold these Lords dances Last til Aurora cheer'd vs with her glances . They cannot weary me , for I am one Borne to endure , when all men else haue done . They wantonly brake out in Laughters all ; Look't on each other : and to termes did fall Cheek-proud Melantho , who was Dolius seed , Kept by the Queene , that gaue her dainty breed Fit for her daughter : and yet won not so Her heart to her , to share in any wo She suffer'd for her Lord : But she was great VVith great Eurymachus ; and her loues heat In his bed quenched . And this cholericke thing , Bestow'd this railing Language on the King. Base Stranger ; you are taken in your braine , You talke so wildely : Neuer you , againe Can get where you were borne ; and seeke your bed In some Smithes Houill , or the Market sted ; But heere you must take confidence to prate Before all these ; for feare can get no state In your wine-hardy stomacke . Or , 't is like To proue your natiue ga●be : your tongue will strike On this side of your mouth still , being at best . Is the man idle-brain'd for want of rest ? Or proud , because he beate the roguish begger ? Take heed Sir , lest some better man beleager Your eares with his fists ; and set headlong hence Your bold abode heere , with your bloods expence . He looking sternly on her ; answer'd her : Dog ! What broad Language giu'st thou ? I le prefer Your vsage to the Prince ; that he may fall Foule on your faire limbes , til he tel them all . This fray'd the wenches ; and al straight got gone In ●eare , about their businesse : Euery one Confessing he saide well . But he stood now Close by the Cressets ; and did lookes bestow On all men there : his Braine employd about Some sharper businesse , then to dance it out ; VVhich had not long to go . Nor therefore would Minerua let the wooers spleenes grow cold , VVith too good vsage of him ; that his hart Might fret enough , and make his choller smart . Eurymachus , prouok't him first , and made His fellow laugh , with a conceit he had Fetch farre ; from what was spoken long before ; That his poore forme , perhaps some Deity bore . It well may chance ( said he ) some God doth beare This mans resemblance : For , thus standing nere The glistering Torches ; his slick't head doth throw Beames round about it , as those Cressets do . For not a haire he hath to giue it shade . Say , wil thy heart serue t' vndertake a Trade For fitting wages ? Should I take thee hence To walke my grounds , and looke to euery Fence : Or plant high trees : thy hire should raise thy forces ; Food store , & cloaths . But these same ydle courses Thou a●t so prompt in , that thou wilt not worke , But forrage vp and downe , and beg , and lurke In euery house , whose Roofes hold any will To feed such fellowes . That thy gut may fil , Giues end to all thy Beeing . He replyed ; I wish , at any worke , we two were tryed ; In hight of Spring time , when heauens lights are long ; I , a good crook'd Sithe , that were sharpe , and strong : You , such another , where the grasse grew deepe ; Vp by day breake , and both our labours keepe Vp , til slow darknes eas'd the labouring light ; Fasting all day , and not a crum til night : VVe then should proue our either workmanship . Or if ( againe ) Beeues , that the goad , or whip VVere apt t' obey , before a tearing Plow : Big , lusty beasts : Alike in bulke and brow ; Alike in Labour , and alike in strength ; Our taske foure Acres , to be Till'd in length Of one sole day : Againe then you should try If the dul glebe , before the Plough should flye ; Or I , a long Stitch could beare cleane , and euen . Or lastly ; if the guide of earth & heauen Should stir sterne war vp , either here or there ; And that , at this day , I had double Speare , And Shield , and steele Caske , fitting for my browes ; At this work likewise , midst the foremost blowes Your eyes should note me ; and get little cause To twit me with my bellies sole applause . But you affect , t' affect with iniurie , Your minde vngentle ; seeme in valour hie , Because 'gainst few ; and those , not of the best Your conuersation hath bene still profest . But if Vlysses ( landed on his earth , And enter'd on the true right of his birth ) Should come & front ye ; straight , his ample Gates Your feete would hold , too narrow for your Fates . He frown'd , rag'd , call'd him wretch ; and vow'd To be his death , since he durst proue so proud Amongst so many : to tell him so home VVhat he affected . Askt , if ouercome With wine he were ; or ( as his Minion said ) Talk't stil so idlely ; and were palsied In his minds instruments : or was proud , because He gat from Irus off , with such applause ? VVith all which , snatching vp a stoole , he threw : VVhen old Vlysses , to the knees withdrew , Of the Dulychian Lord Amphinomus , As if he fear'd him . His dart missing thus His aged obiect : and his Pages hand , ( A Boy , that waited on his cups command , Now holding of an Ewre to him ) he smit . Downe fel the sounding Ewre ; and after it , The guiltlesse Page , lay sprawling in the dust , And crying out . VVhen all the wooers thrust A tumult vp amongst them ; wishing all , The rogue had perisht in some Hospitall , Before his life there , stirr'd such vpro●● 〈◊〉 ▪ And with rude speeches , spice their pleasures cup. And all this for a Begger , to fulfill A filthy Prouerbe : Good still yeelds 〈◊〉 . The Prince cried out on them , to let ●he bad Obscure the good so ; Told them they were mad ; Abusd their banquet ; and affirm'd some God. Tried maisteries with them : Bad them take their lo●d Of food and wine : Sit vp , or fal to bed At their free pleasures ; and since he gaue head To all their freedomes ; why should they mistake Their owne rich humors for a Beggers sake ? All bit their lips to be so taken downe ; And taught the course that shold haue bin their own ; Admir'd the Prince ; and saide , he brauely spoke . But Nisus Son then , strooke the equall stroke , And saide , O Friends , let no man here disdaine To put vp equall speeches ; nor maintaine VVith serious words , an humor ; Nor with stroke , A Stranger in anothers house prouoke , Nor touch the meanest seruant ; but confine All these dissentions in a bolle of wine : VVhich fill vs Cup-bearer ; that hauing done Our nightly sacrifice , we may attone Our powres with sleepe ; resigning first the guest Vp to the Prince , that holds all interest In his disposure here : the House being his In iust descent , & all the faculties . Th●s all approu'd ; when Noble Mulius ( Herald in chiefe , to Lord 〈◊〉 The VVine distributed with reuerend grace To eu'ry wooer : when the Gods giuen place VVith seruice fit , they seru'd themselues , and tooke Th●ir parting Cups : till ( when they all had shooke The angry humor off ) they bent to rest ; And euery VVooer to seuerall Roofes addrest . The End of the Eighteenth Booke of Homers Odysses . THE NINETEENTH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . VLysses and his Son , eschew Offending of the Wooers view With any Armour . His Birth 's seate , Vlysses tels his Queene , is Crete . Euryclea the truth yet found , Discouer'd by a scar-heal'd wound , Which in Parnassus tops , a Bore ( Strooke by him in his Chace ) did gore . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The King still hid by what he said . By what he did , informes his maid . YEt did Diuine Vlysses keepe his Roofe ; And with Minerua plotted still the proofe Of al the wooers deaths . VVhen thus , his Son He taught with these fore-counsailes : we must ron A close course with these Armes , & lay them by . And to the wooers make so faire a sky , As it would neuer thunder . Let me then ( That you may wel retaine ) repeate agen VVhat in Eumaeus Cottage , I aduis'd . If when they see your leysure exercis'd In fetching downe your Armes : & aske what vse Your minde will giue them : Say , 't is their abuse VVith smoke & rust , that makes you take them down ; This not being like the Armory well knowne To be the leauings of Laertes Son , Consorting the designe for Ilion . Your eyes may see how much they are infected , As all fires vapors , euer since , reflected On those sole Armes . Besides , a grauer thought , Ioue graues within you , lest ( their spirits wrought Aboue their pitch with wine ) they might contend At some high banquet , & to wounds transcend ; Their Feast inuerting ; which , perhaps may be Their Nuptiall feast , with wise Penelope . The ready weapon when the bloud is vp , Doubles the vprore , height●ed by the Cup. Wrath's meanes for Act ; cur●e all the wayes ye can ; As Loadstones draw the steele , so steele draw's Man. Retaine these words ; nor what is good , think thus Receiu'd at second hand , superfluous . The Sonne obeying , did Euryclea call , And bad her shut ( in the vtter Porches ) all The other women ; till himselfe brought downe His Fathers Armes , which all were ouer-growne By his neglect , with rust : his Father gone , And he too childish , to spend thoughts vpon Those manly Implements ; but he would now Reforme those yong neglects ; and th' armes bestow Past reach of smoke . The louing Nurse replide ; I wish ( O Son ) your powers would once prouide For wisedomes habit ; See your houshold were In thrifty mannage , and tend all things there . But if these armes must downe ; and euery Maide Be shut in vtter roomes ; who else should aide Your worke with light ? He answer'd ; This my guest : There shal not one in my house , tast my Feast , ( Or ioyne in my * Naue ) that shall ydlely liue , How euer farre hence , he his home deriue . He said , and his words stood ; The doores she shut Of that so wel-f●ll'd house ; and th' other put Their thoghts in act ; Best Shields , Helmes , sharpned Lances Brought downe ; and Pallas before both , aduances A golden Cresset , that did cast a Light , As if the Day sate , in the Throne of Night . VVhen ( halfe amaz'd ) the Prince said , O my Father , Mine eyes , my soules pow'rs all in wonder gather : For though the wals , and goodly wind-beames here , All all these Pillars , that their heads , so rere , And all of Firre ; they seeme yet , all of fire . Some God is surely with vs. His wise Sire , Bad peace , and keepe the counsailes of the Gods ; Nor aske a word : These Pow'rs that vse abods Aboue the starres , haue power from thence to shine Through night , and all shades , to earths in most Mine . Go thou for sleepe ; and leaue me here to wake The women and the Queene ; whose heart doth ake To make enquiry for my selfe , of me . He went to sleepe , where lights did endlesly Burne in his Night-roomes : where he feasted Rest , Til dayes faire weed , did all the world inuest . Thus was diuine Vlysses left alone VVith Pallas , plotting foule confusion To all the wooers . Forth then came the Queene ; Phoebe , with golden Cytherea seene , Her Port presented . Whom they set a Chaire Aside the fire : The fashion circulare ; The substance Siluer , and rich Elephant ; VVhose Fabricke , did the cunning finger vant Of great Icmalius : who besides , had done A footstoole for her , that did sute her Throne : On which , they cast an ample skin , to be The Cushion , for her other Royalty . And there she sate ; about whom , came her Maids , VVho brought vpon a Table store of Breads , And Bolles , that with the wooers wine were cround . The Embers then they cast vpon the ground From out the Lampes , and other Fuell added ; That still , with cheereful flame , the sad house gladded . Melantho , seeing still Vlysses there ; Thus she held out her spleene : Still stranger , here ? Thus late in night ? To see what Ladies do ? Auant you wretch : hence ; Go , without doores , go : And quickly too , lest ye be sindg'd away VVith burning fire-brands . He ( thus seeing their fray Continu'd by her with such spleene ) replide ; Minion ! What makes your angry blood thus chide My presence still ? Is it , because you see I shine not in your wanton brauery ? But weare these rags ? It fits the needy Fate That makes me beg thus , of the commune state . Such poore soules , and such beggers , yet are men ; And euen my meane meanes , means had to maintain A wealthy house ; and kept a manly prease ; VVas counted blessed ; and the poore accesse O● any Begger , did not scorne , but feede VVith often hand : and any man of neede Releeu'd as fitted : kept my seruants to , Not few ; but did with those additions go , That call choise men , The Honest ; who are stild The rich , the great . But what such great ones build Ioue oft puls downe , as thus he ruin'd me ; His will was such , which is his equity . And therefore ( woman ) beare you fitting hand On your behauiour , lest your spirit thus mann'd , And cherisht with your beauties ( when they wane ) Comes down : Your pride now , being then your bane . And in the meane space , shun the present danger ; Lest your bold fashion , breed your Soueraigns anger . Or lest Vlysses come : of whom , euen yet Hope finds some life in fate . Or , be his seat Amongst the meerly ruin'd ; yet his Sonne ( Whose lifes heate , Phoebus saues ) is such a one , As can discouer , who doth well deserue Of any woman heere ; His yeares , now serue . The Queen gaue eare , & thus supprest the flame : Thou quite without a brow ; past female shame ; I heare thy monstrous boldnesse , which thy head Shall pay me paines for . Thou hast heard it said , And from my selfe too ; and at euery part Thy knowledge serues thee ; that ( to ease my hart So punisht in thy witnesse ) my desire Dwelt on this Stranger ; that I might enquire My lost friends Beeing . But 't is euer tride , Both Man and God , are still forgot with Pride . Eurynome ! Bring heere this Guest a seat , And Cushion on it ; that we two , may treat Of the affaire in question . Set it neare , That I may softly speake , yet he well heare . She did this little freely ; and he sat Close by the Queen ; who askt him , Whence , & what He was himselfe ? And what th'inhabited place ? VVhere liu'd his parents ? whence he fetcht his race ? O woman ( he replyed ) with whom , no man That moues in earths vnbounded circle , can Maintaine contention , for true honor geuen ; Whose fame , hath reacht the * fairely flowing heauen . VVho , like a neuer-ill-deseruing King , That is well spoke of ; First , for worshipping , And striuing to resemble God , in Empire ; VVhose equall hand , impartially doth temper , Greatnesse , and Goodnesse : To whom therefore , beares The blacke earth , store of all graine ; Trees conferres , Cracking with burthen , Long-liu'd Herds creates ; All which , the Sea , with her sorts , emulates ; And all this feeds , beneath his powrefull hand , Men , valiant , many , making strong his Land With happy liues led ; Nothing else , the cause Of all these blessings , but well order'd Lawes ; Like such a King , are you ; in Loue , in Fame , And all the blisse that deifies a Dame. And therefore , do not mixe this with a mone So wretched , as is now in question . Aske not my Race , nor Countrey ; lest you fill My heart yet fuller , with repeated ill : For I must follow it , with many teares ; Though 't is not seemly , to sit wounding eares In publique Roofes , with our particular life ; Times worst expence , is still-repeated Griefe . I should be irkesome to your Ladies here : And you your selfe would say , you vrg'd your eare To what offends it : My still-broken eine , Supposing wounded with your too much wine . Stranger ( said she ) you feare your owne excesse , With giuing me too great a noblenesse . The Gods , my person , Beauty , Vertue to , Long since subuerted ; when the Ilion wo The Greeke designe attempted . In which , went My praise , and honor . In his gouernment Had I deseru'd your vtmost grace ; But now Sinister Deity , makes dishonor woo ( In shew of grace ) my ruine . All the Peres , Syluane Zacynthus , and Dulychius Spheres , Samos and Ithaca , strange strifes haue showne , To win me ; spending on me ▪ all mine owne . Will wed me , in my spite : And these are those , That take from me , all vertue to dispose Or Guest , or Suppliant : or take any course Amongst my Heralds ( that should all disburse ) To order any thing : Though I neede none To giue me greefe at home ; Abroad erres one That my veins shrink for ; whō , these ( holding gone ) Their Nuptials hasten , and find me as slow . Good spirits prompted me , to make a show Of vndertaking a most curious taske , That an vnmeasur'd space of time would aske ; VVhich , they enduring long , would often say , VVhen ends thy worke ? I soone had my delay ; And prai'd their stay : For though my Lord wer dead , His Fathers life yet , matter ministred That must imploy me : which , ( to tell them true ) Was that great worke I nam'd . For now , nere drew Laertes death ; and on my hand did lye His funerall Robe : whose end ( being now so nye ) I must not leaue , and lose so much begun : The rather , lest the Greeke Dames might be wun To taxe mine honor ; if a man so great Should greet his graue , without his winding sheet . Pride made them credulous ; and I went on : VVhen , whatsoeuer all the day had done , I made the night helpe , to vndo againe ; Though oyle , and watch it cost , and equall paine . Three yeares my wit secur'd me vndiscern'd : Yet , when the fourth came , by my Maids discern'd ( False carelesse wenches ) now they were deluded : When ( by my light descern'd ) they all intruded ; V●'d threatning words , and made me giue it end . And then could I , to no more length extend My linger'd Nuptials : Not a counsaile more VVas to be stood vpon ; my Parents bore Continuall hand on me , to make me wed : My Sonne grew angry , that so ruined His goods were by them . He is now a man ▪ VVise in a great degree ; and one that can Himselfe , giue order to his houshold fare : And Ioue , giue equal glory , to his care . But thus you must not passe me : I must know , ( It may be , for more end ) from whence doth grow Your race , and you ; For I suppose you , none Sprung of old Oake , or iustl'd out of stone . He answer'd ; O Vlysses reuerend wife ! Yet hold you purpose to enquire my life ? I le tell you , though it much afflict me more Then all the sorrowes I haue felt before . As worthily it may : since so long time , As I haue wandred from my Natiue Clime , Through humane Cities : and in sufferance stil : To rip all wounds vp ( though , of all their ill I touch but part ) must actuate all their paine . But , aske you still ; I le tell , though stil sustaine . In middle of the sable Sea , there lies An Isle , cal'd Crete ; a rauisher of eyes : Fruitfull , and mann'd with many an infinite store : Where ninety Cities crowne the famous shore ; Mixt with all Languag'd men : There Greekes suruiue ; There the great-minded Eteocretans liue : There the Dorensians , neuer out of war : The Cydons there ; and there the singular Pelasgian people : There doth G●ossus stand , That mighty City ; where had most command Great Ioues Disciple ( Minos ) who nine yeares Conferr'd with Ioue : Both great familiares In mutual counsailes . And this Mi●os Son , ( The mighty-minded King Deucali●● ) VVas Sire to me , & royall Idomen , VVho with Atrides , went to Ilion then , My elder Brother , and the better man ; My name Aethon . At that time began My knowledge of Vlysses ; whom my home Receiu'd with guest-rites . He was thither come By force of weather , from the Malean coast But new got off ; where he the Nauy lost , Then vnder saile for Troy ; and wind-bound lay Long in Amnisus ; hardly got away From horrid stormes , that made him anchor there , In Hauens that sacred to Lucina were ; Dreadfull and dangerous . In whose bosome crept Lucina's Cauerne . But in my roofe slept Vlysses , shor'd in Crete : who first enquir'd For royall Idomen ; and much desir'd To taste his guest-rites ; since to him had bene A welcome Guest my Brother Idomene . The tenth , or , leuenth light , on Vlysses shin'de In stay at Crete ; attending then the winde For threatn'd I●ion . All which time , my house VVith loue and entertainments curious Embrac't his person : though a number more My hospitable roofes receiu'd before . His men I likewise call'd ; and from the store Allow'd them meale , and heat exciting wine ; And Oxen for their slaughter ; to confine In my free hand the vtmost of their need . Twelue daies the Greeks staid , ere they got them freed ; A gale so bitter blew out of the North , That none could stand on earth , being tumbled forth By some sterne God. But on the thirteenth day The tempest ceast , & then went Greekes their way . Thus , many tales Vlysses told his wife , At most , but painting ; yet most like the life : Of which , her heart , such sense took through hir eares , It made her weepe , as she would turne to teares . And as from off the Mountaines melts the snow , Which Zephyres breath conceald ; but was made flow By hollow Eurus , which so fast poures downe , That with their Torrent , flouds haue ouer-flowne : So downe her faire cheekes , her kinde tears did glide ; Her mist Lord mourning , set so neere her side . Vlysses much was mou'd to see her mourne , VVhose eies yet stood as dry , as Iron , or Horne , In his vntroubl'd lids ; which , in his craft Of bridling passion , he from issue saf't . VVhen she had giuen her moane so many teares , That now 't was satiate : her yet louing feares Askt thus much further : You haue thus farre tried My loues credulity : But if gratified VVith so long stay he was with you , you can Describe what weede he wore ; what kinde of man Both he himselfe was , and what Followers Obseru'd him there . Alas ( sayd he ) the yeares Haue growne so many since ( this making now Their twentith reuolution ) that my show Of these slight notes , will set my memory sore ; But ( to my now remembrance ) this he wore : A double purple Robe , drawne close before VVith golden Buttons ; pleated thicke , and bore A facing , where a hundred colours shinde : About the skirts , a Hound ; A freckl'd Hinde In full course hunted . On the fore-skirts yet , He pincht , and pull'd her downe : when with hir feet , And all her force , she struggl'd hard for flight . VVhich had such life in Gold , that to the sight It seem'd the Hinde it selfe for euery hiew ; The Hound and al , so answering the view , That all admir'd all . I obseru'd beside His inner weed , so rarely beautifide , That dumbe amaze it bred ; and was as thin , As any dry and tender Onion skin : As soft 't was too , and glister'd like the Sun. The women were to louing wonder wun By him and by his weeds . But ( by the way ) You must excuse me , that I cannot say He brought this suite from home ; or had it there Sent for some Present ; or perhaps elsewhere Receiu'd it for his guest-gift : For your Lord Had Friends not few : The Fleete did not afford Many , that had not fewer . I bestow'd A well-edg'd sword on him ; a Robe that flow'd In foulds , and fulnesse , and did reach his feete , Of richest purple : Brought him to his Fleete , VVith all my honor : And besides ( to add To all this sifted circumstance ) he had A Herald there ; in height , a little more Put from the earth : that thicker shoulders wore ; A swarth complexion , and a curled head ; His name Eurybates ; and much in stead , He stood your King , imploy'd in most command , Since most of all , his minde could vnderstand . VVhen all these signes she knew , for chiefly trew ; Desire of moane vpon her beauties grew : And yet ( euen that desire suffic'd ) she said . Till this ( my Guest ) a wretched state arraid Your ill-vsd person : but from this houre forth , You shal be honor'd , and finde all the worth That fits a friend . Those weeds these hands bestow'd From out my wardrobe : those gold buttons sow'd Before for closure , and for Ornament . But neuer more , must his returne present The person that gaue those adornments State. And therefore , vnder an abhorred Fate VVas he induc't to feed the commune fame , To visit vile Troy ; I , too vile to name . No more yet mourne ( said he ) nor thus see pinde Your louely person : Weeping , wast's the Minde . And yet I blame you not ; for any Dame That weds one yong , and brings to him , his name ; ( VVhat euer man he is ) will mourne his losse : Much more respectfull then , must shew your woes , That weepe thus for Vlysses ; who ( Fame saies ) Was equal with the Gods , in all his waies . But where no cause is , there must be no mone : And therefore heare me ; my Relation Shal lay the cleere truth naked to your view ; I heard amongst the Thesprots , for most trew , That Lord Vlysses liu'd , and stood iust now On his returne for home : That wealth did flow In his possession ; which , he made not knowne , But begg'd amongst the people ; since alone He quite was left : for all his men were lost In getting off , from the Trinacrian Coast ; Ioue and the Sun , was wroth with them , for rape Made of his Oxen ; and no man let scape The rugged deepes of Neptune : Onely he The Ships Keele onely keeping , was by Sea Cast on the faire Phaeacian Continent ; VVhere men suruiue , that are the Gods descent ; And like a God receiu'd him ; gaue him heapes Of wealthy gifts , and would conduct his steps Themselues safe home : which , he might long ago His pleasure make : but profit would not so . He gather'd going , and had mighty store Of Gold in safegard : so beyond the Shore That commune sailes kept , his high flood of wit Bore glorious top ; and all the world , for it Hath farre exceeded . All this Phaedon told , That doth the Scepter of Thesprotia hold : VVho swore to me , in houshold sacrifice , The Ship was lancht , and men to man the prise ; That soone should set him on his countrey earth : Shew'd me the goods , enow to serue the birth , That in the tenth age of his seed , shold spring ; Yet in his Court contain'd . But then the King ( Your husband ) for Dodona was in way ; That from th'oraculous Oake , he might display Ioues will ; what course for home would best preuaile : To come in pompe ; or beare a secret saile . But me , the King dispatcht in course before ; A Ship then bound for the Dulychian shore . So thus you see his safety , whom you mourne , VVho now is passing neere ; and his returne No more will punish with delayes , but see His friends , and country : All which truth to thee I le seale with sacred Oath . Be witnesse Ioue , Thou first , and best , of all the Thron'd aboue ; And thou house of the great Laertes heire , To whose high roofes , I tender my repaire ; That what I tell the Queene , euent shall crowne : This yeare , Vlysses shall possesse his owne : Nay , ere the next month ends , shall heere arriue ; Nay ere it enters , heere abide aliue . O may this proue ( saide she ; ) gifts , friendship , then Should make your name the most renown'd of men . But 't is of me receiu'd ; and must so sort , That nor my Lord shall euer see his Court , Nor you gaine your deduction thence ; for now The alter'd house doth no such man allow As was Vlysses ( if he euer were ) To entertaine a reuerend Passenger , And giue him faire dismission . But ( Maids ) see Ye bathe his feete ; and then with Tapistry , Best sheets , and blanquets , make his bed , and lay Soft wascotes by him ; that ( lodg'd warme ) he may Euen till the golden-seated mornings ray , Enioy good ●est ; and then , with her first light , Bathe , and giue almes ; that cherisht appetite He may apply within our Hall , and sit Safe by Telemachus . Or if th'vnfit And harmfull minde of any be so base To greoue his age againe ; let none giue grac● Of doing any deed , he shall command ( How wroth so euer ) to his barbarous hand . For how shall you ( guest ) know me for a Dame That passe so far , nay , turne and winde the Fame Of other Dames for wisedome , and the frame Of houshold vsage ; if your poore thin weeds I let draw on you , want , and worser deeds ; That may , perhaps , cause heere your latest day ? The life of Man is short , and flyes away . And if the Rulers selfe of housholds , be Vngentle , studying inhumanity , The rest proue worse . But he beares all the blame : All men will , liuing , vow against his name , Mischiefes , and miseries ; And ( dead ) supply VVith bitter Epitaphes , his memory . But if himselfe be noble , ( noble things Doing , and knowing ) all his Vnderlings VVill imitate his Noblesse ; and all guests Giue it , in many ; many interests . But ( worthiest Queen , said he ) where you command Baths and rich beds for me , I scorne to stand On such state now ; nor euer thought it yet , Since first I left the snowy hils of Crete . VVhen once I fell a ship-boord , those thoughts fled ; I loue to take now ( as long since ) my bed : Though I began the vse , with sleeplesse nights ; I , many a darknesse , with right homely rites Haue spent ere this houre ; & desir'd the Morne Would come ; and make sleepe to the world a scorne . Nor run these dainty Bathes in my rude head ; Nor any handmaid ( to your seruice bred ) Shal touch my ill-kept feete , vnlesse there liue Some poore old drudge here , that hath learnd to giue Old men good vsage ; & no worke wil fly : As hauing suffer'd ill , as much as I. But if there liue , one such , in your command ; I wil not shame to giue my foot , her hand . She gaue this answere : O my loued Guest , There neuer enter'd these kinde Roofes , for rest , Stranger or Friend , that so much wisedome laide In gage for Guest-rites , as your lippes haue paide . There liues and old maide in my charge , that knowes The good you speake of , by her many woes ; That nourisht and brought vp , with curious care , Th' vnhappy man , your old familiar : Euen since his Mother let him view the light , And oft hath felt in her weake armes , his weight . And she ( though now much weaker ) shal apply Her Maiden seruice , to your modesty . Euryclea , rise ; and wash the feete of one , That is of one age with your Soueraigne gone . Such hands , such feet hath , though of alter'd grace : Much griefe in men , wil bring on change apace . She ( from her aged slumber wak't ) did cleare Her heauy eyes ; and instantly ( to heare Her Soueraignes name ) had worke enough to dry Her cheekes from teares : and to his memory These Mones did offer : O my Son ( saide she ) I neuer can take greefe enough for thee ; VVhom Goodnes hurts ; & whō , euen Ioues high spleen ( Since thou art Ioue-like ) hates the most of men . For none hath offer'd him so many Thyes ; Nor such whole Hecatombes of sacrifice , Fat , and selected , as thy zeale hath done ; For all , but praying that thy noble Sonne , Thy happy age , might see at state of man. And yet hath Ioue with Mists Cimmerean Put out the light of his returning day . And as your selfe ( O Father ) in your way Tooke these faire roofes for hospitable rights , Yet finde ( for them ) our dogged womens spights : So he ( in like course ) being driuen to proofe ( Long time ere this ) what such a royall Roofe Would yeeld his miseries ; sound such vsage there . And you ( now flying the foule Language here , And many a filthy fact of our faire Dames ) ●ly me , like them ; and put on causlesse shames To let me clense your feet . For not the cause The Queenes command yeelds , is the pow'r that drawes My will to wash your feete . But what I do , Proceeds from her charge , and your reuerence to . Since I , in soule , am stricken with a ruth Of your distresses , and past * show of truth . Your strangenesse claiming little interest In my affections : and yet many a Guest Of poore condition , hath bene harbour'd here : But neuer any , did so right appeare Like King Vlysses , as your selfe ; For state , Both of your stature , voice , and very gate . So all haue said ( said he ) that euer yet Had the proportions of our figures met , In their obseruances ; so right , your eye , Proues in your soule , your iudging faculty . Thus tooke she vp a Caldron , brightly scour'd , To clense his feete in : and into it , pour'd Store of cold waue ▪ which on the fire she set ; And therein bath'd ( being temperatly heat ) Her Soueraigns feet . Who turnd him from the light ; Since sodainly , he doubted her conceit ( So rightly touching at his state before ) A scar now seeing on his foot , that bore An old note to discerne him ; might descry The absolute truth ; which ( witnest by her eye ) VVas straite approu'd . He first receiu'd this sore , As in Parnassus tops , a white tooth'd Bore He stood in chace withall ; who strooke him there , At such time , as he liu'd a soiourner VVith his grand Sire , Autolyc● : who , th' Art Of Theft and swearing ( not out of the hart , But by equiuocation ) first adorn'd Your witty man withall ; and was suborn'd By Ioues descent ( ingenious Mer●urie ) VVho did bestow it ; since so many a Thie Of Lambes , and Kids , he had on him bestow'd In sacred flames ; who therefore , when he vow'd VVas euer with him . And this man impos'd Vlysses name ; the light being first disclos'd To his first sight then ; when his grand Sire came To see the then preferrer of his fame , His loued daughter . The first supper done , Euryclea , put in his lap , her Sonne , And pray'd him to bethinke , and giue his name ; Since that desire , did all desires inflame . Daughter , and Son-in-Law ( sayd he ) let then The name that I shall giue him , stand with men ; Since I arriu'd here , at the houre of paine , In which , mine owne kinde entrailes did sustaine Moane for my daughters , yet vnended throes : And when so many mens and womens woes , In ioynt compassion met , of humane birth , Brought forth t' attend the many feeding earth ; Let Odysseus be his name , as one Exposd to iust constraint of all mens mone . VVhen heere at home , he is arriu'd at state ▪ Of mans first youth ; he shall initiate His practisd feete , in trauaile made abrode ; And to Pernassus , where mine owne abode And chiefe meanes lye ; addresse his way , where I VVill giue him from my opened treasury , VVhat shall returne him well ; and fit the Fame Of one that had the honor of his name . For these faire gifts he went , and found all grace Of hands , and words , in him and all his race . Amphithea ( his Mothers mother ) to Applied her to his loue ; withall , to do In Grandames welcomes : both his faire eyes kist , And browes ; and then , commanded to assist VVere all her sonnes , by their respected Sire , In furnishing a Feast ; whose eares did fire Their minds with his command : who home straite led A fiue-yeares-old-male Oxe ; feld , slew , and flead : Gather'd about him ; cut him vp with Art ; Spitted , and roasted ; and his euery part Diuided orderly . So all the day They spent in feast : No one man went his way VVithout his fit fill . VVhen the Sun was set , And darknesse rose , they slept ; till dayes fire het Th'enlightned earth : and then , on hunting went Both Hounds , and all Autolycus descent . In whose guide , did diuine Vlysses go ; Climb'd steepe Parnassus , on whose forehead grow All syluan off-springs round . And soone they rech't The Concaues , whence ayrs sounding vapors fetcht Their loud descent . As soone as any Sun Had from the Ocean ( where his waters run In silent deepnesse ) rais'd his golden head : The early Huntsmen , all the hill had spread ; Their Hounds before them , on the searching Traile : They neere , and euer eager to assaile . Vlysses , brandishing a lengthfull Lance , Of whose first flight , he long'd to proue the chance . Then found they lodg'd a Bore , of bulke extreame , In such a Queach , as neuer any beame The Sun shot , pierc'st : Nor any passe , let finde The moist impressions of the fiercest winde : Nor any storme the sternest winter driues ; Such proofe it was : yet all within , lay leaues In mighty thicknesse ; and through all this , flew The hounds loud mouthes . The sounds , the tumult threw ; And all together rouz'd the Bore , that rusht Amongst their thickest : All his brissels , pusht From forth his rough necke ; and with flaming eyes Stood close , and dar'd all . On which horrid prise Vlysses first charg'd ; whom , aboue the knee The sauage strooke , and rac't it crookedly Along the skin , yet neuer reacht the bone . Vlysses Lance yet , through him , quite was throwne ; At his right shoulder entring : at his left , The bright head passage to his keennesse cleft , And shew'd his point gilt , with the gushing gore . Downe in the dust fell the extended Bore , And forth his life flew . To Vlysses , round His Vnckle drew ; who ( wofull for his wound ) With all Art bound it vp ; and with a charme Staid straight the blood : went home , & when the harm Receiu'd full cure ; with gifts , and all euent Of ioy , and loue ; to his lou'd home , they sent Their honor'd Nephew : whose returne , his Sire , And reuerend Mother , tooke with ioyes entire : Enquir'd all passages ; all which , he gaue In good relation : Nor of all , would saue His wound from vtterance : By whose scar he came To be discouered by this aged Dame. VVhich , when she clensing felt , and noted well : Downe from her Lap , into the Caldron , fell His weighty foot , that made the Brasse resound : Turn'd all aside , and on th'embrewed ground Spilt all the water . Ioy and griefe together Her brest inuaded : and of weeping weather Her eyes stood full : Her small voice , stucke within Her part expressiue ; till at length , his chin She tooke , and spake to him : O Sonne ( saide she ) Thou art Vlysses ; nor canst other be : Nor could I know thee yet , till all my King I had gone ouer , with the warmed Spring . Then look't she for the Queene , to tell her all ; And yet , knew nothing sure : thogh nought could fall In compasse of all thoughts , to make her doubt . Minerua , that distraction strooke throughout Her minds rapt sorces ; that she might not tell . Vlysses , noting yet her aptnesse well ; With one hand tooke her chin ; and made all shew Of fauour to her : with the other , drew Her offer'd parting closer : Askt her why , She , whose kinde breast had nurst so tenderly His infant life ; would now , his age destroy ? Though twenty yeares had held him from the ioy Of his lou'd country . But , since onely she , ( God putting her in minde ) now knew , 't was he , He charg'd her silence ; and to let no eare In all the Court more , know his being there : Lest , if God gaue into his wreakfull hand Th' insulting wooers liues : he did not stand On any partiall respect with her , Because his Nurse ; and to the rest prefer Her safety therefore ; But when they should feele His punishing finger , giue her equall steele . What words ( said she ) flye your retentiue pow'rs ? You know , you locke your counsailes in your Tow'rs In my firme bosome : and , that I am farre From those loose frailties . Like an Iron barre Or bolt of solidst stone , I will containe : And tell you this besides ; That if you gaine By Gods good aide , the wooers liues in yours ; VVhat Dames are heere their shamelesse Paramours , And haue done most dishonor to your worth , My information , well shall paint you forth . It shal not neede ( saide he ) my selfe will soone ( VVhile thus I maske heere ) set on euery one My sure obseruance of the worst , and best : Be thou then silent , and leaue God the rest . This said , the old Dame , for more water went ; The rest was all vpon the Pauement spent , By knowne Vlysses foot . More brought ( and he Supplied besides with sweetest Oyntments ) she His seate drew neere the fire , to keepe him warme : And , with his peec't rags , hiding close his harme : The Queene came neere , and said : Yet ( guest ) afford Your further patience ; till , but in a word I le tell my woes to you : For well I know , That Rests sweet Houre , her soft foote orders now : When all poore men , how much soeuer grieu'd , VVould gladly get their wo-watcht pow'rs relieu'd . But God hath giuen my griefe a heart so great , It will not downe with rest . And so I set My iudgement vp , to make it my delight . All day I mourne ; yet nothing let the right I owe my charge , both in my worke and Maids ; And when the night brings rest to others aides , I tosse my bed ; Distresse with twenty points , Slaught'ring the pow'rs that to my turning ioynts Conuey the vitall heate . And as all night , Pandareus daughter ( poore Edone ) sings , Clad in the verdure of the yearly Springs ; VVhen she for Itylus , her loued Sonne ( By Zetus issue ; in his madnesse , done To cruell death ) poures out her hourely mone , And drawes the eares to her of euery one ; So flowes my mone , that cuts in two my minde , And here and there , giues my discourse the winde ; Vncertain whether I shal with my Son ▪ Abide still heere , the safe possession And guard of all goods : Reuerence to the bed Of my lou'd Lord ; and to my far-off spred Fame with the people ; putting still in vse ; Or follow any best Greeke I can chuse To his fit house , with treasure infinite VVon to his Nuptials . VVhile the infant plight And want of iudgement kept my Son in guide ; He was not willing with my being a Bride , Nor with my parting from his Court : But now ( Arriu'd at mans state ) he would haue me vow My loue to some one of my wooers heere , And leaue his Court ; offended that their cheere Should so consume his free possessions . To settle then a choice in these my mones , Heare and expound a dreame , that did engraue My sleeping fancy . Twenty Geese , I haue ; All which , me thought , mine eye saw tasting wheate In water steep't , and ioy'd to see them eate . VVhen straight , a crooke-beak't Eagle , from a hill , Stoop't , and trust all their neckes , and all did kill ; VVhen ( all left scatter'd on the Pauement there ) She tooke her wing vp , to the Gods faire sphere : I , euen amid my Dreame , did weepe and mourne , To see the Eagle , with so shrew'd a turne , Stoope my sad turrets ; when , me thought there came About my mournings , many a Grecian Dame To cheere my sorrowes ; in whose most extreame The Hawke came back , and on the prominent beame That crost my Chamber , fell ; and vs'd to me A humane voice , that sounded horribly ; And saide ; Be confident , Icarius seed ; This is no dreame , but what shall chance indeed . The Geese , the wooers are : the Eagle , I , VVas heeretofore a Fowle : but now imply Thy husbands Beeing ; and am come to giue The wooers death , that on my Treasure , liue . With this , Sleepe left me ; and my waking way I tooke to try , if any violent prey Were made of those my Fowles ; which , well eno●●●● I ( as before ) found feeding at their Trough , Their yoted wheate . O woman ( he replide ) Thy dreame can no interpretation bide , But what the Eagle made , who was your Lord ; And saide , himselfe would sure effect afford To what he told you ; that confusion To all the wooers should appeare ; and none Escape the Fate , and death , he had decreed . She answer'd him : O Guest , these dreames exceede The Art of man t' interpret ; and appere Without all choise , or forme ; nor euer were Perform'd to all at all parts . But there are To these light Dreames , that like thin vapors fare , Two two-leau'd gates ; the one of Iuory ; The other , Horne . Those dreames that Fantasie Takes from the polisht Iuory Port , delude The Dreamer euer , and no truth include : Those that the glittering Horn-gate , le ts abrode , Do euermore , some certaine truth abode . But this my dreame , I hold of no such sort To flye from thence ; yet , which soeuer Port It had accesse from , it did highly please My Son , and me . And this , my thoughts professe ; That Day that lights me from Vlysses Court , Shall both my infamy , and curse consort . I therefore purpose to propose them now In strong Contention , Vlysses Bow ; Which he that easly drawes ; and from his draft , Shoots through twelue Axes ( as he did his shaft , All set vp in a rowe ; And from them all , His stand-farre-off kept firme ) my fortunes shall Dispose ; and take me to his house from hence , VVhere I was wed , a Maide ; in confluence Of feast and riches : such a Court he●re then , As I shall euer in my dreames reteine . Do not ( said he ) deferre the gamefull prise , But set to taske their importunities With something else , then Nuptials : For your Lord VVill to his Court and Kingdome be restor'd , Before they thred those steeles , or draw his Bow. O Guest ( repli'de Penelope ) would you Thus sit , and please me with your speech ; mine eares VVould neuer let mine eye-lids close their Spheares ; But none can liue without the death of sleepe ; Th'Immortals , in our mortall memories keepe Our ends , and deaths by sleepe ; diuiding so , ( As by the Fate and portion of our wo ) Our times spent heere ; to let vs nightly try , That while we liue ; as much as liue , we dye . In which vse , I will to my bed ascend , VVhich I bedeaw with teares , and sigh past end , Through all my houres spent ; since I lost my ioy , For vile , lew'd , neuer-to-be-named Troy. Yet there , I le proue for sleepe , which take you here ; Or on the earth , if that your custome were ; Or haue a bed , dispos'd for warmer rest . Thus left she with her Ladies , her old Guest : Ascended her faire chamber , and her bed : VVhose sight did euer duly make her shed Teares for her Lord ; which still her eyes did steepe , Till Pallas shut them with delightsome sleepe . The End of the Nineteenth Booke of Homers Odysses . THE TWENTITH BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . VLysses ▪ in the Wooers Beds , Resoluing first to kill the Maids ; That sentence giuing off ; His care For other Obiects dot● prepare . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Ioues thunder chides ; but cheers the king ; The Wooers prides discōmfiting . VLysses in the Entry , la●de his head , And v●der him , an Oxe-hide newly flead ; Aboue him Sheep fels stor● ; & o●●r those Eurynome cast Mantles . His repose VVould bring ●o sleepe yet ; studying the ill He wisht the wooers ; who came by him still VVith all their wenc●es ; laughing , wantoning In mutuall lightnesse , which his heart did sting ; Contending two wayes ; if ( all patience fled ) He should rush vp , and strike those Strumpets dead ; Or let that night be last , and take th' extreme Of those proud wooers , ●hat were so supreme In pleasure of their high fed fantasies . His heart did barke within him , to surprize Their spo●ts with spoiles : No fell shee Mastiue can Amongst her whelpes , flye eagrer on a man She doth not know ; yet sents him something neare , And faine would come to please her tooth and teare ; Then his disdaine , to see his Roofe so fil'de VVith those fowle fashions : Grew within him wilde To be in blood of them . But finding best In his free iudgement , to let passion rest ; He chid his angry spirit , and beate his brest : And said ; Forbeare ( my minde ) and thinke on this : There hath bene time , when bitter agonies Haue tried thy patience : Call to minde the day , In which the Cyclop , which past manly sway Of violent strength , deuour'd thy friends ; thou then Stoodst firmely bold , till from that hellish den Thy wisedom broght thee off ; whē nought but death Thy thoughts resolu'd on . This discourse did breath The fiery boundings of his heart , that still Lay in that aesture ; without end , his ill Yet manly suffering . But from side to side It made him tosse apace : you haue not tride A fellow roasting of a Pig before A hasty fire , ( his belly yeelding store Of fat , and blood ) turne faster : labour more To haue it roast , and would not haue it burne ; Then this , and that way , his vnrest made turne His thoughts , and body ; would not quench the fire , And yet , not haue it heighten his desire Past his discretion ; and the fit enough Of hast , and speed ; that went to all the proofe His well-laid plots , and his exploits requir'd ; Since he , but one , to all their deaths aspir'd . In this contention , Pallas stoop't from heauen ; Stood ouer him , and had her presence giuen A womans forme ; who sternly thus began : Why thou most sowre , and wretched-fated man Of all that breath ! yet liest thou thus awake ? The house , in which thy cares so tosse and take Thy quiet vp , is thine : thy wife is there ; And such a Son , as if thy wishes were To be suffic'd with one ; they could not mend . Goddesse ( said he ) t is true ; But I contend To right their wrongs : and ( though I bee but one ) To lay vnhelpt , and wreakfull hand vpon This whole resort of impudents , that here Their rude assemblies neuer will forbeare . And yet a greater doubt imployes my care ; That if their slaughters , in my reaches are , And I performe them ; ( Ioue and you not pleas'd ) How shall I flye their friends ? & would stand seas'd Of counsaile , to resolue this care in me . Wretch ( she replied ) a friend of worse degree , Might win thy credence : that a mortall were , And vs'd to second thee ; though nothing nere So powerfull in performance , nor in care : Yet I , a Goddesse , that haue still had share In thy atchieuements , and thy persons guard , Must still be doubted by thy Braine , so hard To credit any thing aboue thy powre , And that must come from heauen ; if euery houre There be not personall apparance made , And aide direct giuen , that may sense inuade . I le tell thee therefore cleerely : If there were Of diuers languag'd men , an Army here Of fifty Companies ; all driuing hence Thy Sheepe and Oxen , and with violence Offer'd to charge vs , and besiedge vs round ; Thou shouldst their prey reprize , & them confound . Let sleepe then seize thee : To keepe watch all Night , Consumes the spirits , and makes dull the sight . Thus pour'd the Goddesse sleepe into his eyes , And re-ascended the Olympian skies . VVhen care-and-lineament-resoluing sleepe , Had laide his temples in his golden steepe ; His , wise-in-chast-wit-worthy-wife , did rise : ( First sitting vp in her soft bed ) her eyes Opened with teares , in care of her estate , VVhich now , her friends resolu'd to terminate To more delaies ; and make her marry one . Her silent teares ( then ceast ) her Orizon This Queene of women to Diana made . Reuerend Diana ; let thy Darts inuade My wofull bosome , and my life depriue , Now at this instant ; or soone after driue My soule with Tempests forth , and giue it way To those farre-off darke Vaults , where neuer day Hath powre to shine ; and let them cast it downe Where refluent Oceanus doth crowne His curled head ; where Pluto's Orchard is , And entrance to our after miseries . As such sterne whirlewinds , rauisht to that streame , Pandareus daughters , when the Gods to them Had reft their parents ; and them left alone ( Poore orphan children ) in their Mansion . VVhose desolate life , did loues sweet Queene incline To nurse with pressed Milke , and sweetest wine ; VVhom Iuno deckt , beyond all other Dames VVith wisedomes light , and beauties mouing flames : VVhom Phoebe , goodlinesse of stature render'd , And to whose faire hands , wise Minerua tender'd , The Loome and Needle , in their vtmost skill . And while Loues Empresse skal'd th' Olympian hill , To beg of Lightning-louing Ioue ( since hee The meanes to all things knowes ; and doth decree Fortunes , infortunes , to the mortall Race ) For those poore virgins , the accomplisht grace Of sweetest Nuptials : The fierce Harpyes prey'd On euery good , & miserable Maid ; And to the hatefull Furies , gaue them all In horrid seruice . Yet , may such Fate fall From steepe Olympus , on my loathed head ; Or faire●●hair'd ●hoebe , strike me instant dead : That I may vndergo the gloomy Shore , To visit great Vlysses soule ; before I sooth my idle blood , and wed a wurse . And yet , beneath how desperate a curse Do I li●e now ? It is an ill , that may Be well indur'd , to mourne the whole long day ; So nights sweete sleepes ( that make a man forget Both bad , and good ) in some degree would let My thoughts leaue greeuing . But , both day and night , Some cruell God , giues my sad memory sight . This night ( me thought ) Vlysses grac't my bed In all the goodly state , with which he led The Grecian Army : which gaue ioyes extreame To my distresse , esteeming it no dreame , But true indeed : and that conceite I had , That when I saw it false , I might be mad . Such cruell Fates , command in my lifes guide . By this , the mornings Orient , dewes had di'de The earth in all her colours ; when the King In his sweet sleepe , suppos'd the sorrowing That she vi'd waking in her plaintiffe bed To be her mourning , standing by his head , As hauing knowne him there . VVho straight arose , And did againe within the Hall dispose The Carpets and the Cushions , where before They seru'd the seats . The Hide , without the dore He carried backe ; & then , with held vp hands , He pray'd to him , that heauen & earth commands ; O Father Ioue ; If through the moyst and dry You ( willing ) brought me home ; when misery Had punisht me enough , by your free doomes ; Let some of these within those inner roomes , ( Startl'd with horror of some strange Ostent ) Come heere , & tell me , that great Ioue hath bent Threatnings without , at some lewd men within . To this his pray'r , Ioue shooke his sable chin , And thunder'd from those pure clouds that ( aboue The breathing aire ) in bright Olympus moue . Diuine Vlysses ioy'd , to heare it rore . Report of which , a woman Miller bore Straight to his eares ; For neere to him , there ground Milles for his Corne , that twice six women found Continuall motion , grinding Barley meale , And wheat ( mans Marrow . ) Sleepe the eies did seale Of all the other women : hauing done Their vsuall taske ; which yet , this Dame alone Had scarse giuen end to ; being of al the rest , Least fit for labour . But when these sounds , prest Her eares , aboue the rumbling of her Mill : She let that stand , look't out ; and heauens steepe hill Saw cleere , and temperate ; which made her ( vnware Of giuing any comfort to his care , In that strange signe he pray'd for ) thus inuoke . O King of men , and Gods ; a mighty stroke Thy thundring hand laide , on the cope of starres ; No cloud in all the aire ; and therefore warres Thou bidst to some men , in thy sure Ostent : Performe to me ( poore wretch ) the maine euent , And make this day , the last , and most extream , In which the wooers pride shall solace them With whoorish Banquets in Vlysses Roofe : That , with sad toyle , to grinde them meale enough , Haue quite dissolu'd my knees : vouchsafe then , now Thy thunders may their latest Feast foreshow . This was the * Boone , Vlysses begg'd of Ioue ; VVhich ( with his Thunder ) through his bosom droue A ioy , that this vant breath'd : Why now these men ( Despite their pride ) will Ioue make , pay me paine . By this , had other Maids then those that lay , Mixt with the wooers ; made a fire like day , Amidst the harth of the illustrious Hall : And then the Prince , like a Celestiall Rose from his bed ; to his embalm'd feete , tied Faire shooes : his sword about his bre●st applied ; Tooke to his hand his sharp-pil'd Lance , and met Amidst the Entry , his old Nurse , that set His hast , at sodaine stand ; To whom he said : O ( my lou'd Nurse ) with what grace haue you laid And fed my guest heere ? Could you so neglect His age , to lodge him thus ? Though all respect I giue my Mothers wisedome , I must yet Affirme , it fail'd in this : For she hath set At much more price , a man of much lesse worth , Without his persons note ; and yet casts forth With ignominious hands ( for his Forme sake ) A man much better . Do not faulty make ( Good Son ) the faultlesse . He was giuen his seat Close to her side ; and food , till he would eat . VVine til his wish was seru'd : For she requir'd His wants , and will'd him all things he desir'd . Commanded her chiefe Maides to make his bed ; But he ( as one whom sorrow onely fed And all infortune ) would not take his rest In bed , and couerings , fit for any Guest ; But in the Entry , on an Oxes hide , Neuer at Tanners ; his old Limbes implide In warme Sheep-fels ; yet ouer all , we cast A mantle , fitting , for a man more grac'st . He tooke her answere : Left the house , and went ( Attended with his dogges ) to sift th' euent Of priuate Plots , betwixt him and his Sire In commune counsaile . Then the crue entire Of al the houshold Maids , ( Eury●lea ) bad Bestir them through the house ; and see it clad In all best Forme : gaue all their parts ; and one She set to furnish euery seate and Throne VVith Needle-workes , and purple clothes of State ; Another set to scoure and cleanse the Plate : Another , all the Tables to make proud VVith porous Sponges : Others , she bestow'd In all speed to the Spring , to fetch from thence Fit store of water ; all , at all expence Of paines , she will'd to be : For this , to all Should be a day of commune Festiuall ; And not a wooer now should seeke his home , Else where then there ; But all were bid to come Exceeding early ; and be rais'd to heauen , With all the entertainment could be geuen . They heard with greedy eares ; and euery thing Put straight in practise : Twenty to the Spring Made speed for water ; Many in the house Tooke paines ; and all , were both laborious And skill'd in labour . Many fell to Fell And cleaue their wood : & all did more then well . Then troop't the lusty wooers in ; and then Came all from Spring . At their heeles ; loaded men VVith slaughter'd Brawnes : of all the Herd , the prize , That had bene long fed vp in seuerall Sties . Eumaeus , and his men , conuei'd them there . He ( seeing now the King ) began to chere , And thus saluted him : How now , my Guest ? Haue yet your vertues found more interest In these great wooers good respects ? Or still Pursue they you , with all their wonted ill ? I would to heauen , Eumaeus ( he replide ) The Deities once would take in hand their pride ; That such vnseemly fashions put in frame In others Roofes , as shew no sparke of shame , Thus these ; and to these came Melanthius , Great guardian of the most egregious Rich wooers Herds , consisting all of Goats : VVhich he , with two more draue , & made their coats The sounding Forticos of that faire Court. Melanthius ( seeing the King ) this former sort Of vpland Language gaue : VVhat ? still stay heere ? And dull these wooers with thy wretched cheere ? Not gone for euer , yet ? why now I see This strife of cuffes betwixt the beggery , ( That yesterday assaid , to get thee gone ) And thy more roguery , needs wil fall vpon My hands to arbitrate . Thou wilt not hence Till I set on thee : thy ragg'd impudence Is so fast footed . Are there not beside Other great Banquetants , but you must ride At anchor stil with vs ? He nothing said , But thought of ill enough , and shooke his head . Then came Philaetius ( a chiefe of men ) That to the wooers all-deuouring den A barren Stere draue , and fat Goats ; for they In custome were , with Traffiquers by sea , That who they would sent ; and had vtterance there . And for these likewise , the faire Porches were Hurdles , and Sheep-pens , as in any Faire . Philaetius tooke note in his repaire , Of seene Vlysses ; being a man as well Giuen to his minds vse as to buy & sell ; Or do the drudgery that the blood desir'd ; And ( standing neere Eumaeus ) this enquir'd . VVhat Guest is this , that makes our house of late His entertainer ? whence claimes he the state His birth in this life holds ? what Nation ? VVhat race ? what country stands his speech vpon ? Ore hardly portion'd , by the terrible Fates . The structure of his Lineaments relates A Kings resemblance in his pompe of reigne Euen thus , in these rags . But poore erring men That haue no firme homes , but range here and there As Need compels , God keepes in this earths sphere , As vnder water : and this tune he sings , VVhen he is spinning euen the cares of Kings . Thus comming to him ; with a kinde of feare He tooke his hand ; and ( touch't exceeding neare VVith meere imagination of his worth ) This salutation he sent lowdly forth . Health ! Father stranger ; in another world Be rich and happy : though thou here art hurld At feete of neuer such insulting Neede . O Ioue , there liues no one God of thy seede More ill to man , then thou . Thou tak'st no ruth ( VVhen thou thy selfe hast got him , in most truth : ) To wrap him in the straites of most distresse , And in the curse of others wickednesse . My browes haue swet to see it ; and mine eyes Broke all in teares ; when this being still the guise Of worthiest men , I haue but onely thought , That downe to these ils , was Vlysses wrought ; And that ( thus clad ) euen he is error driuen , If yet he liues , and sees the light of heauen . But , if now dead , and in the house of hell , O me ! O good Vlysses ! That my weale Did euer wish : and when , but halfe a man Amongst the people Cephalenian ; His bounty , to his Oxens charge preferr'd One in that youth : which now , is growne a Herd Vnspeakeable for number ; and feede there With their broad heads , as thicke , as of his eare A Field of Corne is to a man : yet these , Some men aduise me , that this noted prease Of wooers may deuoure ; and wish me driue Vp to their Feasts with them ; that neither giue His Son respect , though in his owne free roofe ; Nor haue the wit to feare th'infallible proofe Of heauenly vengeance : but make offer now The long-lack't Kings possessions to bestow In their selfe shares . Me thinkes , the minde in me Doth turne as fast ; as ( in a flood , or Sea ) A raging whirlepit doth ; to gather in To fishy death , those swimmers in their sin . Or feeds a motion as circulare To driue my Herds away . But while the Son Beares vp with life , t' were hainous wrong to ron To other people with them ; and to trust Men of another earth : and yet more iust It were to venture their Lawes ; an maine right Made stil their Maisters ; then at home lose quite Their right , and them ; and sit and greeue to see The wrong authoriz'd by their gluttonie . And I had long since fled , and tried th' euent VVith other proud Kings ( since , more insolent These are , then can be borne , ) But that , euen stil I had a hope , that this ( though borne to ill ) VVould one day come from some coast , & their last In his roofes strew , with ruines red , and vast . Herdsman ( said he ) because thou art in show , Nor lewd , nor indiscreete ; and that I know There rules in thee an vnderstanding soule , I l'e take an oath , that in thee shall controule All doubt of what I sweare : be witnesse , Ioue , That swai'st the first Seate , of the thron'd aboue ; This hospitable Table ; and this house ; That still holds title for the strenuous Sonne of Laertes ; that ( if so you please ) Your eyes shall witnesse , Laertiades Arriu'd at home ; and all these men that raigne In such excesses heere ; shall heere lye slaine . He answer'd : Stranger ! would inst Ioue wold signe What you haue sworne : in your eyes beams should shine What powers I mannage ; and how these my hands , VVould rise and follow , where he first commands . So said Eumaeus : praying all the Sky That wise Vlysses might arriue and trie . Thus while they vow'd : the wooers sat as hard On his Sons death : but had their co●nsels skar'd ; For on their left hand , did an Eagle ●ore ; And in her seres , a fearefull Pigeon bore ; VVhich seene ; Amphinomus presa'gd : O friends , Our Counsailes neuer will receiue their ends In this mans slaughter : let vs therefore plie , Our bloody feast , and make his Oxen die . Thus came they in ; cast off on seates , their cloakes ; And fell to giuing sacrificing strokes Of Sheepe and Goates ; the cheefely fat , and great ; Slew fed vp Swine , and from the Heard , a Neate . The inwards ( roasted , ) they disposd'e betwixt Their then obseruers ; wine in Flaggons mixt . The bolles Eumaeus brought ; P●ilaetius , bread ; Melanthus fill'd the wine . Thus dranke and fed The feastfull wooers . Then the Prince ( in grace Of his close proiect ) did his Father place Amids the paued Entrie ; in a Seate Seemelesse , and abiect : a small boord and meate Of th' onely inwards . In a cup of gold Yet sent him wine ; and bad him now drinke bolde ; All his approches , he himselfe would free Gainst all the wooers : since he would not see His Court made populare : but that his Sire Built it to his vse . Therefore all the fire Blowne in the wooers spleenes , he bad suppresse ; And that in hands , nor words they ●hould digresse From that set peace , his speech did then proclaime . They bit their lips , and wondred at his aime I● that braue Language : when Antinons saide ; Though this speech ( Grecians ) be a meere vpbraide ; Yet this time giue it passe : The will of Io●e Forbids the violence of our hands , to moue ; But of our tongues , we keepe the motion free : And therefore , if his further iollity Tempt our encounter with his Braues , let 's checke His growing insolence : though pride to speake , Fly passing high with him . The wise Prince made No more spring of his speech , but let it fade . And now the Heralds bore about the Towne The sacred Hecatombe : to whose renowne The faire-haird Greekes assembl'd ; and beneath Apollo's shady wood ; the holy death They put to fire ; which ( made enough ) they drew ; Diuided all , that did in th' end accrew To glorious satisfaction . Those that were Disposers of the Feast , did equall cheere Bestow on wretched Laertiades , With all the wooers soules : It so did please Telemachus to charge them : And , for these Minerua would not see the malices The wooers bore ; too much contain'd , that so Vlysses mou'd heart , yet might higher flow In wreakfull anguish . There was wooing there ( Amongst the rest ) a Gallant , that did ●eare The name of one well learn'd , in iests prophane ; His name Ctesippus , borne a Samiane : Who proud , because his Father was so rich , Had so much confidence , as did bewitch His heart with hope , to wed Vlysses wife : And this man said ▪ Heare me , my Lords , in strife For this great widdow : This her guest did share Euen feast with vs , with very comely care Of him that order'd it : For 't is not good Nor equall , to depriue Guests of their food ; And specially , what euer guest makes way To that house where Telemachus doth sway . And therefore , I will adde to his receipt , A gift of very hospitable weight , VVhich he may giue againe , to any Maide That bath's his graue feete ; and her paines see paide ; Or any seruant else , that the diuine Vlysses lofty Battlements confine . Thus snatcht he with a valiant hand , from o●● The poore folkes commune basket , a Neat , foot , And threw it at Vlysses : who , his head Shrunke quietly aside ; and let it shed His malice on the wall . The suffering man A laughter raising , most Sardinian VVith scorne , and wrath mixt , at the Samian . VVhom thus the Prince reprou'd ; Your valour wan Much grace Ctesippus ; and hath eas'd your minde VVith mighty profit : yet you see it finde No marke it aim'd at ; the poore strangers part Himselfe made good enough , to scape your Dart. But should I serue thee worthily , my Lance Should strike thy heart through , & ( in place t' aduance Thy selfe in Nuptials with his wealth ) thy Sire Should make thy toomb heere ; that the foolish fire Of all such valors , may not dare to show These foule indecencies to me . I now Haue yeares to vnderstand my strength , and know The good and bad of things ; and am no more At your large sufferance , to behold my store Consum'd with patience : See my Cattell slaine , My wine exhausted ; and my Bread , in vaine Spent on your license : For , to one then yong , So many enemies were match too strong . But let me neuer more , be witnesse to Your hostile minds ; Nor those base deeds ye do : For , should ye kill me , in my offred wreake , I wish it rather ; and my death would speake Much more good of me , then to liue and ●ee , Indignity , vpon indignity : My Guests prouok't with bitter words and blowes ; My women seruants , dragg'd about my house To lust , and rapture . This made silence seize The house throughout : till Damastorides At length the calme brake : and said ; Friend , forbeare To giue a iust speech a disdainfull eare : The Guest no more touch , nor no seruant here . My selfe , will to the Prince and Queene commend A motion gratefull , if they please to lend Gratefull receite : as long as any hope Left wise Vlysses any passage ope To his returne in our conceits ; so long The Queenes delayes to our demands stood strong In cause , and reason ; and our quarrels thus With guests ; the Queene , or her Telemachus , Set neuer foote amongst our liberall Feast ; For should the King returne , though thought deceast , It had bene gaine to vs , in finding him , To lose his wife : But now , since nothing dim The daies breakes out , that shewes he neuer more Shal reach the deere touch of his countrey shore , Sit by your Mother , in perswasion , That now it stands her honor much vpon To choose the best of vs ; and who giues most , To go with him home . For so , all things lost In sticking on our haunt so ; you shall cleere Recouer , in our no more concourse here : Possesse your birth-right wholly ; eate and drinke ; And neuer more on our disgraces thinke . By Ioue , no Agelaus : For I sweare By all my Fathers sorrowes ; who doth erre Farre off from Ithaca ; or rests in death : I am so farre from spending but my breath , To make my Mother any more defer Her wished Nuptials ; That I le counsaile her To make her fre● choise : And besides , will giue Large gifts to moue her . But I feare to driue , Or charge her hence : For God will not giue way To any such course , if I should assay . At this , Minerua made for foolish ioy The wooers mad ; and rouz'd their late annoy To such a laughter , as would neuer downe . They laught with others cheeks ; eate meat oreflowne With their owne bloods : their eies stood full of teares For violent ioyes : Their soules yet thought of feares : VVhich Theoclymenus exprest , and said : O wretches ! Why ? Sustaine ye ( well apaid ) Your imminent ill ? A night , with which Death sees ; Your heads , and faces , hides beneath your knees . Shriekes burn about you : your eies , thrust out teares : These fixed wals , and that maine Beame that beares The whole house vp , in bloody torrents fall : The Entry full of ghosts stands : Full the Hall Of passengers to hel : And , vnder all The dismall shades ; The Sun sinkes from the Poles ; And troubl'd aire , poures bane about your soules . They sweetly laught at this : E●rymachus To mocks dispos'd , and saide ; This new come-t'vs Is surely mad , conduct him forth to light In th' open Market place : he thinkes 't is night Within the house . Eurymachus ( said he ) I will not aske for any guide of thee : I both my feete enioy ; haue eares , and eies , And no mad soule within me : and with these Will I go forth the doores : because I know , That imminent mischiefe must abide with you ; VVhich , not a man of all the wooers here Shall flye , or scape . ●e all too highly beare Your vncurb'd heads : Impieties ye commit , And euery man affect , with formes vnfit . This said ; he left the house , and tooke his way Home to Pyraeus ; who , as free as day , Was of his welcome . When the wooers eyes Chang'd lookes with one another , and ( their guise Of laughters , still held on ) still eas'd their brests , Of will to set the Prince against his guests : Affirming , that of all the men aliue He worst lucke had ; and prou'd it worst to giue Guests entertainment : Fo● he had one there A wandring Hunter out of prouendere , An errant Begger euery way ; yet thought ( He was so hungry ) that he needed nought But wine and Victuals : nor knew how to do ; Nor had a spirit to put a knowledge to ; But liu'd an idle burthen to the earth . Another then stept vp ; and would lay forth His lips in ph●ophesie , thus : But ( would he heare His friends perswasions ) he should finde it were More profit for him , to put both abord For the Sici●ian people , that afford These 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 feete of men , good price : and this would bring Good meanes for better guests ▪ These words made wing To his eares idlely : who h●d still his eye Vpon his Father , looking feruently When he would lay his long-withholding hand On those proud wooers . And , within command Of all this speech that past , Icarius heire ( The wise Penelope ) her royall chaire Had plac't of purpose . Their high dinner then With all pleas'd palates , these ridiculous men Fell sweetly to : as ioying they had slaine Such store of banquet . But there did not raigne A bitterer banquet Planet in all heauen , Then that which Pallas , had to that day driuen ; And , with her able friend now , meant t' appose ; Since they , till then , were in deserts so grose . The End of the Twentith Booke of Homers Odysses . THE XXI . BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . PEnelope proposeth now , To him that drawes Vlysses Bow Her instant Nuptials . Ithacus , Eumaeus , and Philaetius , Giues charge for guarding of the Gates ; And he , his s●aft shoots through the plates . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Nuptiall vow , and Game reherst : Drawne is the Bow , the steeles are pierst . PAllas ( the Goddesse with the sparkling eyes ) Excites Penelope , t'obiect the prise ( The Bow & bright steeles ) to the wooers strength And here began the strife and blood at length . She first aseended by a lofty staire , Her vtmost chamber ; of whose doore , her faire And halfe transparant hand receiu'd the Key ; Bright , brazen ; bitted passing curiously , And as it hung a knob of Iuory . And this did leade her , where was strongly kept The treasure Royall ; in whose store lay heap't , Gold , Brasse , and Steele , engrauen with infinite Art ; The crooked Bowe , and Arrowy quiuer , part Of that rich Magazin . In the Quiuer , were Arrowes a number ; sharpe , and sighing gere . The Bow was giuen by kinde Eurythides ( ●phitus , fashion'd like the Deities ) To yong Vlysses ; when within the Roofe Of wise Ort●locus , their passe had proofe Of mutuall meeting in M●ssena ; where Vlysses claim'd a debt : To whose pay , were The whole Messen●an people bound ; since they From Ithaca , had forc't a wealthy prey Of Sheepe , and She●pherds . In their ships they thrust ●hree hundred Sheepe together : for whose iust And instat rendry ▪ old L●ertes sent Vlysses his Ambassador , that went A long way in the Ambassy ; yet then Bore but the formost prime of yongest men . His Father , sending first to that affaire His gra●est Councellors , and then his heire . Iphitus made his way there hauing lost Twelue female horse ; and Mules commended most For vse of burthen ; which were after cause Of death and fate to him . For ( past all Lawes Of hospitality ) Ioues mighty son ( Skill'd in great acts ) was his confusion Close by his house , though at that time his guest : Respecting neither the apposed Feast And hospitable Table , in that loue He set before him ; nor the voice of Ioue : But ▪ seizing first his Mares , he after slew His host himselfe . From those Mares search now grew Vlysses knowne t'Iphitus ; who that Bow At their encounter , did in loue bestow , Which great Eurytus hand had bo●ne before ( Iphitus Father ) who ( at deaths sad dore ) In his steepe Turret● , left it to his Son. Vlysses gaue him a keene Faulchion And mighty Lance ; and thus began they there Their fatall Loues ; for after , neuer were Their mut●all Tables to each other knowne ; Because Iou●s son th'vnworthy part had shown● O● slaughtering this God-like louing man , Eurytus son ; who with that Bow began And ended loue t'Vlysses : who so deare A gift esteem'd it , that he would not beare In his blacke fleete that guest-rite to the war ; But , in fit memorie of one so far In his aff●ction , brought it home , and kept His treasure with it , where till now it slept . And now the Queene of women had intent To giue it vse ; and therefore made ascent Vp all the staires height to the chamber dore : Whose shining leaues two bright Pilasters bore To such a close , when both together went ; It would resist the aire in their consent . The Ring she tooke then , and did draw aside A barre that ran within , and then implide The Key into the Locke ; which gaue a sound ( The Bolt then shooting ) as ● pasture ground A Bull doth Low , and make the valleyes ring : So loud the Locke humm'd , when it loosd his spring , And ope the doores flew . In she went along The lofty chamber , that was boorded strong With heart of Oake ; which many yeares ago The Architect did smooth and polish so , That now as then , he made it freshly shine ; And tried the euennesse of it with a Line . There stood in this roome , Presses that enclos'd Robes odorferous ; by which repos'd The Bow was vpon pins : Nor from it farre Hung the round Quiuer , glittering like a Starre ; Both which , her white extended hand tooke downe : Then sate she low , and made her lap a Crowne Of both those Reliques ; which she wept to see , And cried quite out with louing memory Of her deare Lord : To whose worth , paying then Kinde debts enow : She left ; and to the men Vow'd to her wooing , brought the crooked Bow , And shaft-receiuing Quiuer , that did flow With arrowes , beating sighes vp where they fell . Then , with another Chist , repleate as well VVith Games won by the King , of Steele and Brasse , Her Maids attended . Past whom , making passe To where her wooers were ; She made her stay Amids the faire Hall doore , and kept the ray Of her bright count'nance hid with veyles so thin , That though they seem'd t' expose , they let loue in ; Her Maids on both sides stood ; and thus she spake . Heare me , ye wooers , that a pleasure take To do me sorrow , and my house inuade To eate and drinke ; as if 't were onely made To serue your Rapines : My Lord long away ; And you allow'd no colour for your stay But his still absence ; striuing who shall frame Me for his wife ; and ( since 't is made a game ) I heere propose diuine Vlysses Bow For that great Maister-peece , to which ye vow . He that can draw it , with least show to striue , And through these twelue Ax-heads , an arrow driue ; Him will I follow , and this house forgo , That nourisht me a Maid : now furnisht so With all things fit ; and which I so esteeme That I shall still liue in it in my dream . This said , she made Eumaeus giue it them . He tooke , and laide it by ; and wept for wo , And like him , wept Philaetius ; when the Bow Of which his King was bearer , he beheld . Their teares , Antinous manhood much refeld ; And said , Ye rustick fooles ! that still each day Your minds giue ouer to this vaine dismay , VVhy weepe ye ( wretches ? ) and the widdowes eyes Tempt with renew'd thought ; that would otherwise Depose her sorrowes , since her Lord is dead , And teares are idle ? Sit , and eate your bread , Nor whisper more a word ; or get ye gone , And weepe without doores : Let this Bow alone To our ou-matcht contention : For I feare , The Bow will scarse yeeld draught to any heere . Heere no such man liues , as Laertes Son Amongst vs all : I knew him ; Thought puts on His lookes sight now , me thinkes , thogh then a child . Thus shew'd his words doubt , yet his hopes enstild His strength , the stretcher of Vlysses string . And his steeles piercer : But his shaft must sing Through his piercst Pallat first ; whom so he wrong'● In his free roofe ; and made the rest ill tongu'd Against his vertues . Then the sacred heat That spirited his Son , did further set Their confidence on fire ; and said : O Frends , Ioue hath bereft my wits : The Queene intends ( Though I must grant her wise ) ere long to leaue Vlysses Court ; and to her bed receaue Some other Lord : yet notwithstanding , I Am forc't to laugh , and set my pleasures hye Like one mad sicke . But wooers , since ye haue An obiect for your trials now so braue , As all the broad Achaian earth exceeds : As sacred Pylos ; as the Argiue breeds ; As blacke Epyrus , as Mycena's birth ; And as the more-fam'd Ithacensian earth ; All which , your selues well know , and o●t haue saide ; ( For what neede hath my Mother of my aide In her aduancement ? ) Tender no excuse , For least delay ; nor too much time profuse In stay to draw this Bow ; but draw it straight ; Shoot , and the steeles pierce : make all see how sleight You make these poore barres , to so rich a prise . No eagrer yet ? Come on : My faculties Shall try the Bowes strength , and the pierced steele : I will not for my reuerend Mother feele The sorrowes that I know will seize my heart , To see her follow any , and depart From her so long-held home : But first extend The Bow and Arrow to their tender'd end . For I am onely to succeede my Sire In guard of his games ; and let none aspire To their besides possession . This said ; His purple Robe he cast off . By he laide His well-edg'd sword ; and first , a seuerall pit He digg'd for euery Axe , and strengthen'd it VVith earth , close ramm'd about it : On a rew Set them of one height , by a Line he drew Along the whole twelue ; and so orderly Did euery deed belonging ( yet his eye Neuer before beholding how 't was done ) That in amaze rose all his lookers on . Then stood he neere the doore , & prou'd to draw The stubborne Bow : Thrice tried , & thrice gaue Law To his vncrown'd attempts : the fourth assay VVith all force offering , which a signe gaue stay Giuen by his Father ; though hee shew'd a minde As if he stood right heartily inclinde To perfect the exploite : when , all was done In onely drift to set the wooers on . His weaknesse yet confest ; he said , O shame I either shall be euer of no name , But proue a wretch : Or else I am too yong , And must not now prefume on pow'rs so strong As sinewes yet more growing , may ingraft , To turne a man quite ouer with a shaft . Besides , to men whose Nerues are best prepar'd ; All great Aduentures , at first proofe , are hard . But come , you stronger men , attempt this Bow , And let vs end our labour . Thus , below A well-ioyn'd boord he laide it ; and close by , The brightly-headed shaft : then thron'd his Thie Amidst his late-left seate . Antinous then Bad all arise : but first , who did sustaine The cups state euer ; and did sacrifice Before they eate still : and that man , bad rise , Since on the others right hand he was plac't ; Because he held the right hands rising , grac't VVith best successe still . This direction wun Supreame applause ; and first , rose Oe●ops Son Liodes , that was Priest to all the rest , Sate lowest with the Cup still , and their iest Could neuer like ; but euer was the man That checkt their follies : and he now began To taste the Bow : the sharpe shaft tooke , tug'd hard , And held aloft : and till he quite had marr'd His delicate tender fingers , could not stir The churlish string ▪ who therefore did refer The game to others ; saying , that same Bow ( In his presage ) would proue the ouerthrow Of many a chiefe man there : nor thought the Fate VVas any whit austere ; since Death● short da●e Were much the better taken ; then long life Without the ohiect of their amorous strife ; For whom they had burn'd out so many dayes To finde still other , nothing but delayes Obtaining in them : and affirm'd that now Some hop't to haue her : but when that tough Bow They all had tried , and seene the vtmost done , They must rest pleasd to cease ; and now some one Of all their other faire veyl'd Grecian Dames VVith gifts , and dow'r , and Hymeneal Flames ; Let her loue light to him , that most will giue , And whom the Nuptiall destiny did driue . Thus laid he on the well-ioyn'd pol●sht Bord The Bow , and bright-pil't shaft ; and then restor'd His seate his right . To him , Antinous Gaue bitter language , and reprou'd him thus . VVhat words ( Liodes ) passe thy speeches guard ? That 't is a worke to beare ? And set so hard , They set vp my disdaine : This Bow must end The best of vs ? since thy armes cannot lend The string least motion ? Thy Mothers throwes Brought neuer forth thy armes , to draught of Bowes , Or knitting shafts off . Though thou canst not draw The sturdy Plant , thou art to vs no law . Melanthius ? Light a fire , and set thereat A chaire and cushions ; & that masse of fat That lyes within , bring out ; that we may set Our Pages to this Bow , to see it heat And suppl'd with the sue● ; and then wee May giue it draught , and pay this great decree Vtmost performance . He a mighty fire Gaue instant flame , put into act th' entire Command layd on him : Chaire and cushions set ; Laid on the Bow , which straight the Pages het , Chaft , suppl'd with the Suet to their most ; And sti●l was all their Vnctuous labour lost : All wooers strengths , too indigent and pore To draw that Bow : Antinous armes , it tore ; An● great Eurymachus ( the both cleere best ) Yet both it tir'd , and made them glad to rest . Forth then went both the Swaines ; and after them Diuine Vlysses , when being past th' extreme Of all the Gates ; with winning words he tride Their loues , and this askt : Shall my counsailes hide Their depths from you ? My mind would gladly know If sodainly Vlysses had his Vow Made good for home ; and had some God to guide His steps and strokes to , to wreak these wooers pride ; Would your aids ioyne on his part , or with theirs ? How stand your hearts affected ? They made prayr's , That some God would please , to returne their Lord ; He then should see , how farre they would affoord Their liues for his . ( He seeing th●ir 〈◊〉 ) replied ; I am your Lord ; through 〈◊〉 any a sufferance ●●ied , Arriu'd now heere ; whom twenty yeares haue held From foorth my Country ; yet are not conceal'd From my sure knowledge ; your desires to see My safe returne . Of all the company Now seruing heere besides ; not one but you Mine eare hath witnest willing to bestow Their wishes of my life , so long held dead . I therefore vow , ( which shall be perfected ) That if God please , beneath my hand to leaue These wooers liuelesse ; ye shall both receiue Wiues from that hand , and meanes ; and neere to me Haue houses built to you : and both shall be As friends , and brothers to my onely Sonne . And that ye well may know me ; and ●e ●onne To that assurance : the infallible Signe The white-tooth'd Bore g●●e , this markt knee of mine When in Parnassus , he was held in chase By me , and by my famous Grand●ires race ; I l'e let you see . Thus seuer'd he his weede From that his wound ; and euery word had deed In their sure knowledges ; VVhich made them cast Their armes about him ; his broade brest imbrac't , His necke and shoulders kist . And him , as well Did those true powers of humane loue compell To kisse their heads and hands ; and to their mone Had sent the free light of the cheerefull Sunne , Had not Vlysses broke the ●uth , and saide ; Cease teares , and sorrowes , le●t wee proue displaide , By some that issue from the house ; and they Relate to those within . Take each his way , Not altogether in ; but one by one : First I , then you ; and then see this be done : The enuious wooers will by no meanes giue The offer of the Bow , and Arrow leaue To come at me ; spight then their pride , do thou ( My good Eumaeus ) bring both shaft and Bow , To my hands proofe ; and charge the maides before ; That instantly , they shut in euery doore ; That they themselues , ( if any tumult rise Beneath my Roofes ; by any that enuies , My will to vndertake the Game ) may gaine No passage forth , but close at worke containe With all free quiet ; or at least , constrain'd . And therefore ( my Philaetius ) see maintain'd ( VVhen close the gates are shut ) their closure fa●t ; To which end , be it thy sole worke to cast Their chaines before them . This said , in he led ; Tooke first his feate , and then they seconded His entry with their owne . Then tooke in hand Eurymachus the Bow , made close his stand Aside the fire ; at whose heate , here and there He warm'd and suppl'd it , yet could not stere To any draught , the string , with all his Art ; And therefore , sweld in him his glorious heart ; Affirming ; that himselfe , and all his friends Had cause to greeue : Not onely that their ends They mist in marriage ( since enow besides Kinde Grecian Dames , there liu'd to be their Brides In Ithaca , and other bordering Townes ) But that to all times future , their renownes VVould stand disparag'd , if Vlysses Bow They could not drawe , and yet his wife would woo . Antinous answer'd ; That there could ensue No shame at all to them : For well he knew , That this day was kept holy to the S●nne By all the City : and there should be done No such prophane act ; therefore bad , lay by The Bow for that day : but the maistery ●f Axes that were set vp , still might stand ; Since that no labour was , nor any hand VVould offer to inuade Vlysses house , To take , or touch with surreptitious Or violent hand , what there was left for vse . He therefore bad the Cup - 〈◊〉 infuse VVine to the Bolles ; that so , with ●acrifice They might let rest the shooting exercise ; And in the morning make 〈◊〉 bring The cheefe Goats of his Herd , that to the King Of Bowes and Archers , they might burne the Thyes For good successe ; and then , attempt the prize . The rest sate pleasd with this : the Heralds straite Pour'd water on their hands : each Page did waite VVith his crown'd cup of wine : seru●d 〈◊〉 man Till all were satisfied : and then began Vlyss●s plot of his close purpose ▪ 〈◊〉 : Heare me , ye much renown'd Eurymachus , And King Antinous , in cheefe ; who well , And with decorum sacred , doth compell This dayes obseruance ; and to let lay downe The Bow , all this light ; giuing Gods their owne . The mornings labour , God the more wil blesse , And strength bestow , where he himselfe shall please . Against which time , let me presume to pray Your fauours , with the rest ; that this assay , May my olde armes prooue ; trying if there lye In my poore powers the same actiuity That long since crown'd them : Or if needy fare And desolate wandring , haue the web worne bar● Of my lifes thred at all parts ; that no more Can furnish these affaires as heeretofore . This heat their spleens past measure ; blown with fear , Lest his loth'd temples , would the garland weare Of that Bowes draught : Antinous vsing speech To this sowre purpose : Thou most arrant wretch Of all guests breathing ; in no least degree Grac't with a humane soule : It serues not thee To feast in peace with vs ; take equall share Of what we reach to ; sit , and all things heare That we speake freely ( which no begging guest Did euer yet ) but thou must make request To mixe with vs in merit of the Queene . But wine enflames thee ; that hath euer beene The bane of men : whoeuer yet would take Th' excesse it offers ; and the meane forsake . Wine spoilde the Centaure great E●ryti●● , In guest-rites , with the mighty-minded Son Of bolde Ixion ; in his way to warre , Against the Lapithes ; who driuen as farre As madnesse , with the bold effects of wine ; Did outrage to his kinde hoast ; and decline Other Heroes from him , feasted there ; With so much anger , that they left their cheere , And dragg'd him forth the fore-court ; slit his nose , Cropt both his eares ; and in the ill dispose His minde then sufferd ; drew the fatall day On his head , with his hoast . For thence the fray Betwixt the Centaures , and the 〈◊〉 Had mortall act : but he for his 〈◊〉 In spoile of wine , far'd worth himselfe ; As thou For thy large cups , if thy armes draw the Bow , My minde foretels shalt feare : for not a man Of all our Consort , that in wisedome can Boast any fit share , will take prayers then ; But to Echetus , the most sterne of men A blacke Saile freight with thee ; whose worst of ill , Be sure is past all ransome . Sit then still ; Drinke temperately ; and neuer more contend With men your yongers . This , the Queene did end With her defence of him ; and told his Foe It was not faire , nor equall t'ouercrow The poorest Guest her sonne pleas'd t' entertaine In his free Turrets ; with so proud a straine Of threats , and brauings ; asking if he thought That if the stranger to his armes had brought The stubborne Bow downe ; he should marry her And beare her home ? And said , himselfe should erre In no such hope ; nor of them all the best That greeu'd at any good , she did her guest , Should banquet there ; since it in no sort show'd Noblesse in them , nor paid her , what she ow'd Her owne free rule there . This Eurymachus Confirm'd and saide ; nor feeds it hope in vs ( Icarius daughter ) to solemnize Rites Of Nuptials with thee ; Nor in noblest sights It can shew comely ; but to our respects The rumor , both of sexes , and of Sects Amongst the people , would breede shame , and feare , Lest any worst Greeke said ; See , m●n that were Of meane deseruings , will presume t' aspire To his wiues bed , whom all men did admire For fame and merit ; could not draw his Bow , And yet his wife , had foolish pride to woo : When straight an errant Begger comes and drawes The Bow with ease , performing all the Lawes The game beside contain'd ; and this would thus , Proue both indignity and shame to vs. The Queene replied ; The fame of men I see Beares much price , in your great suppos'd degree ; Yet who can proue ( amongst the people great ) That of one so esteem'd of them , the seat Doth so defame and ruine ? And beside , With what right is this guest thus vilefied In your high censures ? when the man , in blood Is well * composd , and great ; his parents good . And therefore giue the Bow to him , to try His Birth and breeding by his Cheualry . If his armes draw it ; and that Phoebus stands So great a glory to his strength , my hands Shall adde this guerdon : Euery sort of weed , A two-edg'd Sword and Lance , to keepe him freed From Dogs and Men hereafter ; and dismis His worth to what place tends that heart of his . Her sonne gaue answere ; That it was a wrong To his free sway , in all things that belong To guard of that house , to demand the Bow Of any wooer , and the vse bestow Vpon the stranger : For the Bow was his , To giue or to with-hold : No maisteries Of her proposing , giuing any power T'empaire his right in things , for any wower ; Or any that rough Ithaca affords ; Any that Elis ; of which , no mans words Nor pow'rs should curbe him ( stood he so enclin'd ) To see the Bow in absolute gift resign'd To that his guest , to beare and vse at will : And therefore bad his Mother keepe ●er still Amongst her women , at her Rocke and Loome ; Bowes were for men : and this Bow did become Past al mens , his disposure ; since his Sire Left it to him , and all the house e●tire . She stood dismaid at this ; and in her minde His wise words laide vp ; standing so inclinde As he had will'd ; with all her women , going Vp to her chamber : there , her teares bestowing ( As euery night she did ) on her lou'd Lord , Til sleepe and Pallas , her fit rest restor'd . The Bow , Eumaeus tooke , and bore away ; Which vp in tumult , and almost in fray Put all the wooers : One enquiring thus . Whether ? Rogue ? abiect ? wilt thou beare from vs That Bow proposd ? Lay downe , or I protest Thy dogs shal eate thee , that thou nourishest To guard thy Swine : amongst whom ( left of all ) Thy life shal leaue thee ; if the Festiuall VVe now obserue to Phoebus ; ●ay our zeales Grace with his aide , and all the Deities else . This threat made good 〈◊〉 yeelde the Bow To his late place , not knowing what might grow From such a multitude . And then fell on Telemachus with threats ; and saide , Set gon That Bow yet further : t is no seruants part To serue too many Maisters : raise your hart And beare it off , lest ( though your yonger ) yet VVith stones I pelt you to the field with it . If you and I close , I shal prooue to●●●rong : I wish , as much too hard for all this 〈◊〉 The Gods would make me ; I should quickly send Some after , with iust sorrow to their end : They waste my victles so , and ply my cup , And do me such shrewd turnes still . This put vp The wooers all in Laugh●●rs ; and put downe Their angers to him ; that so late were growne So graue and bloody , which resolu'd that feare Of good Eumaeus ; who did take and beare The King the Bow ; call'd Nurse , and bad her make The doores all sure ; that if mens tumults take The eares of some within ; they may not fly , But keepe at worke still , close and silently . These words put wings to her ; and close she put The chamber doore : The Court gates then were shut By kind Philaetius ; who straight did go From out the Hall ; and in the Portico Found laid , a Gable of a Ship , compos'd Of spongy Bulrushes ; with which hee clos'd ( In winding round about them ) the Court gates : Then tooke his place againe , to view the Fates That quickly follow'd . When he came , he saw Vlysses viewing , ere he tried to draw The famous Bow ; which euery way he mou'd ; Vp , and downe turning it : in which he prou'd The plight it was in : fearing chiefly , lest The hornes were eate with wormes , in so long rest . But what his thoughts intended , turning so ; And keeping such a search about the Bow : The wooers little knowing , fell to iest , And said ; Past doubt , he is a man profest In Bowyers craft , and sees quite through the wood : Or something ( certaine ) to be vnderstood There is , in this his turning of it still : A cunning Rogue he is , at any ill . Then spake another proud one ; Would to heauen I might ( at will ) get Gold , till he hath geuen That Bow his draught : with these sharp iests , did these Delightsome woo●rs , their fatall humors please . But when the wise Vlysses once had laide His fingers on it ; and to proofe suruaide The stil sound plight it held : As one of skill In song , and of the Harpe ; doth at his will In tuning of his Instrument ; extend A string out with his pin ; touch all , and lend To euery wel-wreath'd string , his perfect sound , Strooke all togither : with such ease , drew round The King , the Bow. Then twang'd he vp the string , That , as a Swallow , in the aire doth sing VVith no continu'd tune ; but ( pausing still ) Twinkes out her scatter'd voice in accents shrill ; So sharpe the string sung , when he gaue it touch , Once hauing bent and drawne it . Which so much Amaz'd the wooers , that their colours went And came , most grieuously . And then , Ioue rent The aire with thunder ; which at heart did chere The now-enough-sustaining Traueller . Tha Ioue , againe , would his attempt enable . Then tooke he into hand , from off the Table The first drawne arrow ; and a number more Spent shortly on the wooers . But this One , He measur'd by his arme ( as if not knowne The leng●h were to him ) nockt it then ; and drew : And ●hrough the Axes , at the first hole , flew The steele-chardg'd arrow ; which whē he had done , He thus bespake the Prince : You haue not wonne Disgrace yet by your Guest ; for I haue strook The marke I shot at ; and no such toile tooke In wearying the Bow , with fat and fire , As did the wooers ; yet reseru'd entire ( Thanke heauen ) my strength is ; & my selfe am tried , No man to be so basely vilified As these men pleas'd to think me . But , free way Take that , and all their pleasures : and while Day Holds her Torch to you ; and the howre of feast Hath now full date ; giue banquet ; and the rest ( Poeme and Harpe ) that grace a wel-fill'd boorde . This saide : he beckn'd to his Sonne ; whose sword He straight girt to him : tooke to hand his Lance , And , compleate arm'd , did to his Sire aduance . The End of the XXI . Booke of Homers Odysses . THE XXII . BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . THe Wooers in Mineruaes sight Slaine by Vlysses ; All the light And lustfull H●swiues , by his Sonne And seruants , are to slaughter done . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The end of Pride , & lawlesse Lust ; Is wretched tried , with slaughters iust THe vpper rags , that wise Vlysses wore , Cast off ; he ●usheth to the great Hall dore With Bow and Quiuer full of shafts ; which downe He pour'd before his feet ; & thus made known His true state to the wooers : This strife , thus Hath harmlesse bene decided : Now for vs There rests another marke , more hard to hit , And such as neuer man before hath smit ; VVhose full point likewise , my hands shall assay , And try if Phoebus will giue me his day . He said ; and off his bitter Arrow thrust Right , at Antinous ; that strooke him iust As he was lifting vp the Bolle ; to show , That 'twixt the cup , & lip , much ill may grow . Death toucht not at his thoughts , at Feast : for who VVould thinke , that he alone could perish ●o Amongst so many ? And he , best of all ? The Arrow in his throate tooke full his fall ; And thrust his head farre through the other side : Downe fell his cup ; downe he ; downe all his pride . Straight from his Nostrils gusht the humane gore : And as he fell , his feete farre ouerbore The feastfull Table ; all the Rost , and Bread About the house strew'd . VVhen his high-born head The rest beheld so low , vp rusht they all , And ransack't euery Corner of the Hall For Shields and Darts : but all fled farre their reach ; Then fell they foule on him with terrible speach , And told him , it should proue the deerest shaft That euer past him ; and that now was saf't No shift for him , but sure and sodaine death : For he had slaine a man , whose like did breath In no part of the Kingdome : and that now He should no more for Game● , striue with his Bow , But Vultures eate him there . These threats they spent ; ●et euery man beleeu'd , that sterne euent Chanc't 'gainst the authors will : O Fooles , to thinke That all their rest , had any cup to drinke , But what their great Antinous began . He ( frowning ) saide ; Dogs , see in me the man Ye all held dead at Troy : My house it is That thus ye spoile ; that thus your Luxuries File with my womens rapes : in which , ye woo The wife of one that liues ; and no thought ●●ow Of mans fit feare , or Gods : your present Fame , Or any faire sence of your future name . And therefore , present and eternal death Shall end your base life . This made fresh feares breath Their former boldnesse : euery man had eye On all the meanes , and studied wayes to flye So deepe deaths imminent . But , seeing none , E●rymachus began with suppliant mone To mooue his pitty , saying ; If you be This Iles Vlysses , we must all agree In grant of your reproofes integrity . The Greekes haue done you many a wrong at home ; At field as many : But of all , the summe Lies heere contract in death : For onely he Imposd the whole ill Offices that we Are now made guilty of : and not so much Sought his endeuours ; or in thought did touch At any Nuptials ; but a greater thing Employ'd his forces : For , to be our King VVas his cheefe obiect : his sole plot it was To kil your Son : which Ioues hand would not passe , But set it to his owne most merited end . In which , end your iust anger ; nor extend Your sterne wreake further : Spend your royal pow'rs In milde ruth of your people ; we are yours . And whatsoeuer waste of wine ; or food , Our Liberties haue made ; wee 'le make all good In restitutions : call a Court , and passe A fine of twenty Oxen , Gold , and Brasse , On euery Head ; and raise your most rates still , Till you are pleasd with your confessed fill : VVhich if we faile to tender : all your wrath , It shal be iustice in our bloods to bathe . Eurymachus ( saide he ) if you would giue All that your Fathers hoord , to make ye liue ; And all that euer you your selues possesse , Or shal by any industry increase : I would not cease from slaughter , till your bloods Had bought out your intemperance in my Goods . It rests now for you , that you either fight That will scape death , or make your way by flight : In whose best choise , my thoughts conceiue , not one Shall shun the death , your first hath vndergone . This quite dissolu'd their knees : E●rymachus Enforcing all their feares , yet counsail'd thus : O Friends This man , now he hath got the Bow And Quiuer by him , euer will bestow His most inaccessible hands at vs And neuer leaue , if we auoide him thus , Til he hath strew'd the pauement with vs all : And therefore , ioyne we swords , and on him fall With Tables forc't vp ; and borne in opposd Against his sharpe shafts ; when being round enclosd By all our on-sets , we shall either take His horrid person , or for safety make His rage retire from out the Hall and Gates : And then , if he escape , wee 'l make our states Knowne to the City , by our generall ●ry : And thus this man shal let his last shaft fly , That euer his hand vanted . Thus he drew His sharpe edg'd sword ; and with a table , flew In , on Vlysses with a terrible throte , His fierce charge vrging . But Vlysses●mote ●mote The boord , and cleft it through , from end to end Borne at his breast , and made his shaft extend His sharp head to his Liuer : his broad breast Pierc't at his Nipple : when , his hand releast Forthwith his sword , that fel and kist the ground : VVith cups and victles , lying scattered round About the pauement : amongst which , his brow Knockt the embrued earth ; while in paines did slow His vitall spirits , til his heeles shooke out His feastful life ; and hurl'd a Throne about , That way-laide deaths convulsions in his feete ; When from his tender eyes , the light did flee● . Then charg'd Amphi●omus with his drawne blade The glorious King , in purpose to haue made His feete forsake the house : But his assay The Prince preuented ; and his Lance gaue way Quite through his shoulder , at his backe : his brest The fierce pile letting forth . His ruine , prest Grones from the pauement ; which his forhead strook . Telemachus his long Lance then forsooke ( Left in Amphinomus ) and to his Sire Made fiery passe ; not staying to acquire His Lance againe ; in doubt that while he drew The fixed pile , some other might renew Fierce charge vpon him ; and his vnarm'd head Cleaue with his back-drawne sword : for which he fled Close to his Father ; bad him arme , and he Would bring him Shield and Iauelins instantly ; His owne head arming ; more armes laying by To serue the Swine-herd , and the Oxen-herd . Valour well arm'd , is euer most preferd . Run then ( saide he ) and come , before the last Of these auxilliary shafts are past : For feare , lest ( left alone ) they force my stand From forth the Ports . He flew , and brought to hand Eight Darts , foure Shields , 4. Helmes . His owne parts then First put in armes , he furnisht both his men , That to their King stood close . But he , as long As he had shafts to friend , enough was strong For all the wooers : and some one man still He made make euen with earth . Till all , a hill Had raisd in th'euen floor'd Hall. His last shaft spent , He set his Bow against a beame , and went To arme at all parts , while the other three Kept off the wooers : who , vnarm'd , could be No great assailants . In the well-built wall A window was thrust out , at end of all The houses Entry : on whose vtter side There lay a way to Towne ; and in it , wide And two leau'd folds were forg'd , that gaue fit meane For flyers out ; and therefore , at it then Vlysses plac't Eumaeus in close guard : One onely passe ope to it : which ( prepar'd In this sort by Vlysses , 'gainst all passe ) By Agelaus tardy memorie , was In question call'd : who bad , some one ascend At such a window ; and bring straight to frend The City with his clamor ; that this man Might quickly shoot his last . This , no one can Make safe accesse to ( saide Melanthi●s ) For 't is too neere the Hals faire doores : whence thus The man afflicts ye : For from thence , there lies But one streight passage to it ; that denies Accesse to all ; if any one man stand ( Being one of courage ) and will countermand O●r offer to it . But I know a way To bring you armes , from where the King doth lay His whole munition : and , beleeue there is No other place , to all the Armories Both of himselfe and Sonne . This saide : a paire Of lofty Staires he climb'd ; and to th' affaire , Twelue Shields , twelue Lances broght ; as many casks , VVith horse-haire Plumes ; and set to bitter tasks Both Son and Sire . Then shrunke Vlysses knees , And his lou'd heart ; when thus in armes he sees So many wooers ; and their shaken darts : For then the worke shew'd , as it askt more parts To safe performance : and he tolde his Sonne , That or Melanthius , or his maides had done A deed , that foule warre , to their hands conferd . O Father ( he replyed ) t is I haue err'd In this caus'd labour : I , and none , but I ; That left the doore ope , of your Armory . But some ( it seemes ) hath set a sharper eye On that important place : Eumaeus ! hast And shut the doore ; obseruing who hath pa●t To this false action : any maide ; or One That I suspect more ; which is Dolius Sonne . VVhile these spake thus ; Melanthius went againe For more faire armes ; whom the renowned Swaine Eumaeus saw : and tolde Vlysses straight , It was the hatefull man , that his conceite Before suspected ; who had done that ill : And ( being againe there ) askt if he should kill ( If his power seru'd ) or he should bring the Swaine To him ; t' inflict on him a seuerall paine For euery forfeite , he had made his house . He answer'd : I and my Telemachus VVill heere containe these proud ones , in despite , How much soeuer , these stolne armes excite Their guilty courages ; while you two take Possession of the Chamber : the doores make Sure at your backe : and then ( surprising him ) His feete and hands binde ; wrapping euery lim In pliant chaines ; and with a halter ( cast Aboue the winde-beame ( at himselfe made fast ) Aloft the Column draw him : where aliue He long may hang ; and paines enow , depriue His vexed life , before his death succeede . This charge ( soone heard ) as soone they put to deed ; Stole on his stealth ; and at the further end Of all the chamber , saw him busily bend His hands to more armes : when they ( still at dore ) Watcht his returne . At last , he came , and bore In one hand , a faire Helme : in th' other held A broad , and ancient rusty-rested Shield , That old Laertes in his youth had worne ; Of which , the cheeke-bands had with age bin torne . They rusht vpon him , caught him by the haire , And dragg'd him in againe : whom ( crying out ) They cast vpon the pauement : wrapt about With sure and pinching cords , both foote and hand ; And then ( in full acte of their Kings command ) A pliant chaine bestow'd on him ; and hal'd His body vp the columne , till he scal'd The highest wind-beame . Where , made firmly fast , Eumaeus on his iust infliction , past This pleasurable cauill : Now you may , All night keepe watch heere , and the earliest day Discerne ( being hung so high ) to rouse from rest Your dainty Cattle , to the wooers Feast . There ( as befits a man of meanes so faire ) Soft may you sleepe , nought vnder you but aire ; And so , long hang you . Thus they left him there , Made fast the doore ; and with Vlysses , were All arm'd in th' instant . Then they all stood close ; Their minds fire breath'd in flaures against their foes . Foure in th ' Entry fighting all alone ; VVhen from the Hall charg'd many a mighty one : But to them then , Ioues seede ( Min●urua ) came , Resembling Mentor , both in voice and frame Of manly person . Passing well apaide Vlysses was ; and saide , Now Ment●r , aid● Gainst these odde mischiefes : call to memory now My often good to thee ; and that , we two Of one yeares life are . Thus he said ; but thought It was Minerua , that had euer brought To her side , safety . On the other part , The wooers threatn'd : but the chiefe in heart VVas Agelaus ; who , to Mentor spake . Mentor : Let no words of Vlysses make Thy hand a fighter on his feeble side , Gainst al vs wooers : for we firme abide In this perswasion ; That when Sire and Son Our swords haue slaine , thy life is sure to ron One fortune with them : what strange acts hast thou Conceit to forme here ▪ Thy head must below The wreake of theirs , on vs : And when thy powrs Are taken downe by these fierce steeles of ours ; All thy possessions , in doores , and without Must raise on heape with his ; and all thy rout Of sons and daughters , in thy Turrets bleed Wreake offerings to vs ; and our Towne stand freed Of all charge with thy wife . Mineruaes heart Was fir'd with these Braues : the approu'd desert Of her Vlysses , chiding : saying , No more Thy force nor fortitude , as heretofore Will gaine thee glory . VVhen nine yeares at Troy , VVhite-wristed Hellens rescue , did imploy Thy armes and wisedome ; still , and euer vsde The bloods of thousands , through the field diffusde By thy vaste valor ; Priams broad-waide Towne By thy graue parts , was sackt , and ouerthrowne : And now , amongst thy people , and thy goods , Against the wooers base and petulant bloods , Stint'st thou thy valour ? Rather mourning here , Then manly fighting ? Come Friend , Stand we nere , And note my labour , that thou maist discerne Amongst thy foes , how Mentors Nerues will erne All thy old Bounties . This she spake , but staide Her hand from giuing each-way-often-swaide Vncertaine conquest , to his certaine vse ; But still would try , what selfe-pow'rs would produce Both in the Father ▪ and the glorious Son. Then , on the wind-beame , that along did ron The smoaky roofe ; transform'd Minerua sat Like to a Swallow ; sometimes cuffing at The swords and Lances , rushing from her seate ; And vp and downe the troubl'd house , did beate Her wing at euery motion . And as she Had rouz'd Vlysses ; so , the enemy Damastors sonne excited ; Polybus , Amphinomus , and Demoptolemus , Eurynomus , and Polyctorides ; For these were men , that of the wooing prea●e VVere most egregious , and the clearly best In strength of hand , of all the desperate rest That yet suruiu'd , and now fought for their soules ; VVhich straight , swift arrowes sent among the Fouls . But first , Damastors sonne had more spare breath To spend on their excitements , ere his death ; And saide , That now Vlysses would forbeare His dismall hand , since Mentors spirit was there , And blew vaine vants about Vlysses eares ; In whose trust , he would cease his Massacres , Rest him , and put his friends huge boasts in proofe : And so was he beneath the Entries roofe Left with Telemachus , and th' other two : At whom ( saide he ) discharge no Darts : but thro All at Vlysses , rousing his faint rest ; Whom if we slaughter , by our interest In Ioues assistance , all the rest may yield Our pow'rs no care , when he strowes once the field . As he then will'd : they all at randon threw , VVhere they supposd he rested ; and then flew Minerua after euery Dart , and made Some strike the threshold ; some the wals inuade : Some beate the doores ; and all acts rendred vaine Their graue steele offer'd : which escap't , Againe Came on Vlysses , saying ; O that we , The wooers troope , with our ioynt Archerie Might so assaile ; that where their spirits dream . On our deaths first , we first may slaughter them . Thus the much sufferer said ; and all let fly , VVhen euerie man strooke dead his enemy : Vlysses slaughtred Demoptolemus : Euryades by yong Telemachus His death encounter'd . Good E●maus slew Elatus ; And Philaetius ouerthrew Pysander : all which , tore the paued floore Vp with their teeth : The rest retir'd before Their second charge , to inner roomes ; and then Vlysses follow'd : from the slaughter'd men Their darts first drawing . While which worke was done , The wooers threw , with huge contention To kill them all ; when with her Swallow wing , Minerua cufft ; and made their Iauelins ring Against the doores , and thresholds , as before● : Some yet did graze vpon their markes . One tore The Princes wrist , which was Amphimed●● ; Th' extreame part of the skin , but toucht vpon . Ctesippus , ouer good Eumaeus Shield His shoulders top did taint ; which yet did yield The Lance free passe , and gaue his hurt the ground . Againe then charg'd the wooers , and girt round Vlysses with their Lances ; who turn'd head , And with his Iauelin strooke Euryda●●s dead . Telemachus , disliu'd Amphimed●n ; Eumaeus , Polybu● ; Philaetius won Ctesippus bosome with his dart , and said ; ( In quittance of the Iesters part he plaid , The Neats-foot hurling at Vlysses ) Now Great Sonne of Polytherses ; you that vow Your wit to bitter taunts ; and loue to wound The * heart of any with a iest ; so crown'd Your wit be with a laughter ; neuer yeilding To fooles in folly ; but your glory building On putting downe in fooling , spitting forth Puft words at all sorts : Cease to scoffe at worth , And leaue reuenge of vile words to the Gods , Since theit wits beare the sharper edge by ods : And in the meane time , take the Dart I draue , For that right hospitable foote you gaue Diuine Vlysses , begging but his owne . Thus spake the black-Ox-herdsman ; & straight down Vlysses strooke another with his Dart , ( Damastors son . ) Telemachus did part Iust in the midst , the belly of the faire Euenors sonne ; his fierce Pile taking aire Out at his backe . Flat fell he on his face ; His whole browes knocking , and did marke the place . And now , man-slaughtering Pallas tooke in hand Her Snake-frindg'd shield , & on that beam took stand In her true forme , where Swallow-like she sat . And then , in this way of the house , and that : The wooers ( wounded at the heart with feare ) Fled the encounter : As in Pastures , where Fat Herds of Oxen feede , about the field ( As if wilde madnesse their instincts impeld ) The high-fed Bullockes flye : whom in the Spring ( When dayes are long ) Gadbees , or Breezes sting . Vlysses and his sonne , the Flyers chac'st ; As when with crooked Beakes and Seres , a cast Of hill-bred Eagles , cast off at some game , That yet their strengths keepe ; But ( put vp ) in flame The Eagles stoopes ; From which , along the field The poore Foules make wing : this and that way yield Their hard-flowne Pinions : ●hen , the clouds assay For scape or shelter ; their forlorne dismay All spirit exhaling , all wings strength to carry Their bodies forth ; and ( trust vp ) to the Quarry Their Faulconers ride in , and reioyce to see Their Hawkes performe a flight so feruently ; So ( in their flight ) Vlysses with his Heire , Did stoope and cuffe the wooers , that the aire Broke in vaste sighes : whose heads , they shot & cleft ; The Pauement boyling with the soules they reft : Liodes ( running to Vlysses ) toke His knees ; and thus did on his name inuoke : Vlysses : Let me pray thee , to my place Affoord the reuerence ; and to me the grace : That neuer did , or saide , to any Dame Thy Court contain'd , or deede , or word to blame . But others so affected , I haue made Lay downe their insolence ; and if the trade They kept with wickednesse , haue made them still Despise my speech , and vse their wonted ill ; They haue their penance by the stroke of death ; Which their des●rt , diuinely warranteth : But I am Priest amongst them ; and shall I , That nought haue done worth death , amongst thē dy ? From thee , this Prouerbe then will men deriue ; Good turnes do neuer their meere deeds suruiue . He ( bending his displeased forehead ) saide ; If you be Priest amongst them , as you pleade , Yet you would marry ; and with my wife too ; And haue descent by her : For all that woo Wish to obtaine , which they should neuer doo Dames husbands liuing . You must therefore pray Of force , and oft in Court heere ; that the day Of my returne for home might neuer shine ; The death to me wish't , therefore shall be thine . This said ; he tooke a sword vp that was cast From Agelaus , hauing strooke his last ; And on the Priests mid necke , he laide a stroke That strooke his head off ; tumbling as he spoke . Then did the Poet Phoemiu● ( whose sur-name VVas call'd Terpiades ; who thither came Forc't by the woo'rs ) fly death ; but being nere The Courts great gate , he stood , and parted there In two his counsailes ; either to remoue And take the Altar of Here●ian Ioue ; ( Made sacred to him ; with a world of Art Engrauen about it ; where were wont t' impart Laertes , and Vlysses , many a Thye Of broad-brow'd Oxen to the Deity ) Or venture to Vlysses : cla●pe his knee , And pray his ruth . The last was the decree His choise resolu'd on . Twixt the royall Throne , And that faire Table that the Bolle stood on VVith which they sacrific'd ; his Harpe he laide Along the earth ; the Kings knees hugg'd , and saide : Vlysses ! Let my prayers obtaine of thee My sacred skils respect , and ruth to mee . It will heereafter grieue thee to haue slaine A Poet , that doth sing to Gods and men . I , of my selfe am taught : for God alone , All sorts of song hath in my bosome sowne : And I , as to a God , will sing to thee ; Then do not thou deale like the Priest , with me ▪ Thine owne lou'd sonne Telemachus will say , That not to beg heere ; nor with willing way Was my accesse to thy high Court addrest , To giue the wooers my song after Feast ; But being many , and so much more strong ; They forc't me hither , and compell'd my Song . This did the Princes sacred vertue heare ; And to the King his Father , said : Forbeare To mixe the guiltlesse , with the guilties blood . And with him likewise , let our mercies saue Medon the Herald ; that did still behaue Himselfe with care of my good , from a childe ; If by Eumaeus yet he be not kild ; Or by Philaetius ; nor your fury met , While all this blood about the house it swet . This Medon heard , as lying hid beneath A Throne set neere ; halfe dead with feare of death ; A new-flead Oxe-hide ( as but there throwne by ) His serious shroud made , he lying there , to fly . But hearing this , he quickly left the Throne ; His Oxe-hide cast as quickly , and as soone The Princes knees seiz'd : saying , O my loue , I am not slaine ; but heere aliue , and moue . Abstaine your selfe ; and do not see your Sire Quench with my cold blood , the vnmeasur'd fire That flames in his strength , making spoile of me , His wraths right , for the wooers iniury . Vlysses smil'd , and said ; Be confident This man hath sau'd , and made thee different ; To let thee know , and say , and others see , Good life , is much more safe then villany . Go then , sit free without , from death within : This much renowned Singer , from the sin Of these men likewise quit . Both rest you there , While I my house purge , as it fits me here . This saide , they went and tooke their seat without At Ioues high Altar , looking round about , Expecting still their slaughter : VVhen the King Searcht round the Hall , to try lifes hidden wing Made from more death . But all , laid prostrate there In blood and gore he saw : whole sholes they were ; And lay as thicke , as in a hollow creake VVithou● the white Sea , when the Fishers breake Their many-meshed Draught-net vp , there lye Fish frisking on the Sands ; and faine the dry VVould for the wet change . But th'al-seeing beam The Sun exhales , hath suckt their liues from them ; So , one by other , spraul'd the wooers there . Vlysses , and his Son then , bid appeare The Nurse Euryclea , to let her heare His minde in something , fit for her affaire . He op't the doore , and call'd ; and said , Repaire Graue Matron , long since borne ; that art our Spy To all this houses seruile huswifery : My Father cals thee , to impart some thought That askes thy action . His word , found in nought Her slacke obseruance , who straight op't the dore And enter'd to him ; when himselfe before Had left the Hall. But there , the King she view'd Amongst the slaine , with blood and gore embrew'd : And as a Lyon sculking all in Night , Farre off in Pastures ; and come home , all dight In iawes and brest-lockes , with an Oxes blood , New feasted on him , his lookes full of mood ? So look't Vlysses ; all his hands and feete Freckl'd with purple . When which sight did greete The poore old woman ( such workes being for eyes Of no soft temper ) out she brake in cries ; VVhose vent , though throughly opened ; he yet closd , Cal'd her more neere , and thus her plaints composd ; Forbeare ; nor shrieke thus : But vent ioyes as loud ? It is no piety to bemone the proud : Though ends befall them , mouing neere so much , These are the portions of the Gods to such . Mens owne impieties , in their instant act , Sustaine their plagues ; which are with stay but rackt . But these men , Gods nor men had in esteeme : Nor good , nor bad , had any sence in them . Their liues directly ill , were therefore cause That Death in these sterne formes , so deepely drawes . Recount then to me , those licentious Dames , That lost my honor , and their sexes shames . I le tell you truly ( she replied , ) There are Twice fiue and twenty women here , that share All worke amongst them ; whom I taught to Spin , And beare the iust bands that they suffer'd in : Of all which , onely there were twelue , that gaue Themselues to impudence , and light behaue ; Nor me respecting , nor herselfe ( the Queene . ) And for your Son , he hath but lately bene Of yeares to rule : Nor would his Mother beare His Empire , where her womens labors were . But let me go , and giue her notice now Of your arriuall . Sure some God doth show His hand vpon her , in this rest she takes , That all these vpro●es beares , and neuer wakes . Nor wake her yet ( said he ) but cause to come Those twelue light women , to this vtter roome . She made all vtmost haste , to come and go , And bring the women he had summon'd so . Then , both his Swaines and Son , he bad , go call The women to their aide , and cleere the Hall Of those dead bodies : Clense each boord , & Throne VVith wetted Sponges : which , with fitnesse , done , He bad take all the Strumpets , 'twixt the wall Of his first Court ; and that roome next the Hall ; In which , the vessell of the house were scour'd ; And in their bosomes sheath their euery sword , Till all their soules were fled ; and they had then , Felt 't was but paine to sport with lawlesse men . This said ; the women came , all drown'd in mone , And weeping bitterly . But first , was done The bearing thence the dead : all which , beneath The Portico they stow'd , where death on death They heap't together . Then tooke all , the paines Vlysses will'd . His Sonne yet , and the Swaines VVith paring-shouels wrought : The women bore Their parings forth ; and al the clotter'd gore . The house then clensd , they brought the women out , And put them in a roome , so wall'd about , That no meanes seru'd their sad estates to flye . Then saide Telemachus , These shall not dye A death that lets out any wanton blood , And vents the poison that gaue Lust her foode , The body clensing ; but a death that chokes The breath , and all together , that prouokes And seemes as Bellowes , to abhorred Lust ; That both on my head , pour'd depraues vniust , And on my Mothers ; scandaling the Court , VVith men debaucht , in so abhorr'd a sort . This said ; a Halser of a ship they cast About a crosse beame of the roofe ; which fast They made about their neckes , in twelue parts cut ; And hal'd them vp so high , they could not put Their feete to any stay . As which was done , Looke how a Mauis , or a Pygeon In any Groue , caught with a Sprindge , or Net ; VVith strugling Pinions 'gainst the ground doth beat Her tender body ; and that then-streight bed Is sowre to that swindge , in which she was bred ; So striu'd these taken Birds , till euery one Her pliant halter , had enforc't vpon Her stubborne necke ; and then aloft was haul'd To wretched death . A little space they sprauld Their feet fast mouing ; but were quickly still . Then fetcht they downe Melanthius , to fulfill The equall execution ; which was done In Portall of the Hall ; and thus begun : They first slit both his Nose thrils , cropt each eare ; His Members tugg'd off , which the dogges did teare , And chop vp bleeding sweet ; and while red hot T●e vice-abhorring blood was ; off they smote His hands and feet , and there that worke had end : Then washt they hands & feet , that blood had steind ; And tooke the house againe . And then the King ( Euryclea calling ) bad her quickly bring All ill-expelling Brimstone , and some fire , That with perfumes cast , he might make entire The houses first integrity in all . And then his timely will was , she should call Her Queene and Ladies ; still yet charging her , That all the Handmaids she should first confer . She said , he spake as fitted ; But before ▪ She held it fit to change the weeds he wore , And she would others bring him : that not so His faire broad shoulders might rest clad ; and show His person to his seruants , was too blame . First bring me Fire , said he . She went , and came VVith fire , & sulphure straight ; with which the hall , And ●f the huge house , all roomes capitall He throughly sweetned . Then went Nurse to call The Handmaid seruants downe ; & vp she went To tell the newes , and will'd them to present Their seruice to their Soueraigne Downe they came , Sustaining Torches all , and pour'd a flame Of Loue , about their Lord : with welcomes home , VVith huggings of his hands , with laborsome Both heads and fore-heads , kisses , and embraces ; And plyed him so , with all their louing graces , That teares and sighes , tooke vp his whole desire ; For now he knew their hearts to him entire . The End of the XXII . Booke of Homers Odysses . THE XXIII . BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . VLysses to his wife is knowne : A briefe sum of his Trauailes shown● . Himselfe , his Son , and Seruants go T' approue the Wooers ouer●hrow . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . For all annoyes ▪ sustain'd before ; The true wiu●s ioyes , now made the more . THe seruants thus inform'd ; the Matron goes Vp , where the Queene was cast in such repose ; Affected with a feruent ioy to tell VVhat all this time she did with paine conceale . Her knees reuokt their first strength ; and her feete Were borne aboue the ground , with wings , to greete The long-greeu'd Queene , with newes her King was come ; And ( neere her ) said : Wake , Leaue this withdrawne roome ; That now your eyes may see , at length , though late , The man return'd , which all the heauy date Your woes haue rackt out , you haue long'd to see : Vlysses is come home , and hath set free His Court of all your wooers ; slaughtering all , For wasting so his goods with Fes●iuall : His house so vexing ; and for violence done , So all waies varied to his onely sonne . She answer'd her ; The Gods haue made thee mad ; Of whose pow'r now , thy pow'rs such proof haue had . The Gods can blinde with follies , wisest eies , And make men foolish , so to make them wise . For they haue hurt euen thy graue braine , that bore An vnderstanding spirit heretofore , VVhy hast thou wak't me to more teares , when Mon● Hath turn'd my minde , with teares , into her owne ? Thy madnesse much more blamefull , that with lyes Thy haste is loaden : and both robs mine eyes Of most delightsome sleepe ; and sleepe of them , That now had bound me in his sweet extream , T' embrace my lids , and close my vsuall Spheres . I haue not slept so much this twenty yeares ; Since first my dearest sleeping-Mate was gone For that too-ill-to-speake of , Ilion . Hence , take your mad steps backe ; if any Maid Of all my traine besides , a part had plaid So bold to wake , and tell mine eares such lies ; I had return'd her to her huswiferies VVith good proofe of my wrath to such rude Dames ; But go , your yeares haue sau'd their yonger blames . She answer'd her : I nothing wrong your eare , But tell the truth : your long-mist Lord is heere ; And , with the wooers slaughter , his owne hand ( In chiefe exploit ) hath to his owne command Reduc't his house ; and that poore Guest was he , That all those wooers , wrought such iniurie . Telemachus had knowledge long ago That 't was his Father ; but his wisedome so Obseru'd his counsailes ; to giue surer end To that great worke , to which they did contend . This call'd her spirits to their conceiuing places ; She sprung for ioy , from blames into embraces Of her graue Nurse : wip't euery teare away From h●r faire cheekes ; and then began to say What Nurse said , oner thus ; O Nurse , can this Be true thou sayst ▪ How could that hand of his Alone , destroy so many ? They would still Troope all together . How could he then kill Such numbers , so vnited ? How ? ( said she ) I haue nor seene , nor heard ; but certainly The deed is done . VVe sate within , in feare ; The doores shut on vs : and from thence might heare The sighes , and grones of euery man he slew ; But heard , nor saw more : till at length , there flew Your sonnes voice to mine eare , that call'd to me , And bad me then come foorth : and then I see Vlysses standing in the midst of all Your slaughtred wooers , heap't vp like a wall , One on another , round about his side ; It would haue done you good to haue descride Your conqu'ring lord ; al smeard with blood & gore So like a Lyon. Straight then , off they bore The slaughtred carkasses ; that now before The fore-Court gates lye , one on other pilde . And now your victor , all the Hall ( defilde VVith stinch of hot death ) is perfuming round ; And with a mighty fire the harth hath crown'd . Thus , all the death remou'd , and euery roome Made sweet and sightly ; that your selfe should come His pleasure sent me . Come then , take you now Your mutuall fils of comfort : Griefe , on you Hath long , and many sufferings laid ; which length , VVhich many suffrings , nowe your vertuous strength Of vncorrupted chastnesse , hath conferr'd A happy end to . He that long hath err'd Is safe arriu'd at home : his wife , his sonne Found safe & good ; all ill that hath bene done On all the dooers heads ( though long prolong'd ) His right hath wreak't , and in the place they wrong'd ▪ She answer'd : Do not you now laugh , and bost As you had done some great act ; seeing most Into his Being : For , you know , he won ( Euen through his poore , and vile condition ) A kind of prompted thought ; that there was plac't Some vertue in him , fit to be embrac't By all the house ; but , most of all , by me And by my Son , that was the progeni● Of both our loues . And yet it is not he , For all the likely proofes ye plead to me : Some God hath slaine the wooers , in disdaine Of the abhorred pride , he saw so raigne In those base workes they did : No man aliue , Or good , or bad , whoeuer did arriue At their abodes once , euer could obtaine Regard of them : and therefore their so vaine And vile deserts , haue found as vile an end . But ( for Vlysses ) neuer will extend His wisht returne to Greece : Nor he yet liues . How strange a Queen are you ? ( said she ) that giue● No truth your credit ? That your husband , set Close in his house at fire , can purchase yet No faith of you ; But that he still is farre From any home of his ? your wit 's at warre With all credulity euer ; and yet now I le name a signe , shall force beleefe from you : I bath'd him lately ; and beheld the scar That still remaines a marke too ocular To leaue your heart yet blinded ; and I then Had run and told you : but his hand was feine To close my lips from th'acclamation My heart was breathing : and his wisedome won My still retention , till he gaue me leaue , And charge to tell you this . Now then , receaue My life for gage of his returne ; which take In any cruell fashion ; if I make All this not cleere to you . Lou'd Nurse ( said she ) Though many things thou knowst , yet these things be Veil'd in the counsailes th'vncreated Gods Haue long time maskt in : whose darke periods T is hard for thee to see into ; But come , Le ts see my son ; the slaine ; and he by whom They had their slaughter . This said ; down they went ; When on the Queens part , diuers thoghts wer spent ; If ( all this giuen no faith ) she still should stand Aloofe , and question more : Or his hugg'd hand , And loued head , she should at first assay With free-giuen kisses . VVhen her doubtfull way Had past the stony pauement , she tooke seate Against her husband , in the opposite heate The fire then cast vpon the other wall : Himselfe , set by the Columne of the Hall ; His lookes cast downwards , and expected still , VVhen her incredulous , and curious will To shun ridiculous error , and the shame To kisse a Husband , that was not the same , VVould downe , and win enough faith from his sight . She silent sate , and her perplexed plight Amaze encounter'd : Sometimes , she stood cleare He was her Husband : sometimes , the ill weare His person had put on , transform'd him so , That yet his sta●pe would hardly currant go . Her son her strangenesse seeing ▪ blam'd her thus : Mother , vngentle Mother ! tyrannous ! In this too curious modesty you show ; Why sit you from my Father ? Nor bestow A word on me , t' enquire and cleere such doubt As may perplexe you ? Found man euer out One other such a wife ? That could forbeare Her lou'd Lords welcome home , when twenty yeare In infinite sufferance , he had spent apart : No Flint so hard is , as a womans hart . Son ( she replied ) Amaze containes my minde , Nor can I speake , and vse the commune kind Of those enquiries ; nor sustaine to see VVith opposite lookes , his countena●ce . If this be My true Vlysses now return'd ; there are Tokens betwixt vs of more fitnesse farre To giue me argument , he is my Lord ; And my assurance of him , may afford My proofes of ioy for him , from all these eies VVith more decorum ; then obiect their guise To publique notice . The much-Sufferer brake In laughter out ; and to his Son said ; Take Your Mother from the prease ; that she may make Her owne proofes of me , which perhaps may giue More cause to the acknowledgements , that driue Their shew thus off . But now , because I goe So poorely clad , she takes disdaine to know So loath'd a creature , for her loued Lord. Let vs consult then , how we may accord The Towne to our late action . Some one , slaine , Hath made the all-left slaughterer of him , faine To fly his friends and country . But our swords Haue slaine a Cities most supportfull Lords ; The chiefe Peeres of the kingdome : therefore see You vse wise meanes t'vphold your victorie . See you to that good Father ( saide the Son ) Whose counsailes haue the soueraigne glory won From all men liuing . None will striue with you ; But with vnquestion'd Girlands grace your brow : To whom , our whol alacrities we vow In free attendance . Nor shall our hands leaue Your onsets needy of supplies , to giue All the effects that in our pow'rs can fall . Then this ( said he ) to me seemes capitall Of all choise courses : Bathe we first , and then Attire we freshly : all our Maides and men Enioyning likewise , to their best attire . The sacred Singer then , let touch his Lire ; And go before vs all in gracefull dance , That all without , to whose eares shal aduance Our cheerefull accents , ( or of Trauailers by , Or firme inhabitants ) solemnity Of frolicke Nuptials may imagine heere . And this , performe we ; lest the massakere Of all our wooers be divulg'd about The ample City , ere our selues get out , And greet my Father , in his Groue of Trees ; Where , after , we will proue what policies Olympius shall suggest , to ouercome Our latest toiles , and crowne our welcome home . This all obey'd : Bath'd , put on fresh attire , Both men and women did ; Then tooke his Lire The holy singer , and set thirst on fire VVith songs , and faultlesse dances : all the Court Rung with the footings , that the numerous sport From iocund men drew , and faire-girdl'd Dames ; VVhich , ( heard abroad ) thus flew the cōmune fames : This s●re the day is , when the much-woo'd Queen Is richly wed ; O wretch ! That hath not beene So constant , as to keepe her ample house Til th' vtmost houre , had brought her formost spouse . Thus some conceiu'd , but little 〈◊〉 the thing . And now , Eurynome had bath'd the King ; Smooth'd him with Oyles ; and he , himselfe attir'd In vestures royall . Her part then inspir'd The Goddesse Pallas ; deck't his head and face With infinite beauties : gaue a goodly grace Of stature to him : a much plumper plight Through all his body breath'd ; Curles soft , & bright Adorn'd his head withall , and made it show , As if the flowry Hyacinth did grow In all his pride there : In the generall trim Of euery locke , and euery curious lim . Looke how a skilfull Artizan , well 〈◊〉 In all Arts Metalline ; as ha●ing beene Taught by Minerua , and the God of fire , Doth Gold , with Siluer mix so ; that entire They keepe their selfe distinction ; and yet so , That to the Siluer , from the Gold , doth flow A much more artificiall luster then his ●●ne ; And thereby to the Gold it selfe , is growne A greater glory , then if wrought alone ; Both being stuck off , by eithers 〈◊〉 ▪ So did Minerua , hers and his combine , He more in Her , She more in Him did shine . Like an Immortall from the Bath , 〈…〉 : And to his wife did all his grace dispose , Encountring this her strangenesse : Cruell Dame Of all that breathe ; the Gods , 〈…〉 and flame Haue made thee ruthlesse : Life retaines nor one Of all Dames else , that beares so ouer-growne A minde with abstinence ; as twenty 〈◊〉 To misse her husband , drown'd in wo●● , and teares ; And at his comming , keepe aloofe ; 〈…〉 As of his so long absence , and his care , No sense had seisd her . Go Nurse , make a bed , That I alone may sleepe ; her heart is dead To all reflection . To him , thus replied The wise Penelope : Man , halfe deified ; 'T is not my fashion to be taken streight With brauest men : Nor poorest , vse to st●ight . Your meane apparance made not me retire ; Nor this your rich shew , makes me now admire , Nor moues at all : For what is all to me , If not my husband ? All his certainty I knew at parting ; but ( so long apart ) The outward likenesse , holds no full desart For me to trust to . Go Nurse , see addrest A soft bed for him ; and the single rest Himselfe affects so . Let it be the bed , That stands within our Bridal Chamber-sted , VVhich he himself made : Bring it forth from thence , And see it furnisht with magnificence . This said she , to assay him ; and did stir Euen his establisht patience ; and to hir . Whom thus he answerd : Woman ! your words proue My patience strangely : VVho is it can moue My Bed out of his place ? It shall oppresse Earths greatest vnder-stander ; and vnlesse ▪ Euen God himselfe come , that can easely grace Men in their most skils , it shall hold his place . For Man : he liues not , that ( as not most skill'd , So not most yong ) shall easely make it yield . If ( building on the strength in which he flowes ) He addes both Leuers to , and Iron Crowes . For , in the fixure of the Bed , is showne A Maister-peece ; a wonder : and 't was done By me , and none but me : and thus was wrought ; There was an Oliue tree , that had his grought Amidst a hedge ; and was of shadow , proud ; Fresh , and the prime age of his verdure show'd . His leaues and armes so thicke , that to the eye It shew'd a columne for solidity . To this , had I a comprehension To build my Bridall Bowre ; which all of stone , Thicke as the Tree of leaues , I raisde , and cast A Roofe about it , nothing meanly grac'st ; Put glew'd doores to it , that op't Art enough . Then , from the Oliue , euery broad-leau'd bough I lopt away : then fell'd the Tree , and then VVent ouer it , both with ●y Axe , and Plaine : Both gouern'd by my Line . And then , I hew'd My curious Bed-sted out ; in which , I shew'd Worke of no commune hand . All this , begon , I could not leaue , till to perfection My paines had brought it . Tooke my Wimble ; bor'd The holes , as fitted : and did last , afford The varied Ornament ; which shew'd no want Of Siluer , Gold , and polisht Elephant . An Oxe-hide Dide in purple , then I threw Aboue the cords . And thus , to curious view I hope I haue obiected honest signe , To proue , I author nought that is not mine : But , if my bed stand vnreinou'd , or no , O woman , passeth humane wit to know . This sunk her knees & heart , to heare so true The signes she vrg'd ; and first , did teares ensue Her rapt assurance : Then she ran , and spread Her armes about his necke ; kist oft his head ; And thus the curious stay she made , excusde : Vlysses ! Be not angry , that I vsde Such strange delayes to this ; since heretofore Your suffering wisedome , hath the Gyrland wore From all that breath : and 't is the Gods that thus With mutuall misse , so long afflicting vs , Haue causd my coynesse : To our youths , enuied That wisht society , that should haue tied Our youths and yeares together : and since now Iudgement and Duty , should our age allow As full ioyes therein , as in youth and blood : See all yong anger , and reproofe withstood , For not at first sight giuing vp my armes : My heart still trembling , lest the false alarmes That words oft strike vp , should ridiculize me . Had Argiue Hellen knowne credulity VVould bring such plagues with it ; and her , againe ( As aucthresse of them all ) with that foule staine To her , and to her countrey ; she had staid Her loue and mixture from a strangers bed . But God impell'd her to a shamelesse deede , Because she had not in her selfe decreed Before th' attempt ; That , such acts still were shent , As simply in themselues , as in th' euent . By which , not onely she her selfe sustaines , But we , for her fault , haue paid mutuall paines . Yet now ; since these signes of our certaine bed You haue discouer'd , and distinguished From all earths others : No one man but you , Yet euer getting of it th' onely show ; Nor one , of all Dames , but my selfe , and she My Father gaue ; old Actors progenie : ( Who euer guarded to our selues , the dore Of that thick-shaded chamber ) I , no more Will crosse your cleere perswasion : though , till now , I stood too doubtfull , and austere to you . These words of hers , so iustifying her stay , Did more desire of ioyfull mone conuay To his glad minde ; then if at instant sight , She had allow'd him , all his wishes right . He wept for ioy , t' enioy a wife so fit For his graue minde , that knew his depth of wit ; And held chaste vertue at a price so high . And as sad men at Sea , when shore is nigh , VVhich long their hearts haue wisht ( their ship quite lost By Neptunes rigor ; and they vext , and tost Twixt winds & black waues , swimming for their liues ; A few escap't ; and that few that suruiues ( All drencht in fome , and brine ) craule vp to Land , VVith ioy as much as they did worlds command ; So deare , to this wife , was her husbands sight ; Who still embrac't his necke ; and had , ( til light Displaid her siluer Ensigne ) if the Dame That beares the blew sky , ente●mixt with flame In her faire eyes , had not infixt her thought On other ioyes , for loues so hardly brought To long'd-for meeting : who th'extended night VVith-held in long date ; nor would let the light Her wing-hoou'd horse ioyne ; ( Lampus , Phaeton ) Those euer Colts , that bring the morning on To worldly men ; But , in her golden chaire , Downe to the Ocean , by her siluer haire Bound her aspirings . Then Vlysses said ; O wife : Nor yet are my contentions staid ; A most vnmeasur'd labour , long and hard Askes more performance ; to it , being prepar'd By graue Tiresias , when downe to hell I made darke passage ; that his skill might tell My mens returne , and mine . But come , and now Enioy the sweet rest that our Fates allow . The place of rest is ready , ( she replyed ) Your will at full serue , since the deified Haue brought you , where your right is to command . But since you know ( God making vnderstand Your searching mind ) informe me , what must be Your last set labour ; Since 't will fall to me ( I hope ) to heare it after ; tell me now : The greatest p●easure is before to know . Vnhappy ? ( said Vlysses ) To what end Importune you this labour ? It will lend Nor you , nor me , delight ; but you shall know , I was commanded , yet more to bestow My yeares in trauaile ; many Cities more By Sea to visit : and when first , for shore I left my shipping , I was will'd to take A nauall Oare in hand ; and with it make My passage forth , till such strange men I met , A● knew no Sea , nor euer salt did eat VVith any victles : who the purple beakes O● Ships did neuer see : nor that which breakes The waues in curles , which is a Fan-like Oare , And serues as wings , with which a ship doth soare . To let me know then , when I was arriu'd On that strange earth , where such a people liu'd . He gaue me this for an vnfaili●g signe : When any one , that tooke that Oare of mine Borne on my shoulder , for a Corne-clense Fan , I met ashore ; and shew'd to be a man Of that Lands labour : There had I command To fixe mine Oare ; and offer on that strand T'imperiall Neptune ( whom I must implore ) A Lambe , a Bull , and Sow-ascending Bore : And then turne home ; where all the other Gods That in the broad heauen made secure abods , I must solicite ( all my curious heed Giuen to the seuerall rites they haue decreed ) VVith holy Hecatombes : And then , at home A gentle death should seize me , that would come From out the Sea , and take me to his rest In full ripe age ; about me , liuing blest , My louing people : To which ( he presag'd ) The sequell of my fortunes were engag'd . If then ( saide she ) the Gods will please t' impose A happier Being to your fortunes close Then went before ; your hope giues comfort strength , That life shall lend you better dayes at length . VVhile this discourse spent mutual speech , the bed Eurynome and Nurse had made ; and spred With richest Furn ture ; while Torches spent Their parcell gilt thereon . To bed then went The aged Nurse ; and where their Soueraignes were , Eurynome ( the Chamber-maid ) did beare A Torch , and went before them to their rest : To which she left them ; and for hers addrest . The King and Queene then , now ( as newly wed ) Resum'd the old Lawes of th' embracing bed . Telemachus , and both his Herdsmen , then Dissolu'd the dances , both to Maids and men ; VVho in their shady roofes tooke timely sleepe . The Bride , and Bridegroome , hauing ceast to keepe Obserued Loue-ioyes ; from their fit delight , They turn'd to talke . The Queene then did recite VVhat she had suffer'd by the hatefull rout Of harmfull wooers , who had eate her out So many Oxen , and so many Sheepe ; How many ●un of wine their drinking deepe Had quite exhausted . Great V●ysses then , VVhat euer slaughters he had made of men ; VVhat euer sorrowes he himselfe sustain'd , Repeated amply ; and her eares remain'd VVith all delight , attentiue to their end . Nor would one winke sleepe , till he told her all ; Beginning where he gaue the Cacons fall . From thence , his passe to the Lotophagie ; The Cyclops acts ; the putting out his eye , And wreake of all the Souldiers he had eate , No least ruth shewne , to all they could entreate . His way to Aeolus ; his prompt receit , And kinde dismission : his inforc't retreate By sodaine Tempest , to the fishy maine ; And quite distraction from his course againe . His landing at the Laestrigonian Port , VVhere ships and men , in miserable sort , Met all their spoiles ; his ship , and he , alone Got off from the abhorr'd confusion . His passe to Circe ; her deceits , and Arts : His thence descension to th' infernall parts : His lifes course of the Thebane Prophet learn'd ; VVhere , all the slaughter'd Grecians he descern'd , And loued Mother . His astonisht eare VVith what the Syrens voices made him heare . His scape from th'erring Rockes , which Scylla was , And rough Charybdis ; with the dangerous passe Of all that toucht there : His S●cilian Offence giuen to the Sun : His euery man Destroy'd by thunder , vollied out of heauen , That split his Ship ; his owne endeuours driuen To shift for succours on th' Ogygian shore , VVhere Nimph Calypso , such affection bore To him in his arriuall : Tha● with feast She kept him in her Caues , and would haue blest His welcome life , with an immortall state ; VVould he haue staid , and liu'd her Nuptiall mate : All which , she neuer could perswade him to . His passe to the Phaeacians , spent in wo : Their hearty welcome of him , as he were , A God descended from the starry Sphere : Their kinde dismission of him home , with Gold , Brasse , Garmen●s ; all things his occasions would . This last word vsde ; sleepe seiz'd his weary eye , That salues all care , to all mortality . In meane space , Pallas , entertain'd intent , That when Vlysses , thought enough time spent In loue-ioyes with his wife ; to raise the Day , And make his graue occasions , call , away . The Morning rose , and he ; when thus he saide ; O Queene : Now satiate with afflictions , laide On both our bosomes ; ( you oppressed heere VVith cares for my returne ; I , euery where By Ioue , and all the other Deities , tost Euen till all hope of my returne was lost ) And both arriu'd at this sweet Hauen , our Bed ; Be your care vsde , to see administ●ed My house-possessions left . Those Sheepe that were Consum'd in surfets by your wooers heere ; I le forrage , to supply with some ; and more , The suffering Grecians shall be made restore , Euen till our stalles receiue their wonted fill . And now , to comfort my good Fathers ill Long suffer'd for me : To the many-tree'd And ample Vineyard grounds , it is decreed In my next care , that I must haste , and see His long'd-for presence . In the meane time , be Your wisedome vsde ; that since ( the Sun ascended ) The fame will soone be through the Town extended , Of those I heere haue slaine ; your selfe ( got close Vp to your chamber ) see you there tepose , Cheer'd with your women ; and , nor looke afford Without your Court ; nor anie man , a word . This said , he arm'd : To arms , both Son and Swain His powre commanding ; who did entertaine His charge with spirit : Op't the gates , and out ; He leading all . And now was hurl'd about Auroraes ruddie fire : through all whose light Minerua led them , through the Towne , from sight . The End of the XXIII . Booke of Homers Odysses . THE XXIIII . BOOKE OF HOMERS ODYSSES. THE ARGVMENT . BY Mercury the Wo●ers soules Are vsher'd to th'Infer●all Pooles . Vlysses , with Laertes●et ●et ; The people , are in vprore set Against them , for the wooers ends : Whom Pallas stayes , and renders Frends . Another . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The vprores fire , the Peoples fall : The Grandfire , Sire , and Son , to all . CYllenian Hermes with his golden rod , The wooers soules ( that yet retain'd abod Amids their bodies ) call'd in dreadfull rout Forth to th'Infernals ; who came murmuring out . And as amids the desolate retreate Of some vaste Cauerne ( made the sacred seate Of austere spirits ) Bats , with Brests , and wings Claspe fast the wals ; and each to other clings : But , swept off from their couerts , vp they rise And flye with murmures , in amazefull guise About the cauerne : So these ( grumbling ) rose And flockt together . Downe before them goes None-hurting Mercury , to hels broad waies ; And straight to those streights , where the Ocean staies His lofty current in calme deepes , they flew . Then to the snowy rocke , they next withdrew ; And to the close of Phoebus orient gates : The Nation then of Dreames ; and then the states Of those soules Idols , that the weary dead Gaue vp in earth : which , in a flowry Mead Had habitable situation . And there they saw the soule of Thetis son ; Of good Patroclus ; braue Antilochus , And Aiax ; the supremely strenuo●s Of all the Greeke hoast , next Plebeian : All which assembled about M●ias son . And to them ( after ) came the mournfull Ghost Of Agamemn●n ; with all those , he lost In false Aegysthus Court. A●hilles then Beholding there , that mighty King of men : Deplor'd his plight , ●nd said : O Atreus Son ! Of all Heroes ; all Opinion Gaue thee , for Ioues most lou'd ; since most command Of all the Greekes , he gaue thy eminent hand At siedge of Ilion , where we suffer'd so : And is the issue this ? That first in wo , Sterne Fate did therefore set thy sequell downe ? None borne past others Fates , can passe his owne . I wish to heauen , that in the heighth of all Our pompe at Ilion , Fate had sign'd thy fall ; That all the Greekes might haue aduanc't to thee , A famous Sepulcher ; and Fame might see Thy Son giuen honor , in thy honour'd end ; But now , a wretched death did Fate extend To thy confusion , and thy Issues shame . O Thetis Son ( said he ) the vitall flame Extinct at Ilion , far from th' Argiue fields ; The stile of blessed , to thy vertue yields . About thy fall , the best of Greece and Troy VVere sacrific'd to slaughter : Thy iust ioy Conceiu'd in battell , with some worth forgot , In such a death , as great Apollo shot At thy encounters : Thy braue person lay Hid in a dusty whirlewinde , that made way VVith humane breaths , spent in thy ruines state ; Thou great , wert greatly valew'd , in thy Fate . All day we fought about thee ; nor at all Had ceast our conflict , had not Ioue let fall A storme , that forc't off our vnwilling feete . But , hauing brought thee from the fight , to fleete Thy glorious person ( bath'd and balm'd ) we laide Aloft a bed ; and round about thee , paide The Greekes warme teares , to thy deplor'd decease ; Quite danted , cutting all their curles increase . Thy death dra●e a diuine voice through the Seas , That started vp thy Mother from the waues ; And all the Marine Godheads , left their caues , Consorting to our fleet , her rapt repaire : The Greekes stood frighted , to see Sea , and Aire , And Earth , combine so , in thy losses sence ; Had taken ship , and fled for euer thence , If old-much-knowing - Nestor had not staide Their rushing off : His counsailes hauing swaide In all times former , with such cause , their courses ; Who bad containe themselues , and trust their forces ; For all they saw , was Thetis come from Sea , VVith others of the watry progenie , To see and mourne for her deceased Son. VVhich staid the feares , that all to flight had won ; And round about thee stood th' old Sea-gods seedes , VVretchedly mourning : their immortall weeds Spreading vpon thee : all the sacred Nine Of deathlesse Muses , paid ●hee dues diuine ; By varied turnes their heauenly voyces venting ; All in deepe passion for thy death consenting . And then , of all our Army , not an eye You could haue seene , vndrown'd in misery ; The mouing Muse , so rul'd in every minde . Full seuenteene dayes and nights , our teares confin'd To celebration of thy mourned end ; Both men , and Gods , did in thy moane con●●nd . The eighteenth day , we spent about thy heape Of dying fire : Blacke Oxen , fattest Sheepe VVe slew , past number . Then the precious spoile ( Thy Corse ) wee tooke vp , which with stoods of oile And pleasant Hony we emblam'd ; and then VVrapt thee in those Robes , that the Gods did raine : In which , we gaue thee to the hallowed flame ; To which , a number of heroicall name , All arm'd , came rushing in , in desperate plight ; As prest to sacrifice their vitall right To thy dead ruines , while so bright they burn'd : Both foote & horse brake in ; and fought , & mourn'd In infinite tumult . But when all the night The rich flame lasted ; and that wasted quite Thy body was with the enamor'd fire ; VVe came in early Morne , and an entire Collection made , of euery Iuorie bone ; VVhich washt in wine , and 〈…〉 , A two-ear'd Bolle of Gold , 〈◊〉 Mother ga●e , By Bacchus giuen her ; and did forme receaue From Vulcans famous hand ; which ( O renown'd Great Thetis Son ) with thy faire bones , we crown'd ; Mixt with the Bones of * 〈◊〉 , And braue Antilochus ; 〈◊〉 , in decease Of thy Patroclus , was thy fauours Deere . About thee then , a matchlesse Sepulch●re , The sacred hoast of the Achai●●● 〈◊〉 Vpon the Hellespont ; where most it seisd ( For height , and conspicuity ) the eies Of liuing men , and their posterities . Thy Mother then obtain'd the Gods consent To institute an honor'd game , that spent The best approuement of our Grecian Fames ; In whose praise , I must say , that many games About Heroes Sepulchers , mine eyes Haue seene perform'd : But these , bore off the prize VVith myracles to me , from all before . In which , thy Siluer-footed Mother , bore The Institutions name ; but thy desarts ( Being great with heauen ) caus'd al the eminent parts . And thus , through all the worst effects of Fate , Achilles Fame , euen Death shall propagate : VVhile any one , shall lend the light an eye , Diuine Ae●cides shal neuer dye . But wherein can these comforts be conceiu'd As rights to me ? when hauing quite a●chieu'd An end with safety , and with Conquest too Of so vnmatcht a warre ; what none could do Of all our enemies there , at home , a Friend , And VVife , haue giuen me inglorious end . While these thus spake , the Argus-killing spy Brought neere , Vlysses noble victory To their renew● d discourse ; in all the ends The wooers suffer'd , and shew'd those his Frends . VVhom now , amaze inuaded with the view , And made giue backe : yet 〈◊〉 knew Melanthius heyre , much-fam'd Amphimed●● , Who had in Ithaca , Guest-fauours shown To great Atrides ; who first spake , and saide : Amphimedon : what sufferance hath bene laide On your aliue parts , that hath made you ma●e This land of darknesse , the retreat you take ? So all together ? All being like in yeeres ? Nor would a man haue choosd , of all the Peeres A City honors , men to make a part More strong for any obiect ? Hath your smart Bene felt from Neptune , being at Sea ? His wrath , The winds , and waues , exciting to your scath ? Or haue offensiue men imposd this Fate ? Your Oxen driuing ; or your flockes estate ? Or for your City fighting , and your wiues , Haue deaths vntimely , seiz'd your best-tim'd liues ? Informe me truly : I was once your Guest ; VVhen I , and Menelaus had profest First armes for Ilion ; and were com● ashore On Ithaca , with purpose to implore Vlysses aide ; that City-racing man , In wreake of the adulterous Phrygian . Retaine not you the time ? A whole months date We spent at Sea , in hope to instig●te In our arriuall , old Laertes Son ; VVhom ( hardly yet ) to our designe we won . The Soule made answer : Worthiest King of men , I well remember euery passage then You now reduce to thought ; and will relate The truth , in whole forme , of our timelesse Fate . VVe woo'd the wife of that long absent King ; VVho ( though her second marriage , were a thing Of most hate to her ) she would yet deny At no part our affections ; nor comply With any in performance : but decreed In her delayes , the cruell Fates , we feed . Her craft was this : She vndertooke to weau● A Funerall garment , destin'd to receaue The corse of old Laertes ; being a taske Of infinite labour , and which Time would aske . In midst of whose attempt , she causd our stay VVith this attraction : Youths ! that come in way Of honor'd Nuptials to me : Though my Lord Abide amongst the dead ; yet cease to bord My choise for present Nuptials ; and sustaine ( Lest what is past me , of this web , be vaine ) Till all receiue perfection : 'T is a weede Dispos'd , to wrap in , at his Funerall neede The old La●rtes : who ( possessing much ) Would ( in his want of rites as fitting ) touch My honor highly , with each vulgar Dame. Thus spake she , and perswaded ; and her Frame All day she labour'd ; her dayes worke not small ; But euery night time , she vnwrought it all . Three yeares continuing this imperfect taske ; But when the fourth year came , her slights could mask In no more couert ; since her trusted Maid Her whole deceite , to our true note betraid . VVith which , surpriz'd , she could no more protract Her workes perfection : but gaue end exact To what remain'd : washt vp , and set thereon A glosse so bright , that like the Sun and Moon The whole worke shew'd together . And when now Of meere necessity , her honour'd vow She must make good to vs : ill fortune brought Vlysses home ; who yet , gaue none one thought Of his arriuall ; but far-off at field Liu'd with his Herdsman : Nor his trust would yield Note of his person ; but liu'd there , as Guest ; Ragg'd as a begger , in that life profest . At length , Telemachus left Pylos sank ; And with a Ship , fetcht soone his natiue Land. When yet , not home he went : but laid his way Vp to his Herdsman , where his Father lay ; And where , both laide our deaths . To town then bore The Swine-herd , and his King ; the Swaine before . Telemachus , in other wayes , bestow'd His course home first , t'associate vs that woo'd . The Swaine , the King led after , who came on Ragged and wretched , and still lean'd vpon A borrow'd staffe . At length , he reacht his home ; VVhere ( on the sodaine , and so wretched , come ) Nor we , nor much our elders , once did dreame Of his returne there : but did wrongs extreame Of words , and blowes to him : all which , he bore VVith that old patience he had learn'd before . But when the minde of Ioue had rais'd his owne ; His son and he , fetcht all their Armour downe ; Fast lockt the doores ; and ( to prepare their vse ) He will'd his wife ( for first meane ) to produce His Bow to vs , to draw ; of which , no one Could stir the string : Himselfe yet , set vpon The deadly strength it held ; Drew all , with ea●e ; Shot through the steeles , and then began to sease Our armelesse bosomes ; striking first , the brest Of King Antinous , and then the ●est In heapes turn'd ouer : hopefull of his end , Because some God ( he knew ) stood firme his frend . Nor prou'd it worse with him ; but all in flood , The Pauement straight , blusht with our vitall blood : And thus our soules came heere ; our bodies laid Neglected in his roofes : no word conuaid To any friend , to take vs home and giue Our wounds fit balming ▪ not let such as liue Entombe our deaths : and for our fortunes , shed Those teares and dead rites , that renowne the dead . Atrides Ghost gaue answere ; O blest Son Of old Laertes , thou at length , hast won With mighty vertue , thy vnmatched wife . How good a knowledge ▪ how vntoucht a life Hath wise Penelope ? How well she laide Her husbands right vp ! whom she lou'd a Maid ? For which , her vertues shall extend applause Beyond the circles fraile mortality drawes ; The deathlesse in this vale of death , comprising , Her praise , in numbers , into infinites rising . The daughter , Tyndarus begat , begot No such chaste thoughts ; but cut the virgin knot That knit her spouse & her , with murtherous swords . For which , posterities shall put hatefull words To notes of her : that all her Sex defam'd , And for her ill , shall euen the good be blam'd . To this effect , these , these digressions made In hell ; Earths darke , and euer-hiding shade . Vlysses , and his Son ( now past the Towne ) Soone reacht the field , elaborately growne By old Laertes labour : when , with cares For his lost Son , he left , all Court affaires ; And tooke to this r●de vpland ▪ which , with toile He made a sweet and habitable soile : VVhere stood a house to him ; about which , ran In turnings thicke , and Labyrinthian , Poore Houels , where his necessary men That did those workes ( of pleasure to him then ) Might sit , and eate , and sleepe . In his owne house An old Sicilian Dame liu'd ; st●dious To serue his sowre age with her cheerefull paines . Then saide Vlysses to his Son , and Swaines ; Go you to Towne , and for your dinner kill The best Swine ye can choo●e ; my selfe will still Stay with my father , and assay his eye , If my acknowledg'd truth , it can descry ; Or that my long times trauaile , doth so change My sight to him , that I appeare as strange . Thus gaue he armes to them , and home he hied : Vlysses to the fruitfull field , applied His present place : nor found he Dolius there , His sonnes , or any seruant , any where In all that spacious ground ; all gone from thence , Were dragging bushes , to repaire a Fence , Old Dolius leading all . Vlysses found His father farre aboue , in that faire ground , Employd in proyning of a Plant : his weeds All torne and tatter'd ; fit for homely deeds , But not for him . Vpon his legs he wore Patcht boots , to guard him from the brambles gore : His hands , had thorne-proofe hedging Mittens on ; His head a Goats-skin Caske : through all which shone His heart giuen ouer , to abiectest mone . Him , when Vlysses saw , consum'd with age , And all the Ensignes on him , that the rage Of griefe presented : he brake out in teares : And ( taking stand then , where a tree of Peares Shot high his forehead ouer him ) his minde Had much contention . If to yeeld to kinde , Make straight way to his father ; kisse , embrace , T●ll his returne , and put on all the face And fashion of his , instant told returne , Or stay th'impulsion ; and the long day burne Of his quite losse giuen , in his Fathers feare , A little longer : trying first his cheare With some free dalliance ; th' earnest being so neare . This course his choise preferr'd , and forth he went : His Father then , his aged shoulders bent Beneath what yeares had stoop't ; about a Tree Busily digging : O , old man ( said he ) You want no skill , to dres●e and decke your ground , For all your Plants doth order'd distance bound : No Apple , Peare , or Oliue , Fig , or Vine ; Nor any plat , or quarter , you confine To grasse , or flow'rs , stands empty of your care , Which shewes exact in each peculiare : And yet ( which let not moue you ) you bestow No care vpon your selfe ; though to this show ●f outward irksomnesse , to what you are , You labour with an inward froward care , Which is your age ; that should weare all without More neate , and cherishing . I make no doubt That any sloth you vse , procures your Lord To let an old man , go so much abhord In all his weeds ; nor shines there in your looke A fashion , and a goodlinesse , so tooke VVith abiect qualities , to merit this Nasty entreaty : Your resemblance is A very Kings , and shines through this retreate . You looke like one , that hauing washt , and eate , Should sleepe securely , lying sweet , and neate . It is the ground of Age , when cares abuse it , To know life's end ; and as 't is sweet , so vse it . But vtter truth , and tell ; what Lord is he , That rates your labour , and your liberty ? VVhose Orchard is it , that you husband thus ? Or quit me this doubt ; For if Ithacus This kingdome claimes for his : the man I found At first arriuall heere , is hardly sound Of braine , or ciuill ; not induring stay , To tell , nor heare me , my enquiry out Of that my friend ; if stil he bore about His life and Being ; or were diu'd to Death , And in the house of him that harboureth The soules of men . For once he liu'd my guest ; My Land and house retaining interest In his abode there ; where there soiourn'd none , As guest , from any forreigne Region O● more price with me . He deriu'd his race From Ithaca ; and said , his Father was Laertes , surnam'd Arcesiades . I had him home ; and all the offices Perform'd to him , that fitted any friend ; Whose proo●e I did to wealthy gifts extend : Seuen Talents , Gold ; a Bolle all siluer , set With pots of flowers : twelue robes , that had no pleat : Twelue cloakes ( or mantles ) of delicious dye : Twelue inner weeds : Twelue sutes of Tapistry I gaue him likewise : women skill'd in vse Of Loome , and Needle ; freeing him to chuse Foure the most faire . His Father ( weeping ) saide , Stranger ! The earth to which you are conuaide , Is Ithaca ; by such rude men poffest , Vniust and insolent , as first addrest To your encounter ; but the gifts you gaue VVere giuen ( alas ) to the vngratefull graue . If with his people , where you now arriue , Your Fate had bene to finde your friend aliue , You shold haue found like Guest-rites from his hand ; Like gifts , and kinde passe to your wished land . But how long since , receiu'd you as your guest Your Friend , my Son ? who was th'nhappiest Of all men breathing , if he were at all ? O borne , when Fates , and ill Aspects let fall A cruell influence for him ; Farre away From Friends and Countrey ; dest●n'd to alay The Sea-bred appetites ; or ( left ashore ) To be by Fowles and vpland Monsters tore . His life 's kinde authors ; nor his wealthy wi●e , Bemoning ( as behoou'd ) his parted life : Nor closing ( as in honours course it lyes To all men dead ) in bed , his dying eyes . But giue me knowledge of your name , and race : What City bred you ? VVhere the anchoring place Your ship now rides at lies , that shor'd you here ? And where you men ? Or if a passenger In others Keeles you came ; who ( giuing Land To your aduentures heere , some other Strand To fetch in further course ) haue left to vs Your welcome presence ? His reply was thus : I am of Alybande , where I hold My names chiefe house , to much renowne extold . My Father Aphidantes ; fam'd to spring From Polypemon ; the Molossian King : My name , Eperitus . My taking land On this faire Isle , was rul'd by the command Of God , or Fortune : quite against consent Of my free purpose ; that , in course was bent For th' Isle Sicania . My Ship is held Farre from the City , neere an ample field . And for ( Vlysses ) since his passe from me 'T is now fiue yeares . Vnblest by Destiny , That all this time , hath had the Fate to erre : Though , at his parting , good Birds did augure His putting off , and on his right hand flew ; VVhich , to his passage , my affection drew : His spirit ioyfull , and my hope was now To guest with him , and see his hand bestow Rights of our friendship . This , a cloud of griefe Cast ouer all the forces of his life . VVith both his hands , the burning dust he swept Vp from the earth , which on his head he heapt , And fetcht a sigh , as in it , life were broke : VVhich greeu'd his Son , and gaue so smart a stroke Vpon his nosethrils , with the inward stripe , That vp the Veine rose there ; and weeping ripe He was , to see his Sire feele such woe For his dissembl'd ioy ; which now ( let goe ) He sprung from earth , embrac't and kist his Sire : And said ; O Father : he , of whom y'enquire Am I my selfe , that ( from you , twenty yeares ) Is now return'd . But do not breake in teares ; For now , we must not formes of kinde maintaine ▪ But haste and guard the substance . I haue staine All my wiues wooers ; so , reuenging no● Their wrong so long time suffer'd . Take not you The comfort of my comming then , to heart At this glad instant ; but , in prou'd desert Of your graue iudgement ; giue mo●e , glad suspence , And , on the sodaine , put this consequence In act as absolute , as all time went To ripening of your resolute assent . All this haste made no● his staide faith , so free To trust his words ; who said , If you are he , Approue it by some signe . This 〈◊〉 then see ( Replied Vlysses ) giuen me by the Bore Slaine in Parnassus ; I being sent before By yours , and by my honour'd Mothers will , To see your Sire A●tolycus fulfill The gifts he vow'd , at gining of my Name . I le tel you too , the Trees ( in goodly frame Of this faire Orchard ) that I askt of you Being yet a childe ; and follow'd , for your show And name of euery Tree . You gaue me then Of Figge-trees , forty ; Apple bearers , ten ; Peare-trees , thirteene ; and fifty rankes of Vine ; Each one of which , a season did confine For his best eating . Not a Grape did grow ; That grew not there , and had his heauy brow When Ioues faire daughters ( the all-ripening how'rs ) Gaue timely date to it . This charg'd the pow is Both of his knees and heart , with such impression Of sodaine comfort , that it g●ue possession Of all , to Trance : The signes were all so true , And did the loue , that ga●e them ; so renue . His cast his armes about his sonne , and sunke ; The circle , slipping to his feete . So shrunke VVere all his ages forces , with the fire Of his yong loue rekindl'd . The old Sire , The Son tooke vp , quite liuelesse : But his breath Againe respiring ; and his soule from death His bodies pow'rs recouering : Out he cried , And said ; O Iupiter ! I now haue tried , That still there liue in heauen , remembring Gods , Of men that serue them ; though the periods They set to their apparances , are long In best mens sufferings ; yet , as sure , as strong They are in comforts : be their strange delayes Extended neuer so , from dayes to dayes . Yet see the short ioyes , or the soone-mixt feares Of helpes with-held by them , so many yeares : For , if the wooers now , haue paide the paine Due to their impious pleasures ; Now , againe Extreame feare takes me , lest we straight shall see Th' Ithacensians here , in mutinie ; Their Messengers dispatcht , to win to friend The Cephalenian Cities . Do not spend Your thoughts on these cares ( saide his suffering son ) But be of comfort ; and see that course ron That best , may shun the worst : Our house is nere ; Telemachus , and both his Herdsmen , there To dresse our supper with their vtmost hast ; And thither haste we . This saide ; Forth they past ; Came home , and found Telemachus , at feast With both his Swaines : while who had done , all drest VVith Baths , and Balmes , and royally arraid The old King was , by his Sicilian Maid . By whose side , Pallas stood , his crookt-age streitning ; His flesh more plumping ; and his looks enlightning : VVho yssuing then to view , his son admir'd The Gods Aspects ▪ into his forme inspir'd : And said ; O Father : certainly some God By your addression in this state , hath stood ; More great , more reuerend , rendring you by farre , At all your parts , then of your selfe , you are . I would to Ioue ( said he ) the Sun , and She That beares Ioues shield , the state had stood with me , That helpt me take in the wel-builded Tow'rs Of strong Nericus ( the Cephalian pow'rs To that faire City , leading ) two dayes past , While with the wooers , thy conflict did last ; And I had then bene in the wooers wreake ; I should haue helpt thee so , to render weake Their stubborne knees , that in thy ioyes desert , Thy breast had bene too little for thy heart . This said ; and supper order'd by their men , They sate to it ; old Dolius entring then ; And with him ( tyr'd with labour ) his sonnes came , Call'd by their Mother , the Sicilia● dame That brought them vp , and drest their Fathers fare . As whose age grew ; with it , encreast her care To see him seru'd as fitted . VVhen ( thus set ) These men b●held Vlysses there , at meate ; They knew him ; and astonisht in the place , Stood at his presence : who , with words of grace Call'd to olde Dolius , saying ; Come , and eate , And banish all astonishment : your meate Hath long bene ready ▪ and our selues made stay , Expecting euer , when your wished way VVould reach amongst vs. This brought fiercely on Old Dolius from his stand ; who ran vpon ( VVith both his armes abroad ) the King , and kist Of both his rapt vp hands , the either wrist ; Thus welcomming his presence : O my Loue , Your presence heere ( for which all wishes stroue ) No one expected . Euen the Gods haue gone In guide before you , to your mansion : Welcom , and all ioyes , to your heart , contend . Knowes yet Penelope ? Or shall we send . Some one to tell her this ? She knowes ( said he ) VVhat need these troubles ( Father ) touch at thee ? Then came the Sonnes of D●lius ; and againe VVent ouer with their Fathers entertaine ; VVelcom'd , shooke hands ; & then to feast sate down ; About which , while they sate ; about the Towne Fame flew , and shriek't about , the cruell death And Fate , the wooers had sustain'd beneath Vlysses roofes . All heard ; together all , From hence , and thence met , in Vlysses Hall , Short-breath'd , and noisefull : Bore out all the dead To instant buriall : while their deaths were spread To other Neighbor-Cities , where they liu'd : From whence , in swiftest Fisher-boats , arriu'd Men to transfer them home . In meane space , here The heauy Nobles , all in counsail● were ; Where ( met in much heape ) vp to all arose Extremely-greeu'd Eupitheus ; so to lose His Son Antinous ; who ▪ first of all By great Vlysses hand , had slaughtrous fall . VVhose Father ( weeping for him ) saide ; O Friends , This man hath author'd workes of dismall ends ; Long since , conueying in his g●ide to Troy , Good men , and many , that did ships employ : All which are lost , and all their Souldiers dead ; And now , the best men Cephalenia b●ed His hand hath slaughter'd . Go we then ( before His scape to Pylos , or the Elean Shore VVhere rule the Epeans ) 'gainst his horrid hand : For we shall grieue , and infamy will brand Our Fames for euer ; if we see our Sons And Brothers end in these confusions , Reuenge left vninflicted . Nor will I Enioy one dayes life more ; But greeue , and die VVith instant onset . Nor sho●ld you suruiue To keepe a base , and beastly name aliue . Haste then , let flight preuent vs. This with teares His griefes aduisd , and made all sufferers In his affliction . But by this , was come Vp to the Counsaile , from Vlysses home ( VVhen sleep had left thē , which the slaughters there And their selfe dangers , from their eyes , in feare Had two nights intercepted ) those two men , That iust Vlysses sau'd out of the slaine ; VVhich Medon , and the sacred Singer were . These stood amidst the Counsaile ; and the feare The slaughter had imprest , in eithers looke Stucke stil so gastly ; that amaze it strooke Through euery there beholder : To whose eares One thus enforc't , in his fright , cause of theirs : Attend me Ithacensians ; This sterne fact Done by Vlysses , was not put in act VVithout the Gods assistance ; These selfe eies Saw one of the immortall Deities Close by Vlysses ; Mentors forme put on At euery part : and this sure Deity , shone Now neere Vlysses , setting on his bold And slaughterous spirit : Now , the points controll'd Of all the wooers weapons ; round about The arm'd house whisking ; in continu●ll rout Their party putting , till in heapes they fell . This newes , new fears did through their spirits impel : When Halitherses ( honor'd Mastors sonne , VVho of them all , saw onely what was done Present , and future ) the much-knowing man And aged Heroe , this plaine course ran Amongst their counsailes : Giue me likewise eare ; And let me tell ye , Friends ; that these ils beare On your malignant spleenes , their sad effects ; VVho , not what I perswaded , gaue respects : Nor what the peoples Pastor ( 〈◊〉 ) saide ; That you should see your issues follies staid In those foule courses ; by their petulant life The goods deuouring , scandaling the wife Of no meane person ; who ( they still would say ) Could neuer more see his returning day : VVhich yet , appearing now : now giue it trust , And yeeld to my free counsailes : Do not thrust Your owne safe persons , on the acts , your Sons So deerely bought , lest their confusions On your lou'd heads , your like addictions draw . This stood so farre , from force of any Law To curbe their loose attempts , that much the more They rusht to wreake , and made rude tumult rore . The greater part of all the Court arose ▪ Good counsaile could not ill designes dispose . Eupitheus was perswader of the course ; VVhich ( compleate arm'd ) they put in present force : The rest , sate still in counsaile . These men met Before the broad Towne , in a place they set All girt in armes ; Eupitheus choosing Chiefe To all their follies , who put griefe to griefe ; And in his slaughter'd sons reuenge did burne . But Fate gaue neuer feete to his returne ; Ordaining there his death . Then Pall●● spake To Ioue , her Father , with intent to make His will , high Arbiter , of th' act design'd ; And askt of him , what his vnsearched mind Held vndiscour●d ; If with Armes ▪ and ill , And graue encounter , he would first fulfill His sacred purpose ; or both parts combine In peacefull friendship ? He askt , why incline These doubts , thy counsailes ? Hast not thou decreed That Ithacus should come , and giue his deed The glory of reuenge , on these and theirs ? Performe thy will ; the frame of these affaires Haue this fit issue . When Vlysses hand Hath reacht full wreake ; his then r●●●wn'd command Shall reigne for euer : Faithfull Truces strooke 'Twixt him , and all ; For euery man shall brooke His Sons and Brothers slaughters ; by our meane To send Obliuion in ; exp●gning cleane The Character of enmity in all , As in best Leagues before . Peace , Feastiuall , And Riches in abundance , be the state , That crownes the close of Wise Vlysses Fate . This spurr'd the Free ; who , from heauens Continent To th' Ithacensian Isle , made straight descent . Where ( dinner past ) Vlysses said ; Some one Looke out to see their neerenesse . Dolius sonne Made present speed abroad , and saw them nie ; Ran backe , and told ; Bad Arme ; and instantlie Were all in armes . Vlysses part , was foure ; And sixe more sons of Dolius : All his powre Two onely more , which were his aged Sire , And like-year'd Dolius , whose liues slaked fire ; All white had left their heads : yet , driuen by Neede , Made Souldiers both , of necessary deede . And now , all girt in armes ; the Po●ts , set wide , They sallied forth , Vl●sses being their guide . And to them ▪ in the instant , Pallas came , In forme and voice , like Mentor ; who , a flame Inspir'd of comfort in Vlysses hart VVith her seene presence . To his Son , apart He thus then spake ; Now Son , your eyes shall see ( Expos'd in slaughterous fight ) the enemy ; Against whom , who shall best serue , will be seene : Disgrace not then your race , that yet hath beene For force , and fortitude , the formost tried , Of all earths off-springs . His true Son replied ; Your selfe shall see ( lou'd Father ) if you please , That my deseruings shall in nought digresse From best fame of our Races formost merit . The old King sprung for ioy , to heare his spirit : And said ; O lou'd Immortals , what a day Do your cleere bounties to my life display ? I ioy , past measure , to behold my Son And Nephew , close in such contention Of vertues martiall . Pallas ( standing nee●e ) Said , O my Friend ! Of all , supreamly deere Seed of Arcesius ; Pray to Ioue , and her That rules in Armes , ( his daughter ) and a da●● ( Spritefully brandisht ) hurle at th' aduerse part . This said , He pray'd ; and she , a mighty force Inspir'd within him ; who gaue instant course To his braue-brandisht Lance , which strook the brasse That cheek't Eupitheus Caske ; and thrust his passe Quite through his head ; who fell , & sounded falling ; His Armes , the sound againe , from earth recalling . Vlysses , and his Son , rusht on before ; And with their both-way-headed Darts , did gore Their enemies breasts so thicke , that all had gone The way of slaughter , had not Pallas throwne Her voice betwixt them , charging all to stay And spare expence of blood . Her voice did fray The blood so from their faces , that it left A greenish palenesse . All their hands it rest Of all their weapons ; falling thence , to earth : And to the commune Mo●her of their Birth ( The City ) all fled , in 〈◊〉 to saue The liues yet left them . Then Vlysses gaue A horrid shout ; and like Ioues Eagle flew . In fiery pursuite , till Saturnius threw His smoaking lightning twixt them ; that had fall Before Minerua : who th●● , out did call Thus to Vlysses : Borne of Ioue ! abstaine From further bloodshed ▪ 〈◊〉 hand in the slain● Hath equall'd in their paines , their prides to thee ; Abstaine then , lest you moue the Deity . Againe then , twixt both parts , the seed of Ioue ( Athenian Pallas ) of all future loue A league compos'd ; and for her fo●me , tooke choice Of Mentors likenesse ; both in Limb , and Voice . The End of the XXIIII . and last Booke of Homers Odysses . So wrought diuine Vlysses through his 〈◊〉 : So , croun'd the Light with him ; His ●●●hers Throes ▪ As through his great Renowner , I have wrought And my safe saile , to sacred Anchor br●●ght . Nor did the Argiue ship , more burthen feele , That bore the Care of all men , in her Keel● ; Then my aduenturous Barke : The Colchean Fleece , Not halfe so precious , as this roule of Greece . In whose songs I haue 〈…〉 , And Greeke it se●fe veile , to our English voyce . Yet this inestimable Pearle , wit all Our Dunghil Chantich●r●s , 〈…〉 ; Each Moderne scraper , this 〈◊〉 scratching by ; His Oate preferring far . Let such , let ly : So scorne the stars the clouds ; as true-soul'd men Despise Deceiuers . For , as Clouds would faine Obscure the Stars yet ( Regions left below With all their enuies ) bar them but of show ; For they shine euer , and wil shine , when they Dissolue in sinckes , make Mire , and temper Clay : So puft Impostors ( our Muse-vapours ) striue , With their selfe-blowne additions , to depriue Men solid , of their full ; though infinite short They come in their compare ; and false report Of leuelling , or touching , at their light , That still retaine their radiance , and cleere right ; And shal shine euer When , alas , one blast Of least disgrace , teares downe th' Impostors Mast ; His Tops , and Tacklings ; His whole Freight , and He Confiscate to the Fishy Mona●chy ; His trash , by foolish Fame bought now , from hence , Giuen to ser●e Mackarell forth , and Frankincence . Such then , and any ; too soft-ey'd to see Through workes so solid , any worth , so free Of all the learn'd professions , as is fit To praise at such price ; let him thinke his wit Too weake to rate it ; rather then oppose With his poore pow'rs , Ages , and Hosts of Foes . To the Ruines of Troy , and Greece . TRoy rac't ; Greece wrackt : who mou●nes ? Ye both may bost ; Else th' Ilyads , and Odysses , had bene lost . Ad Deum . THe onely true God , ( betwixt whom and Me , I onely bound my comforts ; and agree With all my actions ) onely truly knowes , And can iudge truly me , with all that goes To all my Faculties . In whose free grace And inspiration , I onely place All meanes to know ( with my meanes ; Study , praire , In , & from his word taken ) staire by staire , In all continual contentation , rising To knowledge of his Truth ; and practising His wil in it , with my sole Sauiours aide , ●uide , and enlightning : Nothing done , nor saide , Nor thought that good is ; but acknowledg'd by His inclination , skill , and faculty . By which , to finde the way out to his 〈◊〉 Past all the worlds ; the sphere is , where doth mo●e My studies , prai'rs , and pow'rs : No pleasure taken But sign'd by his : for which , my blood forsaken , My so●le I cleane to : and what ( in his blood That hath redeem'd , cleansd , taught her ) fits her good . Deo opt . Max. gloria . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A03515-e90 Fx Angeli Politiani Amb●a . Thus far Angel. Politianus , for the most part translated . Notes for div A03515-e2630 The information or fashion of an absolute man , and necessarie ( or fatal ) passage through many afflictions ( according with the most sacred Le●ter ) to his naturall hauen and countrey ; i● the whole argument ; and scope of the 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 giuen him in the first verse : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ Homo ●●ius ingenium velut per mult●s , & vari●● 〈…〉 . Neptunes progresse to the Aethiops . These ●●tes following , I am inforced to insert , ( since the words they containe , differ from all other translations ) lest I be thought 〈◊〉 erre out of that ignorance , that may perhaps possesse my 〈◊〉 . a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated in this place , inculpabilis ; 〈◊〉 made the epithete of Aegist●●●● ; is from the true 〈◊〉 of the word , as it is here to be vnderstood : which is quite contrary . As 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to be expounded in some place Diuinus , or Deo 〈◊〉 ; but in another ( soone after ) contrarius Deo. The person to whom the ●●pithete is giuen , giuing reason to distinguish it And so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Epithete giuen to Atlas , instantly following , in one place s●gnifies Mente pern●cio●us : in the next , qui vn● uer●a ●●ente gerit● Pallas to Iupiter . b In this place is Atlas giuen the Epithete . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies qui vniuersa mente agitat , here giuen him , for the power the starres h●ue in all things . Yet this receiues other interpretation in other places , as aboue said . c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is here turned by others , infelix : in the generall collection : when it hath here a particular exp●sition , applied to expresse Vlysses desert errors , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vt sit , qui vix locum inuenire potest vbi consistat . d This is thus translated , the rather to expresse and approue the Allegorie driuen through the whole Odysses . Deciphering the intangling of the wisest in his affections : and the torments that breede in euery pious minde : to be thereby hindred to arriue so directly as he desires , at the proper and onely true naturall countrie of euery worthy man , whose ha●en i● heauen and the next life , to which , this life is but a sea , in continuall ●●sture and vexation . The words occasioning all this , are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying , qui languide , & animo remisso rem aliquam gerit : which being the effect of Calypsos sweete words in Vlysses , is where applied passiuely to his owne sufferance of their operation . 〈◊〉 to P●ll●● e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vallum 〈◊〉 cl●●strum denti●● : which , for the better sound in our language , is here turned , Pale of Iv●rie . The teeth being that ra●pier or pale , giuen vs by nature in that part , for res●raint and compression of our speech , till the imagination , appetite and soule ( that ought to rule in their ex●mination , before their deliuerie ) haue giue● worthy passe to them . The most graue and di●ine Poet , teaching therein , that not so much for the necessarie chewing of our sustenance , our teeth are giuen vs , as for their stay of our words , le●t we vtter them rashly . Calypso . The preparatiou of Pallas for Ithaca . Pallas , like Mentas . Telemachus to Pallas . Pallas to 〈◊〉 . f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Tantus filius . Pallas thus enforcing her question ▪ to stirre vp the son the more to the fathers worthinesse . Telemachus to Pallas . Pallas to Telemachus . g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Cantor , cu●us tam a●ta est societas hominibus . h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is an Epithet● proper to Poets ▪ for their first finding out of Arts and documents tending to elocution and gouernment : inspired onely by Ioue : and are here called the first of men : since first they gaue rules to manly life : and haue their informatiō immediatly from Ioue ; ( as Plato in 〈◊〉 witnesseth ) The word deduced from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is taken for 〈◊〉 , qui prim●● 〈…〉 in re : And will 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then be sufficiently expr●st with ingen●●●●● then 〈…〉 exposition goes further . Telemachus in new termes with the wooers . i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , prima lu●e . Vpon this answer of Telemach●s ; because it hath so sodain a change ; and is so farre let down , frō his late height of heate ; altering & tempe●ing so cōmandingly ▪ his affecti●ns ; I thought not am●sse to insert here Sponda●us further A●notation , which is this : Prudenter Telemachus ioco , furorem Antino● ac alpe rit●●ē emolli● Nam ita dictū illius interpretatur vt existimetu● censere iocose illa euam ab Anti●oo aduersum se pronunciata . Et pri mum ●ronice se Regem esse exopta● propter commoda quae Reges solent com●tari . Ne tamen inuidiam in se ambitionis concitet , testatur ●e regnum Ithacae non ambire , mortuo Vlysse , cum idalij possidere queant se longe praestantiores ac 〈…〉 ait ▪ se moliri , vt propriarum aedium & bonorum solus sit dominus , ij● exclusis ac eiectis , qui vi illa occup●●● 〈◊〉 d●●perdere co●●●tur . Notes for div A03515-e11710 The Greekes called to councell by Telemach●● . Telemachus proposeth his estate to the Greekes . Antinous to Telemachus . The wile of Penelope to her wooers . Telam Penelopes retexere , Prouerbium . Telemachus to Antinous . The word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying , insatiabili quadam edacitate vo●o . Augurium . Halitherses an Augur . Eurymachus excepts against the prophecie . Telemachus to the w●oers . Mentor for Telemachus . Li●critus to Mentor . Telemachus prayes to Pallas . Minerua in the person of Mentor ▪ exh●rts to the voyage . Antinous to Telemachus . Telemachus answers . The wi● of the wooers vpon the purpose of Telemachus to seeke his Father . Telemachus to Euryciea . Eurycleas answer . Telemachus comforts Euryclea . The care of Minerua for Telemachus . Telemachus to his souldiers . Nauigatur . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A03515-e19460 * Pallas . * Vid. Minerua , Nestor , & Telemachus . Minerua to Tele●●ac●us . Telemachus to Minerua . They are rec●iued as guests . The 〈◊〉 of Pis●strat●● to strangers . Minerua● grace . Nestor to the strangers . Telemachus answers . Nestor to Telemachus . * Patroclus . De Graecorum dissidio . Discors nauigatio Graecorum . Telemachus Nestori . Nestor Telemacho . Telemachus . Minerua . Volente Deo , nihil est difficile Telemachus . Nestor Telemacho de Aegi●thi adult●rio . * Aegisth●● . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cuius facies vin●i representa● Ag●mem●onis inte●tus . Orestes patrem v●ci●citur . Pallas Nestori . Disparet Minerua . Nestor Telemacho . Nestoris filij patris iussu Mineruae sacrum apparant . The forme of the Sacrifice . Telemachus profici●citur ad Menclaum . Notes for div A03515-e28640 Menelaus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is expounded Spar tam amplam , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 magnam : where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . signifies properly plurima cete nutrientem . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cantum auspicantes : of which place , the Critiks affirme , that saltatores morn suo indicant cantori , quo genere cantus ●altaturi forent . The rapture of Eteoneus at sight of Telemachus and Pisistratus . Menelaus rebukes his 〈◊〉 for his doubt to entertaine gnests worthy . Telemachus to Pisistratus , in obseruation of the house , not so much that he hartily admired it , as to please Menelaus , who he knew heard , though he seemd desirous he shold not heare . Menelaus relates his trauels to his guests . * Intending Vlysses . * Diana . Hellens reparance and ornament . Hellen to Menelaus concerning the guests . Pisistrat●● tels who they are . Menelaus ioy for Telemachus , and mone for Vlysses absence . * Menelaus . * Pisistratus weeps with remēbrance of his brother Antilochus . Vid. Memnon . Hellens potion against Cares . Hellen of Vlysses and the sacke of Troy. Menelaus to Hellen and his guests . Hellen counterfetted the wiues voices of those Kings of Greece , that were in the woodden horse , and calls their husband . Telemachus to Menelaus . Itur ad lecturn . Menelaus enquires the cause of his ●oyage . Menelai nauigatio . Idothea to Menelaus . Idotheas couns●●● to take her father Proteus . The sleights of Proteus . Ironicè . Proteus taken by Men●la●● . The wracke of Aiax Oileus . Cassandra . Agamemnons slaughter by Aegisthu● trechery . Elisium described . Proteus leaueth M●nelau● . Telemach●st● Menela●s . Ithaca described by Telemachus . The wooers conspiracie against Telemachus . Antinous anger for the scape of Telemachus . Penelope to Medon . M●don to Penelo●e relates ●he voyage of 〈◊〉 . Penelope re●uk●th ●er Ladies for not telling her of Telemachus . E●ryel●as pio●● comfort of Pe●elope . Laertes sonne to Arcesius the son of Iupiter . Penelope to Pall●s . Antinous to the rest . * 〈◊〉 membrorum struct●●● . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , affectus curculionis significat quod Iongior & gracilior cualerit . Minerua sub Iphthimae persona , solatur Penelopen in somnis . Penelope to the Dreame . Penelope to the Idoll . Notes for div A03515-e43490 Pallas to the Gods. Ioue to Pallas . Ioue to Mercury * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . in rate multis vinculis ligatus . Mercurij descriptio . Descriptio sp●t cus Calypsus . Calypso to Mer●curie . Mercurie to Calypso . Calypsos displeased reply to Mercurie . Mercurie leaues Calypso . Calypso to Vlysses * Hunger . Vlysses to Calypso Calypsos oath . Calypsos promise of immortalitie to Vlysses . This foure dayes worke ( you will say ) is too much for one man : and Plinie affirmes , that Hiero ( a king of Sicilie ) in fiue and forty dayes built two hundred and twentie ships , r●gged them , and p●t to sea with them . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mendicando colligo . Leucothea to Vlysses . Vlysses stil suspicious of faire fortunes . Neptuni 〈◊〉 Vlystem inclementia . Simile . * Palla● . Per asperiora vitare laeuia . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : á partu doleo . * A met aphoricall Hyperbole , expressing the Winters extremitie of sharpnesse . Simile . Notes for div A03515-e52420 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Somno & labore afflictus . Sleep ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) for the want of sleepe . * Nausicaa . * Intending Dymas daughter . Olympus described . This familiar & neare wanton cariage of Nausicaa to her father , ioyned with that virgin modestie exprest in her after , is much prais●d by the grauest of Homers exposit●rs ; with her fathers louing allowance of it ; know●ng her shamefastnes and iudgement , would not let her exceed at any part . Which note ●here inserted , not as if this were more worthy the obseruation then other euery where strewd flowers of pr●cept ; but because this more generally pleasing su●●ect may p●rhaps finde more fitnesse for the stay of most Readers . Simile . * The pietie and wisedome of the Po●t was such , that ( agreeing with the sacred letter ) not the least of things he makes come to passe , sine Numinis prouidentia . As Spond well notes of him Simile . Vlysses to Na●sicaa . Nausica● to Vlysses . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Cui vitalis vel sensualis humiditas inest . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; vt dicatur quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod nihil sit magis fluxum quam homo . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . virili animo praeditus , fortis , magnanimus . Nor are those affirmed to be men ; qui seruile quidpiam & abiectum faciunt ; vel , ●acere ●ustinent : according to this of Herod●tus in Poly : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Many , mens formes sustaine , but few are men . According to an other translator : Ab loue nam supplex pauper , procedit & holpes : Res breuis , at chara est , Magni quoque mune●is i●star . Which I cite to shew his good when he keepes him to the Originall ; and neare in any degree expounds it . Vlysses modestie to the Virgins . He taught their youths modestie , by his aged iudgment . As receiuing the custome of maids then ●sed to that entertainment of men : notwithstanding the modestie of that age , could not be corrupted inwardly , for those outward kind obseruations of guests and strangers , and was therefore priuiledged . It is easie to a●oide shew : and those that most curiously auoid the outward construction , are euer most tainted with the inward corruption . Simile . Nausicaas admiration of Vlysses . The Cities description so far forth as may in part , induce her promist reason , why she tooke no● Vlysses to coach with her . * Not without some litle note of our omnisufficient Homers generall touch of the least fitnesse lying in his way , may this courtly discretion he describes in Nausicaa , be obs●rud , if you please . More of our Poets curious and sweat pi●ti● . * Neptun● . Notes for div A03515-e59190 * Haec fuit illi●● saeculi simplicita● : nam vel fratern●● quoque Amor , tantus fuit , vt libenter ●anc redeunti charissimae sorori , operam praestiter●nt . Spond . Vlys●es , à Minerua in aedes ●lcinoi perducitur , septus nebula . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ naues veloces veluti penna , atque cogitatio . Arete the wife of Alcinous . For the more perspicuitie of this pedigree , I haue here set down the Diagrā , as Spon danus hath it . Neptune begat Nausithous of Periboea . By Nausithous , Rhexenor , Alcinous , were begot . By Rhexenor , Ar●te , the wife of her vnkle Alcinous . The honor of Arete ( or vertue ) alleg . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , spissus : The Court of Alcinous . * Vulcan ▪ Hortus Alcinoi memorabilis . * Mercurie . Areten , Vlysses supplex orat . Echin●us to Alcinous . * The word that beares this long Epith●●● , is translated only dolce : which signifies more . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vinum quod mellea dulce . dine , animum perfundit , & oblectat . Ascent to his Countries shore . Eustathius will haue this comparison of the Phaeacians with the Giants and Cyclops , to proceede out of the inueterate virulency of Anti●ous to the Cyclops , who were cause ( as is before said ) of their remoue from their country ; & with great endeuour labors the approbation of it : but ( vnder his peace ) from the purpose : for the sence of the Poet is cleer , that the Cyclops & Giants being in part the issue of the Gods , and yet afterward their defiers , ( as Polyp , hereafter dares professe ) Antinous ( out of bold a●d manly reason , euen to the face of one that might haue bin a God , for the past manly appearāce he made there ) would tell him , and the rest in him , that if they graced those Cyclops with their open appearance , that thogh d●scended from them , durst yet denie them ; they might much more do them the honor of their open presence that adored them . Arete to Vlysses . Vlysses to Arete . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Vinum calefaciendi vim habens . Notes for div A03515-e65570 Pallas like the Herald . Alcinous exhorts the Phaeacians to the beliefe of Vlysses . Demodocus Poeta . The contention of Achilles and Vlysses . Vlys●i mouetur fletus . The continued pie●ie of Vlysses through all places , times , and occasions . Since the Phaeacians were not only dwellers by sea , bu● studious also of sea qua●lities : their names se●me to vsurpe their faculties therein . All consisting of sea-faring signification , except Laodamas . As Acroneus , sūma seu extrema Nauis pars . Ocyalus velox in mari● Elatreus , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Remex . &c. Laodamas vrgeth Vlysses to their sports . The word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signif●ing : deductio : qua transue●endum curamus ●um q●i nobiscum aliquandiu est versatus . Euryalu● vpbraids Vlysses , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Vlysses angry . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Damnorum magnorum auctor . He names Laodamas onely for all the other brothers ; since in his exception , the others enuies were curbd : for brother● either are or should be of one acceptation in all fit things . And Laodamas , he calles his host , being eldest son to Alcinous : the heire being euer the yong master ; nor might he conueniently prefer Alcinous in his exception , since he stood not in competition at these contentions . Apollo . The ingen●ous and ro●all speech of Alcinous to Vlysses . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies splendor vibran● ; a twinckd splendor : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vibrare vel●ti radios solares . Ayre rar●fied turns first . The matter whereof none can see . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vulcans complaint . * Intending thē sound of foote ; when they out-goe the soundest . This is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . &c. Parua mag●e dicere ▪ graue sentence out of lightest vapor . Vlysses to Alcinous . Nausicaa enflamed with Vlysses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ Poetam cuius hominibus digna est societas . * Vlysses . * As by the diuine fury directly inspired so , for Vlysses glory . * In that the slaughters he made were exprest so liuely . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Metaph. signifying , consumo , tabes●o . Simile . * This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or affirmation of miracles , how impossible soeuer in these times assured , yet in those ages they were neither absurd nor strāge . Those inanimate things hauing ( it seemd● certain 〈◊〉 , in whose powers , they supposed , their ships faculties . As others haue affirmed Okes to haue sence of hearing : and so the ship of Argos was said to haue a Mast made of D●don●an Oke , that was vocall , and co●l● speake ▪ * Intending his father Nausithous . True wisedome fits true friends . Notes for div A03515-e76390 He begins where Alcinous commanded Demo●ocus to end . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . quatientem seu agitantem frondes . * quaedam quibus corp●s ali●ur & vita sustentatur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appellantur . Amor patriae . * After Night , in the first of the Morning . The ancient custome of calling ●ome the dead . The Lotophagie . The idle Cyclops . * The descriptions of all these countries , haue admirable alleg●ries , besides their artly and pleasing relation . Vi●um Maroneum memorabile . This his relation of Agamemnon , and his glory & theirs for Troyes sacke , with the pietie of suppliants receit , to him that was so barbarous and impious , must be intended spoken by Vlysses , with supposition that his hearers wold note , still as he spake ; how vaine they would shew to the Cyclops : who respected litle Agamemnon , or their valiant exploit against Troy , or the Gods themselues . For oth●rwise , the serious obseruatiō of the words ( though good & graue , if spoken to another ) want their intentional sharpnesse and life . Simile . Simile . * Neptune . * Wooll of a violet colour . Vlysses insults ●uer the Cyclop . Vlysses continued insolēce , no more to repeate what he said to the Cyclop , then to let his hearers know Epithetes , and estimation in the world . Polyphems imprecation against Vlysses . * No occasion let passe to Vlysses pietie , in our Poets singular wit and wisedom● . Notes for div A03515-e85520 I●piter . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He calles the Sterne , the foote of the ship . * This place suffers different construction , in all the Commentors , ( in which all erre from the mind of the Poet : as in a hundred other places ( which yet I want time to approue ) especially about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ &c. Prope enim noctis & diei ●unt viae ; ( or similiter which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies ) which they will haue to be vnderstood , that the daies in that region are long and the nights short ; where Hom. intends , that the Equinoctiall is there : ( for how else is the course of day and night neare or equall ? ) But therefore the nights-man bath his double hire , being as long about his charge as the ●●her : and the night being more dangerous , &c. And if the day were so long ▪ why should the nightsman , be preferred in wages ? * For being cast on the staies , as ships are by weather . Ant●ph●● 〈◊〉 king there . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Curiose cogito . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifiyng rutilus : by reason of the fire mixt with it . Fumus qui fit dum aliquid accendi●ur . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The whole end of this counsaile was to perswade his souldiers to explore those parts : which he kn●w would proue a most vnpleasing motion to them : for their fellowes terrible entertainement with Antiphas , and Polyph ▪ and therefore he prepares the little he hath to say , with this long circumstance : implying a necessitie of that seruice , and necessary resolution to adde the triall of the euent , to their other aduentures , Circes house . Simile . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 C●ius animus curas prudentes versat . Seeing them , he thought of his fellowes . Viysses mo●'d for his souldiers . Euryloch●● . Vlysses encounters Mercurie . The herbe Moly which with Vlysses whole Narration , ha●h in chi●●e●an Allegoricall exposition . Notwithstanding I say ▪ with our Spondanus , Credo in hoc vasto mundi ambitu extare res innumerasmirandae facultatis ▪ adeo , vt ne quidē ista quae ad tran●formanda co●pora pe●tine● ▪ iure è mundo eximi possit , &c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Commemorabantque omnia . Intending all their miseries , escapes , and meetings ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which is expounded Inclyta examina mortuorum . But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is the Epithete of Pluto ; and by Analogie belongs to the dead , quod ad se omnes aduocet . Notes for div A03515-e94610 They mournd the ●●ent before they knew it . Misenus apud Virgilium , ingenti mole , &c ▪ Tiresi●● to Vlyss●● . Men that neuer eate salt with their foode . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Which all translate senectute sub molli . The Epeth●te 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , not of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , viz. pinguis ; or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , pinguiter . But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying flagitanter orando . To which , pious age is euer altogether addicted . Proserpina or Persephon● . The old Her●●sses appeare to Vlysses . Tyr● ▪ Antiope like Tyro . Al●m●na . Megara . Epicasta the mother of Oedipu● . Chl●ris . Leada , Iph●medi● . Phaedra and Pr●cris . Maera and Clymene . * Amphiaraus was ●●r husband : whō she betrayd to his ruine at Thebes , for gold taken of Adrastus her brother . * Venustè & sal●è dictum . * Here he begins his other relatiō . Proserpin● . * This aduice ●e foll●●●d at his coming home . * Achill●s . Achilles of the next life . Vlysses report of Neoptolemus the son of ●e●●lles . * This place ( and a number more ) is most miserably mistaken by all translators and commentors . * Th● 〈…〉 said ▪ * Ai●x the sonn● of Telamo● ▪ * Achill●s . * The●is . Iupiter . 〈◊〉 . Orion . Tityus . Sisyphu● . H●●c●les . Notes for div A03515-e106390 Reditur ab inferis ad Circen . Elpenor tum●latur . Circe praesagit futura pet●cula . Si●ena●um des●riptio . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Columbae t●midae . What these D●ues were , and the whole mind● of this place : th● Great Macedo●●sking Ch●ron Am●hip●lites , he ●nswered , They were the Pl●iad●s or seuen Stares . One of which ( besides his proper imperfection , of being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . i. adeo exilis , vel subobscurus , ●t vi● appare●t ) is vtterly obscured or let b● thes● Rocks . Why then , or how , Ioue still supplied the lost one , that the ●u●ber might be full : Athen●●● falles to it , and helps the other out : Interpreting it to be affirmed of their perpetu●ll septenary nu●ber ▪ though there appeared but sixe . But how lame and loathsome these prozers shew in their affected expositions of the P●eticall Minde , this and an hundred others ▪ spent in meere p●esumptu●●s guesse at this inaccessible Po●t ; I hope will mak● plain● enough to the most enuious of any thing done , besides their ●wne set censur●s , and most arrogan● ouer weenings . In the 23. of the Iliads , ( being t ) at the Games celebrated ● at Patrocl●s fnerals , they tied t● the top of a Mast , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ●imidam Columbam , to sh●●●● at for a ga●● : so that ( by these great mens abouesaid expositions . ) they sh●● at the Plei●●es . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Naui● omnibus Curae : the ship th●t ●●ld the c●re of all men , or of ●ll things : which our Critickes will needs restraine , omnibꝰ heroibꝰ Po●tisom●ibus , vel Historicis , when the care of all mens preser●atiō is affirmed to be the freight of it : 〈◊〉 if Po●ts and Historians comprehended all things , when I scarce know any that makes them any part of their care . But this likewise is garbige good enough for the monster . Nor wil I tempt ●ur spic't consciences with expressing the diuin● mind it i●cl●des . Being ●fra●d to affirme any good of poore Po●s●e , since n● man gets any goods by it ▪ And notwithstanding many of our bird-●●d starters 〈◊〉 prophanation are for nothing s● afraid of it ; as that lest their galled consciences ( scarce beleeuing the most reall truth , in approbation of their liues ) should be r●bbed with t●e confirmation of it , even in these contemned vaniti●s ( as their ●●pieties please to call them , ) which by much more lear●ed and pio●s the● th●●selues , haue euer bene called the raptures of di●ine inspiration By which ▪ Homo supra humanam n●turam erigitur , & in D●um transit ▪ Plat. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Grauiter vociferans ; as all , most ●●truly tr●nslat● i● . As they 〈◊〉 in the next ve●se , these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Catuli Leonis . No Lion being here dreamed of , n●r any vocifcr●tio● ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ signifying indignam , dissim●lem , or horribilem vocem edens : But in what kind horribilem ? Not for the gra●itie or greatnesse of her voice , b●t for the rnworthy or disproportionable small ▪ wh●ling of it : she being in the vast fr●●e of her body , as the eery words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifie , monst●um ingens : whose dispr●portion and defor●itie , is too Poeticaley ( and therei● 〈◊〉 ) ordered , f●r fat and fla● Prozers to compreh●nd . N●r could they make the P●ets w●rds s●rue their comprehension ; and therefore they adde of their owne , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ from whence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is deri●ed ▪ signifying crepo , or stridule clamo . And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is to be expoanded , c●tuli ●uper or recen●●●ti , not Leonis . But thus they botch and ab●se the incompar●ble expressor : Becaus● they knew ●ot how otherwise to be 〈◊〉 enough the●sel●es , to helpe out the Monster . Imagining so huge a great body ▪ must needs haue a voice as huge : and the● would n●t our Homer ha●e like●ed it t● a Lions whelps voyce , but to the Lions ●wne : and all had bene much too little , to make ● voyce answerable to h●r h●genesse . And therefore found our inimitable master , a ●ew way to expresse her monstrous disproportio● : performing it so , as there can be ●i●il supra . And I would faine lear●e of ●y learn●d De●r●ctor , that will needs haue m● o●ely tr●nslate out of the Lati●e , what Latine translation telles me this ? or what Grecia● hath euer found this and a hundred other s●ch ▪ Which may be some poore instance , or proofe of my Greci●n fac●lt● , as far as ●ld H●m●r goes in his two simple Poems , but not a sill●ble further will my silli● spirit presume . Notes for div A03515-e114710 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . quod pro Honorario senibus datur And because the worde so Englisht , 〈◊〉 no o ●her to exp●esse it , sounding wel , & helping our Language , it is her● 〈◊〉 . * Intending in chiefe the Senators , with euery m●ns addition of gift . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Bene-honestos-faciensaes . Vlysses to Alcinous . Alcinous to the Herrald . Vlysses to Arete . The sound●st epc of V●ysses . Similitude . The description of Phor●ys Hauen . Neptune to Iupiter . * The Phaeacians were descended Originally frō Neptune . Iupiter to Neptun● . Neptune to Iupiter . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Superinijcio aliquid , tanquam tegmen seu operi●entum . Alcinous tels his people how the Ship became a Stone . Minerua like a Shepheard ( such as Kings sonnes vsde at those times to be ) appear● to V●ysses . Pallas to Vlysses . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 1. Velut tri●tis , Ie●una●j , natura . Vlysses to Pall●s . Pallas to Vlysses . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 furandi auid●s . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . varia & multiplicia habens consilia . 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Notes for div A03515-e122850 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , materiae adhaerens : Item , qui rebus Mundani● deditus est . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ad latrandū fato quodam Na●us . Eumaeus to Vlysses . Vlysses Wealth . Vlysses incen●t against the wooers , with newes of their spoyle . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , qui terr●m rapido motu concu●it . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sine emption●●seu redemp●●onis precio * A● Sunneset . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Vlysses . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A03515-e132090 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In qua ampli vt pulchri chori duci possūt , vel ducuntur : which the vulgar translation turne therefore , latam , seu amplam . Telemachus to M●nelaus . Menel . answere 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , poculum emblematis , & caelaturis ornatum . Menelaus to Tel●machus ▪ Nestors son●e to M●nelaus His Ironi●●ll question continuing stil● Homer● Ch●racter of M●n●laus . Hellen dissol●es the O●●ent . Telem . to He●len Telem . to Pisist . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Cupiens diligere . * Pallas . * One of the F●ries of ●ell . * His wife betraid him for money . Theoclymenus to Telemachus . Telemachus to Theoclymenus ▪ Telem . Reply . The stories ● turn to 〈◊〉 Eum●●us to Vlysses . Vlysses answere to Eumaeus . Eumaeus answer to Vlysses . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Peroptabilem pubem . Vlysses answere to Eumaeus . * Supposing him to dwel in a Citie . Eumaeus relates his birth , &c. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Eumaeu● telles Vlysses how hee was bought and sold. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 1. admodū vafer . Der. ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 1. pertraho in retia & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 1. puella . * Intending the Ship. * Diana ▪ Th●oclymenus to Telemachus . Telemachus to Theo●●ymenus . Tele . to Pyraeus Pyraeus reply . Notes for div A03515-e141820 Eumaeus amaze and kinde welcome of Telemachus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Orcus , & signi●ies pr●perly , tenebricosus , or infernalis ▪ so that , perni●iosus ( wh●ch is the Latine translation ) is not so ●itte as d●m●d for that crew of dissolute Wooers . The phrase being now vsde to all so licentious . Vlysses to Tel● . Telemachus 〈…〉 . E●m . to Telem . * Laertes . Telem . to Eum. * Intending his Father : whose ret●●ne , though hee were far fr● knowing , or fully expecting : yet he desir'd to order all thing● as he were present . * Intending to La●rtes , all that Eumaeus would haue ●old . P●llas appeares to Vlysses . Pallas restores Vlysses youth for ●he ●ime . Tel●mac●us to his Fathe● . Vlysses to Telē . Tel. to Vlysses . Vlys. 〈◊〉 his sonne Vlysses tels his sonne what ship ●e arri●'d in . Telem . to Vlys. Vlys. to Telem . Telema●hu . Vlysses . Tel●machus to his Father . 〈…〉 . 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Bonis mentibus the plurall number vsed euer by Homer . Penel : to Antin ▪ Eurym : to Pene● * Vlysses . Telem . to Eum. ●um to Telem . Notes for div A03515-e149940 Telem . to Eum. Vlys ▪ to his Son. Penel. to Telem . Telem to his Mother . Pyrae . to Tel●m . 〈…〉 〈…〉 . 〈◊〉 . to Telem . Theoclymenus to Penelope . 〈…〉 Eumae to Vlyss. Vlyss. to Eum● . 〈…〉 Melan●●ius to Eumaeu● and Vlysses . Eumoeuscu●seth Melm . for his rude vsage of Vlysses . Intending his 〈◊〉 Herd , k●pt o●ely for the wooers dain●ie Pa●la●s . Mel●m : answer to Eumaeus . * 〈◊〉 . Vlysses dog , ●●●●led Argus . The Dog dye● as soone as hee had se●n Vlysses Euma●us Des●riptions of Vlysses Dogge . Vlysses ruthfull fashion of 〈…〉 * 〈…〉 Vlysses to A●tin . * Simil : In which Vlysses is compared with a Po●t , for the swee●nesse of his speech . Neezing a good Omen . Notes for div A03515-e159740 The buffet ●ight betwixt Vlysses and Irus : Eurynome . * Pen●l●p● . * Venus . Eur●m . ●our●ship of the su●posed Widdow Qu ● ene . Penel answer . Vlysses words to his wife at parting . The Wooers Gift● . Vlysses ●o his Wiu●s women . Me●antho to Vysses . Telem mockes the wooers , yet wins their praise . Notes for div A03515-e166990 Vlysse● former counsaile to his Son , fo● disposing ●he Armes repeated . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , They wil needs turne this ; Quadram ( for Modium ) guste● . Though the words beare no such signification : But giue a Prouerb then in vse , Repetition : which was , Hee shall not ioyn or make a spoke in the Naue of my chariot , or Chariot wheele , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying Modiolus Rot● , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Necto . Vlysses to his Queene . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vlys : sain'd relation of himself to his wife . Vlysses d●scription of his apparell going for Troy. * Intending with 〈◊〉 it self● : n●t his shew onely . Autolycus giues his Grand child Vlysses his name : from whence the Odysses is deriud 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , deriu'd of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 factum : ( signifying dolorem proprie corporis ) nam ira ex dolore oritur . The two parts of Dreames . The pro●osition of Vlysses Bow to the Wooers , determined by Penelope . Notes for div A03515-e177010 Pallas appeares to Vlysses . The Mill●r-woman● prayer to Ioue , in satisfaction of Vlysses prayer . 〈…〉 The Feast that Eur●● eas●oke o● before , ret●rn●d vnto Notes for div A03515-e184000 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Bene compactus & coag●entatis . Notes for div A03515-e190820 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Notes for div A03515-e204670 * Patr●●lus